TOMORROW IN MACMILLAN SQUARE
Just a reminder that Dr Bike will be back tomorrow!
Bring your bike to the NEA cabin in Macmillan Square to have it serviced.
This is a free service for local residents, and the team will be at the cabin between 12:30pm – 2:30pm.
ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO ANNOUNCES FIRST ACT FOR 2024
Swiss drumming group, Majesticks Drum Corps, has been announced as the first act set to wow crowds when The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo returns to the Castle Esplanade in 2024.
The dynamic drumline will bring its precision drill routine to the capital and serve as a showcase of the extraordinary skills of around 30 drummers, entertaining audiences with incredible timing, showmanship, and a touch of humour.
Formed in 2011, the Swiss drumming sensation has wowed crowds across the world, including in France, Germany and Malta but will make its Tattoo debut at next year’s Journeys performance.
Majesticks aim to offer visually attractive and innovative presentations in their performances, using a mix of special effects and original staging which ensures a spectacular and memorable performance for Tattoo fans.
Next year’s routine is expected to be a vibrant offering which treads the line between modernity and tradition. The music and all aspects of the display are composed by members of the group, who will be using a selection of snare drums, bass drums and cymbals.
The first act announcement follows a triumphant Show run throughout August for the Tattoo and almost a quarter of a million guests set to enjoy a celebration of the art of journeys at next year’s performance.
Tickets are already on sale, in time to make the perfect Christmas gift that offers a unique experience that will provide memories for years to come.
Jason Barrett, Chief Executive at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “The bar’s set incredibly high when it comes to acts for the Tattoo so it’s imperative that we work with those that are of the highest standard.
“That’s something that can certainly be said for the Majesticks Drum Corps, who I can’t wait to see as part of Journeys next year.
“Known for their incredible precision drill, they’re sure to set the Esplanade alight, delighting audiences with unbelievable displays of skill and smooth transitions as the group swap drumsticks and change drums in a mesmerising display.
“I’d encourage people to snap up their tickets quickly and keep an eye out for the next acts to be announced as I can assure you, you don’t want to miss out.”
This year, the Show saw 56 Tattoo dancers and 240 Pipers and Drummers take to the Castle Esplanade to tell their story, with 168 dance shoes worn – three pairs per dancer – and 340 drumsticks banged against 170 drums.
Ludovic Frochaux, Artistic Director of Majesticks Drum Corps, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing our electric and dynamic performance to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2024 and look forward to performing for audiences on the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.
“Audiences should pay close attention to the way our performers display precision in their marching and drumming skills and keep their ears open to appreciate all that our performance has to offer.”
The 2024 Show, Journeys, will transport audiences on an international cultural journey, bringing together the voices and stories that connect the worldwide cultures of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. With the Royal Navy taking on the role of lead service, the Show will be a journey through time, celebrating the tides of change.
Journeys will continue to share the tales of performers and acts from around the globe, developing the theme through visual storytelling and taking audiences on a journey of imagination, wonder and amazement.
To purchase tickets for next summer’s Show, please visit edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or call 0131 225 1188.
DENTIST DEBUNKS POPULAR ORAL CARE MYTHS
Oral health is a topic that has been shrouded in myths and misconceptions for years. From old wives’ tales to internet rumours, it’s easy to get confused about the best way to look after your smile.
Thankfully, dentist Dr. Elham Kordrostami at PAIST, the UK’s first 100% plastic-free toothpaste tube has shared some of the most common oral care myths and replaced them with evidence-based truths. It’s time to set the record straight and ensure you’re on the right track to a healthier smile.
While it might seem like a good idea to brush your teeth right after eating, it’s not always the best approach. After you eat, due to many reasons the broken-down food can make your mouth more acidic, meaning brushing your teeth immediately after eating can weaken your tooth enamel. Dr Kordrostami recommends waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing as this allows your enamel to reharden, making it safe to brush.
Mouthwash should not replace brushing; instead, it should complement your oral care routine. According to Dr. Kordrostami, if you choose to use mouthwash, incorporate it between meals for added freshness, but avoid using it immediately after brushing.
It’s important to note that relying solely on mouthwash is insufficient for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, and dentists do not recommend it.
The traditional toothbrush and floss remain essential for maintaining your oral health, as they effectively remove plaque and food particles. When selecting a mouthwash, opt for one without alcohol to prevent potential irritation.
Some people think that brushing vigorously with a hard-bristle toothbrush will clean their teeth better. However, this can damage your tooth enamel and gums. It’s best to use a soft or medium toothbrush and brush gently. Zealous brushing can wear down the enamel, leading to yellow teeth in the long run and increased sensitivity of your teeth. It can also cause gum recession.
Not all toothpaste tubes are made from recyclable materials. Traditional toothpaste tubes are often made from a combination of materials that can be difficult to recycle. With 300 million plastic toothpaste tubes ending up in landfills every year, PAIST is committed to providing a fully recyclable alternative. Unlike traditional plastic toothpaste tubes, PAIST is 100% plastic-free, and is made from infinitely recyclable metal – cap included.
While sugar-free drinks don’t contain the sugars that can directly contribute to tooth decay, they can still be harmful to your teeth. Many sugar-free drinks are acidic, which can weaken tooth enamel over time. So, it’s essential to be mindful of the acidity and other potential tooth-damaging components in these beverages and consume them in moderation. Dr. Kordrostami advises using a straw when drinking anything other than water or milk to minimise potential damage to your teeth.
Flossing is a crucial part of maintaining good oral hygiene. Brushing alone cannot effectively remove all the food particles and plaque build-up from between your teeth and along the gumline. Flossing helps to clean these hard-to-reach areas, preventing gum disease and cavities. Dr Kordrostami recommends flossing at least once a day to maintain optimal oral health. If you don’t floss, you’re missing cleaning 40% of your tooth surfaces. Most dental problems occur in between teeth due to the lack of flossing.
You should not do this. Follow the “spit don’t rinse” rule. After brushing, spit out excess toothpaste but do not rinse with water or mouthwash. Rinsing immediately removes the beneficial ingredients from the toothpaste, and by not washing them away, you allow these ingredients more time to work effectively.
Fluoride, when used in recommended amounts as directed by dental professionals, is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay.
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that fluoride in toothpaste or water is generally bad for your health.
The gentlemen residents at Letham Park and Mathison Care Home are looking sharp for the festive season after a local barber shop paid a special visit to help out the community.
Ryan McCutcheon and Nicky Campbell from Black’s Barbering spent the day at the care homes to give the male elderly residents the chance to get a new trim for Christmas in a bid to give back to their local community.
90-year-old resident John McKenzie (above) said: “My hair is looking great and we had some good banter while it was getting done. Big thanks to the guys for coming in.”
Barber Ryan McCutcheon said: “We just really wanted to do something nice for Christmas and we thought the gentlemen in the care home would enjoy getting a nice haircut.
“It was our gift to these very deserving chaps, and we enjoyed every minute of it. We had a laugh and some of the banter was great!”
Following consultation with residents and interested organisations in and around the west of the city a final framework for development will be considered by the Planning Committee on 19 December.
Development in the west of Edinburgh forms part of the draft City Plan 2030, currently being considered by the Scottish Government. Therefore, if approved by committee, The West Edinburgh Placemaking Framework and Strategic Masterplan (WEPFSM) will be implemented when City Plan 2030 is adopted. The masterplan would then be used as a material consideration as non-statutory guidance for future planning applications.
The framework was informed by previous work on this area and a 12-week consultation from July to October last year for land extending from Eastfield Road in the west to Maybury junction in the east, with Edinburgh Airport and Turnhouse Road to the north.
There are a range of new opportunities for new homes and other uses in this area as set out in City Plan 2030. The aim is to create new 20 minute neighbourhoods to help Edinburgh toward its housing and net zero ambition, with a range of facilities which people will need to live well locally such as schools and medical centres.
Hundreds of people took part in the consultation either online or in person at drop in sessions or focus groups we held. Meetings also took place with key developers and landowners.
A major theme from the consultation was having excellent transport links in the area including active travel routes and public transport. These objectives are all at the core of the proposed WEPFEM and tie in with the wider Broxburn to Maybury Transport Improvements – a major transport improvement project for area.
The project is funded through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. The plan is to have better connected communities with major employment, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities easily accessible. This will also make it easier for more people to make a greater number of journeys by bus or by cycling, walking or wheeling.
An overarching vision on how the west of the city could be developed over the next 30 years – Towards West Edinburgh 2050 – was also published for discussion last year.
Planning Convener Cllr James Dalgleish said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation last year. The feedback was really valuable in helping us to finalise our draft framework for committee to consider next week.
“When City Plan 2030 is adopted developers will be able to use this framework as a guide to help us create new thriving 20 minute neighbourhoods to the north of Gogarburn.
“We’re hoping to see more than 3,500 quality energy efficient affordable homes delivered. This will help us address the city’s housing emergency as well as significantly contributing to Edinburgh achieving net zero. The development will have a mix of uses such as retail, schools, healthcare and office space.
“Like other neighbourhoods in west Edinburgh these new communities will need to be well connected to the rest of the city, the wider region and beyond through improved public transport links.
“To help to reduce car use the high density 20 minute neighbourhoods created will need to be supported with a number of new bus and active travel routes and as well as the existing tram line which runs through the area.”
CONSULTATION PLANS TO BE ANNOUNCED
Police Scotland today (Thursday, 14 December, 2023) announced plans to consult and engage the public on proposals to close a number of properties across the country.
The Service has published details of 29 police stations and other buildings which it says are now surplus to requirements, with officers and staff being moved to other locations. Of these buildings three are already vacant and 14 others have no public access.
The Edinburgh stations listed as ‘surplus to requirements’ are Balerno, Fettes, Leith, Portobello and West End.
In addition, Police Scotland will carry out consultation and engagement on a further 16 properties, which are all already vacant or are plots of land with no buildings. As such there is no public access to these properties.
Plans to close a further 14 properties will be brought forward at a later date.
Properties have been selected for potential disposal under the Service’s estate strategy, which seeks to move toward co-location with partners where possible to ensure services are delivered in the most efficient and effective way.
As part of the review, local Divisional Commanders have been asked to identify where they would want to locate their resources to better meet the demands of 21st century policing and to highlight any buildings in their areas that are underused, surplus to requirements or where there could be opportunities to rationalise buildings or co-locate with partners.
Deputy Chief Constable, Malcolm Graham said: “Our estate needs to be fit for 21st century policing, putting service enhancement, visibility, and engagement at the heart of the communities we serve.
“These are core components of the legitimacy and consent on which policing in Scotland relies.
“Our presence in communities is not defined by buildings but by the officers and staff who work there, and we have already introduced technology that enables our officers to remain in local areas, reducing the need for them to return to police stations to deal with paperwork.
“We are determined to continue to improve our visibility and accessibility, as well as to bring partners together to deliver services in the most efficient and effective way.
“The buildings in which our officers and staff work need to be safe, functional spaces, and they need to be sustainable and adaptable enough to meet changing public expectations and the changing nature of policing.”
He added: “Police Scotland inherited a very large and ageing estate, much of which was not fit for purpose, with high maintenance costs and environmental inefficiencies.
“The locations of many inherited buildings no longer meet the requirements of local communities and in some cases the organisation is currently maintaining multiple buildings in the same geographic area, less than five miles apart.
“Some of the buildings are just a few miles apart, others are used by only a handful of police officers or staff and have no public access, while many are rarely visited by a member of the public.
“For the majority of properties, the proposed moves will be an average of four miles from their current location.
“Local communities will therefore continue to receive the same high level of service from officers, and still from within their local area.
“We now have more than 60 co-locations with partners, providing more sustainable, more modern, and safer workspaces for our people.
“We have great examples of successful partnerships in the North East, Perthshire, Forth Valley, and Ayrshire among others and this will continue to be an important part of ensuring policing in Scotland is prepared for the future.
“We understand and are sensitive to community concerns around changes involving police buildings and as we bring forward proposals we wish to communicate our proposals to the public and our staff and seek their feedback. Please do view our plans and let us know your thoughts.”
The financial savings of these property disposals would be re-invested into providing policing services.
As part of our ongoing transformation work Police Scotland is in the early stages of progressing plans for other sites across the country. As plans are developed and submitted for approval to the Scottish Police Authority they will undertake consultation with local communities, key stakeholders and trade unions, statutory staff associations, and impacted staff.
Police Scotland added: ‘We they continuously review our estate as part of our normal business and this will continue. As part of this work, we may identify other properties that are considered surplus and appropriate engagement and consultation will be undertaken.’
To review the proposals and have your say visit our engagement hub:
The 29 buildings proposed for closure/disposal are:
| Station | Local Policing Division | Current Front Counter / Opening hours | Front counter usage | Local Policing Base (Yes or No) | Proposed destination |
| Castlemilk | Greater Glasgow | Yes – 9am – 5pm Monday -Friday (not Wednesday) | Low | No. Community police drop-in facility only. | Cathcart |
| Saracen | Greater Glasgow | Yes – 9am – 5pm – Monday to Friday | Low | No | Baird St or Maryhill |
| Bishopbriggs | Greater Glasgow | Yes – Monday – Sunday 8am – 4pm | Low | Yes. Community policing, community campus, licensing | Kirkintilloch |
| Milngavie | Greater Glasgow | Yes – Monday – Sunday 8am – 4pm | Low | Yes. Community policing. | Kirkintilloch |
| Stewart Street | Greater Glasgow | Yes – 24/7 front counter service | High | Yes. Response, community policing, divisional management team and CID | Baird St |
| Gorbals | Greater Glasgow | Yes – 7am-12am all week | Medium / low | Yes. Response, community policing | Cathcart |
| Baillieston | Greater Glasgow | Temporarily closed. | N/A | Yes. Response, Community policing | Shettleston |
| Pacific Quay | Greater Glasgow | No | N/A | No. Base for corporate staff. | Dalmarnock |
| Paisley | Renfrewshire & Inverclyde | Yes – 24 hours | Medium | Yes. Response, community policing, divisional management team and CID | TBC |
| Ferguslie Park | Renfrewshire & Inverclyde | No | N/A | Community Policing / Alcohol and Violence Reduction Unit | TBC |
| Greenock | Renfrewshire & Inverclyde | Yes – 24 hours. | Medium | Yes. Response, community policing, divisional management team and CID | TBC |
| Dumbarton | Argyll & West Dunbartonshire | Yes – 8am-6pm (12.30pm-1.30pm – lunchtime closing) | Low | Yes. Response, community policing, divisional management team and CID | TBC |
| Alexandria | Argyll & West Dunbartonshire | No front counter or public access. | N/A | Yes, Response, Community policing | TBC |
| Ayr | Ayrshire | No | No | No. Already closed and new facility in Ayr has opened. Old site proposed for demolition. | N/A |
| Balerno | Edinburgh City | No | N/A | No. Building was used as a base for 10 officers for social distancing purposes during the pandemic but was previously vacant. Officers will be relocated nearby. | TBC |
| Fettes | Edinburgh City | Yes | Medium – High Most public footfall relates to Lost property /Productions / Firearms licensing enquiries. | Yes | TBC |
| Leith | Edinburgh City | Yes – 7am hours to midnight – however nine days per month only open 7am – 4pm | High – Public enquiries relate to lost/found property / reporting crime, neighbour disputes, MIT enquiries etc. Station also located on tram line and near to Edinburgh’s most densely populated community. | Yes | TBC |
| West End | Edinburgh City | Yes – Open Monday -Friday 9am-5pm | Medium –Public enquiries relate to lost/found property / reporting crime etc. | Yes | TBC |
| Portobello | Edinburgh City | TBC | |||
| Oakley | Fife | No | N/A | No. Used by Operational Support Division officers. | TBC |
| Muir of Ord | Highlands and Islands | No | N/A | No. Used by officer/staff member but not local policing. | Dingwall or Inverness |
| Mastrick | North East | No | N/A | Yes | TBC |
| Rosemount | North East | No | N/A | Not presently – no officers currently stationed nor deployed from there but used periodically as stop point. | NA |
| Seaton | North East | No | N/A | Yes | TBC |
| Whinhill | North East | No | N/A | Yes | TBC |
| Torry | North East | No | N/A | Yes | Nigg |
| Dundee Annexe | Tayside | Yes – no counter staff. Responded to by dept staff /officers. | Low | No | West Bell Street |
| Ryehill | Tayside | No | N/A | No – limited use of building. | West Bell Street |
| Hilltown | Tayside | Yes – public counter not staffed. Officers answer the door to members of the public. | Medium | No. Functions as a space for comfort breaks for operational officers. | West Bell Street |
The 16 properties which are already vacant or are plots of land with no buildings are:
| Station | Local Policing Division | Current Front Counter / Opening hours | Front counter usage | Local Policing Base (Yes or No) | Proposed destination |
| Anderston | Greater Glasgow | No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus | N/A | No. Building has been vacant for more than two years. Officers/staff who worked there now deploy from various police stations around Glasgow. Building is under offer, sale to complete this FY pending planning approval. | N/A |
| Partick (land) | Greater Glasgow | No – land has been declared Surplus | N/A | No. We are disposing of a pocket of land next to police station only as it is not required. Police station is being retained. | N/A |
| Maybole | Ayrshire | No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus | N/A | No. Building vacant since 2022 when Officers/staff moved to new co-location with South Ayrshire Council in 2022. | N/A |
| Kilwinning | Ayrshire | No – Building vacant and will be declared Surplus | N/A | No. Building vacant since 2023, officers and staff now deploy from Irvine | N/A |
| Kirkcudbright | Dumfries and Galloway | No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus | N/A | No. Building vacant for more three years, we are now co-located with SFRS in Kirkcudbright. | N/A |
| Tarbert Office | Argyll & West Dunbartonshire | No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus | N/A | No. Building vacant for more 5 years, officers deploy from Lochgilphead. | N/A |
| Dalmally | Argyll & West Dunbartonshire | No – Building vacant and will be declared Surplus | N/A | No. Building vacant, and local consultation is ongoing. Building is a small police house/station (1 police officer), the previous officer has moved out and this area will be resourced from Oban Police Station. | N/A |
| Port Glasgow | Renfrewshire & Inverclyde | No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus | N/A | No. Building vacant for more than five years, officers/staff now deploy from Greenock. | N/A |
| Burntisland | Fife | No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus | N/A | No. Building has been vacant for more than three years, officers who worked there now deploy from Kirkcaldy.Building under offer to complete this year. | N/A |
| Alloa | Forth Valley | No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus | N/A | No. This building is still in partial use by specialist officers although we expect to be vacated this month. Local officers vacated in 2021 to move into a co-location with Clackmannanshire Council. | N/A |
| Linlithgow | Lothians and Scottish Borders | No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus | N/A | No. Building has been vacant for more 6 years. Officer/staff deploy from other nearby police stations.Remarketing of the building is under way. | N/A |
| Coldstream | Lothians and Scottish Borders | No – Building vacant and will be declared Surplus | N/A | No. Building has been vacant for more than 4 years. Officer/staff deploy from other nearby police stations. | |
| Whalsay | Highlands and Islands | No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus | Building is a small property on an island off Shetland that has been vacant for more than a year. Officer/staff located on mainland Shetland.Sale negotiations are ongoing. | N/A | |
| Lairg | Highlands and Islands | No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus | No. Building has been vacant for more than three years. Officer/staff now deploy from other stations within the division. Re-marketing or auction to be progressed. | N/A | |
| Peterhead | North East | No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus | No. Building has been vacant for more than 18 months, officers/staff deploying out of Buchan House where we co-locate with Aberdeenshire Council. Re-marketing or auction of building to be progressed. | N/A | |
| Portlethen | North East | No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus | No. Building has been vacant since this year, officers/staff now deploying from Stonehaven. Marketing under way. | N/A |
Royal Bank of Scotland is joining forces with Social Bite to host a Christmas dinner for people who’ve experienced homelessness. The bank will be opening the boardroom at St Andrew’s Square in Edinburgh and welcoming those Social Bite and the bank have supported this year.
It is part of the bank’s long-term support for the work Social Bite is doing to end homelessness. Since 2016, Royal Bank has supported Social Bite through donations, gifts-in-kind, and strategic help totalling over £1million.
Royal Bank employees have raised more than £100,000 through sponsored sleepouts, abseils and Christmas appeals.
Taking place on 19 December 2023, those attending include residents and staff from Social Bite’s Village in Edinburgh, run in partnership with Cyrenians to provide a supported community which helps people affected by homelessness to lead an independent life. Social Bite plans to open two new Villages in South Lanarkshire and Dundee over the next two years.
This Christmas, the bank is also supporting Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness which will provide meals, gifts and essentials for people who are homeless at Christmas and throughout the winter, alongside homes and jobs.
Josh Littlejohn MBE, Co-Founder of Social Bite, said: “We are so grateful for Royal Bank’s support.
“They have played a key part in a number of transformational projects helping people break the cycle of homelessness, and it is really special that they have created this Christmas experience for the residents of the Village.”
Judith Cruickshank, Chair of the Royal Bank of Scotland Board, said: “Building on our long-term support for Social Bite we are helping to make Christmas a little more enjoyable for some of the most vulnerable.”
More than 400 hospitality businesses and workers have signed an open letter to the First Minister Humza Yousaf, urging him to save Scottish hospitality. Those signing the letter include some of Scotland’s best-loved and most recognisable bars, pubs, restaurants and hotels.
The letter comes a week before the Scottish Budget, with the Scottish Government under pressure from the hospitality industry to match support provided by the UK Government for hospitality businesses in England. At the Autumn Statement, the UK Government announced 75% business rates relief for hospitality businesses in England for the next year.
The Scottish Hospitality Group’s Save Scottish Hospitality campaign has warned that without new support, many Scottish hospitality businesses will struggle to survive.
The open letter to the First Minister has attracted support from the owners and employees of pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels across Scotland. The letter warns: “without support from the Scottish Government at the Scottish Budget, we will see our much-loved local hospitality venues disappear forever.” It makes an urgent plea to the First Minister to intervene and deliver fresh support for the hospitality sector at next week’s Scottish Budget.
The Save Scottish Hospitality campaign calls on the Scottish Government to use the Scottish Budget to provide emergency support for the hospitality industry to survive, and a new long-term deal to support the sector to thrive.
The campaign calls for:
Stephen Montgomery, Director of the Scottish Hospitality Group, said: “This letter is an urgent plea from hospitality owners and workers from the length and breadth of Scotland.
“The First Minister must listen to those on the frontline of our hospitality sector and deliver support to save our hospitality sector before many of the venues we love disappear forever.
“We need to back our hospitality industry to survive and thrive, and a fairer deal on business rates would be one step the Government can take in the Budget to give our hospitality industry a fighting chance. If it can be done for hospitality businesses in England, then it can be done for Scottish hospitality too”.
“The Scottish Government claims it wants a new relationship with the business community. It’s time to put their money where their mouth is.”
The Scottish Hospitality Group represents many of Scotland’s best-loved, family and independently-owned hospitality businesses – from bars, pubs, and cafes to restaurants and hotels.
The Group was recently relaunched with an expanded membership, in every area of Scotland and collectively employing more than 6,000 people.
EDINBURGH PROTEST FOR PALESTINE
This Saturday – 16 December – at 1pm.
Meet at Wellington Statue at East End of Princes Street.
Join us in demanding a ceasefire and an end to the occupation of Palestine.
Former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has thrown his weight behind Sarah Boyack’s campaign for a full replacement of the Edinburgh Eye Pavilion.
In a recently published video, Gordon Brown highlighted the urgent need for a new Edinburgh Eye Pavilion, citing his own experience with the service.
In his endorsement, Brown labelled the idea that the Eye Pavilion may be lost from Edinburgh ‘a tragedy’.
Having lost sight in one eye while a teenager, Gordon Brown draws on 50 years of experience being a patient at the current Princess Alexandria Eye Hospital, to highlight the critical need for new facilities.
Gordon Brown is the latest political figure to back this campaign, after a cross-party group of MSPs wrote to Michael Matheson to demand the funding for a new Eye Pavilion.
Commenting on Gordon Brown’s intervention, Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack said: “There is no one I would rather have than Gordon Brown, to join the campaign for a new Eye Pavilion.
“Gordon knows first-hand how critical this project is to patients across the Lothians, and beyond.
“Cabinet Secretary Michael Matheson must listen to the breadth of support that a new Eye Pavilion has.
“This is not about party politics; this is about coming together to ensure the Scottish Government delivers a project that is vital for patients in Edinburgh.
“It’s vital that the Scottish Government provides the funding urgently needed for a new eye hospital in Edinburgh. Patients deserve nothing less than a modern hospital that is fit for purpose.”
