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New partnership provides more protected green space in Edinburgh

= Nearly two in three people in Edinburgh live in flats compared to one in five in the UK
= One in seven residents currently has no access to private outdoor space

Residents in Edinburgh can be confident that they will always have access to green space, thanks to a partnership between charity Fields in Trust and the City of Edinburgh Council.

The landmark agreement will see the capital’s local authority become the first in Scotland to ensure that around 84% of residents who live in the city, are within a 10-minute walk of a permanently protected space.

Over and above the 36 parks already protected in Edinburgh, the council has committed to safeguarding an additional 19 green spaces across the city.

This initiative comes as pressure on existing green space is set to rise, with the population of Edinburgh predicted to increase by 10% over the next 20 years.

Fields in Trust will now use a Holyrood reception hosted by Sarah Boyack MSP on 8 February, to call for local authorities, business and communities across the capital to collaborate and back the innovative partnership to protect the city’s green spaces and secure better access to them for generations to come.

The charity also wants to see other cities take the same approach, as the number of people living in cities is expected to rise over the next 20 years.

Overall, Scotland rates 1.21 on Fields in Trust’s Green Space Index against a benchmark standard of 1.0, making it the highest performing of the three home nations covered. However, the City of Edinburgh falls slightly short of the threshold overall at 0.9, with significant variances between wards ranging from 0.1 all the way up to 2.9.

Helen Griffiths, chief executive of Fields in Trust, said: “We all understand the pressures faced by cities as the world changes. You don’t need to be a research scientist to work out that having access to parks and other green space is good for people’s physical and mental health and well-being.

“Whether you’re playing organised sport or just enjoying the sights and sounds of the park, it is imperative that as cities grow and new homes and infrastructure are built, legal steps are taken to protect these special places over the long-term. Parks do us all a world of good, so it’s up to us – all of us, to protect our parks for good.

“We look forward to sharing our experiences with MSPs and others in Holyrood and showcasing this important partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, whose enlightened approach will mean that nearly everyone in the city is within ten minutes of a park or green space.”

Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Val Walker, said: “Edinburgh is already a wonderfully green city and we want to ensure it remains that way for generations to come.

“Through our partnership with Fields in Trust we will make sure that almost everyone in Edinburgh will be within a ten-minute walk of a protected green space, ensuring that for years to come citizens are guaranteed a lifetime of opportunity for activity, play, learning, recuperation and community. We hope other cities follow suit.”

Sarah Boyack MSP for Lothian, added:“Green spaces are vital for our mental and physical wellbeing. They offer a break from our sedentary lives and a chance to enjoy our natural environment.

“Green spaces are breathing spaces and should be accessible to everyone, regardless of the area they live, their income or background. That’s why I’m proud to host the Fields in Trust reception at the Scottish Parliament.

“Their campaign is inspiring – the pandemic has shown that green spaces have become increasingly important for people of all ages, whether for leisure or community gardening. We need action so that everyone can benefit from parks, gardens and green spaces across Scotland.”

The first ten parks and green spaces of the nineteen to be protected in Edinburgh under the partnership are:

Inch Park
Muirhouse
Roseburn
Gyle
Pikes Pool
Clermiston
Joppa Quarry Park
Spylaw
Sighthill
Fairmilehead

Never Give Up! Talk at City Art Centre

TUESDAY 14th FEBRUARY 1pm at CITY ART CENTRE

Never Give Up: Gallery Talk in Association with the Exhibition ‘Paul Duke: No Ruined Stone’

Join us for a talk with Lynn McCabe from Royston and Wardieburn Community Centre and Willie Black a passionate local activist from North Edinburgh.

North Edinburgh has been a hotbed of community activism for decades. ‘Never Give Up’, was a book produced by North Edinburgh Social History Group in 2011 – a panoramic account of community activism in North Edinburgh, highlighting the previously largely ignored and barely mentioned community areas of Pilton, Drylaw, Royston, Wardieburn, Granton and Muirhouse.

Lynn McCabe reflects on how this publication is still deeply relevant today and Willie Black talks about North Edinburgh today, and shares positive stories from this vibrant and resilient Edinburgh community.

EVENT IS FREE but booking is essential.

https://online1.venpos.net/ConsumerSite/VisitDateTime?LID=548&PID=2c0db03f-057f-4cb3-b76f-138dfa22e01f&LNG=en&VD=2023-02-14T00%3A00%3A00

While we hope to run this event in the City Art Centre, we may have to adapt to the situation at the time and the event may need to move to digital. Book via the link or by phoning the City Art Centre on 0131 529 3993.

Haymarket road fatality: victim named as police appeal for info

Road Policing officers are continuing enquiries following a fatal road crash on Haymarket Terrace.

A 79-year-old man died in the collision. He can be named as Allan Moir from Edinburgh. Mr Moir’s family has made the following statement:

“We would like to thank the police, paramedics and members of the public who tried to save our beloved Dad and Grandad. As a family, we ask for privacy at this difficult time.”

Officers are appealing to anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact them via 101, quoting incident 2828 of 4 February, 2023.

TUC: Solidarity with Turkey

APPEAL FOR DONATIONS

The recent earthquakes are strongest to hit Turkey since 1939 and big cities such as Adana, Gaziantep, Kahramanmaraş, Kilis, Diyarbakır, Osmaniye, Şanlıurfa, Adıyaman, Malatya, or Hatay are critically affected. At the time of writing the death toll stands at over 17,500, with many more missing and thousands displaced.

The TUC works closely with the trade union federations in Turkey DISK and KESK. DISK and KESK have many members in the concerned areas and are gathering all possible efforts to provide humanitarian aid to the trade-unionists and their families during this tragic period.

The TUC is calling for contributions from trade union branches to go to the ITUC-Asia Pacific Natural Disaster Fund to help support the relief efforts. To help ensure that donations from UK unions are earmarked for our sister unions in Turkey, please include a payment reference “DISK & KESK” with your donation.

The ITUC-AP Bank Account is as follows:

ITUC – Asia Pacific DBS Bank Limited 12 Marina Boulevard Marina Bay Financial Centre, Tower 3 Singapore 018982
Account No: 003-945670-0
Swift Code: DBSSSGSG

Payment reference: DISK & KESK

Building solidarity with Turkey is a priority for the TUC’s international work. The TUC has a history of supporting trade unions in Turkey and it is increasingly a priority for our affiliates, as recent motions to TUC Congress 2016 and 2018 demonstrate.

The TUC maintains close fraternal relations with KESK and DİSK, our sister trade union centres.

Turkey has been identified as one of the 10 worst countries for workers by the International Trade Union Confederation’s annual survey of worker’s rights, the Global Rights Index. The TUC and affiliates want to see an immediate end to abuses against workers, infringements on democratic norms and human rights, an end to the mistreatment of the Kurdish community, the release of all political prisoners, and the release of Abdullah Öcalan as a step towards peace talks, and engagement in a peace process

Pints For Passengers this Six Nations Weekend!

Innis & Gunn ‘prop up’ with free award-winning pints for tram passengers at this weekend’s Six Nations game

Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn and two former Scotland internationalists* are giving rugby fans a helping hand to get in the game spirit for the Scotland v Wales kick-off with free flavour-packed pints for passengers travelling to the stadium by tram tomorrow (Saturday 11th March).

The Innis & Gunn pop-up bar will be making a rare appearance at the Murrayfield Stadium tram stop where the Brewer’s team will serve up free pints of its award-winning lager and Lager Beer 0% to fans en route to the first Six Nations’ home game.

Whatever your team, whether you’re backing blue or supporting red, the free pints are on offer for all rugby fans who spot the bar, provide proof of age, and a valid tram and match ticket.

That’s not all. For those who will be making their way to the stadium by foot, you can check out the Innis & Gunn ‘One for the Road Bar’ that will be popping up at Malone’s on Morrison Street – providing the perfect pre-match pints for the road.

Capturing the free-spirited and original nature of the brand, Innis & Gunn aims to unite the nations in their shared passion for Scotland’s biggest craft lager and most loved craft brand – no matter the score.

Innis & Gunn’s founder, Dougal Sharp, said: “We know our customers are massive rugby fans, so we want to surprise and delight match goers with a perfectly refreshing pint as they arrive by tram to the stadium on Saturday. A good way to showcase our superb Scottish hospitality to the Welsh.

“Avoid the scrum at the stadium bars – we’ll see you on Saturday. Good luck to both teams!”

*Former Scotland International rugby prop and Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks legend, Barry Stewart, and former Scotland international and 1990 Grand Slam winner, Sean Lineen, were on hand to pass out the pints to passengers. Backwards passes only, obviously!

Photography course at Inch House

Photography Workshop

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This is a 5 week course mainly outdoors although weather may mean more of each session indoors at Inch House.

It is an informal course for students to learn how to make the most of their camera and improve the standard of personal photography. The tutor is very friendly and experienced and can help with general or particular photography or camera queries.

Students will learn to use the camera functions, cover various modes, and discuss composition in relation to landscape and (potentially) nature photography.

Standard fee for the 5 weeks course running on Thursdays from 1pm-2.30pm each week is £32.63 and only £17.25 for any senior citizens, students or benefits.

To book on, please ring 0131 556 7978 or online at www.joininedinburgh.org

Earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria will receive emergency aid of £60,000 from Freemasons

Survivors of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria will be receiving vital emergency supplies thanks to a £60,000 grant from the Freemasons to the British Red Cross, UK for UNHCR and UNICEF who are leading the relief effort on the ground.

More than 16,000 people are reported to have died in the two quakes which have devastated large areas of south west Turkey and across the border in Syria. The death toll is certain to rise significantly as more bodies are found.

Tens of thousands of survivors are sleeping in the open in temperatures which have fallen well below zero. Snow is falling in some parts as the region experiences colder than average winter weather that is also hampering rescue efforts.

Damage from the quake has affected at least seven provinces in Turkey as well as areas across northwest Syria. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, displacing families, and schools, hospitals, and other medical and educational facilities will have been damaged or destroyed by the quakes. Potential damage to roads and critical infrastructure will also complicate search and rescue efforts and the wider humanitarian response.

The grant comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

Luke Tredget, Head of Emergencies from the British Red Cross, said: “We’re very grateful for this generous grant which will allow us to provide immediate emergency relief to people who are in desperate need.

“This disaster has devastated vast areas of both countries and left millions of people in urgent need of help.”

Les Hutchinson, Chief Executive of the Masonic Charitable Foundation, said: “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help the Red Cross, UNICEF and the UNHCR with their relief effort following this terrible earthquake.

“Many thousands of people are in very urgent need of assistance and I’m proud that Freemasons are providing essential support to charities on the ground working with survivors.”

Case review on management of transgender prisoner: Women were not at risk from harm

An urgent case review into the management of a transgender person in custody has found that at no point were any women in the care of the prison service at risk of harm.

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) review also confirmed the person did not come into contact with any other prisoners during their time at HMP&YOI Cornton Vale and that SPS policy was followed during each decision making process and risk assessment.

The review makes four key recommendations into the management of transgender individuals:

the creation of a shared justice process for admitting transgender people to prisons in Scotland – to help improve decision making at admission and subsequent case conferences
better communication between justice partners to ensure a clearer approach to the transfer of transgender people from court to custody
for the wider SPS Gender Identity and Gender Reassignment (GIGR) Policy Review to consider improvements to ‘admission’ and ‘placement and management’ and for SPS to consider the weight of a person’s previous offending history to be considered as part of the case conference process
to strengthen the balance around the risk of harm with an individualised approach as part of the admissions process to prison, allowing for someone to be located in secure isolation for the sole purpose of a risk assessment based on known and unknown risks

In addition to the recommendations, SPS is also undertaking a full multi-disciplinary case review for each transgender person in custody. The Service is also continuing to progress, in dialogue with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders, a review of the management of trans prisoners as part of its GIGR Policy Review.

Until these reviews are complete any transgender person in custody who has a history of violence against women – including sexual offences will not be relocated from the male to female estate. Additionally, any newly convicted or remanded transgender prisoner will initially be placed in an establishment commensurate with their birth gender.

Justice Secretary Keith Brown welcomed the findings in a letter to the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee.

The Justice Secretary said: “Firstly, I want to acknowledge my concern for victims of crime and the distress caused to them. It is important that consideration of issues relating to the management of prisoners is measured and does not retraumatise victims or risk unintended consequences for transgender people or individuals in the care of SPS.

“All recommendations from the review have been accepted by Ms Medhurst as Chief Executive and will be progressed by SPS in collaboration with others as needed. As confirmed in the letter, SPS will factor the learning identified from this review into its Gender Identity and Gender Reassignment (GIGR) Policy Review, which is ongoing.

“Pending the outcome of the GIGR Policy Review, measures to provide reassurance as set out in Ms Medhurst’s letter will remain in place.

“I would like to acknowledge the work SPS has done in continuing to fulfil its operational responsibilities while completing the lessons learned review. SPS has considerable expertise in managing complex, high-profile and challenging individuals within their care and keeping people safe; and I commend their professionalism.”

In her letter, the SPS Chief Executive Teresa Medhurst reiterated that the SPS remained firmly committed to providing person-centred care to their entire population, including managing and identifying risks, which are not exclusive to transgender people in their care.

She added: “Staff in our establishments have demonstrated their long-standing expertise and strong track record in the management and care of an increasingly complex prison population.

“My priority remains the health, safety, and wellbeing of all people in our care, many of whom are the most marginalised in our society, and that of staff.”

The Ivy on the Square celebrates the Six Nations Championship with new cocktail line up

As Edinburgh prepares to welcome back the Six Nations Championship at BT Murrayfield, The Ivy on the Square has launched the ultimate cocktail menu inspired by the participating teams to honour the occasion and support the fans this rugby season.

With the first Scotland match in Edinburgh just around the corner, guests are invited to tackle the tension and try the latest creations made by the experienced bar team in the heart of the capital.

The six delicious cocktails include Scotts on the Rocks, (£10.50) featuring Plymouth gin, Chivas 12 year, ginger juice, lemon juice and clear honey, The Emerald Isle, (£12.00) consisting of Jameson, Lillet Rouge, Cointreau, lime juice, and a dash of whiskey barrel bitters, The G.O.A.T, (£10.50) a mix of Plymouth gin, Plymouth sloe gin, lemon juice and lavender syrup, garnished with a lavender sprig, Le Coqs, (£12.75) which includes, Beefeater gin, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, sugar syrup and topped with The Ivy Champagne, English Rose, (£10.50) featuring Beefeater gin, Pimm’s and Elderflower cordial, topped with Fever Tree lemonade and garnished with a mint sprig, and finally the Zesty Italian, (£10.95) a tantalising mix of Malfy Arancia gin, Barolo Chinato, Campari and a dash of whisky barrel bitters.

To complete the game day offering, The Ivy has introduced a new limited-edition dessert Over The Line, a chocolate ganache with mint mousse, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce – perfect for those rugby fans with a sweet tooth.

Guests are invited to try the limited-edition menu at The Ivy on the Square from today until 18 March (weekends only). To book a table, visit TheIvyEdinburgh.com.

David Wilson Homes reveals three-storey maximalist Cammo townhouse

Maximalism, eye-catching colours and unbridled joy are key themes adorning the inside of David Wilson Homes’ newly launched show home at Cammo Meadows in the north-west of Edinburgh.

As the region’s only three-storey show home, the three-bedroom Ashworth from the five-star housebuilder showcases multifunctional rooms fit for modern family living, designed by leading interior specialists Show Business.

A palette of bold, energetic colours has been used throughout the home, invoking feelings of cheerfulness and happiness – acknowledging a key interior trend for joyful, uplifting and mood boosting spaces recently identified by Wunderman Thompson in its annual trend report.

And with various paint brands proclaiming shades of red as their 2023 “colour of the year”, including Pantone’s Viva Magenta, a deep rose shade was selected for the ground-floor family dining room, working as both a grounding neutral and a touch of drama, complemented by a calming teal shade on the opposite wall. Relaxed textures create a laid-back feel to the room, including wood, soft accessories and fur throws.

Interior showhome photography of The Ashworth at David Wilson Homes Cammo Meadows development in Edinburgh

Alix Riding, creative account manager at Show Business said: “Personality is key when it comes to styling a three-storey home, due to the vast amount of space.

“In this particular home we injected some fun and humour into the rooms with styling pieces such as artwork featuring jumping dogs and children’s artwork, as well as canvasses covered with splashes of paint to add a playful element.

“Pulling colours from wallpapers is a good guide when choosing cushion colours, and don’t be afraid to mix and match different patterns as this adds to the theme of fun and playful.”

Upstairs, subtle touches of maximalist wallpaper make a statement, including animal print in the family bathroom and striped wallpaper on the stairwell. To demonstrate the flexible nature of a three-storey house, the first-floor lounge with Juliet balcony takes an escapist “getaway” style to invoke a sense of calm above the hustle and bustle of family life downstairs.

On the top storey of the house is the main bedroom with en-suite, which features smooth velvets and panelled walls to create a well curated, smart feel with a wow factor.

Anne Ross, sales director at David Wilson Homes East Scotland, part of Barratt Developments Scotland, said: “We’re really excited to reveal the east of Scotland’s first ever three-storey show home at Cammo Meadows, featuring three uniquely designed floors created for modern family living and with the latest design trends in mind.

“The house sits within a lovely community in the north-west of Edinburgh, less than ten minutes to the beach and just six miles to the city centre.”

House hunters are welcome to tour the show home at Cammo Meadows to get a feel for the property first-hand, as well as discover the surrounding area. A mix of three and four-bedroom homes are available, with David Wilson Homes offering incentives including up to £30,000 towards a mortgage, deposit or moving and running costs.

Modern building methods and materials also mean owners of new build homes can enjoy savings of up to £2,600 per year on energy bills, according to the HBF “Watt a Save” report published October 2022.

For more information, visit www.dwh.co.uk.