SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER from 2 – 4pm at ASTORIA CENTRE, KIRK LOAN
Savour a Saturday with our suave social!
Join us for our monthly Tea Dance.
Tickets are selling out fast
Buy them from the CCC charity shop Monday – Friday, or from our Partner @ The Gift Tree
Join The Cockburn Association and panellists for an engaging afternoon discussion on tourism, sustainability and capacity in Edinburgh and beyond. An in-person and online event.
Here is the link for the IN-PERSON tickets https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1000629258047…
And here is the link for the ONLINE tickets https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1000640581917…
Edinburgh’s new on-street bus tracking system has gone live at hundreds of travel stops. All of the city’s 322 new digital trackers are now displaying real-time travel information, as well as 42 signs in Midlothian and six in West Lothian.
Making travel easier for passengers planning journeys within, to and from Edinburgh, the displays offer live departure information and will soon offer details of diverted routes and service disruptions for multiple transport operators, including train and air travel at key locations.
A further 100 signs will be installed at new locations across Edinburgh and screens will continue to be connected across South East Scotland, combining efforts to make travel throughout the region consistent.
Integrating open access to Edinburgh Travel Tracker API, developers and third parties will be able to use data from the displays for their own apps and services and the Council will monitor and fine-tune the service to keep it accurate and up to date.
Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, Edinburgh’s Transport and Environment Convener, said: “We’ve been planning to roll out our new travel trackers for some time so I’m really pleased to have the displays up and running. It has been a complex exercise to integrate all our systems, and we have needed to go through a process of testing and developing fixes, but we’re confident we now have a strong system in place.
“This is real-time data that will make journeys easier to plan for all passengers.”
Police Scotland is engaging with students across the country to promote a range of crime prevention and personal safety advice during Freshers Weeks.
To minimise the risk of students being the victim of crime, or becoming involved in criminal activity, police will be attending various Freshers events taking place in the coming weeks to provide useful information and guidance on how to keep themselves and their belongings safe wherever they go.
Policing teams throughout Scotland will also be promoting student safety advice on their social media channels over the next month.
Chief Inspector Michelle Grant from Police Scotland’s Policing Together Division said: “Students make up a large part of populations in towns and cities across the country and make a positive contribution to our society. It is important they feel safe and supported during their studies.
“We have been engaging with numerous further and higher education establishments in the run-up to freshers weeks beginning and we’re grateful to have been given the opportunity to speak with students.
“Over the coming weeks, we will be offering advice on how to stay safe while on nights out, protecting your accommodation and personal belongings and staying safe online.
“We’ll also be discussing how to identify and report domestic abuse, as, for many, the next few years could be when they enter into relationships for the first time in their lives.
“Our advice on staying safe is relevant, whether you’re in your first or last year of your studies so please consider this when you are at home, in college or university, or out enjoying the night-time economy.”
All of Police Scotland’s crime prevention and personal safety advice can be found by visiting www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information.
The Royal Highland Centre and Showground located at Ingliston on the western outskirts of Edinburgh, is set to host Scotland’s largest fireworks event this year. The new professionally managed festival – Fawkes Festival – is set to welcome over 15,000 visitors, creating a safer Guy Fawkes alternative to individual family shows and will take place on Sunday 3rd November.
Designed and produced by the team at GC Live and delivered by technical partners, 21CC Group, Fawkes Festival promises a feel-good evening for the whole family to enjoy. The spectacular fireworks event will be a unique and immersive safer way to experience the fun of Guy Fawkes Night.
With breathtaking fireworks accompanied by entertainment including the world-famous Scottish bagpipe band, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and the sensational street theatre and LED drummers’ troupe, Spark! who magically transform the landscape with mysterious characters, there’s something for everyone.
Sponsored by Taylor Wimpey, Fawkes Festival’s feel-good programme of entertainment will boast everything from fairground rides to food and drink, a roaring bonfire, sky trackers, lasers and more.
Geoff Crow, Director of GC Live said: “We are thrilled to bring Scotland’s Red Hot Fawkes Festival to the Royal Highland Centre this year and look forward to welcoming over 15,000 visitors for an evening filled with delicious food and drinks, breathtaking performances and a spectacular fireworks display.
“At GC Live we are committed to creating events which are both enjoyable and safe for all attendees. An organised and large-scale fireworks events such as Fawkes Festival, held under strict safety regulations, offers a very secure and enjoyable experience for all visitors at the fireworks event.
“With professional oversight, designated viewing areas, clear signs throughout the site, crowd management strategies and compliance with established guidelines, Fawkes Festival will ensure that the excitement of fireworks can be enjoyed responsibly and safely.”
Bori Sallaiova, Event Manager at the Royal Highland Centre said: “It has been a privilege to plan and bring this exciting fireworks event to life in collaboration with the team at GC Live. We are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Royal Highland Centre this November for Fawkes Festival.
“At the Royal Highland Centre we are committed to the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, we are excited to host Fawkes Festival which will be conducted under strict safety protocols and expert supervision, reducing the risks associated with private fireworks use.
“GC Live will ensure that guests can experience the excitement of a fireworks display in a secure setting.”
For more information on the Fawkes Festival and to book tickets, go to:
Holyrood’s Finance and Public Administration Committee has called for a moratorium on the creation of any new commissioner-style bodies in Scotland.
The committee says it heard compelling evidence that the current framework for how such bodies operate “lacks coherence” and “isn’t fit for purpose”.
In its inquiry report, the cross-party MSPs say a “root and branch” review is necessary before any further bodies are created, or the powers of existing ones are expanded.
While the committee’s report specifically focuses on bodies directly responsible to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB), it hopes the findings can “set the tone” for decisions around the wider public body landscape in Scotland.
Scotland already has seven SPCB-supported bodies in operation, but the number could double before the end of the current five-year parliamentary term if current proposals were to progress.
Finance and Public Administration Committee Convener Kenneth Gibson said: “Our inquiry isn’t about the merits, or otherwise, of existing SPCB-supported bodies. The post-holders we spoke to are a dedicated group of people with a common purpose to serve Scotland in the public interest.
“The evidence shows, however, there is no clear, coherent framework underpinning how all of these bodies operate. Over the years, the landscape has developed in an ad hoc way, with new commissioners being agreed on a case-by-case basis.
“It’s led to a disjointed landscape of individual bodies with varying functions and powers. There is also evidence of duplication and overlap between existing SPCB-supported bodies and other public bodies in Scotland.”
SIX new bodies being considered
Mr Gibson added: “Once the Patient Safety Commissioner becomes operational the number of SPCB-supported bodies will stand at eight. Proposals for a further six new advocacy-type SPCB supported bodies are currently being considered.
“This proliferation appears primarily to have been driven by calls to respond to perceived failures in public service delivery, or to bring prominence to certain issues or policies.
“It is our clear view that this advocacy role is for MSPs to undertake, with Parliament holding Government to account. We also believe that funding for new bodies would be better spent on improving the delivery of local public services, where greater impact can be made.
“Continuing the trend for creating new advocacy-type SPCB-supported bodies is not sustainable, especially at a time of significant pressure on public finances in Scotland.”
Root and branch review
Mr Gibson concluded: “Now is the time to pause and take stock. Before adding any more to the mix, we must first design a coherent structure, with enhanced accountability and scrutiny mechanisms, along with effective delivery and measurement of outcomes.
“The committee therefore calls for a moratorium on creating any new SPCB-supported bodies, or expanding the remit of existing bodies, until a ‘root and branch’ review of the structure is carried out, drawing on the evidence and conclusions set out in this report.
“We also make a series of recommendations that will, in the meantime, improve transparency, accountability, scrutiny and value for money of existing bodies.”
The committee also recommends:
https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/committees/committee-reports
CHILD POVERTY ACTION GROUP BRIEFING
123,0000 households are affected by the household benefit cap. The vast majority – 71 per cent – are lone parents with children.
The benefit cap limits the total amount a part-time, low-earning or out-of-work household can receive in benefits, trapping families in deep poverty. It is having a disproportionate impact on survivors of domestic abuse and on children, as this new briefing with Shelter and Women’s Aid shows.
The benefit cap makes it almost impossible to afford private rents. Recent research found that there were only enough affordable homes across the country to house one in six capped families. Increasingly even social rents (typically 30 per cent of market rents) are becoming unaffordable. In 78 local authority areas in England, average council and/or housing association rents are unaffordable for capped families.
The benefit cap is therefore contributing to homelessness, as families are trapped in refuges and other forms of temporary accommodation and are unable to move on to secure and affordable homes.
The cap is not effective and it is harming those who are already vulnerable. We are calling for the cap to be scrapped.
Police have released an image of a male officers would like to speak to in connection with an assault and robbery which occurred on Sunday, 7 July, 2024 at around 11.30pm on Ferry Gait Drive.
Officers believe the man in the image could assist them in their ongoing enquiries and are appealing for the man himself or anyone who may recognise him, or has information about this incident, to get in touch.
The male (pictured) is described as aged in his 30s, between 5ft 7ins and 5ft 10ins in height, was seen to be wearing a suit, goggles over his eyes and a blue baseball cap with an ‘LA’ logo.
Anyone who recognises the male pictured or has any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 3947 of 7 July, 2024.
Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where you can give information anonymously.
SUNDAY 29th SEPTEMBER 4pm in STOCKBRIDGE CHURCH
Help support Stockbridge Primary Parent Council’s musical fundraiser! 
Come along to our Autumn Magic Carpet Concert at Stockbridge Church, 4pm on Sunday 29 September!
Our live music concert is a great opportunity to get close to incredible live music played by world-class musicians 
You’ll get the chance to see talented musicians perform – accordionist Sofia Ros from Spain 
, double bassist Nikita Naumov & concert pianist (& City of Edinburgh Music Schoolteacher) Shola Sharbakova Miller from Kazakhstan !
You can buy your tickets here 
https://www.tickettailor.com/…/stockbridgeprima…/1389996
Funds raised secure much needed carpets for our classrooms 
Our poster has been designed in collaboration with students from Submarine Art & Design School 
check out their courses – there’s loads on for teens! https://www.submarineart.co.uk/
or follow them on instagram @submarineartstudio
Thousands of students across Scotland are at risk of homelessness unable to access the right housing in the country’s biggest cities, according to a new report for a cross party group of MSPs.
It says there is a severe student housing crisis in cities including Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee and calls on the Scottish Government to take immediate action to tackle the issue.
The report for the Cross Party Group on Housing highlights significant shortfalls in student accommodation, including a shortfall of 13,852 bedspaces in Edinburgh, 6,093 in Glasgow, and 6,084 in Dundee.
An acute shortage of accommodation compounded by a lack of affordable and/or accessible options for students with additional support needs or mature students with families, has left many students facing precarious living situations.
“The Scottish Government declared a housing emergency earlier this year, but students are often left out of the conversation,” said Graham Simpson MSP, Convenor of the Cross-Party Group on Housing.
“We have come up with a set of recommendations for the government that are clear and challenging. These include the need for a collaborative approach to student housing, more robust data on student accommodation, and the integration of student housing into local housing strategies.”
The report, co-authored by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland, the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE), the University of Stirling, StudentCrowd, the Edinburgh Student Housing Co-operative (ESHC) and Slurp Edinburgh (Students for Action on Homelessness), also stresses the importance of city-wide one-stop shops that would guide students to suitable and affordable accommodation, an initiative that could help alleviate some of the pressure on housing markets in major student cities.
“The issue of student housing can be contentious as developers compete for prized land and local residents may feel pushed out due to lack of affordable housing supply,” said Ashley Campbell, Policy and Practice Manager, Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland.
“The challenge for government, local authorities and universities is to work together more proactively to ensure that everyone can access a home to meet their needs and that students can find their place within existing communities.”
Lawrence Williams of Slurp Edinburgh added: “From hidden homelessness to unaffordable rents, students in Scotland face a range of housing issues that have long been overlooked by policy-makers and universities.
“This report is a promising first step towards recognising the crisis and identifying structural barriers to student housing security.
“We urgently need bold measures like rent controls, cooperative student housing, and guaranteed emergency accommodation for homeless students.”
