North Edinburgh Fights Back are holding a public meeting to discuss the Bedroom Tax at the Old Kirk on Pennywell Road tomorrow (Thursday 9 May) from 7 – 9pm.
All welcome.
Category: North Edinburgh News
Belt up in the back! City cabbies graduate as tour guides
Three Edinburgh taxi drivers have just graduated as elite tour guides.
Cabbies Simon Reid, David Watt and Dougie Gray received their Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers Tour Guiding Certificates from Councillor Eric Milligan at a ceremony in the City Chambers.
Under the watchful eye of course director Bob McCulloch, the trio -two from Central Taxis and one from City Cabs – spent twelve weeks learning all there is to know about Edinburgh, its history, its buildings and its people.
The black cab drivers can now display a special sticker on their vehicles and take tourists and visitors on a unique and personalised tour of the capital. Edinburgh now has 16 qualified taxi tour guides.
Tony Kenmuir, boss of Central Taxis and a graduate of the scheme himself, said: “These drivers really have gone the extra mile to get these certificates. They care about the city and they want to show visitors the best of Edinburgh.”
Extra Royal Mile, surely?
Getting together to create a ‘Mountain Bike Legacy’ on Gypsy Brae
Cyclone Bike Track – Phase 2!
Phase Two of Edinburgh’s newest biggest mountain biking track gets underway today! Local business, corporations and members of the local community [all volunteers] come together to create a ‘Mountain bike Legacy’
MY Adventure invites you to the extremely exciting and well anticipated 2nd stage of the construction of Edinburgh’s newest and biggest mountain biking track.
Come along between
Tuesday 7th and Friday 10th May
and contribute to the creation of this fantastic local resource.
Cyclone bike track is an exciting new mountain biking trail situated in the heart of the North Edinburgh community (Granton, Pilton, Muirhouse). The circuit was given the green light in 2012 following a Dragons’ Den-style pitch by community activist and MY Adventure employee, Peter Airlie to a panel of investors which included representatives from coffee shop chain Starbucks, Edinburgh City Council and other businesses.
Following this, an additional £2000 was invested and the project secured support in the form of a dutiful
workforce from State Street Bank, Scottish Gas Networks & city Council Community Wardens. Together with an enthusiastic band of local volunteers Phase 1 (a short children’s track) was completed in May 2012.
Having secured further funding from the Weir Charitable Trust the Cyclone team are now ready to push forward with stage 2, the construction of a more ‘technical’ bike track.
Phase 2 will involve clearing litter, marking out the route, digging foundations and low trimming branches. The final task will be to pour in some hardcore and wind stone as required. All this will be done by hand by our committed group of staff and volunteers.
Members of the public will be able to use the track free all year round and at their own risk but MYDG’s MY Adventure will run regular training sessions to learn and develop mountain bike skills.
The Cyclone Bike Track is a fantastic local resource run by volunteers and held in trust by MYDG for the community. It is hoped that having such a fantastic facility in the local area will contribute to increased fitness, health and wellbeing amongst young people and adults. The bike track itself is situated in a beautiful setting with excellent views across the Forth estuary and will truly be an asset to a community which is to often negatively portrayed within the media or not portrayed at all.
The Cyclone Bike Track is proud to accept sponsorship in the form of volunteers and materials from Scottish Gas, Ravelrig (Tarmac) Quarry Kirknewton, Anderson Strathern Business Services and State Street Bank. The project is also extremely grateful to volunteers from Tomorrows People, The Haven Dad’s group and many thanks go to Edinburgh City Council, who will provide us with community wardens and a ranger service.
MYDG MyAdventure
Neighbourhood Partnerships under the spotlight
The city council’s newly formed Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee will discuss the effectiveness of Neighbourhood Partnerships at a meeting at the City Chambers later today. The committee will examine the good practice of Neighbourhood Partnerships and look at ways to increase their positive impact on communities.
A review of the work of the 12 Partnerships in the Capital has been completed and aims to develop ways in which they can be strengthened and developed.The review focuses on improving community participation and increasing the influence of Partnerships, with a significant commitment from a range of public sector and voluntary organisations to respond to locally identified needs and priorities.
Residents and representatives from the public and voluntary sector actively collaborated on identifying the improvements needed. Members of the Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee will consider the options presented in a report today (May 7).
The range of options include increasing communication about the work of Neighbourhood Partnerships and Community Councils, developing the use of online participation, and strengthening the links between organisations.
Councillor Maureen Child, Convener of the Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee, said: “’Neighbourhood Partnerships allow for dialogue between the community, the voluntary sector, the local authority and public sector agencies. They have the potential to give people the chance to have their say, and have an influence on matters which are important to them in their area, or to express themselves about something that interests them.
“Feedback from online and workshop consultation found that 70% of respondents agreed that the role of Partnerships should be increased, which corresponds with the Capital Coalition’s pledge to do so. Increasing community involvement in the democratic process can empower local people and organisations and encourage community pride.”
For some, the consensual, collaborative ways of Neighbourhood Partnerships has worked well. Drylaw Telford Community Council chair Alex Dale is a member of Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership.
He said: “I find them an effective way of communication with the local communities, using vehicles like the conferences that are held in Inverleith and the positivity that comes out of these events. We are lucky in Inverleith that we have four councillors who seemed to blend together as a working group for the benefit of the community, and not for political gain – although on occasions this may happen!
“For me, the main bonus is the sub-groups: in Inverleith the members are all community based people who’s main aim is to improve their environment. The main sub group is Neighbourhood Environment Panel (NEP). This panel is an excellent example of effectiveness of Neighbourhood Partnerships, by allowing local communities to make decisions on projects within their Partnership. In the past these decisions would have been made by some ‘faceless mandarins’ locked up in a dark hole in Council HQ!
“The main framework is there, it is how the partnership use it that’s important. We are lucky in Inverleith that all the sub-groups operate on a non political viewpoint, unlike some in other partnerships not too far away. I would like to see all Partnership groups citywide chaired by a CEC employee who can control and advise the group in a non-biased way.
“Communication is a problem and this was highlighted at the recent review where a lot of delegates there claimed they did not now what the partnerships are about. I did raise the point that vehicles like our NEN newspaper could be used, and other media such as twitter, Facebook was also put forward.
“How can we encourage more people to get involved? Well that’s a hard questions to answer. We have good Conferences that seem to be well attended, Leith had the “ Leith Decides” which seemed to be popular but people only get involved when something directly affects them. We have to get the message across that the Partnerships do work and it is not ‘all talk and no action’ as it is perceived to be.”
While Alex is positive about the role of Neighbourhood Partnerships in communities, there are others who believe they are little more than talking shops. Muirhouse resident and activist Robert Pearson was a founder member of Tenants and Residents in Muirhouse (TRIM), and he thinks Neighbourhood Partnership meetings are dominated by officialdom and so irrelevant to most local people.
He said: “Just what is Neighbourhood Partnership? That is the question most people would ask you if you mentioned it. Unless you’re in a group, agency or organisation then you will not know about the Forth Neighbourhood Partnership.
“This could be improved by them telling people in terms they understand what it’s all about, how to get involved, what difference it will make to THEM and others. The website is very daunting as the homepage tells you all about the Councillors and then immediately goes on about representatives from Police, Council, NHS Lothian ETC. Now why the hell would locals want to sit in with ‘suits’?
“You have to go digging on the site to see that anyone can attend their meetings, When in fact that should be the first thing on their site. They need to start using email, Twitter, and Facebook to engage with everyone. The whole thing needs an overhaul and brought up to date.”
Roy Douglas, chair of Muirhouse salvesen Community Council, has mixed views about the effectiveness of Neighbourhood Partnerships. He said: “Over that past couple of years I think the Partnership have been somewhat engaging with communities but at times it looks like tokenism, why? Meetings are official lead, and it seems that some points that communities raise do get actioned – but if there is no budget, it’s left.
“I also think that we don’t have a community engagement process that always reflects what the community think; sometimes suggestions can be swayed by officials. Gone are the days of listening to the community – Neighbourhood Partnership open meeting are mostly prescripted and are looking at discussions on outcomes they want to hear about”.
Neighbourhood Partnerships – greatest thing since sliced breid or boring talking shops?
Have you attended Neighbourhood Partnership meetings? What did you think?
Let us know!
Police seek gang of thugs after Crewe Path mugging
Police are seeking a gang of teenage muggers following an attack on a middle aged man in the Crewe Road area on Sunday morning. The victim was kicked in the head and body as he lay helpless on the ground before the thugs stole his wallet.
The 52-year-old victim was walking in Crewe Path, which links Crewe Road West to Crewe Road North, at around 11.15am on Sunday when he was approached by four male youths. As the man passed the group he was punched in the face. This knocked him to the ground and he was then subject to further attack, with the youths kicking the defenceless man in the head and body.
Following the assault and robbery the gan fled back along Crewe Path to Crewe Road North.
The suspects are all described as white and between 15 and 18-years-old. One is described as being around 5ft 11in tall, with a slim build, and wearing a grey top, while the others are described as being around 5ft 8in tall.
Detective Constable Rachel Robertson said: “While the victim did not suffer any serious injury, he was left extremely shaken as a result of his ordeal, and we are appealing for any information that can assist us in tracing those responsible. Anyone who witnessed the assault, or who was in the area at the time and may have noticed four male youths together, should contact police. If you have any inormation that can assist our enquiries in any way please get in touch.”
Fore! Edinburgh pupils can win trip to Paradise Island
Primary schools in Edinburgh are being urged to sign up for a competition aimed at encouraging writing and creativity amongst pupils. The initiative is being launched by Paradise Island Adventure Golf, offering schools the chance to win an exciting end of term class trip to its indoor adventure golf facility this summer.
The unique leisure experience at Livingston Designer Outlet boasts two 18-hole mini golf courses set amidst a tropical paradise, complete with tiki huts and exotic wildlife.
To enter the competition, primary school pupils simply have to create a piece of artwork of a paradise island or write a story about a paradise island. The artwork or story entries can be individual or a class effort.
The best entry will win an end of term class trip to the golf complex, where the class will have exclusive use of the facility and can warm up for the summer holidays on the island.
Craig Nichol, Marketing Manager at Paradise Island Adventure Golf said: “We’re delighted to be offering pupils in Edinburgh the chance to win an end of term class trip to our adventure golf centre in Livingston. The competition not only aims to promote creativity and literacy amongst pupils, but it also provides schools with the opportunity to gain a fantastic class outing to reward pupils for their hard work during the year.”
The golf entertainment complex features two challenging courses of paradise themed fun. Barnacle Bay is a fantastic course full of twists and turns, designed to send your ball on a rollercoaster ride.
The Lost Lagoon offers more adventurous mini golfers the chance to test their skills through a maze of obstacles and uneven terrain. Both courses also allow players to attempt the thrilling 19th hole for the chance to win a free game.
Entries can be emailed to livingston@paradiseislandgolf.com
or posted to
Paradise Island Adventure Golf, Livingston Designer Outlet, Almondvale Avenue, Livingston, EH54 6QX.
All entries must be submitted by 31st May 2013.
![images[1]](https://i0.wp.com/nen.press/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/images1.jpg?ssl=1)
For further information about Paradise Island Adventure Golf or for booking enquiries, please visit www.paradiseislandgolf.com or email livingston@paradiseislandgolf.com
PCHP: think about health in a different way
Pilton Community Health Project has been speaking to people in North Edinburgh about issues affecting their lives – especially about physical activity and what they think is important in this area. Many of the same themes come up again and again such as safety, dog mess and underuse of greenspaces.
We want to look at things in a different way and work together to come up with inspiring solutions.
Are you someone
- · Who thinks differently?
- · Who likes to get involved in their local area, with local people.
- · Who likes solving problems?
- · Who has energy and enthusiasm!
- Who is interested in physical activity?
We invite you to join us in some inspiring and thought provoking sessions thinking in a different way
What it will be
Fun, interesting, thought provoking, possibly it may even transform your life!
We will provide
Food, drink, childcare and fun
On
Wednesday 29 May & Wed 5 June
times and venue to be confirmed
Interested? Please contact Clare or Lianne on 0131 551 1671
Move It, Pilton Community Health Project
73 Boswall Parkway
Edinburgh EH5 2PW
Edinburgh College strikes gold
Edinburgh College students have won a string of awards at a national competition designed to recognise the exceptional talent of beauty students in further education and training. Edinburgh College hosted the national World Skills competition and awards ceremony and entered beauty students to compete for awards against hundreds of students from across the country.
The local collge students, who have consistently won awards at the World Skills competition, picked up two 1st places, three 2nd places and one 3rd place in several competitive beauty categories including aromatherapy and beauty therapy – with a clean sweep of awards in Beauty Therapy Advanced.
19-year-old Beauty student Rachel Rooney from Gilmerton won 1st place in Advanced Beauty Therapy. She said: “My lecturers, Carrie, Nicola and Claire, really encouraged and supported me to go in for the competition and I’m really glad they gave me that extra boost to go for it. I couldn’t have done it without their help.
“I was in complete shock when I heard the World Skills judges call out my name to say I had won – all I could hear were my friends and lecturers cheering me on as I went up on stage to collect the award. I’m so pleased to have won such an amazing award. World Skills is a really well known competition. It’ll look brilliant on my CV and will hopefully give me an edge when I’m looking for a job after College.”
34-year-old Beauty student Lola Lopez, who is originally from Madrid but is currently living in Edinburgh, won 1st place in Aromatherapy at the World Skills competition. She said: “It’s such a massive opportunity to have our beauty skills judged by top professionals. During the competition, the judges came around to observe our treatments and asked us questions about our skill and techniques throughout the competition to really put us to the test.”
Mandy Exley, Principal of Edinburgh College, said: “We are delighted to have been given the honour to host and compete in such a high profile event. World Skills really showcases the brilliant work of beauty students across the country, and highlights the next generation of talented and skilled beauty employees in the industry. We’re incredibly proud of all of our students who have won awards in the competition and look forward to seeing how they perform in the UK national final later in the year.”
She added: “The area of beauty within Edinburgh College is fundamental to the College’s overall curriculum, as well as to the overall contribution to GDP within the UK. The number of people training and gaining employment in beauty has grown by leaps and bounds over the last five years, and we’re very proud to be at the forefront of delivering a skilled workforce within the burgeoning beauty industry.”
Highly regarded throughout the industry, World Skills UK champions and drives excellence in workplace skills and education through competition. The beauty students will soon find out if they will be invited to attend the flagship The Skills Show final later in the year.
Pictured Above: (L-R) Edinburgh College beauty students Shevon McKenna, Lola Lopez, Samantha Plastow, Lindsey McCardie, Kirsty Steel, and Rachel Rooney at the World Skills competition.
And the winner is …
Beauty therapy advanced
· Rachel Rooney (1st place)
· Lindsey McCardie (2nd place)
· Kirsty Steel (3rd place)
Aromatherapy
· Lola Lopez (1st place)
· Samantha Plastow (2nd place)
Beauty Therapy Intermediate
· Shevon McKenna (2nd place)
Letter: The Blame Game
Dear Editor
UKIP is cashing in on voters’ discontent over the inability of the TOry/Lib Dem government to maintain and create more jobs and houses. UKIP is directing people’s anger not against the causes of the problems: the system and it’s incapability ti provide jobs and houses.
They are setting people against people, seeking by their actions to maintain that system; the problems of immigration being highlighted as one of the main causes of our increasing poverty, too many people chasing too few jobs, etc. etc. – it is becoming a numbers game.
If one accepts that as the main cause of today’s decline, then the days when things were booming, of rising living standards, must in part be due to immigration labour contributing to it.
Over many, many years the emigration of Scottish, Irish, Welsh and English – whose motives for moving was to find a better life – now can be blamed for the troubles happening in Spain, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, France, etc., – where maybe the numbers game is also being played.
Serious questions do arise about the level of wages and conditions of work that are found in private-run companies whose interests are profit-making as a priority. Public services in the main do have Unions and Associations to try to maintain wages and conditions.
The system of capitalism under which we live cab only continue if the capitalists’ search for ever greater profits is aided by competition, driving down costs by making individuals compete for jobs and security, and nations competing for markets. In this system the problems of jobs and security become a source of conflict in which it is handy to have scapegoats to blame. This is what UKIP is doing; a quick look at modern history blaming sections of people shows just where this can lead.
Real problems do exist and people worry for their families, but the greatest problem is the system itself: it cannot solve the problems it creates, it is time for it to go.
A. Delahoy
Silverknowes Gardens
City hails success of crime crackdown
Police in Edinburgh have hailed the success of an operation targeting drug dealers and serious and organised criminals in the Capital. Operation Amend has resulted in the arrests of 25 people, along with the seizure of around £300,000 worth of drugs and almost £250,000 in cash.
The seizures included quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin, as well as a cannabis cultivation. Over £200,000 in cash was recovered from one address in Musselburgh alone.
Police Scotland’s Detective Superintendent Gareth Blair said: “There is no doubt that Operation Amend has struck a serious blow against drug dealers and serious and organised criminals operating in Edinburgh. We have arrested and charged a number of individuals with alleged drugs offences, and removed a significant quantity of drugs from the streets of the Capital.
“Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe, and we will relentlessly pursue all those who we suspect of involvement in drug dealing and serious and organised crime. At the same time we will continue to work closely with our community partners in order to make our communities safer and secure.
“We would ask the public to play their part by providing us with information on drug dealers and serious and organised criminals operating in their community. Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101, or make an anonymous report though Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: “While honest, hard-working members of the public struggle in these challenging financial times, it is galling and distressing to see drug dealers and those involved in serious organised crime flouting their ill-gotten wealth.
“It is thanks to vital information supplied by the public and the hard work of police that serious and organised criminals across Scotland are being identified and brought to justice. Ultimately, it shows that the combined efforts of communities, police, and enforcement agencies all contributes to making Scotland a safer and stronger place to live.”
Councillor Cammy Day, Community Safety Leader, said: “I am very pleased that Operation Amend has been such a success and believe this demonstrates how strengthening community links with the police can make our neighbourhoods safer. It sends a clear signal that drug-related crime will not be tolerated and I would like to thank all members of the community for their support of this very worthwhile initiative.”
Professor Alison McCallum, Director of Public Health and Health Policy, NHS Lothian, said: “We continue to work closely with Police Scotland, health services and other agencies throughout Lothian by providing a broad range of services to help and support individuals to address the causes and consequences of problematic drug use.”
