Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Greens will protect families with introduction of rent controls

Greens will protect families in Edinburgh with introduction of rent controls

Lorna Slater, the Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, has urged all parties to back the introduction of rent controls and stronger protections for tenants when parliament votes on the Housing Bill next week.

Scottish Government statistics show that between 2010 and 2024 average rents for a newly-let 2 bedroom flat in Edinburgh reached £1358, an increase of 104%.

This Bill is only happening because of the Scottish Greens, who introduced it to ensure that rent controls and new rights for renters were at the heart of the legislation.

Lorna Slater said: “The introduction of rent controls will be a big step forward for people in Edinburgh, and will finally help to end the imbalance of power between them and their landlords.

“The rental market is broken, and fundamental change is needed. Rents in the capital city have skyrocketed while wages have stagnated. Rogue landlords have been able to get away with ripping off renters for far too long.

“Greens introduced this bill to protect renters. No-one should be forced to shell out so much of their pay on rent, while landlords rack up cash. I am proud of the work that we have done to put renters’ rights at the heart of this legislation.

“All renters and families deserve financial stability, and should not have to worry about losing the roof over their heads. Homes are for living in and not for profiteering. We need to make unaffordable rent hikes become a thing of the past.”

Transforming the justice system for victims and witnesses

Landmark Bill passed by Holyrood

A landmark Bill to place victims and witnesses at the heart of the justice system has been passed by Parliament.

The Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill contains historic reforms to transform victims’ and witnesses’ experience of the justice system and ensure they are treated with compassion, while continuing to safeguard the rights of the accused.

Key reforms include abolishing the ‘not proven’ verdict in all criminal trials to help create a clearer, fairer and more transparent decision-making process. The jury majority required for a conviction will move from a simple majority to at least two-thirds to ensure fairness and balance.

The Bill will see trauma-informed practice embedded across the system to avoid victims being re-traumatised by the legal process. It will improve the Victim Notification Scheme and establish an independent Victims and Witnesses Commissioner for Scotland to champion their rights.

The legislation also includes significant new measures to meet the needs of survivors of sexual offences by:

  • establishing a specialist Sexual Offences Court to enable complainers to give their best evidence while minimising the potential for re-traumatisation
  • protecting the dignity of victims of sexual offences through an automatic lifelong right of anonymity
  • providing an automatic right to independent legal representation for complainers in sexual offence cases when an application is made in court to lead evidence of the complainer’s sexual history or character
  • creating a legal right for victims in rape and serious sexual offences cases to access transcripts of the court proceedings free of charge.  

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “This historic legislation will put victims and witnesses at the heart of a modern and fair justice system.

“By changing culture, process and practice across the system, it will help to ensure victims are heard, supported, protected and treated with compassion, while the rights of the accused will continue to be safeguarded.

“This legislation, which builds on progress in recent years, has been shaped by the voices of victims, survivors, their families and support organisations, and it is testimony to their tireless efforts to campaign for further improvement.

I am grateful to those who bravely shared their experiences to inform the development of this legislation and pave a better, more compassionate path for others.”

Granton’s Harvest Festival 2025

SATURDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 3 – 6pm

It’s nearly time for our Harvest Festival! Saturday 27th September at the garden. All welcome, for this free family friendly event! From 3pm.

Harvest Feast, performances from talented locals, creative activities and more!

If you’d like to contribute a musical (or other) performance, or help out on the day, please contact tom@grantoncommunitygardeners.org

Independent Age reacts to latest homelessness statistics

Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said: “The latest statistics for 2024/25 show that, unacceptably, the number of people aged over 65 who submitted an application for homelessness in Scotland has risen to 1,195.

“This number has increased 34% over the five years since 2021/22, when 890 older people submitted an application for homelessness. Tragically, 55 of these older people have experienced rough sleeping in the past three months.  

“Older people across Scotland tell us that they have significant housing issues, including unaffordable rent, low awareness of their rights as renters, and difficulty finding appropriate housing. Today’s figures are evidence that the housing system is not delivering for older people on low incomes. 

“That’s why we’re calling on the Scottish Government to improve the situation for renters of all ages, including those in later life.

The current Housing Bill working its way through the Scottish Parliament will improve homelessness prevention and recent announcements on social housing are welcome. However, it’s clear we need further action to support older people, including making sure that Discretionary Housing Payments can be accessed to make up the rent shortfall faced by many low-income older renters.

“We also want to see the UK Government commit to uprating Local Housing Allowance every year, so older people, and all renters on a low income, aren’t forced to give up essentials in order to pay their rent.” 

Supporting documents – Homelessness in Scotland: 2024-25 – gov.scot 

GRAHAM delivers first phase of Brunstane Primary School retrofit

GRAHAM has completed the first stage of a £10 million retrofit of Brunstane Primary School in Edinburgh, marking a major step in transforming the building into one of the city’s most sustainable education facilities.

Appointed by City of Edinburgh Council, GRAHAM is delivering the multi-phase project while the school remains operational. The works, which began in October 2024, will enable the building to be carbon neutral in operation, aligning with the Council’s ambition to reach net zero by 2030.

The first phase handed over includes 11 newly refurbished classrooms, a modernised library and the completion of a new energy centre. This allows the school to run on air source heat pumps instead of gas, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

James House, Construction Director at GRAHAM Building, said: “This milestone reflects the expertise of our team in delivering complex retrofit projects in live environments.

“The handover provides Brunstane Primary School with fully modernised classrooms and an upgraded library, alongside a new energy centre that enables the school to operate using air source heat pumps.

“These facilities have been delivered while the school remains fully operational, with the programme designed to minimise disruption to teaching and learning. The next phases will continue to improve the school’s facilities and infrastructure in line with the planned schedule.”

The next phase, due to start after the October break, will see the delivery of a new gym hall, kitchen, staff areas and toilets.

The final stage, scheduled for early 2026, will complete the remaining staff facilities, reception, offices and classrooms for Primary 1 and 2 pupils, with external works progressing alongside each phase.

Once complete, the project will provide a three-storey tower with 12 classrooms and a single-storey block with eight classrooms, administration offices, amenity space and an infant block. Improvements include new cladding, replacement windows, upgraded accessibility with new ramps and photovoltaic panels to generate renewable electricity.

Deborah Lee, principal teacher at Brunstane Primary School, said: “The new classrooms are a positive step forward, bringing P3-P7 learners back under one roof where they can truly make the new classrooms their own, creating a sense of pride and shared respect for the space.”

Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival programme announced

🎉 The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 2025 programme is now live!

Taking place across Scotland from 20 October to 9 November, this year’s festival explores the theme Comfort & Disturb.

Join us for events spanning film, theatre, music, visual art, writing, workshops and more. Events have been curated by the festival team, local communities, artists and activists, creating a wide-ranging and ambitious programme that will offer comfort to people while also disturbing the status quo.

👉 Discover the full programme and book tickets at www.mhfestival.com/events👈

#MentalHealthArts#MentalHealth

Author Talk at Stockbridge Library

WEDNESDAY 24th SEPTEMBER 6 – 7.30pm

We’re thrilled to welcome author Kent Hung on Wednesday 24th September for a special evening celebrating the release of his third novel, “Stary Stary Night”.

This story concludes his moving trilogy that began with “Letting Go” and “Entitled”—three novels that explore compassion, peace, and the journey of finding closure with the past in order to move forward in life.

📖 Join us for an inspiring conversation with Kent Hung about his writing, the themes behind the trilogy, and what it means to truly heal.

Minister welcomes fall in number of probable suicides in Scotland

Minister for Mental Wellbeing Tom Arthur says a fall in the number of probable suicides last year makes him more determined to continue expanding and improving prevention work.

Official statistics from National Records of Scotland show the number of probable suicides in 2024 was 704 – a decrease of 11% compared to 2023 and the lowest number since 2017.

Visiting The Neuk mental health crisis centre in Perth, Mr Arthur said: “These figures remind us of how vital it is to support those who are struggling with their mental health.

“Every person lost to suicide is someone’s loved one and when someone takes their own life, the impact on everyone around them is devastating. My sympathy is with all those affected by the loss of a family member or friend through suicide.

“The decline in the number of probable suicides is encouraging, but we will not be complacent. Our aim is for anyone, regardless of age, who has thoughts of taking their own life, or is affected by suicide, to get the help they need.

“Together with COSLA and our partners, Suicide Prevention Scotland, we are driving forward our 10-year Suicide Prevention Strategy to deliver on our ambition to reduce suicide deaths in Scotland.

“At its heart is tackling the underlying factors and inequalities which cause suicide and supporting people most at risk including those living in poverty, middle aged men and those in rural areas.

“We increased our investment in suicide prevention to £2.8 million for the current financial year, meeting our commitment to double the suicide prevention budget in the current parliamentary term.

“We are committed to building a Scotland where everyone feels valued, supported, and connected. We will continue to listen, learn, and act – guided by evidence and compassion.”

Councillor Paul Kelly, COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, said: “Behind these statistics are individuals, families and communities deeply impacted by suicide.

“Local Government and our partners have a vital role in improving mental health and wellbeing across Scotland. We’re committed to enhancing our ongoing suicide prevention efforts to create conditions where no one feels they must take their own life.

“COSLA will continue working with the Scottish Government to deliver our joint ‘Creating Hope Together’ strategy. This includes tackling inequality across all public services – from schools and workplaces to community services.”

Wendy Given, Chief Operational Officer at The Neuk, said: “At The Neuk, we see the ripple effects of suicide every day and we are here to provide a safe, compassionate space where people in crisis are listened to, supported, and shown compassion.

“Services like ours must remain visible, valued, and sustainable, so that hope and connection are always within reach.”

The Neuk’s lead wellbeing mentor Louise McQueen said: “Working at The Neuk is more than a job, it’s being part of a community where every conversation can change a life.

“I’ve seen people walk through our doors at their lowest point and leave with hope. Being able to listen, connect, and support someone in that moment of crisis is a privilege, and it reminds me every day why this place matters.”

Anyone affected by these issues can access support from the following services: