Come and work with us! We are hiring a P/T Community Gardener to work with a new group which you would form.
This is a social and supportive group which will be facilitated compassionately. It will centre around food growing, meal sharing, and biodiversity awareness, and will be based mostly in the Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre garden.
There will also be opportunity for day trips to other inspiring natural community spaces and working in partnership with other community groups.
Join us during the summer holidays for a fun and creative crafting club where children can explore their imagination using recycled and nature-inspired materials.
Each session, children will create something special to take home, with crafts including handmade vases, clay dishes, garden twig mobiles and much more!
A lovely opportunity for children to get creative, learn new skills, and enjoy making something unique.
Parents/carers are required to be with their child during the session.
Dates: Every Monday starting 6th July – 3rd August
Time: 1pm – 2:30pm
Free lunch is available from 11:30am – 12:30pm
Booking is required for these sessions – you can book the whole block or just one or two session. Get in touch with us to book your spot!
Come along on Monday to our breakfast cafe, 9 – 10:30am – a great way to get the kids out and start off the summer holidays, with plenty of breakfast options for everyone!
We have beautiful gardens here that the young ones can play in afterwards, including the football/basketball dome, and there’s plenty of space for you to relax and take in all the beautiful flowers blooming.
We also have a lovely summery lunch planned, from 11:30am – 12:30pm. Italian Sausage Stew with Garlicky Mash, followed by Apple Pie for dessert!
The Monday Cafe is open to everyone, and all meals are free; a small donation is appreciated if you are able.
Please share to spread the word and help keep the centre busy this summer!
John Swinney First Minister meets Muslim community members following Edinburgh attacks
The Scottish Government stands in solidarity with Muslim communities across Scotland, First Minister John Swinney has said, as he visited local Mosques in the wake of the recent attacks in Edinburgh.
The First Minister heard directly from victims of the attack at Broomhouse Mosque, before travelling to Annandale Mosque to meet members of the local community and senior Mosque leaders. He was joined on both visits by Superintendent Neil Wilson of Police Scotland’s Edinburgh Division.
Mr Swinney said Scotland stands for inclusivity and compassion, adding: “I unequivocally condemn the heinous attacks in Edinburgh, and my thoughts are firmly with all those who have been affected.
!Let me be absolutely clear, no one in Scotland should fear being targeted because of who they are.
“Any form of hatred, prejudice, intolerance or violence on our streets is completely unacceptable – and perpetrators will be brought to justice.
“The Scottish Government is working closely with Police Scotland and partners to ensure appropriate support is in place to support public safety following the incident in Edinburgh.
“I am particularly mindful of the impact recent events can have on those already feeling vulnerable, and I understand that many people will be feeling anxious.
“I want to give them my complete assurance that my government stands firmly in solidarity with Muslim communities across the country.
“We will do everything we possibly can do to ensure everyone in every community feels safe, protected and included and we will always stand against those who would seek to divide our communities.
“Acts of hatred and division will not define Scotland, our shared values of respect, inclusion and compassion will. Together, we must continue working together to strengthen trust and understanding in all of our communities.”
City council leader Councillor Jane Meagher said: “I was shocked and outraged to hear about the appalling incidents that took place across the city on Friday.
“I, and fellow Councillors, stand in solidarity with those affected by what must have been a deeply traumatic experience. My thoughts are with those injured in the attacks and I wish them a quick recovery.
“I want to pay tribute to Police Scotland, including counter terrorism officers, and other emergency services for their quick action.
“I absolutely echo the words of Police Scotland that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate. I condemn all acts of racist violence and disorder – there is simply no place for it in our city.
“Those in our Muslim communities may understandably be feeling worried and concerned. I want to reassure that we will be working closely with Police colleagues and other partners to do all we can to make sure that communities across the city are safe and supported.
“Edinburgh is a proud diverse and welcoming city – strengthened by those from all backgrounds, cultures, faiths and walks of life that live here. Incidents like this remind us of the need to stand together against racism and prejudice.”
Local MP Tracy Gilbert said: “There is no place for hatred or Islamophobia in Edinburgh.“
Update following incidents that happened in Edinburgh on Friday 19 June:
We recognise the concerns felt within all communities, including those who experienced and witnessed these horrific attacks, and we understand concerns may be heightened at this time. Policing and communities experience the direct impact and live time reactions to international conflicts, UK incidents and online commentary.
It is important that all communities across Scotland feel supported, protected and able to go about their daily lives without fear of hatred or intimidation.
Community cohesion is a partnership effort. Since Friday, we have engaged with over 90 multi-faith organisations and community leaders in Edinburgh and across Scotland. Local policing officers have visited businesses affected by the incident and will continue to do so. We are carrying out a community impact assessment and will closely monitor the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of all communities, and we are prepared to respond promptly to any emerging issues.
We have also been in touch with the police officers who bravely carried out the arrest on Friday, as well as speaking to other officers to offer any support they need.
A 36-year-old man was arrested and charged, and is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today. While there is no wider threat, it continues to be a live ongoing investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland, supported by local policing officers in Edinburgh and other specialist national capabilities in Scotland.
The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers.
We would appeal to anyone with information that could assist to upload it using the online form, including those with doorbell or dashcam footage
Anyone impacted by the incident can access free, confidential, emotional and practical support from Victim Support Scotland https://orlo.uk/x0Grk
We would urge everyone to continue to work together and ensure no person or group in Scotland feels marginalised or isolated. We are a police service for every community.
Our message is clear – there is no place for violence, hatred, or intimidation in our communities.