Month: June 2024

Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams launch new integrated travel app

Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams are today (3 June 2024) delighted to announce the launch of a new fully integrated bus and tram app.

The new app allows customers to plan their journeys in advance with reliable timetable information and real-time departure boards for each stop across Edinburgh and the Lothians.  The platform was designed in partnership with technology company UrbanThings and Lothian’s in-house Commercial and Digital teams.

Users are able to plan all aspects of their journey in advance with newly developed integrated ticketing and planning features. Customers also have the option to purchase and gift tickets to friends and family for travel across the Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams networks.

Customers can travel around Edinburgh with the option to view real-time service updates on their chosen bus or tram stop, meaning users can plan and adapt to changes to the network while on the move.

Sarah Boyd, Managing Director for Lothian said: “With over 2 million customer journeys per week, we are pleased to introduce our new bus and tram app which will enhance the travel experience for residents and visitors to Edinburgh and the Lothians. 

Bringing together journey planning and ticketing in one place will support seamless, integrated travel across both our bus and tram network with advanced accessibility features providing a more inclusive service for all of our customers.

“The introduction of the new digital platform marks an exciting time for our business and we look forward to continuing to work with the team at UrbanThings to further develop and enhance our overall customer experience.”

Lea Harrison, Edinburgh Trams Managing Director, commented: “The launch of the new app marks another major step forward for the city’s integrated travel network, making it easier than ever for local residents and visitors alike to take full advantage of its excellent public transport options.

“Our multi-model tickets are already popular, and this new platform is set to encourage even more people to discover the benefits of both trams and buses.”

Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “It’s great news that Lothian and Edinburgh Trams will have this fully integrated bus and tram app for residents and visitors to the city. Promoting and encouraging use of public transport, along with active travel, is a key priority for the Council.

“Edinburgh Trams is exceeding all expectations and the 2 million weekly passengers carried by Lothian Buses clearly demonstrates the continued growth of public transport in Edinburgh. The development of this new app is a really positive step forward and shows the benefits that an integrated transport system can bring.”

Adam Toone, CEO at UrbanThings, says: “We are really delighted to introduce the new bus and tram app. Our primary goal remains to empower passengers with a seamless platform while promoting the use of shared transport.

“With features such as convenient smartcard registration, mobile ticketing, and live journey planning, we are confident that this app will significantly enhance the travel experience in Edinburgh.”

Customers can download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store by searching for ‘Lothian Buses/Edinburgh Trams.’

Edinburgh attraction gets Taylor Swift make-over to celebrate Eras Tour

THE DUNGEONS LAUNCHES £13 TICKETS TO CELEBRATE TAYLOR SWIFT’S EDINBURGH CONCERTS

  • Swifties can claim £13 tickets to celebrate the Eras Tour ‘shaking’ off in Scotland
  • The Edinburgh Dungeon ‘Jailer’ will be donning their best sequined outfit as they transform into “Jailer Swift” for the weekend, complete with Dungeon-inspired ‘fiendship’ bracelets to swap with guests

Is meeting Taylor Swift one of your Wildest Dreams? Whether you’ve missed out on The Eras Tour tickets or you’re about to shake it off with the pop princess herself, hold tight as Edinburgh Dungeon’s ‘Jailer Swift’ is donning their sequins to welcome Swifties to the City.

For one weekend only, Swifties can visit The Edinburgh Dungeon with Jailer Swift’s £13 tickets! The number 13 has been a firm favourite with the enchanted songstress with 13 being Taylor’s lucky number, her birthdate, her first album went gold in 13 weeks and she even celebrated turning 13 on Friday the 13th, a date that’s also a firm favourite in the depths of the dungeon!

In the words of Taylor herself: “Darling she’s a nightmare dressed like a daydream!”

The Edinburgh Dungeon is renowned for giving guests an immersive journey through Edinburgh’s darker eras (way further than 1989), so guests will need to brace themselves for the infamous tales inside. Taylor might’ve said “you wouldn’t last an hour in the asylum where they raised me” but are you brave enough to survive The Dungeons?

Forget The Tortured Poets Department… fans can experience the attraction’s spine-chilling Torture Chamber, as well as nine further immersive shows throughout the attraction. Plus, you’ll get the chance to be greeted by The Dungeon’s very own “Jailer Swift” and trade a selection of Dungeon-inspired ‘fiendship’ bracelets.

Visitors who want to enter their Edinburgh Dungeon era with £13 tickets can visit on 8th and 9th June. Tickets are available for a limited time only. So be sure to leave a Blank Space in your diary and book your visit in advance.

Lee Phillips, General Manager at The Edinburgh Dungeon, said: “Whether you missed out on Eras Tour tickets, or you’ll be seeing the real thing live in person, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to enter your Edinburgh Dungeon era and have the chance to greet our very own Jailer Swift – who will be welcoming visitors whilst donned in sparkles and Dungeon-inspired ‘fiendship’ bracelets.

“We knew you were trouble Taylor, but our Jailer is even worse!

“Jailor Swift’s £13 tickets are available for a limited time only, plus with fiendship bracelets that guests can swap there’s something for every Swiftie to love or loathe!”

For further information and to book a visit to The Edinburgh Dungeon, please visit the website here: 

https://www.thedungeons.com/edinburgh/whats-inside/events/jailor-swift/

The Hill Group launches national schools engagement campaign on construction site safety

Award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group has launched an important awareness campaign aimed at engaging primary school children about the dangers of entering a construction site.

Hill is rolling out the campaign to all primary schools nationwide during Child Safety Week, 3-9 June, which is run by the Accident Prevention Trust. The campaign is centred around an educational video featuring Hill’s safety mascots, Jack and Jill, who demonstrate to children the rules that must be observed around building sites.

Child safety is a vital topic for the housebuilding industry; the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that each year, two or three children die after gaining access to building sites, and many more are injured.

The video, along with downloadable activity worksheets, will be accessible on Hill’s website, and the housebuilder will be engaging directly with primary schools in proximity to its current and forthcoming developments.

The initiative is supported by the Home Builders Federation (HBF), as well as the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Rhodri Williams, Technical and Sustainability Director at HBF, said: “Health and safety is vital in our industry, particularly as our members engage with communities where homes are being built.

“We are pleased to see child safety given a platform promoting awareness of best safety practices and protecting children. This will complement existing health and safety site practices in fostering safer communities for all.”

Lucie Wright, Head of Strategy at CITB, said:“Engaging with children to demonstrate the need for health and safety on a construction site is not just important for their wellbeing, but also provides an opportunity to introduce and promote the construction industry to younger generations – an urgent need for the industry.”

“Having workers that are trained and qualified in health and safety standards is vital for ensuring an employer’s workforce can keep themselves and those around them safe. It’s brilliant to see The Hill Group launch this initiative and raise awareness of health and safety on construction sites for children.”

The campaign was launched at Newport Primary School in Essex. Hill’s Charlotte Blair, the presenter on the awareness video, was on hand to deliver an assembly to the school on the importance of construction site safety with the help of mascots, Jack and Jill.

The assembly included a screening of the campaign film to all of the children and teachers at Newport Primary School which is located near Hill’s highly sustainable Hollymead Square development, where the housebuilder has collaborated on various school community activities since starting on site in February.

Rebecca Littler, Group Sales and Marketing Director at The Hill Group, commented “A construction site may seem like a fun place to explore for young children, but the risks of entering can be extremely serious.

“As a responsible housebuilder committed to prioritising health and safety, we actively engage and inform local communities about the work that we do, and site safety is a particularly important message to share.

“I’m very grateful to Newport Primary School for allowing myself, Jack, and Jill to present to the children, and we look forward to rolling out the campaign to more schools over the weeks ahead.”

Sherlyn Ramsey, Interim Head Teacher at Newport Primary School, commented: “It’s wonderful to see The Hill Group working towards safeguarding children in this way and informing them of the risks posed by construction site activity.

“The assembly was a great success, with the awareness video and campaign messages able to convey vital information in a fun and informative way to primary school children of all ages.”

Some readers may still recall an awful accident in Muirhouse back in August 1999, when brother and sister William (6) and Danielle (5) Welsh were killed by a reversing lorry when they played hide and seek on a construction site off Pennywell Road.

Over £172k funding secured to provide energy advice to Edinburgh tenants

Leith’s biggest social landlord, Harbour Homes, has made a successful bid on behalf of the ARCHIE partnership for funding from the Energy Redress Scheme. 

The £172,089 grant will cover the cost of two Energy Advisors to continue providing a service to tenants of seven registered social landlords operating across Edinburgh for a further two years.

The service will help households to address fuel poverty and increase energy efficiency. This can include assisting with applications for subsidies and funding to help with bills.

The Energy Advisors may also liaise with energy providers to ensure the best deal and help resolve any disputes on the customer’s behalf.

Households who can benefit from the funding are those who rent a home from one of the seven locally based ARCHIE partners.

Alongside Harbour Homes, the project partners are Lister Housing Co-operative, Manor Estates Housing Association, Muirhouse Housing Association, Prospect Community Housing, Viewpoint Housing Association and West Granton Housing Co-operative.

Fiona Whitelaw, Tenant Advice Team Leader at Harbour Homes said: “Our Energy Advisors will continue to build on the work we’ve been doing across Edinburgh to advise and advocate for tenants whose quality of life is impacted by high energy costs or energy debts.” 

Claire Ironside, CEO of Manor Estates Housing Association and Chair of ARCHIE said: “We are delighted that Harbour Homes, as the lead partner in this project, has successfully secured further funding to ensure that the tenants of all partners benefit from the energy advice service that can be provided as a result.”

Kevin Wilson, Housing Services Manager at Harbour Homes said: “I’m proud of the hard work our Tenant Advice Team has put into securing this funding on behalf of ARCHIE.

“Sharing resources with our fellow ARCHIE partners helps to provide value for money and keep rents affordable.”

New Memorial Garden set to commemorate West Lothian communities Pandemic Experience

Planning permission has now been approved for the creation of a memorial garden, co-designed with West Lothian community members, that will be unveiled in September as the project reaches its final stages.

Remembering Together is a national project that seeks to give each of Scotland’s 32 local authorities the chance to reflect their unique experience of the Covid-19 pandemic with the help of commissioned artists and creative organisations. 

For West Lothian, West Lothian Council and Greenspace Scotland, with funding from the Scottish Government, have joined in collaboration with local arts organisation Bespoke Atelier to create a living memorial for those that were lost to the virus, and a space for community members to gather and reflect on their pandemic experience. 

Ring-fenced funding for the project has been provided by the Scottish Government and Greenspace Scotland.

The garden at Almondvale Park in Livingston town centre has been co-designed with West Lothian community members and is expected to open in Autumn 2024. 

Lead artists from Bespoke Atelier, Marion Parola and Yvonne Elliot-Kelllighan, worked extensively with local groups and communities to generate ideas to inform the development of Covid Community Memorials. 

Open and accessible public consultations were held around West Lothian, including creative workshops in printmaking, paper collage and textile design, as well as themed walks that involved participants sketching their surroundings. 

This aimed to help local residents communicate through creativity, and create a safe space where they could reflect on a particularly difficult time through art.

These in person consultations were then further supplemented with digital surveys made available online to all residents, seeking to discover more about people’s memories of the pandemic – asking questions such as what the pandemic had helped them appreciate more in hindsight.

The final design has been made possible from collaboration with Mike Hyatt of Landscape Architects at Ratho Byres Forge, as well as artist and stone work specialist David Wilson. 

The space aims to reflect that residents felt a renewed sense of appreciation for outdoor spaces and community togetherness following the pandemic, and includes a striking feature piece ‘The Ribbon’ with artistic renderings of plants and flowers that symbolise those from the region who passed away as a result of the virus.

Training towards a bright future with Culture & Business Scotland

With the need for culture organisations to diversify and expand their skills more acute than ever, Culture & Business Scotland have unveiled a series of training opportunities and events designed to help the nation’s creative professionals equip themselves with new knowledge.

The charity, which works to facilitate mutually beneficial connections between the culture and business sectors, will host a series of upcoming events giving organisations well-rounded education in a range of subjects including fundraising through storytelling, legacy giving and the principles of board membership.

Next week, a short course on board membership taking place on Tuesday 4th June will give new trustees and board members access to two informative, hands-on sessions introducing them to their new roles and responsibilities.

On Tuesday 4th and Tuesday 11th June two sessions will explore the five stages of the copywriting process, while additional training courses will help participants to deeper their understanding of corporate sponsorship and discover the benefits and possibilities of legacy giving campaigns.

Along with full-length courses, Culture & Business Scotland run a series of Insights Webinars designed to empower individuals and organisations in the culture sector with knowledge and expertise from industry experts, and networking events, allowing attendees the chance to connect and collaborate with like-minded professionals in the culture sector.

David Watt, Chief Executive of Culture & Business Scotland said: ‘Our programme of events is designed to help both members and non-members to expand their skillsets and knowledge and empower them to feel confident in all aspects of their work.

“Thanks to expert guidance and structured, practical sessions, participants will gain a solid foundation in skills that are crucial in the evolving landscape of Scotland’s culture environment’.

Individuals and organisations interested in attending an event can find further information here: https://www.cultureandbusiness.scot/training-events/

Housing event at Royston Wardieburn

WEDNESDAY 5th JUNE from 10am – 12.30pm

North Edinburgh Parents Action Group are inviting everyone who are experiencing housing issues to Royston Wardieburn Community Centre for Housing Advice and Information morning.

Come along for some very needed advice and to connect with others, who are experiencing same issues.

#FiveWaysToWellbeing

#homesweethome

#community

#together

The NEN North Edinburgh News

Granton:hub

Granton Community Gardeners

Granton Goes Greener

West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre

Lorna Slater joins Edinburgh East and Musselburgh Green candidate campaign launch

Scottish Green co-leader and Lothian MSP, Lorna Slater joined Edinburgh East and Musselburgh candidate Amanda Grimm for her election campaign launch at Portobello Promenade today.

The launch took with Lorna Slater, Amanda Grimm and local members at Straiton Place Park on Portobello Promenade.

Amanda lives and works in the constituency as a researcher at the Scottish Parliament. She has also worked in the culture sector and was a professional ballet dancer in Washington DC before moving to Edinburgh in 2007.

Lorna Slater said: “I’m really pleased to be supporting Amanda. She is a really excellent candidate and would be a fantastic voice for people in Edinburgh East and Musselburgh.

“I’ve known Amanda for years. She is grounded in her community, and would bring so much to Westminster. I have seen first hand how committed she is to her work and her values. She has a real interest in expertise in what is happening locally and around the world.

“I wish Amanda every success and will be working hard to get the highest vote possible for her campaign.”

Speaking ahead of her campaign launch, Amanda said: “I’m delighted to launch my campaign today as the Scottish Greens candidate for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh.

“We need real change at Westminster. 14 years of Tory austerity has worsened inequality and brought our public sector to its knees. Labour promises little change, even refusing to cap bankers’ bonuses.

“Different choices are possible. While the Scottish Greens were in government we doubled the child payment to support thousands of families, made bus travel free for everyone under 22 and secured record investment in nature and green jobs.

“We are the only party that is serious about tackling the climate emergency. Voting Green will send a strong message to Westminster: voters want real action on climate, not empty promises and U-turns.”

Friends of Pilrig Park: Summer’s Here!

We love to see folk out enjoying the lovely weather, but please remember not to BBQ directly on the grass, and to dispose of any BBQs and other waste responsibly.

There are BBQ bins and general waste bins at the park exits. Please use them! If they’re full, then don’t just dump it – take your rubbish home or use the next available public bin. Thanks!!

Edinburgh Singers to perform Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle

TWO weeks to go until our performance of Rossini’s “Petite Messe Solennelle”, a masterful choral work that blends solemnity and grace with operatic flair.

Join us on Saturday 15th June, 7.30pm at St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh – tickets are available here: https://www.thequeenshall.net/…/rossinis-petite-messe…