Month: November 2022

Gillespie Macandrew donates £40,000 to its charity partners

Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew has made a significant charitable donation of £40,000 to be shared between its two charity partners, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) and Alzheimer Scotland.

As part of its ESG programme, in each of the last 7 years Gillespie Macandrew has donated around 1% of the firm’s annual pre-tax profits to its partner charities.  In total this commitment has contributed over £210,000 to Scottish charitable causes. 

The firm’s charity partners are nominated and chosen by staff and supported through volunteering and other activities.  Last year Gillespie Macandrew began a three-year partnership with both ECHC and Alzheimer Scotland.

Robert Graham-Campbell, Chief Executive Officer at Gillespie Macandrew commented: “We are delighted to share the firm’s success with these two very important Scottish charities, particularly during a period of recessionary pressures for organisations and individuals.

Our practitioners deal with sensitive family matters every day and it is therefore very fitting that we support ECHC and Alzheimer Scotland who provide invaluable support to Scottish families.”

Victoria Buchanan, Deputy Director of Development at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, commented: “Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity is thrilled to receive this wonderful donation of £20,000! Being in hospital is tough for children but this donation will make things easier for them and their families.

“Through ECHC’s daily art activities, youth work and family programme on the wards, children can have fun and feel better supported to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

“We’d like to thank everyone at Gillespie Macandrew for their generous donation.”

Caroline Miller, Lead for Stakeholder Engagement at Alzheimer Scotland, commented: “We are so grateful to all of the people at Gillespie Macandrew for their continued support over the past year.

“People living with dementia and those who love them continue to be disproportionately affected by the legacy of the pandemic and the effects of the cost-of-living crisis so it’s vital that we continue to be there to make sure no one faces dementia alone.

“Gillespie Macandrew have made an incredible contribution during our partnership, raising over £40,000 which has all been used to support people living with dementia here in Scotland. Services supported include our network of Dementia Advisors who provide personal support, advice and advocacy and our Freephone 24 Hour helpline which is a lifeline for so many”.

Gillespie Macandrew has a long and proud history of supporting not for profit organisations and staff are given a paid day off each year to participate in charitable or corporate and social responsibility events.

The firm has offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth, advising clients on all areas of land and rural business, private client, commercial real estate, energy, tax and disputes, combining a personal approach with industry-leading expertise.

Winners of SkillBuild construction ‘skills Olympics’ announced

Skill Build Granton Campus Pic Peter Devlin

The winners of the SkillBuild National Finals 2022 have been announced, after nearly 80 construction trainees went head-to-head over three days.

SkillBuild, often dubbed the ‘skills Olympics’, is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) in partnership with WorldSkills UK and offers a chance for trainees to compete in a bid to be crowned winner of their chosen trade.

Following the Regional Qualifiers, which were held at various colleges across the UK earlier this year, the National Finals took place at Edinburgh College on 15 – 17 November. The event attracted roughly 1,000 school visitors from across Edinburgh and the Lothians, exhibiting the variety of skills and career opportunities available within the industry.

SkillBuild is the largest multi-trade competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices, and as competitors progress through each stage, they are tested on their technical abilities, time management, character, and commitment.

The competition is viewed by many as an opportunity to develop confidence, self-esteem, and life skills, along with the potential for the highest-scoring eligible competitors to join ‘Squad UK’ and compete internationally.

Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted to have been able to attend yet another year of SkillBuild, my favourite day in the calendar. It’s fantastic to meet all the talented individuals and hear about their career aspirations.

“It’s so important that we support this next generation of talent coming through to industry, encouraging them to pursue their passions and reach their full potential.

“It’s initiatives like SkillBuild that really make a huge difference and I’d like to thank everyone involved in making this year’s competition possible. Many congratulations to all the winners and everyone who competed, you should all be incredibly proud of yourselves.”

Ben Blackledge, Deputy Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “Congratulations to all the medal winners. It is a fantastic achievement, and we hope their success will inspire more people to consider an apprenticeship and technical training as a route to great career success.  

“Using insights gained from our competition-based programmes, we work with our partners to raise standards in training, helping to drive economic growth across the UK.”   

Audrey Cumberford, Edinburgh College Principal and CEO, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in what has been a wonderful week, a truly inspirational platform of talent from across the UK.

“It has been a privilege for us to host the WorldSkills UK National Finals with SkillBuild and to welcome so many people from colleges and training providers across the UK.

“We have seen an incredibly high standard of skills performance from all competitors, which will be of inspiration to the many young people we had through our doors to spectate. We hope this has opened many eyes to careers in the Construction sector, and indeed to the benefits of competing in skills events such as these.

“Congratulations to all the winners and medallists, and our thanks to all who have made this a fantastic experience for our College.”

The winners from SkillBuild are:

CITB Skill Build Pic Peter Devlin

Bricklaying

Gold – Jago Gamblin

Silver – James T-Coleman

Bronze – Shaun Baker


Carpentry

Gold – Andrew Elam

Silver – Ben Price

Bronze – Robin Luscombe

Highly Commended – Eliot Duff

Highly Commended – Osian James


Foundation Skills: Woodworking

Gold – Sam Johnson

Silver – Oliver Sayers

Bronze – Dantina Gillett

Highly Commended – Adam Szewc

Highly Commended – Matthew McCarthy


Furniture and Cabinet Making

Gold – Isaac Bingham

Silver – Conor Ellis

Joint Bronze – Ciaran Baggot & Thomas Knowles


Joinery

Gold – Harry Scolding

Silver – Jack Corner

Bronze – Dion Evans


Painting and Decorating

Gold – Jade Oakes

Silver – Hattie Parnham

Bronze – Jacqui Hawthorne

Highly Commended – Joshua Thompson

Highly Commended – Paul Mason


Plastering

Gold – Jordan McQuillan

Silver – Thomas Devine

Bronze – Joshua Woosnam

Highly Commended – Kieran Rowarth


Plastering and Drywall Systems

Gold – Zara Dupont

Silver – Hugh Treanor

Bronze – Prince Senyah

Highly Commended – Ben Henry

Highly Commended – Ashley Carragher


Roof Slating and Tiling

CITB Skill Build Pic Peter Devlin

Gold – Jordan Maley

Silver – Jacob Blight

Bronze – Kyron Sharlotte

Highly Commended – Aeron Murray


Stonemasonry

Gold – Luke Maher

Silver – Douglas Stevens

Bronze – Marlene Lagnado

Highly Commended – James Lewis


Wall and Floor Tiling

Gold – Conor Nugent

Silver – Morgan Nutt

Bronze – Aaron Brady


CITB would like to thank all the fantastic sponsors of this year’s SkillBuild, which include Alford Awards, Albion Stone, BAL, British Gypsum, Institute of Carpenters, Crown Paints, Dickies, Nicholls & Clarke, NFRC, Schluter, SPAX, Stone Federation, TARMAC, The Tile Association, The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers and Weber.

If you or someone you know is interested in taking part in next year’s competition, visit Go Construct for more information.

Pictures: Pete Devlin

Work begins on the new David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair development

David Lloyd Leisure, Europe’s leading health, fitness, and leisure group, has announced that work has begun on the much-anticipated David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair development, with the club opening in summer 2023.

Located in the new residential development area of Shawfair, Midlothian, which lies to the southeast of Edinburgh, the club will offer world-class health, fitness, racquets and spa facilities. David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair is anticipated to become a popular leisure destination for families as well as health and wellness enthusiasts in surrounding areas.

David Lloyd Leisure expects that the new club will generate up to 75 jobs, and the group said that it will explore opportunities to develop local community partnerships over the coming months. The development was granted planning approval in April 2021 following extensive consultation with the local community in 2020.

At the time of its planning approval, Midlothian Council officers said that “the proposal aligns with the masterplan principles for Shawfair to encourage sustainable, healthy lifestyles within a vibrant community”.

Construction began in October 2022, and the development phase is expected to generate more than £4 million for local subcontractors and companies and involve 50-60 construction jobs.

The centrepiece of the club will be the 100+ station gym, which will house David Lloyd Clubs’ cutting-edge gym concept with an unrivalled array of best-in-class equipment.  There will be three group exercise studios; a hi-tech indoor cycling studio, high impact studio and a Mind & Body studio.

There is also a Clubroom café bar with a family zone, an indoor soft play area for the younger ones, and a business hub. An outdoor patio area will offer a space for outdoor dining and drinking on warmer days and evenings.

Michelle Chambers-Cran, Regional Manager at David Lloyd Leisure, said: “We are excited to be starting work on David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair and to be one step closer to bringing this new family-friendly leisure destination to life next summer.

“We know that people of all generations will relish what the club has to offer, from the state-of-the-art gym, racquet and spa facilities to the clubroom and children’s activities.

“Our philosophy is to create incredible health and wellness spaces where family and friends can spend quality time together.

“We look forward to engaging with the local community as the development takes shape over the coming months and would encourage those who want to follow our progress to register on the website for updates.”

The club will have a 250-space carpark and is well-connected to Edinburgh and surrounding towns in Midlothian and East Lothian by nearby bus, rail and cycle links.

Those who are interested in following developments at David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair can register for updates at: https://www.davidlloyd.co.uk/clubs/edinburgh-shawfair/.

Hidden Door 2023 Venue Revealed

Hidden Door 2023 will be taking over the former Scottish Widows complex at 15 Dalkeith Road in Edinburgh for a five-day immersive event.

From 31 May to 4 June, audiences will be invited into the building to witness its transformation from an office space into a spectacular, atmospheric festival of music, performance and art.

The iconic building, made of a series of hexagonal shapes, was designed by the architect John Hardie Glover. Since it opened in 1976 it has hosted financial institutions, with Lloyds Banking Group moving out of the site in 2020. 

15 Dalkeith Road will provide the perfect blank canvas for the 2023 event, for which Hidden Door is planning something a little different. The maze of office and utility spaces in the six-acre site will host an incredible immersive event bringing together a whole range of art forms, including visual art, music, dance, and spoken word.

A series of ambitious collaborative projects produced by Hidden Door will see artists and performers from different disciplines working together to transform the vast interior. Audiences will be invited to journey deep into the building to seek out the performances and explore the artworks.

The full programme will be announced early next year, with a call for visual artists, dancers, musicians and spoken word performers to get involved.

David Martin, Creative Director of Hidden Door, said: “This is the sort of building I’ve always dreamed about taking over for Hidden Door. It has a sort of ‘Tardis’ quality – although it does look pretty big from the outside, nothing quite prepares you for the expanse of spaces on the inside – you really could get lost in there!

“Every time we consider an empty building in Edinburgh we ask ourselves what we could do with it, and this one presents us with the opportunity to do something quite different. We will commission a series of projects that will see artists working with musicians, dancers, set designers, lighting artists and sound designers, all creating a series of experiential theatrical environments throughout the building for our audience to discover. We really are aiming for high impact next year!”

Hidden Door are working in partnership with Schroders Capital’s Real Estate team and Corran Properties, who are leading the redevelopment proposals for the site. Redevelopment of the property is planned with proposals to revitalise the building as a leading example of a sustainable urban workspace with new residential accommodation, set within a stunning landscape setting.

Rebecca Gates, Head of UK Asset Management, Schroders Capital’s Real Estate team, said: “Ahead of looking to breathe new life into this very important building, we are delighted to support Hidden Door Festival’s wonderful proposals to transform the vacant space into a temporary cultural arts venue which can be enjoyed by the public.”

A limited release of Early Bird Tickets are now available via hiddendoorarts.org/tickets or from Citizen Ticket.

Once the full programme is announced, ticket holders will be able to select which days they would like to attend.

Hidden Door 2023 is supported by Baillie Gifford and other generous partners and sponsors.

The organisers are working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and other organisations to ensure the event will be safe and compliant.

Flash flood plans should touch on surface risks, Localis report warns

Responsibility for tackling the growing prevalence of flash surface flooding should be gripped by central and local government to prevent needless damage to property and human misery, the think-tank Localis has argued.

In a report published today entitled ‘Surface Tensions – working together against flash flooding’ the place experts argued the connection between increased urbanisation and surface water risk demand greater coordination between the public sector, developers and wider society.

The study found the separation of roles and responsibilities for managing and forecasting the impact flood risk are fragmented between a slew of government departments, agencies and local bodies, resulting in confusion when flooding does occur.

Of particular note, the report found that minor developments comprising nine houses or less, infill or permitted development – are aggregating the risk of surface flooding across an area, without a legal requirement to provide sustainable drainage. Official figures for the year to June 2022 show that 35,000 dwellings received planning decisions from local authorities where more than one percent of homes are already at risk of flooding as part of minor developments.

Given that 73% of minor development applications were approved across England in the same period, this could mean as many as 25,550 new homes built in areas that are already at risk of flash flooding, increasing pressure on infrastructure.

Among its key recommendations to reduce risk of surface flooding from climate change, Localis calls for the creation of a strong strategic planning authority with power for force national and local risk management authorities, such as the Environment Agency, Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) to work closely together and link up policy.

The report also calls for stronger collaboration between developers, landowners, LLFAs and central government agencies to understand and manage flood risk and resilience, and for this to be encouraged and incentivised across all new developments.

Localis Visiting Fellow, Professor Samer Bagaeen, said: “To tackle surface flooding, the next revision of the National Planning Policy Framework must require Local Plans to demonstrate how lead local flood authorities have assessed aggregate risk across the whole area, as well as how flood impacts will avoided, controlled, mitigated, and managed.

“And at the level of place, for infrastructure and procurements concerning flooding, lead local flood authorities should move away from human-engineered barriers and toward natural drainage systems that work to slow the flow of surface water and relieve pressure on sewers.”

Joe Fyans, Localis head of research, said: “As the UK is experiencing extremely wet days – more days of heavy summer rainfall on impermeable ground as well as a significant increase in heavy winter rainfalls – we are seeing an unsurprising increase the incidence of surface water flooding.

“How we go about funding this will be crucial. Central government would be best advised to pproduce a comprehensive flood infrastructure funding programme that is less restrictive and targeted toward places most at risk, while also encouraging ‘bottom-up’ practice by streamlining the funding process for smaller, district or community-based projects.”

Martin Milliner, claims director at LV= General Insurance, said: “As an insurer we see first-hand the very real and devastating impact flooding has on people’s lives. While we know the building of more homes is necessary to combat the housing crisis, the country is becoming less resilient to more extreme weather, and we must look at the future impacts this will have on our homes.

“The report highlights significant issues that continue to put an ever-increasing number of communities at risk, and it’s crucial that property developers, insurers and local authorities work together to tackle this important issue.”

“With the creation of our Flood-Proof Home of the Future we want to draw attention to the impact flooding could have on this country in 50 years, by showcasing the extreme features homes of the future may need to have to guard against flood risk.

“With the installation of such sophisticated flood proofing practically and financially out of the question for most homeowners, it’s more important than ever we work to combat the problem before such extreme measures are necessary.”

051_SurfaceTensions_AWKDownload

The Women’s Fund for Scotland celebrates investing £3million to organisations across Scotland

  • The Women’s Fund for Scotland has so far invested around £3 million to over 640 groups and is the only sex and gender specific grant maker in Scotland
  • Almost 1,000 life-changing grants have been made by The Women’s Fund for Scotland
  • 42,967 women and girls have benefited from The Women’s Fund for Scotland funding

The Women’s Fund for Scotland (WFS), a charity created to help girls and women across Scotland, has released its 2022 Impact Report.

The report details the way WFS has been able to inspire and empower women across the past 20 years to help them overcome inequalities that affected their freedom, health, income, pay and power.

Founded in 2002, WFS is the only gender-specific grant maker in Scotland and the report highlights that to date, it has invested around £3 million in over 640 groups helping almost 43,000 women and girls. The work of the fund has helped to create 48 social enterprises and the grants have supported 65 women to become self-employed.

The report highlights many examples of the life-changing impact support from the fund has had on women from all walks of life in Scotland.

The fund has helped and supported a wide range of groups across Scotland from a textile training project, partnerships with Glasgow Girls Football Club and the Women’s Business Station, supporting Deaf Link to develop a tailored service to meet the needs of deaf women and girls experiencing abuse, to the “Followitapp”, a digital resource for women being stalked that is accessible through the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre.

One user of the app described how it has helped her record incidents, and feel like she doesn’t have to have the evidence of her stalker in her home:

“I never felt safe. I was at breaking point. When the App didn’t exist, I wrote things down. I would get to the stage where I didn’t want to write it down anymore. I didn’t want it lying about my house. It was just a constant reminder of my stalker. I just wanted to forget about it all.

“In the App, the time and date are already there for you, and it’s a lot quicker. You don’t need to fill in all the information there and then. I filled the rest in when I got to a safe place.”

Sue Robertson, Chair of the Women’s Fund for Scotland, says: “Our impact report provides the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of the important work that The Women’s Fund for Scotland supports. 

“In Scotland you are never more than 50 miles away from an organisation funded by the Women’s Fund for Scotland, and more than 42,000 girls and women have benefited from our funding. This is something we are extremely proud of and hope to build upon in the coming years.”

Shona Blakeley, Executive Director at The Women’s Fund for Scotland adds: “We are extremely proud of all the support we have been able to offer over the years.

“However, this is only possible thanks to our supporters, and we rely on their generosity and kind donations. For those who would like to donate, you can do so via our JustGiving page – https://www.justgiving.com/womensfundforscotland”

The full impact report can be found here:- 

ImpactReport2022_compressedDownload

https://www.womensfundscotland.org/project-stories/impact-report-2022/

Miles Briggs: Homeless emergency across Edinburgh and the Lothians

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs, has called on SNP Ministers to declare a homeless emergency across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

At General Questions in the Scottish Parliament yesterday, Miles Briggs MSP asked Ben Macpherson MSP, Minister for Social Security and Local Government “Will he today now act and declare a homeless emergency here in the capital?”

Figures release on Wednesday showed that the number of estimated homeless deaths across Lothian had increased dramatically over the last three years.

Across Lothian estimated homeless deaths have gone from 26 in 2019, to 41 in 2020 to 63 in 2021. [Figures below]

The number of homeless applications has significantly increased over the last three years with 8,165 applications across East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian and West Lothian in the quarter ending 30th September 2021, compared to 6,334 applications for the quarter ending 30th September 2019. [Figures below]

There has been an unprecedented number of children living in temporary accommodation in East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian and West Lothian. Across Lothian 2,990 children were living in temporary accommodation at 31st March 2022, this compares to 2,140 children living in temporary accommodation at 31st March 2019. [Figures below]

Lothian list MSP Miles Briggs, who is the Conservative candidate for Edinburgh Southern, said: “The number of people who have died while homeless here in the capital has increased by nearly 150 percent over the last four years.

“Shelter Scotland have said the situation pointed towards public services failing people and a broken housing system.

“It is simply not acceptable, and Edinburgh City Council do not have the resources to deliver a solution.”

These figures come from the data section of the publication : Homeless Deaths 2021 | National Records of Scotland (nrscotland.gov.uk)

 
 
Area201920202021 
Identified deathsEstimated deathsEstimated death rate (per million population)Identified deathsEstimated deathsEstimated death rate (per million population)Identified deathsEstimated deathsEstimated death rate (per million population) 
Scotland17321652.221525661.922225060.4
City of Edinburgh172151.3283380.13944105.5
East Lothian000.04560.03342.6
Midlothian3454.91117.41011164.2
West Lothian119.12217.34532.7
Lothian (total)2126 3541 5663  
 
Table 6a: Open homeless applications by local authority
Back to contents
201920202021Comparing 30 Sept 2020 with 30 Sept 2021
31-Mar30-Jun30-Sep31-Dec31-Mar30-Jun30-Sep31-Dec31-Mar30-Jun30-SepNumber%
Scotland21,575 21,674 22,458 22,074 22,907 25,650 27,036 25,331 24,835 25,370 26,001-1,035-4%
East Lothian704 688 663 658 676 687 728 733 746 768 789618%
Edinburgh3,350 3,607 3,818 3,859 4,112 4,478 4,732 4,860 4,933 5,132 5,1474159%
Midlothian904 846 878 856 849 862 920 870 810 769 738-182-20%
West Lothian1,035 881 975 821 851 1,023 1,152 1,129 1,216 1,374 1,49133929%

Castle Street Christmas Market bursts into festive life tomorrow

Coming up this Saturday, Castle Street Christmas Market, run by LocalMotive Markets is once again making a festive splash with a wealth of artisan, bespoke ethical and fair trade products, handcrafted gifts and seasonal foodie & drink delights.

Set just below the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle looking onto Princes Street – now in its 15th year – the Christmas market with its distinctive festive gazebos, will be running for four weeks from the 26 November until the 23 December, with new exhibitors joining every week. 

This year ice skating, funfair rides and a whole lot of festive activities are taking place across the city and LocalMotive Markets are excited to be running two beautiful  Christmas Markets at Castle Street as well Ocean Terminal. *See dates below for Ocean Terminal.

Tania Pramschufer, director of LocalMotive Markets said: “We are seeing some amazing talent coming through – and this year with twenty stalls, we have “Loved by Bridget” handmade pebble art and upcycled items made by Lisa from Leven – who has a real passion for all things coastal.

“Also Borders based, Bowbrook Studios making exquisite collectible figurines with everything from farm animals to otters and discover Leanme Art Studio – artist Arias Deniz’s colourful sketches and paintings of Edinburgh streets and houses as well as jewellery.”

 “We have built a strong market following from all the artists, producers and local people involved. We are inviting our festive visitors to browse and enjoy our market with the opportunity to buy some unique and affordable gifts  – for example Gecko Gifts; Frangipani Toby Jewels, Floraidh Soaps, Gamries Candles and 100% Cards, and authentic Sicilian confectionery by Tipico, a sumptuous range of cheeses from Damn Fine Cheese and out of this world delicious range of chilli jams from Slaped Toasties…..

“Come and join us at our markets and take time to chat to the makers directly, as they each have a terrific story to tell about how they got started – some family run businesses, some part-time creativity or a new life venture – they all have some truly amazing stories to tell. Maybe they will inspire you to become a maker too.

Let the festivities begin!

Health Secretary launches NHS Scotland’s winter campaign

People across Scotland are being encouraged to include health as part of their festive preparations so that seasonal illnesses can be managed well at home. It is hoped that by following the tips and advice in the ‘Healthy Know How’ campaign the public will enjoy the festivities without having to seek health advice unless it is urgent or an emergency.

Humza Yousaf, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care launched the ‘Healthy Know How’ winter campaign at NHS 24’s newest contact centre in Hillington, Glasgow.

Meeting staff at NHS 24, Mr Yousaf said healthy know how can help us stay well this winter: “Nobody wants to be unwell, especially over the festive holidays, and these few simple steps can help everyone manage common illnesses and avoid the need to interrupt the festivities with a trip to the pharmacy or GP.

“This is going to be the most challenging winter for our health service, and a lot of the ailments for which people access out-of-hours care can be easily managed at home. NHS 24’s 111 service is always busy over the holiday period, but roughly a third of calls to 111 result in safe, self-care advice at home.

“If this campaign can encourage people to care for common seasonal conditions at home, that will leave our frontline services free to help those with more serious conditions.

“By taking a few simple steps we can all do our bit to help support our health services this winter.”

Healthy know how tips to keep well this winter include:

Details on the Healthy Know How campaign and the full range of winter health advice can be found here – www.nhsinform.scot/winter

Cabinet Secretary for Health launches NHS Scotland’s winter campaign People across Scotland are being encouraged to include health as part of their festive preparations so that seasonal illnesses can be managed well at home. It is hoped that by following the tips and advice in the ‘Healthy Know How’ campaign the public will enjoy the festivities without having to seek health advice unless it is urgent or an emergency. Humza Yousaf, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care launched the ‘Healthy Know How’ winter campaign at NHS 24’s newest contact centre in Hillington, Glasgow. L/R Pic Peter Devlin

No Ruined Stone: Paul Duke’s Muirhouse exhibition opens tomorrow

Paul Duke: No Ruined Stone
26 November 2022 – 19 February 2023
City Art Centre, 2 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE
Free Admission

This November, the City Art Centre opens a new exhibition of street photography by the artist Paul Duke depicting contemporary life in the Muirhouse area of Edinburgh.

Paul Duke: No Ruined Stone features 38 large-scale black and white photographs documenting the built environment and residents of Muirhouse. It is accompanied by a short film by Julian Ward, in which Paul Duke talks about his work and the experience of creating the series.

This is the first time No Ruined Stone has been displayed as a full-scale exhibition, bringing the photographs back to the artist’s home city.

Paul Duke grew up in Muirhouse, in the north of Edinburgh, between the mid-1960s and early 1980s. He attended the local Craigroyston High School, where his teachers inspired him to consider art as a possible future career. Drawn to photography, he enrolled at Napier College (now Edinburgh Napier University), before gaining a place to study at the Royal College of Art in London. From here, he established himself as a lens-based artist.

In 2015 Duke returned to Muirhouse to develop No Ruined Stone. This series was conceived as the second part of a photographic trilogy by Duke which examines the social climate in modern-day Scotland. It takes its name from the poetry of the Scots writer Hugh MacDiarmid. For No Ruined Stone, the artist spent time meeting local people and talking with them; reconnecting with his roots and exploring how the Muirhouse community had changed since his own upbringing there.

The exhibition at the City Art Centre presents a selection of 38 photographs from No Ruined Stone. It features views of homes and other architectural structures, surrounded by elements of the natural world. Portraits of local residents punctuate the otherwise unpopulated setting, giving a sense of the community’s identity – something that is too often misrepresented in popular culture and elsewhere.

Duke’s understated yet powerful images depict Muirhouse at a time of significant urban regeneration and social flux. While raising issues around social inequality and poverty, No Ruined Stone is underpinned by a message of human resilience, strength of character, and ultimately, hope.

Paul Duke said: “When I started work on No Ruined Stone in 2015, my greatest wish was to create a narrative that gave voice to the residents of Muirhouse – to challenge misrepresentation by portraying the community and local environment with honesty, fairness and dignity.

“I wanted to offer personal insight and in doing so, address pressing questions around social injustice. With millions of people up and down the land dealing with the cost of living crisis, I believe that these photographs have taken on new meaning and are now more relevant than ever.

Curator Dr Helen Scott said: It’s been a real privilege to work with Paul Duke on bringing this exhibition to the City Art Centre.

“No Ruined Stone is an important body of work that is both hard-hitting and reflective, socially-engaged and highly personal. There is heart and truth in these photographs, and the images linger with you long after you’ve seen them.

Councillor Val Walker, Convener of Culture and Communities, said: “We are delighted to present Edinburgh’s own Paul Duke: No Ruined Stone at the City Art Centre.

“His wonderful photographs will be on display for the first time as a full-scale exhibition and I’m sure visitors will be captivated by the series on contemporary life in the Muirhouse area of the Capital and the changes in the community.

“The aim of our City Art Centre is to champion historic and contemporary Scottish visual and applied arts, so I’m delighted that we can display Paul’s work in his home city.”

The exhibition is accompanied by the publication Paul Duke: No Ruined Stone (Hartmann Books, 2018).

Paul Duke: No Ruined Stone opens on Saturday 26 November 2022, and runs until 19 February 2023. Admission is free.