Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

A Night at the Theatre will launch new BBC Scotland channel

Scottish comedian Iain Stirling will kick off the new BBC Scotland channel on 24 February with A Night at the Theatre, a one-off show to feature Scottish performing talent with comedy, music and plenty of audience surprises.

Continue reading A Night at the Theatre will launch new BBC Scotland channel

Christopher Kane teaming up with Heart Research UK to take on heart disease in Scotland

National charity Heart Research UK are launching their ‘Heart of Scotland’ campaign, featuring limited-edition badges and t-shirts designed by internationally-acclaimed designer Christopher Kane. Continue reading Christopher Kane teaming up with Heart Research UK to take on heart disease in Scotland

Creative Industries Employability Day at Edinburgh College

Creative Industries students get tips from industry experts

Edinburgh College’s students gained insight into what it takes to make it in the creative industries as the College hosted some of the country’s top professionals at its sixth annual Creative Industries Employability Day. Continue reading Creative Industries Employability Day at Edinburgh College

Mundell: “Devolution is working well”

The UK Government today handed over the last of the powers which the Scotland Act 2016 transfers to the Scottish Parliament.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell welcomed the significant landmark which means Holyrood can now legislate in every area where the Scotland Act 2016 has given it power to do so – reinforcing its standing as ‘one of the most powerful devolved parliaments in the world’. Continue reading Mundell: “Devolution is working well”

Unite exposes cleaning crisis in Edinburgh schools

Unite the union has highlighted a number of shocking stories from cleaners in Edinburgh schools due to council service cutbacks. Unite’s ‘Fight for 5’ campaign to improve cleaning standards has uncovered a number of practices that compromise health and safety due to a lack of school cleaners, and cleaning materials.

In one instance a cleaning supervisor had to visit several other community buildings to ensure a major Edinburgh high school had sufficient materials to begin an afternoon cleaning shift.

Unite has been informed of cleaners being shipped from various schools across Edinburgh city in order to complete afternoon cleaning shifts. Cleaners have also complained to Unite about the lack of health and safety training, and the union has been made aware of cleaners working with machinery and hazardous equipment without any proper structured training.

The union has spoken to cleaners and heard from teachers within Edinburgh schools, who are bringing in wet wipes to clean teaching tables due to the pressure being put on under-resourced and under-staffed cleaners.

Mary Alexander, Unite’s deputy Scottish secretary, said: “Unite has launched our ‘Fight for 5’ campaign to improve cleaning standards and provision in Edinburgh schools.

“Unite has heard numerous stories from cleaners across the city highlighting the lack of cleaning materials, and staff due to council cuts. Cleaners are in some instances being transported around schools to address the lack of provision. The situation is compromising health and safety standards. It is a ridiculous situation where those working in our schools have to bring in cleaning materials to compensate for the lack of cleaning staff, and also a lack of materials. We believe those pupils, parents and the general Edinburgh public deserve better.”

It is estimated that Edinburgh city council has endured £250 million of budget cuts in the last five years. It will face at least £41 million of cuts in the coming financial year and a predicted £106 million in the following three years.

Lifelong Learning: New courses in North Edinburgh

Hello there, 
I still have spaces for these courses – starting very soon!
Lorrane
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Skills for Life
Still spaces left for this new course!
Starts Thurs 21st Feb, 2pm – 4pm.
Royston Wardieburn Community Centre
Lots of topics to choose from.
Small friendly group.
Contact Lorrane to have a chat.
Tel: 0131 552 5700
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Creative Writing Course
Come along and try something new.
Have fun with words, join this small group.
No experience needed.
Starts Fri 22nd Feb, 10.30 – 12.00
Granton Library
Contact Lorrane to have a chat.
Tel: 0131 552 5700
_____________________________________________
Lorrane Borwick, Lifelong Learning Locality Development Officer, Royston/Wardieburn Community Centre, 11 Pilton Drive North, Edinburgh EH5 1NF
Tel: 0131 552 5700
Mon – Wed, 10 – 2

Lib Dems select Jack Caldwell to contest Leith Walk

  • Experienced local community activist with a strong record.
  • A community councillor and volunteer local youth group leader.
  • Passionate about using positive politics to reduce inequalities.

Experienced local community activist Jack Caldwell will be the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for the upcoming City of Edinburgh Council by-election in Leith Walk (Ward 12). Continue reading Lib Dems select Jack Caldwell to contest Leith Walk