Category: Muirhouse

Housebuilder Supports STEM Curriculum at Pirniehall

Award-winning housebuilder Urban Union is fostering STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) talent among primary pupils in north Edinburgh by running a competition designed to test innovation and creativity.

The competition with Pirniehall Primary, which is located less than a mile from Urban Union and the city council’s Pennywell Living development, saw primary 4 – 7 pupils create house models from scratch using woodwork skills.

24 Pupils picked up awards for their efforts in architectural design, property layout and execution of the marketing brochure.

Ross Neilson, STEM coordinator at Pirniehall Primary School said: “Working with Urban Union on this competition has been a fantastic way to bring the lessons the children have learnt in class to life.

“Through building the wooden models of their house designs, the pupils have learned how to safely cut with saws, measure accurately and glue their structures together. They also learned how to sell these designs, creating architectural drawings and marketing materials for brochures.

“The team at Urban Union came in to give a presentation and provide further insight into the construction industry, demonstrating to pupils how the skills they are learning in class translate into working life.”

STEM is a curriculum which groups subjects science, technology, engineering and maths together, teaching them in an interdisciplinary and applied approach rather than as four separate subjects.

Lauren Jenkins, Architect at Barton Willmore said: “It has been a great experience working with the pupils of Pirniehall Primary School – the work that the children put in was incredible and some of the designs were really incredible. 

“It was a particularly special activity for me to support – while at primary school I took part in a similar workshop and the experience and learnings I took from it inspired me to go on to train to become an architect.  I hope that we’ve managed to inspire future generations of architects from the work we’ve carried out at Pirniehall.”

Neil McKay, Managing Director at Urban Union said: “At Urban Union we are always looking for ways to engage with the schools, be that through sponsorships, donations or with a more hands on approach like this competition.

“It has been rewarding to see the amazing designs of the pupils at Pirniehall Primary. Working with the school to help give context to its STEM curriculum has been a remarkable experience and one that we hope to replicate.

“Huge congratulations to all of the winners today. We have seen some amazing talent and there is certainly a bright future ahead for the pupils at Pirniehall Primary.”

Pennywell living is part of a housing-led regeneration programme being delivered through a partnership between the City of Edinburgh Council and Urban Union.  It is located only two miles from Edinburgh City Centre and is in the catchment area of a number of great local primary and secondary schools.

The development is in prime position to make the most of the many shops, bars and restaurants the capital has to offer and has a wealth of useful amenities in the area, making it perfect for young professionals and families.

To find out more about the houses on offer at Pennywell Living, visit: www.urbanunionltd.co.uk/pennywell-living

Ferrywell Youth Project move into new home

On Saturday 2 November the Ferrywell Youth Project moved into a new home in the heart of the community in Muirhouse and Pennywell, part of a shared community resource with partners including CItizens Advice Edinburgh. Continue reading Ferrywell Youth Project move into new home

Forth Award for Muirhouse project

Congratulations to the LIFT (Low Income Families Together) team based at Muirhouse Millennium Centre who picked up an award at the annual Forth Awards in the Usher Hall yesterday. LIFT’s Paula Bowie won the Cash for Kids category.

LIFT’s Paula Bowie said: “Absolutely over the moon after yesterday. Winning a Forth award has given me the acknowledgement I needed to say: job done.

“LIFT is what was needed, all mine, my amazing staff, sessional workers Kirsty Day Maryann Paice Fallon hard work has paid off. We couldn’t do it without our volunteers Sonia McCraw Jadee C Wilsonn Lynette Hughes Nicola Spence Ashley Bambrick Jade Buchan.”

The great and the good from across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife were celebrated yesterday at the annual Forth Awards, alongside music industry legends and Fringe favourites. 

Ten awards were handed out – six for community winners and four for entertainment – as nominated and voted for by Radio Forth listeners. 

The Community Awards were set up to recognise those unsung heroes who never normally get credit for the great things they do, and this year six incredibly worthy winners took home awards. 

Sean Carr collected the Community Venture Award sponsored by Gyle Shopping Centre for Urban Nature Retreat who have created a unique, safe environment for disadvantaged children with disabilities to enjoy the therapeutic benefits that animals and nature can provide. 

Irene Squires-Guild was crowned Local Hero, collecting the award sponsored by The Edinburgh Evening News after dedicating her life to helping others, following the death of her son. A volunteer with the Red Cross, Irene assisted with relief for the Grenfell tragedy and regularly fundraises for those in need, offers support to refugee families, amongst many other selfless endeavors.

The Best Restaurant award with Caledonian Heating and Plumbing was presented to Italian La Rusticana, while Sarah Keenan from Carnegie Primary in Dunfermline was named top of the class, winning the Best Teacher Award, sponsored by Fuse. 

Charity Volunteer of the Year sponsored by Heritage Portfolio went to Neil Rankin from Street Assist, founded to help the citizens and emergency services within the City of Edinburgh. Finally, the Cash for Kids Award with Westwoods Health Club was collected by Paula Bowie, founder of L.I.F.T – Low Income Families Together – a new project which works with these families to reduce barriers restricting families from moving forward in life. 

The final four awards celebrated entertainment with special appearances and performances from award winners. Janey Godley collected The Forth Fringe Award sponsored by OMNI Edinburgh, awarded after her Festival run and for her hilarious take on the news with her now infamous ‘dub’ videos. 

The Forth Scottish Best Artist Award with Victor Paris was claimed by Sophie Ellis Bextor who performed her hits ‘Groove Jet’, ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ and ‘Take me Home’. 

Marc Almond of Soft Cell was awarded The Forth Icon Award, sponsored by The Edinburgh Playhouse. Marc delighted the attendees with a fittingly iconic performance of both solo and Soft Cell singles.  Commenting on his win, Marc said: “It’s a real honour to be awarded the Forth Icon Award. I love performing in Scotland and can’t wait to return next month for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay”.

Finally, The Forth Contribution to Music Award with The Liquid Rooms was awarded to Scottish rockers Wet,Wet, Wet who have sold over 15 million singles and albums to date, and featured in the official UK charts for over a massive 500 weeks, with their albums certified platinum 20 times in the UK. The band, newly invigorated by the introduction of lead singer Kevin Simm thrilled attendees with their impressive back-catalogue.

The Forth Awards were hosted by Radio Forth favourites Boogie and Arlene and attendees were also treated to theatrical performances from The Lion King ahead of the show’s return to The Playhouse in December and The Steamie, ahead of their December run at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro.

Further musical entertainment came from Edinburgh girl Nina Nesbit and the now iconic dance music section of the awards saw Shena take to the mic with the classic ‘There’s nothing I won’t do’. 

Richie Jeffrey, events and marketing manager at Radio Forth said: “The Forth Awards are a fantastic mix of celebration that spans local heroes plus the best music and entertainment.

“Everyone at Radio Forth is hugely proud to put on an event which is able to recognise the acts of selflessness of our local community winners whilst being able to provide top class entertainment from our industry winners and many more. Congratulations again to all of our incredibly deserving winners and nominees.”

Martin Perry, director of development at sponsor Edinburgh St James, said: “Every year the Forth Awards just seem to get better and better, which means our continued sponsorship of this great event is no real surprise.  

“Our involvement with the Forth Awards throughout the lifecycle of this project feels especially poignant now we are less than a year away from opening our first phase, delivering a once-in-a-generation development that equals Edinburgh’s global reputation.

 “But we knew from the start that, for Edinburgh St James to truly succeed, we needed to develop real partnerships across the city, and our relationship with Radio Forth continues to be one that we are very proud to have.”

Keep up with all the latest competitions, gossip, music and news on Forth 1 online, FM, DAB radio, via our app, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat:  

  • www.forth1.com
  • /forth1 (facebook)
  • @Forthone (Twitter) 
  • @Forth1official (Instagram)

Forth1official (Snapchat)

FORTH AWARDS PICS: Greg Macvean