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Love around The Quarter!

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done for love?

Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for that someone special, or you’re planning the ultimate date night, St James Quarter is your go to destination.

From heavenly scents at H Beauty, champagne truffles from Hotel Chocolat, jewellery to treasure at Beaverbrooks, premium beauty at Rituals and Aesop, luxury leather goods at Coach and Kate Spade, stylish homewares at John Lewis and new season fashions at Boss and Zara – there’s plenty of gift ideas that are sure to put you in your Valentine’s good books!

If it’s a memorable date night you’re after, you’ll be spoilt for choice with an array of enticing eating and drinking destinations. There are creative cocktails in The Alchemist, authentic Mediterranean sharing platters at The Real Greek and mouth-watering burgers at Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger.

For the early birds out there, EL&N are pulling out all the stops, providing the ideal date day with Insta-worthy shimmering mocktails and ruby pink hot chocolates, perfect for Cupid himself, alongside delicious cakes coated in lashings of heavenly buttered cream.

Guests looking to celebrate in style can visit Everyman Cinema to enjoy a first-class movie going experience and cosy up on a comfortable love seat. Those wanting to indulge in a little luxury can visit acclaimed restaurant Duck & Waffle to enjoy a specially curated Valentine’s Day set menu with champagne on arrival, snacks for the table, a choice of specially created dishes and delightful pink truffles to finish.

As part of St James Quarter’s Valentine’s celebrations, from Thursday, 9th February, guests are invited to visit the ‘Crazy in Love’ booth on Level 2, outside John Lewis, to record a video reciting the craziest thing they did for love to be in with a chance of winning an incredible date night experience at St James Quarter; to be enjoyed with your Valentine, Galentine, best buddy or favourite family member – the choice is yours!

On 11th and 14th February, St James Quarter will be sharing its own tokens of affection with guests by giving away a limited number of beautiful fresh red roses to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Those who are lucky enough to get their hands on one of these beautiful blooms will also be in with a chance to win a £50 gift card through an exclusive prize draw, redeemable at The Quarter.

Are you #CrazyInLove #LoveAroundTheQuarter

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “Love is truly around The Quarter this Spring. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or your significant other this Valentine’s Day, St James Quarter is the go to destination for that perfect gift or date night with a difference.

“We are looking forward to hearing all the crazy in love stories and are inviting guests to vote for the winner via our YouTube channel.”

Valentine’s day activities and retailer events will be taking place at St James Quarter from 9^th – 14^th February.

Keep up to date with the latest info via the @StJamesQuarter Instagram page or by visiting the website: https://stjamesquarter.com/event/valentines-day

New partnership provides more protected green space in Edinburgh

= Nearly two in three people in Edinburgh live in flats compared to one in five in the UK
= One in seven residents currently has no access to private outdoor space

Residents in Edinburgh can be confident that they will always have access to green space, thanks to a partnership between charity Fields in Trust and the City of Edinburgh Council.

The landmark agreement will see the capital’s local authority become the first in Scotland to ensure that around 84% of residents who live in the city, are within a 10-minute walk of a permanently protected space.

Over and above the 36 parks already protected in Edinburgh, the council has committed to safeguarding an additional 19 green spaces across the city.

This initiative comes as pressure on existing green space is set to rise, with the population of Edinburgh predicted to increase by 10% over the next 20 years.

Fields in Trust will now use a Holyrood reception hosted by Sarah Boyack MSP on 8 February, to call for local authorities, business and communities across the capital to collaborate and back the innovative partnership to protect the city’s green spaces and secure better access to them for generations to come.

The charity also wants to see other cities take the same approach, as the number of people living in cities is expected to rise over the next 20 years.

Overall, Scotland rates 1.21 on Fields in Trust’s Green Space Index against a benchmark standard of 1.0, making it the highest performing of the three home nations covered. However, the City of Edinburgh falls slightly short of the threshold overall at 0.9, with significant variances between wards ranging from 0.1 all the way up to 2.9.

Helen Griffiths, chief executive of Fields in Trust, said: “We all understand the pressures faced by cities as the world changes. You don’t need to be a research scientist to work out that having access to parks and other green space is good for people’s physical and mental health and well-being.

“Whether you’re playing organised sport or just enjoying the sights and sounds of the park, it is imperative that as cities grow and new homes and infrastructure are built, legal steps are taken to protect these special places over the long-term. Parks do us all a world of good, so it’s up to us – all of us, to protect our parks for good.

“We look forward to sharing our experiences with MSPs and others in Holyrood and showcasing this important partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, whose enlightened approach will mean that nearly everyone in the city is within ten minutes of a park or green space.”

Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Val Walker, said: “Edinburgh is already a wonderfully green city and we want to ensure it remains that way for generations to come.

“Through our partnership with Fields in Trust we will make sure that almost everyone in Edinburgh will be within a ten-minute walk of a protected green space, ensuring that for years to come citizens are guaranteed a lifetime of opportunity for activity, play, learning, recuperation and community. We hope other cities follow suit.”

Sarah Boyack MSP for Lothian, added:“Green spaces are vital for our mental and physical wellbeing. They offer a break from our sedentary lives and a chance to enjoy our natural environment.

“Green spaces are breathing spaces and should be accessible to everyone, regardless of the area they live, their income or background. That’s why I’m proud to host the Fields in Trust reception at the Scottish Parliament.

“Their campaign is inspiring – the pandemic has shown that green spaces have become increasingly important for people of all ages, whether for leisure or community gardening. We need action so that everyone can benefit from parks, gardens and green spaces across Scotland.”

The first ten parks and green spaces of the nineteen to be protected in Edinburgh under the partnership are:

Inch Park
Muirhouse
Roseburn
Gyle
Pikes Pool
Clermiston
Joppa Quarry Park
Spylaw
Sighthill
Fairmilehead

Never Give Up! Talk at City Art Centre

TUESDAY 14th FEBRUARY 1pm at CITY ART CENTRE

Never Give Up: Gallery Talk in Association with the Exhibition ‘Paul Duke: No Ruined Stone’

Join us for a talk with Lynn McCabe from Royston and Wardieburn Community Centre and Willie Black a passionate local activist from North Edinburgh.

North Edinburgh has been a hotbed of community activism for decades. ‘Never Give Up’, was a book produced by North Edinburgh Social History Group in 2011 – a panoramic account of community activism in North Edinburgh, highlighting the previously largely ignored and barely mentioned community areas of Pilton, Drylaw, Royston, Wardieburn, Granton and Muirhouse.

Lynn McCabe reflects on how this publication is still deeply relevant today and Willie Black talks about North Edinburgh today, and shares positive stories from this vibrant and resilient Edinburgh community.

EVENT IS FREE but booking is essential.

https://online1.venpos.net/ConsumerSite/VisitDateTime?LID=548&PID=2c0db03f-057f-4cb3-b76f-138dfa22e01f&LNG=en&VD=2023-02-14T00%3A00%3A00

While we hope to run this event in the City Art Centre, we may have to adapt to the situation at the time and the event may need to move to digital. Book via the link or by phoning the City Art Centre on 0131 529 3993.

Haymarket road fatality: victim named as police appeal for info

Road Policing officers are continuing enquiries following a fatal road crash on Haymarket Terrace.

A 79-year-old man died in the collision. He can be named as Allan Moir from Edinburgh. Mr Moir’s family has made the following statement:

“We would like to thank the police, paramedics and members of the public who tried to save our beloved Dad and Grandad. As a family, we ask for privacy at this difficult time.”

Officers are appealing to anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact them via 101, quoting incident 2828 of 4 February, 2023.

TUC: Solidarity with Turkey

APPEAL FOR DONATIONS

The recent earthquakes are strongest to hit Turkey since 1939 and big cities such as Adana, Gaziantep, Kahramanmaraş, Kilis, Diyarbakır, Osmaniye, Şanlıurfa, Adıyaman, Malatya, or Hatay are critically affected. At the time of writing the death toll stands at over 17,500, with many more missing and thousands displaced.

The TUC works closely with the trade union federations in Turkey DISK and KESK. DISK and KESK have many members in the concerned areas and are gathering all possible efforts to provide humanitarian aid to the trade-unionists and their families during this tragic period.

The TUC is calling for contributions from trade union branches to go to the ITUC-Asia Pacific Natural Disaster Fund to help support the relief efforts. To help ensure that donations from UK unions are earmarked for our sister unions in Turkey, please include a payment reference “DISK & KESK” with your donation.

The ITUC-AP Bank Account is as follows:

ITUC – Asia Pacific DBS Bank Limited 12 Marina Boulevard Marina Bay Financial Centre, Tower 3 Singapore 018982
Account No: 003-945670-0
Swift Code: DBSSSGSG

Payment reference: DISK & KESK

Building solidarity with Turkey is a priority for the TUC’s international work. The TUC has a history of supporting trade unions in Turkey and it is increasingly a priority for our affiliates, as recent motions to TUC Congress 2016 and 2018 demonstrate.

The TUC maintains close fraternal relations with KESK and DİSK, our sister trade union centres.

Turkey has been identified as one of the 10 worst countries for workers by the International Trade Union Confederation’s annual survey of worker’s rights, the Global Rights Index. The TUC and affiliates want to see an immediate end to abuses against workers, infringements on democratic norms and human rights, an end to the mistreatment of the Kurdish community, the release of all political prisoners, and the release of Abdullah Öcalan as a step towards peace talks, and engagement in a peace process

Pints For Passengers this Six Nations Weekend!

Innis & Gunn ‘prop up’ with free award-winning pints for tram passengers at this weekend’s Six Nations game

Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn and two former Scotland internationalists* are giving rugby fans a helping hand to get in the game spirit for the Scotland v Wales kick-off with free flavour-packed pints for passengers travelling to the stadium by tram tomorrow (Saturday 11th March).

The Innis & Gunn pop-up bar will be making a rare appearance at the Murrayfield Stadium tram stop where the Brewer’s team will serve up free pints of its award-winning lager and Lager Beer 0% to fans en route to the first Six Nations’ home game.

Whatever your team, whether you’re backing blue or supporting red, the free pints are on offer for all rugby fans who spot the bar, provide proof of age, and a valid tram and match ticket.

That’s not all. For those who will be making their way to the stadium by foot, you can check out the Innis & Gunn ‘One for the Road Bar’ that will be popping up at Malone’s on Morrison Street – providing the perfect pre-match pints for the road.

Capturing the free-spirited and original nature of the brand, Innis & Gunn aims to unite the nations in their shared passion for Scotland’s biggest craft lager and most loved craft brand – no matter the score.

Innis & Gunn’s founder, Dougal Sharp, said: “We know our customers are massive rugby fans, so we want to surprise and delight match goers with a perfectly refreshing pint as they arrive by tram to the stadium on Saturday. A good way to showcase our superb Scottish hospitality to the Welsh.

“Avoid the scrum at the stadium bars – we’ll see you on Saturday. Good luck to both teams!”

*Former Scotland International rugby prop and Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks legend, Barry Stewart, and former Scotland international and 1990 Grand Slam winner, Sean Lineen, were on hand to pass out the pints to passengers. Backwards passes only, obviously!

Photography course at Inch House

Photography Workshop

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This is a 5 week course mainly outdoors although weather may mean more of each session indoors at Inch House.

It is an informal course for students to learn how to make the most of their camera and improve the standard of personal photography. The tutor is very friendly and experienced and can help with general or particular photography or camera queries.

Students will learn to use the camera functions, cover various modes, and discuss composition in relation to landscape and (potentially) nature photography.

Standard fee for the 5 weeks course running on Thursdays from 1pm-2.30pm each week is £32.63 and only £17.25 for any senior citizens, students or benefits.

To book on, please ring 0131 556 7978 or online at www.joininedinburgh.org

Earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria will receive emergency aid of £60,000 from Freemasons

Survivors of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria will be receiving vital emergency supplies thanks to a £60,000 grant from the Freemasons to the British Red Cross, UK for UNHCR and UNICEF who are leading the relief effort on the ground.

More than 16,000 people are reported to have died in the two quakes which have devastated large areas of south west Turkey and across the border in Syria. The death toll is certain to rise significantly as more bodies are found.

Tens of thousands of survivors are sleeping in the open in temperatures which have fallen well below zero. Snow is falling in some parts as the region experiences colder than average winter weather that is also hampering rescue efforts.

Damage from the quake has affected at least seven provinces in Turkey as well as areas across northwest Syria. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, displacing families, and schools, hospitals, and other medical and educational facilities will have been damaged or destroyed by the quakes. Potential damage to roads and critical infrastructure will also complicate search and rescue efforts and the wider humanitarian response.

The grant comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

Luke Tredget, Head of Emergencies from the British Red Cross, said: “We’re very grateful for this generous grant which will allow us to provide immediate emergency relief to people who are in desperate need.

“This disaster has devastated vast areas of both countries and left millions of people in urgent need of help.”

Les Hutchinson, Chief Executive of the Masonic Charitable Foundation, said: “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help the Red Cross, UNICEF and the UNHCR with their relief effort following this terrible earthquake.

“Many thousands of people are in very urgent need of assistance and I’m proud that Freemasons are providing essential support to charities on the ground working with survivors.”

Case review on management of transgender prisoner: Women were not at risk from harm

An urgent case review into the management of a transgender person in custody has found that at no point were any women in the care of the prison service at risk of harm.

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) review also confirmed the person did not come into contact with any other prisoners during their time at HMP&YOI Cornton Vale and that SPS policy was followed during each decision making process and risk assessment.

The review makes four key recommendations into the management of transgender individuals:

the creation of a shared justice process for admitting transgender people to prisons in Scotland – to help improve decision making at admission and subsequent case conferences
better communication between justice partners to ensure a clearer approach to the transfer of transgender people from court to custody
for the wider SPS Gender Identity and Gender Reassignment (GIGR) Policy Review to consider improvements to ‘admission’ and ‘placement and management’ and for SPS to consider the weight of a person’s previous offending history to be considered as part of the case conference process
to strengthen the balance around the risk of harm with an individualised approach as part of the admissions process to prison, allowing for someone to be located in secure isolation for the sole purpose of a risk assessment based on known and unknown risks

In addition to the recommendations, SPS is also undertaking a full multi-disciplinary case review for each transgender person in custody. The Service is also continuing to progress, in dialogue with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders, a review of the management of trans prisoners as part of its GIGR Policy Review.

Until these reviews are complete any transgender person in custody who has a history of violence against women – including sexual offences will not be relocated from the male to female estate. Additionally, any newly convicted or remanded transgender prisoner will initially be placed in an establishment commensurate with their birth gender.

Justice Secretary Keith Brown welcomed the findings in a letter to the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee.

The Justice Secretary said: “Firstly, I want to acknowledge my concern for victims of crime and the distress caused to them. It is important that consideration of issues relating to the management of prisoners is measured and does not retraumatise victims or risk unintended consequences for transgender people or individuals in the care of SPS.

“All recommendations from the review have been accepted by Ms Medhurst as Chief Executive and will be progressed by SPS in collaboration with others as needed. As confirmed in the letter, SPS will factor the learning identified from this review into its Gender Identity and Gender Reassignment (GIGR) Policy Review, which is ongoing.

“Pending the outcome of the GIGR Policy Review, measures to provide reassurance as set out in Ms Medhurst’s letter will remain in place.

“I would like to acknowledge the work SPS has done in continuing to fulfil its operational responsibilities while completing the lessons learned review. SPS has considerable expertise in managing complex, high-profile and challenging individuals within their care and keeping people safe; and I commend their professionalism.”

In her letter, the SPS Chief Executive Teresa Medhurst reiterated that the SPS remained firmly committed to providing person-centred care to their entire population, including managing and identifying risks, which are not exclusive to transgender people in their care.

She added: “Staff in our establishments have demonstrated their long-standing expertise and strong track record in the management and care of an increasingly complex prison population.

“My priority remains the health, safety, and wellbeing of all people in our care, many of whom are the most marginalised in our society, and that of staff.”

The Ivy on the Square celebrates the Six Nations Championship with new cocktail line up

As Edinburgh prepares to welcome back the Six Nations Championship at BT Murrayfield, The Ivy on the Square has launched the ultimate cocktail menu inspired by the participating teams to honour the occasion and support the fans this rugby season.

With the first Scotland match in Edinburgh just around the corner, guests are invited to tackle the tension and try the latest creations made by the experienced bar team in the heart of the capital.

The six delicious cocktails include Scotts on the Rocks, (£10.50) featuring Plymouth gin, Chivas 12 year, ginger juice, lemon juice and clear honey, The Emerald Isle, (£12.00) consisting of Jameson, Lillet Rouge, Cointreau, lime juice, and a dash of whiskey barrel bitters, The G.O.A.T, (£10.50) a mix of Plymouth gin, Plymouth sloe gin, lemon juice and lavender syrup, garnished with a lavender sprig, Le Coqs, (£12.75) which includes, Beefeater gin, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, sugar syrup and topped with The Ivy Champagne, English Rose, (£10.50) featuring Beefeater gin, Pimm’s and Elderflower cordial, topped with Fever Tree lemonade and garnished with a mint sprig, and finally the Zesty Italian, (£10.95) a tantalising mix of Malfy Arancia gin, Barolo Chinato, Campari and a dash of whisky barrel bitters.

To complete the game day offering, The Ivy has introduced a new limited-edition dessert Over The Line, a chocolate ganache with mint mousse, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce – perfect for those rugby fans with a sweet tooth.

Guests are invited to try the limited-edition menu at The Ivy on the Square from today until 18 March (weekends only). To book a table, visit TheIvyEdinburgh.com.