Falkirk man Ian Brown is seeking the help of NEN readers as he tries to piece together the history of Scotland’s World War One hospitals and ambulance trains. Can you help? Continue reading Local WW1 history puzzle: can you help Ian?
Category: Blackhall
Young people to help shape the future of their schools
The review into the way schools are run is seeking direct input from those most affected by Scotland’s education system – children and young people themselves, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said during a visit to Broughton High School yesterday.
In September, Deputy First Minister John Swinney announced the start of a major governance review, with the presumption that decisions will be devolved to school level. Underlining the commitment to involve and listen to pupils, the Scottish Government is funding work to gather their perspectives.
Young Scot, in partnership with Children in Scotland and Scottish Youth Parliament, is taking forward the engagement programme, which will secure input from a diverse range of young people with different life experiences – including those from urban and rural settings, in the care system, and who have a disability.
Announcing £60,000 to support this work over the next three months, Mr Swinney met today with some of the 90 pupils taking part in the first engagement session at Broughton High School in Edinburgh. He said: “Our review is about ensuring schools deliver the best outcomes for children and young people, with teachers empowered to make decisions about learning within schools, supported by parents and the local community.
“I’ve committed to listening to teachers, practitioners and partners. It’s also crucial that we seek the views of children and young people – on what works well with their learning and in their schools and where improvements can be made.
“The feedback gathered by Young Scot, Children in Scotland and the Scottish Youth Parliament will make a valuable contribution to the review process, shaping our mission to deliver excellence and equity throughout our education system.”
Louise Macdonald, Chief Executive of Young Scot, said: “Any conversation about the future of schools, education and learning needs to have children and young people at the heart. They are experts of their own experience, and it is vital they are given the opportunity to share their insight and their views about what matters so much for them today and in the future.”
Children in Scotland Chief Executive Jackie Brock said: “We believe that children and young people have the right to influence policy and legislation that has an impact on their lives. Hearing from school pupils about how their experience of education could be improved is a key part of this and we are delighted to be partners in a project with such a strong emphasis on consultation and engagement with our young people.”
Amy Lee Farioli, Vice Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, said: “Empowering children and young people to have their say in decisions that affect them is a fundamental right that all children and young people have. It is essential that they are involved in making decisions about their learning and the learning environment. We see activities like today’s event as vital for shaping the positive involvement of young people as equal, meaningful partners in decisions for the future.”
Sainsburys cyclists go the extra mile for chosen charity
Colleagues from Sainsburys Blackhall store recently took part in the BIG BIKE RIDE Challenge, cycling from Nairn to Blackhall and visiting Sainsburys stores on the way. Colleagues from Blackhall were taking part to raise money for our Local Charity of the Year – Health in Mind.
Three local boys from the Davidsons Mains Pipe Band gave their time to pipe the cyclists into store and the 170th Girl Guide company also gave their time to Bag pack for the charity.
Colleagues from Blackhall would like to thank everyone for their support and also the customers who donated.
We have raised a total of £1,700 for our charity, Health in Mind, so far.
Gail, Sainburys Blackhall
This Sunday: Inverleith Festival of Walking & Cycling
Your community needs YOU! – be part of something great!
Community Council nominations open on Monday
Nominations for Edinburgh’s community councils open on Monday (5 September) and the city council is calling on people passionate about their area to play an active role and be part of something great! Continue reading Your community needs YOU! – be part of something great!
Sign up for The Big Obstacle
Dear colleague,
Granton Youth Centre are going to be hosting a 4k charity fun run called The Big Obstacle and we would like to invite you to take part.
The Big Obstacle will be held on Sunday 18 September at Inverleith Park as a joint event with Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership. There will also be a walk and cycle festival on the same day!
This is your opportunity to fundraise for your organisation/charity. The Big Obstacle will bring the community together and encourage young people and adults to get active and have fun!
All participants will receive a t-shirt, certificate, medal and healthy snack.
Availability is limited and will be on a strictly first come, first serve basis. Both individuals and teams (up to 5 people per team) can register.
More information and registration forms can be found below.
Any questions or completed registration forms to be returned by Friday 12th of August to this email address. Even if you want to book a team slot and we can get team information closer to the time that is okay.
The Big Obstacle has been planned and organised by local young people for young people!
We look forward to hearing back from you and hope to see you on the 18th of September.
Shelley
thebigobstacle@grantonyouth.com
Seize a senior in Inverleith Park!
Sunday 24 July 10.30 -12.30 Inverleith Park
No, it’s not an incitement to violence – Friends of Inverleith Park are delighted to announce their new fitness equipment, specially designed for use by older people! Why not pop along and have a look or have a go? It’s beside the playpark.
The official launch party takes place this Sunday (24 July). Kids, ‘seize a senior’ – bring along a bus pass carrier and get a free gift!
Fun in the sun in Inverleith
Looking for something to do during the holidays? The Inverleith Coordinated Summer Programme of activities for children and young people runs until Monday 15 August.
Police Scotland Open Day at Fettes
Saturday 23 July 11am – 2pm
We are delighted to announce that Edinburgh Division is holding an open day. There will be demonstrations and displays from all kinds of specialist units like our Marine Unit, Roads Policing and the Dog Unit … to name but a few!
The event is being held thanks to support from Lothian Buses who will be there on the day and it is open to everyone.
The Open Day will take place on Saturday 23rd July between 11am and 2pm at Fettes Police Station, 5 Fettes Avenue in Edinburgh.
Numerous other partner agencies are also getting involved. Mountain rescue, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, RNLI and 6VT youth café will all be amongst the fun, ready and willing to chat to you about what they do in our community.
Edinburgh Rugby and the British Army will also be there providing activities for any willing volunteers.
Also in attendance will be the Edinburgh Police Choir, which is made up of serving and retired officers, as well as members recruited through the local community.
The choir has performed at some prestigious events, including Edinburgh’s ‘Street of Light’ on the High Street during the festive period… Music to your ears?! You don’t want to miss them!
So, to find out more about what we do on a daily basis, get some crime prevention advice, see how we work with other agencies or generally just come and meet some of the people from all of these wonderful organisations, we look forward to seeing you on the 23rd!
Police Scotland Edinburgh Division
Sainsbury’s Blackhall welcomes Paralympic hopeful
In the run up to the Paralympic Games, taking place in Rio from Wednesday 7 – Sunday 18 September, colleagues at Sainsbury’s Blackhall welcomed Paralympic hopeful Kieran Steer into store. Continue reading Sainsbury’s Blackhall welcomes Paralympic hopeful