Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Council’s care staff feel ‘overworked, over-pressured, unsupported and disbelieved’

Under pressure: City care workers issue distress call

A UNISON survey of the city council’s Health and Social Care workers has concluded that they feel ‘overworked, over-pressured, unsupported and disbelieved’. The report says many care staff are taking on more work than they can safely manage. Continue reading Council’s care staff feel ‘overworked, over-pressured, unsupported and disbelieved’

Letters: Tears

Dear Editor

My tears are for all children, women and man who are suffering extreme poverty and starvation

My tears are for all animals, birds and wildlife

My tears are because of all the cruelty and the destruction of trees and natural habitat

But my tears are not tears of despair, they are tears of knowing how different things could be.

We have allowed a relatively few powerful financial organisations to control and exploit – with unbelievable callousness – people, animals and the natural environment for their private profit: these same people having created the biggest financial mess ever seen worldwide and are now passing it on to everyone.

This ‘system’ must be changed. Wealth created by the work of people must be used for the benefits of all people: we would then be able to deal with all these terrible problems.

A.Delahoy

Silverknowes Gardens

Beach litter rises 6% around Scottish coasts in just a year, report reveals

With food and drinks litter accounting for up to 20% of all rubbish found on beaches, the UK’s leading marine charity has launched an appeal to the Scottish Government and others in UK calling for urgent action. The Marine Conservation Society says levies on disposables are needed NOW. Continue reading Beach litter rises 6% around Scottish coasts in just a year, report reveals

ASHA Christmas Bazaar this Sunday

Join us at our Christmas Bazaar in support of the Hope for Girls charity (Meider Jonno Asha). Come and buy unique yet affordable handmade items made by the Asha sponsored girls – perfect as Christmas presents! Feast on authentic home-made Bangladeshi curries. Glam up for the festive season with a henna or glitter tattoo, or some pretty nail art. Bring the kids – we’ve got activities for the young ‘uns too! 

Hope for Girls (Meider Jonno Asha) is a Scottish charity (SCO33691) which has been working to help the poor girls in Dhaka, Bangladesh, for the last 20 years. The charity provides education, training, counselling and literacy skills. This valuable work is funded by events such as this Christmas bazaar, so please come along and support it. 

Everyone welcome ! Spread the word ! No Booking required ! 

Event hosted by  Friends of ASHA charity and supported by Granton Parish Church, Granton & District Community Council, ELREC, Granton Scouts, Eastern Pavilion, moiali.com, Shimmy N Shine Parties and many others. 

Check out our event on FaceBook: www.facebook.com/events/292312447932353

For more information on ASHA, check out their website: www.mjasha.org.uk/asha-story

Brave Cameron wants a new hand for Christmas

A brave Edinburgh boy has launched an online appeal in the hope that he can achieve his one Christmas wish – to be able to use both his hands. Cameron Millar was born without a right hand and has faced years of issues – but Cameron is determined to overcome the challenge with the help of a high-tech bionic limb. Continue reading Brave Cameron wants a new hand for Christmas

What can PCA do about their Ferry Road Drive premises?

West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre 

Breakfast meeting and drop-in

Monday 4 December 10am – 11.30am

Pilton Central Association are inviting you to have your say on what should happen to their premises on Ferry Road Drive.

PCA owns the Thrift Shop and the adjacent offices (formerly Working Links) on Ferry Road Drive and they are now looking for ways in which the properties could be better used.

Come along to an informal breakfast meeting tomorrow (Monday 4 December) from 10am – 11.30 at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre and share your views. Refeshments will be provided and everyone is welcome.

If you can’t make the meeting you can share your ideas online: visit

allourideas.org/PCA_Ideas_for_Ferry_Road_Drive_Property

If you require further information or have any questions please contact Douglas on 01506 862 227 or email douglas@communityenterprise.co.uk