Month: September 2019

Have your say on west Edinburgh improvements

A series of engagement events will be held this month to gather views on public realm improvements planned in the west of Edinburgh.

Changes, including landscaping, are proposed at a number of locations as part of the broader West Edinburgh Link project, which aims to transform walking, cycling and public spaces around South Gyle and local communities. Continue reading Have your say on west Edinburgh improvements

Youth issues top the agenda at tomorrow’s community council meeting

WEST PILTON WEST GRANTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Tuesday 3 September at 7pm – West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre
Please find attached an agenda for Tuesday’s Community Council meeting at the West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre, starting at 7pm.  I also attach the Minutes from the September meeting.
I’m delighted that Alan Hosie has accepted an invitation to attend to talk about youth work, especially given the concerns that exist in the community about youth crime.  Willie and I are therefore keen for all attending to hear more about the latest situation and what we positively can do together to address this.
Looking forward to seeing you all on Tuesday.  If you cannot make it and would like to tender your apologies, please let me know by 5pm on Tuesday.

 Peter Faassen de Heer

Secretary, West Pilton West Granton Community Council

Green Pencil Award – Going, going, gone: Scotland’s wildlife in danger?

Our successful environmentally themed creative writing competition, open to all P4-P7 aged children in Edinburgh and, once again, to young people in S1-3, is running again this year.

A lot of attention has been given recently to climate change and its effects on the natural environment, so this year our theme is, ‘Going, Going, Gone -Scottish Wildlife in Danger?’ Continue reading Green Pencil Award – Going, going, gone: Scotland’s wildlife in danger?

Mental health support for new mums

Rollout of £1 million for counselling and befriending.

New mums at risk of poor mental health will be given access to increased support including counselling and befriending services.

The rollout is part of a £50 million investment in mental health services for new mums, babies and young children announced by the First Minister earlier this year.

An initial £1 million will support several key areas, including helping the third sector provide counselling, befriending and peer support for women and their families.

The funding will see new and expectant mothers get more consistent access to psychological assessment and treatment.

It will also be used to increase staffing and training at Mother and Baby Units for the 2,250 women with the most serious illnesses and to develop mental health services for babies.

Announcing the funding at Aberlour children’s charity, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “It’s crucial that these services are led by the needs of women, young children and families.

“We have sought the views of people who have experienced mental health issues during and after pregnancy – their voices have influenced where this money will go and the services it will deliver.

“Our vision is of a Scotland where women, young children and families do not face fear or stigma when experiencing mental health issues.”

Aberlour Chief Executive SallyAnn Kelly said: “I welcome this funding for third sector organisations who are striving to deliver high quality perinatal services to new parents and parents-to-be. To give children the best start in life, it is vital we support parents effectively.

“Aberlour has worked with over 300 families across Forth Valley and East Lothian but our ambition is to roll the Perinatal Befriending Service out across Scotland so that every parent, no matter where they live, has access to personalised support and assistance when and where they need it most.”

 

Pancho Villa’s restaurant in Old Town sold

Mexican themed restaurant, Pancho Villa’s, has been sold through specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co to an experienced local operator.

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The previous owners had run the authentic Mexican restaurant in the Canongate for over 30 years, building up an excellent reputation for providing high quality food and drink with a lively atmosphere. They decided to sell the lease for the popular restaurant in order to retire.

New owner Ruori Stewart, who also owns The Apartment restaurant at Barclay Place, purchased the new lease and plans to trade the restaurant as the apartment pop-up until the property undergoes refurbishment to prepare for a new and unique concept.

Tony Spence, Business Agent at Christie & Co’s Edinburgh office who handled the sale, said: “Pancho Villa’s generated a good amount of interest from the outset and an experienced tenant was secured after a quick closing date was set.

“The market remains interesting with commercial properties continuing to attract interest from investors, experienced multiple operators and first-time buyers.”

Pancho Villa’s sold for over the asking price of £100,000 for the leasehold going concern.

 

Paths for All launch online health walk map

Navigate your way to better health!

We’re delighted to launch the country’s first online map showing hundreds of organised health walks in every corner of Scotland.

The new online resource shows when and where local walks are taking place as well as information about how to join them.

Over 670 walks have been registered nationally so far, from Lerwick to Dumfries and Galloway, and we are now encouraging the public to get online and join their nearest Health Walk to improve their health.

The walking map aims to make it easier for people to become more active while meeting new people in their local community. The walks are free, low-level and last around 30 minutes.

Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All, said: “Regular walking is such a powerful tool that can do wonders for your social, mental and physical health and we hope that this new map will make it easier for people to get involved in Health Walks. 

“People are often surprised by how a simple, weekly walk can become such a big part of their lives. We see people build strong friendships on Health Walks and discover little bits about the local history and wildlife of the places where they live that can give them a whole new meaning and stronger sense of community.”
The volunteers who lead the walks have been trained, know the most accessible routes for people of varied abilities and ensure a warm welcome to new walkers.

There are also specialised walks, especially for people with dementia and those who have been affected by cancer.

Ian added: “There’s room for everyone on our Health Walks and we encourage you all to have a look at what’s taking place in your local area and join in.

“We expect this fantastic tool to be a big success and look forward to seeing more routes and organised walks being added to the map over time as the walking community across Scotland grows.”

The Health Walk map can be accessed at: www.pathsforall.org.uk/healthwalkfinder
 

New Lanark to host inaugural Book Festival   

                  

 As a historic hub of learning and leisure, New Lanark World Heritage Site is delighted to hold its inaugural Book Festival on  Saturday 14th September. Come along for the wonderful opportunity to meet and chat with award-winning children’s authors Chae Strathie & Keith Charters in interactive and engaging sessions.

Chae Strathie is the author of many funny fabulous and whimsical stories like ‘Jumblebum’, the ‘Fabulous Flapdoodles and T-Rex on Tour’,  ‘What if you had a dinosaur as a penpal?’  and ‘What was it like to be a kid in ancient Egypt?’ Chae’s books are recommended for age  4-7 year olds.

Keith Charters will also be at New Lanark on the 14th September, when you can meet the character of his books ‘Lee’ and his family on their hilarious adventures. What would you do if there were Consul Mutants taking over the world or you were the first kid in space?  Keith’s books are recommended for age 8-12 year olds.

For only £5 per child, children can be transported into the magical world of literature with Scotland’s best children’s authors at New Lanark.

NEW LANARK BOOK FESTIVAL 2019

Saturday 14th September 2019

Tickets can be booked via this link or via www.newlanark.org