Month: August 2024

Edinburgh residents urged to make a promise to choose local

Scotland Loves Local Week 2024: Events showcasing great work in communities – and need to back local businesses – to take place from August 26th

People and organisations across Edinburgh and the Lothians are being urged to make a promise to think local first and boost the region’s economy.

They are being encouraged to sign the Scotland Loves Local Pledge – a commitment to protecting jobs and helping their community to thrive by backing the businesses around them.

The pledge – which can be signed at www.lovelocal.scot/pledge – has been unveiled in the build up to the second Scotland Loves Local Week, which takes place from 26th August.

People, businesses and other organisations across the region are being urged to get involved with the week, both by signing the pledge and by highlighting the transformational difference that residents can make by choosing local.

They can do that by organising a celebration event, inviting a local politician to see all that they do and shining a spotlight on their work on social media using the hashtags #ScotlandLovesLocal and #ChooseLocal.

The week is being led by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation behind Scotland Loves Local.

STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “It is all too easy to underestimate the impact that supporting local people supporting local businesses and local businesses supporting other local businesses can have. But the fact is that every one of us can play a remarkable part in building better, stronger communities by doing exactly that.

“Our pledge is a statement of intent for those who back it – and Scotland Loves Local Week is your chance to shout the great things happening to make communities across Edinburgh and throughout the Lothians fit for the future.”

More information about how you can get involved – including downloadable promotional assets – can be found at www.lovelocal.scot.

Scotland Loves Local is the drive for people to build stronger, more sustainable futures for their community by supporting the businesses in their area, potentially injecting millions of pounds into regional economies. It is spearheaded by STP with support from the Scottish Government.

Three Animal Rising Supporters Fined £11k in Dairy Protest Sentencing

  • Three Animal Rising supporters were sentenced yesterday (5/8/24) at St Albans Crown Court for conspiring to cause criminal damage at the Hatfield site of Arla Foods, concluding the trial for the 13 supporters that took action in 2022.
  • Last week (31/07/24) ten supporters were sentenced at the same court for the same offence. In total, the thirteen defendants received sentences totalling 1,550 hours of community service, 168 months sentencing, suspended, and £56,875 in compensation.
  • Today’s defendants received sentences totalling £11,200 compensation, 40 days rehabilitation, 100 hours of community service and suspended sentences totalling 46 months.
  • The actions were part of Animal Rising’s (then Animal Rebellion) 2022 “Plant-Based Future” campaign, which aimed to stop the supply of dairy in the UK, and call on the government to transition to a just and sustainable plant-based food system.

Court concluded with all defendants being ordered to pay fines, and most receiving suspended sentences by Judge Lana Wood after the trial began in April.

Supporters had been charged with conspiracy to cause £581,000 worth of damage during their disruption of the dairy supply chain at the Hatfield site of Arla Foods in 2022.

Claudia Penna-Rojas, Animal Rising spokesperson, said: “In the past week, the defendants have been hit with harsh sentences and costly fines for bringing attention to the detrimental climate breakdown that the dairy industry causes.

“The dairy industry and animal agriculture as a whole significantly contribute to water usage, habitat pollution, and species extinction.

“In the midst of climate and ecological breakdown, addressing animal and environmental health is needed now more than ever. We need the government to lead the transition to a just and sustainable plant-based food system for a world where animals and humans can live together peacefully.”

Anna Wilkinson, one of the defendants, said: “Arla do not need compensation; they will be insured to the hilt, and, as the largest dairy producer in the UK, they recorded profits of €380 million in 2023.

“This ruling is really about trying to make sure people are deterred from protesting against the harm done by Arla and other large companies to the environment, humans and animals.

“However, history teaches us that people will not be stopped by such measures and will continue to speak out.” 

In 2018, a study from the University of Oxford found that a global transition to a plant-based food system would free up 76% of farmland that could then be rewilded to draw down carbon and provide habitats for endangered species [4]. Moving away from animal agriculture would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water usage while improving conditions for biodiversity.

Animal Rising is a social movement to create a new relationship with all beings and give us a chance for a safe ecological future. The group primarily calls for the transition to a secure and sustainable plant-based food system, alongside a mass rewilding programme.

Edinburgh College Clearing Event offers next steps for prospective students

To give prospective students the opportunity to speak to lecturers about their application and course options for the 2024/25 session, Edinburgh College is hosting a course clearing exam results drop-in session at its Sighthill Campus on Friday 9 August.

From 10.30m to 3pm, prospective students of all ages will be able to speak to course teams about their options following the release of exam results, and will get the chance to secure a place on a course for the upcoming academic session.

Those who have changed their mind about their original course choice, or who have not yet made an application for college but would like to study this year are also encouraged to attend.

Edinburgh College offers courses across a wide range of subject areas within the Creative Industries, Engineering and Construction, Health, Wellbeing and Social Sciences, and Tourism, Hospitality and Business faculties.

Courses are delivered in a variety of study modes, including full-time and part-time study, and cater to the diverse needs of today’s student.

As well as this, Student Services will be on hand at the event to provide advice on funding options and access to learning support for those who are seeking further information about their study options for the coming year.

Those who cannot attend Friday’s drop-in session can call the College’s clearing phoneline between 10am and 4pm from Monday 5 August until Tuesday 13 August. Staff will be taking calls to give advice based on students’ specific situations and helping begin course applications. The clearing phone number is: 0131 297 8300.

Audrey Cumberford, Edinburgh College Principal, said: “Clearing day is a very important time for applicants and prospective students who are still considering their next steps.

“We would encourage anyone who is unsure about their existing application or is thinking about starting a new course in 2024/25 to get advice from our teams at our clearing event.

“At Edinburgh College, our fantastic range of courses are not only delivered by expert teaching staff, but are also designed to provide students with the skills they need to either continue their learner journey or achieve their chosen career.

“Come along and start your future at our clearing event.”

First Minister visits Central Mosque

First Minister John Swinney expressed his solidarity following violent scenes in parts of the UK.

With Justice Secretary Angela Constance, he visited the Edinburgh Central Mosque yesterday to meet Imam Habib Rauf, members of the Scottish Refugee Council and the Muslim Council of Scotland, as well as the the wider Muslim community.

The First Minister and Justice Secretary also met with Police Scotland.

Police are continuing to monitor the situation very closely and have reassured us that they are prepared to deal with any similar situation in Scotland should it arise.

REVEALED: 2 in 3 parents in Edinburgh are feeling the strain of back-to-school shopping

The back-to-school period can be a stressful time for parents and carers, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis is only adding to this stress.

Looking to understand the situation parents face this September, UK affordable footwear retailer, Wynsors, has carried out their annual survey of 1,000 parents to understand exactly how much the cost of school uniform is affecting their finances.

The results do not paint a positive picture for households across Edinburgh:

  • Nearly 2/3 of parents (65%) in Edinburgh agree that the cost of buying school uniform and supplies puts a strain on their household budget.
  • Almost 4/5 of parents (79%) in Edinburgh feel that the financial pressure on parents has increased over the last 12 months.
  • More than 1/3 (37%) of Edinburgh’s parents do not receive any financial support with the cost of new school uniform, but state they need it.

With 29% of Edinburgh’s parents are spending over £200 each year on school uniform, households across the country are having to make cutbacks elsewhere to afford it.

More than three quarters (78%) are spending less on new things for themselves (such as clothing) so they can stretch their household budget to cover the cost of buying new school uniform, and 30% only shop at discount supermarkets and shops to do so.

The cost of school uniform has even made it onto the new government’s agenda with King Charles outlining a new bill to help level the playing field for families from different economic backgrounds.

In a speech to the new government, King Charles announced legislation aimed at reducing rising costs for parents by limiting the number of branded uniform and PE kit items that schools can require.

But does this go far enough? Almost half of Edinburgh’s (47%) agree that abolishing school uniforms altogether would help to save money.

Adam Foster, Retail Director from Wynsors, comments: “As highlighted by the research we commissioned both this year and last, the back-to-school period is a stressful time for parents and things do not appear to be getting any easier on their wallets.

“But as the UK’s most affordable family footwear retailer, we want to take the stress out of the shopping experience by making school uniform accessible to all. Our commitment to high quality products for low prices has helped parents over the last 50 years get their kids equipped and ready for school.”

The full study, including more information on parents’ attitudes to school uniform and tips for saving money on the back-to-school shop, can be found on-site here: https://www.wynsors.com/blog/true-cost-of-school-uniform/

Historic Portsoy harbour saved for future generations

THE beautiful and picturesque 17th century harbour of Portsoy in Aberdeenshire now has a secure future as a portfolio of six historic buildings at its heart has officially passed into the custodianship of the North East Scotland Preservation Trust (NESPT).  

This important milestone means the six buildings can now be developed to further enhance the wonderful setting, and rare historic harbour, for locals and visitors alike. The harbour attracts many visitors each year and has been the location for filming such as Peaky Blinders and the remake of Whiskey Galore!

However, a lot of the buildings have been out of use for decades and without a coherent plan for the area, risk falling further into disrepair.

The work to secure the legacy of these nationally important listed buildings, a gift from local benefactor Tom Burnett-Stuart, has been supported by the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF). 

Whilst waiting for the bequest to transfer over, NESPT, with feasibility funding from the AHF, has been developing plans for how the disused buildings can complement two existing and operational holiday cottages that were also part of the legacy.

This work has been focusing on options to bring four currently underused or disused buildings back into productive use: the Marble Warehouse, the Marble Workshop, the Granary Building and the Rag Warehouse. These were buildings at the heart of the thriving harbour where grain, herring and salmon were exported mainly to the Baltics, and coal imported.

Marcus Humphrey, Chairman of the NESPT said: ‘Tom Burnett-Stuart’s generous legacy is now in our care, not only to safeguard these buildings for future generations but to create a new vision for the harbour that will revitalise the area whilst retaining what makes it so attractive.

“Tom was passionate about marble and was instrumental in reviving the industry to some extent locally, as well as having a passion for craft skills and obviously an eye for old buildings. 

‘Thanks to support and advice from the AHF, although we are at the early stages of our plans, we are making great progress as we develop a masterplan to make the best use of such a fantastic legacy through the buildings that are now in our care thanks to Tom’s generosity. 

‘But it is not just about finding new uses for the historic buildings at the heart of Portsoy, we will also create a wide range of training opportunities during the restoration process, particularly aimed at getting young people involved.’

In particular, plans are now being shaped up to develop The Marbles Creative Hub. This will be in what was the former Marble Warehouse and the Marble Workshop. 

The conversion of these two historic buildings will create much needed facilities for artists and people working within the creative industries. 

As part of the development planning NESPT have undertaken extensive consultation with local groups, and in particular artists and makers, which revealed an unmet need for studio and workshop spaces to rent.

Visitors and the local community will be able to meet the makers and artists while at work (where appropriate), take part in arts and crafts workshops and purchase arts and crafts created by the artists in the various studio spaces.

It will be a flexible space for a wide range of different forms of art and community-based activities such as school engagement, incubator space, small parties, adult education, and fun arts-based workshops. 

Matthew Mckeague, Chief Executive, of the AHF said: ‘We are delighted to support NESPT in what is a fantastic opportunity to bring such a large number of heritage buildings in one place back into community use.

“Projects such as this demonstrate the regeneration potential for reusing historic buildings, and that ‘placemaking’ processes often associated with urban areas can also revitalise smaller communities. 

‘Using our decades of experience in helping organisations bring old buildings back into new uses, as well as feasibility funding grants we run with Historic Environment Scotland, we are delighted to be part of the journey at Portsoy and are excited to see the impacts it will have on this beautiful part of Scotland.’

PCHP unveils new programme

🤩🥳Exciting news from Pilton Community Health Project🌟☀️

We are happy to announce our new Autumn/ Winter #CommuunityWellbeingProgramme , featuring variety of group activities – some brand new and some beloved ones making comeback!

New Programmes:

🥕Climate Cook Club where you can learn more about shopping, preparing and cooking healthy, delicious meals on a budget on a 5-week course

🌟Family Cook Club – where all family can come together, cook together, learn healthy recipes and build lasting memories

🌹 Intro to Pilates – for everyone who wants to build the foundation for a strong core muscles, poster and general wellbeing.

☀️ Gentle exercise is designed for Every Body and Any Body. You can even practice it, while sitting on a chair.

And our Programmes that have already become classics:

🍒Chat Cafe

🧶Knit & Natter

💪M-Club

🚶‍♂️Men’s wellbeing in Nature

👩‍🍳Women Outdoor Cooking Club

🌿Women’ Wellbeing in Nature

👼Tiny Plates

Also Happy to continue Hosting Drop-ins of our Partner Organizations:

Right There

Macmillan Cancer Support

Stuart Dobbin, SNP Councillor for Forth Ward and

Lothian Breastfeeding Buddies

Our Community Wellbeing Programme is based on #FiveWaysToWellbeing framework.

We encourage people to #Connect#BeActive#TakeNotice#Learn and #Give .

Our mission is #Equality, #Wellbeing and #Belonging for all in our Community.

Join us in our mission to support and enables local people to take steps to improve their own health and create a healthy community and environment.

#Wellbeing

#CommuunityWellbeingProgramme

#FiveWaysToWellbeing

#Connect

#BeActive

#Learn

#TakeNotice

#Equality

#Belonging

#communityservice

#PCHP40

#CommunityMatters

#Breathwork

#WomensWellbeing

#pchp40

#cancersupport

#PCHP

The NEN North Edinburgh News

Granton Community Gardeners

Granton Library

Granton Information Centre

West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre

The Pilton Equalities Project (PEP)

Royston Wardieburn Community Centre

Walking Like a Tortoise Granton exhibition at Central Library

Walking like a Tortoise, a mixed media, walking art exhibition

Edinburgh Central Library, 7 – 9 George IV Bridge, EH1 1EG. Foyer and Display Case on Main Stairs

1 August – 30 September (10am – 8pm Monday to Wednesday; 10am – 5pm Thursday to Saturday)

‘Walking like a Tortoise’ is a range of art work based on a series of walks around Granton on the northern edge of Scotland’s capital city. Using maps of the area from 1870 to the present day, Tamsin Grainger skirted the urban and coastal landscapes of Granton, looking into hidden corners, seeing from unlikely angles and meeting those who live and work there.

Through photography, words, video, textiles and found materials, she asks how the act of slow walking can develop a sense of belonging somewhere, and how mindful noticing of the area on foot, promotes appreciation of and connection to what is home.

Tamsin’s been walking around Granton for 14 years now, alone and with other members of the community, and has become interested in the alterations that people and the climate have wrought.

Although places transform all the time, the built-up environment and natural spaces of Granton have recently been changing at an exceptionally rapid pace and still are: the harbour is now a no-go area; streets and stations have been given new names and functions; and views have disappeared.

Slowly wandering the boundary and making artwork has stimulated a deeper understanding of local history and heritage, but how much of this will soon have vanished?

Is Granton disappearing and being replaced by the Edinburgh Waterfront?

By visiting the exhibition, you are invited to consider: ‘What are the invisible boundaries which define us?’ ‘What happens if the exact edges of our living space change? Is it important to you that things stay the same or do you welcome transformation?’ ‘Do you feel part of the decision-making processes which precipitate such changes?’ and, ‘Is there a link between a sense of who you are and feeling that you belong somewhere?’

Tamsin Grainger is a walking artist who has lived in Granton for 15 years and has extensive experience in the Community Arts in Edinburgh. She was Dance Artist in Residence for the City of Edinburgh, and is currently the Granton Waterfront Heritage Programme Development Worker. This exhibition was first shown at the Granton:hub in 2023.

One month left to nominate your councillors for the 2024 Cllr Awards

Your councillors could be in line for a national award at the 2024 Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and CCLA Cllr Awards – the only national ceremony that celebrates the outstanding contributions of councillors across England, Wales, and Scotland.

For the 15th year, the Cllr Awards will once again shine a light on the achievements of local elected representatives who have made a tangible impact in their communities. Nominations are open to anyone – whether you’re a member of the public, a fellow councillor, or a council officer – who wishes to acknowledge a councillor’s exceptional commitment to improving their community and achieving remarkable results over the past year.

The 2024 Cllr Awards has five categories: Community Champion, Leader of the Year, Young Councillor of the Year, Innovator of the Year and Lifetime Legend. Nominations close on Friday 13 September 2024, and the shortlisted candidates will be announced in the autumn. 

Submitting a nomination is free and takes just eight minutes. Applicants must provide details about the nominated councillor, outlining why they deserve recognition and how their initiatives have positively impacted the community. 

Winners in England & Wales will be announced at the Guildhall in London on Wednesday 20 November while winners in Scotland will be revealed at the City Chambers in Edinburgh on Thursday 14 November.

For more information and to submit your nomination, please visit the official website.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU, said: “The LGIU is proud to once again host the annual Cllr Awards, paying tribute to our locally elected representatives and sharing examples of the innovation and dedication our councillors demonstrate day in day out.

“More than ever local communities rely on councillors, whose positive contributions impact our daily lives in many ways, from maintaining streets to funding community projects and shaping the character of our towns.

“Often working tirelessly behind the scenes, elected members frequently go unnoticed, making the Cllr Awards essential in highlighting their invaluable work. We anticipate a wave of nominations this year and look forward to hearing the remarkable stories behind them. These awards are made possible through the generous support of founding partners, CCLA.”