Category: Leith

ELREC: challenging racism in schools

ELREC promotes a culture of zero tolerance of inequality, hate and all kinds of discrimination, both in society and in schools.

As an equality organization we do a lot of work in schools through our True Colours Project, challenging stereotypes and prejudices young people may have.

However, it is not just young people but staff and teachers in schools needing training and awareness too. Ignorance is not bliss when it affects people in a negative way, especially when young people go through their school lives suffering poor mental health and later carrying the scars into adulthood.

Many children are aware of the racist behaviour of adults and some practice this racism in school. Unfortunately, when teachers and other staff are also the perpetrators, it either goes unreported or if it is reported, then most likely the school ignores it and so the cycle continues.

The history and the harm that are associated with racism must be taught properly, like any other mainstream subject, in our schools. The curriculum must reflect this change in our educational objectives. If there are no consequences to racist behaviour, then it will continue in our schools. Consequences should be outlined clearly for children, teachers, governing bodies and local authorities.

Promoting mutual respect and understanding of diversity is key to countering all forms of intolerances and discrimination. Community organisations can only do so much, the education department must take serious action as they have duty of care to protect these young people during school hours.

As an equality organisation we are happy to help schools achieve this and some of our recommendations are:

• policymakers, teachers and families must all work together to promote equality and non-discrimination both in schools and at home

• policymakers must create, enforce and fund policies to eliminate discrimination.

• teachers must be trained to work with children from all backgrounds; and pupils’ parents should be included in their school’s decisions to promote equality and non-discrimination in education

• Governments must provide the appropriate financial resources for schools to be able to promote equality and non-discrimination and regularly monitor the situation

By working together, we can create an equal, safer and more tolerant society for the future generations.

Foysol Choudhury MBE

Chairman, Edinburgh and Lothian Regional Equality Council

HUGE Lottery boost for North Edinburgh Childcare

An award of £770k announced today to North Edinburgh Childcare means they will be able to transform and expand their existing premises allowing them to increase the services they already provide and support even more families across the city.

The award is one of 32 groups across Edinburgh sharing in £1,299,743 of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Welcoming the award, Theresa Allison, General Manager, North Edinburgh Childcare, said: “We are absolutely delighted at this award which will go towards a new build and renovations of our existing building which will enable us to create an additional 84 full-time equivalent childcare places.

“Once built this has the potential to support approximately another 200 parents/carers to lift themselves out of poverty.  We are so excited about the new build and refurbishment but even more excited that, for the first time ever, we will be able to offer a number of places to people aspiring to get into work or training. This is all possible thanks to people who play The National Lottery.”

Another capital organisation celebrating this morning is Leith’s Multi Cultural Family Base (MCFB), who receive £233,000 to deliver support services to vunerable children and families from primarily minority ethnic communities.

A spokesperson for MCFB said: We are thrilled to receive continued funding from the The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland to continue supporting children from minority ethnic communities in Edinburgh with the important transition from home and nursery to school via our 4-2-7 project.

“As well as supporting children one to one and, when possible, within school settings, this will include our continued work supporting parents by providing them a space to meet once a week to build confidence, make friendships and share experiences.

“We look forward to continuing to work with schools and families both virtually and, when we can, face to face at our offices and within schools.”

There’s also £8750 for Blackhall Playgroup, who will use their award to prepare for the easing of lockdown, putting measures in place to enable the return of some children and also provide resources to those who cannot.

And Granton Parish Church will be cooking with gas – the church on Boswall Parkway receives £10,000 for a new kitchen in the church hall, supporting numerous community groups who use the popular local facility.

Announcing today’s funding to 311 projects across Scotland, The National Lottery Community Fund’s Scotland Chair, Kate Still, said: “These awards, made possible by National Lottery players, recognise the incredible work happening  across Scotland to create stronger, more connected communities.   

“I am delighted that some of this funding will be used to transform existing buildings into vibrant community hubs that will carry on the strong community spirit that has been so evident in recent times. 

“National Lottery players can be proud to know that money they raise by buying tickets is continuing to make such a difference.” 

National Lottery players raise £30 million every week for good causes in the UK. The National Lottery Community Fund in Scotland is currently focusing its funding on those projects that supporting organisations and communities to respond to the challenge of COVID-19.  

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk       

Police appeal following local robberies

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information after two robbery incidents took place in two convenience stores yesterday (Saturday, 4 July).

The first incident happened around 5.45pm at the Best One store on Bonnington Road. The suspect threatened the shop keeper with a knife and demanded money from the till. The shop keeper challenged the suspect who then left.

The second incident happened around 6.15pm at the Co-op store on McDonald Road. The suspect entered the store from the direction of Bonnington Road and threatened two members of staff with a knife, demanding money from the till. Around £200 worth of cash was stolen. Nobody was injured in either incident.

The suspect is described as male, in his twenties, around 6ft tall with black sunglasses and a black/grey snood only showing his eye line. He was wearing a slim fitted Nike top with a black Nike tick on the right chest and black cuffs looped over his thumbs.

He had a red/burgundy top underneath showing at the waistline, skinny blue Nike joggers, black running trainers, orange gloves and a black rucksack worn to the front of his body.

Detective Sergeant Steven Gray, of Gayfield CID, said: “We believe these incidents are linked and between speaking to the victims and watching CCTV, there is a good description of the suspect so we’re appealing to the public to help us.

“If anybody saw somebody matching this description on Bonnington Road or McDonald Road shortly before or after these incidents on Saturday, please contact us.”

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 2824 of 4 July, 2020.

Leith Theatre Gets Set to Persevere Through Yet Another Closure

It is with regret that Leith Theatre announces that, in light of the widespread disruption to cultural life caused by Covid-19, it has made the difficult decision to remain closed to the public until next Spring.

In a building already suffering the effects of years of neglect, and after weeks of scenario planning and calculating financial risk, it must, like so many other theatres and venues across the country, stay shut to remain a viable business in the longer term.

The colder months of the year are much more challenging in this still establishing business, with a quieter programme and with some parts of the theatre still without heating. The Spring and Summer programmes have been lost, and the current landscape is all so uncertain.

With so many unknowns, to risk re-opening to what would be reduced and socially distant audiences, is a risk simply too high to take and one that could potentially sound the death knell for this unique venue which sits proudly in the heart of Leith.

It is a decision that has not been taken lightly, but one which recognizes that temporary closure is necessary to protect the building and business for the future. 

Most of the staff at Leith Theatre were furloughed as part of the Government Support scheme since the Theatre closed its doors in March. This longer term closure does mean that staff employment is affected and the theatre is in touch with its small team to discuss what that means directly.

However, the closure also brings an opportunity for Leith Theatre; it is with huge thanks to its funders; the Architectural Heritage Fund, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and most recently, Theatres At Risk, that it is able to conserve its limited resources and invest this time in prioritising its strategic next steps and planning for refreshed doors opening once more.

Lynn Morrison, Exec Director of Leith Theatre Trust, said: “The sector is facing incredible challenges and for our small dedicated staff team who have worked tirelessly to bring this venue to back to its feet, it is the hardest thing to see the building closed and the Leith family unable to return.

 “We have to use this opportunity to build a stronger platform for the venue’s future. We are a Theatre at Risk and a business start-up, and we have major refurbishment and construction needs.

“Our committed funding and Government COVID support has granted us this time to review our future business development. We hope we can also explore future fundraising possibilities and consider if further building regeneration works are possible.

“We cannot wait to welcome everyone back through our doors but in the meantime we will keep supporting the community in any way we can”

Since shutdown, Leith Theatre has continued to provide a community lifeline, acting as a collection point for the North East Edinburgh Foodbank, collecting stationery for pupils in partnership with a local primary school and also pipelining fabric and materials for making masks for an Edinburgh craft collective. The doors were also re-opened to support NHS blood banks.

Leith Theatre has already seen periods of closure in its rich history and one day this temporary shutting will join the rest as mere notes in its timeline.

Leith Theatre will, as always, Persevere.

Donations to Leith Theatre can be made via the website or JustGiving or please get in touch with fundraising@leiththeatretrust.org

Briggs backs Leith Walk businesses

Call for extra help and Leith Open For Business campaign

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs says that local businesses on Leith Walk will need extra support if they are to survive Covid-19 restrictions and work being carried out on the trams extension.  

Work on the controversial tram extension down to Newhaven has resumed, creating more disruptions for local businesses.

The tram extension has gone ahead, despite the ongoing inquiry being carried out into why the initial project was significantly over budget and over time – the inquiry has so far cost the tax payer over £10 million.

Mr Briggs has said that the combination of Covid-19 restriction and disruptions from the trams have put businesses on Leith Walk under severe pressure and extra support must be offered by Edinburgh Council.

Included in the support measures suggested by Mr Briggs to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture are an advertising campaign to promote businesses on Leith Walk during and after the tram works.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “The current uncertainty for businesses around Covid-19 restrictions and when they will be able to start fully operating again is very challenging.

“Businesses on Leith Walk have been dealt a double blow of Covid-19 restrictions and now disruptions from tram extensions as well, putting businesses at risk.

“I have written to Edinburgh Council to raise these concerns and ask what additional support will be made available for businesses on Leith Walk.

“I have also written to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture to ask what support will be provided by the Scottish Government and if there will be an advertising campaign to promote businesses on Leith Walk during and after the tram extension.”

Have you seen John?

MISSING PERSON UPDATE – JOHN FOUND ‘SAFE AND WELL’

Police are appealing for the public’s help as part of our efforts to trace a 38 year old man reported missing in Edinburgh. John Glynn (AKA Gee) was last seen in the Leith area on 12th June and there are concerns for his welfare.

John is descried as about 5ft 5 tall, slim build, he normally has a shaved head and a clean shaven face. He has tattoos on his neck onto his arm as far as his elbow, and also has other tattoos on his arms and back.

John would normally wear a blue Stone Island jacket (one he is wearing in the above image), tracksuit and often a cap or hat.

John is almost always on his silver/yellow Giant Talon mountain bike (which is missing from his flat). He has links to the East Lothian area.

Anyone who may have seen John since this time, or who has any information on his whereabouts, is urged to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 1125 of the 19/06/20.

John Glynn has been traced SAFE AND WELL. Police would like to thank the public for their assistance.

Edinburgh North & Leith: the UK’s most pro-EU constituency

  • Edinburgh North & Leith constituency leads the way with more signatures than any other in the UK
  • Leading Scottish pro-EU organisation adds voice to calls for Brexit delay as petition passes 100,000

Scotland’s largest pro-EU campaign organisation, the European Movement in Scotland (EMis) has added its voice to calls for a two-year extension to the Brexit transition period, which culminates at the end of this year.

Urging the UK Government to focus on tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis, the call comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to meet EU institution leaders (the president of the European Council, Commission and Parliament.

Branding the refusal to extend as “highly reckless”, the demand by EMiS comes as a petition calling for such an extension passes the 100,000 threshold.

Passing this mark this requires the Petitions Committee of the Westminster Parliament to give serious consideration to whether such a delay should be debated.  An Edinburgh constituency, Edinburgh North & Leith has led the charge with more signatures than any constituency in the UK.

The First Ministers of Scotland and Wales have both written to Boris Johnson, requesting an extension period and a recent Ipsos Mori poll indicates that just under two-thirds – 64% – of people in Scotland believe the UK Government should seek an extension to focus on the pandemic. This compares to 54% across the UK – still a clear majority.

Recent evidence also points to the fact that the UK’s economic output has declined by over 20% in April amid warnings of seismic job losses caused by the Covid lockdown.

The World Trade Organisation has also warned that a No Deal Brexit during an economic recession could be as deep as the Great Depression.

David Clarke, Vice-Chair of the European Movement in Scotland said: “Despite experiencing one of the largest global pandemics, Boris Johnson’s government recklessly ploughs on with a transition period due to finish at the end of this year, deaf and blind to the enormous damage a poor Brexit deal or indeed no deal will have on an already weakened UK economy.

“If it is to be anything short of an economic catastrophe, the matter of negotiating a good trading deal with the EU should be set to one side until it can be given the serious attention that it clearly now requires.

“We are urging the Prime Minister to propose a two-year extension to the Brexit transition period.

“Such an extension is vital if the UK is not to suffer an even more grievous body-blow to our economy and society from Brexit, on top of the pandemic.

“So far, Boris Johnson has adamantly rejected any extension, but he now faces a full-scale Westminster debate after a petition demanding an extension while the ravages of Covid-19 continue passed the 100,000 barrier set by the Commons.

“It is great to see a Scottish constituency, Edinburgh North & Leith, cementing its role as Britain’s most pro-EU constituency.”

Hibs to consult supporters on ‘difficult choices’

Since the global pandemic hit the UK – wreaking havoc with our lives, our health and care systems, and our businesses – Hibernian supporters have been magnificent in their backing for the club.

Our support has been the silver lining on a cloudy horizon. In turn, we have sought at every turn to keep supporters informed as honestly as we are able to. With that in mind, it is now important to let supporters know that difficult choices must be considered to reduce costs to protect the future of Hibernian.

We are today embarking on a process of consultation with our people over proposals to find cost reductions. This is no different from any other business in this economy, many of which have already taken steps to protect their future.  We must all recognise that the club must be financially sustainable.

When we outlined our ambitious plans at our AGM a few months ago, no-one could have predicted that the healthy cash balance the club enjoyed at that time would be severely depleted a few months later as we faced this crisis and no revenue being generated from normal operations.

The club has continued to meet its full liabilities, internally and externally, with some of these deferred but still due later in the year. This initial action was a vital step, allowing us breathing space to manage cashflow and, importantly, to engage with our staff.

With no clear end in sight and a full return to football in stadia full of supporters likely to be in 2021, there has been, and there will continue to be, a substantial and unsustainable strain on the Club’s finances.

We forecast that our revenues will be halved in 2020-21 and we anticipate a significant loss for the current season that was cut short in March, despite the support shown by fans so far. That is the reality we face, and the continued uncertainty and restrictions mean our current cost structure is not sustainable.

Chairman Ronald Gordon said: “We’re all excited that football is returning – but it will be behind closed doors, with likely limited attendance as a next phase. That means we continue to endure limited revenue opportunities for the foreseeable future.

“Therefore, several initiatives, activities and services at our club need to be paused or scaled back until it is safe, permissible and financially prudent for us to resume activity.

“We must now focus our limited resources on our core business – and that is supporting our first team to deliver success on the pitch. That is what we are here to do.  This scaling back will have an impact on our people, and we enter into a period of consultation with them to discuss the potential impact on them.  I would like to thank the contribution and efforts of all of our staff during this difficult time.

“I would also like to thank our supporters who, recognising the threat to the club, have responded. Around 8500 Season Tickets for next season have sold so far, with more selling each day despite fans knowing that the timing and shape of next season is far from clear at this stage.

“Our “Thank You NHS” home shirt was launched to national acclaim and record sales. And with the 2019-20 season called early, with four home matches not played, less than 15 per cent of season ticket holders have requested a refund.

“We will get through this by all working together. Supporters, staff, management and players have all played their part so far, and I believe will continue to do so.”

Monies raised through the sale of season tickets for 2020-21 will help fund next season’s campaign. We welcome the announcement of a framework agreed between the SPFL and Sky which should see the top-flight of Scottish football resume in August.

With football facing a “behind closed doors” start to the season, the new framework means those who have already purchased season tickets for season 2020/21 now know they are guaranteed to see all home matches live until entry to stadiums returns.

Hibernian will soon announce full details of our package, which is being designed to give our season ticket holders the best possible value and a unique, exciting and enjoyable Hibernian matchday experience.

Leeann Dempster, Chief Executive, said: “I would add my thanks to Ron’s for the professionalism shown by our staff throughout this crisis.

“From the start, in light of the uncertainty around what shape next season will ultimately take, we have sought to ensure our supporters have the fullest understanding of the situation before us, and that includes what your ticket will secure for you.

“Any supporter who cannot commit to travel this difficult journey with us will be treated fairly, with respect, and with our understanding, but we hope and believe you will want to be with us every step of the way.

“We understand not everyone is able to help as they might like in these difficult times, however if you can help, we thank you for it.”