Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Launching Edinburgh’s Shoreline regeneration, naturally

 

Schools, community groups and individuals who care about the local environment and heritage are being invited to join together and regenerate natural habitats along Edinburgh’s 27km coastline from Port Edgar to Joppa. By connecting with scientists and conservationists in the new Shoreline project everyone who lives, works or plays in the area will have the chance to celebrate the area’s relationship with the sea and the plants and animals to be found along the coast. Continue reading Launching Edinburgh’s Shoreline regeneration, naturally

Families in crisis: the worst is still to come, says Angela Constance

Independent analysis due to be published alongside the Scottish Government’s first Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan shows the extent of damage caused by UK Government welfare cuts. The analysis outlines projections of child poverty rates in Scotland on the basis of announced tax and benefit changes, and the consequent increases in poverty levels. Continue reading Families in crisis: the worst is still to come, says Angela Constance

Lottery funding for Edinburgh Mela

A Special Olympic Games in Stirling, storytelling workshops for visually impaired people in Glasgow and a cultural festival in Edinburgh are amongst a range of events set to go ahead thanks to a National Lottery boost of £767k announced today. 

The funding comes from National Lottery Awards for All Scotland which makes grants from £300 to £10,000 to voluntary and community groups across the country.  

Among the projects funded today:  

  • Special Olympics Scotland will stage a 50th anniversary games at Stirling University thanks to an award of £9,000.  In August this year over 1,000 athletes with additional support needs will come together from across Great Britain and Europe to take part in a range of sports from badminton to cycling and table tennis. Over 500 local volunteers will be recruited to help deliver the Games.
  • Based in Glasgow, Terra Incognita, will run a project for adults who are visually impaired which will explore the city’s history and culture.  The award of £6,000 means they can deliver a series of workshops which will explore the theme of storytelling.  Tutors will support people to create their own artworks which will be exhibited to their friends, families and the wider public at the end of the project.
  • The Edinburgh Mela Limited will use its £10,000 award to organise this year’s event.  The week-long festival, which has been running for 22 years and brings together local and international groups, is a celebration promoting arts, food, sport and culture.

An Awards for All spokesperson said: “Today we are announcing over £767,000 that will help communities across Scotland to set up and develop projects run for and by local people.

“What is clear is that the smallest amount of funding can often make the biggest difference to people’s lives. All of these grants are a great way to show the variety of projects that can be funded through National Lottery Awards for All.”  

National Lottery Awards for All Scotland is now more straightforward to apply to and faster to get funding from. Applications are received on a rolling basis and can be received at any time.

To find out what National Lottery Awards for All Scotland could do for your community telephone 0300 123 7110 or visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/awardsforallscotland 

THE GREAT SCOTTISH OUTDOORS: THE TOP 10 PLACES TO TAKE YOUR CHILDREN TO THIS HALF TERM

Keeping the kids entertained over the school half term can be a costly time, but nothing inspires young minds – or stretches little legs – like the great outdoors. It’s the perfect time for kids to be kids – to celebrate the joy and freedom of their pre-teen years after months being cooped up for the winter. Continue reading THE GREAT SCOTTISH OUTDOORS: THE TOP 10 PLACES TO TAKE YOUR CHILDREN TO THIS HALF TERM

Green Tease: get involved in the Edinburgh Shoreline

You are invited to an Edinburgh Shoreline event at the Botanic Garden on 29 March. This is the start of a year- long project focusing on the Edinburgh Shoreline – its rich history, culture and biodiversity – with input from local communities regarding how they relate to their section of coast and how they envisage it in the future. Continue reading Green Tease: get involved in the Edinburgh Shoreline