Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Are we doing enough to improve air quality?

Can we do more to stop the damaging impact of air pollution in Scotland? And how can we put an end to urban areas with traffic-choked streets, which repeatedly breach EU air quality laws? These are just some of the questions the Scottish Parliament’s Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee will explore as it invites views into Scotland’s air quality as part of a new inquiry. Continue reading Are we doing enough to improve air quality?

Scottish locations feeling the ‘Outlander effect’

Scottish historic sites are feeling the ‘Outlander effect’ as they celebrate a significant surge in visitor numbers. The start of the summer season 2017 has seen sites in the care of Historic Environment Scotland which have a starring role in the hit TV series record dramatic increases from the same period last year. Continue reading Scottish locations feeling the ‘Outlander effect’

‘Revenge Porn’ law comes into force in Scotland

A new  law will make it easier to prosecute people who share intimate images without consent. Those convicted of the new offence of ‘disclosing, or threatening to disclose, an intimate photograph or film’ could face up to five years imprisonment under the Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm (Scotland) Act 2016. Continue reading ‘Revenge Porn’ law comes into force in Scotland

Stronger North: crackdown on crime in North Edinburgh

Police have been conducting Stronger North activity in the North Edinburgh area over the past week. Officers have made 42 arrests and executed seven misuse of drugs warrants since last Monday. Over the last week £9000 worth of drugs have been recovered in the area, along with seven stolen motorcycles and one stolen car. Seventeen vehicles have also been seized for having invalid insurance. Continue reading Stronger North: crackdown on crime in North Edinburgh

Wardieburn man receives five year ban from owning or keeping animals

A local man who failed to meet the needs of the cats he was responsible for has been given a five year ban from owning or keeping animals following a Scottish SPCA investigation. Gary Wilson, 49, of Wardieburn Terrace, Edinburgh was sentenced at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday (29 June). Continue reading Wardieburn man receives five year ban from owning or keeping animals

Initiative Prize 2017: Recognition and prizes up for grabs

INITIATIVE PRIZE 2017

by The Merchant Company of Edinburgh

http://www.mcoe.org.uk/initiative

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

  1. Q. What is the Initiative Prize?  A. A chance for the young people in your group to win £500 and gain recognition for your organisation
  2. Q. What do they have to do?  A. Just about anything (as long as it’s legal!)
  3. Q. What do I have to do?  A. Tell them about it – we can help
  4. Q. When does this take place?  A. Most of the activity takes place over the summer holidays
  5. Q. What are we looking for?  A. Some or all of the following:
  • INITIATIVE AND ENTERPRISE
  • ENVIRONMENTAL, COMMUNITY and/or CHARITABLE  INVOLVEMENT
  • BUSINESS SKILLS

https://www.facebook.com/InitiativePrize/   

  https://twitter.com/InitiativePrize

Recent winners were pupils from:

2016 – Castlebrae Community High School

2015 – George Heriots

2014 – Gracemount High School

2013 – James Gillespie’s

2012 – Mary Erskines

Any questions? Email:  Prize@mcoe.org.uk

Midwife registration fall ‘worrying,’ says RCM

Figures published today by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) show an increase in the numbers of midwives and nurses leaving the NMC’s register.  At the same time, the numbers joining the register have slowed down resulting in an overall reduction in the numbers of nurses and midwives registered to work in the UK. Continue reading Midwife registration fall ‘worrying,’ says RCM