August 2024 – Page 31 – The NEN

Historic Portsoy harbour saved for future generations

THE beautiful and picturesque 17^th 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

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.”

FIFA to support Homeless World Cup after agreement signed in Paris

Homeless World Cup Foundation signs memorandum of understanding with FIFA
FIFA to supply materials and stream upcoming tournaments on FIFA+
50 days to go until the next tournaments are played in Korea Republic

In line with its commitment to improving the lives of people worldwide through football, FIFA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the Homeless World Cup Foundation (HWCF), which organises the annual Homeless World Cup women’s and men’s tournaments which are aimed to support and inspire homeless people to change their lives.

As part of the MoU, FIFA and HWCF have agreed to jointly broadcast the event on FIFA+, FIFA’s streaming platform, while FIFA will also supply material and equipment, including medals and trophies.

The signature of the agreement coincided with the 50 days to go landmark on Friday 2nd August as the next Homeless World Cup will take place in Seoul, Korea Republic from 21 to 28 September 2024 – the first time the competition will be staged in Asia.

“I am delighted that FIFA will be supporting this wonderful tournament and to be partnering with the Homeless World Cup Foundation,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“The Homeless World Cup is a perfect example of how football can bring people together to challenge existing social perceptions and improve people’s lives. FIFA is excited to contribute, because we share the view of the Homeless World Cup Foundation that football is a force for good, and starting from the upcoming edition in Seoul, FIFA will contribute in ensuring that this tournament continues to make a real impact that supports homeless people all across the world.”

Mel Young, Homeless World Cup President said: “We are delighted to sign a partnership agreement today with FIFA which will greatly enhance the delivery of the Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup.

“The tournament, which starts on 21 September 2024, will see over 500 players from 49 countries across the globe taking part in the 19th edition of the Homeless World Cup at Hanyang University.

“The purpose of the Homeless World Cup is to use football as a way of ending homelessness and 1.2 million people have benefited from the initiative since it was born in 2003.

“Sport has real power, and we have proved that it can be a force for good. FIFA is committed to supporting those in need so a partnership between the Homeless World Cup and FIFA is natural. Longer term the impact will be very significant.”

In addition, FIFA and HWCF will also explore co-branding opportunities, including on the pitch side at the venues, and on the internet including social media platforms.

The Homeless World Cup first took place in Graz, Austria, in 2003 and it has been played annually (except during the COVID-19 pandemic). The tournament is an aspirational goal for individuals seeking a better future, and a powerful way to challenge how people think about homelessness.

The 2024 finals, which features 20 teams in the women’s tournament and 44 in the men’s tournament, was the inspiration for the film “The Beautiful Game”. The Homeless World Cup format features four-a-side matches with rolling substitutions and consist of two halves of seven minutes.

In terms of eligibility for the tournament, homelessness is defined according to the national context of each country. In countries without a legal definition, working definitions by local housing non-governmental organisations or academics are used.

In more good news, in Seoul on Thursday 1st August, Tottenham Hotspur first-team and Italian national players Guglielmo Vicario and Destiny Udogie joined the Korean Men’s Seoul 2024 Homeless World Squad in a special meet and greet, having the chance to watch the squad train and both players participated in a Q&A with the Korean team.

The Homeless World Cup Foundation also had the opportunity to educate the Spurs duo on the rules that make the Homeless World Cup so unique and how the tournament impacts the lives of those who need it the most.

SPURS PLAYERS MEET KOREAN MEN’S SEOUL 2024 HOMELESS WORLD CUP SQUAD

Finally, also on Friday 2nd August, FC Bayern Munich welcomed the Korean Homeless World Cup players, the Seoul 2024 Local Organising Committee and the Homeless World Cup Foundation to a special roof-top event in Korea’s capital.

The players had the opportunity to learn from the experienced Bayern coaching team in a special training session and had the exclusive chance to experience the training drills that Bayern’s superstar players face week in week out.

At the event there was a special ceremony, where FC Bayern Munich player Noussair Mazraoui, German, Bayern legend Raimond Aumann and the two vice presidents of FC Bayern Munich, Professor Dr Dieter Mayer and Walter Mennekes joined James McMeekin from the Homeless World Cup Foundation to talk about the magic of the Homeless World Cup.

Dr Deiter Mayer spoke about the values of Germany’s most successful club aligning to the vision and mission of the Homeless World Cup Foundation: “We’re very proud that we as FC Bayern Munich get to meet the Homeless World Cup Foundation and the team of South Korea here.

“For decades, our club has been characterised by the fact that it always looks out for people who are less fortunate. Presidents such as Uli Hoene ß and Franz Beckenbauer embedded the social conscience in the club’s DNA, and our current leadership around Herbert Hainer are continuing this tradition.

“The Homeless World Cup helps to improve the prospects of the people affected. Football unites and creates a feeling of community – and our club wants to offer everyone a home.”

AA reveals Britain’s Best B&Bs

From a castle nestled in the Scottish Highlands to a quintessential English inn with a Bridgerton flair, this year’s lineup celebrates the finest across the UK’s B&B scene.

· The AA proudly celebrates places to stay that have gone above and beyond to impress their guests with its coveted Bed and Breakfast Awards 2024.

· The finest Inns, Restaurants with Rooms, and Bed & Breakfasts across England, Scotland, and Wales have been unveiled.

· These distinguished establishments will also attend the annual AA Hospitality Awards in September, where the ultimate winner in each category will be announced.

At its annual online awards, the AA revealed the ultimate B&Bs across the UK who have gone above and beyond in their industry.

Now in its 28^th year, the 2024 AA B&B Awards saw its team of expert inspectors recognise the best-of-the-best across the bed and breakfast scene in England, Wales and Scotland.

Individuality, the standard of housekeeping and the all-important breakfast, are just some areas the AA’s experts used to decide the winners. Excellent levels of hospitality and attentive service are also at the heart of the guest experience for each of the winners.

Categories include “Inn of the Year”, “Bed and Breakfast of the Year” and “Restaurant with Rooms of the Year” with winners representing England, Scotland and Wales in each category. Spanning every corner of the UK, winners included The Auld Kirk, in Ballater, to Y Talbot, Tregaron and Boys Hall, in Kent.

Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Hotel & Hospitality Services, said: “This year we have a very rich B&B scene across the UK, showcasing an extraordinary level of individuality and the very highest standards of hospitality.

“The calibre of the nine worthy winners represents the very best from across Scotland, Wales and England. With so many to choose from, holidaymakers can explore Britain, enjoying a comfortable sleep and delicious breakfast in an array of B&Bs wherever they decide to go.”

The winners of the AA B&B Awards 2024 are:

AA INN OF THE YEAR

· ENGLAND

The Cartford Inn, Little Ecclestone, Lancashire

· SCOTLAND

Kildrummy Inn, Kildrummy, Aberdeenshire

· WALES

Y Talbot, Tregaron, Ceredigion

AA RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS OF THE YEAR

· ENGLAND

Boys Hall, Ashford, Kent

· SCOTLAND
Mingary Castle, Kilchoan, Highland

· WALES
The Checkers, Montgomery, Powys

AA BED AND BREAKFAST OF THE YEAR

· ENGLAND
Mallard Grange, Ripon, North Yorkshire

· SCOTLAND
The Auld Kirk, Ballater, Aberdeenshire

· WALES
Bryn Derwen, Llandudno, Conwy

Here’s what the AA inspectors and judging panel of the 2024 AA B&B Awards had to say:

AA INNS OF THE YEAR

ENGLAND

The Cartford Inn, Great Ecclestone, Lancashire

“The family-run, 17^th-century Cartford Inn enjoys extensive views towards the Lake District and offers stylish and chic accommodation together with award-winning food. Some bedrooms have Juliet balconies with views of the river. Eating on the terrace is possible in warmer weather and a private function room is available for small parties. There’s also their own branded on-site TOTI Deli and designer home store.”

SCOTLAND

Kildrummy Inn, Kildrummy, Aberdeenshire

“Located in the heart of rural Aberdeenshire, Kildrummy Inn is the perfect base for touring the Grampian Mountains and beyond. This family run, traditional inn combines a harmonious blend of luxury heritage, tradition and nature to form the quintessential Scottish getaway. The inn provides four charming bedrooms. The lounge bar, with a roaring fire and a good selection of beers and whiskies, is a great place in which to while away the time. No visit would be complete without sampling the food on offer, with indulgent, award-winning cuisine capturing the essence of the dramatic Cairngorms landscape.”

WALES

Y Talbot, Tregaron, Ceredigion

“Located in the heart of this quiet town, Y Talbot provides a range of very high-quality bedrooms and bathrooms with luxury showers; some smaller, standard rooms are also available. There is a traditional bar serving real ales and a contemporary main restaurant and lounge. Dinner offers a very good selection of dishes using quality produce.”

AA RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS OF THE YEAR

ENGLAND

Boys Hall, Ashford, Kent

“Decorated in a beautiful boutique style, Boys Hall is a lavishly restored 17^th-century manor house now resurrected as a classy restaurant with rooms. The 9 bedrooms are individually styled and deliver style and comfort in spades. There’s a cosy bar for a drink before you enjoy some excellent food with interesting global influences, beneath soaring rafters in the gorgeous barn-style restaurant. The lovely gardens are a pleasure to wander, and the location is perfect for exploring Kent’s attractions.”

SCOTLAND
Mingary Castle, Kilchoan, Scotland

“Built within the 13^th-century curtain walls of Mingary Castle, this restaurant with rooms is unique and individual, with high levels of quality, charm and character. Luxurious feature bedrooms and en suites combine with a stunning restaurant showcasing great technical skill. Guests can explore the top of the curtain wall or climb down the staircase towards the sea and the viewing platform to take in the Isle of Mull just across the water.”

WALES
The Checkers, Montgomery, Powys

“Expect modern British cuisine served in an intimate and relaxed environment, with a focus on carefully sourced seasonal ingredients and fine wines. The Checkers is a fine dining restaurant with rooms in the heart of Montgomery, a picturesque Welsh borders town close to the Offa’s Dyke path, River Severn and Shropshire Hills. Superb food and great wines at accessible prices. A relaxed atmosphere and a chance to get away from it all are promised at this 17^th-century coaching inn brimming with character.

AA BED AND BREAKFASTS OF THE YEAR

ENGLAND
Mallard Grange, Ripon, North Yorkshire

“A genuine welcome is always guaranteed at homely Mallard Grange. The original features of this early 16^th-century, Grade II listed farmhouse are highlighted by quality furnishings and tasteful decor. Bedrooms, two of which are in a converted smithy, are filled with a wealth of thoughtful extras. Breakfast is one of the highlights of any stay here and features home-reared and local produce. The property is a short walk away from Fountains Abbey, and there’s an easy path to walk from the property to there.”

SCOTLAND
The Auld Kirk, Ballater, Aberdeenshire

“This Victorian Scottish Free Church building has been carefully converted into a warm guest house and is now hosted by welcoming proprietors Helen & Kevin. Many original features of the kirk have been restored and incorporated in the design, and all seven purpose-built rooms are situated on the first floor, accessed by a wide staircase from the large entrance hallway. Excellent homecooked breakfasts, using the finest local produce, are served at the table in the characterful dining room.”

WALES
Bryn Derwen, Llandudno, Conwy

“Located in a quiet area of Llandudno, Bryn Derwen is just a short walk from the main shopping area and local restaurants. A friendly welcome is assured at this impressive Victorian house, which retains many original features such as tiled floors and fine stained-glass windows. Décor and furnishings highlight the historic charm of the property, which is most apparent in the sumptuous lounges and attractive dining room. A choice of individually styled bedrooms is offered, and all are equipped with many thoughtful extras.”

All the B&Bs are invited to attend the annual AA Hospitality Awards on 23 September, where an ultimate winner in each category will be announced.

Discover all the top B&Bs across the UK and watch the AA B&B 2024 Awards here:

https://www.ratedtrips.com/travel-ideas/aa-bed-and-breakfasts-of-the-year-awards-2024

New research shows alarming relationship between higher UK air temperatures and spikes in drowning

The National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) has released research which shows a concerning relationship between increases in accidental drowning deaths when warmer weather hits the UK – urging people to Respect the Water and stay safe as the weather heats up.

The two independent pieces of research, one by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK^[1]) and another by Bournemouth University^[2] both conclude that significantly more people lose their lives to accidental drowning in the UK during periods of hot weather.

Dr Sam Hills, from Bournemouth University, explains: “The data indicates when UK average maximum air temperatures reach or exceed 25°C, there is a fivefold increase in accidental drowning risk when compared to days with an average of 10°C.

“Analysis also shows three times as many accidental drowning fatalities occur on days when air temperatures reach 25°C or more, when compared to the seasonal average.”

RLSS UK’s analysis also highlights the risk of taking a swim to cool off, as 57% of those who accidently drowned on days exceeding 25°C were swimming, almost three times higher than average^[3]. During peak temperatures, the findings also conclude that teenagers and young adults are proportionately more likely to lose their lives.

Speaking about the research, Matt Croxall, RLSS UK Charity Director, commented: “These findings are alarming and reinforce the importance of knowing how to enjoy the water safely, as every year we hear about preventable tragedies in open water when temperatures rise.

“We are sharing this new insight ahead of the coming periods of hot weather to encourage people to have the water safety conversation with loved ones, particularly teenagers and young adults, about how to stay safe near water and to know to call 999 in an emergency.”

Ross MacLeod, RNLI Water Safety Manager added: “It’s well known that people’s behaviour changes during periods of warmer weather, with many heading to open water sites to cool off and enjoy water-related activities.

“The best way to keep yourself and others safe is to visit supervised locations and know what to do in a water emergency.”

Choose a place with lifeguards on duty such as patrolled beaches at the coast, or supervised swimming pools, aquaparks and lakes inland.

If you choose to enter the water somewhere without lifeguards, please stop and think first to assess the dangers, and always stay with other people.

If you find yourself in difficulty in the water remember Float to Live

Tilt your head back with ears submerged
Relax and try to control your breathing
Use your hands to help you stay afloat
It’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently

If you see someone else in difficulty in the water, remember Call, Tell, Throw

Call 999 to get help
Tell the struggling person to float on their back
Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring, inflatable toy, or bottle

Both research teams worked with the Met Office to use its data, combined with fatality data from the NWSF’s Water Incident Database (WAID).

Chris Walsh, Met Office Head of Warnings and Guidance, added: “Being prepared and aware of the dangers when there’s hot weather is the best way of keeping everyone safe.

“We know many people want to enjoy hot weather, but it’s important everyone knows the advice from RLSS UK and RNLI about what to do if they get in trouble in the water.”

For more Water Safety information, visit www.RespectTheWater.com to see campaigns from RLSS UK, RNLI and other NWSF partners.

For more information or any media enquiries, please contact Simrit Mann by emailing simritmann@rlss.org.uk or calling 0300 323 0096.

Brick Beach Litter Pick

FRIDAY 9 AUGUST from 3 – 5pm

We are very excited to be organising another rubbish picking event at the Brick Beach ( this is the Beach across the road from Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden) next Friday 9 August between 3 and 5 PM.

We will have enough rubbish pickers for everyone and a picnic with some delicious food provided. Huge THANK YOU to R2 for supporting this event and enabling us to buy more rubbish pickers.

Really happy to have some colleagues from Communities’ Reduce Reuse & Recyclejoining us on the day.

Any questions-email: anna@grantongoesgreener.org.uk

Police Scotland to offer Rider Refinement courses

A motorcyclist course that gives tips on better riding is now available across the country.

Police Scotland, along with road safety partners, are holding courses to help motorcyclists as part of a holistic approach which also includes educating other drivers to reduce the number of collisions.

Motorcyclist deaths are up 80 per cent (18) this year compared to the same period last year (10).

Rider Refinement East and West is a one-day course, with eight sessions between August 2024 and October 2024 in Glenrothes and Glasgow.

Led by police motorcyclists and accompanied by an observer from the Institute of Advance Motorists, the course will look at key risk factors and provide riders with the knowledge and skills to be safer.

The course involves demonstration rides, observed rides with feedback from officers, vehicle examination checks of riders’ bikes and safety checks that should be carried out before any journey.

Previous courses received positive feedback from riders who changed their riding style and improved their skills as a result of attending Rider Refinement.

Inspector Ally Johnson, head of Police Scotland’s Motorcycle Unit, said: “The course is about engaging with motorcyclists and helping them make better decisions to improve their riding.

“This isn’t about taking the fun out of riding a bike. The course is run by motorcyclists, for motorcyclists.

“On a daily basis we also speak to other road users and highlight campaigns to encourage drivers to look out for motorcyclists, especially at corners and junctions.

“The harsh reality is people are dying on Scotland’s roads and we need everyone to play their part to help us improve road safety.

“I would encourage people to come along, speak to us and try the course for yourself.”

The course is open to any qualified motorcyclist who hold a full cat A or A2 licence; however, priority will be given to those living in central belt of Scotland.

Police Scotland would like to specifically thank Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre and Motorcycle Law Scotland for their continued support with Rider Refinement East and West.

Rider Refinement originally started in the north in 2018, before extending to the East in 2023 and is now rolled out to the West in 2024.

The cost of the course is £40 per rider and includes lunch. Spaces are limited, so providing more than one date for attendance will increase your chances of being able to participate.

Anyone interested in attending the course can email:

operationriderrefinementeast@scotland.police.uk for courses in Glenrothes, or operationriderrefinementwest@scotland.police.uk for courses in the Glasgow area.

The dates the course will be running are:

East, Glenrothes Police Station
Saturday 17th August
Saturday 28th September
Sunday 20th October

West, Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre in Linwood
Sunday 11th August
Monday 2nd September
Sunday 15th September
Saturday 5th October
Thursday 17th October

Heart of Newhaven: August newsletter

Welcome to your August Newsletter

Hear About…

We’re very pleased to be able to announce our new series of Autumn Talks. Those of you who enjoyed our Spring series of Hear About, will be pleased to hear that we have listened, and more of your requests have been followed up.

We will be hearing about everything from the famous Hill and Adamson portraits of fishwives straight from an expert at the National Portrait Gallery, to mythical Scottish sea creatures.

Talks will take place on Friday afternoons as before and will run from 20th September to the beginning of December. There are still a very few slots to be confirmed, so if you have any more requests, please get in touch with either Gillian or Christine.

gillian.ballantyne@heartofnewhaven.co.uk
christine.mcderment@heartofnewhaven.co.uk

Calling all potential Heart guides

Could you help guide visitors round the Heart? We’ll be open for Doors Open Days at the end of September and would really appreciate it if more volunteers could come forward and help on the day.

We’ll be open both Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th, from 10am till 4pm, so if you could help for either or both of those days, for just a few hours or even all day, please get in touch. We’ll make sure you know what’s what before you venture forth.

Please get in touch as soon as you can, at volunteer@heartofnewhaven.co.uk

And if you’re thinking of popping in for Doors Open Days to see what’s happening, remember that there will be two classroom sessions in the Victorian Schoolroom, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, run by the costumed role-play teachers of the History of Education Centre.

Look out for other partner activities and an exciting reveal on the DOD weekend (28th / 29th September) keep an eye on our socials and of course the September News.

The Ukrainian Spiders are back

Our Spiders are back and setting up their camouflage net looms again. They’ll be netting in the Anchor building on Friday afternoons from 2 – 9 pm, and everyone interested is invited to stop by and try their hand at weaving or simply watch the process.

Here is their new website!

Art That Saves Lives | Spiders for Ukraine (spiders4ukraine.org.uk)

Tattie Fest

Join us on 21 September for a celebration of potatoes and the garden at The Heart of Newhaven! Tattie Fest is going to be a day of making, learning and of course eating, here at The Heart of Newhaven’s garden. If you’ve got your own homegrowns in your garden or on the balcony, make sure you save your most interesting looking tatties for the potato beauty contest…

Before then, you can of course come on down and get involved in the garden, either to help out or to see what’s growing – you’ll find us just past the Men’s Shed at our drop-in on Thursday mornings, 10.30am-12.30pm,

If that time doesn’t work for you but you’re still interested in getting involved, get in touch and we can arrange a time to meet up.

We’re also looking for potato enthusiasts to help organise and help out at Tattie Fest! If you’re keen, send an email to Hayley. We’d love to hear from you.

Contact bloomyogaedinburgh@gmail.com.

2024 AGM

Who would have believed we could come so far in such a short time? Well, we did for a start. We’ve now reached the time for our third AGM, which this year will be held on 9th October at 6pm Remember to check whether you’re a member and so allowed to vote at the meeting.

A few words from our Chair in the meantime:

A recap on what we have done since becoming constituted in 2019

● August 2022 We completed the Community Asset Transfer of Victoria Primary School by purchasing the school with funding from The Scottish Land Fund

● January 2023 We opened the buildings, now known as The Heart, for community uses in support of our vision,

● Year 1 of operation, 2023, we focused on the buildings and their spaces, to ensure that even with our meanwhile use approach they functioned safely and as efficiently as possible to meet the needs of partners and users

2024 we completed emergency repairs to the fabric of The Victoria Building, The Grade B listed, heart of The Heart, and we have increased our footfall threefold.

Please come to our AGM to find out so much more – and what we aim to do next

Email agm@heartofnewhaven.co.uk