A statement from the National Galleries of Scotland on our relationship with Baillie Gifford:
National Galleries of Scotland justifies Baillie Gifford links
Day: July 2, 2024
‘A voice to shape Scotland, a voice above all for the future’
‘THERE SHALL BE A SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT’
YESTERDAY marked the 25th Anniversary of the Scottish Parliament, which took up it’s legal powers on 1st July 1999.
The Parliament was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Scotland’s First Minister Donald Dewar replied to the Queen’s address with a speech thanking her for the Mace, the parliament’s symbol of authority.
FIRST MINISTER DONAL DEWAR’s SPEECH IN FULL:
“Your Majesty, on behalf of the people of Scotland I thank you for the gift of the Mace.
It is a symbol of the great democratic traditions from which we draw our inspiration and our strength.
At its head are inscribed the opening words of our founding statute: “There shall be a Scottish Parliament”.
Through long years, many long years in the case of many of us, those words were first a hope, then a belief, then a promise. Now they are a reality.
This is indeed a moment anchored in our history. Today we can reach back to the long haul to win this parliament, to the struggles of those who brought democracy to Scotland, to that other parliament dissolved in controversy over 300 years ago.
Today we can look forward to the time when this moment will be seen as a turning point – the day when democracy was renewed in Scotland when we revitalised our place in this, our United Kingdom.
This is about more than our politics and our laws. This is about who we are, how we carry ourselves.
And in the quiet moments of today – if there are any – we might hear some echoes from the past: the shout of the welder in the din of the great Clyde shipyards, the speak of the Mearns rooted in the land, the discourse of the enlightenment when Edinburgh and Glasgow were indeed a light held to the intellectual life of Europe, the wild cry of the great pipes and back to the distant noise of battles in the days of Bruce and Wallace.
The past is part of us, part of every one of us and we respect it. But today there is a new voice in the land, the voice of a democratic parliament, a voice to shape Scotland, a voice above all for the future.
Walter Scott wrote that only a man with soul so dead could have no sense, no feel for his native land.
For me – and I think in this I speak at least for any Scot today – this is a proud moment, a new stage in a journey begun long ago and which has no end. This is a proud day for all of us.
A Scottish Parliament, not an end but a means to greater ends and these too are part of our Mace. Woven into the symbolic thistles are these four words – wisdom, justice, compassion, integrity.
Burns would have understood that. We’ve just heard beautifully sung one of his most enduring works, and at the heart of that song is a very Scottish conviction that honesty and simple dignity are priceless virtues not imparted by rank or birth or privilege but part of the soul.
Burns believed that sense of worth ultimately prevail, he believed that was the core of politics and that without it our profession is inevitably impoverished.
Wisdom, justice, compassion, integrity – timeless values, honourable aspirations for this new forum of democracy born on the cusp of a new century.
We are fallible – we all know that. We will make mistakes but I hope and I believe we will never lose sight of what brought us here – the striving to do right by the people of Scotland, to respect their priorities, to better their lot and to contribute to the common weal.
I look forward to the days ahead and I know there will be many of them. This chamber will sound with debate, argument and passion, when men and women from all over Scotland will meet to work together for a future built on the first principles of social justice.
But today we pause and reflect.
It is a rare privilege in an old nation to open a new parliament. Today is and must be a celebration of the principles, the traditions, the democratic imperatives which have brought us to this point and which will sustain us in the future.
Your Majesty, we are proud that you are here today to hansel this parliament and here with us as we dedicate ourselves to the work that lies ahead.
Your Majesty, our thanks.”
Get Help or Get Caught: tackling online child sexual abuse and exploitation
Reports of online child sexual abuse and exploitation in Scotland have increased by 21 per cent, according to new data from Police Scotland.
Between 1 April, 2023 and 31 March, 2024, 2,055 cyber-enabled sexual crimes against children were recorded, an increase of 364 on the previous year. Three offence types accounted for two thirds of this total:
- Cause or coerce to see/hear sexual images/content
- Communicating indecently with a child
- Possession/distribution of indecent images of children.
The scale of online child sexual abuse and exploitation (OCSAE) was highlighted in a recent study by University of Edinburgh’s Childlight initiative. It estimated that 300 million children a year worldwide were victims of online sexual abuse and exploitation.
And the National Crime Agency estimates that 1.3% – 1.6% of adults in the UK pose varying degrees of risk to children.
The scale of the threat is a recognised national risk.
Police Scotland yesterday (1 July) launched its latest #GethelpOrGetCaught campaign to prevent OCSAE, targeting individuals who may already have offended or be at risk of offending.
It signposts them to the Lucy Faithfull Foundation Scotland’s Stop It Now service which offers advice and support to prevent offending.
Detective Chief Superintendent Sam Faulds, head of Public Protection for Police Scotland, which leads on child protection, said: “More of us live our lives online and that is particularly true for children and young people. Cyber-enabled crime is on the rise, and increasingly our investigations are focused online identifying offenders and bringing them to justice.
“During the school summer holidays, many more children will be at home and online.
“We want to reduce risk, to stop young people becoming victims of online child abuse and exploitation.
“Many of our key partners provide advice to young people and their parents about keeping safe online.
“Our role is to target offenders.
“Our prevention campaigns offer them a way to stop, a route out before they offend, before a child becomes their victim, before other lives are damaged.
“We want to prevent children becoming victims of online predators and we will use all means at our disposal to identify offenders.
“Think about it – it might not be a child you are grooming or speaking to online. It might be the police. Take your chance to Get Help or you will Get Caught.”
Stuart Allardyce, director of Lucy Faithfull Foundation Scotland, said: “We have worked with hundreds of individuals who have either been arrested for online offences against children or are concerned about their thoughts or behaviours towards children.
“Through our work, we understand how difficult it is to reach out for help. We also know that those who engage in these behaviours often need support with their mental health and compulsive behaviours, feeling trapped in a cycle of harmful actions.
“The reasons for viewing sexual images of children or online grooming are complex, and many individuals recognise that what they are doing is wrong. Seeking individualised, anonymous, and non-judgmental support is absolutely the right step to take. This can help individuals stop viewing illegal images or engaging in illegal conversations online.
“By making the right choice and getting the support you need, you can move on from offending or potential criminal behaviour and help protect and keep children safe.”
The Police Scotland campaign will run for six weeks across various social media platforms including Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, and Spotify.
Last month, 61-year-old Ian Heddle, was convicted of the serious sexual assault of a child and possession of indecent images of children. Heddle was arrested and charged in Scotland in connection with possessing indecent images of children.
Following enquiries, it was established he had also sexually assaulted a young girl in Thailand. He was subsequently arrested and charged for this offence. The arrest was made under legislation which protects children anywhere in the world from sexual abuse by British nationals.
Earlier this year, serial predator, Benjamin Young, 42, was sentenced to 12 years in prison and has been given an Order of Lifelong Restriction (OLR). Young created and shared images and videos of the sexual abuse of children.
He was identified and investigated by the National Child Abuse Investigation Unit working with international law enforcement partners.
The majority of perpetrators of online sexual abuse are male (90%). Most victims are female (54%).
Rani Govender, NSPCC Regulatory Policy Manager, said: “Online sexual abuse can have a devastating impact on children and young people. This abuse can be prevented, but tech firms have not done enough to build platforms which are safe by design for children.
“These figures demonstrate the increasing scale of the problem in Scotland. We need strong implementation of the Online Safety Act by Ofcom to protect children and young people. It is vital that platforms are held accountable for tackling all forms of child sexual abuse and exploitation.
“Tech firms need to use best practice approaches to prevent, detect and disrupt abuse, including in private messaging.
“It is important that tech companies do not delay action any longer and that they make children and young people’s safety a priority.”
Powderhall Bronze launches series of Summer Foundry Tours
Bookings are now live for a series of tours at Powderhall Bronze, one of the only remaining fine art foundries in Scotland.
Located in Granton, Powderhall Bronze was established by husband-and-wife team Brian Caster and Kerry Hammond in 1989, and offers a bronze casting service to practising artists.
The family run foundry is renowned for casting a vast array of bronze artworks from small gallery pieces to monumental public artworks.
Notable works include ‘Really Good’ by David Shrigley, sited on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square and ‘Your next breath’ by Kenny Hunter sited outside Edinburgh’s Royal College of Surgeons.
This summer, the foundry is opening its doors for a limited number of exclusive tours. From £20 per person, guests will take a tour around the foundry with directors Kerry Hammond and Brian Caster.
Along the way they will explain how they use the ancient lost wax casting process to create the bronze sculptures and give a unique insight into some of the current foundry projects.
Each tour will last approximately 90 minutes and will end with a glass of wine or soft drinks with the opportunity for guests to ask questions. The tours are available in August and can be booked via the Powderhall Bronze Editions website at www.powderhallbronzeeditions.co.uk
With over 35 years’ experience working in bronze, Brian and Kerry are experts in their craft, and also work as practising artists. Their own collection of contemporary cast bronze sculpture can be found on display in the family run gallery, Powderhall Bronze Editions on Summer Place in Edinburgh.
Inspired by natural forms, their pieces are suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings and showcase the very best the material has to offer. These pieces are annually exhibited at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.powderhallbronzeeditions.co.uk
Fairer Funding for Voluntary Sector: Little progress one year on
In April 2023 the Scottish Government committed to fairer funding by 2026. Despite the urgent need within the voluntary and charity sector – one year on there has been little progress.
SCVO’s SHEGHLEY OGILVIE sets out #SCVOPolicy on #FairFunding and what actions are needed:
Last month, after a discussion a few weeks ago with the Clerks of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, SCVO received the very welcome news that the Committee would focus their Pre-budget scrutiny on voluntary sector funding.
The Committee want, “to examine how the Scottish Government’s approach to fair and efficient funding can contribute to the continued effectiveness of the third sector”, having heard about the funding challenges facing the sector.
SCVO encourage organisations across the sector to respond to the Committee, share experiences of good and bad practice, and support SCVO’s Fair Funding calls.
The inquiry is very much needed.
For almost a decade, the Scottish Government has recognised the need for multi-year funding, committing to longer-term funding for the voluntary sector across multiple government strategies.
In April 2023 the Scottish Government’s policy prospectus New leadership – A fresh start, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP committed to achieving fairer funding by 2026:
“Working with my Cabinet colleagues, I commit that by 2026 I will have… Progressed Fairer Funding arrangements, including exploring options to implement multi-year funding deals, enabling the third sector to secure the resilience and capacity it needs to support the transformation and delivery of person-centred services for Scotland’s people and support our thriving social enterprise economy”.
A commitment welcomed by SCVO and organisations across the sector. Similar commitments followed in the Programme for Government (PfG) and the Scottish Budget.
Despite this renewed focus – and the urgent need within the sector- one year on from the policy prospectus, there has been little progress.
Our sector faces unprecedented challenges. Years of underfunding and poor funding practices, and crises such as the pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis have put the sector under increasing pressure, exacerbating financial and operational challenges – 76% of organisations now experience financial challenges, while the number of organisations reporting that rising costs are having a negative impact on their ability to deliver services continues to grow.
To support voluntary organisations, our staff and volunteers, and the people and communities our sector works with, the Scottish Government must both take action and develop timelines and goals to monitor progress towards fairer funding.
SCVO defines Fair Funding as a long-term, flexible, sustainable, and accessible approach to funding.
To make meaningful progress towards Fair Funding the Scottish Government should:
- Commit to a longer-term funding model for the voluntary sector across all Scottish Government departments.
- Define multi-year funding for voluntary organisations as a three-year minimum commitment.
- Record progress by collecting and publishing what proportion of grants and contracts are delivered on a multi-year basis and accommodate other essential Fair Funding elements.
To be meaningful and support a sustainable sector, multi-year funding must also recognise and incorporate other essential Fair Funding elements including:
- Flexible, unrestricted core funding
- Inflation-based uplifts
- Timely notification and payments
- Full costs recovery, which includes core operating costs.
As local councils fund far more voluntary organisations than Scottish government- between a quarter and a third of voluntary organisations receive funding from local authorities- mulit-year funding should also be provided to local authorities, to allow them to enter into multi-year agreements with voluntary organisations.
Our sector is an employer, a partner, and a vital social and economic actor central to delivering the Scottish Government’s aspirations.
To recognise and support the many contributions of voluntary organisations, their staff, and their volunteers across Scotland urgent progress is needed or the goal of achieving fairer funding by 2026 becomes increasingly unlikely.
As part of the Committee’s Pre-budget scrutiny inquiry the Committee will hold two workshops in Dundee on Wednesday the 21st of August for voluntary organisations who receive funding from statutory funders (such as Scottish Government, health boards, local authorities).
To register your interest contact: PACT@parliament.scot
Find out more about SCVO’s Fair Funding work here:
https://scvo.scot/policy/fair-funding-procurement/fair-funding
Find SCVO’s engagement with the Scottish Budget process here:
Sexual assaults at Silverknowes Beach: Police appeal for witnesses
POLICE are appealing for information after two teenage girls, aged 14 and 15, were sexually assaulted in the Cramond Beach area on Saturday evening (29 June).
The incident, which is understood to have involved two male youths, took place on a bench near Silverknowes Beach Car Park between 7.30pm and 7.45pm.
Enquiries are at an early stage to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Detective Sergeant Craig Donnelly said: “The Cramond Beach area would have been busy around the time the incident is reported to have taken place and we are appealing for anyone with information which could help our investigation to come forward.
“We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who noticed two male youths in the company of two teenage girls at a bench near to Silverknowes Beach Car Park, or anything else which could be of significance.
“Incidents of this nature can understandably cause concern in the local community, and we will have additional patrols in the area to provide reassurance.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3438 of Saturday, 29 June, 2024.”
NHS Lothian welcomes first naturally conceived quadruplets
Arlene and John Mitchell from Longridge in West Lothian have welcomed the first naturally conceived quadruplets to Lothian — Ben, Noah, Harrison, and Rory!
The tiny new arrivals, Ben, Noah, Harrison and Rory, were born on May 14 and tipped the scales at less than 3lb each.
The smallest of the baby brothers, Harrison weighed in at 2lb 14 oz, while Ben, Noah, and Rory each weighed 2lb 15oz.
Naturally conceived quadruplets are extremely rare, with doctors estimating the odds at about one in 700,000 births.
Arlene, 34, and John, 38, who already have a daughter Lauren, 11, and three-year-old son Hunter are now getting used to being a family of eight.
Arlene said: “It was a total shock when we found out there were four babies at the first scan. The nurse said she thought there was more than one baby and then she said there was more than three babies!
“I was absolutely speechless and my husband just couldn’t believe it. They are really beautiful and we are so delighted. We can’t wait to take our four boys home to Lauren and Hunter and start our journey as a family of eight!”
John said: “Life is going to be a bit noisier for all of us but I’m really looking forward to us being one big family.”
Arlene was closely monitored throughout her pregnancy because of risks associated with multiple births, such as premature delivery and preeclampsia.
Arlene added: “Having quadruplets is a high-risk pregnancy and at every scan, I was really anxious that there wouldn’t be four heartbeats.
“The midwifery team were absolutely amazing, they really supported me every step of the way.”
A dedicated team of 17 doctors and midwives delivered the quadruplets in the Simpson’s Centre for Reproductive Health at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh on May 14.
Arlene, who is just 5’2, underwent a planned Caesarean section when she was 30-weeks pregnant to reduce risks.
Each baby had an individual team of four clinicians assigned to look after them as soon as they were welcomed into the world.
At first, the boys were each given intensive care in the Neonatal Department to help stabilise their breathing and allow them to grow while they were tube fed.
Two of the boys, Harrison and Rory were then moved to the Special Care Baby Unit in St John’s Hospital to be closer to their family, before Ben and Noah joined them.
Katy Ruggeri, Associate Director of Midwifery, NHS Lothian, said: “Delivering quadruplets is an extraordinary experience and I am immensely proud of our entire midwifery and neonatal team for their dedication and expertise throughout this remarkable journey.
“This was the first set of quadruplets delivered in Lothian and it’s something the entire team will remember for the rest of their careers.”
The boys are now thriving and Arlene and John are preparing for the big move home.
Arlene said: “Welcoming quadruplets into the world has been an incredible and overwhelming experience.
“It’s going to be a very different house and probably a bit noisier but we’re so looking forward to taking our babies home!”
More Fringe Rubbish: ‘No Time For Waste’ as Refuse Worker Strikes Loom
Repeat of 2022 Festival Disruption ‘Likely’
Rubbish will pile up in Scottish streets, backcourts and gardens should an improved pay offer not be proposed by council body, COSLA, after GMB Scotland secures mandates for strike in waste services across Scotland.
GMB Scotland’s members in waste services in 13 councils have achieved a mandate for strike action in their dispute over pay, including in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Fife, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, Aberdeenshire, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, Inverclyde, Midlothian, Orkney Islands, Perth and Kinross, and Stirling.
The union says that a repeat of strike action during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is likely again this year. In 2022, city centre bins overflowed with litter strewn across streets when tourists flocked to the Scottish capital.
The offer proposed by COSLA falls short of that offered by the Conservative UK Government to local authority workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The majority of workers in Scotland would have received less in cash over 12 months and a smaller rise over 18 months than their counterparts in the rest of the UK.
The union says this year’s pay talks have been a repeat of previous years where they have been needlessly protracted due to a lack of action from COSLA to provide a pay offer including blocking Scottish Government intervention in talks.
Trade unions submitted their pay claims in January with an offer only provided in May which was promptly rejected. Since then, no meaningful talks have taken place between Council Leaders and trade unions.
GMB Scotland is calling on COSLA to get round the table with unions to outline their best offer which goes beyond the rest of the UK and if unable, for Council Leaders to call for the Scottish Government’s intervention.
The union has warned that if an improved offer is not forthcoming, dates for strike action will be served.
GMB Scotland Senior Organiser for Public Services, Keir Greenaway said: “Year after year, these talks have been needlessly drawn out. That leaves our members – typically the lowest paid working on the frontline of our services – without the pay rise they need. Inflation may be stabilising, but can anyone say they feel the difference?
“Council Leaders refuse to have meaningful talks – all while blocking the Scottish Government’s intervention to deliver a pay offer that matches our members’ value. They are counting down the clock while our members go without.
“We hear time and time again that Scotland does public services better, but that’s not the case when the Conservatives down south have already beaten COSLA’s offer. If COSLA can’t do better, it’s time for them to bring the Scottish Government to the table to fund an improved offer.
“If not, then it’s likely that the same disruption during 2022’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival will happen again this year. Hundreds of millions are poured into the city during the Fringe, but political leaders claim they can’t find enough money to value frontline service workers.
“Council Leaders have wasted months and they’ve wasted opportunities. Our members have no time for waste which is why rubbish will pile up in councils across Scotland if a suitable offer isn’t received. We have no interest in political games when so many are struggling.”
Unite, Unison and GMB all balloted members in Waste and Cleansing across Scotland—this ballot closed yesterday on 1 July.
In Edinburgh, UNITE have also balloted workers in Fleet Services — this ballot closes tomorrow – 3 July.
A Cosla spokeswoman told the BBC: “Cosla has made a strong offer at the limits of affordability for councils. In the context of lowering inflation and a “flat cash” budget settlement from Scottish government, it remains important to reward our valued workforce appropriately.
“We urge our unions to reconsider their decision to reject the offer.
“We are disappointed that industrial action is being contemplated by our unions and concerned that it appears to be targeted at waste services, once again raising potential public health risks.”
She said the Scottish government respected the union’s role in seeking the best pay settlement and it remained committed to doing the best by its workforce.
Heart of Newhaven: July newsletter
It’s officially summer, even if it may not always feel like it. That means that not only are schools now on holiday, but many of our supporters, staff and partners are as well.
That doesn’t mean the there’s nothing happening around the Heart though. Read on for some of the various events that you can come along and take part in and enjoy.
Don’t forget to check the website and social media platforms for up to date news.
The Knitted Christmas Tree update
The Knitted Christmas Tree is five months from opening day and is well on schedule. We are receiving green squares daily from West Sussex, London, Luton as well as every area of Edinburgh and the Lothians. Thank you for every single square and not forgetting the many beautiful tree decorations. We have 5000+ squares and 1000+ decorations.
We are having a series of sewing parties on Friday afternoons from 2-4pm. The dates are 5th July, 19th July and 2nd August. Everyone is welcome to come along. We are sewing the squares into triangles ready to go onto the branches and of course there is coffee, tea and cake!
The fantastic experts of Men’s Shed are busy constructing the trunk but it’s under wraps and no one but the men have seen it.
We had a great day at Leith Market describing what the project is about and thanks to Sara for generously giving us a stall. We met people from all over the world who were fascinated by what is happening and they took away our posting bags.
We are confidently expecting knitting from Texas, New York, New Zealand, Finland and Denmark to name but a few countries. Our Tree is going international and if anyone has a contact on the space station let us know.
More news next month
Save the Date – Tattie Fest 21 September 2024
Join us for our very first Tattie Fest at the Heart of Newhaven. We’ll be celebrating the garden and all thing potato-related at this free, community event.
Expect potato printing, potato fancy dress, a home grown tattie beauty contest and of course lots of potato eating!
If you’d like to get involved in organising, just get in touch with Hayley at bloomyogaedinburgh@gmail.com, and start growing your own now if you’d like to enter the beauty contest…
What’s on your bucket list?
Whilst developing the Crowdfunder with members of our Heart Dementia Meeting Centre we were able to identify some interesting activities; from indoor rock climbing to canoeing down the canal.
If you would like to help us with our blue-sky ambitions or simply support a member by ‘paying their membership forward’, please go to our crowdfunder and check out the rich array of ‘rewarding ideas’.
Don’t forget we have lovely rooms here at the Heart – perfect for meetings but also family gatherings over the summer.
We have a number of spaces available for booking, including meeting rooms, classrooms and workshop spaces.
We can cater to different types of events and meetings, whether for children’s parties, creative workshops, performance classes and rehearsals, board meetings or networking events.
Spaces can be booked for a single occasion as well as for regular sessions on a mid/long term basis.
More more information or to arrange a viewing of our spaces, please get in touch and we will be happy to help.
Teas and coffees can be provided for an additional charge and external catering arranged on request.
Phone Kim on 0131 259 6838 or email roomhire@heartofnewhaven.co.uk
***STOP PRESS***
Last few spaces on the Look and Draw summer school
Studio Practice Week | Look and Draw
Bake Off at Leith Victoria 125th birthday celebrations
Customers at Leith Victoria Swim Centre celebrated the Victorian pool’s 125-year anniversary on Friday, 28th June, with a Bake-Off, which raised over £375 much-needed funds for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme.
Local businesses including Hobz Bakery, Krema Bakehouse, The Babyfaced Baker and The Pastry Section, staff and customers all embraced their inner Mary Berry to create some showstoppers.
They were judged by Edinburgh Leisure’s previous Chief Executive, June Peebles, who retired in March 2024 after 38 years’ service with Edinburgh Leisure, along with Jen Holland, their new CEO, and one of Leith Victoria’s regular customers Christine Findlay, 71 years, who attends 19 classes a week at the Leith Viccies.
The baking competition was won by Kerry Teakle, Edinburgh Leisure’s PR Officer with her tried and tested Almond, Orange and Whisky cake.
The Bake-Off judging took place following a busy Aqua and yoga class that took place earlier in the building, when participants often congregate for a coffee and a blether after.
Brought up in the Colonies in Lochend Road, Christine Findlay, 71 Years, and one of the Bake-Off judges, has been using the centre since her childhood and continues to use Leith Victoria today.
Christine said: “I’ve been using the centre for years. Many people came for the hot baths, but we were lucky as we had a bath in our house, so didn’t need to use those facilities.
Christine, who still works as a carer attends 19 classes, six days a week at Leith Victoria. She used to swim seven days a week but now only swims on Fridays.
Christine explains why people keep coming back: “Viccies is a community. This is my second home, and everyone here is like your second family. I’ve made great friends and even go on holiday with people I’ve met here.
“I’ve been coming since my childhood and this continued when I had my family and I still come with my grandchildren today. Without this place, I don’t know what I’d do. We support each other through the good times and the bad.”
Louise Bathgate, Manager at Leith Victoria explained: “At 125 years old, Leith Victoria is rich in history, as well as holding a special place in so many people’s hearts locally with generations of families having learnt to swim here.
“The Bake-Off was a good excuse to have a celebration in honour of Viccies’ 125th birthday and to raise much-needed funds for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programmes, which rely on external funding to make it happen.
“The funds raised by this event, along with two other events that have been held at Craiglockhart Tennis Centre and Meadowbank Sports Centre in the last couple of months, have raised over £750 to support disadvantaged people in our communities to improve their health and wellbeing.”
Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities supports 12,500 people annually who face the greatest barriers to get active – people affected by health conditions, inequalities, and poverty.
As a venue, Leith Victoria Swim Centre holds 23 Active Community classes each week and is one of Edinburgh Leisure’s busiest venues supporting hundreds of people in the local community.