Exciting new chapter for Edinburgh Printmakers

New £6 million HQ in Fountainbridge will ‘place creativity at the heart of the community’

The former headquarters of the North British Rubber Company – birthplace of the Wellington boot, the modern motor car tyre and the first ever traffic cone – is to be saved from demolition and transformed into a world-class visual arts centre and creative hub thanks to Lottery funding of over £6million.

Creative Scotland has confirmed £1,728,075 funding and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is investing £4,994,000 towards Edinburgh Printmakers and the transformation of the historic former North British Rubber Factory HQ into a new centre for printmaking and creative industries.

The HLF grant is inclusive of a first stage award of £500,000 already received by the visual arts charity to develop the project and engage the community with the vast local heritage through creative activities.

The funding from Creative Scotland is in addition to an initial stage one capital funding award committed in 2012 of £60,000 to enable Edinburgh Printmakers to develop their proposal. The funding from Creative Scotland will support artistic excellence and engage audiences in diverse and inclusive exhibitions and education.

The project proposed by Edinburgh Printmakers will save a 19th century category C-listed building of significant architectural and historical value in Fountainbridge from decay and eventual demolition.

Once part of a vast industrial complex manufacturing goods such as rubber boots, hot water bottles and the car tyre, the Castle Mill Works building is now the only remaining physical reminder of what was once a world-renowned rubber factory that, for many years, was at the forefront of innovation and integral to the expansion of the city.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs said: “Thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Environment Scotland to preserve the building, and Creative Scotland’s investment in setting up the new arts centre, Castle Mill Works will be an exciting addition to Scotland and Edinburgh’s cultural scene.

“The money raised through lottery contributions will be used to get this important project off the ground. Edinburgh Printmakers will transform this historic building and in its new form it will deliver a new home for Scottish printmakers and help shape the future of our country, as well as preserve its past.”

Iain Munro, Deputy Chief Executive, Creative Scotland, said: “Creative Scotland is delighted to be supporting the creation of a world class centre for printmaking for Edinburgh Printmakers, an organisation of considerable experience and repute. Edinburgh Printmakers plays an important role in the infrastructure for contemporary art in Scotland.

“This new facility will enable the organisation to build on this reputation by creating a state of the art, fit for purpose building which will be a more visible, accessible, facility appropriate to their needs and aspirations for the 21st century.

“The relocation of the Printmakers to Fountainbridge will unlock many opportunities for the organisation to engage with new and different communities and to partner with a range of schools and community groups.”

In August, Historic Scotland (Now Historic Environment Scotland) announced that they would be awarding £500k of grant funding to the project to restore this important part of Edinburgh’s built heritage.

Commenting from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Dame Seona Reid, Deputy Chair of HLF and Chair of Committee for Scotland, said: “We are delighted that thanks to players of the National Lottery, we are able to unlock the potential of this much-loved building. Not only will it provide a thriving cultural centre, benefitting many hundreds of national and international artists, but it will breathe life back into Foutainbridge. The community is justly proud of its industrial heritage so it is fitting that Castle Mill Works, which once supported so many families, will be the catalyst in its regeneration.”

The ambition to save Castle Mill Works stemmed from Edinburgh Printmakers’ search for the ideal home in which to build a contemporary arts centre specialising in Printmaking and Creative Industries, offering a year-round public programme of exhibitions, events and learning.

Opening to the public in 2018, Edinburgh Printmakers’ new home will be an international centre for printmaking with a state-of-the-art open access workshop, galleries, education spaces, a deli/wine bar with terrace, art retail area and production spaces for a wide range of creative industries. The total cost for the project will be £10 million.

Edinburgh Printmakers will continue to present a public programme of exhibitions, events and activities at its Union Street premises until summer 2018.

Chair of Edinburgh Printmakers, Alastair Snow, said: “We are delighted to have support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Creative Scotland for this project. These awards will allow us to bring Castle Mill Works back from the very dilapidated state it has fallen into and transform it into a vibrant cultural resource.

“Castle Mill Works was once a powerhouse of industry and invention, our plan will bring production back to Fountainbridge and place creativity at the heart of the community. This neglected area will become a vibrant place to work or visit, foster a sense of community, and offer opportunities for everyone to engage with creativity.

“These awards provide a substantial amount of the funds required to realise the project and are a real vote of confidence for Edinburgh Printmakers as a leading arts organisation. But, just over £2M still needs to be raised. As well as applying to trusts and foundations, we are asking the public to join us on this new and exciting journey and help us reach a target of £10m.”

Sarah Price, CEO of Edinburgh Printmakers added: “The vision for Edinburgh Printmakers as a cultural provider has evolved hugely as a result of this project and in response to the heritage of the building. We can’t wait to get going on delivering artistic exhibitions and activities that will benefit local people and bring visitors to the area. Art has the power to transform lives and places and that is our aim, we have spent many years planning and now with these decisions we can start to make those dreams a reality.”

In the lead up to the opening of the arts centre, Edinburgh Printmakers will showcase a series of temporary artwork commissions at Castle Mill Works that respond to the unique heritage of the grand industrial building and its rich cultural environs.

The heritage of the building will also be a permanent feature within the complete arts centre as the legacy of the building is explored through newly commissioned artwork installations, each uncovering the past and creating a conversation between new and old that can continue into the future.

The project has already attracted widespread support and endorsement with local community groups keen to save the building for future use as a cultural venue.

The announcement of this award coincided with the launch of Edinburgh Printmakers public appeal for donations. The public can help Edinburgh Printmakers reach the £10m target by texting CMWS001 to 70970 to give £5, or by visiting www.edinburghprintmakers.co.uk to donate any amount.

Spirit of solidarity is strong following Glasgow Girls screening

Pupils from Craigroyston and Broughton High Schools were in the audience at North Edinburgh Arts on Thursday night for the first public screening of The Glasgow Girls in North Edinburgh (writes Lynn McCabe).

The film tells the true story of seven pupils from Drumchapel High School who, with the support of their teacher, set up a campaign after the police removed their friend Agnesa and her family from their home in the middle of the night. One of those Drumchapel pupils, Roza Salih, joined the discussion at North Edinburgh Arts.

Still wearing their pyjamas, the family was driven in the back of a van to Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre where they were detained awaiting deportation. Agnesa and her family were Romas and had come to Scotland to escape persecution in their homeland.

After the screening, Roza (below, right) explained how she and her friends were shocked when they discovered what had happened to their friend and that dawn raids, detention and deportation were the norm for failed asylum seekers.

The schoolfriends responded by putting together a petition demanding the safe return of Agnesa and her family. When the petition failed they took their campaign to the wider community who took part in candlelit vigils and peaceful demonstrations. The local community also took part in a look-out system to alert families about the imminent arrival of removal vans.

Agnesa and her family were eventually released, but the victory was bitter sweet as the girls realised they were unable to save everyone.

Roza talked about the impact the campaign had on her life and the pride she had in the local community of Drumchapel for getting behind their campaign and challenging the inhumane treatment of asylum seekers.

Members of the audience talked about North Edinburgh’s proud history of fighting racism through campaigns such as Muirhouse Anti-Racism Campaign and North Edinburgh Welcomes Refugees. It was pointed out that North Edinburgh was rising to the occasion again by collecting clothes, toiletries, tents and sleeping bags to help children and adults stranded in terrible conditions in refugee camps throughout Europe. Members of the Womens International Group (WIG) were overwhelmed at the generosity of local people who have handed in warm clothes, jackets, shoes, sleeping bags and toiletries for children and adults stranded in refugee camps across Europe (above).

Anna Hutchison (above, left), a member of the Women’s International Group, reported that more than 60 women from North Edinburgh have met twice in the last few months to discuss issues around asylum, immigration and racism and are working on ideas for building a more caring and supportive community. Their plans include:

§ Learning about the causes of immigration and exploring what causes people to flee their countries

§ Challenging the myths about asylum seekers and refugees being promoted by certain politicians and sections of the media

§ Developing ways of reaching isolated people and making them feel welcome in this community

§ Celebrating different cultures and highlighting the benefits of diversity

§ Building links and trust between different groups

A meeting to take forward these ideas will be organised at the beginning of November. Anyone wishing to get involved in this group should contact:

Lynn McCabe at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre on 552 5700, email lynn.mccabe@ea.din.sch.uk

Julie Smith at North Edinburgh Timebank on north.timebank@volunteeredinburgh.org.uk.

More pictures:

Maximum goals from Muirhouse Mini-Mums!

Fun Day at Kai’s Footie Match

Before the game the 2 teams formed a circle in tribute to young Kai. The crowd was substantial and the weather holding up as the teams lined up for photographs (writes James McGinty).

By half time we had witnessed six goals – shared equally – and 3000 rugby tackles!

The second half was a completely different story as the management team of the Mini’s team resorted to ‘St Trinian’s’ tactics, with all the ladies handed the dreaded water pistols and turned up the pressure!

Goal 8 for the girls was a bit weird: as the ball shot across the goals an unnamed spectator ran on and passed it into the net – referee a sure candidate for Spec Savers!!

More pressure from the ladies saw Paula distract the defence by dancing with the centre half as the girls bore down on goal. The final score – which is in much dispute! – was, by my count, Muirhouse Mini’s 10 Muirhouse Guys 6!

For a game that was played in the best of spirit both teams deserved the plaudits as the game came to an end, the teams formed a circle and put their own donations in the very heavy bucket. Many thanks to the large crowd who turned up and gave and gave.

Picture (above) shows the Raffle Prize in which the winners received all the food and drink on the table for only £1 a go!!

We will publish the total amount raised when all he monies from the raffle, tombola cake stand, and donations are counted.

Pictures: James McGinty

Credit Union merger: Special General Meeting on Thursday

North Edinburgh Credit Union announces merger plan

North Edinburgh Credit Union is to merge with Castle Credit Union and Water of Leith CU, doubling the existing membership and giving the new organisation a stronger financial base.

In a letter to members, North Edinburgh Credit Union Chair Ron Carthy explained: “The Board of North Edinburgh Credit Union is committed to maintaining a strong CU presence in North Edinbyrgh and to offer the range of services our members expect. Therefore, the Board has agreed to merge with Castle Cedit Union and the Water of Leith CU study group as a major step in this process. This wiill not only double the size of our existing member base but also gives us a stronger financial base upon which to expand and sustain a viable credit union.

He continues: “The new Head Office for the merged credit union will be in our exisiting office in Wardieburn Drive. As part of our palans for the new merged credit union we will extending (sic) our opening times and be introducing access 24/7 via a new website for members to check balances, apply for loans and see how their savings are growing. We will also be offering a wider range of savings and loan products.”

NECU is holding a meeting at the Wardieburn office this Thurday at 6.30pm (business starts 7pm) to share information about the ‘exciting new plans’. All members welcome.

For further information call 0131 466 5006

or email committee@necu.co.uk

Benefits: respect and dignity at the heart of new Scottish system

Scottish Government plans a fairer approach to social security

Scotland’s new social security powers will make it fairer and simpler for people to access benefits, Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil has said.

Launching a paper today on government conversations with the public and stakeholders on how new social security powers should be used, Mr Neil said Scotland’s new social security system will treat people with respect and dignity.

More than 70 organisations working with children, carers, disabled people, ethnic minority representative groups and older people have taken part in discussions around the new powers.

A wide range of responses has been received on what we could do with these powers – and the consistent view is that that we need to take a fairer approach, one that does not stigmatise or punish people who receive benefits.

Mr Neil said: “The new social security powers are part of the conversation on what will make a fairer Scotland. This feedback is helping us develop our own social security system which we will ensure treats individuals with respect and removes the barriers that cause confusion and anxiety for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“The new system will have at its heart a set of principles and values. This will include ensuring people are treated with respect and dignity when applying for, being assessed for, and receiving disability-related benefits.

“It is clear we must provide people with relevant information so they are aware of how the system will work for them and how long decisions will take.

“It is also important that the system is fair and efficient – that the investment we all make in social security is well managed and is directed at the people who need it, in the way that will support them best.

“Through the current system many people, including carers, young people, families and those who can’t work because of disabilities or mental health, have all faced cuts and discrimination as a result of the UK Government welfare reform programme.

“Just last month we announced we will abolish the UK Government ‘84-day rule’ which means families who face higher living costs due to their child’s illness or disability will not be penalised when their child goes into hospital or has necessary medical treatment.

“We also announced last week that the needs of carers will be placed at the heart of the devolved carers’ allowance. We are determined to ensure that the allowance – like our new social security system as a whole – meets people’s needs, addresses their priorities and respects their rights.

“This is an early signal of our refusal to take an approach that punishes the vulnerable and instead focuses on fairness, accessibility and stability.”

The Scottish Government will publish a further paper by the end of the year setting out its outline vision for social security in Scotland.

The paper outlining the conversation so far is available to view at http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/10/3498

You can find out more on social security work at http://www.gov.scot/Topics/People/fairerscotland/future-powers/powers

NO fracking thanks!

Hundreds take part in anti-fracking event

$forth anti frack EileenPenman$

An estimated two thousand people took part in the Hands Over Our Forth event on the Forth Road Bridge yesterday.

Anti-fracking groups, community organisations and concerned individuals from across Scotland and beyond joined together to answer a call to demand an all-out ban on Underground Coal Gasification (UCG). They argue that UCG is a dangerous experimental technology with a track record of failure and plans for projects in Scotland must be stopped.

The protesters are urging the Scottish government to include UCG in the temporary ‘fracking’ ban prior to demanding an all-out ban in Scotland.

In what was a good-natured event, around two thousand protesters joined hands to form a human chain across the Forth Road Bridge. They came from far and wide – North Edinburgh was well-represented (above) – and there was international support from absent friends on the other side of the world too. Kindred spirits joined hands across Tasmania’s Forth Bridge and used social media to add their voice to the protest (below)!

Pictures by Eileen Penman, Elaine Graham, Lynn McCabe and Bob Brown down under!