Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

A new 'pad' for Robert!

Browsing for a new ‘pad’ on the Miller Homes’ website has won a retired police officer one of the latest ‘must-have’ gadgets. Robert Togneri was browsing www.millerhomes.co.uk  when he entered their competition to win an iPad.  Robert’s name was the first drawn out of the hat for the competition run across Miller Homes Scotland East’s ten developments, and last week he received his new iPad from Miller Homes’ Jacqui Steel at The Varcity North development near Crewe Toll.

Robert said: “I’ve never won anything significant before. We are looking to move into a new house soon and although the specific area is still under discussion, we like the East Coast of Scotland, particularly Perth and Fife. I was impressed with the properties on Miller Homes’ website and at their development in Edinburgh. You don’t really expect to win these things.  I do lots of travelling and this iPad will help me to keep in touch with what’s happening at home.”

Varcity North offers a range of one and two bedroom apartments, starting from £121,000. The first phase of the 209 apartment development was launched in June last year and has proved a popular choice for buyers seeking affordable, but luxurious, apartment living in the city.

 

 

 

A new ‘pad’ for Robert!

Browsing for a new ‘pad’ on the Miller Homes’ website has won a retired police officer one of the latest ‘must-have’ gadgets. Robert Togneri was browsing www.millerhomes.co.uk  when he entered their competition to win an iPad.  Robert’s name was the first drawn out of the hat for the competition run across Miller Homes Scotland East’s ten developments, and last week he received his new iPad from Miller Homes’ Jacqui Steel at The Varcity North development near Crewe Toll.

Robert said: “I’ve never won anything significant before. We are looking to move into a new house soon and although the specific area is still under discussion, we like the East Coast of Scotland, particularly Perth and Fife. I was impressed with the properties on Miller Homes’ website and at their development in Edinburgh. You don’t really expect to win these things.  I do lots of travelling and this iPad will help me to keep in touch with what’s happening at home.”

Varcity North offers a range of one and two bedroom apartments, starting from £121,000. The first phase of the 209 apartment development was launched in June last year and has proved a popular choice for buyers seeking affordable, but luxurious, apartment living in the city.

 

 

 

Legionnaire's outbreak update

The latest reports on the Edinburgh Legionnaires’ outbreak show that there are no further confirmed or suspected cases of the disease. The total number of confirmed cases remains at 44 and the total number of suspected cases remains at 47, a total of 91 cases overall.

At noon yesterday, of those cases being treated in hospital, six are in intensive care – a reduction from seven yesterday – and 18 are on general wards.

A total of 19 cases are being treated in the community, 39 have been discharged from hospital – an increase from 38 on Monday – and two people have sadly died.

Seven cases are being treated outwith the NHS Lothian area. The ages of the confirmed cases ranges between 33 and 85, with more males than females affected.

The Health and Safety Executive and Edinburgh City Council are continuing their investigations into the possible source of the outbreak, with cooling towers in the Gorgie and Dalry areas coming in for particular attention.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: “I am pleased to see a reduction in the number of  people in intensive care. I would like to thank the hardworking staff at NHS Lothian who are continuing to provide the very best treatment to the remaining six individuals who are critically ill. For anyone who is concerned about the outbreak, there is information on NHS Lothian’s website NHS 24 dedicated legionnaires’ helpline can be reached on 0800 0858 531.”

Dr Duncan McCormick, Consultant in Public Health, NHS Lothian, said: “We are encouraged to see that the numbers of patients with Legionnaire’s disease in Lothian remains unchanged. This is in line with our prediction that the numbers would reach a peak at the weekend and then begin to gradually decline. We will continue to monitor all of the services in NHS Lothian which are working extremely hard as part of this outbreak, but overall the numbers of people seeking treatment or with concerns continue to fall.”

Legionnaire’s outbreak update

The latest reports on the Edinburgh Legionnaires’ outbreak show that there are no further confirmed or suspected cases of the disease. The total number of confirmed cases remains at 44 and the total number of suspected cases remains at 47, a total of 91 cases overall.

At noon yesterday, of those cases being treated in hospital, six are in intensive care – a reduction from seven yesterday – and 18 are on general wards.

A total of 19 cases are being treated in the community, 39 have been discharged from hospital – an increase from 38 on Monday – and two people have sadly died.

Seven cases are being treated outwith the NHS Lothian area. The ages of the confirmed cases ranges between 33 and 85, with more males than females affected.

The Health and Safety Executive and Edinburgh City Council are continuing their investigations into the possible source of the outbreak, with cooling towers in the Gorgie and Dalry areas coming in for particular attention.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: “I am pleased to see a reduction in the number of  people in intensive care. I would like to thank the hardworking staff at NHS Lothian who are continuing to provide the very best treatment to the remaining six individuals who are critically ill. For anyone who is concerned about the outbreak, there is information on NHS Lothian’s website NHS 24 dedicated legionnaires’ helpline can be reached on 0800 0858 531.”

Dr Duncan McCormick, Consultant in Public Health, NHS Lothian, said: “We are encouraged to see that the numbers of patients with Legionnaire’s disease in Lothian remains unchanged. This is in line with our prediction that the numbers would reach a peak at the weekend and then begin to gradually decline. We will continue to monitor all of the services in NHS Lothian which are working extremely hard as part of this outbreak, but overall the numbers of people seeking treatment or with concerns continue to fall.”

Drink driving – still too many dicing with death

The drink drive message is still failing to register with too many motorists, according to Lothian and Borders Police. Senior police officers have spoken out spoke out following the conclusion of the ACPOS (Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland) Summer Drink and Drug Drive Campaign, saying it is clear the dangers of driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs continue to be ignored.

During the two-week campaign (June 4 -18) coordinated by ACPOS, police forces across Scotland carried out high profile and unmarked patrols to target those risking their lives and the lives of others on Scotland’s roads.

Over the last seven days, 118 people were reported for drink driving, an additional five were detected whilst unfit through drugs and 18 vehicles were seized for consideration of forfeiture by the court. This brought the two week campaign total to 229 motorists reported for drink driving, a slight reduction on last year’s campaign (238 in 2011).

In one incident on 11 June, officers attended at Hermiston Gait, Edinburgh where a woman was seen by members of the public slumped over the steering wheel of a car in the car park. She provided a roadside breath sample of over SIX times the legal limit and was arrested, She later refused to provide a sample at the station. She was cautioned and charged, held for court and forfeiture of her vehicle was requested. The accused had earlier purchased alcohol at the supermarket and had been drinking in the car for some time.

In another incident a lorry driver transporting a shipment of beer on the M9 near Stirling was stopped and provided a breath sample of more than three times the legal limit.

Young drivers (17 to 25 years old) continue to feature and this is a cause for concern. One 23 year old male who has only held his driving licence for two weeks was found driving whilst over the legal drink drive limit in Kirkcaldy.

A 25 year old female provisional licence holder who was reportedly travelling at speeds in excess of 100mph in Aberdeen failed to negotiate a roundabout crashing her vehicle.  She was taken to hospital where she later provided a positive breath test.  As well as drink driving she has also been charged with dangerous driving and driving licences offences.

Deputy Chief Constable Kate Thomson of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary is the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (ACPOS) lead for drink driving and anti social use of the roads. She said: “Of course it is pleasing to note there has been a reduction in numbers of motorists found to be driving while under the influence of drink or drugs. But this is a very slight decrease year on year and I would caution against any form of complacency. It is of particular concern that so many young drivers think it is appropriate to drink and drive. Over the summer spell there are many events and occasions where people are tempted to enjoy an alcoholic refreshment. There is no problem with that as long as they do not then choose to get behind the wheel of their car.”

She continued: “Motorists have to take responsibility for their actions, the safety of their passengers and other road users. Although the campaign is over, police officers across Scotland will continue to be vigilant and you will be caught if you drink and drive. I would encourage the public who suspect anyone of driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs to contact the Police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

West Pilton & Muirhouse Gala planning day today

The Gala Committee is hosting a planning day at Muirhouse St Andrew’s Church from 11am this morning. The event is for everyone looking to be involved, people looking to find out whats going on is invited.   We hope to see you all there.

The Gala will take place on Sunday 26 August from 12 – 4pm at West Pilton Park. For more info visit the group’s website at www.westpiltonand muirhousegala.co.uk or email wpmcgala@gmail.com

West Pilton & Muirhouse Gala Committee

Telford students get a taste of TV stardom!

Aspiring film and TV actors from Edinburgh’s Telford College had a taste of life on screen thanks to special performance workshops led by two of Scotland’s well known TV faces at the college last week.

Former Taggart star Colin McCredie and ex-River City regular Jenny Ryan – who is also a former Telford student – were on hand to provide advice for students on how to get into TV acting and maximise their performance in front of the camera.

Over 20 students from Edinburgh’s Telford College Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS) benefited from more than fifty years acting experience from the duo, designed to provide a real taste of a career in the film and TV industry.

PASS Programme Area Leader Scott Johnston, who organised the workshops, said: “It is great that two of Scotland’s most hard working and talented TV actors are able to come in and speak with the students. The workshops have been great so far and a real eye opener to the world of television. We have a group of seriously talented individuals here at PASS and we work hard to ensure they get to experience all aspects of an acting career.”

He added: “Most performing arts courses are very heavy with theatrical performance and students get very little chance to experience what it’s like working in front of a camera, which is totally different than being on stage. Thanks to Colin and Jenny, the students now have a real and tangible understanding of how TV acting works and hopefully they will be able to apply this to their future work; some of them may even go on to be the TV stars of the future.”

The workshops covered subjects such as show-reels, auditions and TV script work as well as covering some of what happens behind the camera.

Colin McCredie is best known for playing DC Stuart Fraser in one of Scotland’s most popular crime series Taggart. Since leaving the show in 2010 Colin has gone on to hold many starring roles including Nick Morrison in River City, as well as various film, TV and theatre roles. He said: “It’s been brilliant working with the fantastic students at Telford and sharing the technique & experiences of acting on film with them. And who knows – maybe we’ll spot the next Karen Gillan!”

Ex Telford student Jenny said: “It’s been a pleasure to visit my old college and see the fantastic facilities they have here now and to work with the students who judging by their final performance last week the students are of an exceptionally high standard”.

PASS was set up in 2010 to offer an extensive range of performing arts courses to Edinburgh students. Designed as a training institution for those looking for a career in the performing arts, it allows students to showcase their talents through a variety of performance choices.

Scott added: “The concept of PASS is something we have been developing at Telford for some years now, with an aim not only to provide a state-of-the-art teaching environment for Scotland’s aspiring actors, dancers and theatre technicians, but to also give the performing arts industry in Scotland a boost by providing a dedicated, professional training academy.”

More information about PASS can be found at Edinburgh’s Telford College’s websitewww.ed-coll.ac.uk

Olympic Reflections

 

The North Neighbourhood Olympic Torch Project came to a dramatic finale on the 30 May when participants took part in a Mini Olympians final event at Bangholm (writes Ricky Karoyan). Pupils were split into countries before taking part in various Olympic sports – from athletics to martial arts – and competing to win gold!  Pupils were awarded prizes based on effort and being a good player in keeping with the Olympic values.

The torch started it’s journey at Craigroyston Primary on Tuesday 21 February.  The torch was then delivered to St Davids and ended up at Lorne Primary on the 21 May.   As the torch travelled from school to school the pupils got to experience one of the Olympic sports, whilst also sharing the experience with a neighbouring school.  They even got to meet some Team GB Olympians, such as hockey player Graham Moodey) and athlete Lynsey Sharp, who visited schools in their Olympic Games kit!  This project involved P3’s from 11 schools from across North Edinburgh.

The activities experienced were hockey, basketball, judo, athletics, Paralympics events, handball, taekwondo, seated volleyball, fencing and boccia.

The pupils had a great time and learned lots of exciting new sports and skills with neighbouring schools.  Active Schools were really impressed with the effort that the classes put into their class presentations and their flag and mini torch making.

A special thanks to all the schools who supported this project and for their enthusiasm and energy.  Also a big thanks to Telford College who delivered our final festival, bringing lots of energy and excitement to the event. Lets hope our mini Olympians are future Olympic athletes in the making!

Ricky Karoyan

Active Schools Coordinator, Craigroyston Cluster