Ian Rankin meets “phenomenal” Oor Wullie statue he co-created

Crime fiction writer Ian Rankin has hailed the Sherlock Holmes-inspired Oor Wullie sculpture he co-created as “phenomenal”.  

“Oor Sherlock Holmes” is a collaboration between Ian Rankin and Edinburgh-based artist Chris Rutterford which pays tribute to Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic character – complete with deer-stalker hat, cape and pipe.   Continue reading Ian Rankin meets “phenomenal” Oor Wullie statue he co-created

Edinburgh College course clearing event on Thursday

Edinburgh College is hosting a Course Clearing Event this week to provide support and guidance to young people following SQA exam results day.

The event is aimed at helping anyone who has received their results to work out what they want to do next and discover the right college course for them. Continue reading Edinburgh College course clearing event on Thursday

Port of Leith Housing Association gets seal of approval for involving its customers

Port of Leith Housing Association has been awarded silver accreditation for excellence in customer participation and engagement by the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) Scotland. Continue reading Port of Leith Housing Association gets seal of approval for involving its customers

Exam Results Day: help is at hand

Thousands of young people will have access to information, advice and support when the Skills Development Scotland (SDS) exam results helpline opens.

Expert careers advisers will be on hand to discuss next steps with young people receiving their results and to provide more information to parents and carers who are keen to understand the choices available.

The helpline will be available from 8am to 8pm today and tomorrow (Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 August), and from 9am to 5pm weekdays from Thursday 8 until Wednesday 14 August. The number to call is 0808 100 8000.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney met some of the advisers who will be standing by to provide dedicated support. He said: “I want to wish everyone receiving exam results the very best of luck and offer my congratulations on the culmination of all your hard work.

“This is an extremely significant time but it is important to remember that this is the start of a journey, not the end. If your results are what you hoped for that is great news but if you miss out on the grades you were looking for, or do even better than expected, there is a huge variety of options available to you that the SDS careers advisers are on hand to talk through.”

James Russell, Skills Development Scotland’s Director of Career Information, Advice & Guidance Operations, said: “If your results aren’t what you expected don’t panic, you have lots of options. 

“Skills Development Scotland is Scotland’s career service and our experienced advisers are here to help you and your parents and carers with information on all the options and opportunities available to you.”

The helpline is free to call however some operator charges may apply. Get in touch with the helpline via Facebook or Twitter.

Results information and advice is also available on Scotland’s careers website My World of Work.

Find out more about the role of a Skills Development Scotland careers adviser.

This Thursday: Free community morning opportunity at National Gallery of Modern Art

I am passing on a potential opportunity for a free community morning at the National Gallery of Modern Art with a bus and lunch provided, for groups with children 4-12yrs.

Below is some details, but the mornings are fun and creative – as well as a great opportunity to explore the gallery and enjoy the outdoor play area. If anyone is interested then please contact Anna Murray on her email at amurray@nationalgalleries.org

Rosie Priest
Community Development Officer

 rpriest@nationalgalleries.org

From: Anna Murray <AMurray@nationalgalleries.org> 

Hi everyone.

We’ve had a cancellation for a community morning session on Thursday. I’ve attached the list of groups who have visited, but if you know of any groups who haven’t been/ you’re working with that might be keen on coming on Thursday – let me know. I’m keen to fill up the slot  and can change the bus to pick them up from one location. Baked potato lunch for all included. Session is 10:30-12:30, plus 30 mins playtime outside before bus. Ideally suited for kids aged 4-12.

Let me know if you have any ideas, thanks!

Anna

Citizen Drop-In: What Does ‘Citizen’ Mean to You?

Citizen Drop-In
Tuesday 20th August 10.30am – 2:30pm
Edinburgh International Book Festival – Charlotte Square Gardens

Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Citizen programme is a long-term creative project working in partnership with organisations across Edinburgh, listening to people’s views about the communities in which they live. Continue reading Citizen Drop-In: What Does ‘Citizen’ Mean to You?