North Edinburgh News – Page 3249 – The NEN

Letter: In the public interest

Dear Editor

In the main, the wealth of the nation is represented by the amount of products made by the people of the UK.

After paying wages and other costs the remainder is the owner’s profit, so it follows that the owner’s aim is to get as much produced for as little as possible; for the workers, their aim is to get better wages, working conditions and job security.

Given the fantastic profits being made by many industries, and the disgraceful salaries and bonuses being handed out to top management, it shows the distribution of wealth is very one-sided. The interests of owners and management as helped by having supporters in top political positions.

If the position was reversed, and workers had the overwhelming support of their political representatives, it would be a fair and just situation in that the interests of the majority of the population takes precedent over the very few. These interests would go beyond asking the employers for a few extra pounds in wages that – in a very short time – is swallowed up in rising prices.

Interests common to all are gas, electricity, water supplies, bus and rail transport, road transport and fuel supplies to get to and from work; also in particular the NHS and allied services, local services and amenities, green and open spaces.

These are a minimum of industries and services that should be run in the public interest, not for private profit; there are no doubt many other common interests that could be listed.

I believe a very large majority of people would support such a programme – a programme that worked for them, not the interests of the few.

A. Delahoy

Silverknowes Gardens

Call for volunteers to to end immigrants’ isolation

Edinburgh College is recruiting a small army of volunteers to teach English in people’s homes, as part of a scheme to support people who cannot get to a classroom.

Predominantly used by refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers, the Edinburgh College Home Learning Scheme supports those who would like a better grasp of the English language and UK culture. This includes mothers with young children or members of the community who are unable to attend college for other reasons, such as ill health or unsociable working hours.

With almost one million immigrants living in the UK who do not speak a basic level of English, the Learning Scheme can provide vital language skills to allow people to have a better quality of life.

Before taking on the role as an English tutor, volunteers receive hands-on training from specialist English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) staff at Edinburgh College. This includes practical teaching tips, intercultural communication and awareness of cultural sensitivities. Throughout the course, volunteers are supported by a lecturer and attend regular training days.

Rose McKendry, a volunteer at the Edinburgh College Home Learning Scheme, said: “Teaching students from other countries and nationalities has given me an insight into how different life is and how strange it must be for people when they first come here. I now have a deeper sympathy and understanding for people who do not speak the language or understand our customs.”

Jean Howat, ESOL lecturer at Edinburgh College, said: “We are very excited to be recruiting our next round of dedicated volunteers. We are looking for volunteers from all walks of life who would like to use their communication skills to help those who are most in need of tuition. Previous volunteers have included students from university and college, retired teachers and those who simply want to give back to the community and meet new and interesting people.

“Teaching immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers can have many benefits. Volunteers can open themselves up to a new culture and way of life, and learn what it’s like to integrate into Scottish society. For many of our students, learning English can help them to go about their daily lives, such as learning how to fill out doctor’s forms and filling out application forms for a job. It can also help people to integrate within their local community and put an end to feelings of isolation.”

Jury’s still out after referendum debate

A record TV audience of 1.3 million viewers watched the referendum debate in Scotland on Tuesday evening. Better Together leader Alistair Darling went head-to-head with First Minister Alex Salmond in the two hour debate and – here’s a shock – both camps claim victory for their man!

The two-hour live programme aired on STV after the broadcaster secured the first televised referendum debate between the leaders of the respective campaigns.

The debate,presented by John MacKay and moderated by STV’s political editor Bernard Ponsonby, was held at Glasgow’s Royal Conservatoire of Scotland before a studio audience of 350 voters.

The politicians clashed on a range of issues – currency, EU membership, poverty, and political sovereignty were all debated in a series of sometimes heated exchanges.

With the stakes so high, it was little wonder that both men ‘wobbled’ during the session – Mr Salmond when pressed by the ex-Chancellor of the Exchequer on whether an independent Scotland would be able to reach a sterling-sharing agreement with the rest of the UK, and Mr Darling when repeatedly asked by the First minister to clarify whether he thought Scotland could succeed as an independent nation.

A poll conducted by ICM for The Guardian immediately after the debate found 56% of voters declaring Mr Darling the winner, with Mr Salmond trailing on 44% – a view generally shared by the media.

However the Yes Scotland campaign heralded polls showing their share of voters intentions picked up by 4% following ‘Scotland Decides’, with more undecided voters seemingly inclined to vote Yes.

Better Together said Mr Salmond had been ‘skewered’ by Alistair Darling in the TV debate, and added that the First Minister’s failure to map out his Plan B on currency means more Scots are saying No Thanks to separation.

Earlier, ahead of the debate, leaders of the three major unionist parties signed a joint letter supporting the devolution of further powers to Scotland, including in “fiscal responsibility and social security”.

Labour’s Ed Miliband, Conservative David Cameron and Liberal Democrat Nick Clegg all signed the letter, as did their Scottish leaders Johann Lamont, Ruth Davidson and Willie Rennie. Plans for these powers, which would be drawn up fully following a “No” vote.

The letter reads:

Power lies with the Scottish people and we believe it is for the Scottish people to decide how Scotland is governed.

We believe that the pooling and sharing of resources across the United Kingdom is to Scotland’s benefit in a partnership of nations in which distinct national identities can flourish and be celebrated.

We believe that Scotland and the United Kingdom as a whole have been strengthened since the advent of devolution.

We support a strong Scottish Parliament in a strong United Kingdom and we support the further strengthening of the Parliament’s powers.

The three parties delivered more powers for Holyrood through the Calman Commission which resulted in the Scotland Act 2012.

We now pledge to strengthen further the powers of the Scottish Parliament, in particular in the areas of fiscal responsibility and social security. We believe that Scotland should have a stronger Scottish Parliament while retaining full representation for Scotland in the UK Parliament. That can bring people together from all of Scotland, from civic society and every community.

The Scottish Labour Party, the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party and the Scottish Liberal Democrats have each produced our own visions of the new powers which the Scottish Parliament needs.

We shall put those visions before the Scottish people at the next general election and all three parties guarantee to start delivering more powers for the Scottish Parliament as swiftly as possible in 2015.

This commitment will deliver a stronger Scottish Parliament in a stronger United Kingdom.

That commitment doesn’t go far enough for everone, however, and the Scottish Greens are among those to argue that only self-government will create a fair Scotland.

Green Yes, the Scottish Green Party’s campaign for a Yes vote in the independence referendum, welcomed comments by the First Minister on the opportunity to create a more just society during the TV debate.

Commenting on the debate, Alison Johnstone, Green MSP for Lothian and a member of Holyrood’s economy committee, said: “None of the arguments was new to those of us who’ve been on the campaign trail for the past two years but so many people are only now switching on. Alex Salmond highlighted the opportunity to end austerity and improve our democracy.

“I was also pleased to hear the First Minister highlight the opportunity we have to adopt a more welcoming immigration policy, retaining skilled workers instead of kicking them out as the three big UK parties would have us do.

“Alistair Darling – my MP – highlighted what he called the risks of independence, failing to acknowledge that a No vote also contains risks. He kept referring to strength and security, which probably sounds attractive if you’re well off but is simply meaningless if you’re one of the many Scots struggling to make ends meet.

“As our political system demands a winner and a loser we have an adversarial debate that isn’t best suited to those seeking information. I hope we hear a wider range of voices and visions over the remaining six weeks.”

Did you watch the debate? Impressed? Will it change the way you vote?

Let us know!

Gaza crisis appeal: Scots urged to give what they can

UK Government will match first £2 million donated ‘pound for pound’

The Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) launched their Gaza Crisis Appeal yesterday and Scotland’s Minister for External Affairs Humza Yousaf has encouraged Scots to donate what they can to help people affected by the conflict in the area.

The UK government also announced it will activate UK Aid Match for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal, matching the first £2 million donated pound for pound.

Over 400,000 people have fled their homes in Gaza and urgently need food, water, shelter and medical care.

The Scottish Government has already provided half a million pounds to help people in Gaza and given a commitment that Scottish hospitals will help treat those who need specialist care.

Mr Yousaf said: “The situation in Gaza is clearly causing a great deal of suffering for ordinary people in the area. People who have been forced to leave their homes urgently need daily essentials including food, water, shelter and medicine.

“Scots are well known for being a caring and generous nation and I’d urge people across the country to consider donating what they can afford to help those in Gaza. Every single donation, no matter how big or small, will help towards this international effort to provide supplies to those who are suffering and in need.

“The Scottish Government has already provided half a million pounds to help the humanitarian relief effort in Gaza and we are committed to ensuring people with injuries who need specialist treatment can access Scottish hospitals if that is best for them.

“Of course, what we need in Gaza is an immediate lasting end to the violence. Given the UN’s statement that there is a strong possibility international law has been violated, I once again encourage the UK Government to implement a complete suspension of arms sales to Israel until there has been an investigation into whether not UK arms have been used in any violation of international law.”

Donations to the DEC’s Gaza Crisis Appeal can be made at http://www.dec.org.uk/.

Further information on ways to donate is available from http://www.dec.org.uk/how-to-help/how-to-pay

The British government will activate UK Aid Match for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal, International Development Secretary Justine Greening announced yesterday.

The DEC will see the first £2 million of donations from members of the public aid matched, meaning that every £1 donated is matched by UK aid.

International Development Secretary Justine Greening said: “Four weeks of violence have left people in Gaza in desperate need of food, shelter and medical supplies. The British people have shown immense generosity in situations like this and the UK Government will help that generosity go twice as far.

“For people wanting to help civilians in Gaza caught up in this crisis, giving now means every pound they donate will buy twice as many food parcels, provide twice as many blankets and help twice as many people to get through this crisis.”

The DEC appeal will provide immediate life-saving support to people affected by the crisis in Gaza.

The new £2 million commitment will take the UK government’s total support for the people of Gaza since the start of this crisis to £17 million. In addition to today’s announcement, since the beginning of the crisis Britain has released:

a total of £6 million for the UNRWA’s Flash Appeal to pay for basics such as shelter and cooking equipment
£3 million to the World Food Programme to provide emergency food for more than 300,000 people for one month
£3 million for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to provide emergency healthcare and clean water and
£3 million, which has been made available for clean water, emergency healthcare and protection of civilians through the Rapid Response Facility, which was activated on Saturday 2 August.

make donations at http://www.dec.org.uk/ or by texting the word DONATE to 70000

City prepares for Drumhead commemoration

‘Sunday will be a very special, very memorable occasion that will unite the people of Scotland’

Final preparations are underway for Scotland’s Drumhead Service, procession and memorial on Sunday in Edinburgh that will mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

Musicians from the Band of the Royal Marines were at the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle yesterday to practice constructing and deconstructing the altar that will form the centrepiece for the multi-faith service, which is expected to be attended by a congregation of more than 8,000 people representing all parts of Scotland.

Hundreds of representatives of the armed forces will be at Redford Barracks today for a full rehearsal of the major commemoration event, believed to be the first of its scale in Scotland’s history.

The City of Edinburgh Council is planning to implement several road closures and restrictions to facilitate the event. They include the complete closure of Johnston Terrace, High Street, Canongate, Lawnmarket, Queen’s Drive, Chambers Street and a number of nearby roads at various times between 7.15am and 2pm on Sunday.

Loading restrictions will also affect a number of streets from 6pm on Saturday. Full details of road closures and restrictions are available from the City of Edinburgh Council’s website at: www.edinburgh.gov.uk

Lothian Buses’ services 6, 9 and 35 will also be affected. Information about how this will affect local journeys is available from the Lothian Buses website at: www.lothianbuses.com

Drumhead Service organisers have also released a final batch of free tickets to those who are able to collect them in person from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s office on Market Street up until 2230 on Saturday evening, or from The Hub at Castlehill on the Royal Mile on the morning of the event.

Signalling the start of the five-year Scottish Commemorations Programme, the Drumhead Service will replicate those held on the front line 100 years ago when, in a long-held military tradition, neatly piled drums with draped Colours were used in place of an altar.

The service will feature troops from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force and will be accompanied by music from three military bands, two cadet bands, three choirs and around 200 massed pipes and drums. The service, procession and memorial will be attended by guest of honour, Edinburgh’s Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant Donald Wilson.

At the end of the Drumhead Service, the military bands and tri-service guards will parade down the Royal Mile accompanied by around 100 marching veterans and 100 cadets. The congregation will then be invited to follow in a procession down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Park, where over 1,000 replica Commonwealth War Gravestones will form a temporary memorial, at which people will be invited to leave poppies, wreaths or markers.

Brigadier David Allfrey, Producer of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and chief organiser of the Drumhead Service, procession and memorial, said: “Sunday will be a very special, very memorable occasion that will unite the people of Scotland – people of all ages and from all parts of the country – in a shared act of commemoration, remembrance and reflection.

“The event will give a sense of what it might have been like to enlist during the first few weeks and months of the war. The multi-faith service on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle represents the moment before deployment; the procession down the Royal Mile will symbolise a ‘March as to War’ and the gathering in Holyrood Park, the approach to the front and assembly for military action. The memorial of over 1000 headstones will provide a vital sense of scale and a focus for acts of individual and collective commemoration.”

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, said: “The Drumhead Service, procession and memorial on August 10 will signal the start of Scotland’s commitment to commemorating the centenary of the First World War.

“The event will bring the people of Scotland together to consider the impact of that brutal conflict, which claimed the lives of more than 100,000 Scots and left many more injured or disabled, forcing families and loved ones across the country to come to terms with the terrible consequences.

“From this Sunday until January 2019 we will encourage the people of Scotland and those with connections to Scotland to recognise the significant and broad impact the First World War had on our nation, and to reflect on its lasting social and civic legacy.”

Norman Drummond, Chair of the Scottish Commemorations Panel, said: “Many thousands of people have shown an overwhelmingly strong willingness to take their place at the Drumhead Service, procession and memorial on Sunday.

“We have worked with local authorities, the armed forces, the veterans community and charities to ensure that people of all ages and from every part of Scotland will be there to participate in this important commemoration.

“With final preparations now underway, the further release of a number of tickets represents the last opportunity for the people who have thus far been unable to obtain tickets to take their place at an event upon which we and our children and our grandchildren will in years to come reflect that ‘we were there and we remembered’.”

The Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of Edinburgh Donald Wilson, said: “Every August, visitors flock to the Royal Mile to experience the buzz of the festival season. This Sunday, the street will pause for a very special event. The Drumhead Service and procession will offer Scotland the opportunity to come together for a moment of quiet reflection to remember the thousands of Scots who fell during the First World War.

“It is very fitting that as the Capital city we should play our key part in these commemorations and show our support and gratitude for the enormous sacrifices made by courageous men and women in service of this country.”

SSPCA: Think twice before buying a bunny

Next week is Rabbit Awareness Week – but you knew that, right?

The Scottish SPCA fears more rabbits than ever are being neglected, mistreated and forgotten about after rescuing a record breaking number of bunnies. Scotland’s animal welfare charity is growing increasingly concerned at the number of animals arriving in their care and is urging members of the public to think very carefully before buying a bunny.

As part of Rabbit Awareness Week, which runs from 11th – 17th August, would-be owners in Edinburgh are being asked to consider taking on a rescue rabbit.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn, said, “In 2013 our Balerno based rescue and rehoming centre took in 170 rabbits, a figure which has been increasing year on year. “This worrying trend demonstrates why we need to raise awareness of the hardships many pet rabbits face.

“Some rabbits arrive in our care in a terrible state having been denied basic nutrition and veterinary attention, while others are sadly forgotten pets children have grown tired of.

“Thankfully, the severe cruelty cases are in the minority. The biggest issue is rabbits being put in a hutch and left at the bottom of the garden, with many enduring a life of solitude and boredom.

“Often the only interaction they have is a brief visit from their owner to bring food and water. Many owners even find this to be a chore and it is these rabbits which tend to be dumped outdoors or handed into one of our Rescue Centres unwanted.

“While we never encourage taking on a pet on impulse, we currently have a number of rabbits in our care looking for good, permanent homes.”

Superintendent Flynn added, “Anyone thinking of rehoming a rabbit should ensure they have the time, commitment and financial ability to provide a happy and healthy life.

“Rabbits are highly intelligent, sociable and can make fantastic family pets, though we strongly advise parents that they and not their children need to take responsibility for their welfare. Pets are not toys and should never be given on a whim or as a gift.

“We’d be delighted to welcome potential owners along to our Centre to meet the rabbits we have waiting for a fresh start in life and loving new homes.”

The Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre is open from 10am to 4pm daily.

For more information call 03000 999 999 or visit scottishspca.org/rehoming

Case Study

Minnie (above) is a Continental Giant who was found abandoned at Roslin Glen Country Park.
She has a very gentle nature and would make a great addition to any household looking to take on a larger breed of rabbit.

Due to her size, Minnie will need a good size hutch or shed with access to a large run or, ideally, a free run of a safe enclosed garden. Minnie could also be neutered in her new home and introduced to another large breed neutered rabbit.

Travellers: know before you go!

Don’t get caught out by local customs: advice to holidaymakers from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office:

Every year British nationals risk getting caught out by local laws and customs when travelling overseas. From driving a dirty car in Russia, to wearing camouflage clothing in Barbados, travellers could end up with a hefty fine or may even be arrested if they are caught unaware.

According to new research issued by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, while 70% of people believe that researching local laws and customs would make their holiday more enjoyable, less than half would actually make this part of their preparations when visiting somewhere new. For those visiting places they had been to before, just 40% said they would do this research, despite the fact that local legislation and even local customs can change at any time.

In 2014, the following changes in local law were introduced:

fines were increased to $500 for swearing publicly in certain parts of Australia
new requirements were introduced for parents travelling with children in or out of South Africa
e-cigarettes are now banned from being brought into the United Arab Emirates
from January 2015 tourists must have passport valid for at least 60 days from expiry date of their visitor visa when travelling to Turkey

FCO Minister Mark Simmonds said: “It’s easy to throw caution to the wind when on holiday but it’s important to be aware of the local laws and customs before you set off. We want people to enjoy their holidays so we encourage them to be prepared. Laws and customs vary widely from country to country and visitors should respect them to avoid causing offence or even being arrested. Spending five minutes reading our travel advice may save travellers a lot of time in the long run”.

Just last year, two British tourists were arrested for swimming in the Emperor’s moat at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. This might sound like a bit of harmless fun, but their actions were the equivalent of attempting to break into Buckingham Palace – and being arrested in Japan for even a minor offence can mean remaining in custody for 23 days while awaiting an investigation.

Jaywalking in the USA, the Czech Republic and Poland; entering churches or mosques with arms or legs uncovered in Italy or Turkey; and leaving the beach still in swimwear in Mallorca and Barcelona; are just a few examples of common laws and customs broken by foreigners who didn’t research their destination before going on holiday.

How many cigarettes can you legally bring into Thailand? What equipment should you carry in your car when driving in France? What is appropriate attire to wear in public in Saudi Arabia? Wherever you are going, the FCO’s travel advice pages have a laws and customs section for each destination and are a great place to begin your research. Also take a look at our Local Laws and Customs visual graphic (below) for some interesting examples from around the globe.

J3089_Local_Laws_and_Customs_Infographic_Final_AW

Judgement time for Edinburgh!

Judges from across Europe took a closer look at Edinburgh’s parks, streets and gardens yesterday on a tour of the city. The panel assessed the capital for this year’s Entente Florale, Europe’s biggest environmental competition.

This is the first time the capital has represented the UK in the prestigious awards, following it’s success in Britain in Bloom earlier this year.

Each summer more than 22,000 cities, towns and villages enter the contest, which judges entries on horticultural achievement, community involvement and responsibility for the environment.

The jury spent a full day in the city centre, scoring Edinburgh on everything from the built environment in the High Street, community input in Dunbar’s Close Garden and the Cowgate Nursery’s outdoor learning strategy.

Lord Provost Donald Wilson will host the judges, who have travelled from as far afield as Austria and Croatia, during their stay. He said: “We are honoured to be representing the UK in the Entente Florale this year and are delighted to be able to showcase the hard work carried out by the Council, partners and local groups to the jury.

“It’s not hard to see why Edinburgh is such a popular place to live and visit, and this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the natural and built environment that makes the city what it is.”

Among the criteria to be assessed for the award are sustainability, landscape, green spaces and tourism and leisure.

As well as the management and design of the city’s parks and green spaces, judges focus on aspects like the city’s active travel strategy, its attitude to recycling, tourism and leisure and the work of bodies like Historic Scotland, Essential Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh and various community and Friends of Parks groups.

Among the initiatives visited by the judges was the Grassmarket Community Project, a charity which works with homeless and vulnerable people to develop skills in horticulture, cooking and woodwork.

Workshop manager Tommy Steel explained: “We involve participants to grow a herb garden in Greyfriar’s Kirk and we use the herbs in our training kitchen. By developing their skills in these areas they’re also developing self esteem and confidence.

“Being part of Entente Florale gives them a focus. Taking part in the judging day has given them a real sense of achievement, as they see the fruits of their labour.”

Find out more about Edinburgh’s involvement in the Entente Florale on the Council website, www.edinburgh.gov.uk

Bon chance, Edimbourg!

PATS training at PEP

Who’s PAT, and why is he training at PEP? Read on, all will be revealed …

Accredited (PATS) Passenger Assistant Training

Tuesday 2 September 2014
9.30 -2.30 at the PEP Centre, West Pilton Park

Pilton Equalities Project (PEP) is registered with the Community Transport Association funded through the City of Edinburgh Council and recognised as the community transport operator for the North Edinburgh quadrant. We are a partner of the Edinburgh Community Transport Operators Group (ECTOG) PEP, Dove Transport, SEAG, LCTS, & Handicabs.

PATS means Passenger Assistants Training Scheme – PATS is a development of MiDAS and has a similar structure.

PATS has been developed for those people who undertake the role of passenger assistant, sometimes called escort. The PATS programme is relevant for passenger’s assistants working in cars, minicabs, taxis, minibuses, large buses and coaches.

PATS is open to any organisation that employs uses or supplies passenger assistants. An organisation does not have to be a member of the MiDAS training scheme in order to use the Passenger Assistant Training Scheme. It is also open to any organisation that uses volunteers as passenger assistants.

As places are limited, for further information on any of our courses call our trainer:

Theodora Hidalgo on 0131 315 4466

email theopepequalities@hotmail.co.uk

pepequalities@btconnect.com

MiDAS PAT’s Publicity

Theodora Hidalgo
Learning and Training Officer, Pilton Equalities Project

Fast Forward to Clydeside

Mhairi Smith is volunteer co-ordinator at Leith-based youth project Fast Forward. Mhairi has just completed some volunteering of her own – she was a Clyde-sider at Glasgow’s ‘pure, dead, brilliant’ Commonwealth Games.

Click on the link below to read her story:

As a Commonwealth volunteer I danced with Rod Stewart, stood next to the Queen, and got proposed to by a Ghanaian athlete.

via As a Commonwealth volunteer I danced with Rod Stewart, stood next to the Queen, and got proposed to by a Ghanaian athlete.