Also this Solstice weekend … :
Category: Newhaven
It’s Power of Food Festival weekend!
It’s here! Edinburgh’s community gardeners take centre stage this weekend as The Power of Food Festival takes place at venues and locations across the city.
For further info visit https://poweroffoodfestival.wordpress.com/
Tram to Newhaven?
The city council is to consider taking the tram network into Newhaven, Ocean Terminal or the foot of Leith Walk.
The line currently stops at York Place, but councillors will consider options to extend the route from the city centre along part of the originally planned route – a plan scaled down when the project ran into financial difficulties -at a meeting next week.
Extension cost estimates are £144.7m to Newhaven, £126.6m to Ocean Terminal and £78.7m to Leith Walk.
Transport Convener, Cllr Lesley Hinds, said: “I am extremely pleased with the progress of the business case, which already shows the clear economic impact the extension of the tram line could have on the city.
“In the tram’s first year of operation we have seen passenger numbers increase, demonstrating a growing demand for public transport in Edinburgh and making the case for extending the tram to benefit people elsewhere in the city.
“But we don’t want to make any rash decisions about the future of the project, and that’s why further due diligence is required to ensure a robust financial case that can be used as a basis for an informed judgement. We will also be exploring all avenues for funding, and considering a series of new and innovative options with a view to delivering best value.
“It is essential that we learn from our past mistakes and I am confident that this process will deliver thoroughly researched, strategic options for a tram extension.”
Further work is now to be carried out, including a formal market consultation, testing and auditing of the financial model and an investigation of alternative funding options, ahead of the final decision in autumn.
Read more about the Edinburgh tram project online.
Edinburgh’s tram service began running in May last year, six years late and costing more than double (£776 milion) the original £375m price tag – and that price was for a trams network not just a single line.
A public inquiry was set up last year under Lord Hardie to establish why the Edinburgh Trams project ‘incurred delays, cost more than orignally budgeted and through reductions in scope deliverd significantly less than projected’.
A formal call for members of the public to provide written evidence was issued on 12 May this year and a list of issues has been published. An online survey has also been created to give people an easy way to submit this evidence.
For more info visit http://www.edinburghtraminquiry.org/
Edinburgh Guarantee spells success for school leavers
More school leavers than ever in Edinburgh are moving into work, education, or training, thanks to the strong partnership that has developed between the public and private sectors through the Edinburgh Guarantee.
Figures published by the Scottish Government today show that the success rate of school leavers in Edinburgh achieving and sustaining a positive destination are at the highest rate ever. The figure is up 10 per cent since the Edinburgh Guarantee began four years ago and is now at 93.1 per cent. The Capital is now the best performing city in Scotland and is 12th out of all local authority areas, which puts us well above the national average.
The statistics show that more school leavers in Edinburgh are getting into jobs compared to September 2013 with over one in four of school leavers in employment at the snapshot taken in March. Just over 40% are getting into and sustaining places in Higher Education while over a quarter of school leavers opt for Further Education.
The majority of schools improved their performance since September 2013.
The largest increase was at Craigroyston Community High school up 13.1 per cent (see separate article), Currie performed extremely well with their figure now sitting at 97.9 per cent, and Firrhill and Gracemount were up by 6.8 per cent.
This success has been underpinned by the active support of the city’s employers in recruiting young people into their businesses, with 350 opportunities offered since April 2015.
Sue Bruce, Chief Executive, the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Today’s figures will be welcomed across the city by young people, employers in the private, voluntary and public sectors and those working in education. Giving young people the best start they can have in life is a key priority and I am delighted that the Edinburgh Guarantee is playing such an important role in securing the future success of our young people in the city.”
Cllr Paul Godzik, Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee, said: “Whether it’s employment, apprenticeships or training, young people need to move out of school and into a positive destination quickly. It is really encouraging that there has been such an improvement in the figures this year as moving on to make a new start in life is the boost young people really need to raise their self esteem at this critical point in their lives.”
Cllr Frank Ross, Convener of the Economy Committee, said: “Ensuring that Edinburgh’s young people have opportunities is vital for the economic success of our city. These year’s figures demonstrate that initiatives such as the Edinburgh Guarantee are making a real difference to many young lives. I am confident that with sustained investment we’ll continue to drive up this figure and see many more young people taking a positive next step in their lives.”
Stephen Ramsay (pictured top) , panel beater modern apprentice at DSL Motors, said: “When I was at Craigroyston High School I was invovled in a Formula 1 project and I really enjoyed it. My career advisor helped me with an interview for Edinburgh College and I am now a modern apprentice doing a four year course in Automotive Paint Refinishing. As soon as I left school I wanted to get involved in this trade and I want to work in this field until I retire.”
A positive destination is defined as a place in Higher Education, Further Education, a job, paid apprenticeship, or work-focused training.
Click here for a short video featuring Cllrs Burns, Godzik and modern apprentice Stephen Ramsay.
Police seek four following Trinity attack
Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault on two people on Laverockbank Road. Four people, one of whom is a woman, are being sought following the attack.
The incident happened at around 1am on Sunday 31 May, when the two victims and four suspects left a business premises separately.
The first suspect assaulted the 34-year-old male victim, and the 28-year-old female victim was assaulted when she tried to intervene. The other suspects then joined the attack and the female victim was knocked unconscious.
Both victims sustained facial injuries, which were subsequently found to be more serious than first thought. Police attended at the time of the incident, and officers have conducted various enquiries in an effort to trace the suspects.
The first suspect is described as a white man in his 30s, 5ft 10inches tall with a medium build. He had a shaved head and a heart tattoo with a keyhole on his right forearm.
The second suspect is described a white man in his 30s, 5ft 11inches tall with a heavy build. He had short dark hair and was wearing a dark jacket.
The third suspect was a white man in his 40s, 5ft 10inches tall with a slim build. He was wearing a light-coloured shirt.
The fourth suspect is described as a white woman, 5ft 6inches tall, with a medium build. She had long dark hair and was wearing a black jacket.
Detective Sergeant Clark Martin said: “This was a seemingly unprovoked and brutal attack and we are eager to trace anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has any information which can help with our enquiries.
“We’re also eager to speak to a taxi driver seen in the area at the time of the assault, who may be able to help with our investigations.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
City communities meet up for a Big Lunch
‘You never know what might happen in your community after a chat over a few sandwiches and some cake!’ – Michelle McManus
Edinburgh neighbours joined in with the millions of people all over the UK who have been getting to know their neighbours better as part of The Big Lunch yesterday. The UK’s annual one-day get-together for neighbours, an initiative led by the Eden Project and made possible by the Big Lottery Fund, has taken place in villages, towns and cities across the country.
Big Lunch activities in Edinburgh included a fiesta-themed Big Lunch in Trinity, neighbours’ street parties in Newhaven and Willowbrae and an event organized by Halifax Princes Street branch at Gorgie City Farm attended by the Lord Provost.
Communities were getting together across Scotland, including at street parties in Glasgow, Angus and West Lothian, picnics in the park in Dumfries, Fife and Perthshire and even a Big Lunch beach party on the Isle of Skye!
The Big Lunch, which is supported by Halifax and Asda, is the perfect recipe for having fun with neighbours, feeding community spirit and helping to build stronger neighbourhoods. People are the key ingredient, with those taking part creating friendlier communities in which they start to share more, from conversation and ideas to skills and resources.
Elaine, who helped put the fiesta Big Lunch together in Trinity today, said: “We’ve had a fantastic day and a great turnout! We first decided to give The Big Lunch a go in 2009 when we realised we didn’t know everyone in our stair of 8 flats – we’ve now held one every year since! We ended up meeting people who had lived in the street for over 40 years but who I had never even seen before as they rarely come out. It has been a real icebreaker for us, bringing our community closer together, breaking down barriers and providing a chance to socialise.”
Lara, who got her neighbours together in Willowbrae yesterday, explained: “It seems to be a common theme that neighbours have fewer opportunities to meet. In Willowbrae, we’ve seen the closure of the baker, post office, pub and chemist. Some of us lead such busy lives that unless we make an effort, chances are we won’t see or speak to our neighbours. The Big Lunch felt like the perfect excuse to bring everyone together. The real benefits we’ve felt since our first Big Lunch include a greater sense of community and in building trust. Once you’ve chatted to someone over cake (or chocolate dipped strawberries, or green smoothie, or home made pakora!) then what you’ve actually done without noticing it is broken down some imaginary barriers!”
Sir Tim Smit KBE, Co-Founder of the Eden Project and The Big Lunch, said: “The Big Lunch is always special as millions of people all over the UK take time out of their busy lives to talk, laugh and eat with their neighbours. It is based on a simple concept: if we spend a Sunday afternoon with our neighbours in June, we’ll build friendships and stronger communities that will last for years. It’s about making our streets happier, safer and less lonely places and it’s fantastic to see so many people taking part this year.”
Michelle McManus, who has supported The Big Lunch in Scotland for the past three years, added: “I really believe in the benefits of being part of a strong community like the one I grew up in the East End of Glasgow. Even today, I cherish the great relationships I am lucky to have with my own neighbours.
“Knowing who you live beside makes you feel safe and connected to your community. Events like The Big Lunch provide an excuse to chap your neighbour’s door and ask if they’d like to get together. You never know what might happen in your community after a chat over a few sandwiches and some cake!”
Pictures by Phil Wilkinson
AND THAT BIG LUNCH COULD GET EVEN BIGGER …
The project that last year encouraged over 400,000 Scottish people to share lunch with their neighbours has been awarded Scottish Government funding to help more communities be involved in this year’s events.
Big Lunch Scotland will receive almost £50,000 to give communities the chance to apply for a grant that could go towards food, insurance, outdoor games or furniture to host their own get-together.
From now until September, communities who may have faced barriers to taking part in the past will be able to apply for grants of up to £150.
The Big Lunch is the Eden Project’s annual UK-wide event aimed at building community spirit and getting neighbours talking. While events kick off on June 7, communities are encouraged to run events throughout the summer.
In addition, the Scottish Government funding will also offer grants of up to £500 to help support participants of the Big Lunch Extra Programme develop ideas in their community such as cookery classes, babysitting services or community cinemas.
Minister for Community Empowerment Marco Biagi met with Edinburgh and Midlothian Big Lunch organisers and their neighbours to officially open the new funding schemes on Friday.
He said: “Around 400,000 Scottish people – including me – took part in The Big Lunch last year, and I hope the Scottish Government’s funding boost of nearly £50,000 will make it possible for even more people to take part over the summer.
“We’re often guilty of not making enough time to get to know the people who live next door to us, never mind the ones who live down the street. The Big Lunch is a simple way to reconnect with our neighbours and is having a powerful impact on communities.
“From the people I’ve met who have attended Big Lunches in the past it’s clear to see the benefits of this annual event. People feel more involved their community, they have a stronger sense of community spirit and they feel less isolated.
“The Scottish Government recognises the importance of empowering communities and giving them the confidence to shape their own futures. These grants will remove financial barriers and will make sure everyone has an opportunity to be involved in The Big Lunch.”
Feedback from the 2014 Big Lunch found that 97 per cent of people who took part would recommend the event to their friends, and 84 per cent said it made them feel better about their neighbourhood.
Emily Watts, Campaign Manager for The Big Lunch in Scotland, said: “We always say that you don’t need much money to hold a Big lunch when everyone brings something to the table and that is still true – but there are times when a small amount of help can mean the difference between your community getting involved and not.
“To be eligible you need to be able to tell us how you would use the grant to enable your community or street to take part, and what barriers it would help to overcome. For existing Big Lunch participants, you must be able to tell us how you will engage a new section of the community with the grant.”
More information and application forms can be found at: http://www.thebiglunch.com/partners/scotland-seed-fund.php
Power of Food Festival is fast approaching …
North Edinburgh plays a major part in this month’s Power of Food Festival with events and activities in Blackhall, Drylaw, Granton, Leith, Muirhouse and the Botanics to name just a few …! 
Hello everyone!
It’s an amazing privilege to be in a position today to launch the programme of Edinburgh’s first Power of Food Festival, only five and a half months after we decided to turn the original idea into a reality. It’s been a bit of a mad time getting everything in place, but really exhilarating to see it all coming together thanks to the efforts of a wide range of individuals keen to share their resources, skills, energy and passion. And how appropriate to be launching such an initiative on Volunteers Week! Volunteers are at the heart of community food growing and of the centre of the Festival.
We look forward to seeing you in one (or several!) of the 15 gardens of the Festival on 20-21 June and hope you enjoy the celebration!
Best wishes from
The Power of Food Festival Committee
Rebecca Crowther
Christine Giraud
Marie-Amélie Viatte
After months of preparation, The Power of Food Festival is pleased to announce an exciting programme of free events organised by each venue in line with what they do best: connecting people!
From well established award winning gardens, to new grassroot food growing projects, the diversity of the initiatives which feature in the programme will surprise and delight Festival goers. Venues open on the weekend of 20 and 21 June include a library, an office block, a secret garden, and a farmhouse which is undergoing an incredible transformation!
A citywide celebration
From Portobello to Wester Hailes, Granton to Blackhall, Tollcross to Old Dalkeith Road, and many others in between, every corner of Edinburgh will have a garden celebrating the joy of community food growing. There will be a rich menu of events suited for every taste, for children and adults alike, including: children’s poetry writing, bug hunting, storytelling and sharing, choir music, conversations on nature, food and sustainability, wind band, foraging, cooking and eating, as well as practical gardening workshops, and the launch of Edible Edinburgh Food Charter of a Sustainable Food City.
In association with Sustrans, visitors can also join in a guided bike tour of the
gardens (free but ticketed). Bookings can be made online.
Whether on foot or on two wheels, visitors can plan their Festival trip and keep up to date with the latest events and information via The Power of Food Festival website (details below).
A Festival for everyone
Why not invite your friends and family to take part in the first Edinburgh Power of Food Festival? The weekend will give everyone a chance to meet people in their local community, to join those who are transforming the city landscape everyday, and to give a deeper meaning to the word ‘community’. Maybe it will be the beginning of a great adventure: who knows where The Power of Food will take you?
The full programme of events can be accessed here: PoF Programme
Come with family and friends to The Power of Food Festival
Celebrating community food growing and local change makers
summer solstice weekend 20-21 June
W: poweroffoodfestival.wordpress.
Twitter @PoFFest FacebookEdinburghPowerofFoodFestival
Art exhibition at St Columba’s this week
The 29th Annual Art Exhibition by the Art Friends of St Columba’s Hospice is an excellent opportunity to view and maybe even buy some excellent art for this excellent cause. It will take place at the St Columba’s Hospice Education Centre, Boswall Road on:
Friday 5 June 12 noon – 8pm (incl informal drinks reception from 6pm)
Saturday 6 June – 10am – 4pm
Sunday 7 June – 11am – 4pm
More details to be found here
http://www.stcolumbashospicefu
Fingers crossed for fair weather this weekend
Summer’s almost upon us and this weekend sees the start of those seasonal events – the fetes, galas and fun days – here’s hoping the sun will come out and help things along!
There are loads of events happening this weekend. Today we have the Family Fun Day event at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre from 11am – 3pm and there’s also the Teddy Bears Picnic at West Pilton Park from 11.30 – 2.30pm.
Slightly further afield there’s Holy Cross Episcopal Church Summer Fete in Davidson’s Mains from 2 – 4pm today, Clermiston & Drumbrae Children’s Gala today and tomorrow at Drumbrae Leisure Centre and don’t forget Newhaven Gala at Victoria Primary School today from midday too!
A community cleanup is taking place in West Pilton Green from 10am tomorrow morning as well, so fingers crossed the predicted showers stay away – we don’t want those teddies getting wee wet bottoms!
Edinburgh: it’s time to get it right
Granton Improvement Society’s SHAERON AVERBUCH bemoans Edinburgh planners’ lack of vision …
Last Thursday (14 May), I went to see the proceedings made by the Edinburgh Planning Committee regarding the final approval of the Local Development Plan (LDP).
It was very impressive to see how many residents groups and community councillors were clearly against the proposed plans for further housing allocations in their areas. This was for good reason in the main, although all acknowledged the undeniable need for housing to meet the rapid city growth. However, none of the parties – with the exception of the Willie Black who represented the Granton Improvement Society – wanted the new homes in their areas, mostly because there was not the road infrastructure to deal with the extra traffic that this would incur, particularly in the Brunstane and Barnton areas.
The other resounding fact raising concern by the majority of the groups presenting a deputation against the LDP was in regard to the majority of proposed new housing eating into the remaining green belt areas, particularly in the west of the city and again the Brunstane and Cammo areas. Gilmerton and Moredun also seemed to have great reservations.
Questions were raised by the various deputations asking why the brown field sites could not be utilised for housing instead. Willie Black of the Granton Improvement Society was vociferous in his demand to welcome further development for the area he represented and another representative from a different ward again emphatically stressed that the Edinburgh Planning Department, after a very lengthy assessment process, had granted permissions to Forth Ports PLC when set up as such to undertake a vast amount of housing under a phased development plan and why was there not further actions on this.
A further clear question asked by members of the various deputations was around whether it was correct that Councillor Frank Ross should be present on the Planning Committee when he was also on the board of so many of the cities development holding companies.
A series of other legal questions were raised by a Mr Kelly, Professor of Law at Edinburgh University as to whether the LDP was on par and could meet the scrutiny set out in the guidelines of the Scottish Governments SES Plan. More on this can be found online.
In another capacity as a member of the JUMP (Joined Up Master Planning) Group I would like to take the opportunity to add my personal opinion and that is that the City itself has identified the north area of the city as having the most scope for further regeneration.
Housing is a significant part of that. However, so much has already been compromised along the Edinburgh waterfront and there is nothing that has given anything back to existing communities or to compensate for loss of heritage, green space and natural habitats. No one can deny that what has happened in Leith Docks and Newhaven is only part of a longer term phased plan.
This is one reason why the previously mentioned Granton Improvement Society had proposed a three part plan for the historic walled garden at Granton, hoping instead to preserve the garden and establish an international garden festival, outdoor swimming facilities and artisans village to complement the other activities and create a destination on an otherwise derelict and forgotten area of the city.
This three part project would wash it’s face financially, genuinely offering jobs and training opportunities for young people and others and as a social enterprise, give back a percentage of the profits to support or start other projects in the area. So what’s not to like? https://grantonimprovementsociety.wordpress.org
Perhaps in the newly adopted LDP the City could take the bull by the horns this time round to ensure that – when further development does take place in the Waterfront area that it is done sensitively and that other planning criteria might possibly be introduced and applied, ie., aesthetics, design and scrutiny of building materials and a very strong cultural plan that also encompasses or encourages the creation of natural habitats and public access to enjoy recreational activities. Schools, shops and visitors centres are also required.
We need to demand more from our City Councillors, who not only hold the purse strings and the permission to transfer assets to communities should the situation arise. Well at least that is what all we community groups are hoping for under the new Community Empowerment Act legislation. Will this even scratch the surface of Edinburgh’s tough, tougher and toughest, overtly anti-community empowerment SKIN!!
My final comment is that Edinburgh is a world class city with UNESCO world heritage status. The Edinburgh Waterfront area and those linked to it must be recognised to be capable of international merit and to be valued more by local people.
The City of Edinburgh NEEDS a Cultural Plan. It should be applying to be City of Culture and to have an EXPO in the North Edinburgh Area. The City should be looking at other world class small cities with waterfronts and waterways and doing all it’s power to literally catch up with competitors and show a new stronger identity delivered through added value, people power, contemporary culture, ecological sensitivity and an understanding of urbanism requirements for the 21st Century and beyond.
Lets stop Edinburgh getting it wrong and start getting it right!
Shaeron Averbuch, Granton Improvement Society