Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Stronger Community Councils can improve local democracy, says new report

Yesterday, during #CelebrateCCs month, Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) and What Works Scotland jointly published research into community councils. The report recommends that the Local Governance Review should consider #StrengtheningCCs to improve local democracy in Scotland. Continue reading Stronger Community Councils can improve local democracy, says new report

Labour must ‘get on board’ with full rail devolution

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has called on Labour MSPs to get behind the full devolution of rail services to Scotland, after a former Labour transport minister urged that the Scottish Parliament be given full responsibility over Network Rail.

Tom Harris, a senior adviser to the Rail Review, said that all lines, signals, stations and infrastructure under the control of Network Rail should be transferred to a new body, answerable to the Scottish Government.

Network Rail is currently responsible for railway infrastructure and is accountable to Westminster, not Holyrood.

In November, Labour MSPs were criticised for voting against the full devolution of rail, despite almost 60% of delays on Scotland’s railways over the last year being attributable to Tory government’s shambolic operation of Network Rail.


SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said: “The SNP in government has consistently called for the full devolution of rail services, but successive Labour and Conservative governments have repeatedly denied Scotland a full say over how its railways are run – talking a good game while doing absolutely nothing to deliver the powers we need.

“The Rail Review gives us an opportunity for meaningful change. Full devolution of services currently under the control of Network Rail would help to improve performance on the railways and allow for a coherent, joined-up approach to transport.

“It’s time for Labour to get on board with the common sense approach – handing over full control of the rail infrastructure to Scotland to help ensure our railways deliver for all passengers in Edinburgh.”

Concert and ceilidh to celebrate World Fair Trade Day

#worldfairtradeday

A major Fair Trade concert and ceilidh will be taking place at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh this May to celebrate World Fair Trade Day 2019 and Scotland as a Fair Trade Nation, showcasing a mix of local talent and international musicians; stalls selling Fair Trade crafts, artisan goods & snacks; a full fun ceilidh and messages on screen from World Fair Trade Organisations (WFTOs) from around the globe representing WTFO members. Continue reading Concert and ceilidh to celebrate World Fair Trade Day

Edinburgh to the fore in Scottish Care Awards

Eidyn Care has been recognised as one of the leading home care providers in Scotland. Members of the team will be invited to a prestigious evening awards ceremony celebrating the best of the independent care at home and housing support sector.  

The Edinburgh-based service has been nominated in the Provider of the Year category at the Scottish Care Awards 2019. This award celebrates an individual service that can demonstrate they are at the forefront of excellent care provision in Scotland.

The winner will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on 17 May at the Marriott Hotel in Glasgow. The Awards will be hosted by Michelle McManus, with over 400 people attending.

The Eidyn Care team were delighted to have been recognised. Director Andrew McLennan said: “The organisation was founded in 2016 and in a short time has firmly established itself as one of the leading providers of quality palliative care at home.

“We recognise that to achieve our number one priority of caring for our clients in the best possible manner, we must invest in our staff. We spend a significant amount of time developing and supporting our team and this has a knock-on impact of more contented staff, as well as positive outcomes for our clients receiving care.”

Also nominated is Edinburgh’s Laura Rose (below), who has been recognised as one of the leading home care employees in Scotland.  

The Community Care Assistant at Carrick Home Services, has been nominated in the Carer of the Year category at the Scottish Care Awards 2019. This award celebrates the significant role of carers in consistently providing a high-quality standard for people living at home, enabling independence and delivering person-centred care and support.

Laura said: “I am very surprised but thrilled and honoured to be chosen as a finalist in these prestigious awards.”  

Andrea Ramsay, Carrick Home Services Director, who made the nomination, said: “Laura has worked as a community carer for over 12 years. She gives her all, every day, to every client she meets. She ensures everyone is treated with dignity, respect, care and compassion. Her passion for caring is a way of life, not just a job. 

“We have a client with Motor Neurone Disease whose speech has deteriorated to the extent that they can no longer communicate. Laura, who taught herself sign language, has now passed this skill on to the client, who is less socially isolated as a result. She is the only one who can understand the client, including MND nurses and other specialists. She is a motivated woman with passion, enthusiasm and dedication for every client.”

The awards have been hailed a huge success in recognising individuals, teams and companies, who are delivering care at an incredibly high standard in an era of challenging budgets and within an increasingly demanding work environment.

The care awards will follow a full day conference with speakers including the Cabinet Secretary for Health & Sport, Jeane Freeman.