Month: June 2018

An appetite for change: new public health priorities for a healthier nation

Scotland is aiming to be a world leader in improving the public’s health, through a new vision for organisations and communities across the country. The Scottish Government and COSLA have jointly published public health priorities for Scotland, aimed at focussing action across the public sector and voluntary sector and in communities. The priorities are the first milestone in a wider reform of public health. Continue reading An appetite for change: new public health priorities for a healthier nation

W. S. Graham joins Edinburgh’s literary walk of fame

It has been described as Scotland’s answer to Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey, with the words of the country’s finest writers preserved in stone for posterity. Now Makars’ Court, the tribute to Scottish writers in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, has welcomed another wordsmith to its illustrious ranks with the unveiling of a memorial to poet W. S. Graham (1918–1986).

Continue reading W. S. Graham joins Edinburgh’s literary walk of fame

World Cup 2018: Allez les Bleus, says Bampotto

BAMPOTTO, Drylaw’s answer to Paul the predicting octopus, runs his eye over this summer’s World Cup hopefuls – and reckons France have the qualities needed to go all the way …  

FRANCE are my tip to win the World Cup. They have a solid spine to the team through Lloris, Umtiti, Pogba and Griezmann, and the players surrounding them are all top quality. There’s the best part of an entire squad not made France’s final 23 that would be in with a realistic chance of winning the tournament.

There’s a stability and togetherness in the squad these days that they’ve sorely missed in previous tournaments. They don’t lose many goals, have potential difference makers all over the pitch, and have plenty of big game experience – for me, they are the team to beat. Continue reading World Cup 2018: Allez les Bleus, says Bampotto

First events announced for National Democracy Week

PERFECT TIMING: On a week where Scotland’s democracy has come under the spotlight once again, National Democracy Week can’t come soon enough …

The first National Democracy Week is due to take place this July. Events will be held throughout the UK to engage communities in democracy. A week-long festival coincides with the 90th anniversary of women securing equal voting rights. Continue reading First events announced for National Democracy Week

Vassals of the Muir: Minister opens new Boroughmuir

The new Boroughmuir High School was officially opened at a special ceremony by the Minister for Higher and Further Education and Science Shirley-Anne Somerville yesterday. Ms Somerville was joined by Councillor Adam McVey, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, Deputy Leader Councillor Cammy Day, Education Vice Convener Councillor Alison Dickie and Head Teacher David Dempster.

New Boroughmuir High School
Continue reading Vassals of the Muir: Minister opens new Boroughmuir

Freedom is the key as Edinburgh International Book Festival programme announced

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is calling upon its authors, participants and audiences to consider the importance of freedom as this year’s programme is announced. Continue reading Freedom is the key as Edinburgh International Book Festival programme announced

Extra funding for suicide prevention – but Tories say young people are being let down

Suicide prevention services will benefit from an additional £3 million innovation fund, Mental Health Minister Maureen Watt has announced. Speaking ahead of a debate on mental health yesterday, Ms Watt also confirmed that a new suicide prevention plan would be published before the end of the month. Continue reading Extra funding for suicide prevention – but Tories say young people are being let down

Calling all DAVIDs: You’re automatically eligible to win £100,000 …

Grosvenor Casino Edinburgh is on the hunt for local ‘Davids’ and ‘Davinas’ to take part in Goliath national poker competition. Continue reading Calling all DAVIDs: You’re automatically eligible to win £100,000 …