Lothian MSP Miles Briggs has selected the winner of his annual Christmas card competition, which he has been running since his election to the Scottish Parliament in 2016.
This year’s Christmas Card theme was NHS Scotland, to honour frontline workers who have worked incredibly hard throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
The competition was open to all primary schools in Edinburgh and the Lothians, and Elsie Adams age 8, from P4 at St Peter’s Primary School in Morningside, was chosen as the winner.
Elsie won £50 Amazon voucher (sponsored by Morrison Construction), afternoon tea at the Caledonian (sponsored by Waldorf Astoria) and a family day out at Conifox Adventure Park (sponsored by Conifox).
Miles was unable to present Elsie with her prize in person due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said:“There were some very creative Christmas cards this year and pupils in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s once again showed their artistic talent.
“The competition was very close with hundreds of Christmas card entries from primary schools across the region, with inventive designs from hand sanitiser to the distinctive NHS rainbow.
“What was clear from the entries was that primary school pupils are aware of the tremendous effort that NHS staff have made throughout this year.
“Congratulations to the winner Elsie, whose bright card and fun design stood out as the winner of my 2020 Christmas card competition.”
The BBFC has published a list of ‘Santa Safe’ films that focus on the origin story of Father Christmas.
All films watched and vetted by BBFC staff to ensure that they don’t spoil the ‘Santa secret’.
All films featured rated U and PG, so suitable for the whole family.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has published a list of ‘Santa Safe’ films that focus on the origin story of Father Christmas, to help busy families who want to keep the magic of Christmas alive.
The list features nine festive films, all of which have been vetted by BBFC staff to ensure that they don’t spoil the ‘Santa secret.’
All the films picked are rated U and PG, so they are suitable for the whole family. Arthur Christmas, Klaus, The Polar Express, The Snowman, The Grinch and The Christmas Chronicles all feature.
Sarah Peacock, Compliance and Education Manager, said: “Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year for families, but sometimes enquiring little minds can often start asking difficult questions about exactly how their presents are delivered.
“Understandably, parents and carers want to keep that festive magic and mystery alive for as long as possible.
“We know that this time of year can be incredibly busy and stressful for parents and carers, who are already time poor – which is why we’ve published a list of ‘Santa Safe’ films that don’t spoil the ‘santa secret’ for kids.
“We’ve watched and vetted the films so you don’t have to, can press play with confidence and keep the magic alive for another year or two. There’s not a false beard in sight!”
The BBFC has also published a wide range of Christmas themed content and activities to keep families entertained this festive period, no matter what your festive celebrations look like:
Our latest ‘Movie Night with the BBFC’ pack features Klaus, and includes everything you need to know about the film as well as activities, games, and discussion points to keep the movie magic alive once the credits roll.
Families who might be spending time apart this year can check out a list of films that are themed around long distance, all rated from U to 12. The BBFC is encouraging those who aren’t able to spend the festive season this year to organise a festive film watch along – by either watching a film together and chatting over a messaging service, or downloading the Chrome extension TeleParty.
GUIDANCE FOR PEOPLE IN EDINBURGH SELF-ISOLATING UPDATED FROM MONDAY
MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, has welcomed the announcement that the Scottish Government’s self-isolation payment will not be impacted, following an update that anyone required to self-isolate will need to do so for 10 days, rather than 14 days.
The £500 grant – which will not be reduced as a result of the updated clinical guidance – is for those who will face financial hardship due to being asked to self-isolate and will be targeted at people who are in receipt of Universal Credit or legacy benefits.
The four chief medical officers of the UK announced on Friday that close contacts of a positive case and those returning from countries without a travel corridor will be able to self-isolate for 10 days instead of the current 14 days from Monday.
SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald said: “Self-isolation, both for contacts identified by Test and Protect and through the foreign travel quarantine requirements, is critical to protecting people and reducing the spread of COVID-19.
“While self-isolation may now be for a shorter period, it remains vital that everyone who is required to do so remains at their home or other named address for this time. Only by doing this can we break the chain of transmission of the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.
“To ensure people do not experience financial hardship as a result of doing the right thing, the SNP Government has ensured that the £500 grant for people on low incomes who have been asked to self-isolate will not change.
“I’d urge everyone in Edinburgh who is facing a loss of income due to self-isolating to apply for this payment.”
Two Thirds of Scottish parents have noticed signs of regression in their children due to lack of peer play dates
36% found their child to become clingier following lockdown
84% of Scottish parents worry about finding the balance between educational and fun activities
Although Scottish parents are thankful that the second lockdown meant schools and nurseries would stay open, they are still finding that a lack of peer play dates has negatively affected their children.
According to the research conducted by Nick Jr. UK for Blue’s Clues & You!, the survey found that Scottish parents find peer play dates to be important for their child/ren’s development. Almost three fifths (59%) found that they gave their children an opportunity to interact with their peers and 43% felt it allowed their kids to learn whilst having fun.
55% of Scottish parents felt that due to continued lockdowns and tier regulations, the lack of peer play dates has affected their child’s confidence. Over a third (36%) noticed that their child/ren had become clingier and 21% said their children have become shyer. Three fifths (60%) have also seen their children’s happiness affected due to lack of time spent playing with friends, with 44% of Scottish parents noting their child/ren need more attention and under a quarter of children (23%) are crying more.
With playdates a no-go, over a third (39%) of Scottish parents are spending more time with their children now than they did during the first lockdown and 18% of respondents admitted becoming their child’s friend and developing a closer bond has been the best bit of spending lockdown with their child.
However, when it comes to friendship 27% of Scottish parents rely on playdates to allow them an opportunity to speak with other adults and 14% use the time to discuss any parenting woes they have with other parents with children of a similar age. Scottish parents have also seen a negative impact on their mental health, with 24% not being able to attend parent-baby groups and almost a third (31%) not having a break from parenting.
Comparing the first lockdown to the second lockdown, it’s no wonder that 84% of Scottish parents have struggled to find the right balance between educational and fun activities. More than 1 in 10 (14%) of Scottish parents have admitted that they have spent less time playing with their child, as they’ve run out of ideas of things to do and 31% noted that the cold and wet winter weather has made it harder to find activities to keep their children occupied.
With activities becoming repetitive and the lack of interaction with peers taking its toll, 66% of Scottish parents have noticed signs of regression. Almost half (47%) of Scottish parents said their children are having more tantrums / meltdowns, 27% had experienced sleep walking or trouble with sleeping and over a quarter (27%) had become fussy with their food.
Founder of the Good Play Guide, Dr. Amanda Gummer noted: “Parents have really struggled during lockdown when it comes to juggling childcare and their day to day lives.
“It’s understandable parents have seen regression in their children, as peer play dates are a great chance for children to learn and play with those of a similar age and help with their development in their younger years.
“Blue’s Clues & You! is a great way for children to continue learning through play whilst at home and unable to attend playgroups. Offering interactive and educational activities, puzzles and clue-led adventures for kids to participate in, children are learning as they play.
“If you are noticing signs of regression such as playing with toys you think they’ve grown out of or a change in eating habits, remember this is all natural. Times of change see children seek comfort so use this as an opportunity to spend more time together and provide them with a good role model to copy.”
Scottish parents are also concerned that the lack of interaction their kids are having with their peers during lockdown will negatively affect their development. 23% of parents are worried that they won’t know how to interact with other children, with a further 36% believing their child will be unhappy and 37% thinking they’ll lack confidence.
However, for Scottish parents, lockdown certainly hasn’t been all doom and gloom.
Over half of those surveyed (59%) enjoyed spending quality time together as a family in lockdown, 44% enjoyed seeing their child learn new things and gain a greater independence and 26% had a greater appreciation for teachers. 86% of Scottish parents have also found they are doing more Christmas arts, crafts and activities with their children to boost spirits.
For parents looking for inspiration of fun and educational exercises to help with their child’s development, as well top tips and parenting advice visit nickjr.co.uk/letsplay for useful tips and entertaining ideas to help your child continue to learn through play.
Blue’s Clues & You! airs daily at 8.30am and 4.30pm on Nick Jr. (Sky Ch. 606) Visit nickjr.co.uk/letsplay for more.
Seven top parenting tips from Dr. Amanda Gummer:
When coping with child regression, don’t pressure your child to achieve – even if you know they could do certain tasks before. Try to meet them where they are at and support them in moving onto their next milestone naturally.
In times of change and stress, children (and adults) seek comfort and reassurance. Make lots of time for familiar, comforting activities such as stories, film nights, baking etc. to minimize unnecessary change.
To ensure your children develop in to well-rounded and polite individuals, play is an important part. Playing with toys such as a play kitchen will give you an opportunity to practice please and thank you.
Look at your own manners and communication style and make sure you’re happy for your children to copy it. Use playtime as an opportunity for them to see you sharing things and taking turns. Playing games with your children lets them see you playing fairly and losing graciously at times.
There’s no such thing as the wrong weather when it comes to playing outdoors, just the wrong clothes. Make sure you’ve got a change of clothes if you’re playing outside and make it an exciting adventure rather then forcing them to go for a walk.
For siblings that bicker, remember it’s normal and actually helps them develop important skills. Leaving your children to resolve the argument themselves (as long as there is no clear victim / bully) is important with regards to social development. Children will learn skills such as negotiation, compromise and empathy.
If the bickering persists, give kids activities that require cooperation and collaboration. The reward for them working together is better than anything they’d be able to achieve on their own.
James Bennett was born in 1894 and served in the Royal Artillery during the Great War, losing a leg and part of an arm, and becoming an invalid. His injuries did not prevent him from opening a successful shoe repair shop in Edinburgh, which he managed for many years (writes JAN BONDESON).
In 1922, he moved into the ground floor flat at 25 Earl Haig Gardens, Trinity, a quiet and secluded square owned by the Scottish Veterans’ Garden City Association and reserved for disabled ex-servicemen.
He married twice and had issue with both wives; one of his daughters got married and left home, but in 1959, his 25-year-old younger daughter Irene was living with him in the flat. She had a job as a typist, but still managed to cook, clean and look after the flat, and help her invalid father with various daily chores.
In spite of his maimed condition, the now 65-year-old James Bennett remained hale and hearty: he walked with the help of a wooden leg and a heavy stick. He had sold the shoe shop three years earlier, after inheriting money, and liked to go out drinking beer with his old soldier friends.
On Saturday November 21 1959, James Bennett went out in the afternoon to drink some beer. Mrs Mary Brunton, who lived next door at No. 26, could hear him returning home by taxi late in the evening, before hobbling inside.
Some time after, there was a heavy thud from next door, and Irene gave a scream.
Mrs Brunton thought it might just have been a domestic argument, but still she went out to look through a window, but the house was in darkness and nothing could be heard from its interior.
On Monday November 23, Mrs Brunton noticed that the milk, rolls and newspapers were still on the doorstep of No. 25 at 1.15 pm. She looked through the bedroom window and saw James Bennett lying motionless in bed. She went and told her husband, and he called the police. It turned out that James Bennett was lying dead in his bed, with a single bullet from a .22 rifle lodged in his brain. The body of Irene Bennett was lying on the floor nearby, with multiple bullet wounds to the head and chest regions.
The police soon found out that Irene Bennett had been seeing a man named Alexander Bain Stirling, a 24-year-old car salesman from Loanhead, although she had stopped consorting with him after discovering that he was married already.
He had taken this rejection badly and had been pestering her, and she had told a neighbour that she was quite worried what this demented suitor might be capable of. Since Stirling was known to be driving a new red Ford Zephyr, registration TFS 53, the headline of the Edinburgh Evening Dispatch was ‘Red Car Murder Hunt Steps Up!’.
The reporter of course also went to see and photograph the city’s most famous recent murder house: “All was quiet in Earl Haig Gardens to-day. Only a solitary constable patrolling outside, and the freshly boarded-up front window of No. 25, gave a clue to yesterday’s tragic discovery. Many of the blinds in houses around the square were drawn as a mark of respect for Jimmy Bennett, the man everybody knew and liked.”
It turned out that Alexander Main Stirling was an adopted child, who had done his national service in the RAF, and had no previous convictions for serious crime.
He lived in Morningside with his wife and two children but worked as a sales assistant at his father’s second-hand car firm in Loanhead. A description of him was issued by the police: “About 5ft 10in tall, clean shaven, dark brown hair, chubby face, blue eyes, straight nose and thin lips. They say he may be wearing a sports jacket and flannel trousers, and a bluish grey overcoat of thin material.”
The hue and cry was up for Alexander Main Stirling all over Britain, but the fugitive had a head start of several days. The police speculated that he might be quite some distance away from Edinburgh, if he had been driving night and day.
But on November 24, Police Constable Raymond May was cycling along Southgate Street, Gloucester, when he spotted a red 1959 Ford Zephyr with the ‘right’ registration number travelling north towards the town centre.
He went to the nearest telephone to alert the patrol cars. Soon afterwards, Constables Ronald Savage and Stanley de Gama saw the red Ford Zephyr two miles away on the road from Gloucester to Painswick.
They gave chase in their powerful patrol car, and drove in front of the Ford Zephyr, forcing it to stop. They made a dash for the doors, but the tired-looking, bleary-eyed Stirling made no attempt to resist or escape, merely saying ‘It’s all right, I know what you want me for.’
The two patrol constables made sure that Alexander Main Stirling was taken into custody, and that the car, the contents of which included a .22 rifle with a silencer and a plentiful supply of ammunition, was properly searched.
Stirling was back in Edinburgh on November 25, where he was formally charged with murder, and appeared in court the following day. He appeared quite despondent after his dramatic attempt to escape had failed.
When Alexander Main Stirling faced trial at the High Court of Edinburgh on March 8 1960, he wished to plead guilty to the capital murders of James and Irene Bennett, but this was not accepted.
There was much public interest in the trial, with 50 people queuing up outside the court. Mrs Elizabeth Smith, the sister of Irene Bennett, testified that she had known about Irene’s association with Stirling, and that her father had disapproved of it.
She identified several of the items taken from the escape car as belonging to her sister. A number of friends and colleagues of Irene Bennett testified that she had told them that she had wanted the affair with Stirling to end, and that she had been annoyed with his impudence.
Mr and Mrs Brunton told how the murders had been discovered, Stirling’s father explained his background in life, and a miner identified the .22 rifle produced in court as the one he had lent to Alexander Main Stirling, at the latter’s request.
After the police and forensic specialists had given evidence, Mr Grant the Solicitor-General addressed the jury. He pointed out that the murder weapon had been identified, and that it had been in Stirling’s possession at the time of the murders, that property belonging to Irene Bennett had been found in the escape car, and that Stirling’s palm prints had been found on the window through which the murder made his entry into the flat.
The jury took just 11 minutes to reach a verdict of Guilty, and Lord Thomson donned the traditional black tricorne hat when he passed sentence of death onto the prisoner.
Alexander Main Stirling heard the death sentence with the same calm indifference he had displayed throughout the trial. In prison awaiting execution, he refused to see any visitors, and threw away all letters and notes addressed to him.
But on March 18, just 12 days before the execution date, he asked for counsel to frame an appeal, claiming that the verdict was contrary to the evidence, and that Lord Thomson had misdirected the jury. The Criminal Appeal Court turned it down, however, and the day of reckoning seemed to loom for the creature Stirling.
But still, this cowardly double murderer received a last-minute reprieve, and was spared the gallows with what must have been a very narrow margin. Instead he entered a prison cell, where he would have to stay for many years to come.
In August 1970, it was announced that Stirling had been released by royal prerogative since he suffered from an incurable disease. He died from carcinoma of the oesophagus at an Edinburgh nursing home a few weeks later, aged just 35.
This is an extract from Jan Bondeson’s Murder Houses of Edinburgh (Troubador Publishing 2020).
Janey Godley discusses positive effect of coronavirus daily briefing voiceovers in exclusive interview for the RSE (Royal Society of Edinburgh)
Interview with Kirsty Wark is first of two events focused on importance of effective public communication during coronavirus
Comedian Janey Godley has spoken about the positive impact of her viral social media videos in which she provides a voice-over to the First Minister’s daily coronavirus briefings, in an exclusive interview with Kirsty Wark FRSE for the RSE (Royal Society of Edinburgh), Scotland’s National Academy.
The comedic catchphrase of “Frank, get the door!” has become synonymous with the daily briefings, and while the videos have brought light relief to many, they have also served a much more important purpose of reinforcing the key messages of “stay at home” delivered to the public by the First Minister.
Godley said: “I basically imagined a wee woman called Jeanette at the bus stop, and how she would translate the daily briefings to her friend, wee Agnes.”
In the interview, Godley also highlighted that the comedy sketches are “not about the politician, and it’s not about the politics, it’s about getting the message about coronavirus out there, in an informed, relatable and mildly offensive way.”
The interview was organised as part of the RSE’s Post-Covid-19 Futures Commission’s Public Debate and Participation workstream, and is the first of two events with Janey Godley around the topic of communication during the pandemic.
Next Thursday (17 December) she will be joined by Professor Jason Leitch and Professor Mona Siddiqui OBE FRSE for a live panel event, “Voices of Covid” hosted by Professor Dame Anne Glover; in which they will discuss the importance of communication with the public during coronavirus, and take live questions from the viewers.
Dr. Rebekah Widdowfield, chief executive of the RSE said: “The importance of clear communication around a public issue like coronavirus cannot be overstated. While the Government’s daily briefing has been a steady, reliable way to provide updates to the public, the repetitive nature of the guidance can cause the impact to be somewhat dampened.
“This is where Janey Godley’s contribution has been its most effective – by adding comedy and relatability to the content, it has encouraged the public to reengage with the messaging.
“Supporting public dialogue and debate is a key objective of our Post-Covid-19 Futures Commission and the event hosted by RSE President Anne Glover next week with Janey, Jason Leitch and Mona Siddiqui will provide a deeper insight into the challenges of communication during a pandemic, and allow the public to put their questions to some of the key voices we’ve heard throughout the last nine months.”
“Kirsty and Janey In Conversation” will be premiered on the RSE’s Facebook Page at 7pm on Friday (11 December), and will also be available on the RSE’s YouTube channel.
“Voices of Covid Who Cuts Through & Why?”; with Janey Godley, Professor Jason Leitch and Mona Siddiqui OBE FRSE, hosted by RSE President, Professor Dame Anne Glover, will be held on Thursday 17th of December at 2.30pm, you can sign up here
Almost £6 million in funding will provide friendship and human connection to people at risk of social isolation and loneliness over the winter months.
Part of the Scottish Government’s £100 million winter package to support people, the funding will ensure services such as wellbeing calls, befriending support, advice and volunteering are maintained and extended over winter.
Through the Connecting Scotland programme, an extra £4.3 million will help 5,000 older people to get online, and around 200 families to maintain contact with a loved one in prison custody, through digital devices and internet access.
More than £1.6 million will go to organisations providing key helplines, for groups such as older people and victims of domestic abuse. Over £900,000 will go to various other projects across Scotland supporting people of all ages affected by social isolation and loneliness.
Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie said: “Living through an extended period of not spending time with our friends and loved ones has been painful for everyone, but extremely damaging for some and we know that many people will find the upcoming festive period particularly hard.
“The events of this year have reaffirmed our commitment to tackling social isolation and loneliness as a serious public health issue.
“That’s why part of our Winter Plan for Social Protection will have a specific focus on addressing this across society. In particular among older people, disabled people, the young LGBTI community, care-leavers, and women and girls at risk from violence and abuse.
The charity Generations Working Together will receive £76,200 to continue connecting care home residents with their families and younger people in the community.
Chief Executive Officer Alison Clyde said: “We provide support and training to care home staff to ensure residents are connected with loved ones, as well as young people from the local community.
“Participants share their skills and life experiences, learn together whilst making new friends and most importantly have fun. This also helps to break down intergenerational barriers – vital in tackling ageism and reducing loneliness and isolation.”
Shared Care Scotland will receive £80,000 for its Time to Live grant scheme for unpaid carers.
Chief Executive Don Williamson said: “Ongoing restrictions continue to have a significant impact on carers, many of whom are unable to access their usual forms of support.
“Accessing a short break through a Time to Live grant can make a huge difference to a carer’s health and wellbeing, helping them recharge their batteries and sustaining them through the winter months.”
YouthLink Scotland will receive £150,000 to allocate small grants to local grassroots youth work.
Chief Executive Officer Tim Frew said: “Some young adults face uncertainty around their future job prospects and struggle to cope with the restrictions. This funding will enable us to direct youth work support to where it is needed the most, boosting young people’s interaction with others and promoting positive mental wellbeing.”
In addition to the £5.91 million from the winter support package, the Scottish Government has also provided £1.16 million funding over the course of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to organisations who tackle isolation and loneliness through local projects, intergenerational learning and phone helplines.
Our National Assistance Helpline, connected to all Local Authorities, remains in place to support people and provide advice when they need it.
In addition to those mentioned above, organisations to receive funding include: Befriending Networks (£100,000), BEMIS/Ethnic Minority Resilience Network (£100,00), Scottish Mens’ Sheds Association (£100,000), Chest Heart Stroke Scotland (£75,000), Glasgow Disability Alliance and other national disability organisations (£120,000).
Keeping residents and patients safe over Christmas and New Year period.
Visiting arrangements for hospitals and care homes in Scotland will remain in place over the Christmas and New Year period, it has been confirmed.
For the general public, there will be UK-wide easing of restrictions on travel and gathering between 23 – 27 December.
However, in a joint-letter to NHS Boards, the interim Chief Medical Officer, Chief Nursing Officer and National Clinical Director clarified this would not apply to hospitals over the Christmas period, given the increased vulnerability of hospital patients compared to the general population.
Christmas and New Year guidance has also been published for the adult care home sector, recommending that indoor visiting should continue to be supported where it is safe to do so, as well as setting out specific safeguards that care homes can put in place to safely support festive activities.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “While most people will see a limited relaxation of existing restrictions over the holiday period, hospital and care home visiting guidance will remain in place to protect patients and residents.
“However, we are encouraging Boards and care homes to continue to apply this guidance with flexibility and compassion, given how important the Christmas and New Year period is for many families, to ensure no-one is unnecessarily isolated over the Christmas period. Essential visits should also continue regardless of local restrictions, as they have throughout the pandemic.
“In care homes this will be facilitated by testing of designated visitors, which will be rolled out to all care homes from Monday onwards. Testing is not required for visiting but it does add an additional layer of protection, and we will make PCR testing available for any care homes unable to make use of lateral flow tests before Christmas.
Visiting in care homes is subject to care homes being free of any COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days, actively participating in the care home testing programme and having visiting risk assessments approved by the local Director of Public Health.
As the nights draw-in and the lights begin to twinkle, join us online for a day full of free fun and creative activities for all the family, with readings, DrawAlongs, music and more!
Enjoy stories from Maggie O’Farrell, Alan Bissett and Nadine Aisha Jassat, put your pens to work with illustrator Eilidh Muldoon, hear music from Tinderbox Collective and experience tales written by our Citizen groups in North Edinburgh, Musselburgh and beyond!
Free and online on Saturday 12 December. Find out more:
People experiencing and at risk of homelessness battle extremely difficult circumstances every day and never more so than during this Covid-19 pandemic.
Research shows that if you’re rough sleeping in Scotland, your life expectancy is 47 years for a man and if you’re a woman, this decreases to 43 years.
The family of Arthur Williams are therefore well aware of how much of a miracle it is that, despite living on the streets of Leith for almost 30 years, he somehow managed to defy these odds.
Next month he will be 83 and he is currently living out his days with dignity and respect and being lovingly looked after in a care home. However, it took years of support and interventions to eventually get him to this point.
It also took years of tolerance, kindness and generosity from countless local businesses and good hearted Leith locals to keep him safe and alive for all those years sleeping rough.
It is for this reason that the family of Arthur Williams, on his behalf, want to give something back to the community of Leith, to say thank you for the years of support from the everyday people and good Samaritans who showed him enormous kindness.
It is hoped that this mural by the incredibly talented local artist Shona Hardie (shonahardie.com) will honour his legacy and bring some much needed cheer, in these dark days, to the people of Leith and to all who see it.
We are delighted and extremely honoured that Shona Hardie was willing to be involved and are touched at how committed she was to making this happen.
In addition we are grateful to Vue Art (vueart.co.uk) who collaborated with Shona Hardie to incorporate the homeless/mental health signposting artwork on the utility box situated below the mural.
We also want to thank Casa Amiga (casaamiga.co.uk) for granting permission to site the mural on the side of their premises on the most aptly named street – ‘Arthur Street’.
Throughout his life on the streets, Arthur Williams was known to Social Services, NHS Lothian and Police Scotland and was supported by them and the local homeless charity Streetwork (streetwork.org.uk) which is part of Simon Community Scotland (simonscotland.org).
It is hoped that this mural will serve as a reminder of the plight of people experiencing and at risk of homelessness and that the homeless/mental health signposting may be of use to anyone out there who needs it.
If you wish to make a donation to Streetwork, no matter how large or small, it will help make a difference through the work they deliver:
£1 pays for a warm drink a in safe place off the street
£5 pays for someone to have a hot shower and access to laundry.
£10 helps someone to become more employable – to find a route off the street.
£30 pays for a sleeping bag when all options for the night are exhausted.
£50 per month helps our outreach team reach and speak to vulnerable people on the street.
£150 provides ongoing support to someone in a situation of crisis, including access to health services.
We know that people can and do recover from homelessness. Individual support, linking people into the services they need and, above all, human kindness make a huge difference. Every day we are astounded by the resilience and tenacity of people to survive and find their way to a more positive future. Arthur Williams is a perfect example of this and embodies the motto of Leith – “Persevere”.
Jan Williamson, Assistant Director for Streetwork said, “We are so grateful to Arthur and his family for arranging this mural for the community of Leith, and for raising awareness of homelessness and mental health.
“The team at Streetwork were honoured to know Arthur and to have been part of his remarkable story, he is a real gentleman and a true Leith legend and this mural is a fitting tribute to him.”
Ben Macpherson MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith said: “This stunning mural is a really uplifting tribute to Arthur, who I know is doing well in his new home. The widespread positive response that the painting’s received already is testament to how much Arthur is loved by the community in Leith and beyond.
“It’s also testament to Shona Hardie’s magnificent artwork. What’s more, the generous donations that are being made to the family’s fundraising campaign, for Streetwork, emphasise that people want to help those in need where they can, like local people in Leith supported Arthur over the years, and our shared commitment and determination to tackle and prevent homelessness.”
