Swinney sets out plan to close education attainment gap

“Today marks the start of a new journey for Scottish education that will ensure we realise our ambition for excellence and equity for every child and young person in Scotland.” – John Swinney

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The Scottish Government published its Education Delivery Plan yesterday, but the announcement was overshadowed by the EU referendum fallout and Labour’s civil war. Continue reading Swinney sets out plan to close education attainment gap

PoLHA recognised for excellence by Quality Scotland

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Port of Leith Housing Association has been awarded with a 4 star Recognised for Excellence award and a Good Practice award: Harnessing Creativity and Innovation by Quality Scotland at this year’s Scottish Awards for Business Excellence, which took place on Friday at the EICC.
Continue reading PoLHA recognised for excellence by Quality Scotland

Rise in racist incidents sparks community action

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The North Edinburgh community will discuss a worrying rise in the number of racist incidents at this afternoon’s Living in Harmony forum at Spartans Community Football Academy. Continue reading Rise in racist incidents sparks community action

Life in the fast lane with Edinburgh Leisure

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Appealing to those who want to use swimming as part of their fitness programme, Edinburgh Leisure is piloting ‘Lane Fit,’ which is their new lane only swimming sessions. It is being rolled out at six Edinburgh Leisure sites initially from 1 July, providing more lane swimming opportunities every week across the city.

At the ‘Lane Fit’ sessions, the pool is exclusively programmed for lane swimming  offering slow, medium and fast lanes, making them suitable for all fitness levels and swimming abilities. To enhance the experience, each session will provide floats and pool buoys for swimmers to use and Edinburgh Leisure will be providing guidance on how to use lanes effectively, including lane etiquette.

Shelagh Jackson, Aquatics Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Our customers have told us they’d like more opportunities for lane swimming, whatever their level of fitness and swimming ability. Lane Fit provides this and we’re delighted to offer this pilot in so many of our venues across the city.”

Swimming is an excellent whole body workout and an all-round wonder sport, whatever your age or ability. It improves muscle, tone, strength and improves flexibility. Taking part regularly can reduce your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and stroke. The support of the water makes it low impact on joints, and done regularly it will improve flexibility and strength.

Edinburgh Leisure offers a swim membership for £33 per month, which gives unlimited swimming across all Edinburgh Leisure pools and access to all of our aquatic fitness classes. Joint, student and 65+ memberships are also available.

For more information:www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/memberships 

Customers are encouraged to download the free Edinburgh Leisure app to reserve their place or book online for the new Lane Fit sessions in July to be entered into a prize draw to win a Speedo giveaway.

First Minister: Scotland has no place for hate and racism

Scotland is an open and welcoming country and that prejudice, hate and racism will not be tolerated, now or at any time.’

‘We chose to be an open, inclusive and outward-looking society where other EU citizens are welcome to live, work and contribute’ – 

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

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The Scottish Government’s overriding priority is to protect Scotland’s relationship with, and place in, the EU, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told Holyrood yesterday. Continue reading First Minister: Scotland has no place for hate and racism

EUr’e Welcome Here!

Local MSP’s message to EU nationals

Ben Macpherson Foot of the Walk.

Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP Ben Macpherson has told EU nationals “you remain welcome here” after Scotland voted overwhelmingly to stay in the European Union last week. Continue reading EUr’e Welcome Here!