06/12/2022 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Police appeal following attempted robbery in city centre

Police are appealing for information following an attempted robbery in the city centre. The incident happened around 4.15pm on Saturday, 3 December, on Mound Place.

A 44-year-old man was on his KTM motorbike travelling on Mound Place towards Princes Street stopped in traffic next to a stationary Lothian Bus when he was knocked off by a man.

The suspect tried to take the motorbike but an unknown member of the public came to the aid of the motorcyclist. The suspect then made off with three other males who had come from the direction of the galleries on the Mound.

The motorcyclist was not injured. Officers are keen to trace the suspects, the member of the public who helped at the scene, and anyone either on the bus or passing by who may have seen what happened.

The first suspect, who attempted to steal the motorbike, is described as aged around 16 to 20, around 5ft 9ins and of slim build. He was wearing a black and grey Nike hoodie, dark grey joggers, black Nike trainers and a black balaclava.

The second suspect is also described as aged 16 to 20, around 5ft 7ins, and of slim build. He was wearing similar clothes to the first suspect with white trainers and a balaclava.

The third suspect is described as around 10-years-old, around 5ft and of slim build with blonde, mousey brown hair. He was wearing a light grey track suit.

The fourth suspect is described as 16 to 20-years-old, around 5ft 9ins and stockier than the others. He was wearing a red and blue puffer style jacket, light grey joggers and no socks.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait said: “Fortunately no one was injured but this was a dangerous and foolhardy act in busy traffic in an area at a time of day when a lot of people were around.

“We are keen to trace the member of the public who helped the motorcyclist as they are likely to have vital information that could assist with our investigation.

“We are asking anyone in the area at the time which was busy with people shopping, travelling and going to the Christmas market to get in touch if they saw what happened or saw the suspects before or after the incident.

“Likewise, anyone who was on the stationary bus who can help is also asked to contact us.”

Anyone who can help should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2424 of Saturday, 3 December, 2022, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Paws for thought: Give a gift with meaning this Christmas

Charity launches cards that will help pets in need

Christmas is just around the corner and as living costs soar, a 24% increase in searches for ‘thoughtful Christmas gifts’ suggests that people are moving away from expensive material presents this festive season.

PDSA, the UK’s largest veterinary charity, has revealed its customisable charity donation Christmas cards, providing the perfect choice for those looking to give a present with meaning this year. By gifting a card from the adorable animal-themed range, you’ll be helping PDSA to deliver treatments to hundreds of thousands of poorly pets nationwide, keeping families together this winter.

Not only are there several card designs to choose from, you can also decide how much you wish to donate, with gifts starting from £10.

‘It’s Christmas’, available from pdsapetstore.org.uk

A dog in a boxDescription automatically generated with low confidence

‘Fleas Navidad’, available from pdsapetstore.org.uk

A picture containing text, businesscard, envelopeDescription automatically generated

‘Happy Christmas Dawg’, available from pdsapetstore.org.uk

A book with a dog on itDescription automatically generated with low confidence

‘Happy X-Mouse’, available from pdsapetstore.org.uk

A picture containing text, businesscardDescription automatically generated

‘Merry Christmas’, available from pdsapetstore.org.uk

Text, letterDescription automatically generated

‘Not a creature was stirring’, available from pdsapetstore.org.uk

A picture containing textDescription automatically generated

PDSA relies on donations to deliver life-saving treatment to tens of thousands of pets across its 48 Pet Hospitals in the UK.

To keep families together this winter, the charity is urgently calling on the public’s support to prevent vulnerable people having to make truly heart-breaking decisions.

To find out more about PDSA’s vital work during the cost of living crisis, or to donate, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/costoflovingcrisis

Bingham artist Elle joined by local councillors for launch of new community cookbook

A student from Bingham has been supported by a local project to create a cookbook for her community

Earlier this year, Elle Slow-Clayton (19) was considering her future when a knock at the door would lead her to start a project that would use her creative skills and links with the local community as a force for good.

At that door was Erin, a member of the team from Community Renewal: Lifting Neighbourhoods Together – a local project being delivered in the Bingham, Magdalene and the Hays neighbourhoods. After speaking with Elle for 5 minutes, Erin discovered she was an aspiring artist with lots of love for her neighbours. After a few more chats, Elle decided to create a cookbook with, and for the community.

Elle describes why she wanted to create the cookbook: “I was studying art and design at the time and wanted to channel my energies into something. When Erin knocked on my door – it was like fate.

“I have lived round here my whole life and I know and love this community so much. People round here are so friendly, but some are isolated and there are families who are struggling right now. So, I wanted to create something that was fun, accessible and affordable, and that led me to the cookbook idea.

“I issued a callout and people came forward and shared their recipes. I was keen that the recipes were affordable and that they were easy to make for elderly residents or residents with disabilities who love to cook but have been impaired in some way.

“I also wanted to get the kids involved, so I have included pages which they can add recipes or drawings or whatever they want. Plus, I wanted to use my creative skills, so I have illustrated the book throughout.”

Erin Smith from Community Renewal: Lifting Neighbourhoods Together adds why this is the type of project they are keen to support: ““Our role is to bring residents and people who work with and for the community together to improve quality of life for everyone.

“When we met Elle, her enthusiasm, talent, and love for the area was obvious, and we are proud to have empowered her to realise her vision for the area.

“This is a community-driven project with support from us and other funders like City of Edinburgh Council and Places for People. Now the book is complete, we are giving it out in the Hays Community Pantry, which we co-run with Places for People. The pantry provides affordable or free ingredients that can be used to make the recipes in this book.”

Elle was joined by two local councillors at yesterday’s launch. Cllr Jane Meagher was full of praise for the project: “It’s wonderful that someone so young is doing something so positive for her local community.

“I am delighted to support her in any way I can.”

Cllr. Kate Campbell SNP added: “During these extremely challenging times, to see a project created by the community, for the community is truly inspirational.

“I hope to be trying out a few recipes myself.”

The cookbook will be given out to most residents via the Pantry and by the Community Renewal team. As for Elle, she is now studying a HND in illustration, but says she will continue to collaborate with Community Renewal:

“I love my community, so I want to continue to be part of this project. I have already helped at events such as a community BBQ and I’m excited to talk to locals about what they want to see happen next.”

My Land, My Story: School film showcased at National Gallery

A FILM created by Aberdeenshire pupils has been displayed at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art after the school won a national competition.

Pupils from Kemnay Academy travelled to the capital to watch a film they created on local land being projected onto the museum after being announced as winners of the Scottish Land Commission’s MyLand.Scot ‘My Land, My Story’ campaign.

The film told the story of the area around Kemnay Quarry and the transformation the land has seen in the past, present and future – from producing granite that was used in the Scottish Parliament Building and Forth Road Bridge, to becoming a community and educational space.

Dexter Cook, a 16-year-old pupil from the school, said: “Creating the film has been a brilliant experience. It’s been fascinating to learn about our local land and get creative to showcase its use.

“The highlight was actually winning the competition. Everyone is extremely proud to have seen our film projected onto the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and it was such a fun day travelling to Edinburgh as a class for the event.”

The ‘My Land, My Story’ competition was launched by the Scottish Land Commission as part of its MyLand.Scot campaign in connection with Visit Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 to raise awareness among the younger generations about the range of positive ways land can be used and reused around the country.

Kemnay Academy received a £500 grant from the Scottish Land Commission to create their film on the Kemnay Quarry, which saw the school’s Environmental Sciences and Media Studies classes combine to bring the project to life.

Land Reform Minister Mairi McAllan said: “Scotland’s land is a precious national resource that is fundamental to our economy, our environment, our wellbeing and our just transition to net zero.

“It also forms an important part of our history and culture – as demonstrated by Kemnay Academy in their impressive film. I offer my congratulations to the young winners for this excellent achievement.

“Scotland already has a long history of land reform, with the statutory Community Right to Buy, the Scottish Land Commission and the Scottish Land Fund empowering people across the country to benefit from the ownership and use of local assets.

“Through our ambitious new Land Reform Bill we will support this existing work to encourage and support responsible and diverse landownership – and create more opportunities for people and communities to determine how land in their area is used.”

MyLand.Scot is an online initiative which aims to highlight ways in which Scotland’s land is owned, used and managed. From social media-savvy farmers to communities transforming derelict land into gardens, the project uses case studies to showcase positive examples of land use around the country.

Hamish Trench, Chief Executive of the Scottish Land Commission, said: “Pupils at Kemnay Academy have been incredibly creative in demonstrating ways in which young people in Scotland can engage in conversations around land use.

“It was exciting to see their production centre stage at the National Gallery of Modern Art and we hope that projects like this will continue to encourage young people to think of land in creative ways and encourage in conversations around Scottish land.”

The Scottish Land Commission works to create a Scotland where everybody can benefit from the ownership and use of the nation’s land and buildings.

For more information on MyLand.Scot visit: https://myland.scot

For more information on Visit Scotland’s ‘Year of Stories’ visit:

https://www.visitscotland.com/about/themed-years/stories/

Edinburgh homeless charity welcomes support from Amazon

An Edinburgh charity that aims to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness has received a £3,000 donation from the team at Amazon Development Centre Scotland in Edinburgh.

The donation was made to Cyrenians, a homelessness organisation with over 50 year’s experience supporting those excluded from Home, Work, Family and Community. Since its formation, the charity has worked with thousands of people facing homelessness to help them towards more positive futures.

Cyrenians understand there are many routes into homelessness and that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to supporting people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. From their residential homes to their work ensuring dignified access to food, to their family mediation and outreach work, Cyrenians are there for those who need them.

Amazon’s donation will help Cyrenians to provide vital supplies to those living in their residential communities, such as new bedding, hygiene products and more.

Speaking on the donation, Oliver Masting, Managing Director at Amazon Development Centre Scotland, said: “Cyrenians helps thousands of people every year in our city so we’re very pleased to support the impactful work the charity does.

“With the current cost of living crisis, the services provided by the Cyrenians staff and volunteers are needed now, more than ever, and we hope that this donation helps them to continue their invaluable work.”

Nicole LeBlond, Community Manager from Cyrenians, added: “I would like to say thank you on behalf of our team at Cyrenians for Amazon’s donation. Support like this enables us to keep offering help and guidance for people in our community who are impacted by homelessness, and we really appreciate this gesture from Amazon.”

Cyrenians received the donation as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities in and around its operating locations across the UK.

Edinburgh College of Art students unveil festive decorations collection at The George Hotel

Students from Edinburgh College of Art have unveiled a stunning new collection of luxury, sustainable festive decorations at InterContinental Edinburgh The George today.

The decorations were the result of a partnership between the city-centre hotel and BA (Hons) Textiles students who immersed themselves in the history of Edinburgh, the New Town, and the Georgian era when the hotel was built, to inspire their decorations that will now adorn the magnificent Christmas tree in the hotel’s luxurious lobby.

Following a visit to the hotel in October, the students drew from different aspects of the hotel décor and furnishings, emboldening their creations.

Inspired by the tales of literary greats, who were once guests in the Georgian townhouse, one student beautifully crafted a portrait of Robert Burns, fashioned from tweed and tartan it features intricate beadwork and hand embroidery.

Scottish fine cashmere, wool and accessories luxury brand, Johnstons of Elgin, provided off-cuts for the partnership, which spotlighted the best young UK design talent and emphasised the hotel’s commitment to sustainability.

Student, Anna Reid, said: “It was fascinating to work on a live brief and get the opportunity to learn about the Georgian era.

“My final design took inspiration from the hotel’s mirrors, windows and archways, to create patterns with delicate embellishments on the gorgeous Scottish fabrics.”

Stephanie Lee, Director of Sales at InterContinental Edinburgh The George, added: “We’re thrilled the students found this such a valuable experience and the result is really impressive.

“We’re very proud of our Georgian heritage and it was wonderful to be able to share this with the next bright young minds and see their interpretations come to life in this collection which is now a centre point for our guests to enjoy this winter.”

School children to get a ‘smart start’ to the New Year thanks to the Leith Collective’s free uniform exchange

With the cost of living crisis weighing heavily upon people’s minds and the expense of Christmas adding up, many people are understandably worried about how they will afford to pay for even basic essentials in January. And so, one local Community Interest Company is acting now to alleviate that anxiety with the launch of their free unform exchange.

Taking place at The Leith Collective stores in Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird as well as the Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre, the ‘Smart Start’ initiative will see locals donate good quality school uniforms to those in need. Items will be available for anyone to collect completely free of charge, no questions asked.

Speaking ahead of the launch, The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson said; “Kids grow so quickly. Parents tend to buy a whole new uniform at the start of the school year in August and often find their child has already outgrown it by the Christmas break.

“Yet these uniforms are often still in perfectly good condition and could easily do another child a turn. Our Smart Start initiative aims to make it as easy as possible for people to donate their unwanted uniforms, so that someone in need can make use of them.”

The unform exchange is not only a practical response to the cost of living crisis, but also to the climate crisis – a cause which lies at the heart of The Leith Collective. As Sara Thomson explains; “Smart Start is a sustainable solution that aims to keep quality clothes out of landfill and in use for longer, thus promoting a circular economy and helping to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry.”

The Smart Start uniform exchange comes just a few months after the launch of The Leith Collective’s winter coat exchange which has received an overwhelming response, with over 1,000 coats donated and collected by locals so far.

People can donate and collect garments at The Leith Collective in Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird, and the St Enoch Centre during opening hours. No tights or socks can be accepted but all other good quality uniform items are welcome.

Community Christmas Carols on the Waterfront

WEDNESDAY 14th DECEMBER from 6 – 7.30pm

Get into the festive spirit with some free mulled wine and mince pies at our carol concert organised with @edinburghcoll next Wednesday from 6pm to 7.30pm at Granton Station Square, Waterfront Broadway.

Family Fund open for applications

As the cost of living crisis deepens, families in Scotland raising disabled, or seriously ill children, on low incomes have the chance to secure critical support from a national charity.

Family Fund, the UK’s largest grant-making charity for families with disabled and seriously ill children, provides essential items for families including kitchen appliances, clothing, bedding, play and sensory equipment and family breaks.

Last year, it delivered over 170,919 grants and services, worth over £37 million, to families on low incomes across the UK.

Thanks to ongoing funding from the Scottish Government, the charity can continue to support families across Scotland.

With winter approaching this is timely help, as a recent Cost of caring report by Family Fund shows that nine in 10 families are struggling, or falling behind with their regular household bills and many are forced to forego living essentials such as food, heating, basic furniture like beds, flooring, washing machines and fridges, to try to make ends meet.

In the latest poll of UK families in September, almost 60% reported an average increase in household bills of £124 a month. On top of this their average monthly food bill has gone up by £189 over the year.

Cheryl Ward, Chief Executive of Family Fund, said: “We urge eligible families in Scotland to come forward with an application to secure help through these difficult winter months.

“Our research shows it costs three times as much to bring up a disabled child as other children, with many families unable to increase their income due to round-the-clock caring responsibilities.

“As prices continue to rise and winter approaches, many families tell us they are gravely worried about how they will survive the coming months.

“Family Fund is here for support now so please come forward to apply.”

Reece’s story:

Six-year-old Reece has autism and lives in Glasgow, with his mother, Olivia, and older brother, Justice, 20.

Olivia explains: “When Reece was younger, he had speech and developmental delay and was diagnosed as autistic at the age of three. Now that Reece is six years old, he’s still behind in his development. Reece can repeat what others say and he does understand what people mean but he can’t speak his own words yet. Additionally, he is still behind with his toileting as he continues to wear nappies.

“Reece attends a specialist school. They’re helping him a lot to better his understanding and to engage more. Generally, Reece enjoys school except when it’s noisy. He has sensory issues so he dislikes certain loud sounds.

“Reece finds it frustrating that we currently live in a flat without a garden. The lack of space is hindering his development since he loves the outdoors. He really enjoys jumping and swinging. When we’re outside he likes collecting sticks. Reece also likes to spin a lot and even though he can’t speak, he still makes sounds from his mouth, so people often stare but I try to explain his condition to people as much as I can.

“At the moment, I receive two days of respite care which I use to study for my degree.

“The cost of living crisis has greatly impacted the cost of my bills. We haven’t been able to afford other things as much as we used to. I can barely buy a full basket of food nowadays so I have to improvise my cooking. Sometimes I have to leave myself out of the meal and just eat snacks so that my children can eat.”

How Family Fund has helped

Olivia said: “Family Fund is very helpful, especially to families on a low income. Without the grants we wouldn’t be able to afford things so important to a child’s development.

“We received a sensory grant which we used to buy a colour changing bubble machine which Reece loves. It helps to calm him down.

“We also received a fridge freezer grant. Our old fridge was broken and too small. The grant from Family Fund allowed us to buy a newer, and bigger, fridge which was better for our family. Without the grant we would have had to wait a long time to get a new one.

“The most recent grant we received was a Haven family break grant [that] gave us a chance to get away on holiday to the seaside which Reece loves a lot. The Haven site has a lot of activities to do all under one roof. The break gave us peace of mind and it was beautiful to see Reece happy and calm. He was so content with everything around him.”

Eligible families in Scotland are encouraged to apply as soon as possible by visiting Grants: Scotland | Family Fund or calling 01904 550055