Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, has announced the companies and artists selected for the 8th year of Made in Scotland – a curated showcase of music, theatre and dance performed during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s biggest arts festival. Continue reading Made in Scotland arts showcase unveiled
Further evidence of human remains thought to date back to the 17th Century or even earlier have been unearthed by archaeologists in a Leith school playground.
The outlines of at least nine coffins have been identified in the grounds of St Mary’s Primary School in Leith as part of an excavation by Morrison Construction in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council.
The findings follow the discovery on an individual skeleton over the Easter break while investigative works took place for a new classroom building.
Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The new information coming from the site is proving to be even more significant than previously thought.
“The school community has been very interested in the excavation and the findings. The children have been eager to learn about the new discoveries and as the excavation continues, we’ll find out more about the former inhabitants of Leith.”
John Lawson, City of Edinburgh Council Archaeologist, added: “Leith and the surrounding area has a rich archaeological history. These excavations have unearthed what appears to be a complex cemetery thought to date from the 15th to the 17th centuries, containing at least nine graves including adults and young children buried in coffins.
“The discoveries of these burials in this location, although always a possibility, is nevertheless a surprise. Further excavations will reveal more evidence which will allow us to accurately date these burials and how they relate to the history of Leith.”
The area containing the remains has been fenced off but the school remains open. The new classrooms will still be built but will no longer open in time for the new school term due to further necessary archaeological analysis, expected to last until the end of June. All existing and new pupils will be accommodated.
A huge thank you from Forth 1 Cash For Kids!
#SuperheroDay #Supervan
Forth 1’s Cash for Kids goal is to support disabled, disadvantaged and vulnerable children living across our area. Every penny you donate helps to make a real difference to local children so they can live life to the full and reach their potential.
Friday 13 May was Superhero Day – and thanks to your generosity Cash for Kids raised over £77,000 for vulnerable children in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife – and there’s still time to donate!
To donate £5 text FORTH to 70808
Exciting times for Tinderbox Frontiers with two concerts coming up!
First up is tonight at North Edinburgh Arts, with support from the amazing SUPA & Da Kryptonites plus some special solo performances too.
Then at Hidden Door for the Edinburgh Youth Music Festival on Sat 28th – see you there!
New Education Secretary’s out and about in Edinburgh today
The biggest talking point of the First Minister’s Cabinet reshuffle this week was the appointment of John Swinney to the Education brief. Nicola Sturgeon’s trusted deputy is held in the highest regard and his surprise move clearly indicates that education will be the Scottish government’s top priority. Continue reading Education, education, education: John Swinney gets to work
Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault and robbery at Craigleith Retail Park last night. Continue reading Boy assaulted and bike stolen at Craigleith Retail Park
Queen’s Speech highlights ‘fundamental disagreements’
Yesterday’s Queen’s Speech set out the Conservative government’s agenda for the next session at Westminster, but Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says the statement ‘could not demonstrate more clearly the divergent priorities of the two governments.’ Continue reading The Great Divide
The city council has confirmed that an independent inquiry into school closures will commence after the summer holidays. Continue reading PPP school closures: independent inquiry confirmed
‘This scheme would unnecessarily chew up yet more of our precious greenbelt when we should be protecting it’ – Alison Johnstone MSP.
Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, has urged Edinburgh city council to reject proposals for 1,320 homes on greenbelt land between the City Bypass and Gogar Station Road on the western outskirts of the city Continue reading Greens criticise green light for green belt development
