This February marks the 20th anniversary of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender plus (LGBT+) History Month, with Council Leader, Jane Meagher, showing her support.
Following the repeal of Section 28, LGBT+ History Month was created to recognise and honour the contributions of the LGBT+ community.
The Council is marking the annual celebration by flying the rainbow flag above the City Chambers for the entire month of February.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “LGBT+ History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the history of the LGBT+ rights movement and campaign for equal rights. On the twentieth anniversary of this vital awareness month, we must recognise those individuals who have pushed the boundaries and advocated for social progress, creating a more inclusive world for all of us.
“We are proud of Edinburgh’s diversity and that anyone is welcome to make the city their home, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
“It’s important that we demonstrate our support by proudly flying the rainbow flag above the City Chambers for the month of February. The flag is an international symbol of LGBT+ pride, showing all who live in and visit our city that we not only value but champion respect, tolerance, and inclusivity for all.”
Road Policing officers are appealing for information following a crash involving a car and a pedestrian in Edinburgh.
Emergency services were called to the A701 Howden Hall Road near the junction with Alnwickhill Road, around 2.20pm yesterday – Thursday, 6 February 2025.
The pedestrian, an 89-year-old woman, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh to be treated for serious injuries.
The driver of the Land Rover was not injured.
The road was closed for around three hours to allow for investigations to be carried out.
Sergeant Fraser Mitchell said “Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash get in touch.
“I would also appeal to anyone who may have dash-cam or private CCTV footage that could assist our enquiries to contact us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 1901 of 6 February 2025.
Edinburgh’s third sector is facing a funding crisis that could result in the loss of essential health and social care services. Sixty-four third sector organisations, which provide vital support to the city’s most vulnerable residents, are at risk following proposed funding cuts by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB).
The potential closure of these organisations would not only impact service users but could also lead to the loss of 200 jobs, many through compulsory redundancies.
Scottish Labour MSP for the Lothian Region, Foysol Choudhury, is actively engaging with Edinburgh City Council to advocate for greater clarity and support for these organisations. “I have been asking the council to consider taking over the funding of the 64 organisations,” he said.
In response, Councillor Jane Meagher, Leader of Edinburgh City Council, has indicated a positive step forward: “Our Finance Convenor proposed an additional £2 million of transition funding for Edinburgh’s third sector service providers.
“The work that these organisations do helps local people, many of whom desperately need this assistance and support.
“I’m pleased that by raising this in Committee, we allowed all attending councillors to indicate support for finding more money to help Edinburgh’s charitable and volunteering groups, some of which are facing existential cuts following a decision by the EIJB.”
Community Pressure and Temporary Relief
Public outcry in response to the proposed cuts in November 2024 led to their rejection, with the EIJB pledging to collaborate with affected organisations to seek alternative solutions.
In December 2024, the EIJB extended the existing grants—originally set to expire on 31 March 2025—by three months. However, this extension provides only temporary relief, with no long-term security for the organisations involved.
While some may secure alternative funding, others could be forced to close, leaving significant gaps in service provision.
Council Report Highlights Risks
A report submitted to Edinburgh City Council and Officers following an initial assessment of the situation highlighted serious concerns.
The report concluded that the closure of the EIJB grants programme poses a substantial risk to the financial viability of many third sector organisations, many of which are key partners in delivering council services.
The potential closure of these organisations could undermine the council’s ability to deliver existing projects, programmes, and priorities, further exacerbating social inequalities across Edinburgh.
A Call for Sustainable Solutions
MSP Choudhury remains committed to advocating for a sustainable funding solution that protects essential services and jobs: “I will continue to push for sustainable funding solutions that protect the essential services our communities rely on,” Mr Choudhury affirmed.
With the future of Edinburgh’s third sector organisations hanging in the balance, all eyes are now on the council and EIJB to ensure long-term solutions are found to protect these vital services.
The Fringe Society is looking for a Scotland-based artist and an artist assistant to deliver a co-creative project with an ASN (Additional Support Needs) school in North Edinburgh as a part of our Fringe ASN project.
This year we are working with Oaklands School, which provides a significantly adapted and supportive learning environment for learners with profound and multiple learning disabilities and often associated health care needs, aged 3 to 18 years old.
Students at Oakland have a range of complex disabilities. Many, but not all, of the students use wheelchairs and the majority are non-verbal. In offering this funding, we hope to offer an opportunity to an artist to engage with wider demographics, develop their practice and engage meaningfully with a local community in Edinburgh.
We have specifically chosen to work with ASN schools on this project as a direct result of feedback from ASN teachers who find the Fringe challenging to navigate with a group of their students and are looking for ways to remove some of the barriers.
With this in mind, we arrange for Fringe work to be taken to them so that they can experience performances and workshops in their own environments.
The Scottish artist will spend an hour a week for 12 weeks in the school, creating a creative project with the students and teachers.
Last year we worked with Woodlands School, and two teachers gave the following quotes:
‘The learners engaged well with the activities from the very start, and the whole theme soon captured everyone’s imaginations. I feel that the real strength of the session lay in the involvement of the participants at every stage; their creative ideas were taken seriously and skilfully guided into creating a performance at the end of the class.
The young people (and staff!) learned some simple but effective techniques for mime. The whole experience was entertaining, thought-provoking and unforgettable.’ – Martin O’Gorman, Drama and English teacher at Woodlands College
‘The artist was creative, well-prepared and adaptive during each performance, which created an inclusive and enjoyable performance experience for all. The visual set of the magic show was brilliant and it set the scene for a wonderful performance.
The staff team who also enjoyed the performances highlighted how engaged the young people were.’ – Teacher, Woodlands College
A shocking freedom of information request from Capital Letters has revealed that families in temporary accommodation with four children have experienced the sharpest rise, with a 350% increase, followed by couples with three children at 123.81%.
The freedom of information request from Capital Letters also revealed a 219.3% rise in temporary homelessness overall in Edinburgh. There has been a 118.1% increase in couples with children in temporary accommodation, including council-owned housing, B&Bs, and hostels.
Expert advice and comment from Capital Letters. Capital Letters has revealed that families in temporary accommodation with four children have experienced the sharpest rise, with a 350% increase, followed by couples with three children at 123.81%.
The freedom of information request from Capital Letters also revealed a 219.3% rise in temporary homelessness overall in Edinburgh.
There has been a 118.1% increase in couples with children in temporary accommodation, including council-owned housing, B&Bs, and hostels.
Expert advice and comment from Capital Letters.
4,935 individuals were in temporary accommodation in Edinburgh at the start of the New Year according to a freedom of information request submitted by Capital Letters.
Temporary accommodation is often a last resort for society’s most vulnerable people who lack a place to call home.
They may be fleeing domestic violence, leaving care or being victims of a no-fault eviction, unable to locate suitable housing in time.
There has been a 219.36% increase in people being placed in temporary accommodation in Edinburgh between 2019 and 2024 according to a freedom of information request by Capital Letters.
Temporary accommodation in Edinburgh includes local authority housing as well as hostels and B&Bs.
There has been a 291% increase in individuals being placed in B&Bs from 2019 to 2024.
Heartbreakingly, many residents of temporary accommodation are children.
There were 397 couples with children in temporary accommodation in December 2024, a 118.1% increase from January 2019.
Families with four children saw the largest increase in temporary accommodation occupancy since 2019, rising by 350%.
Couples with three children came second with a 123.81% increase.
Couples with five children came third with 80%.
In fourth place came couples with two children who had a 56.10% increase.
Families with one child experienced a 59.9% increase since 2019.
Finally, families with 5 children stayed consistent between both periods.
Steven Strachan from Capital Letters who submitted the freedom of information request revealing the shocking data commented: “Facing eviction can be a stressful and overwhelming experience especially when there are children involved.
“There are steps you can take to manage the situation and protect your rights. Here are some tips if you find yourself facing eviction.”:
Understand the Eviction Notice
“There are different types of eviction notices (e.g., section 21, section 8, or notice to quit). Make sure you understand what the notice is for and whether it is valid. Ensure it follows legal procedures, including the proper notice period.”
Seek professional advice
“If you are unsure about the notice, seek legal advice from organisations like Shelter, Citizens Advice, or a solicitor who specialises in housing law who can clarify your rights and options.”
Communicate with Your Landlord
“If you’re able, speak to your landlord as soon as possible. Sometimes, an agreement can be reached, such as extending your tenancy, negotiating payment plans, or allowing you to stay while you find alternative housing.”
Document everything
“Keep a record of all communications with your landlord, including emails, letters, and phone calls. This could be helpful if there are any disputes later.”
Know Your Rights
“In the United Kingdom, tenants have protection from eviction in most cases, especially if they have lived in the property for more than six months. In certain circumstances, eviction may not be possible unless the landlord has obtained a court order. Legal aid may be available for those who are eligible.”
Check for Illegal Eviction
“Landlords cannot evict tenants without following proper legal procedures. If your landlord tries to evict you without a court order or changes the locks without notice, this is considered an illegal eviction. If this happens, you can contact the authorities for help.”
Start Looking for new Accommodation
“It’s wise to start looking for a new place to live as soon as possible. Start searching online or contact local housing associations and letting agents.”
Tape Letters is a social history project which shines light on the practice of recording and sending messages on cassette tape, as an unorthodox method of communication by Pakistanis who migrated and settled in the UK between 1960 – 1980.
Drawing directly both from first-hand interviews and from the informal and intimate conversations on the cassettes themselves, this exhibition platforms the experiences of members of Edinburgh’s Pakistani community. It explores topics of migration, identity, communication and language.
Tape Letters Scotland is produced by Modus Arts and is made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Explore the stories from Tape Letters Scotland project through their new Web-XR digital exhibition.
Adapting the design from the Tape Letters exhibitions to a digital space, the new digital exhibition showcases a selection of stories from archive contributors across Scotland presented in photos, video, audio and transcriptions.
From Olympic aspirations to first-time divers, Edinburgh Leisure is expanding its prestigious diving programme at the Royal Commonwealth Pool. With 120 new spaces available from February 22nd, this marks an exciting return to pre-pandemic capacity and beyond.
The ‘Commie Pool’ stands as the east of Scotland’s crown jewel for diving excellence, featuring world-class facilities that include multiple springboards, platforms reaching up to 10m, and a state-of-the-art dry land training area.
The comprehensive facility offers everything from trampolines and tumble racks to specialised diving boards with crash mats – all designed to build confidence and perfect technique safely.
“Our expanded programme opens doors for everyone, from age 3 to Masters level,” says Vicki Tomlinson, dive co-ordinator and GB judge at Paris 2024. “Whether you’re seeking a new challenge or dreaming of following in the footsteps of British diving stars like Jack Laugher and Grace Reid or Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, our world-class coaching team is here to guide you.”
The expansion includes:
70 additional junior spaces across all skill levels
50 new weekday spaces in Dive Skills 1
Enhanced pre-school programme with convenient Wednesday and Friday sessions
Expanded Masters’ class availability
Leading the programme’s evolution is Adam Smallwood, the newly appointed Performance Lead Coach, whose impressive track record includes coaching British diving elite. This appointment strengthens the valuable partnership between The University of Edinburgh, Aquatics GB, Scottish Swimming and Edinburgh Leisure, positioning Edinburgh as a powerhouse for developing future diving talents.
The Royal Commonwealth Pool’s legacy includes hosting prestigious events such as the 2014 Commonwealth Games and 2018 European Championships. And, this same Olympic-standard facility is accessible to the local community, with flexible public diving sessions available without pre-booking.
Experience the thrill of diving in a facility that has launched countless careers and created countless memories. Whether you’re 5 or 50, the expanded programme has a place for you.
As part of a lottery funded project to look at our heritage we’re keen to hear from anyone who lived in North Edinburgh in the 1990s and remembers the No. 20 drop in centre we operated under the name of Family Care.
