Category: North Edinburgh News

wagamama to open at Fort Kinnaird

WAGAMAMA has announced the opening of a new restaurant in Edinburgh Fort Kinnaird, making it their 4th restaurant in Edinburgh and ninth in Scotland.

The new location opens at Fort Kinnaird on 9 March.

Regional Marketing Manager, Kate Dell said: “We’re so excited to be bringing wagamama to Fort Kinnaird, making it our ninth restaurant in Scotland. We look forward to welcoming wagamama fans and new guests alike with our nourishing Japanese inspired menu in March.”

The new restaurant has 171 internal seats and a small outdoor seating area of 41 seats.

wagamama is renowned for its iconic katsu curry as well as a menu packed full of fresh, nourishing dishes including rice bowls, noodles and curries.

wagamama caused a wave of excitement amongst the growing vegan audience when it introduced the vegan version of its famous katsu curry, the “vegatsu” last year and now proudly has a vegan menu featuring 19 plant based dishes.

General manager of wagamama in Fort Kinnaird, Martin McColl said: “We can’t wait to be finally opening our doors in Fort Kinnaird, all of our new team are really excited and we look forward to welcoming everybody in the local area into our new restaurant in March.”

wagamama opens to the public 9 MARCH with special opening times.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “There’s been a huge amount of anticipation ahead of the new wagamama restaurant opening, so we’re very excited for the official opening in March.

“The Fort Kinnaird wagamama is not only a stunning build, it is a fantastic addition to the extensive dining options we offer.  I know it will be an instant hit with shoppers, whether they’re having a bite to eat before the cinema or refuelling after a shop.”

wagamama: our story and our food 

‘kaizen’, meaning ‘good change’ is the philosophy that sits right at our heart. It shapes every dish we create, and pushes us to find better ways in all that we do. We’re restless spirits, forever creating and making things better.

We’ve been practising kaizen since 1992, when we opened our first doors in London’s Bloomsbury. Inspired by fast-paced, Japanese ramen bars and a celebration of Asian food, wagamama burst into life.

We set out to create a unique way of eating; bringing the fresh, nourishing, flavours of Asia to all.

A warming bowl of bold ramen, teppan dishes griddled to perfection or if you would rather rice, you’re in luck – our menu features many Japanese favourites. Fresh, authentic menus that are updated seasonally. wagamama is a staple of modern Asian cuisine.

In the name of kaizen, our standards are high. Our ingredients are cooked fresh, served fresh. Every bowl and plate that we fill with them is served as soon as it’s ready. The colours and aromas, flavours and spices are always at their best when they touch your table.

For more information please visit https://restaurants.wagamama.com/edinburgh/edinburgh-fort-kinnaird

Nursing student’s play impresses judges

A gritty play written by a student and performed as a teaching aid has led to Edinburgh Napier being nominated twice in the prestigious Student Nursing Times Awards 2020.

Trisha Jeram has been shortlisted for ‘Most Inspirational Student Nurse of the Year’ for her work creating the play, ‘Cracks’.

The play tells the story of Bob and Debbie, whose lives gradually interweave to show stark differences in health outcomes due to unequal access to health and social care services.

Written and directed by Trisha (above), a third year Masters in Nursing student, Cracks stars a volunteer cast of amateur actors including nursing students, community actors and staff from the School of Health & Social Care.

Student nurse actor Siobhan Bourke said: “Trisha is a huge inspiration and an amazing person all round. If you bring your idea to the right people, in this case the lecturers at Edinburgh Napier University, it can reach its potential.”

Film studies students from Edinburgh Napier’s School of Arts & Creative Industries produced a film of Cracks, which is now part of an undergraduate nursing course on health and social care integration.

It is for this use of drama in nursing education that a team of School of Health & Social Care staff including Catherine Mahoney, Fiona Bastow, Bruce Harper-McDonald, and Richard Kyle were shortlisted in a second category – ‘Teaching Innovation of the Year’.

Using drama has helped students to understand the complexity and reality of health and social care integration.  On-going research led by the Cracks team is evaluating the impact that using drama has on students’ learning.

Speaking of the impact of drama in the classroom, student nurse actor Nicola Jamieson said: “Cracks has been really good at generating discussion. Interagency working and integration don’t sound like the most interesting topics but the film has given them a human face through Debbie and Bob.”

Cracks was performed live at the Summerhall in Edinburgh to a public audience in June 2019 using a novel combination of live action and recorded footage from the film.

Professor Alyson Tobin, Vice Principal of Learning and Teaching at Edinburgh Napier, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Trisha and colleagues in the School of Health & Social Care have been shortlisted for these prestigious awards.

“It recognises the talent and creativity of our students and staff, and just shows what can happen when we work together to push boundaries to create innovative teaching and learning approaches.

“Trisha’s nomination will inspire others to pursue their own passions to support student learning.  I wish her and my colleagues in the School every success on awards night.”

Winners of the Student Nursing Times Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane on Friday 24 April.

Enough is enough!

Councillors will meet tomorrow to discuss six steps for boosting sustainability, tackling poverty and improving residents’ wellbeing over the course of the next decade. The meeting comes a week before the city council sets it’s budget – a budget which UNISON says will slash council services with another £33 million in CUTS in the year ahead.

Designed to secure Edinburgh’s spending priorities, in the context of increasingly challenging financial circumstances, the six programmes of work are contained within a report detailing the next phase of the Council’s Change Strategy.

Members of the Finance and Resources Committee will consider the suggestions alongside detailed proposals for agreeing the city’s annual budget next week (20 February) and planned savings of £87.3m over the next three years.

One year into a four-year plan, the Change Strategy has already achieved savings of over £30m for the Council, while delivering improvements to frontline services across the city and major investment towards health and social care, the building of new schools and thousands of affordable homes.

Since last year’s budget, the Council has made significant progress against its target to deliver 10,000 new affordable homes by 2022, with 2,000 homes currently under construction across 35 sites.

A £153m improvement is making upgrades to nearly 600 buildings, with £67m spent building new or refurbishing schools, while an additional £15.7m has been put towards health and social care.

The start of the tram to Newhaven extension is underway – we’ll have to wait and see what the final cost of that particular project will be – and more than £7.4m has been invested into active travel and cycling around the city, alongside an £11m street lighting upgrade to LED.

The next phase of the council strategy builds on this work, identifying six programmes with practical steps for continuing to achieve Edinburgh’s spending priorities in this year’s Council budget and beyond.

The six programmes are:

  • Prioritising poverty and wellbeing

Developing a long-term Prevention Strategy based on the results of the Edinburgh Poverty Commission and the findings of the Homelessness Taskforce, and redesigning Council services which maximise residents’ wellbeing.

  • Working to reach net zero carbon

Co-sponsoring the establishment of the Edinburgh Commission for Climate Action – an independent body that will advise and support the whole city to play its part in protecting our environment for future generations – and building on the city’s Net Zero short-term improvement plan with a City Sustainability Strategy.

  • Building an inclusive city

Finalising and actioning a new City Plan and City Centre Transformation strategy to guide the future shape of the city and fulfilling the ambitions of Edinburgh’s 10-year City Mobility plan to change the way that people move around the city.

  • Operating a 21st Century estate

Launching a new Land and Property Commission to better identify sites for new housing, release depots and yards for redevelopment and capital for investment, reduce costs and carbon emissions – complemented by a new Estate Strategy examining all aspects of how the Council runs and maintains buildings and land.

  • Being an efficient and modern Council

Paying the baseline Living Wage to all employees, working to close the gender pay gap and improve diversity, and breaking down stigma associated with mental health conditions. We will also be reviewing senior management structures and costs.

  • Empowering citizens and empowering colleagues

By introducing new standards for consultation and co-designing services across the Council and fulfilling our commitment of 1% of council budgets being invested through participatory budgeting by 2021.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “We need to think big and be bold to become the type of city people have told us they want to live and work in – an inclusive, sustainable and progressive city which prioritises frontline services and its most vulnerable citizens, puts an end to poverty and acts now against climate change – and we shouldn’t be afraid to make challenging decisions in order to get there.

“That’s why we’re changing the way we do things, committing to a longer term, three-year budget plan, paving the way for record capital investment in areas like new schools, new affordable new homes and sustainable transport. The six steps outlined in this report will make sure we remain focused on our key aims while providing the best services possible for the people of Edinburgh.”

The SNP can’t run the city on their own, of course, and they are supported by Labour in a ‘Capital Coalition’ which has been coming in for increasing criticism.

Capital Coalition Depute Leader, Labour’s Cllr Cammy Day, said: “Like all Councils, we’re facing unprecedented levels of financial uncertainty and we’ll need to make tough choices in order to prioritise the big changes Edinburgh wants and needs.

“The six areas have been shaped by many years of feedback, through our budget consultations with tens of thousands of Edinburgh residents. This is about focusing on frontline services which lift people out of poverty and support Edinburgh’s ambitious sustainability goals.

“Most councils will currently be considering how to set a one-year budget. We’re going further by looking at how we will balance our budgets over the next three years. We’ll do this while also continuing to push for the powers we need to introduce innovative new funding mechanisms for Edinburgh, such as the tourist tax and workplace parking levy.”

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

Local government trade union UNISON is urging it’s members and the general public to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH and stand up for our local jobs and services.

The union is holding a Council Budget Day Lobby from 08.30 – 10:00 at the City Chambers on the High Street

  • Stress levels at breakdown point
  • Further £33m in cuts.
  • Health & Social Care Funding Crisis
  • Hundreds of jobs to go
  • Outsourcing back

Don’t Sit Still!

Young at heart get active with chair-based exercise

Active Communities March 2019

Edinburgh Leisure’s Ageing Well programme, working in partnership with Steady Steps, an NHS community-based health referral programme, has launched a new chair-based exercise class in a new locality at the Queensferry Sports & Community Hub. 

Running every Monday, from 11.45 am – 1.00 pm, the class launched on Monday, 3rd February with eight people attending and more participants expected over the coming weeks.

The Ageing Well Project, run by Edinburgh Leisure in partnership with NHS Lothian, delivers a range of city-wide activities which support people to become, and remain, active in later life.

The emphasis is on meeting new people and making physical activity accessible and enjoyable. Each session is followed by refreshments and time for that all-important chat and a cuppa.

Steady Steps is run in partnership with NHS Lothian and delivers group exercise sessions to people who have had or are at risk of having a fall with the aim of preventing future falls and injury.

There is scientific evidence that the exercise used in the sessions help to increase endurance, strength, flexibility and balance. The classes are delivered in a safe environment and can be adapted so no exercise is too easy or difficult for any individual.

Michael McLaughlin, Specialist Health Instructor at Edinburgh Leisure said: “These classes will act as a pathway for those attending Steady Steps, so they have a class to continue on to.  It will mean that they don’t undo all the hard work they have put in when they have been attending the 16-week Steady Steps programme for 1.5 hours each week.

“We’re also hoping to welcome any other older adults in the community looking to be active.  No specialist equipment or workout gear is required.  Just wear lose, comfortable clothes and trainers or soft-soled shoes.  It’s such a great opportunity to make new friends too and of course, socialise over tea and biscuits afterwards.”

A donation of £2 is welcomed for the class.

Interested?  Just turn up at the Queensferry Sports & Community Hub, 30 Ashburnham Road, Queensferry, South Queensferry EH30 9JN

A third of women consider HPV a taboo topic

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs is supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to tackle the myths and stigma around the common virus Human papillomavirus, HPV, and get the facts out.

This year, Scotland’s cervical screening programme is moving to test for HPV first, a far more sensitive test that will save lives but also means many more women will be told they have HPV. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust ran its #SmearForSmear campaign during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week last month (20-26 January) to tackle the misconceptions about the virus.

In the majority of cases, HPV infection goes away without doing the body any harm. However, sometimes it causes cells to change which, if not treated, could develop into cervical cancer. Testing for HPV is a far more accurate test estimated to prevent almost 500 diagnoses of cervical cancer every year in the UK.

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs and the UK’s cervical cancer charity want as many people as possible to understand the importance of cervical screening and to feel informed and comfortable when they get their results.

New research conducted by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust has found a third of women consider HPV a taboo topic and would not want anyone to know if they had it.

A quarter haven’t heard of HPV and one in five would feel embarrassed if they were told they had the virus. Calls to the charity’s Helpline about HPV have already risen 50% over the past year. It is expecting this to significantly rise as more women are tested for HPV and is calling on health professionals to be prepared for increases in questions from patients and encouraging open conversation.

Miles Briggs, Lothian MSP, said: “It is concerning that one in three women consider HPV to be a taboo topic and this risks putting women off being screened.

“Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust are doing excellent work to correct the myths around HPV and get the facts straight and encouraging more women to be screened.

“It is better to be safe and screening for the virus shouldn’t be something for women to be embarrassed about.”

Robert Music, Chief Executive, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust said: “HPV can be confusing but it is nothing to be ashamed of. 80% of us will get at least one type of HPV in our lives and in most cases the immune system will get rid of the infection without it causing any harm.

“We need to get the facts out about HPV and get rid of harmful myths and stigma around this really common virus.”

Ultimate One-bedroom City Apartment Hits the Market

AN EXCLUSIVE one-bedroom apartment has been released for sale at the capital’s most sought-after new development.

CALA Homes (East) has seen huge demand for properties at The Crescent at Donaldson’s, now releasing the final available homes in the west wing – including the ultimate pied-a-terre, 3/16 Donaldson Crescent.

On the market for £680,000, the elegant spilt-level first floor apartment enjoys a prime position in the development and boasts a generous master bedroom with an en suite and a walk-in wardrobe space.

The one bedroom apartment’s sweeping glass frontage stretches from the kitchen through to the dining and living space providing near uninterrupted views towards Edinburgh’s sublime skyline.

A unique feature of the property is the mezzanine office space which provides impeccable views of the iconic Donaldson’s estate.

What makes living at The Crescent truly unique within central Edinburgh, however, is the tranquil setting within the 18-acre Donaldson’s estate – the capital’s largest communal garden.

Philip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director with CALA Homes (East), said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to set up home in one of Edinburgh’s most desirable locations.

“The one-bedroom apartment offers everything you could need for contemporary city living and more, being so closely situated to all of the attractions, landmarks, restaurants and bars in the capital.

“This elegant split-level apartment showcases the magnificent design and architecture displayed throughout this development, as well as the breath-taking views across the city.

“However, it also enjoys a peacefully secluded location within the Donaldson’s estate, with gardens and grounds on the doorstep and the treelined rear of the development. So you really have the best of both worlds.

“We’d urge those interested to act quickly as there are only two one-bedroom apartments in each wing and so far they have been a huge hit with buyers.”

CALA’s The Crescent has also achieved widespread industry acclaim and has been recognised with multiple awards for the ambitious design, cutting-edge architecture and premium showhomes since launch earlier this year.

With prices ranging from £595,000 to £1,750,000, the properties at The Crescent comprise some of the most prestigious new builds currently on offer in Edinburgh.

Designed by renowned architect, Richard Murphy OBE, the sweeping arc of 84 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, duplexes and penthouses is a modern interpretation of Georgian architecture.

It is home to the most comprehensive electric vehicle charging provision in Scotland, where every apartment has access to a charging point and parking space in the private underground car park, accessible by lift access.

Just one mile west of Princes Street, The Crescent has a variety of amenities on the doorstep with excellent transport links both into and out of the city.

Two show apartments are open daily from 11am to 5.30pm. For more information, please visit: https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/east-of-scotland/the-crescent-at-donaldsons or call 0131 341 2667.

More Queensferry Road disruption ahead

SGN Gas Network Upgrade – Queensferry Road, Edinburgh

Scottish Gas Network:

Our work in the Queensferry Road area will begin on Thursday 13 February and last approximately four days. (Sun Feb 16)

During this project it will be necessary to close the following roads to ensure everyone’s safety:

Cammo Road at the junction with Queensferry Road.

During this time traffic will be diverted via Cammo Gardens and Maybury Road.

Queensferry Road will be down to ONE lane in both directions and may cause delays.

Signed local diversion routes will be in place for motorists, commuters and pedestrians.

This project have been planned to coincide with the school holidays, and when traffic is likely to be quieter, ensuring disruption is kept to a minimum.

We’ll be working extended hours to complete our works within the timeframe. We know that this is a busy area and wish to assure you that work will progress as quickly as possible and we’ll be doing everything we can to limit delays and disruption.

Please feel free to share this information with your stakeholders, colleagues and anyone else who may be impacted by our work. All local residents have been notified.

If you have any specific enquiries about this project, please call us on 0131 469 1728 during office hours (8am to 4.00pm) or 0800 912 1700 and our customer service team will be happy to help.

I’d like to thank you in advance for your support and understanding during this time.

Celebrations as milestone “first-stretch” of path gets underway

LOCALS and visitors to Gullane are a big step closer to enjoying a safe, four-mile pathway to the nearest railway station thanks to the actions of a major homebuilder.

For 15 years the Drem-Gullane Path Campaign has been calling for an off-road path to take pedestrians and cyclists away from the busy B1377 and has built widespread support from a cross-section of the community.

Now the group has cause for long-awaited celebration, with the first stretch of the path officially underway, courtesy of CALA Homes (East), at its Marine Rise development in the village.

In the coming weeks CALA will build the first quarter mile, of a one mile stretch starting from the corner of Fenton Road and Main Street, eventually stretching the length of the C111 to West Fenton.

CALA is simultaneously progressing plans for the remaining first phase, with the path also continuing on land at upcoming developments Fentoun Meadow and Saltcoats.

Jordon McKenna, Site Manager at CALA’s Marine Rise development in Gullane, said: “As a responsible developer, we want to be able to bring benefit to the wider community.

“This path will be a precious resource for locals and visitors. Credit to the campaign group for its persistence and patience, we’re thrilled to be able to play a role in this tangible first build.

“While we’re still advancing plans for the remainder of the first phase to West Fenton, we must also thank the work and engagement of the various landowners whose land it will traverse – including Luffness Estate and West Fenton farms.”

Spokesperson for the campaign, Iain Monk, said: “We are delighted to finally see the diggers moving in to start work on the first section of the path. This is a significant milestone for our 15-year campaign, which commands widespread support across the community.

“Pedestrians and cyclists should be able to travel safely between Drem and Gullane, free from the busy and dangerous main road.

The Drem-Gullane path will transform our coastal communities and the lives of the people who live in them. It will also attract visitors to the area, which will be good news for local shops, pubs and restaurants.”

The tangible progress has also been welcomed by local politicians from across the political spectrum.

Kenny MacAskill, MP for East Lothian, said: “This is great news. Safe, family-friendly active travel options are essential for both commuters and citizens alike. This new pathway will be good for the health of local residents and our environment. Campaigners, CALA and local landowners are to be commended for making it happen.

“After declaring a climate emergency seven months ago, East Lothian Council must act now and ensure the remaining sections of the path to Drem are delivered as a matter of urgency.”

Iain Gray, MSP for East Lothian, said: “I have always supported the campaign for the development of a safe, off-road path linking Gullane and Drem, so I am pleased to welcome the start of work on constructing this stretch of cycle/footpath from Gullane to West Fenton.

“This has come about as a result of positive collaboration between CALA Homes and local campaigners and will offer a new option for active travel in the area as well as supporting local businesses. I commend those who have worked hard to secure it and look forward to the benefits it will bring.”

The benefits of the path’s construction to local businesses has been welcomed by the community.

General Manager at The Old Clubhouse Bar and Restaurant, Dominic Campanile, said: “The Old Clubhouse is delighted to see construction start on a one-mile path from Gullane to West Fenton. As a local business, we are in no doubt about the positive economic impact it will have on the area.

“It will be a fantastic asset for the community and we want to tap into the thriving cycle and walking tourism sector. Attracting more visitors to the area will be good for all the businesses in Gullane.”

To take a look at CALA’s available properties in Gullane, please visit: https://www.cala.co.uk/gullane

Private parking companies and the DVLA

Why it’s YOU that’s in the wrong in the eyes of the law:  an insight from law specialists at Thorntons 

There is a common misconception that private parking companies have no legal recourse to pursue drivers for parking fines incurred while using their premises, but the truth is a little more complicated.

In the past, Scottish law has been unclear on the matter, but it is important that motorists are aware that not only is there very definite rulings in favour of the parking companies, but they also have access to DVLA records to track down infringers and begin proceedings against them.

Parking tickets

Parking tickets issued by private companies in private car parks are not fines, they are classed as Parking Charge Notices. This is different from Penalty Charge Notices which are issued by council traffic wardens and the police. Penalty Charge Notices are regulated fines, backed by legislation.

When you park in a private car park the terms and conditions of the car park must be clearly displayed along with a warning of the charge payable for failing to display a ticket/permit or overstaying. If the terms and conditions of the car park are clearly displayed and you park in that car park, you are agreeing to those terms and conditions.

You are entering into a contract with the car park operator. If you fail to adhere to the terms and conditions of the car park you may be issued with a Parking Charge Notice.

Failure to pay a Parking Charge Notice will result in the car park operator pursuing you for the sum contained in the charge notice. The car park operator will allow you an opportunity to pay and may permit you to enter into a payment arrangement. If you ignore or refuse to pay the Parking Charge Notice the landowner or car park operator can take legal action against you.

In order for the parking company to succeed at court they must establish, on the balance of probabilities, who was responsible for parking the vehicle. This differs from the approach in England where legislation exists holding the registered keeper as accountable for payment of Parking Charge Notices irrespective of whether they were the driver of the vehicle.

Failing to pay these tickets once issued can be seen in the eyes of the law as a breach of contract and the car park operators can then take the offending motorist to court to recover their losses. A recent example of this would be the Dundee woman who was ordered to pay a staggering £24,000 in fines racked up over a period of months that saw her ignore over 200 separate tickets. 

Data protection

The other issue with private parking tickets is just how they attain drivers’ information to issue the fines in the first place, but once again, the law is firmly on their side.

Far from being a breach of data protection regulation, gaining the information necessary from the DVLA is a simple process that anyone, not just the parking companies, can take advantage of for the sum of £2.50.

The DVLA will only give out this information if the requestor has reasonable causes. There are multiple examples of these listed on the DVLA website including finding out who was responsible for an accident, tracing the registered keeper of an abandoned vehicle and tracing people responsible for driving off without paying for goods and services, but crucially, giving out parking tickets is also on this list.

This means it could be difficult to bring a claim that a breach of the data protection legislation has been made when a parking company uses the DVLA to track down a motorist who they wish to issue a fine towards.

The only other condition which a private parking company needs to satisfy to get the information is that it must be a member of either the British Parking Association or the International Parking Community. These organisations are essentially not-for-profit trade bodies.

What should you do if you are issued with a Parking Charge Notice

If you have been issued with a Parking Charge Notice and were the person responsible for parking the vehicle, you should pay the fine.

If you have been issued with a Parking Charge Notice but you were not driving the vehicle at the time, you should explain this to the landowner or car park operator. They may ask you to prove this and state who was responsible for parking the vehicle.

If you have been issued with a Parking Charge Notice and you followed the terms and conditions of the car park you should explain this to the landowner or car park operator. Mistakes can happen and if you have been issued with a Parking Charge Notice when you clearly have a ticket displayed, keep your parking ticket and send a photocopy of it to the landowner or car park operator.

If you are unsure of your options when issued with a Parking Charge Notice or court proceedings have been raised against you, seek legal advice at an early stage.