Category: North Edinburgh News

Transfer of benefits reaches major milestone

Over 200,000 disabled people newly benefitting from Scottish social security system  

Over 200,000 disabled adults have now had their benefit award transferred to Social Security Scotland from the Department for Work and Pensions, new figures show.

Almost two thirds (63%) of adults in Scotland who were previously getting Personal Independence Payment are now receiving Adult Disability Payment.

This marks a milestone in the ambitious project to safely and securely transfer the disability and carers benefit awards of everyone in Scotland, allowing them to benefit from a new system based on dignity, fairness and respect.

Adult Disability Payment was designed in partnership with disabled people to be better than the benefit it is replacing.

A significant improvement was ending the time-consuming and demanding re-assessments carried out by the DWP to decide if someone’s support should continue.  

In Scotland these have been replaced with light touch reviews that ensure people are getting the right support without requiring them to provide unnecessary information or face a private sector assessment.

All disability and carer benefits are expected to be transferred to Social Security Scotland by the end of 2025, with benefit awards for disabled children already fully transferred.

A recent survey found almost 90% of people who had their disability benefit moved to Social Security Scotland said they were informed about the process and the communication was clear.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice said: “This is an important milestone in the devolution of benefits to Scotland.

“People who received DWP benefits talked about the system being inhumane. They had experienced a system which did not get the decision right first time and which involved degrading assessments run by private providers.

“That worry is over for many now as we have moved the awards of hundreds of thousands of people to our new system, where they can benefit from its founding principles of dignity, fairness and respect.

“Adult Disability Payment was designed in partnership with disabled people to be better, fairer and easier to access.

“We are continuing to transfer the awards of disabled people from the DWP to our new system.

“If you are waiting to have your award transferred, please be assured that you do not need to do anything. The move will begin automatically and there will not be any gaps or changes to your payments.”

Sylvia Paton who is registered blind, said: “A lot of people have been put through an assessment process where it feels as though staff are trying to trip you up and implying you are lying about your disability.

“The DWP made me go for a medical assessment. We went into a room with a window facing the door and it was an instant white out for me.

“The lady said, ‘Take a seat,’ but I couldn’t see one and she didn’t tell me where it was. It was just awful and humiliating. It was all about ticking boxes with no understanding of my medical condition.

“I didn’t experience anything like that going from PIP to Adult Disability Payment. It was very automatic and painless.”

James Kyle, 41, delayed telling the DWP about his deteriorating eyesight due to his “traumatic” experiences with them. James, from Cumbernauld, said: “My condition impacts on anything which requires me to see fine detail.

“Reading is particularly challenging and using the cooker and the washing machine can be a problem.

“Recognising people and threatening situations are also difficult and I try not to travel at night or go places I’m not familiar with. I stick to fixed routes I know very well and rely a lot on taxis.

“My eyesight had deteriorated but I didn’t want to put myself through a review, even if it meant I would get more money, because of the emotional trauma I’d been put through. There was also the fear of losing what I was already getting.  

“I heard Adult Disability Payment wasn’t as bad so I decided to report a change in circumstances which I knew would trigger my transfer from DLA.

“There was a long form to complete but when I asked for help a gentleman went through the form with me on a video conference call. I couldn’t have asked for a better service and my payment was uprated.”

Kirstie Henderson, Policy Officer at RNIB Scotland said: “We are delighted the Cabinet Secretary has visited, as it is vitally important that we listen to the experiences of blind and partially sighted people about social security benefits.

“Overall the experiences of people we’ve spoken to about their transfer to Adult Disability Payment has been positive, however there is always room for improvement.

“They have told us about the importance of receiving information in an accessible format, and being made aware of the support available to help claim what they’re entitled to.

“Access to information in accessible formats is a key principle – it allows people to take control of their own decisions. 

“RNIB Scotland will continue to work closely with those delivering social security, ensuring the needs of blind and partially sighted people continue to be met.”

Campaigners call on Scottish Government to back world-leading legislation

A broad group of campaigners have united to call for wellbeing and sustainable development to be at the heart of policy making in Scotland

Over 130 social and environmental justice NGOs, grassroots community groups, faith groups, service providers, funders, economists, academics, think tanks and business leaders have again joined forces in an open letter to the First Minister.

The group is united in their support of the Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill proposed by Sarah Boyack MSP.

The letter, led by the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland (WEAll Scotland), is signed by One Parent Families Scotland, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, The Poverty Alliance, Scotland’s International Development Alliance, Independent Food Aid Network, Quakers in Scotland and many others.

The group, who previously wrote to the First Minister in June, express their disappointment and concern that the Scottish Government failed to deliver on their long-promised Bill in the Programme for Government.

In the letter campaigners proclaim: “We believe this Bill is a vital step towards building a Wellbeing Economy by ending short term, sticking plaster solutions that fail to tackle today’s challenges at their source.”

WEAll Scotland Director, Aileen McLeod, said: “In a just and compassionate Scotland, everyone should have the opportunity to live a good and dignified life. We know that people are struggling as we face multiple crises for people and planet.

“It doesn’t have to be this way. Right now, the Scottish Government is not utilising the full extent of their devolved powers. The recent Programme for Government was a missed opportunity to deliver lasting change.”

The letter, sent to the First Minister John Swinney today, sets out how a Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill would create a step change in policy making: “It would create a clear and shared narrative of progress for Scotland; establish wellbeing and sustainable development as the drivers of policy and practice; help tackle the nature and climate crises; and contribute to global justice.”

Sarah Davidson, Chief Executive at Carnegie UK, said: “New wellbeing legislation could help Scotland make headway with the biggest challenges of our time by forcing more long-term thinking.

“The Scottish Parliament should get behind Sarah Boyack’s Bill because the only way we’re going to tackle issues like climate change or child poverty is through thoughtful action, co-ordinated across government and the wider public sector.”

Tejesh Mistry, Chief Executive of Voluntary Health Scotland, said: “This Bill should provide a vital pathway for addressing the increasing poverty and inequality in Scotland at a time when a forward-thinking Wellbeing Economy driven vision is key to providing hope for people and services that are suffering.”

David Kelly, Head of Scotland for Community Transport Association, said: “Too many of Scotland’s cities, towns and villages have been designed with car dependency built in.

“Bigger roads, more drive-thrus and new neighbourhoods without buses, cycle lanes or even pavements have only driven up congestion, emissions and ill-health. We need a clear and rigorous definition of sustainable development in law to prevent bad planning decisions, build more accessible places and end transport poverty.

“We hope that the Scottish Parliament can unite behind Sarah Boyack’s Members Bill to help develop a sustainable transport system which works for everyone.”

Aileen McLeod continues: “Now is the time for action, it is essential that the First Minister gives his full support to Sarah Boyack’s Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill.

“There is already cross party support and our letter demonstrates the breadth and depth of support across Scotland. This is a key opportunity for the Scottish Parliament to work together to pass world leading legislation that delivers for the people of Scotland.”

The letter reads:

WEAll Scotland WSD Bill follow up letter (2)Download

‘Top tier’ drugs gang jailed

A top-tier serious organised crime group has been jailed for almost 50 years after being convicted of conspiring to import £100 million of cocaine to Scotland from Ecuador in a consignment of bananas and manufacture millions of Etizolam tablets.

James Stevenson, 59, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. David Bilsland, 68, Paul Bowes, 53, and Lloyd Cross, 32, were each sent to prison for six years. Gerard Carbin, 45, was sentenced to seven years and Ryan McPhee, 34, to four years.

The six men had all plead guilty to serious organised crime offences at a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Police Scotland’s Head of Organised Crime, said: “The sentencing of Stevenson, Bilsland, Bowes, Carbin, McPhee and Cross following their guilty pleas sends out a clear message that the activities of those who think that they can bring illegal drugs into our communities will not be tolerated.

“I want to acknowledge the hard work and diligence shown by the officers who investigated the group and provided the evidence in what was a complex investigation and shows the value of working with our law enforcement partners including the National Crime Agency and those abroad.

“It also shows Police Scotland’s unwavering commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and its national strategy.

“This multi-agency operation, which spanned several countries, prevented a huge haul of illegal drugs reaching our communities and will have undoubtedly saved lives. However, we cannot be complacent, and our officers will continue their work to ensure Scotland remains a hostile environment for organised criminals.”

Deputy Crown Agent Kenny Donnelly, who leads the fight against serious organised crime for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said: “James Stevenson (pictured below) and his criminal associates were involved in drug trafficking on an industrial and global scale. 

“But they have been brought to justice thanks to an extensive operation involving Police Scotland and the National Crime Agency, working with COPFS, to investigate and dismantle their network of drug supply. 

“This also included Stevenson being directly involved in the manufacturing of millions of Eitzolam tablets at a pill factory in Kent. 

“Our message is clear: we will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of drug traffickers. 

“They will be caught, they will be prosecuted, and they will be brought to account for their crimes through the courts. The sentences imposed reflect the gravity of the offences committed by Stevenson and his co-accused.  

“It was clear from the EncroChat messages that, as the ringleader, he directed the group. The cocaine they were planning to distribute would have undoubtedly contributed to misery in our communities. 

“These convictions are testament to the forensic and meticulous work undertaken by specialist Crown Office prosecutors to bring Stevenson and his five co-accused to justice and I would like to commend their efforts.” 

‘Abandoned by the Council’

Re-open People’s Story Museum NOW, says STUC

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has written to Cllr Cammy Day, City of Edinburgh Council Leader, urging the Council to urgently re-open the People’s Story museum.

The museum has been closed in advance of a debate on a proposal for the temporary closure of the museum.

STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: ““The People’s Story is unique in Edinburgh, the only place in Scotland’s capital city that documents the experience and conditions of working class people in the city.

“We are deeply concerned that the council has pre-empted the debate on a proposed temporary closure and has already closed the museum’s doors, depriving locals of access to one of the only free attractions in the city centre.

“The old town has been laid bare by corporate developers and over tourism, driving locals out as prices soar. This museum documented the experiences of working class Edinburgh and needs investment. Instead, it has been abandoned by the Council.”

Lothians MSP Foysol Choudhury, Shadow Culture Minister for Scottish Labour, has urged the First Minister to protect Scotland’s museums and culture sector, following the proposed closure of The People’s Story Museum in Edinburgh until April 2025.

“The People’s Story Museum is the only museum in Edinburgh dedicated to teaching the history of working-class people, it would be a great loss to the city and Scotland, depriving the public of a chance to discover history they can identify with.

“I have written to Councillor Cammy Day, Leader of Edinburgh City Council, following the proposed closure of the People’s Story Museum for seven months due to an “urgent” need to cut costs.

“I am asking the Council to delay its decision on this proposal to look at all alternatives to ensure The People’s Story can remain open.

“For years Scottish Labour has pressed the Scottish Government to resource our councils properly, we are now seeing the consequences with more and more being forced to close museums and cultural venues. I will continue to press the Scottish Government to ensure there is sufficient investment in our museums.”

The People’s Story Museum was opened in 1984 in the Canongate, to create a collection which reflected the working-class history of Edinburgh and the city’s proud history of protest and organising for the rights of people at home and around the world.

Ms Foyer’s letter in full:

Four Edinburgh winners at Scottish Muslim Awards

Four of the Scottish Muslim Awards were presented to people or organisations from Edinburgh on Sunday, at the Glasgow Hilton. Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, and the former First Minister Humza Yousaf were in attendance to honour some of the incredible achievements made across several fields across Scottish society. 

The Edinburgh winners were: 

Amana Food won Hadhrat Khadija Kubra (RA) Business Award.

‘Amana Food Products Company, founded in Scotland in 2019, is a pioneering example of Palestinian entrepreneurship abroad. The company aims to support the Palestinian economy by purchasing directly from small farmers, ensuring fair income and sustainability.

By importing high-quality products like dates, olive oil, and thyme, Amana has introduced Palestinian goods to British markets, making them strong competitors globally.

More than a business, Amana’s strategy focuses on uplifting Palestinian families and farmers, providing access to international markets that would otherwise be unreachable. This commitment to social responsibility, combined with business success, showcases how companies can blend profit with purpose.

Amana serves as an inspiring model, demonstrating that values-driven entrepreneurship can foster sustainable development and positively impact Palestinian society, while promoting Palestinian products on the global stage.’ 

The Imran Sabir Bravehard Award was shared between Amjid Majeed, Imam Ibrahim Alwawi, Dr Ibrahim Khadra and Abdul Rahman & Reehan Ali (Pedal 2 Hajj).

‘Abdul Rahman and Reehan Ali showed extraordinary dedication. The two brothers embarked on an awe-inspiring journey, cycling from Edinburgh to Hajj, a gruelling 3,600-mile trek across 13 countries in just 60 days.

Their journey was not only a remarkable physical and mental challenge but also a profound act of compassion, raising over £92,000 for the people of Gaza.

Since 2015, Abdul Rahman and Reehan have been steadfast volunteers with the World Care Foundation, participating in numerous aid missions and charity challenges, including cycling from Edinburgh to Paris, completing marathons, and tackling extreme endurance events.

Their latest feat, cycling to Hajj, demonstrates their unparalleled commitment to raising awareness and funds for those in need. Their perseverance, sacrifice, and selflessness are truly inspiring and deserving of recognition.’

Amir Hussain won the Salaman al Farsi (RA) Award for Innovation

‘Amir Hussain is a distinguished academic and researcher with extensive experience in the fields of AI and robotics.

He earned his B.Eng. (Highest 1st Class Honours with Distinction) and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Strathclyde in 1992 and 1997, respectively.

Following postdoctoral and academic roles at various institutions, including the University of West of Scotland, University of Dundee, and University of Stirling, he joined Edinburgh Napier University in 2018 as a Chair Professor in the School of Computing. 

Hussain is the founding Director of the Centre for AI and Robotics (CAIR) and leads the Trustworthy Data Science and Cyber Analytics Research Group.

He holds several Visiting Professorships, including at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University.

He also serves as Turing Academic Lead for the University Network of the Alan Turing Institute and advises on AI strategy internationally, including for Kuwait’s National AI Strategy.’ 

Mick Napier won An-Najashi Award for Supporting Muslims

‘Mick Napier is a lifelong socialist and anti-racist activist known for his staunch opposition to Tory policies and his dedication to social justice.

Certified free of racism by two Scottish courts, Napier is a founding member of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC), where he has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights.

Recently, Napier has been a prominent figure in the movement, tirelessly supporting Palestine even at great personal risk.

His activism has led to multiple arrests, but his commitment remains unwavering. Napier’s relentless efforts and courageous stance continue to make a significant impact in raising awareness and advocating for justice in Palestine.’

For more information on The Scottish Muslim Awards, please visit: 

https://scottishmuslimawards.org/

Scottish government urged to heed A&E ‘alarm bells’

The Scottish government must heed the ‘alarms bells’ as new A&E data suggests another very challenging winter ahead.    

That’s the call from The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) Scotland as new data for Emergency Department performance in August reveals it was the worst August since records began in 2011, for patients experiencing extremely long waits.  

The figures released yesterday (Tuesday 1 October) by Public Health Scotland, show that the number of patients waiting 12 hours or more in August was higher than in any January or February from 2012 to 2022, despite it being a month in summer when Emergency Department performance tends to improve.  

More than a third of people (34.2%) waited over four hours, more than one in 10 (11.3%) waited eight hours or longer, while 4.65% of patients waited over 12 hours in a Scottish ED.  

The data shows long waits have increased significantly since the 2010’s.  

Since August 2017, for example, the numbers waiting four hours or more has increased by six times (6,743 to 39,096), eight hours or more by 37 times (347 to 12,954), and 12 hours or more by 127 times (42 to 5,312). This is despite attendance only decreasing by 0.7% in the same period. 

Dr John-Paul Loughrey, RCEM Vice President for Scotland said: “It once was that the summer months provided some respite from the stresses experienced in Emergency Departments, but those days are long gone.   

“Yet again the figures show the reality of the pressure we have been dealing with this summer, which is on a level with what we would have experienced during the busiest winter months just a few years ago. Overcrowding in our A&Es is now at winter crisis levels all year round.  

“The alarm bells are sounding loudly as winter approaches, and the government must respond.   

“Last week’s Winter Preparedness plan however gives me little hope that they will respond in the ways we have recommended. It lacks any specific measures to address the inevitable spikes in demand for Emergency Care which comes during the colder months, or the lack of capacity in the acute care system as a whole.    

“Once again Scottish people seeking emergency care this winter are facing extreme waits and, for many, the indignity of so called ‘corridor care’. These are not just inconvenient, they are dangerous and potentially life threatening.  

“The Scottish government must bolster its winter planning to ensure that people who need to be admitted to hospital from A&Es can be, without excessive waits, and that when they are well enough to leave there is the necessary social care in place for them to do so.   

“Failure to do so puts us on course for a harmful and incredibly difficult winter which is not what we or our patients want or deserve.”

A graphical representation of the data can be found here.    

The full data set can be found on the RCEM website. 

Homelessness is a hidden issue in Scotland’s student housing crisis

THE recent Cross-Party Group on Housing report on student homelessness proved that we have a long way to go with student housing (writes RUTH ELLIOTT, Vice-President Community of Edinburgh University Students’ Association).

In Edinburgh alone, there is currently a shortfall of over 13,000 bedspaces.

Students have been known to be both resourceful and resilient, hopping between hostels and crashing on friends’ sofas, but it’s hard to believe this lack of stability won’t have an impact on their studies, as well as their mental health.

In fact, NUS Scotland’s Cost of Survival Report (2023) survey showed that 66% of students feel this has impacted their mental health, with this skyrocketing to 83% of estranged students and 78 per cent and 79 per cent of low income and students with caring responsibilities.

And things aren’t much better if you do manage to find accommodation, with 75% of student respondents falling below the UK poverty line after housing costs (Russell Group Student’s Unions (RGSU) Cost-of-Living survey).

The Advice Place at Edinburgh University Students’ Association has seen an increasing trend of affordability as a barrier to finding housing for students.

As Vice President Community, I am calling on the University of Edinburgh and the Scottish Government to provide more accommodation that is genuinely affordable for students, and to support alternatives such as student housing co-operatives to alleviate the pressures on the housing market.

Nowhere to live

But there’s another, unexpected problem on top of the lack of accommodation and affordability.

One of the biggest issues with student homelessness is hidden homelessness. ‘Hidden homelessness’ refers to people who would meet the legal definition of homelessness but are not represented in the local authority homeless statistics (see here).

Some examples are:

  • Staying with family and friends
  • Sofa surfing
  • Living in unsuitable housing such as squats or in ‘beds in shed’ situations

Source: The Homeless Monitor: England 2018

Many students don’t realise they could be considered homeless (possible as the problem has become increasingly normalised). As a result, the majority of students are not empowered to reach out for help when they really need it, which also means we don’t have a good idea of how widespread this problem is.

This affects how the issue of student housing is recorded by the university, and therefore how it is prioritised and addressed. Equally, the fact that students do not consider the University as a place to reach out for help is troubling.

The University of Edinburgh has a lot of work to do to rebuild the relationship with its students to be viewed as more trustworthy and supportive.

Those who experience hidden homelessness are hidden from statistics and services as they are dealing with their situation informally.” (Crisis)

It is essential to raise awareness about hidden homelessness – as well as awareness about being at risk of homelessness, whether through overcrowding, unaffordable rent or those at risk of abuse in their homes – so we can better support our students and lobby for change that is backed by data.

Because of the limited housing options available, students are more likely to take on riskier situations – whether that be higher rent than they can’t afford, living further away from campus living with strangers, or subletting illegally.

This leaves students very vulnerable. Students are not a homogenous group and can be some of the most vulnerable people in our society as young people, international students, queer people, carers and parents, and people from low-income backgrounds.

It’s positive to see Edinburgh Council putting more focus on reducing homelessness, and I would like the University to take more responsibility here.

This year, I am working on a project with the University to include more comprehensive data collection on students’ housing situations in the matriculation process. It’s really important that this addresses the issues I have outlined regarding hidden homelessness, and encourages students to reach out.

The student housing crisis is a complex issue which needs addressing. But without the right data, we’ve failed before we’ve begun.

Soundhouse announces line-up for NEW winter music festival

Full Line-up Announced for New Music Festival  

Dates: Thursday 28 November to Monday 2 December 2024

www.soundhousewinterfest.com

The Soundhouse Winter Festival, is a brand new music festival which will take place from Thursday 28 November to Monday 2 December in Edinburgh, thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

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Fergus McCreadie headlines the Soundhouse Winter Festival on Sat 30 Nov

The festival showcases musicians either from, or based in Scotland, and runs over St Andrews Day and the Fair Saturday weekend. The programme includes some of Scotland’s finest jazz, and trad musicians, a showcase of emerging new musicians, music workshops for adults and young people, a silent film accompanied by live music, and live performance poetry.

Headliners include award-winning pianist Fergus McCreadie performing solo and with fellow leading world musicians Mindaugas Stumbras (guitar), Michelangeol Scanroglio (doublebass) and Mattia Galeotti (drums); rising star Megan Black whose music has been described as 70s blues rock meets queer feminist pop, and whose latest EP ‘Full Circle (Part 1)’ has recently been nominated for ‘EP of the Year’ in Scotland; Su-a Lee and Friends (Duncan Chisholm, Donald Shaw and Hamish Napier) who sold out The Soundhouse’s Rose Theatre Fringe run in 2023; and Callum Easter & the Roulettes, fresh from touring the USA, who will play The Queen’s Hall with special guest Iona Zajac whose powerful voice seamlessly blends folk and indie and alternative genres with an authentic grit that has captivated audiences across Europe.

The festival is also delighted to present a brand new collaboration between outgoing Edinburgh Makar Hannah Lavery and acclaimed composer Kate Young. This one hour show will be based on Lavery’s work Unwritten Women with a new score by Young.

The festival’s programme also includes some unmissable early evening concerts at the Traverse with Gaelic singer songwriter Rachel Walker performing with one of the country’s foremost folksingers and accompanists Aaron Jones; Edinburgh-based poetic psychedelic supergroup Acolyte (Ruairidh Morrison on bass, Gloria Black on synth and backing vocals, Daniel Hill on percussion and led by award-winning poet and spoken word artist Iona Lee); acclaimed singer-songwriter Victoria Hume, joined by long-term collaborator Chris Letcher, playing alt-folk songs from her new album Radical Abundance, about the dying days of capitalism and what might emerge next; and singer Nicole Smit performing some cool jazzy numbers with her Quintet (Vid Gobac on drums, Cameron Bradley on piano, Dave Toule guitar, and Kassandra E’Silva on saxophone).

Other highlights over the weekend include the SWF Spotlight, a showcase of the jazz stars of tomorrow programmed by Helena Kay; and a screening of The Rugged Island: A Shetland Lyric accompanied by music composed by award-winning multi-instrumentalist Inge Thomson from Fair Isle with Shetlander Catriona Macdonald. The Rugged Island: A Shetland Lyric is a beautiful tender dramatisation of Shetland life, and was originally filmed in 1933 by pioneering Glasgow filmmaker Jenny Gilbertson. It will be opened by a short solo set by award-winning Shetland pianist Amy Laurenson.

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers said: “The Soundhouse Winter Festival presents a snapshot of the very best music produced in Scotland today.

“There’s no doubt that our small country produces some of the world’s finest musicians and we are honoured to give them a platform at our new festival.

“Shining a light on our home-grown stars seems an appropriate way to extend the St Andrew’s Day celebrations across this 5-day event. Despite the current gloom in the Scottish arts world, we hope the event will be inspirational and the first of many Soundhouse Winter Festivals.”



Siobhan Anderson, Music Officer at Creative Scotland said: “The Soundhouse Winter Festival looks to showcase some of Scotland’s finest musical talent and brighten up dark evenings with a dazzling array of acts.

“St Andrew’s weekend is the perfect time to hold such an event and it is great to see the cross section of artists from across different genres with experimental and innovative programming and collaborations.”

Booking link for tickets – soundhousewinterfest.com