Day: June 12, 2023

Portobello Beach Safety Markers

The City of Edinburgh Council installed location markers at Portobello Beach as part of a beach safety partnership with the Edinburgh Police Division and Maritime and Coastguard Agency in April 2021.

Numbered signs 1-6 have been attached to existing beach defence groynes and yellow circular signs to the sea wall. The emergency services can use these numbered markers to plot your location in an emergency.

Marker 1 – Pipe Lane

Marker 2 – Bath Street

Marker 3 – Bellfield Street

Marker 4 – John Street

Marker 5 – Bedford Terrace

Marker 6 – End of the promenade at Joppa Road

The signage has been used numerous times over the last few years, including search & rescue incidents.

Feedback from emergency responders and partner agencies has been very positive: “The numbered signs worked well, giving a direct place to attend, which in my view, saved vital minutes in our attendance.”

Please stay safe on our coastline. Further information on water safety can be found with our RNLI partners at https://ow.ly/txu250OLkfM

In a coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

#RespectTheWater

Sign up for the final consultation events for Leith parks this month

There’s still time to sign up for our final events that are looking at plans for 6 parks in Leith! 🌿

We are holding further events with updated designs – come along to have your say! 🌳

📅In-person event: Thursday 15th June, 6pm-7.30pm, Duncan Place Community Hub

💻Online event: Tuesday 20th June, 6pm-7.30pm – this will be on Microsoft Teams (link sent to attendees)

📧Booking is essential: email thrivinggreenspaces@edinburgh.gov.uk to book your place

The City of Edinburgh Council

Scottish Wildlife Trust

Greenspace Scotland

Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust

Summer dangers: Vet lists three things that could put your pet at risk

“Summer is an exciting time of the year, and often means more time spent outdoors. However, while many of us can’t wait to bask in the warmer weather, it’s crucial for pet owners to keep in mind that a new season means new risks for four-legged friends”, says PDSA Vet, Lynne James:

  1. Beware of the BBQ

“While we may enjoy the sunshine and take delight in an opportunity to cook up a storm outdoors, there are lots of things pet owners should be aware of when organising a summer barbecue. One thing to be wary of is furry family members getting hold of things they shouldn’t – eating things like kebab skewers or the core from corn-on-the-cob can cause serious and potentially life-threatening injuries.

“Make sure any leftovers and rubbish are thrown away in a bin that your furry friend can’t raid – food smells can be irresistible for pets, so make sure everything is paw-proof! Though it can be tempting to share tasty barbecue treats with your furry friend, undercooked and fatty foods can upset their stomach and cause sickness or diarrhoea. Bones are also a nasty choking hazard for dogs and risk causing dangerous blockages or damage to their insides.

“All pets should be kept at a safe distance from the barbecue as hot food, coals, and ashes can cause serious burns. Coal barbecues can take a while to heat up, so it is best to block off the area or keep your pet inside to stop them getting dangerously close. Whilst you’re grilling, keep an eye on where your pet is as the tasty smells may entice them to jump up and burn their paws.

  1. Watch out for algae

“When out on walks, it is important to look out for blue-green algae, which is most prevalent in still or stagnant water during summer and autumn. Despite its name, this is actually a type of bacteria which is highly poisonous to animals and can sadly be fatal, or result in long-term health problems for those that survive. Dogs are particularly at risk, as they are more likely to drink from ponds while out on a walk, or swim in affected water.

“Before letting your pooch dive in, make sure to check for blue-green algae. It often appears as a green or blueish scum, but sometimes has a brown tinge that can be seen on the water’s surface. It can also clump up and the blooms can create foam on the shoreline. However, it can be tricky to spot – look out for warning signs or dead fish in the water.

“Symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning can occur very quickly (within 15 minutes to one hour of exposure) and even a small amount can be lethal to a pup, so it’s important to act quickly and contact your vet immediately if you are concerned. Signs to look out for include vomiting, twitching, seizures, diarrhoea, increased thirst, drooling, breathing difficulties, or collapse.  

  1. Keep cool

“Pets can quickly overheat in warm weather, so it’s important to keep your furry friends cool while they’re enjoying time outside. Heatstroke is a serious situation that without swift treatment, can develop quickly, with sometimes fatal consequences.

“Signs of heatstroke can vary from excessive panting, confusion, bright red gums, foaming at the mouth, collapsing or even seizures. It’s important to ensure your four-legged friend always has access to fresh water and can easily get out of the heat to a cooler area when they need to – if they’re a sun worshipper, you might need to convince them to take regular breaks indoors!

“To help prevent dogs from overheating you can encourage supervised water play and keep them indoors or in cooler, shaded spots. Make sure to only take them out for a walk in the cooler evenings and mornings – and only if the ground temperature has cooled down! To help protect any neighborhood cats, including your own, regularly check greenhouses, sheds, and garages and encourage any of your own feline friends to hang out in well-ventilated rooms.

“For animals that live outside such as rabbits and guinea pigs, signs of heatstroke can include drooling, short and quick breaths, confusion, lack of energy, unconsciousness or even seizures.

“For these outdoor furry friends, it’s vitally important to keep their enclosures out of direct sunlight. If your garden doesn’t provide much shade, you can make your own by draping a tarpaulin or towel over part of your furry family member’s run – just make sure there’s a nice through-draught of cool air so it doesn’t get too hot inside.

“Remove any plastic houses, dens, and tunnels as they can become humid – instead opt for ceramic or cardboard alternatives. To provide some extra comfort you can also place a frozen water bottle on the outside of your small furry friend’s enclosure for them to lie against, or even buy some cool mats or blocks – but check these regularly for any damage.

“All of these situations can be preventable, but if the worst does happen then it’s important that owners are prepared to deal with the situation. I’d encourage anyone who doesn’t feel confident in providing emergency treatment to their pet to download PDSA’s free pet first aid guide, which has a host of resources that range from lifesaving tips to treating small cuts and scrapes.”

To download PDSA’s free pet first aid guide, visit pdsa.org.uk/pr-free-first-aid-guide.

National Galleries of Scotland acquires work by renowned Glasgow Boys artist Joseph Crawhall

A painting by one of the most outstanding watercolourists of his day, Glasgow Boys artist, Joseph Crawhall (1861–1913), has been acquired by the National Galleries of Scotland.

Now on display at the National in Edinburgh, Cock Pheasant with Foliage and Berries is a superb addition to the national collection. The work is a perfect example of Crawhall’s distinctive and exquisite watercolours of animals and birds. Acquired through the Acceptance in Lieu scheme, it joins a collection of other works by Crawhall, including the incredibly popular, The White Drake.

This spectacular new addition to the collection is one of Crawhall’s most poised works, demonstrating his skill in studying birds. Cock Pheasant with Foliage and Berries depicts a pheasant sitting elegantly among berries, proudly puffing out its chest. Crawhall expertly captures the essence and character of the bird by embracing the quirks of his chosen material.

This includes using the colour, weave and surface finish of the linen to influence the overall effect of the painting. Using bodycolour – watercolour mixed with white pigment to make it opaque – he beautifully plays with light, adding sheen to the berries and the pheasant’s head.

The galleries are currently home to around forty works by Crawhall, including sketches and illustrated letters he exchanged with the other Glasgow Boys.

However, Cock Pheasant with Foliage, a work dating from 1906, truly illustrates the artist’s passion for wildlife. Sometimes studying animals for hours at a time, Crawhall would then return to the studio to produce incredibly accurate works from memory. His stunning artwork was even praised by experts in animals and birds, who testified to the accuracy of his paintings.

An artist hugely admired by fellow artists and Scottish collectors, Crawhall developed his own technique for painting such vivid and beautiful images. It was his interest in Japanese prints and Chinese wash drawings on silk which inspired watercolours like this one, which is painted on linen.

The elongated format of Cock Pheasant with Foliage and Berries and the branches which frame the image, are likely inspired by the compositional techniques of Japanese prints. His use of brush lines to define the bird’s feathers may also have been influenced by the black outlines typically seen in Japanese woodblock prints.

Crawhall was known as a key figure in the Glasgow Boys, a group who rebelled against stuffy Edinburgh-based art establishment, instead painting subjects drawn from everyday life. But unlike the other Glasgow Boys, apart from Arthur Melville, he specialised in watercolours and was the only member of the group to focus on painting animals.

The National Galleries of Scotland is grateful to Sotheby’s Tax & Heritage Department for the role it played in steering this painting to the collection.

Culture Minister Christina McKelvie said: “Joseph Crawhall’s watercolour painting, Cock Pheasant with Foliage and Berries, is a welcome addition to the National Galleries of Scotland’s collection through the Arts Council England’s Acceptance in Lieu Scheme.

“As a prominent member of the Glasgow Boys, Crawhall’s brilliant work is already well-represented in the galleries and this latest outstanding addition will further enrich our understanding of this wonderful Scottish artist and Scottish Art of the period.”

Helen Birchenough, Chair, Acceptance in Lieu Panel, said: “I am delighted that ‘Cock Pheasant with Foliage and Berries’ by Joseph Crawhall has been acquired by the National Galleries of Scotland through the Acceptance in Lieu Scheme.

“This painting is a fine example of Crawhall’s work. It is in brilliant condition and will help to enhance the National Galleries of Scotland’s representation of Crawhall. I hope that this example will encourage others to use the scheme and continue to support our national collections.”

Charlotte Topsfield, Senior Curator of British Drawings and Prints at National Galleries of Scotland, said: “We are elated to have acquired ‘Cock Pheasant with Foliage and Berries’ by Joseph Crawhall for the national collection, through the generosity of the Acceptance in Lieu scheme.

“Crawhall’s work was hugely popular with Scottish collectors, notably Sir William Burrell (1861–1958).  Both ‘The White Drake’ and ‘Cock Pheasant with Foliage and Berries’ were originally part of the outstanding collection of the Paisley thread manufacturer, William Allan Coats (1853–1926).

“Re-united at the National, these two outstanding watercolours demonstrate the evolution of Crawhall’s technique and his uncanny ability to capture the beauty of animals and birds.”

A concert and a drink

Scottish Ensemble returns to light-filled venues across Scotland for their sophomore Concerts for a Summer’s Night tour

‘A fine mixture of well-known favourites and amazing new pieces all perfect for a summer night’s entertainment‘

‘Please make this an annual event, we loved it so so much. Really wonderful, music to soothe the soul.‘

Audience Reviews on Concerts for a Summer’s Night 2022

  • Concerts for a Summer’s Night will be performed in Perthshire, Strathpeffer, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow from the 19th – 23rd June.
  • Returning after its debut last year, this concert series promises a variety of uplifting and inspiring compositions, selected by Artistic Director Jonathan Morton.
  • Scottish Ensemble are announcing their 2023-24 season alongside this tour -– audiences will be able to pick up a copy of the new season brochure on arrival, getting first access to next year’s shows.
  • Audiences are invited to enjoy a welcome drink on arrival at the venue, then sit back relax and let Scottish Ensemble take them on a vibrant and vivid musical journey.

Scotland’s leading string ensemble will be returning to light– filled venues across Scotland in June for their latest Concert’s for a Summer’s Night tour.

Each concert will be presented in an open atmospheric space, where sunlight pours in through wide windows. Audiences will enjoy the late evening sunshine, as the natural light slowly fades throughout the concert, providing an immersive experience of the music that evolves over time.

Performing at Rossie Byre, Strathpeffer Pavilion, Aberdeen Art Gallery, The National Museum of Scotland, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Concerts for a Summers Night promises a unique evening of musical delights, in beautiful and inviting spaces.

The concert series made its debut last summer and is a companion to Scottish Ensemble’s annual Concerts by Candlelight tour which visits stunning churches and cathedrals across Scotland in December for an intimate and restorative musical experience bathed in comforting candlelight.

After the success of its 2022 tour, performing to sold– out audiences in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, Concerts for a Summer’s Night is back, with an additional date in Strathpeffer for Highland audiences.

Concerts for a Summer’s Night features an atmospheric programme, curated by Scottish Ensemble’s Artistic Director, Jonathan Morton.

Having led Scottish Ensemble for almost 20 years, Jonathan has forged a trademark programming style that seamlessly combines varied short works of string repertoire into a delicately crafted collage of sound, bringing audiences on a journey through different composers, eras and genres of string music.

This year’s programme includes music by familiar names including Claude Debussy, Frederic Choipin and Maurice Ravel alongside a variety of more unexpected pieces from composers including Isobel Waller-Bridge, Chick Corea and Britta Byström.

This programming style prioritises the atmosphere of the performance and finds unexpected connections between classic works of string repertoire and contemporary compositions, offering listeners an opportunity to be introduced to new pieces, and to discover new favourite composers. Audiences will be swept away by Scottish Ensemble’s skilled musicians on a journey of sonic discovery.

Alongside their Concerts for a Summers Night tour, Scottish Ensemble will be announcing their 2023-24 Season, which goes on sale on 19 June.

With six Scottish tours, as well as festival visits, performances in schools and the continuation of their long running series of Music for Wellbeing concerts in Maggie’s Centres, Scottish Ensemble are preparing for a bold new season.

Audiences,  who can arrive from 7.15pm for Concerts for a Summer’s Night, will be treated to a copy of the Season Brochure, and, whilst enjoying a welcome drink, will have an opportunity to discuss the new shows with Scottish Ensemble’s team.

Join Scottish Ensemble this June for a musical celebration of the summer solstice and enjoy a wide programme of contemporary and classical music in beautiful lit venues at Concerts for a Summer’s Night – touring to Perthshire, Strathpeffer, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Listings information

  • 19 June, 8pm  – Rossie Byre, Perthshire
  • 20 June. 8pm – Strathpeffer Pavilion
  • 21 June, 8pm – Aberdeen Art Gallery
  • 22 June, 8pm – National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
  • 23 June, 8pm – Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

Tickets £19, Concessions £9 (plus booking fees)

Doors open at 7.15pm for welcome drinks, concert begins at 8pm.

No case for routinely offering asylum to claimants from ‘safe’ Albania

A report published today by the Home Affairs Committee has found little evidence to indicate significant numbers of Albanian nationals are at risk in their own country and require asylum in the UK.  

However, some Albanian citizens making asylum claims will have been trafficked, and women are disproportionately at risk from this form of crime. The UK has an obligation to support trafficking victims and they should only be returned to Albania if appropriate safeguards are in place. 

In 2022, more than a quarter of the 45,755 people who crossed the Channel in small boats came from Albania and most claimed asylum. In one year the number of Albanians arriving in the UK by this route had gone from 800 to 12,301, a rise that was both unexpected and unexplained. 

Albania is a safe country, it is not at war and is a candidate country to join the European Union. There is no clear basis for the UK to routinely accept thousands of asylum applications from Albanian citizens, the Committee finds. 

However up to June 2022, 51% of asylum claims from Albania were initially accepted, a rate far higher than many comparable European nations. Nine countries, including Germany, accepted no asylum claims from Albania. The Home Office must explain why the UK’s acceptance rate was so high, particularly compared to other countries. It must also explain why the acceptance rate is substantially higher for women (88%) than for men (13%). 

Maintaining positive relations with the Albanian Government should also be a key priority to ensure that the UK can return irregular migrants and offenders from UK prisons. Politicians, commentators and others should be careful to show restraint in their language and not single out Albania as the sole cause of the UK’s asylum pressures. 

The report focusses on Albania due to the unexpected spike in small boat crossings and asylum claims by Albanian nationals in 2022. However, the Committee finds that it should not be singled out and scapegoated in relation to the UK’s ongoing asylum backlog or overcrowding at immigration processing centres.

The Prime Minister has committed to clearing the backlog by the end of the year and the Home Office needs to set out how it plans to achieve this. The Government should also provide quarterly progress reports, including information on the number of pending claims in the backlog, staffing levels for asylum caseworkers numbers and the number of asylum decisions made per week. 

A key driver of migration from Albania to the UK is economic. People are prepared to make the journey, even in dangerous small boat crossings, for improved job prospects and higher incomes. The desire to come to the UK will continue until Albania become wealthier. 

Improved awareness of work visa programmes would support formalised migration to the economic benefit of the UK and Albania, providing an alternative to people smuggling gangs and reducing the burden on the asylum system. 

Only 325 work visas were granted to Albanian nationals in the first nine months of 2022, with evidence submitted to the inquiry arguing that a perceived difficulty in obtaining work in the UK through legal means could be driving people towards clandestine migration routes.

The Committee finds that more should be done to promote the availability of visas that would fill worker shortages in the UK economy and enable some transfer of wealth back to Albania. This would include short-term or seasonal work in sectors such as construction or agriculture. 

Home Affairs Committee Chair, Dame Diana Johnson MP, said: “Such a substantial sudden increase in asylum claims from a seemingly peaceful country understandably raised concerns.

“While it is important that questions are asked and lessons are learnt, it is clear that the immigration picture is not static and will continue to evolve. New challenges are likely to continue to emerge and it is important that the UK improves its overall approach to asylum, rather than focus on one country. 

“Changes in migration will inevitably place strain on any system, but the Government must do much more to ensure it can better handle these stresses. Most importantly it must improve the speed of decision making and clear the backlog as we set out in our Channel Crossings report in 2022. We expect the Home Office to set out how it plans to achieve this. 

“People will continue to be attracted to the UK from Albania while it continues to offer job opportunities and higher wages. The UK should look at how access to work visa schemes can be improved to fill our skills or staffing gaps, while offering Albanian nationals a route to higher income, benefiting both nations.” 

Local schools host storytelling events in partnership with Fort Kinnaird

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

More than 260 children from Edinburgh have taken part in storytelling sessions organised by Fort Kinnaird aimed at helping them fall in love with reading.

The event allowed children to listen to stories from professional storyteller Ron Fairweather and were part of the Young Readers Programme, an award-winning initiative sponsored by Fort Kinnaird co-owner British Land and run in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, that is designed to encourage children to read outside of the classroom.

Ron Fairweather has been writing and performing stories, songs, and poems for decades, including performing at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, the National Museum of Edinburgh, and The Scottish Storytelling Centre.

During the literacy-focussed events, pupils from Niddrie Mill Primary School, Brunstane Primary School, and Castleview Primary School were also able to take home a book of their choice.

This marks the twelfth year of British Land’s partnership with the National Literacy Trust, and since the programme launched at Fort Kinnaird, it has supported more than 2,500 school children and seen more than 7,600 books donated across Edinburgh.

Research by the National Literacy Trust has shown that owning a book means children are more likely to say they enjoy reading and are more inclined to read in their free time. However, 6.5% of children in the UK do not own a book, which equates to half a million children across the country*. This rises to one in 10 (9.7%) children from disadvantaged backgrounds, which is the demographic this partnership aims to reach.

With reading for enjoyment proven to have a positive effect on children’s reading skill* as well as their wellbeing and mental health, the Young Readers Programme initiative aims to give support and help with the development of children in under privileged areas by giving them access to books.

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Supporting our community is very important to us, so we’re incredibly proud of the Young Readers Programme and all the local children and families we’ve been able to support in the last 12 years.

“It’s always very rewarding to hear how the children are inspired by the stories and start to get excited about reading and bringing their own books home.”

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

Martin Galway, Head of School Programmes at the National Literacy Trust, said: “The right book, at the right moment, can change a child’s life.

“That’s what the Young Readers Programme has been doing with British Land for the last 12 years – giving children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to experience enchanting storytelling events, and to choose books that speak to their interests and passions.

“Our goal is to spark a love of reading that will last them a lifetime, which in turn will empower them with the literacy skills they need to succeed.”

Strachan House celebrates National Carers Week

Residents at Strachan House care home in Edinburgh are celebrating National Carers’ Week, which takes place from 5 – 11 June.

Residents wanted to thank all the wonderful staff at the home, whose hard work and dedication make a real difference to the lives of those living in their care. 

Carers Week is an annual event to raise awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges carers face, and recognising the contribution they make to our residents, families and communities throughout the UK.

The theme for Carers Week this year is ‘recognising and supporting carers in the community’ – this year the organisers are asking people across the UK to come together to recognise the huge contribution carers make to society.

Staff were treated to a beach party in their wonderful grounds as their residents also celebrated National Ocean Day. The team decided to merge the two and throw a party that even the Beach Boys would have been envious of.

With hot dogs, ice lollies and plenty of fun and laughter, the afternoon was enjoyed by everyone and the water pistols totally added to the fun and games.

Residents also gave thanks by handing out small gifts of chocolate show their appreciation for all that their carers do.  

Gordon Philp, General Manager said: “It is so wonderful to be able to celebrate Carers Week and thank our fantastic carers with a beach party in our garden, and to be able to welcome the community, relatives and friends. Everyone has had such a fantastic afternoon.”

Bertie Dobie, a resident at Strachan House commented: “We’ve all had such a lovely time today, it really is a joy to be able to thank our wonderful carers for all that they do.  They really are heaven sent.”

Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.

Strachan House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing care, residential care, respite care.