News of another free course for adults starting at the Prentice Centre next month. ‘An Introduction to Scotland on Screen’ starts on Monday 15 October from 1.30 – 3.30pm and will run on Monday afternoons for eight to ten weeks. From ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’ and ‘Brigadoon’ to ‘Local Hero’ and ‘Braveheart’, the course will look at how Scotland has been portrayed over the years on the silver screen through screenings, discussions and visits.
The ‘Whisky Galore’ visit could be an interesting one …!
For further information or to book a place call The Prentice Centre on 552 0485.
What was your all-time favourite Scottish film? Let us know!
Want to know your art from your elbow? Starting on Friday 19 October, The Prentice Centre will be running a weekly ‘Introduction to Scottish Art’ course for adults.
Sessions will be from 10.30 – 12.30 on Fridays and will include visits, discussions and more.
The course is free – to book your place or for more information contact The Prentice Centre on 552 0485.
Criminal profits have been put to good use with the launch of two short films created by local young people. Screen Education Edinburgh (SEE) (formerly Pilton Video) will be screening ‘Danny’ and ‘The Clock Strikes Fate’ at North Edinburgh Arts Centre on Tuesday 18 September at 6.30pm.
SEE worked with young people from the outset on the projects which were made possible through funding from the Cashback for Creativity programme, a fund which takes cash confiscated from criminals and ploughs the money back into the communities they prey upon.
Cashback for Creativity (formally Creative Identities) is Creative Scotland’s programme that provides young people across Scotland with access to high quality dance, film and music activities, funded by the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities programme which reinvests the proceeds of crime back into communities to benefit Scotland’s young people.
As part of the scheme, Screen Education Edinburgh are running an intensive programme of short film making for young people aged 12- 19 across the City of Edinburgh, with priority given to those living in areas of deprivation.
In North Edinburgh, a series of taster workshops took place in partnership with Broughton High School, Community Organisation for Race Equality, Muirhouse Youth Development Group and Pilton Youth and Children’s Project, leading to the most interested young people moving forward to form a core filmmaking group based at SEE. Learning the skills of screenwriting, acting, camera, sound and editing, the group have completed two short film’s ‘Danny’ and ‘When The Clock Strikes Fate’.
The two films will be premiered on Tuesday 18th September at 6.30pm at North Edinburgh Arts Centre to an audience that will include the cast and crew, their families and friends, invited guests and members of the public. The event will also feature a ‘making of’ documentary and a question and answer session with the young people involved followed by a small reception.
Seats are free and available on a first come, first served basis; so turn up early on the night to guarantee a seat!
SEE’s Creative Manager Graham Fitzpatrick said: “The project was a fantastic opportunity for North Edinburgh youngsters to learn how to make films, with two outstanding and mature dramas being produced. We look forward to the premiere and supporting the group as they build on the experience to produce more shorts, whilst the programme also rolls out to East and West Edinburgh from now until Christmas.”
Bruce Thompson flanked by John Donnelly (left) and James McLean
Size does matter, Save Stockbridge campaigners told a packed public meeting in LifeCare House last night. The group called the open public meeting to raise awareness of what is being proposed at Raeburn Place and to update the local community on plans to fight Edinburgh Accies redevelopment proposals.
Save Stockbridge chairman Bruce Thompson told the meeting, which was filmed by a BBC film crew for a forthcoming documentary: “We are not against any development – we are against this particular development. You need to understand what is being proposed, and make up your own minds”.
Eight hundred people signed Save Stockbridge petitions at street stalls last weekend, with hundreds more group adding their names to petitions in local shops. The group has also produced thousands of posters, badges and stickers – and their website, www.savestockbridge.com, has received 550 hits since the start of the month.
“We spoke to thousands of people at the weekend, and 97% of those we spoke to were anti-development. That totally contradicts what we’re being told by the Accies – and these are local people”.
Mr Thompson said that Save Stockbridge representatives had put alternative proposals for a scaled-down redevelopment including housing and a smaller retail base to Edinburgh Accies but ‘they are not prepared to budge – they’re sticking to their plans.”
Using the developer’s drawings, engineer and local resident James McLean gave a technical breakdown of the redevelopment plans and said: “The developers have used some artistic license and let’s be clear – this development is huge. Looking from Inverleith Park it dwarfs everything behind it; the postcard view up to Edinburgh Castle – a very important view – is destroyed”.
Mr McLean pointed out that the retail space proposed for the development would have a serious impact on local businesses. “The Accies retail area would be like adding thirty small shops. The upper floor of the development would also see a quite large area for bars, kitchens and function suites – that could be anything; it’s the sort of huge space a company like Weatherspoons would give their eye teeth for.”
Mr McLean estimates that, if it went ahead, the new development would have 25% of all retail space in Stockbridge, and said: “This is not a rugby development, this is a retail development. Edinburgh Accies does not need a 2500 seat stand – their last home game attracted 400 spectators. The Accies plans also reduce the sporting footprint, cutting from two full size grass pitches to one, so you can see where their emphasis is – the retail completely dwarfs the rugby.”
He added that traffic could also be a serious issue, particularly during construction and then with delivery vehicles accessing the site, and that the new stadium, with 2500 seats and additional 2500 standing spectators, has only fifty parking spaces – a potential nightmare for residents with cars. “Although there are only fourteen match days, the retail units will be open 365 days a year, so don’t move your car on a Saturday or Sunday!” He also believes mature trees on Comely Bank Road could be in danger during construction work when the Accies perimeter wall is removed.
The last speaker was local resident John Donnelly, who said the Accies consultation with the local community has been inadequate and that their case ‘lacked transparency’. He told the meeting: “So many people were unaware of what is being proposed – if you genuinely want to involve and consult with your local community, why do it on your own turf and why only do it twice? We want Accies to stay, but all we can do is react to the plans that are put in front of us. It’s the scale of the redevelopment – Edinburgh Accies don’t need a stadium of the scale they are proposing; they don’t need it, we don’t want it and we’re not alone. The level of support our campaign is attracting totally disproves the myth that this community is split – that is just not the case.”
Local resident Bill Anderson said it was time to put pressure on local councillors to ‘stand up and be counted’. SNP Councillor Gavin Barrie was present at the meeting and said: “I came here to hear the views of local people; I want to be a listening politician. The presentations have been very good, but I won’t put forward any opinions at this stage as to do so could prejudice my right to do so later as the planning process goes through Council. I would point out though that the developers have not yet sought planning permission so it would be difficult to comment on something I haven’t seen. You may have to reconvene when the application has been submitted and you know the exact detail.”
Closing the meeting, Bruce Thompson said that the campaign group will try to make local residents aware when Edinburgh Accies planning application has been submitted and that people will then have 21 days to express a view on the proposals. Save Stockbridge also made available a list of Planning Committee councillors, along with contact details of Inverleith councillors and a summary of eleven reasons why local residents may choose to object to the planning application. However Mr Thomson did say: “What we have done is provide you with as much information as we can. We have posters here, petitions to sign if you haven’t already done so and contributions toward campaign funds are welcome. Now, you must make up your own minds and go with whatever you think is right.”
A proposed bill to give more power to Scotland’s communities could see the biggest transfer of power since devolution. The proposed Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill would give more power to Scotland’s communities. The exploratory consultation on the Bill, which was debated at the Scottish Parliament yesterday, is currently seeking views on a range of ideas which could see more power in the hands of communities:
Urban right to buy – extending the right that currently exists for rural communities to buy land to urban communities.
Right to take over unused or underused public sector land and buildings – either the right to request a transfer, or possibly a presumptive right to take over a public sector asset when it can be shown it is unused or underused and the asset owner was not able to show plans for future use.
Right to use and access unused land – where it can be shown that land, in public or private sector ownership, is unused or underused and the asset owner is not able to show plans for future use. This could include a “community right to grow”, giving communities a right to access unused land and plant flowers, crops or trees.
Community compulsory purchase – communities often identify areas of land or a building in their area that are unused and causing problems and could be brought back into use. Currently local authorities have powers to compulsorily purchase property if it is in the public interest to do so; communities could be given similar powers.
Participatory budgeting – giving communities more direct control over how public sector money is spent in local areas.
Overarching duty to engage – to replace individual duties to engage with communities placed on different public sector bodies with one overarching duty.
Local Government Minister Derek Mackay said: “The Community Empowerment and Renewal bill is potentially the biggest transfer of power since devolution, transferring power from central and local Government to Scotland’s communities. We believe that the people of Scotland are best placed to take decisions about their future – both at a national and a local level.
“Scotland’s people are its greatest asset and are a rich source of creativity and talent. The Scottish Government wants to see all Scots having a greater say in shaping and deciding their own futures. This exploratory consultation sets out a range of ideas to support Scotland’s communities to take independent action to achieve their goals and aspirations and to have their voices heard in the decisions that affect them.
“Travelling across Scotland I have seen at first hand the strong foundation of active communities we already have, and I want this proposed legislation to build on this. The ideas in this consultation are designed to strengthen community participation, unlock enterprising community development and renew our communities. These ideas were developed following discussions with the wider public, private, third and community sectors.
“We want to explore these ideas and see how we can remove bureaucratic barriers and develop a meaningful and effective legislative framework to support community activity. We are determined that we develop effective legislation that will make a difference in practice.
“Working with our partners in Local Government, we will listen carefully to people’s views and ideas to help meet our shared goal of empowering more of Scotland’s communities. The views we hear will help determine what we take forward in our draft Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill.”
Two thieves stealing cash and food from Muirhouse Millennium Centre have been captured on CCTV, and the footage has been posted on YouTube in the hope that the heartless robbers can be caught.
The incident happened last Wednesday afternoon, when the Centre – which is already suffering financially after a series of funding cuts – was visited by the two men. One of the men distracted a wheelchair-bound volunteer at the front desk, while the other sneaked into the kitchen and stole £155 from the locked till and a single packet of bacon from the freezer – despite there being another nine packs inside!
Millennium Centre staff at the centre have now posted CCTV footage capturing the theft on YouTube in a bid to shame the pair. The video appears with the message: “This is not a rich centre. The money that was taken goes towards running the clubs and paying the bills so the thieving scumbags should be ashamed of themselves – stealing from children and old folk. If you know him let the police know!”
Centre manager Peter Airlie said: “The older man started to talk to the volunteer at the front desk. He said one of them was just out of jail and they had thought the community centre was the housing association, as he was trying to find somewhere. The other one went through to the cafe area and took money from the till and bacon from the freezer. We really just want to see them named and shamed – they’re the lowest of the low.”
The men were then seen getting on a bus at Pennywell Road in the direction of Ferry Road.
One of the suspects is described as a white male in his mid-twenties, 6ft 2, of heavy build with short brown hair, clean-shaven and wearing black, thick rimmed glasses. He was wearing a light blue and white Adidas jacket with blue stripes down the arm and dark jogging bottoms.
The other man is aged between 40 and 50, around 5ft 4, with a local accent, of slim build, had a shaved head with a receding hairline and a “prominent chin, forehead and a weathered face”.
Pilton Youth and Children’s Project (PYCP) are holding their Annual General Meeting on Friday 28 September at 3pm in The Greenhouse on West Pilton Place. This will be no ordinary, humdrum business meeting, however – Scottish rugby legend Chris Paterson will officially open PYCP’s brand new purpose-built creative dance studio at the event!
PYCP’s senior development worker LAURA McLAREN explains all:
Pilton Youth and Children’s Project
“The Wooden Spoon Studio”
Pilton Youth and Children’s Project are delighted to announce the opening of their new studio, made possible by a generous award from “Wooden Spoon”, the children’s charity of rugby. Wooden Spoon was founded in 1983 and is dedicated to helping disadvantaged children and young people across the British Isles live happier, richer lives. The charity comprises of over 40 regional volunteer committees, a central national team and over 10,000 members. All regional committees undertake many local fundraising activities and only spend the money raised on projects in their local community. During their first 25 years, over half a million young people benefitted from more than £18 million of charitable support thanks to the efforts of staff and volunteers.
PYCP have worked with Wooden Spoon since late last year, liaising with Charlie Bryden, Regional Committee Chair for Scotland. This resulted in a grant of up to £10,000 with which to renovate an unused room at PYCP into a multi-purpose creative studio. PYCP work with children from the age of 5 to young people age 18. Although staff have been able to offer short-term creative projects, it was felt by both workers and young people of all ages that a protected space with which to develop activities such as dance and drama would be really beneficial.
The grant from Wooden Spoon has enabled PYCP to lay special dance suitable sprung flooring and a large mirror so that young people can watch themselves practice dance routines. They have also been able to buy dance barres and a new sound system. The funding has also helped PYCP update their stage lighting, as well as giving the room a new look with fresh decorating. Children, young people and indeed the wider community are really excited about using the new studio; the first creative project might be a Christmas show!!
Wooden Spoon works closely with the UK rugby community, also involving some of rugby’s top sporting role models in making a difference in the lives of young people in need. PYCP were lucky enough to have Chris Paterson, MBE AND Scottish rugby’s record cap and points holder, to officially open the studio on Friday 28 September as part of PYCP’s Annual General Meeting.
For more information or a tour of the studio, please contact Pilton Youth and Children’s Project on 0131 332 9815.
Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) hosted an event for its residents to provide information on issues such as welfare reforms and benefits advice recently.
Over 60 people attended the open day at South Leith Parish Church Hall where the Association was joined by the Department of Work & Pensions, the City of Edinburgh Council, an energy advisor, a money advice worker from Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Edinburgh Housing Advice Partnership and employability initiative Community Renewal.
Keith Anderson, Chief Executive at PoLHA, said: “There are a lot of changes coming and issues surrounding benefit, energy and money management for our tenants to consider. Holding this event with our partner agencies helped those who came along to understand how these will affect them and how they can make the pounds in their pocket go further. It was a great turnout and I hope people found it useful to help them manage finances in the run-up to the forthcoming benefit changes and the winter months.”
PoLHA was formed in 1975 and now owns and manages 2400 properties in the Leith and North Edinburgh area.
News of another free course for adults starting at the Prentice Centre next month. ‘An Introduction to Scotland on Screen’ starts on Monday 15 October from 1.30 – 3.30pm and will run on Monday afternoons for eight to ten weeks. From ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’ and ‘Brigadoon’ to ‘Local Hero’ and ‘Braveheart’, the course will look at how Scotland has been portrayed over the years on the silver screen through screenings, discussions and visits.
