Planning’s a thorny issue

Caerhays Castle project shows the virtue of patience

Planning is often a thorny issue. Planning applications, large and small, are often high on the agenda of community councils across the country and many community groups bemoan the pace of change when dealing with planning issues.

Locally, both the Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden and Granton Improvement Society have recently been critical of how long it takes to get decisions made and that’s particularly frustrating when you are eager to get to work to improve your environment.

Patience is certainly required when dealing with bureaucracy – a quality, incidentally, gardeners have in abundance – and sometimes good things come to those who wait. I saw this good news story from faraway Cornwall and immediately thought of our local groups:

A fifteen year restoration project is finally reaching completion at Caerhays Castle.

A new collection of wild-collected Rhododendrons, originating from the same species of Chinese seed that was first collected by plant hunters Ernest Wilson and George Forrest,has just been planted on the estate as the culmination of a 15 year project to restore the Caerhays Rhododendron Collection to its former glory.

The new planting setting out to replace many of the original Caerhays Rhododendrons which were lost when they matured and began dying out in the 1960’s.

The life span of taller growing Rhododendron species is a maximum of 60-80 years with smaller growing species dying in a much shorter timescale. Caerhays historic Rhododendrons dated back to 1905 when seed from China was brought over from plant hunting expeditions, so plants were not easily replaced.

The solution to the decline of Rhododendrons in the gardens was to go back to China to re-obtain wild collected seeds from the species which had died out. So in 1999 Caerhays started contributing to Alan Clark’s field trips to Yunnan, Sichuan, North Vietnam and North India in return for a selection of his wild collected Rhododendron seed.

After Clark’s successful trips, a selection of seed lists was drawn up to try to reintroduce the specific species of Rhododendrons known to have been lost since the 1960s. By 2013 vanloads of young Rhododendron species (three of most species) arrived at Caerhays and were grown on and nurtured in nursery beds at the castle until ready for planting.

The woodland garden was extensively cleared and in spring 2015 the new collection of around 60 wild collected Rhododendron species was finally transplanted into the 25 acre garden in Old Park Wood.

The new Rhododendron species are located in a prime position in the centre of the wood with dappled shade where the soil is richest and where wind damage is least likely. So, barring climatic disasters, the Rhododendron species collection should soon be restored to its former glory.

Jaimie Parsons, head gardener, said: “The excitement of growing on these species for myself and the team has matched the excitement of gardeners at Caerhays over 100 years ago seeing these new plants from China grow and flower for the first time.”

So, patience and perseverance … maybe there’s time yet to see Granton Castle’s Walled Garden restored to it’s former glory, or a glorious Flower Festival lighting up currently neglected brownfield site land …

Apprenticeships: it’s a man’s world?

In Edinburgh, parents are twice as likely to advise boys to take on an apprenticeship compared to girls
Just over a quarter of parents in Edinburgh said they would offer differing career advice to their sons and daughters

New research from Scottish Gas has revealed that parents in Edinburgh are twice as likely to advise boys to take on an apprenticeship compared to girls. 15% of parents would encourage their son to take on an apprenticeship while only 8% of parents would give the same advice to their daughter.

Parents’ views have a big impact on the career choices young people make. When asked about what career their parents would like them to pursue, half (27%) of teenage boys in Glasgow said an apprenticeship; only 10% of teenage girls reported the same.

As part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week (18 – 22 May), an independent national survey* polling teens and parents found that just over a quarter (28%) of parents in Edinburgh admitted offering their children differing career advice depending on their gender.

Only 17% of teenage girls in Edinburgh view an apprenticeship as a viable career option. Yet more than a third of teenage boys (35%) are keen to go straight from school into an apprenticeship scheme.

Scottish Gas, which has trained 500 apprentices from across Scotland since opening the doors to its academy in Hamilton five years ago, is urging more girls to consider an apprenticeship. Explaining this rally to young women, the company said in 2014 only 3.3% of applicants for its competitive technical and engineering apprenticeship schemes were female.

John Lochrie, who is a former Scottish Gas apprentice and is now Operations Director for HomeCare Services at Scottish Gas, said: “It’s clear from this research that apprenticeships are still regarded as something of a man’s world among young people.

“Apprenticeships are a great way into an organisation. A Scottish Gas apprenticeship allows you to earn while you learn and encourages you to develop skills for life. I’d encourage all girls thinking about their future career, or looking for employment, to consider an apprenticeship.”

Scottish Gas’ survey also reveals concerns with careers advice for teenage girls and boys. Over two fifths (44%) of teenage girls polled in Edinburgh complained of receiving unhelpful advice and 47% of teenage boys shared the same complaint.

Poor careers advice has resulted in teenage girls limiting their own career choices. Six in ten (60%) teenage girls in Edinburgh surveyed said they had never considered a career in engineering. Meanwhile, young people in the city felt teenage girls were best suited to very stereotyped roles with their top three career choices including: nursing (67%), beauty & fashion (68%) and healthcare (67%).

Fifer Andrew Ness (above) joined the Scottish Gas apprenticeship scheme in November 2013. After studying for a BSc in Microbiology and then working in the finance sector, he decided to change direction completely.

Andrew, (35), explained: “I had started on the path to a career in IT, getting my A+ and Network+ qualifications. Then I worked in the finance sector for 10 years. At the time I was also volunteering on weekends repairing computers for charities. I wanted to move into computer repair as a career but I found there were a lot of people going after a limited number of jobs.”

Andrew heard about the apprenticeships scheme through his flatmate who works in the Scottish Gas contact centre. He said: “It seemed like a great chance to get all of the skills and knowledge that I needed to make a new career for myself. I was so excited when I found out I’d been accepted. My family were really pleased for me too, because Scottish Gas is such a well-known company.”

Andrew was looking for a career that was more hands-on than his previous office-based jobs. He said: “Learning practical skills was a real change for me, having never done anything like it before. But with the support and training I received from my instructors, and some hard work, I got better at these practical skills really quickly. I’m sure anyone else could do the same.”

Like many of Scottish Gas’ apprentices, Andrew is particularly enjoying the sociable nature of his job. He said: “It’s amazing how many times you arrive at someone’s house to do some work for them and it turns out to be someone you already know! It’s great for someone like me who enjoys meeting new people and being around others.”

Andrew is now looking forward to what the future holds. He added: “I would absolutely recommend an apprenticeship with Scottish Gas. There is a lot of work involved and it takes real commitment but it is definitely worthwhile and really shows that you are someone who can reach a goal.

“I think being engineer is a great career choice for both men and women. It’s definitely practical and you need an interest in fixing things but anyone can do it. It’s really positive that Scottish Gas is encouraging more women to join its apprenticeship scheme.”

Tips for teens interested in an apprenticeship at Scottish Gas:

Head over to www.gov.uk/further-education-skills the official apprenticeship website to discover more about apprenticeships
Keep a close eye on : http://po.st/BGNAW2015 for information on apprenticeship schemes
Attend Scottish Gas’ open day during Scottish Apprenticeship Week. You can register your interest by visiting: http://po.st/BGNAW2015

Students take Stardust to Romania

Edinburgh College acting students are stars in Romania

Edinburgh College acting students brought a sprinkling of stardust to Romania as they performed to a sell-out crowd at one of the country’s prestigious national theatres.

Twenty-one students from the HND Acting and Performance course travelled to Romania to perform a show and take part in workshops and theatre tours, and watch performances by their Romanian contemporaries.

The students were visiting the country to present their show We are Made of Stardust at the National Theatre in Târgu Mureș, where they played to a full house and received a five-minute standing ovation. The students previously performed this show at the college’s Performing Arts Studio Scotland in Granton.

We are Made of Stardust was originally developed in Romania by college lecturer Scott Johnston, who has been travelling to the country for 22 years. Scott worked with the first youth theatre based at the National Theatre Târgu Mureș to develop the show, before developing a new version with his Edinburgh College students.

He said: “This was a hugely exciting opportunity for our students to perform on a prestigious stage and share their experience with Romanian actors. The students organised a Scottish theme night, attended Romanian and Hungarian nights and saw five productions at the national theatre and other venues.”

To help his students put their own stamp on the production, Scott used a technique he developed called bookends devising. He said: “Simply put, this means that I have written and designed the beginning and end 10 minutes of the production. The cast along with me devise and write the piece in between. The show I will take to Romania has exactly the same beginning and ending as the one I made here at college.”

In 2010 the University of the Arts in Târgu Mureș awarded Scott the university medal for developing artistic and academic work at the university – the first Briton to be awarded this honour. Last year, supported by the college, he completed a Masters in Stage Directing at the University. He has worked throughout Romania and done workshops and directed plays in many of the major theatres. He has also directed international professional co-productions for Romanian and Scottish companies including Stellar Quines and Cumbernauld theatre.

Students from the college’s performing arts courses will be taking part in performances as part of the college’s Let’s Glow festival throughout May and June. Let’s Glow is a celebration of the college’s creative students, featuring performance and exhibitions covering everything from music, theatre and dance to photography, film, art animation, textiles and design. The full programme of events can be found at www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/letsglow

To find out more about performing arts courses at Edinburgh College, which include dance, musical theatre, acting, technical theatre, textiles and make-up courses visitwww.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/courses

Granton Improvement Society to argue for green space too

‘This morning is another chance for the City of Edinburgh to show they value the environment and the wishes of the people of North Edinburgh’ – GIS secretary Barbara Robertson

North Edinburgh will be well represented at today’s Planning Committee meeting. As well as the aforementioned Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden delegation there will be a deputation from Granon Improvement Society too!

GIS secretary Barbara Robertson said: “Granton Improvement Society have a deputation to the Planning committee this morning to get them to agree to the designation of the Walled Garden area as Green Space being adopted as part of the Local Development Plan going forward.

“The project for a Garden Festival on that site, originally designated in the Llewllyn Davis Master plan as green space in 2002/3, has been developed by GIS over many years (see https://grantonimprovementsociety.wordpress.org for more information).

“We have been doing all we can to prevent the building of houses on this historic site and allow the GIS to make our visionary project come alive. This morning is another chance for the City of Edinburgh to show they value the environment and the wishes of the people of North Edinburgh.”

Walled Garden: growing hope

B-list boost for Friends campaign

A deputation representing The Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden will attend today’s Planning Committee meeting with renewed optimism thanks to an imminent report from Historic Scotland.

Friends group organiser Kirsty Sutherland explained: “Just two days before our Friends Group deputation to the City Chambers we learned from Historic Scotland that they have almost completed the review of Granton Castle Walled Garden – and the great news is that they want to upgrade its status to B-listed!

“We hope this groundbreaking news will help convince the city council’s planning committee members to support our Friends Group aim of safeguarding this historic garden from a luxury housing development.”

The recent Historic Environment Act and planning guidelines issued for Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Edinburgh all recognise the significant contribution heritage landscapes & greenspaces make to our communities sense of place, cultural identity & understanding of history.

Friends Group members and supporters feel that one of the oldest walled gardens in Scotland deserves to be safeguarded, cherished and restored.

Kirsty added: “We’re really excited by the Historic Scotland news – I’m bubbling over! It’s a bit like David and Goliath, trying to stop a multi-million pound business from building houses in the garden.We’d like to thank everyone for their support – the more people that speak up and send in a wee message of support, the better.”

Deputation Letter to Planning Committee 14 May

Free haircuts at Granton Campus

Come on, chaps: get your barnets coiffured by college students!

Students from Edinburgh College barbering courses are offering free men’s haircuts at the Granton Campus Hair and Beauty Academy.

The Hair and Beauty department at the college is looking for clients to come along and get their hair cut and styled by the gents barbering classes at the training salon. For a limited time only these men’s haircuts and styling are free!

Frances Bain, curriculum manager for hair, beauty and complementary therapy, said: “Clients will not only be receiving a free haircut, they will be helping the students work towards their assessments and qualifications. This a vital part of these students’ studies, as they work in a salon environment to provide top-quality service and cuts to clients.”

Men’s haircut appointments are available on Tuesdays from 10-11am and 4.30-6.30pm, and Wednesday to Friday from 9-11am until 12 June. To book an appointment please call the Hair and Beauty reception on 0131 559 4050.

The barbering classes are just one of many hairdressing and beauty services available at Edinburgh College. A range of treatments are available at the Hair and Beauty Academies at Milton Road, Sighthill and Granton Campuses. Students offer the latest industry treatments and styles using Elemis, Dermalogica and Wella products.

For opening hours and the list of available treatments and prices visithttp://www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/welcome/leisure/salons/training_academies.aspx

To find out more about Edinburgh College’s hair and beauty therapy courses, and the many more courses available over the college’s varied curriculum and four campuses, visit www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/courses

Jobs Fair in Muirhouse

Muirhouse Library and Shopping Centre will host an Employment and Learning Fair between 10.30am and 1.30pm this Thursday (14 May).

The event is aimed at both adult jobseekers and young people looking for advice and support to get into work or learning in North Edinburgh. Organisations attending the event will include employability providers from the local area as well as employers with vacancies to fill.

Community Renewal is one of the organisations involved in the jobs fair, and emplyment adviser Diana said: “Previous events have resulted in jobseekers securing interviews on the spot so jobseekers are advised to come prepared with CVs and dressed to impress!”

Woman assaulted and robbed on B&M steps

Police seek three men following West Granton Road incident

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault and robbery on West Granton Road around 1pm yesterday (Saturday). A 41-year-old woman was walking down the steps near the B&M store (the former Gala Bingo) when she was assaulted and robbed by three men who stole a two-figure sum.

The victim sustained minor facial injuries, but did not require medical treatment.

The first suspect is described as a white man, aged 28-30, with shaved fair hair, and a Polish accent. He was wearing a white t-shirt, grey joggers and white footwear.

The second suspect is also a white man, aged 28-30, with a Polish accent. He had short dark hair and was wearing a dark-coloured jumper.

The third is a white man, also aged 28-30, with dark hair.

The three men were last seen heading towards Granton Road.

Detective Constable Mark Seymour said: “This was a shocking attack in broad daylight and we’re confident that there will have been people in the area at the time who can help us to identify these men.

“Anyone who can help with our enquiries is urged to come forward and we’d like to reassure the community that there will be additional patrols in the local area over the coming days as part of our enquiries to trace them.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A message from Mark Lazarowicz

I would like to thank all those who gave me their support in the general election held on 7 May. I was proud of the way we took our message to every street in every part of Edinburgh North & Leith, and although we were unsuccessful, I am sure that the efforts of our team were one of the reasons why I received more votes in 2015 than in the 2010 election.

I have been extremely privileged to have been able to serve the people of Edinburgh North & Leith as their representative in Parliament since 2001, and I thank them for giving me that opportunity.

I congratulate the successful candidate Deidre Brock on her victory. Like all MPs, she can be contacted at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA, switchboard 0207 219 3000.

My constituency office will now close down, and as I am no longer an MP I will not be able to deal with any constituency work. However, Malcolm Chisholm MSP continues to have his constituency office at 5 Croall Place, Leith Walk and can be contacted for any Scottish Parliament matters in the Edinburgh Northern & Leith constituency.

Cutting edge: demonstration is Out of this World!

Hair and beauty professionals blast off with sci-fi special at Edinburgh College!

Hair, beauty and make-up experts beamed into Edinburgh College to demonstrate their stellar make-over talents as they transformed a model into a science fiction star!

The Out of this World event gave hair and beauty lecturers from colleges across Scotland the chance to learn about the latest techniques from the cutting edge of special effects make-up, using a sci-fi theme to showcase them.

Representatives from Habia (Hair and Beauty Industry Authority) led the professional development session, hosted at the college in partnership with VTCT (Vocational Training Charitable Trust), the awarding organisation for the college’s further education hair and beauty qualifications.Out of this World was presented by Jennifer Lenard and Mark Izzard from the Habia Skills Team, who showed the colleges’ lecturers a range of skills using bald caps, prosthetics and a frame for hair to create an alien look on their model.

Frances Bain, curriculum manager for hair, beauty and complementary therapies at Edinburgh College, said: “It was incredible to see the creativity on show at this event. The techniques demonstrated by the experts from Habia were from the leading edge of the industry, and gave teaching staff from the college and across Scotland a prized insight into how to use these skills and pass them onto students. This event was part of the college’s continuing relationship with VTCT, our sole awarding organisation for our further education courses.”

Applications are open now for a range of hair, beauty and complementary therapy courses and make-up artistry courses starting in August at Edinburgh College. To find out more about these courses, and 900 other courses at the college, visit www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/courses

Appointments are available for a range of hair treatments and spa therapies at Edinburgh College’s training academy salons at Sighthill, Milton Road and Granton campuses. The academies offer the latest treatments using Elemis, Dermalogica and Wella products, with accessible prices which reflect the different levels of study and expertise of the students who work under the expert guidance of industry professionals.

Visit http://www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/salons for more details.

For more information about VTCT visit www.vtct.org.uk