Month: February 2018

British Sign Language (BSL) engagement event this Saturday

Do you use or know someone who uses British sign language?

Are you a parent/carer of a deaf child?

Or are you a BSL/English interpreter?

We want to get your views about improving access to services from councils, NHS Lothian, and other public organisations. This will help us develop plans in Edinburgh and the Lothians which are linked to the BSL Act.

Drop in to see us any time between 11am – 3pm

When: Saturday 24 February 2018

Where: The Outreach Centre (next to Levels Café) 9c Holyrood Road, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 8FP

Interpreters are booked for this event

Working in partnership: The City of Edinburgh Council, East Lothian Council, Edinburgh College, Midlothian Council, NHS Lothian, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Services, West Lothian Council and Deaf Action.

Transport Police plan hits the buffers

Integration initiative delayed indefinitely

The Joint Programme Board overseeing the integration of British Transport Police (BTP) in Scotland into Police Scotland has agreed to review the timetable. A longer timetable will allow for enhanced engagement with officers, staff and their representatives on key issues, including pay and conditions. Justice Secretary Michael Matheson has expressed disappointment at the delay, but the news has been welcomed by opposition parties at Holyrood.  Continue reading Transport Police plan hits the buffers

Jennifer to host ladies’ day event in memory of mum

A West Lothian woman is organising a ladies’ day event in Edinburgh to raise money for pioneering dementia research in honour of her mum who died with Alzheimer’s disease aged 65. Jennifer Littlejohn, from East Calder, is putting on a day of prosecco, afternoon tea, shopping and live music at The Hub in Castlehill, Edinburgh, on Sunday 18 March to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Continue reading Jennifer to host ladies’ day event in memory of mum

Council nurseries ‘don’t provide the cover working parents need’

Campaign group Fair Funding for our Kids has renewed calls for nursery reform after research revealed nine out of ten council nurseries don’t provide the cover working parents need.  Continue reading Council nurseries ‘don’t provide the cover working parents need’

Polish war hero memorial set for City Chambers

A Polish Second World War hero and his men are set to be honoured with a memorial bench to be placed in the courtyard at the entrance to the City of Edinburgh Council Chambers. A life-size image of General Stanislaw Maczek seated on the bench is hoped to be cast in bronze at a cost of £85,000 after a public appeal for donations. Continue reading Polish war hero memorial set for City Chambers

£1.2 million investment spearheads Timberbush Tours expansion plans

Timberbush Tours, one of the country’s leading coach tour operators and celebrating 20 Years touring in 2018, has signalled its ambitions for the forthcoming holiday season by investing £1.2million in nine new coaches, which brings the Timberbush fleet up to 23. Continue reading £1.2 million investment spearheads Timberbush Tours expansion plans

First Minister: “Number one priority is to raise school attainment”


First Minister Nicola Sturgeon saw some of the innovative work being carried out to raise attainment in Scotland’s schools yesterday and reaffirmed her government’s commitment to reducing inequality . Continue reading First Minister: “Number one priority is to raise school attainment”

Only the Lonely: Forth 1 urges listeners to befriend vulnerable local people

Loneliness is estimated to kill more people than obesity and according to experts is as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. To help combat this, Forth 1 is calling on the local community to sign up as befrienders and support some of society’s loneliest individuals with the launch of its campaign #TaketheTime. Continue reading Only the Lonely: Forth 1 urges listeners to befriend vulnerable local people

Grace’s award-winning sign goes on display at Fort Kinnaird

An East Lothian schoolgirl’s award-winning accessible toilet sign has gone on display on the door of Fort Kinnaird’s disabled toilet and bathroom facilities in a bid to make them more welcoming for people with hidden disabilities or long-term illnesses. Continue reading Grace’s award-winning sign goes on display at Fort Kinnaird