Category: North Edinburgh News

Local firefighters get on their bikes for Oaklands

A team of local firefighters will set out to cycle the length of the country to raise funds for Oaklands School this week. The officers from Crewe Toll’s White Watch plan to pedal from Lands End to John o’ Groats – a distance of 845 miles – over nine gruelling days.

The firefighters hope their efforts will raise enough sponsorship money to purchase at least one specialised Petra Running Bike, which give children a totally new experience of freedom when they use them, for the school.

David Dourley, who was White Watch commander, explained: “We have a team of ten cyclists, plus two support drivers who are retired colleagues, and we set off down south on Thursday. We decided to support Oaklands because we have a very good working relationship with the school – being on Ferry Road it’s very close to the Fire station and we’re regular visitors. Some of the children and young people at Oaklands have severe and complex additional support needs and we know the staff do a really fantastic job here. When we heard Oaklands needed support to raise money for these amazing bikes we were delighted to offer our services. I hope we’re all still feeling the same way after the trip!’

Colleague Ali McKay added: ‘We’ve got all levels of experience in the team – some guys cycle regularly, while one of our blokes only bought a bike a couple of weeks ago! We’ve been training, but none of us have done anything like this before – eight to ten hours per day for nine days – so it will be a real challenge. It’s for a great cause though and we’re really looking forward to it – honestly!’

Good luck, White Watch. We’ll let you know how the guys get on.

Fabby Food at West Pilton

Forth councillor Cammy Day opened West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre’s new food co-operative yesterday. The Fabby Food Store offers quality fresh produce at competitive prices and the West Pilton Grove location is convenient for local shoppers.

Cammy Day said: ‘People will remember Barri Grubb, the food co-op based at the Health Project, had to close because of council cuts. That project is a real loss so I am delighted to see this new resource – a partnership between the city council, Community Learning and Development and local people – open here today. I hope many local people will use the new shop and I wish the venture every success’.

He went on to present a basket of goodies to local woman Johann Boyle (pictured below), who won the competition to name the new co-op – Fabby Food Store.

Fabby Food Store opens on Tuesdays from 10am – 2pm. For further information call West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre on 551 3194.

Beattie’s the bhoy to break Hibs’ hearts!

Tick tock, tick, tock … It’s been 110 years since Hibs won the Scottish Cup – and Hearts fans reckon you can make that 111! As they see it, it’s going to be Gorgie glee and not sunshine on Leith come 5pm on 19 May.

Hearts have the upper hand in derby encounters over recent seasons – the unbeaten run now stretches to ten games and you have to go back to three long years to find the last time Hibs tasted victory in an Edinburgh derby through a Riordan penalty. There are good reasons for that Hearts dominance.

When it comes to the big occasion, Hearts players rise to the challenge where Hibs seem to wilt and wither under the pressure. Hearts seem to want it more and even seem to expect it now – there’s a superiority, a swagger and a confidence when Hearts face Hibs. And in the lead-up to the most talked about Cup Final in living memory, Hearts have better players than Hibs all over the pitch.

Take the respective defences. The Hearts defence is settled, reliable and packed with experience. Hearts goalkeepers have also made the headlines for the right reasons – unlike poor old Hibs: Malkowski or Makalambay, anybody? Hearts have nothing to fear from a powder puff Hibs attack.

In midfield Hearts also hold all the aces. While Hibs’ engine room is full of lightweight players who flatter to deceive with fancy flicks and nice touches – which seldom come off – in Ian Black Hearts have a combative wee warrior (Hibs fans call him other things) who will boss, bully and dominate the centre of the park. Games like these need a grafter, a battler. Hibs don’t have one – Hearts have Ian Black.

Up front, Hearts have the edge too. Big game player Rudi Skacel has a fine record against Hibs and in Craig Beattie Hearts have a fine striker with all the attributes you need to win games. He’s sharp, has a fine shot and is good in the air. When chances come, he takes them. Hibs defence has tightened up over recent weeks, but they are still prone to the odd error and you can be sure that any weaknesses will be exposed on Hampden’s wide-open spaces. Both Hibs full-backs like to get forward but leave space at the back – and when Hearts wide players get in behind them there will be opportunities aplenty. Hearts will create chances and, with the firepower available at Gorgie, Hibs will be punished.

Yes, Hearts have had better seasons but given the ongoing wages problems and persistent reports that all is not well financially, that’s hardly surprising. Having said that, Hearts  have still had a better season than their old rivals! In Paulo Sergio Hearts have an astute young manager and, if he’s left alone to do his job without interference from ‘on high’, he’s already shown that he can get results and Sergio has a fully fit and highly motivated squad to choose from. Unlike the Hibs, Hearts have not been involved in an end of season dogfight and have had a perfect preparation in the build-up to the Cup Final.

And there’s no doubt about it, Hearts got to the final on merit – they took on Scotland’s best team by far, and not only matched Celtic but deservedly beat them. Celtic had no excuses, and how many of the current Hibs squad would get a place in that Celtic team?

Hearts face their oldest rivals on 19 May full of confidence. Better players, better form, better manager, great recent record against Hibs, fine performances at Hampden behind them – everything points to a comprehensive Hearts victory, and the sweetest cup win of them all.

Beattie's the bhoy to break Hibs' hearts!

Tick tock, tick, tock … It’s been 110 years since Hibs won the Scottish Cup – and Hearts fans reckon you can make that 111! As they see it, it’s going to be Gorgie glee and not sunshine on Leith come 5pm on 19 May.

Hearts have the upper hand in derby encounters over recent seasons – the unbeaten run now stretches to ten games and you have to go back to three long years to find the last time Hibs tasted victory in an Edinburgh derby through a Riordan penalty. There are good reasons for that Hearts dominance.

When it comes to the big occasion, Hearts players rise to the challenge where Hibs seem to wilt and wither under the pressure. Hearts seem to want it more and even seem to expect it now – there’s a superiority, a swagger and a confidence when Hearts face Hibs. And in the lead-up to the most talked about Cup Final in living memory, Hearts have better players than Hibs all over the pitch.

Take the respective defences. The Hearts defence is settled, reliable and packed with experience. Hearts goalkeepers have also made the headlines for the right reasons – unlike poor old Hibs: Malkowski or Makalambay, anybody? Hearts have nothing to fear from a powder puff Hibs attack.

In midfield Hearts also hold all the aces. While Hibs’ engine room is full of lightweight players who flatter to deceive with fancy flicks and nice touches – which seldom come off – in Ian Black Hearts have a combative wee warrior (Hibs fans call him other things) who will boss, bully and dominate the centre of the park. Games like these need a grafter, a battler. Hibs don’t have one – Hearts have Ian Black.

Up front, Hearts have the edge too. Big game player Rudi Skacel has a fine record against Hibs and in Craig Beattie Hearts have a fine striker with all the attributes you need to win games. He’s sharp, has a fine shot and is good in the air. When chances come, he takes them. Hibs defence has tightened up over recent weeks, but they are still prone to the odd error and you can be sure that any weaknesses will be exposed on Hampden’s wide-open spaces. Both Hibs full-backs like to get forward but leave space at the back – and when Hearts wide players get in behind them there will be opportunities aplenty. Hearts will create chances and, with the firepower available at Gorgie, Hibs will be punished.

Yes, Hearts have had better seasons but given the ongoing wages problems and persistent reports that all is not well financially, that’s hardly surprising. Having said that, Hearts  have still had a better season than their old rivals! In Paulo Sergio Hearts have an astute young manager and, if he’s left alone to do his job without interference from ‘on high’, he’s already shown that he can get results and Sergio has a fully fit and highly motivated squad to choose from. Unlike the Hibs, Hearts have not been involved in an end of season dogfight and have had a perfect preparation in the build-up to the Cup Final.

And there’s no doubt about it, Hearts got to the final on merit – they took on Scotland’s best team by far, and not only matched Celtic but deservedly beat them. Celtic had no excuses, and how many of the current Hibs squad would get a place in that Celtic team?

Hearts face their oldest rivals on 19 May full of confidence. Better players, better form, better manager, great recent record against Hibs, fine performances at Hampden behind them – everything points to a comprehensive Hearts victory, and the sweetest cup win of them all.

Hibs heroes to end Hampden hoodoo

 

And if you know your history … yes, we know, it’s 110 years since Hibs won the Scottish Cup and long-suffering Hibees could be forgiven for staying in their beds on 19 May, or maybe take the opportunity to enjoy that long-awaited weekend break in Kazahkstan. After all, Hibs don’t beat Hearts. And they certainly don’t win the Scottish Cup.

It was somehow inevitable that, following Hibs semi-final victory over Aberdeen, city rivals Hearts would triumph over Celtic in the other tie. It was meant to be.

And yet Hibs could surprise us all – their own fans included. Granted, this is probably the worst ever Hibs team to contest a final, but the Hampden showpiece is an opportunity to put wretched League form behind them and go out and actually enjoy the occasion. There is no pressure on the Easter Road men – they have nothing to lose; they are expected to lose.

Half the HIbs squad is out of contract at the end of this season – what better opportunity to put yourself in the shop window, or securing yourself a new contract, than by being part of a cup winning team?

Hibs have been poor all season – correction, for seasons – and their current SPL plight is no surprise. They are not in a false position – they thoroughly deserve to be where they are, scrapping it out with Dunfermline for Premier League survival. They just haven’t been good enough.

But they have been a different proposition in the cup. Granted, they have had some luck in the draw but they have done all they have had to do, and they have reached the final on merit. In Leigh Griffiths and Gary O’Connor they do have strikers who can take their chances and who can prove a handful for the Hearts defence.

And in James McPake the Hibees at last have a leader of the pitch, a real captain who will nail his colours to the mast and who will battle for the cause to the end. He’s the type of motivator Hibs have been sorely missing – and the Cup Final is a day for big hearts and big men. McPake may just inspire his men to glory.

So it could just be Hibs day. Some very ordinary players could well become club legends over the course of ninety (or, God forbid, 120) minutes. It’s unlikely to be pretty or even enjoyable; forget a 7-0 or a 6-2, a sclaffed tap-in in the 89th minute for an ill-deserved 1-0 would do! The only thing that matters is the name on the trophy after the game. Given the topsy-turvy nature of Scottish football this season, that name could just be Hibernian FC – and how sweet would it be to end that Hampden hoodoo against your oldest rivals?

For Hibs, it’s the biggest game in the club’s illustrious history. And for the fans, the most important match of their lives. As one long-suffering Hibs fan said: ‘for them, it’s just another game. But for us, it means everything’.

Local Sainsburys fined for poor hygiene

Local supermarket Sainsbury’s has been fined £6000 for allowing food chewed on by mice to be placed on sale at a the branch at Craigleith Retail park..

This is the second setback for the store after it was forced to close after damage caused during high winds earlier this year. (Picture: Thomas Brown)

Environmental officers found that rodents had gnawed on the packaging of crisps, rice and nuts at the Craigleith Road store during a visit in February last year.

They made the inspection after receiving an anonymous tip-off claiming hygiene at the branch was extremely unsatisfactory.

On Friday Sainsbury’s admitted two charges of contravening food safety regulations, while two further allegations were dropped by prosecutors, including that mice droppings and trails of mice urine were present on shelves.

The food firm blamed contractors for failing to ensure the revamped store was pest proof.

Depute procurator fiscal Bruce Macrosson told Edinburgh Sheriff Court that environmental health inspectors found a number of products that had been tampered with by the mice.

He said: “On February 10, 2011, following an anonymous complaint of mice activity at the store premises, environmental health officers of Edinburgh City Council attended the premises. The duty manager informed the officers that the company was aware there was mice activity in the store and that they were addressing the issue.

“They found that two bags of Sainsbury’s own brand salted cashew nuts had been gnawed on by mice.

“They also found two packets of rice that had been gnawed on by mice. And they also discovered a multi-pack of Quavers crisps that had been tampered with by the mice.”

The court also heard Sainsbury’s staff then destroyed all food stuffs that could have come into contact with the rodents.

Defence advocate Susan Duff told the court that the company accepted it had committed criminal offences. She said the store had suffered problems since it reopened following a £9 million refurbishment in October 2010.

Mrs Duff said contractors had failed to take adequate steps to make the store pest proof, and had failed to tell Sainsbury’s what they had done. The court heard the firm had spent only £3000 on anti-rodent measures and that inspectors visited the store around the same time Sainsbury’s discovered what was going on.

She added that the company had taken all available measures to make the shop safe for customers to visit.

Mrs Duff said: “The company deeply regrets that the offences were committed. Once it became apparent, the company took immediate action to remedy the situation.

“The £3000 spent on proofing was grossly inadequate. The company acted extremely responsibly once it became aware of the problem. Sainsbury’s decided to destroy the food stuffs that may have been in contact with the mice.

Hitting Sainsbury’s with the £6000 fine, Sheriff Paul Arthurson QC said: “In light of what has been said by the prosecution and the mitigation offered on behalf of Sainsbury’s, I will impose a financial penalty.”

Letter – Local unhappy with Council Investigation

Dear Editor

I was really disappointed in an article I read in the Evening News 27th April concerning Granton & District Community Council

The article stated that Granton & District Community Council were found to be blameless in money they had spent on IT equiptment . I and many others had written to the Director of the Council Sue Bruce about the behaviour of the chair person Fred Marinello . Regarding the IT equiptment the purchase of three laptops for the group . The Community Council were asked repeatedly to provide the minutes where it was agreed to purchase the laptops . Firstly they informed the meeting that this purchase was minuted . When they were asked to provide the minutes thay could /would not produce them . No-one was accusing the community council of theft so why did they not produce the minutes ?

Fred Marinello was extremly agressive at this meeting towards two member of the Community Council who were expelled at this meeting . I did accuse the chairperson of being a bully at this meeting . I and others then wrote to the Director who passed on the complaint to Mark Turley for investigation

The only people Mark Turley interviewed were members of the Community Council I and others were not asked to any interview nor were our letters of complaint acknowledged . How can this be a fair hearing ? It was stated in the “News ” article that Fred Marinello denied being agressive . Councillor Stevie Cardownie was in attendace at this meeting . Members of the public commented on the agressive behaviour of Fred Marinello . If this is how Granton & District Community Council conduct themselves I ‘m afraid they do not represent me ….. not in my name .

Also the investigation conducted by Mark Turley appears like a whitewash when he only interviewed members of the Community Council . Should we trust Granton & District Community Council and Edinburgh City Council officials ? I think not What happened to democracy ?

Womens International Group (WIG) from Royston Wardieburn asked the community council to display a notice of a planned hustings only to be denied as it was redeemed as “political” . Very stange when the vicechair of the community council George Gordon is standing at the local council elections and the chairperson is his political agent . I submitted a letter to the Evening News voicing my concerns that George Gordon did not answer a request by the group to attend the hustings . He replied through the Evening News that I was trying to voice my political view using a community event . I am in no way affiliated to any political party. He also denied that I had sent him an invitation to attend the hustings . I sent him and other potential candidates invitations on April 14th. The leader of the party he is standing for managed to receive his invite and duly sent his apologies for being unable to attend . Do the political leaders not talk to their prospective candidates ? I have copies of the e mails I sent out to all prospective candidates including George Gordon.

Unlike Granton & District Community Council I can produce proof that I did send out the appropriate invitation .

Kind Regards

Anna Hutchison

Crewe Road West

Local developments shortlisted for housing awards

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) has been shortlisted for two Scottish Home Awards for two new developments in North Edinburgh. Its block of 15 flats and church centre at Boswall Parkway (pictured) has been shortlisted in the Community Partnership of the Year category and its 17 flats on West Granton Road are in the running for the Small Affordable Housing Development (Housing Associations).

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of PoLHA, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted in these two categories. We are committed to building high-quality, desirable affordable homes in communities people can be proud to live in and being shortlisted for these is a fantastic validation of that aim.”

PoLHA won Apartment of the Year at last year’s Scottish Home Awards for its development of social rent and shared ownership homes at Coburg Street, Leith and in 2010 won Large Affordable Housing Development of the Year for its development of 102 flats which were the first affordable homes at Western Harbour.

The Scottish Home Awards will take place at the Hilton Glasgow on June 28.