Month: August 2017

Letter: Sarah’s fond farewell to ‘amazing’ North Edinburgh community

 

Dear Editor

This is a really hard letter for me to write, but I need to say goodbye to the amazing community of North Edinburgh. I’ve worked for what was Community Education, and then Community Learning and Development in Greater Pilton for over twenty years.

It’s been a total privilege to serve such a strong and proud community. There are too many people to mention, many of them gone now, but to every learner and activist I’ve supported in every group, each child, young person, family, management committee and partner, it’s been so special and I will miss you all so very much.

Thank you for putting up with me for all those years! Your community has taught me so much and I feel proud and blessed to have been able to work here. The Council’s ‘Transformation’ process has meant I’ve been moved to another part of the city. I wish you everything you’d wish for yourself,

With much love and respect,

Sarah Neal (Low)’

Share your Festival memories

Edinburgh International Book Festival kicks off today, and organisers are asking for people to share their special memories of Edinburgh’s Festivals to help create a piece of collective writing celebrating the 70th anniversary of Edinburgh becoming a Festival City. Continue reading Share your Festival memories

City police advise: Hold onto your stuff!

Edinburgh’s visitors and locals are being advised to take care of their personal possessions while out in the busy city centre over the coming weeks. As part of Operation Summer City – Edinburgh’s Festival policing campaign – officers are once again promoting the ‘Hold Onto Your Stuff’ initiative and providing the public with useful information on safeguarding their valuables. Continue reading City police advise: Hold onto your stuff!

Councillors to discuss plan to address rising pupil numbers

Recommendations to ensure the city’s schools tackle the demands of increased pupil numbers and meet future provision have been drawn up by the City of Edinburgh Council.A new report, Schools and Lifelong Learning Estate Strategic Review, lays out the challenges that lie ahead as the capital’s population continues to grow. Continue reading Councillors to discuss plan to address rising pupil numbers

Helping people make healthy choices

Health Minister Aileen Campbell visits Pilton Community Health Project

Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell visited Pilton Community Health Project today ahead of the Scottish Government’s consultation on the diet and obesity strategy. She joined a mum and dad’s cooking class which aims to get parents and children to cook together, increase their confidence and cooking skills and promote healthy eating on a budget. Continue reading Helping people make healthy choices

New residents welcomed at St Nicholas Court

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) has welcomed more residents into its St Nicholas Court sheltered housing complex on Ferry Road.

As part of a £1.6 million project, eight one bedroom flats were completed by Glasgow-based construction specialists, CCG, earlier in the summer. A sun lounge and guest bedroom, plus additional landscaping – including allotment plots for the residents to grow their own fruit, vegetables and flowers – have also been created

The heating system and bathrooms have also been upgraded in the original 35-bedroom development which was built in 1983.

Maureen Tait, Sheltered Housing Services Manager at PoLHA, said: “Our St Nicholas Court development has always been a popular choice for people seeking sheltered housing, so we’re thrilled to be able to give more people the opportunity to live here.

“We’re all really enjoying welcoming our eight new residents into these fantastic flats and hope that they make many happy memories in their new homes.”

New tenant Frances McPherson said: “I previously lived in a flat in Lorne Street for 50 years, but my husband has COPD and the stairs were proving difficult. We are delighted with our new home as it’s lovely and bright and requires no decorating. Plus, our four-year-old granddaughter is looking forward to sleepovers.”

Another new tenant Jane Kelly said: “It is lovely living here. It’s a big change as I lived in my last home for 51 years. I’m getting used to the open plan living layout and I’ve had my granddaughter across who has helped me make it feel like home with photographs and ornaments.”

Calum Murray, Director at CCG, said: “Over recent years CCG has become more and more active in the region of Edinburgh with a broad range of contracts ranging from new build housing to upgrade and renewal. We have worked with Port of Leith Housing Association on many of these contracts and we were delighted to continue this partnership with St Nicholas Court.

“The new residents across the development will benefit from savings on their energy bills thanks to the upgrades to their heating and the installation of solar PV on the roof as well as the enhanced accessibility brought by the new landscaping.”