Citadel Arts Group were surprised to discover a connection between Lily Gladstone, star of Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon and one of the main characters in their forthcoming show, The Ghosts of North Leith.
Lily Gladstone comes from Montana, of Blackfeet Indian stock. But on her mother’s side she is descended from the great-great grandfather of a first cousin of the 19th century UK Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone. And – wait for it – Gladstone’s grandmother is Nellie Gladstones (the family later dropped the final ‘s’) who features in Citadel Arts Group’s The Ghosts of North Leith.
Nellie was a feisty businesswoman who, in Hilary Spiers’ section of the play, reprimands her son John for using slave labour on his plantations.
The fruits of this labour fetch up in Leith. Hilary Spiers writes, ‘The Sugar Boycott was a way for middle class women to show their abhorrence of the slave trade by refusing to buy slave-produced sugar. Little is known of Nellie’s life which allowed me to give free rein to my imagination. My play portrays her as something of a radical and an early feminist at odds with her family who derive much of their wealth from slavery.’
When slavery was abolished in 1833, Nellie’s son John Gladstone received the largest payment from the Slave Compensation Commission amounting to over £10m in modern currency. This money no doubt paid for the fine family gravestone in Coburg Street cemetery.
Slavery is a central issue in The Ghosts of North Leith. The play is based on the stories behind seven of the graves in Coburg Street Burial Ground. One tantalising stone commemorates a Jacob Stoney who died in Leith in 1820 but was born in Jamaica on the family plantation.
His fine stone was raised by his sister Mary who was still living in Jamaica. Citadel’s writers have woven a story around these bare facts using detailed historical research and some inspired guesswork.
Some are the graves are of well-known characters like Lady Anne Mackintosh who raised troops in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1756. Having enjoyed the Outlander books, playwright Rhona McAdam was attracted to this real-life Jacobite heroine. ‘I wondered how Lady Anne ended up in North Leith Burial Ground instead of the family estate in the Highlands.’ It appears Leith was a hotbed of Jacobite sympathy.
The figure who links all the stories is Robert Nicoll. Hailed as the second Robert Burns, Nicoll became a radical activist and newspaperman until his early death in 1837, aged only 33.
Nicoll is the conscience of the play, pointing out the hypocrisies and double think of the other characters, all stuck in the limbo of North Leith, regretting their unfulfilled lives. The play uses pathos, humour, music to add another chapter to the rich history of the port of Leith which Citadel has been celebrating for almost thirty years.
The cast is led by Mark Kydd, a Citadel regular. He writes: ‘As an adopted Leither, I’ve always been fascinated by its concealed history … vintage maps showing different street names and open fields in what are now built-up areas.
Citadel has a fine tradition of examining Leith’s past through its work, but here the writers have literally gone underground, exploring the lives of people buried in Coburg Street Cemetery though a combination of painstaking research and imaginative speculation.
One character in the play wryly observes: “They said the deid are quite forgotten after three generations”. We hope that this production goes some way towards redressing the balance by helping to celebrate these otherwise forgotten lives.
The script was given a trial performed reading at Leith Festival in June.
Director Liz Hare said: ’Thanks to the enthusiastic feedback of the Leith people and their supportive comments, we have developed and improved the script for three evening performances.
“Now we exploit light and darkness to create a truly disturbing atmosphere for our North Leith ghosts!”
The venue of the show is North Leith Parish Church, soon due to be released for sale by the Church of Scotland. This will be the audience’s last chance to see a live performance in this beautiful Georgian building, intended as the hub of Leith’s New Town.
Venue: North Leith Parish Church, 51 Madeira Street EH6 4AU
As over 1,900 students and 6,600 guests make their way to the Usher Hall in Edinburgh to attend their graduation ceremony, Edinburgh Napier will once again be taking over one of Edinburgh’s oldest pubs, Shakespeare’s on Lothian Road.Rebranding as The Napier Graduate in honour of the university’s class of ’23, this time graduates will also be able to celebrate with a pint of Edinburgh Napier’s very own ale, ‘Must Be Napier’, to toast their success.
The beer name, ‘Must Be Napier’ references Edinburgh Napier University’s current brand campaign that is shining a spotlight on the achievements and major contributions to society of the University’s students, staff, and alumni.
Following the success of the summer takeover of the iconic pub, for three days only from Tuesday 24 October to Thursday 26 October, Shakespeare’s will once again be known as The Napier Graduate. The pub has been decked out in red Napier livery, changing everything from the outdoor signs to the beermats, making it the perfect spot for graduates to celebrate with family and friends.
For those celebrating with a drink, when at the bar graduates and patrons alike will spot Napier along the selection of beer taps, with the university having its very own ale, ‘Must Be Napier’ alongside the usual selection of drinks.
Over the three days, Edinburgh Napier University will be celebrating with five ceremonies, honoring the graduates of all five of the University’s Schools. Those walking down Lothian Road won’t be able to miss the celebrations, with the original Shakespeare’s signage completely replaced with Napier’s distinctive red branding.
Earlier this year, Edinburgh Napier took over Shakespeare’s for the first time to highlight the University’s pride in their graduates and offering congratulations on their success.
Izzy Polson, General Manager of Shakespeare’ssaid: “Following the takeover earlier this year we saw a record number of people visit for a celebratory drink. We are thrilled to be able to help with the celebrations and delighted to be rebranded as The Napier Graduate once again, to help make it a memorable graduation!
“We loved seeing people’s surprise at the new look Shakespeare’s over graduation week and hope we can bring the same amount of joy this time round.”
“This time, as our graduates embark on their next chapter after university, graduates and their guests who choose to can have a pint of ‘Must Be Napier’, or any of the other refreshments on offer, to toast all their incredible accomplishments.”
The Napier Graduate is open from Tuesday 24 October to Thursday 26 October 2023 at 65 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2DJ.
Family mediation experts offer advice on choosing a relationship counsellor
As the cost of living crisis puts pressure on relationships, experts encourage people to reach out for help before relationships break down completely.
Relationships Scotland, the largest provider of relationship support in the country, is offering advice to anyone looking to embark on counselling. The leading family mediation experts say there are five key questions to ask before choosing a relationships counsellor.
Stuart Valentine, Chief Executive of Relationships Scotlandsaid: “Making the decision to seek help to deal with relationship issues is not easy, it can be a daunting process admitting you need help, let alone navigating the many different options available.
“Relationships Scotland strives to offer couples and individuals a safe space to discuss their concerns and our five step guide aims to make taking the first step as easy as possible.”
Relationships Scotland says anyone thinking about counselling should ask the following five questions:
Are they trained to work with relationships?
Before you begin counselling it is important to establish the level of your counsellor’s training and their experience. In recent years it is usual for a counsellor to do either a one-year full time or a two-year part-time course. It is also important to find out what areas of relationships the counsellor can work with. It is especially important to check that the counsellor is qualified to work with couples, if you hope to go to counselling with your partner.
Is there someone checking that they are working to the right standards?
Relationships Scotland counsellors are required to undertake a minimum number of hours of casework per year. They are also required to participate in clinical supervision with a supervisor who is experienced in couple work. This helps ensure that all of counsellors are properly trained and supported in their work.
What will they do with the information I give them?
Your counsellor will discuss confidentiality with you and where there might limits on this confidentiality, such as when someone might be at risk. This is to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
Where will I see the counsellor?
Relationships Scotland has over 200 counsellors covering the whole of mainland and island
Scotland. Face-to-face and online appointments are available and there will be a service covering your area.
Will there be a charge?
All Relationships Scotland affiliated local services that provide relationship counselling receive some funding from the Scottish Government. This does not cover all the costs, however, and so some services may ask for a donation or may make a charge, depending on income.
If you are on low income, please let the service know and they work with you to make sure you receive the support you need.
Stuart Valentineadded: “Relationships Scotland understands the importance of positive and resilient relationships and the damage which relationship breakdown can cause if not handled properly, especially for children.
“We want to make counselling as accessible and as helpful as possible for anyone needing this type of support.”
The Lord Provost and President of the One City Trust, Robert Aldridge, today (October 24) visited the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank (ESUB) in Granton.
After meeting some of ESUB’s staff and volunteers, the Lord Provost helped to pack a bag of new uniform for a child who has been referred to the organisation.
ESUB provides school uniform to children who are facing hardship so that they can attend school without the stigma of wearing the ‘wrong’ clothes, as well as giving them the chance to take part in sports and social activities.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, and President of the One City Trust, Robert Aldridge said: “It was a real pleasure today to visit the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank. Through meeting some of the staff and volunteers I got an insight into the fantastic and essential work they carry out in communities across the city.
“However, it is a shame that in the year 2023 that organisations like this are still necessary to properly clothe our children and have them ready for school.
“I’m proud that the One City Trust can support organisations like ESUB, and I have no doubt that they will continue to make sure that no child ever wants for school clothes in Edinburgh. They have my full support and I look forward to working with them further.”
Trustee of theEdinburgh School Uniform Bank, Julia Grindley said: “For over eight years, Edinburgh School Uniform Bank has boosted the wellbeing and inclusion of the city’s most disadvantaged children and young people by ensuring that they can participate fully in all school activities with confidence, regardless of their family’s circumstances. We are delighted to show the Lord Provost around today.
“We work closely with over 100 schools and many other professional partners to provide new school uniforms, footwear, and other essentials to thousands of children every year. Many families are in dire straits, and children are going without. The cost-of-living crisis is making it increasingly difficult to keep up with demand for our services, and we need the support of the whole community, to avoid us turning families away.
“Today we are launching our Winter Warmers appeal. We hope that people and businesses all over Edinburgh will do what they can to make sure that every child can stay cosy and go to school with their head held high this winter.”
£50 million to build Scottish Ambulance Service capacity
A £50 million funding boost for Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) recruitment and up to £12 million to expand Hospital at Home are among measures to support the health and care system this winter.
The Scottish Government and COSLA’s joint Winter Plan, published today, identifies new funding for SAS to support work already underway to recruit a further 317 frontline staff to help increase capacity to emergency response. It will also see 18 additional clinicians working in the call centre hub who, through additional triage, can offer patients alternative treatment routes in cases which are not time-critical, reducing the number of hospital admissions.
The expansion of Hospital at Home, which enables people to be treated at home rather than on a ward, is intended to deliver at least 380 additional beds this winter – significantly increasing the total service capacity.
The Scottish Government has been working closely with COSLA, Health and Social Care Partnerships, and NHS Boards on a number of further measures to ensure they are prepared for the winter period. This includes a Delayed Discharge Action Plan and improvements to the reporting of data to better identify specific areas for further support or escalation.
Health Secretary Michael Matheson said: “Our highly skilled and committed workforce are the cornerstone of our response every winter, both in health and social care. I am extremely grateful for their continued hard work and dedication in the face of sustained pressure. As we approach the Winter period their efforts will be vital in ensuring we deliver high quality care for the public.
“We are in no doubt that this winter will be extremely challenging for our health and social care system. Our Winter plan builds on the lessons we have learned from previous years and preparations have been on-going since spring. Our whole system approach is based on ensuring people can access the care that is right for them – at the right time and in the right place.
“Our additional investment of up to £12 million to expand the Hospital at Home service will allow people, especially elderly patients, patients with respiratory conditions and children, to receive treatments in the comfort of their own home and will crucially help reduce pressure on our A&E departments this winter.
“As a result our significant investment of over £15 million, an additional 1,000 nurses, midwives and Allied Health Professional from overseas have joined NHS Scotland in the last two years to bolster our existing workforce this winter.
“Our £50 million funding boost for the Scottish Ambulance Service will also help tackle increased demand and support on-going recruitment to drive up capacity for emergency response. This investment will also help reduce the need for people to go to hospital which is a key part of our approach this winter.”
Cllr Paul Kelly, COSLA’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson said: “As key partners in ensuring people and communities are safe and cared for over the winter period, and indeed throughout the year, local authorities have a vital role in enabling people to continue to safely access the care and support they need when they need it.
“We expect the winter to be a very challenging period across the whole health and social care system at a time when the system is already experiencing significant demand pressures and challenges with recruitment and retention.
“That is why COSLA have worked closely with Scottish Government in producing this plan, recognising the importance of the integration of health and social care, and the clear leadership role of Local Government in doing everything we can to maximise capacity across health, social care, and social work, and ensure people get safe and timely access to services during peak winter pressures.”
The Scottish Ambulance Service has welcomed the announcement of £50 million funding by Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care.
Michael Dickson OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “This funding will allow us to invest in frontline staff, ambulances, vehicles and our 999 call centre operations. We know that winter will be challenging but the Service, and our committed staff, are working hard to meet those challenges.
“We have a whole range of initiatives which will come into place over winter to help us meet the increased demands on our services, including work to ensure we provide the quickest possible response to our most critically ill patients and we continue to support, where appropriate, less seriously ill patients to be managed at home or in the community, avoiding unnecessary A&E visits.
“Our patients and our staff are our most important priorities, and this investment will ensure we can continue to deliver the very best to our patients whilst supporting our staff who play such a critical role in their care.”
The UK’s largest housebuilder has raised £90,244 for hospice and end of life care in the East of Scotland at its recent charity ball.
Barratt Developments, which includes David Wilson Homes and Barratt Homes, welcomed more than 450 guests to the EICC in Edinburgh on Friday 8th September – with attendees enjoying an auction, comedy performance from Larry Dean and live music from Manhattan.
All proceeds from the evening went to St Columba’s Hospice Care which provides world-leading hospice care to those based in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
As this year’s main charity for the housebuilder’s East Scotland division, Barratt Developments has so far raised a total of £157,024 for St Columba’s Hospice Care through fundraising, including a Pentland Hills walk and office events.
The 2023 sum has already exceeded last year’s efforts, which totalled £109,000.
Jon Heggie, Director of Income Generation at St Columba’s Hospice Care, said:“The ball was a fantastic event, and typified the attitude we’ve seen and enjoyed from Barratt over the course of our partnership.
“They’ve really pulled out all the stops to raise as much money as they can for us, as well as spending time here helping with recent ward renovations and volunteering to paint some fences and maintain the grounds.
“The difference they’ve made to the hospice as a charity partner really is tangible and will directly benefit hundreds of patients and their families right across Edinburgh and East Lothian. On behalf of everyone at the hospice, I’d like to say a massive thank you.”
Alison Condie, Managing Director at Barratt Developments East Scotland, said:“Giving back to the communities in which we build has always been a priority across all Barratt Developments’ divisions.
“In the East of Scotland, we’ve formed a strong relationship with St Columba’s Hospice Care over the last few years and have been continuing to raise funds for the essential care its team provides.
“We’ve already surpassed last year’s fundraising total, a feat we could not have achieved without the generous donations from guests and our colleagues who have given up their time to fundraise or take part in a physical challenge.
“The money raised will help support those who need it most in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas, providing them with the very best care.”
Amanda Southey, Hospice Corporate Manager at St Columba’s Hospice Care, said:“First and foremost I’d like to thank the team at Barratt for choosing St Columba’s Hospice Care as their charity partner.
“The partnership has worked really well, and I think both parties have really enjoyed it, and gained a lot from it.
“The fundraising they have done has been absolutely inspirational, and they’ve really jumped at the chance to help in other areas at every opportunity.”
For more information on Barratt Developments in Scotland, please visit:
The UK Government has brought together retailers and policing to set out measures to tackle the rise in shoplifting, catch more offenders and keep retail workers safe.
Policing Minister Chris Philp chaired a meeting with senior police leaders and 13 of the UK’s biggest retailers yesterday to launch the Retail Crime Action Plan.
Commissioned by the minister and published yesterday, the plan includes a police commitment to prioritise urgently attending the scene of shoplifting instances involving violence against a shop worker, where security guards have detained an offender or where attendance is needed to secure evidence. Police attendance will be assessed based on risk, and prolific or juvenile offenders will be treated with elevated priority.
Police have also reaffirmed their pledge to follow up on any evidence that could reasonably lead to catching a perpetrator. Forces will step up targeted hotspot patrols in badly affected areas.
The plan sets out advice for retailers on how to provide the best possible evidence for police to pursue in any case. They should send CCTV footage of the whole incident, and an image of the shoplifter from the digital evidence management system, as quickly as possible after an offence has been committed.
Where CCTV or other digital images are secured, police will run this through the Police National Database using facial recognition technology to further aid efforts to identify and prosecute offenders – particularly prolific or potentially dangerous individuals.
A specialist new police team is also being created to build a comprehensive intelligence picture of the organised crime gangs that fuel many shoplifting incidents across the country, to help target and dismantle them.
The initiative, called Pegasus, is a business and policing partnership that will radically improve the way retailers are able to share intelligence with policing, to better understand the tactics used by organised retail crime gangs and identify more offenders. This will include development of a new information sharing platform and training for retailers.
Spearheaded by Katy Bourne, the Business Crime lead for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), Pegasus is the first national partnership of its kind. It is backed by the Home Office, John Lewis, the Co-op, M&S, Boots, Primark and several more, who have collectively pledged to provide over £840,000 to get the initiative off the ground.
Crime and Policing Minister Chris Philp said: “I want a new zero-tolerance approach to tackling shoplifting. It is a blight on our highstreets and communities and puts the livelihoods of traders at risk. I am determined to drive forward change.
“While it is encouraging to see a 29% increase in charges for shoplifting in the past year, the rise in offending is unacceptable and there is much more to do to stop it happening in the first place.
“That’s why we’re taking action and bringing together government, policing and business to commit to smarter, more joined up working when it comes to retail crime, which will help to drive down criminal behaviour and rebuild public confidence in the police response when it does occur.”
The majority of funding for Pegasus will go towards the creation of a dedicated team of specialist analysts and intelligence officers to work within OPAL, the national policing team that oversees intelligence on serious organised acquisitive crime.
OPAL is run by Detective Chief Superintendent Jim Taylor and overseen by North Wales Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman. Recruitment has already started, and the team will be operational later this month, delivering outcomes across the country by the New Year.
Pegasus will deliver a new digital interface to streamline information sharing between retailers and the police and also provide training for retailers on appropriate information and intelligence to share with policing.
Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Acquisitive Crime, said: “Dealing with retail crime requires a multi-faceted approach and through the launch of Pegasus, plus the Retail Crime Action Plan, we have bolstered the policing response to tackling offenders and supporting retailers in reducing shoplifting and attacks on retail staff.
“We welcome the collaboration between retailers, police and crime commissioners and policing through Project Pegasus which centralises intelligence and enhances our ability to identify and tackle the groups involved.
“We continue to target those prolific and habitual offenders whose behaviour causes misery and takes profit from our communities and retailers. Local police forces assess each report through a threat, harm and risk model to determine their police response and will deploy resources where they can be most effective in catching offenders and keeping people safe.”
Paul Gerrard, Campaigns, Public Affairs and Board Secretariat Director of the Co-op, said: “The Co-op has long called for greater police prioritisation so they tackle the rampant rise in retail crime especially those involving violence or prolific offenders; this is now what happens at present as our colleagues see every day.
“We, therefore, welcome the commitments in the ‘Retail Crime Action Plan’ to attend incidents of violence, incidents where offenders have been detained and ensure all evidence is collected so every reasonable line of enquiry can be followed.
“Alongside Operation Pegasus, which the Co-op is helping to fund, we are hopeful that this will mark the point at which the police will provide the support to protect shopworkers and shops so they can help the communities they serve thrive.
“The Co-op stands ready to work with every police force to ensure our colleagues and the shops they work in can continue to serve their communities.”
Katy Bourne, PCC and APCC National Lead for Business and Retail Crime, said: “Pegasus will be a game changer in the fight against retail crime providing for the first time an accurate national picture of the organised groups from local families to cross border criminals driving organised shop theft.
“Retailers will agree ways to capture information that can be shared and analysed to create intelligence packages for police forces to target and track perpetrators. I am very grateful to all the contributors to Pegasus and to Mitie in particular for helping to get Pegasus airborne.”
Nicki Juniper, Head of Security for the John Lewis Partnership, said: “While there’s no silver bullet for tackling retail crime, we welcome this significant step forward.
“Retail crime is not victimless, it has an impact on Partners, customers and on prices. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with police and others in the sector to keep our Partners and customers safe.
Our End Poverty in Edinburgh Annual Progress Report has been published on the Council website ahead of Committee today, 24th October 2023. We would also like to share with you an opinion piece written by our End Poverty in Edinburgh group members, in response to the report:
End Poverty Edinburgh (EPE) welcomes this third annual report on the progress of ending poverty in our city. Despite there still being a great deal of work yet to be done, we would like to begin by acknowledging areas of progress.
Firstly, we see early signs of a change in attitudes regarding user-led services and seeking the advice of those with lived experience of poverty. One example of this can be shown through the Edinburgh Partnership meetings; bringing together third and private sectors, public agencies, and local communities to talk about community planning. We have contributed to several of these and similar meetings; there seems to be a real desire to involve people living on a low income in how the council does its business, and we very much welcome this.
We have also been encouraged by new and developing services and schemes, such as the Regenerative Futures Fund, which sought out the views of people with lived experience early on while developing their intervention, as opposed to improving what they do later. We believe that including those with real-life experience is key when attempting to develop new or better services, whether that be improving housing conditions or tackling food poverty. Those with experience have already identified several cracks and gaps, so why not involve them in further adapting whatever the service or intervention may be? We are hopeful this change in attitudes will take root.
Regarding attitudes, End Poverty Edinburgh members have had much more positive experiences with frontline staff; those who speak to us face to face or on the other end of the phone. Treating people with dignity and respect should be the very least expected of staff on the frontline, and we are pleased to not only see efforts being made to ensure this is the case through implementation of training, but also in the delivery of services themselves.
We also welcome steps taken to implement the Living Hours Scheme in Edinburgh. This scheme is committed to providing at least 4 weeks’ notice for every shift, with guaranteed payment if shifts are canceled within this notice period.
This would also guarantee a minimum of 16 working hours every week (unless the worker requests otherwise) and a contract that accurately reflects the hours worked. We acknowledge that these are steps in the right direction in order to tackle in-work poverty, however we are looking forward to a wide and broad implementation of Fair Work principles (Effective voice, Respect, Security, Fulfillment and Opportunities) in all workplaces in Edinburgh.
Similarly, we understand the significance of Edinburgh becoming a Living Wage City. Although this is a long-term commitment, we understand that especially in the current cost-of-living crisis, more and more people are pulled into the cycle of poverty, whether they are in work or not; the importance of paying a real living wage is more crucial than ever. Although we understand there is much more work to be done, we believe it is important to highlight and celebrate this area of progress as it is perhaps a key step in the right direction.
Despite there being progress to celebrate, there are many areas we have still to make an impact on. Though we acknowledge a nationwide housing problem, we believe Edinburgh’s housing situation has an identity of its own.
With a high volume of short term lets and student accommodation, coupled with a severe lack of social housing, Edindex wait times are long and private rent prices are sky high, driving up poverty rates in the city.
There are still far too many families in temporary accommodation. It is just unacceptable that around 5,000 households and 9,000 people are in limbo living in temporary accommodation. It is not just the insufficient number of homes that is the problem, however, but also the quality.
Be it damage, mold or out of order elevators; repair times can be long, and communication often lacking. We have much experience of this and have heard many more examples.
We have been encouraged by what we have seen by working with the council in recent months, however, but we still feel the pace needs to step up as more and more people are struggling.
Edinburgh desperately needs an increase in quality social housing, accessible social housing, and genuinely affordable housing. We believe the housing situation in Edinburgh is crucial to tackle, and that more support is needed from the Scottish Government. Improving the housing situation in Edinburgh would undoubtedly have one of the biggest impacts on those experiencing poverty, so this must remain a priority.
Another suggestion we believe could have positive impact regards the Council Advice Line. The frontline staff on the advice line are very helpful and knowledgeable, but the limited opening hours of this service are a major barrier people in need. The line is only open on the mornings of Monday to Thursday, which is absolutely no good for those who work during these times.
Having the advice line available at more accessible times, such as some afternoons or evenings perhaps, would enable more people to utilise this extremely useful service and potentially make a big difference to their lives.
Despite initial difficulties in signing up, one scheme that seems to have made a big difference to some people’s lives is free bus travel for everyone under 22 years of age. We would like to see this scheme extended to everyone struggling on a low income.
Free travel would immediately eliminate barriers stopping many from getting around the city, whether that be related to getting to and from work, seeking help and advice services, or simply enjoying leisure time in places that would not have been possible without. We believe this could greatly improve our lives, financially, emotionally, and mentally, whilst supporting our journey to net zero.
Mental health is such an important factor in relation to combating poverty. Every barrier people on low-income face, be that food insecurity, fuel related worries, rent and housing issues, damages and repairs, bills, debt, unforeseen costs, childcare, travel – every barrier impacts mental health, adding to the immense pressure that people experience.
Those caught in the tight grasp of poverty are not living, they are surviving, if lucky, and that is truly unacceptable in our society.
So, as we welcome and celebrate the aforementioned areas of progress towards eradicating poverty from our city, we call to capitalize on this emerging momentum and step up our efforts for the years ahead.
Efforts to tackle poverty in Edinburgh have put more than £20 million into the pockets of residents who need it most, according to a report considered by the Policy and Sustainability Committee.
The third annual end poverty report looks at how Edinburgh is responding to the recommendations put to the city by the Edinburgh Poverty Commission in 2020.
Alongside ramped up work to help local people access grants and national welfare advice services, this year’s report details positive collaboration between the council and partners which has led to:
Supporting 4,150 people into work or learning
Recording an improvement in positive destinations from schools and a reduction in the poverty related attainment gap
Increasing the number of young people supported through Free School Meal and Uniform Grant programmes by 61%
Delivering £2.2m of Scottish Welfare Fund payments for people in crisis, alongside £300k of council support for local foodbanks
Introducing a new tenant hardship fund, alongside wider support like benefits checks, to support council tenants who are struggling to pay their rent
Securing £206k in savings for council tenants through Energy Advice Support
Investing over £119m in new affordable homes and improving existing homes and neighbourhoods; delivering 54 new homes for social rent plus 148 for mid market rent
Delivering poverty and homelessness prevention training to housing officers, community centre workers, librarians, parent and family support workers, health visitors, police officers, midwives, family nurses and other public sector employees
Working with employers to encourage take up of the real living wage, exceeding target to see 677 employers signed up in Edinburgh.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “We have shown in the last three years that when we come together as a city, we can make a real difference. And this difference really can be life changing.
“We’ve achieved a lot, and we’re committed to carrying on this work with our partners. But these last few years have also been a time of financial crisis. The cost of living remains high, we’re hurtling towards another winter where households will face money worries and we’re at risk of the city’s wealth divide growing.
“For all our combined efforts I remain concerned that poverty in Edinburgh could rise again. Without additional urgent action, one in five children in this city – Scotland’s most affluent city – will continue to grow up in poverty.
“I’ll be calling on the Scottish Government to join us in taking action to eradicate poverty, and to support our efforts to create the additional affordable housing we desperately need. We must work together to deliver the great deal of work that is needed, to ensure the very best future for Edinburgh’s children and young people.”
Acknowledging areas of progress and calling for efforts to be stepped up, the End Poverty Edinburgh group added:“We see early signs of a change in attitudes regarding user-led services and seeking the advice of those with lived experience of poverty. There seems to be a real desire to involve people living on a low income in how the council does its business, and we very much welcome this.
“We have also been encouraged by new and developing services and schemes, such as the Regenerative Futures Fund, which sought out the views of people with lived experience early on. We believe that including those with real-life experience is key when attempting to develop new or better services, whether that be improving housing conditions or tackling food poverty.
“Treating people with dignity and respect should be the very least expected of staff on the frontline, and we are pleased to not only see efforts being made to ensure this is the case through implementation of training, but also in the delivery of services themselves. We also welcome steps taken to implement the Living Hours Scheme in Edinburgh.
“Despite there being progress to celebrate, there are many areas we have still to make an impact on. Edinburgh desperately needs an increase in quality social housing, accessible social housing, and genuinely affordable housing. We believe the housing situation in Edinburgh is crucial to tackle, and that more support is needed from the Scottish Government. Improving the housing situation in Edinburgh would undoubtedly have one of the biggest impacts on those experiencing poverty, so this must remain a priority.
“So, as we welcome and celebrate the areas of progress towards eradicating poverty from our city, we call to capitalise on this emerging momentum and step up our efforts for the years ahead.”
Women experiencing domestic abuse will be able to receive up to £1,000 from a new pilot fund to pay for the essentials they need when leaving a relationship with an abusive partner.
The £500,000 Fund to Leave will be delivered by Women’s Aid groups in the five local authority areas with the most women’s homelessness applications due to domestic abuse.
In 2022-23 almost a quarter of all homelessness presentations by women and their children were due to a violent or abusive dispute in their household.
First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Both tackling homelessness and ending violence against women and girls are key priorities for the Scottish Government. People should feel safe in their own homes but, sadly, too often this is not the case.
“Leaving a relationship with an abusive partner is dangerous and difficult, and financial dependence on the abuser is often the biggest barrier. The Fund to Leave will help to reduce the financial burden of leaving an abusive partner by helping to pay for the essentials that women and children need, including rent and clothing.
“This is just one of the ways in which we can work towards a Scotland where women and girls live free from violence and abuse in their homes.”
Chief Executive of Scottish Women’s Aid Marsha Scott said: “Survivors have told us for decades that the biggest problems they face in extricating themselves from abusers is the danger of retaliation, their lack of financial independence and the fear of destitution.
“Whether survivors and their children can stay in their homes or need or want to move to other accommodation, paying the rent and putting food on the table are still a struggle.
“After years of advocating for speedy, accessible, and practical help for leaving, we are utterly delighted to welcome this fund and to help with getting it out to those who need it as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
Chief Executive of Fife Women’s Aid Kate McCormack said: “Fife Women’s Aid are delighted to be part of this important and helpful initiative.
“Domestic abuse is a significant cause of homelessness among women and children in Fife. Financial insecurity is one of the barriers to escaping abuse so this fund is very welcome.”
Grants will be available as part of a pilot until 31 March 2024.
Aldi is calling on local charities, community groups and foodbanks in Edinburgh to sign up now to receive surplus food donations over the festive period.
In partnership with community giving platform Neighbourly, the supermarket’s UK stores partner with good causes across the country to donate surplus food year-round.
With all Aldi stores set to close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, the holiday season provides an opportunity for even more charities to benefit from the successful partnership.
Local charities will be paired with Aldi stores in Edinburgh this Christmas and can collect fresh and chilled food products nearing the end of their shelf-life – with the supermarket pledging to donate over a million meals over the Christmas period.
This month, Aldi hit its 40 million meals milestone since partnering with Neighbourly back in 2019.
Liz Fox, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said:“We know that many communities up and down the country continue to feel the impact of the rise in living costs. That’s why we are committed to ensuring that the communities we provide for always get the support they need.
“We’re proud to hit our 40 million meal milestone with Neighbourly. This is a huge achievement and motivates us to go further and supply even more meals to local charities.”
Steve Butterworth, Chief Executive Officer at Neighbourly, added:“Christmas can be a challenging time for some families, and we expect many more will depend on the services of local charities this year.
“We’re sure there are lots more groups out there that could use the extra help that businesses like Aldi provide, so we encourage them to sign up.”
Any groups that are interested in collecting unsold food at Christmas that are not currently working with Neighbourly can get in touch with them at:
Customers also have the opportunity to donate any food or household products to local causes all year round through community donation points in all Aldi stores.
