Category: North Edinburgh News

School strikes to go ahead next week

UNISON Scotland has received a message of unwavering solidarity from Andrea Bradley, the General Secretary of the EIS Union.

In this message, she extends heartfelt support to our dedicated UNISON members within the Education sector who have taken a courageous stand for fair pay on behalf of all local government workers.

Highlighting the invaluable contributions of education workers to the growth and development of young minds and our society as a whole, Andrea Bradley emphasises the urgent need to address the undervaluation of their work:

Solidarity from EIS

“The EIS stands in full solidarity with UNISON members within Education who have been forced to take strike action in the just fight for fair pay.

Education is a vital public service within which workers are contributing massively to young people’s learning, care and development for the benefit of our whole society.

Yet we continue to see that work being undervalued by those who hold the purse-strings. All power to your members for their courage in standing up for themselves, their colleagues and their families… and for the future of Scottish Education. All school staff deserve to be paid fairly for the essential work that they do. No ifs, no buts, no maybes. Solidarity from the EIS!”

– Andrea Bradley, EIS General Secretary

COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson Councillor Katie Hagmann responded yesterday: “I am extremely disappointed with the news from UNISON today that not only are they recommending rejection of this half a billion pay package – they are putting our communities, especially our children and young people, through the turmoil and mayhem of strikes next week with their actions.

“We have met every ask of our Trade Union colleagues throughout these negotiations and this best and final offer was made on the basis that strikes would be suspended.

“We absolutely value all our Local Government Workforce and throughout these negotiations Council Leaders have re-iterated the value we place on the Workforce and the work that they do.

“It is totally unacceptable that with such a significant offer on the table that our Trade Union colleagues are putting our communities and our young people through the turmoil of strikes.

“It must be reiterated that we are talking about a pay package worth over £445 million, specifically targeted at the lower end of our workforce.  A pay package which not only compares well to other sectors but recognises the cost-of-living pressures on our workforce and which would mean the lowest paid would see an in-year uplift of over £2000 or just under 10%.  

“This would mean that a pupil support assistant currently earning £22,000 would receive a £2006 pay increase and a new salary of £24.000. This is an additional £748 from the offer in April.”

Your Pay: The Facts PDF (21/09/23)

Research shows avoidable falls in the home can be reduced by 69 per cent

Avoidable falls in the home can be reduced up to 69 per cent with the right information and support in place, that’s according to the launch of a new report released today by Trent & Dove Housing Association and The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

The report analyses a pioneering joint project between the two organisations that investigated the incidence and causes of avoidable falls among housing associations tenants and empowered them with the tools and support to implement personal prevention measures. This was achieved through educational sessions for customers, staff and community groups, and home visits to help people identify and address hazards.

One hundred and sixty-one customers received a home visit from Trent & Dove’s customer health and safety advisor (CHSA) between September 2022 and May 2023. These were to houses, general-needs flats, bungalows, and sheltered scheme flats. 55 per cent of customers visited had had a fall in the 12 months before their home visit, more than the NICE annual national averages. Sixty per cent were reliant on a mobility aid including sticks, scooters, walkers, and crutches.

During visits, the CHSA conducted fall focused home safety checks introduced tenants to RoSPA’s Fall Fighter material and given tailored home safety advice.

After the visit, 90 per cent said they knew more about fall prevention, 91 per cent felt safer at home, 74 per cent took action to avoid a fall at home and 73 per cent felt less likely to have a fall at home. Sixty nine per cent of those in the pilot study experienced a reduction in avoidable falls.

Jules Robinson, Fall Prevention Lead at RoSPA and former Trent & Dove employee, said: “There are approximately 1,500 housing associations in the UK with a reach of 4.4 million households, so we urge all of those to act and as a starting point, implement fall RoSPA’s Fall Fighters which is free.

“While housing associations can understand the benefits of putting fall prevention at the heart of their strategies, it can seem like a costly exercise. But there is a strong business case to do so – by assessing tenant needs, they may be able to transition to a smaller, more suitable home, and by receiving lifestyle and safety advice, they’re better prepared to look after themselves and the property.”

Anna Hickman, Head of Health and Safety at Trent & Dove, said: “We are buoyed by our research that shows that we can make a difference to tenants’ lives by reducing avoidable falls through taking relatively simple measures to ensure they feel safe and confident in their own homes.

“Until now there has been relatively little data for those in the housing sector about falls in the home, so we hope our work paves the way for other housing associations that are passionate about saving and improving lives.”

To explore falls related resources and learn more about RoSPA’s Fall Fighter training, please see here.

Fall-Prevention-Project-Full-ReportDownload

The Leith Collective launches its winter coat exchange ahead of ‘Christmas crisis’ predictions

Locals urged to donate to those struggling with the cost of living

The soaring cost of living, continuing high inflation and mounting energy bills will culminate in a ‘Christmas crisis’, predicts The Leith Collective. The Edinburgh Community Interest Company has been helping locals via a range of free clothing exchange initiatives throughout 2023, but says the coming season will likely be their toughest challenge yet.

First launched in January 2022, The Leith Collective’s winter coat exchange proved instantly popular, with more than 7,000 good quality coats donated and rehomed over the course of the year. But whilst many had hoped spiralling everyday expenses would settle in 2023, sadly the cost of living has continued to climb. According to The Leith Collective, the result of this is an even bigger number of Edinburgh residents now facing breaking point.

In response, The Leith Collective is now on a mission to distribute more coats than ever before and is appealing to local residents as well as businesses with excess old stock to donate what they can.

Speaking ahead of the launch of the 2023 winter coat exchange, founder Sara Thomson said; “We’ve had countless people telling us that last winter was unbearable. We all hoped that things would change for the better in 2023, but sadly it’s been cut back after cut back, price rise after price rise this year.

“For those people that had hoped to ‘ride out the storm’ last winter, the realisation that things have not improved since then and their struggles are likely to continue into 2024 will hit them hard this Christmas. 

“A warm and comfortable winter coat is a basic necessity, especially now that we’re seeing more and more extreme weather as a result of climate change. But for families that have been continually stretched, a coat yet another essential item that they are having to sacrifice.

“From our experience, the culminative effect of all these ongoing sacrifices can have a hugely detrimental impact on a person’s dignity and on their mental wellbeing.”

The winter coat exchange launches in all three Leith Collective stores on Sunday 1st October. Locals and businesses are being urged to donate good quality winter coats and waterproof jackets suitable for all ages and sizes. The coats will be available for anyone to collect at Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird and St Enoch Centre completely free of charge, no questions asked. 

The winter coat exchange is not only a practical response to the cost of living crisis, but also to the climate crisis – a cause which lies at the heart of The Leith Collective. The winter coat exchange is a sustainable solution that aims to keep quality clothes out of landfill and in use for longer, thus promoting a circular economy and helping to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry.

As a Community Interest Company, all profits from The Leith Collective go towards supporting the community and promoting sustainability through the arts.

The Leith Collective actively supports individuals with mental health or support needs to grow in confidence and gain experience in the workplace, and offers business mentorship to any members of the Collective.

It is hoped that by hosting the winter coat exchange in accessible locations such as Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird and St Enoch Centre, those currently experiencing difficulties will be able to receive a helping hand.

Coats can be dropped off or collected at The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal, The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird, and The Clydeside Collective at St Enoch Centre during opening hours.

Students can get free entry to Edinburgh Dungeon this September

BUT HURRY – OFFER CLOSES TOMORROW!

The Dungeons in Edinburgh, York and Blackpool are offering free entry to medical students to celebrate the start or return to university this September. 

All suffering students studying medicine will be able to claim free entry to the dark depths of the Dungeons during the 18th and 22nd of September, where they will come face to mask with the Plague Doctor, who will share their terrifying top tips to help them survive the year. 

Whether it’s fighting the dreaded freshers’ flu or battling the spine-chilling workload, the (in)famous Plague Doctor has all the answers to ensure students are imperfectly prepped for another year of sickening studies. 

The Dungeons is renowned for taking guests deep into the dark depths of each attractions’ local history, whether that be walking alongside notorious grave robbers Burke and Hare in Edinburgh, stepping inside Dick Turpin’s darkened carriage in York, or warding off the Pendle Witches in Blackpool. 

Mark Mattinson, General Manager at The York Dungeons, said: “Going to university can be one of the scariest things in a young adult’s life, and we’re here to make it even worse for them, with our truly terrifying and devilish dark experiences within our attractions. 

“There’s nothing a degree can teach you that the Plague Doctor can’t, so we thought we’d let medical students come and listen to our own in-house expert, they may even get treated for that freshers’ flu that plagues the university halls.”

To receive free entry to The Dungeons, medical students can visit their local attraction between 18th and 22nd of September and show proof of their university course when purchasing tickets. T&Cs apply*.

Not a medical student? Don’t fear! All students can get over 30% discounted tickets to the Dungeons. Students in York and Edinburgh can book directly through the Dunegons website, whereas students in Blackpool can book via Student Beans: https://www.studentbeans.com/student-discount/uk/the-blackpool-tower-dungeon

For further information and to book a visit to The Dungeons, please visit the website here: https://www.thedungeons.com/

Harvest celebration at Lauriston Agroecology Farm

Join us for our 2nd annual Harvest Celebration at Lauriston Agroecology Farm from 2pm – 5.30pm on Saturday the 30th September!

Line up as follows…

2pm – 3pm : “Arise” Storytelling Show from The Breadagogues – this show is free, but seats are limited, so please book to guarantee a reservation for the show. Unreserved standing places will also be available on the day.

Register on Eventbrite

2pm – 3pm : Soil Explorations in the field & under the microscope with Lauriston Soil Lab

2pm – 4pm : Apple Pressing with Lauriston Farm’s Orchard Group

2.30pm – 3.15pm : Herbal Walk with Grass Roots Remedies

3.00pm onwards : Food from Scran Academy

3 – 3.10pm : Spoken Word from Vicky Nyanga-Ndiaye

3.10pm – 4.10pm : Shunpike Social Club – Cumbia, Brazilian and Cuban music with big band flair

3.15pm – 4pm : Writing Workshop with Vicky Nyanga-Ndiaye

3.30pm – 5pm : Herbal Tea Bag Making with Grass Roots Remedies

4pm – 5.30pm : Grain Processing with a pedal powered mill (TBC)

4.10pm – 4.20pm : Spoken Word from Ayden Brouwers

4.20pm – 4.30pm : “Soil Health = Community Health” Cranky Theatre Show

4.30pm – 5.30pm : Open Music Session hosted by Shea Martin and Omar Afif – feel free to play or just listen to the audible pleasures. You can bring your own instrument or borrow one.

+ Veg, bread and herbal market stalls, face painting, games & crafts throughout!

#Harvest

#NorthEdinburgh

#Edinburgh

#UrbanFarm

#Agroecology

Scottish Ensemble are joined by Jasdeep Singh Degun for latest ambitious cross-genre collaboration

  • Scottish Ensemble are joined by Jasdeep Singh Degun for their latest ambitious cross-genre collaboration.
  • Scottish Ensemble partner with composer and sitarist Jasdeep Singh Degun, for a collaborative tour across Scotland this October.
  • Jasdeep is one of Britain’s leading voices in the Indian Classical Music tradition, and this tour will see him performing for the first time in Scotland.
  • The performance will feature the premier of a new composition by Jasdeep forsitar, tabla and strings, written specifically to be performed alongside Scottish Ensemble’s musicians.
  • Touring to Dundee, Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow and Manchester, this performance promises to spin a music tale of mesmerising melody, not to be missed!

“Showcases the classical music of the subcontinent but also mixes, melds and
modernises it.” – Financial Times, on Jasdeep’s debut album Anomaly

Scottish Ensemble kick off the first collaboration of their 2023/24 season performing alongside Leeds-born sitarist and composer, Jasdeep Singh Degun. Jasdeep has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s leading voices in the Indian Classical Music tradition.

He has performed at a wide range of prestigious and high-profile venues across the UK and abroad, including performing for Prince Harry as part of BBC Documentary Goldies Band; at the UN opening of the Amphitheatre in Doha, Qatar in 2012 in a concert led by composer Vangelis; accompanying Donovan at the Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool; and in a sell-outperformance of his album Anomaly at the Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room.

Partnering with Scottish Ensemble, Jasdeep will be bringing his unique approach to Indian classical composition to Scottish audiences for the first time. Scottish Ensemble and Jasdeep will tour to Dundee, Edinburgh, Inverness and Glasgow, with an additional afternoon performance at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

Jasdeep began work with Scottish Ensemble in July, when a quintet of string musicians to joined him and tabla player Harkiret Singh Bahra to begin developing this performance.

Together they began to bring together the complex and contrasting traditions of Indian and Western classical music. Scottish Ensemble took this opportunity to get to grips with the uber-tight rhythms and the beautiful balance of structure and freedom at the heart of the Indian classical music.

Scottish Ensemble are well-known for their innovative and ambitious cross-genre and crossartform collaborations. They strive to create exhilarating musical experiences through working with musicians from a wide array of genres and musical traditions. The development of this work has tested their musicians’ skills and challenged how they think about music and performance.

These moments are where collaboration flourishes, pushing the boundaries of form and genre, and challenging conventional musical labels or categorisation.

This performance will feature a number of compositions by Jasdeep Singh Degun, including works from his album Anomaly, alongside work by medieval German composer Hildegard von Bingen, and American contemporary composer Terry Riley.

These pieces of western repertoire are rooted in minimalism, drones, and improvisation, and were selected to complement and enhance the experience of Jasdeep’s compositions.

Hildegard von Bingen was a 12th-century abbess and polymath and is one of the most well known and most recorded composers of sacred monophony – Christian religious music which follows a single melodic line.

Drawing a contrast with this ancient music, is Terry Riley’s Sunrise of the
Planetary Dream Collector written for the Kronos Quartet in 1980.

This work allows its performers to “co-compose” a version of the piece. It is composed of 24 repeating modules designed to be combined, juxtaposed, and overlapped freely by the musicians in performance.

A highlight of the concert will come with the world premiere of a new work by Jasdeep, commissioned by Scottish Ensemble specifically for this tour.

This new work, composed for sitar, tabla, and string quintet, draws upon the creative collaboration between Jasdeep and Scottish Ensemble’s players from their initial rehearsals. Jasdeep spent two days with Scottish Ensemble’s musicians, sharing knowledge and experience, rehearsing arrangements of Jasdeep’s work and the western repertoire.

This experience and exchange of knowledge has built the foundation for Jasdeep’s new work, which is written specifically to be performed with Scottish Ensemble’s quintet of musicians.

Join Scottish Ensemble and Jasdeep Singh Degun this October for a musical tale, driven by the beautiful spontaneity of the Indian Classical tradition, transporting you through layers of mesmerising melody.

Listings Details

Dundee – Wed 4 October, 8pm – Marryat Hall
Edinburgh – Thu 5 October, 8pm – The Queen’s Hall
Inverness – Fri 6 October, 8pm – Eden Court
Glasgow – Sat 7 October, 8pm – Adelaide Place
Manchester – Sun 8 October, 4pm– Royal Northern College of Music

Tickets – https://scottishensemble.co.uk/programme/2023-24/jasdeep-singh-degun/

Embark on an autumnal adventure in Edinburgh with the National Trust for Scotland 

Make the most of the outdoors in Edinburgh and the Lothians this autumn with the National Trust for Scotland and create shared memories to treasure, with the opportunity to take part in stunning outdoor walks through spectacular autumnal gardens and fun-filled playparks for the whole family to enjoy. 

As Scotland’s largest conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland shares and protects over 100 places across the country thanks to the help of its members and supporters, including Malleny Garden and Newhailes Estate. With a wealth of captivating places to discover, wildlife to wonder at and picturesque landscapes to immerse yourself in. 

Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, a fun day outdoors with the family, or an opportunity to witness Scotland’s natural heritage through a relaxed guided tour, there are experiences to be shared at Trust places across the country.

At Gladstone’s Land, history lovers can explore the new immersive visitor experience and discover the fascinating lives of the people who once lives in the property – the perfect way to get children and young people engaged with and excited about Scotland’s history. 

With guided tours available at numerous Trust places, those with a passion for Scotland’s history and heritage can learn more while exploring some of the region’s most interesting places. 

For the perfect autumnal walk just half an hour’s drive from the capital, the House of the Binns parkland trail has it all. Discover woodland wildlife, wander amongst ancient trees and take in the rewarding views.

Create memories to remember as you discover the prominent and breath-taking landmarks around the estate. For those willing to venture slightly further afield, in October and November, animal lovers may spot grey seal pups at a number of National Trust for Scotland places, like St Abbs Head in the Scottish Borders. 

In Edinburgh and the Lothians this autumn, visitors can experience a range of activities for all ages across Newhailes, Georgian House and Gladstone’s Land.

Families can visit the spooky Haunted Woodland at Newhailes this autumn and enjoy an eerie trail through the woods. In the city centre, fans of the hit tv series Game of Thrones can enjoy learning all about the real Scottish events that inspired iconic moments from the hit show, like the infamous ‘Red Wedding’ at Gladstone’s Land on 23rd November.    

Stuart Maxwell, Regional Director for Edinburgh and the East at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “At the National Trust for Scotland, we look after and provide access to a wonderful breadth of places across Scotland, with many looking at their very best as the leaves change.

“Whether you’re looking for a family day out, to make memories with friends, share a new experience with a loved one or get a boost from connecting with Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage, there’s a place and activity for everyone across the over 100 properties our charity is proud to care for.  

“In and around Edinburgh this autumn, our visitors can embark on a scenic cycle around Newhailes House & Garden estate, or enjoy the hidden treasure that is Malleny Garden, a tranquil oasis on the outskirts of the city.

“Thanks to the support of our members, visitors and donors we’re able to continue protecting and sharing Scotland’s special places, providing a backdrop for memories that last a lifetime.” 

To plan your autumnal adventure, visit www.nts.org.uk.  

Scottish charities celebrate share of £1million fund

17 charities based in Scotland are celebrating today after receiving donations of £1,000 each as part of Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards.

For the fifth year running, Benefact Group is giving away over £1million to charities through its Movement for Good Awards. Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with 150 awards of £1,000 announced today. 

Cat Concern, a charity that helps to rehome cats, The Saturday Café Club, a charity offering young disabled children fun activities, and Touch of Love Outreach, a charity that helps support families in Aberdeen experiencing real hardship, are some of the charities set to benefit from the money, following overwhelming public support in the country.

Kind-hearted Scottish residents donated their time and submitted more than 24,500 nominations for charities close to their hearts, with over 1,200 causes receiving votes.

More than 15,000 charitable causes in the UK and Ireland received votes, thanks to over 250,000 nominations from supporters. The 150 winning charities were picked at random from those nominated, following 150 previous winners being selected in June. Further donations will be awarded throughout the year.

Since the awards began, nearly 2million people have nominated and made a difference to communities all across the UK and Ireland with more than £5million given to over 2,500 charities. 

This year, 420 charities will be awarded £1,000 donations, while 40 good causes will be awarded £5,000 via special grants throughout the year, aimed at helping charities in specific sectors. Winners will be drawn at random and the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected.  Further donations totalling £500,000 will also be given in larger amounts later this year.

To find out how to support the Movement for Good Awards and to nominate a cause you care about visit www.movementforgood.com.

Thanking supporters in Scotland, Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: “We would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause as part of our Movement for Good Awards.

“Benefact Group is the third largest corporate donor in the UK and has an ambition to be the biggest. Owned by a charity, all of its available profits go to good causes, and the more the Group grows, the more the Group can give.

“We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”

Full list of winning Scottish charities:

  • Accord Hospice
  • Aunchenblae Pre-School Group
  • Burntisland and District Pipe Band
  • Cat Concern
  • Edinburgh Tamil Sangam
  • Group for Recycling in Argyll and Bute Trust Limited
  • Kenyawi Kids
  • Mearns Kirk Helping Hands
  • Neighbourhood Watch Scotland 
  • PLUS (Forth Valley) Ltd
  • Saving and Rehoming Strays 
  • Scottish Badgers 
  • Start-Up Stirling
  • Stronger Together for Autism and Neurodivergence 
  • The Maggie Fleming Animal Hospice
  • The Saturday Café Club
  • Touch of Love Outreach

Benefact Group has donated almost £200million to charitable causes since 2014 and has been recognised as the third biggest corporate giver in the UK1. The organisation aims to reach £250million in donations by 2025.

Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.