Month: August 2018

Kiltwalkies!

Pups put their best paw forward for charity

A pack of eager pooches gathered at Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens to encourage owners and their canine companions to put their best foot – and paw – forward for charity.

Among them were one-year old Miniature Schnauzer Peter, one year old Labrador Retriever Nuggle, three year old Maltese cross Issey and five year old Lhasa Apso Ziggy, who along with their owners want others to join them at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk in aid of the charity ENABLE Scotland, the largest charity in Scotland that’s working towards an equal society for every person who has a disability.

The capital’s Kiltwalk is due to take place on 16th September and will be attended by thousands of walkers, including TV presenter Hazel Irvine who is returning to lend her support to ENABLE Scotland.

Registration for dogs is not required, although their owners are invited to sign up via ENABLE Scotland’s website where the charity are offering free registration to all walkers as an extra incentive to walk with #TeamENABLE.

Walkers can choose from three routes of varying distances. The 24-mile Mighty Stride sets off from Holyrood Park, the 15.5-mile Big Stroll leaves from Pinkie Playing Fields and the five-mile Wee Wander, ideal for families, will set off from Gypsy Brae.

Debbie Mooney, Head of Fundraising at ENABLE Scotland, said: “We are excited to welcome our supporters to the Edinburgh Kiltwalk and are in awe of their continued generosity.

“If you haven’t signed up already, I invite you to join us for free and help us break down the barriers to an equal society for every person who has a learning disability. We look forward to walking alongside all Team Enable supporters on what is set to be another fantastic Kiltwalk for everyone taking part.”

Last year, 830 walkers took part in a Kiltwalk on behalf of ENABLE Scotland and raised £98,122 for children and adults who have a learning disability.

As in previous years, for every pound raised by walkers, £1.40 goes to charity, with Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation pledging a 40% top up for all funds raised.

Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times during the Kiltwalk, and those with dogs must take care to be considerate of other walkers and clean up any mess.

For more information about the Kiltwalk visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk

To register for the Kiltwalk visit www.enable.org.uk

Pictures: Phil Wilkinson

NHS Lothian has longest A&E waiting times

“Jeane Freeman should acknowledge the link between our GP crisis and the increased pressure on A&E services.” – Miles Briggs MSP

Following the recent announcement that A&E waiting targets have not been met for a year, there has been growing pressure on SNP Ministers to take action.  Continue reading NHS Lothian has longest A&E waiting times

Scottish Government to extend Consessionary Travel Scheme

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson has announced that the National Concessionary Travel Scheme will be extended to companions of eligible disabled children aged under five, which could result in over 3000 families and children additionally benefitting from the bus pass.

Continue reading Scottish Government to extend Consessionary Travel Scheme

Police seek five youths following assault and robbery in city centre

Police are appealing for information following the assault and robbery of a man in the city centre. The incident happened at around 12.30am on Tuesday (31 July) on Heriot Place, near to the Flodden Wall.  Continue reading Police seek five youths following assault and robbery in city centre

News from Granton Community Gardeners

Hi All,

It’s now August, and that means nearly time for our:

ANNUAL SUMMER BBQ

Saturday 11th August, FREE Food served from 1pm, at our new gardening HQ:
10 Wardieburn Road. (next door to Royston Wardieburn Community Centre)

You’re all invited!

Since our last email update, a lot of people have been working very hard in the gardens (especially watering!) and lots of the crops have been flourishing in the heatwave.

Yesterday we harvested lots of beetroot bigger than tennis balls that we only planted out as tiny seedlings 6 weeks ago.

COMMUNITY MEALS UPDATE:

Community meals are continuing every Tuesday at 5pm, but please note: for the month of AUGUST these will be held at the community garden (10 Wardieburn Road) instead of the church. This will be a bit more of a BBQ/picnic feel, but still a great chance to come and eat with neighbours, family and friends. All very welcome!

Food is FREE/donation/help with washing up etc..

If anyone would like to volunteer to help out with setting up or running the BBQ or community meal events, please give us a shout.

GARDENING DROP IN SESSIONS:

These are continuing, EVERY TUESDAY AND SATURDAY from 11am.

All welcome, no gardening expertise necessary. Meet at new garden: 10 Wardieburn Road. On Tuesdays there will be someone around all day, so you can work in the garden and then relax at the community meal, or come and go as you like..

We’ve been picking large amounts of soft fruit, and our heritage wheat has ripened super early this year. Give us a shout if you’d like to help harvest it..

Hope you’re all well,

Tom
Granton Community Gardeners