North Edinburgh News – Page 41 – The NEN

Gandhian Peace Society shares new report

THE Gandhian Peace Society (GPS) has shared ‘an urgent and transformative development’ – the recent publication of their new report, Hinduphobia in Scotland: Understanding, Addressing, and Overcoming Prejudice:

As a charity rooted in Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, GPS is proud to announce that this pioneering study has been presented to the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Challenging Racial and Religious Prejudice of Hinduphobia in the UK (writes DHRUVA KUMAR, General Secretary of Gandhian Peace Society).

Our report, presented to the CPG on 23 January 2024 and discussed in a meeting chaired by Foysol Choudhury MSP and convened by Professor Peter Hopkins, blends rigorous statistical data with firsthand accounts from Scotland’s Hindu population—approximately 0.3% of the country’s 5.4 million residents.

The findings reveal a troubling rise in prejudice and systemic barriers:

56% Surge in Hate Crimes: Police Scotland data shows a 56% increase in charges linked to anti-Hindu prejudice between 2019 and 2021. Notable incidents include the 2021 vandalism of Dundee’s Shree Sanatan Mandir and the 2020 arson attack on Edinburgh’s Radha Krishna Temple.
Systemic Workplace Discrimination: Hindus face the lowest public-sector recruitment rates among religious groups—1.99% at NHS Greater Glasgow, 2.7% at Glasgow City Council, and 1.39% at Renfrewshire Council. A 2022 study found that 93% of Hindu employees avoid wearing religious attire at work, while 38% report denied requests for religious holidays.
Social Stigma: A survey revealed that 16% of Scots would feel uncomfortable with a relative marrying a Hindu, a higher rate than for Muslims (14%), Jews (11%), or Buddhists (9%).

These findings, compiled over eight months of collaboration with academics, interfaith leaders, and community members, underscore the urgent need for action. Professor Hopkins praised the report’s evidence-based approach, while Peter lauded GPS for bringing Hinduphobia into public discourse.

Beyond documenting these challenges, our report proposes an actionable four-pillar strategy to address Hinduphobia:

Legal Reforms: Strengthen Scotland’s Hate Crime Act to explicitly recognize Hinduphobia as a distinct form of prejudice.
Education: Revise school curricula to include accurate teachings about Hindu history and culture, countering ignorance and stereotypes.
Workplace Policies: Mandate anti-discrimination training and clear guidelines for religious accommodations in public and private sectors.
Community Support: Establish interfaith networks and victim support hubs to foster solidarity and resilience.

As Dhruva Kumar, Sukhi Bains and Neil Lal, authors of the report, aptly stated: “This isn’t a Hindu issue alone. It’s about building a Scotland where diversity is protected.”

The significance of this report extends far beyond Scotland. It has sparked widespread dialogue, with coverage in over 110 media outlets worldwide, including ANI, Press Trust of India, HinduPost The Week, The Tribune, Business Standard, The Print and WashingtonDCDespatch, as well as prominent Asian platforms like Awaz FM.

Dhruva Kumar said: “Scotland has a long tradition of welcoming diversity. We must uphold those values by ensuring that no religious community faces marginalisation or discrimination.”

The full report is available for review here.

Edinburgh’s underground comes to life for one night only

Explore the hidden streets of Edinburgh like never before with The Real Mary King’s Close ‘Underground Unlocked’ experience
The streets beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile which were home to real residents, will come alive once again.

For one evening only on Thursday, 13th March, The Real Mary King’s Close is inviting guests to a truly unique event that will cast The Close in an entirely new light. Unlike the usual guided experiences, this immersive event will let visitors wander the streets at their own pace, uncover hidden tales, and interact with the past in an environment brimming with atmosphere and characters.

The one-of-a-kind event will see the streets beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile buzz with life as guests stroll through preserved homes and businesses, stepping into the world of those who once lived, worked, and died here.

Recently crowned the UK’s best tourist attraction and ranked 11th best visitor attraction in Europe in the 2024 TripAdvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards – Best of the Best, The Real Mary King’s Close continues to captivate visitors with its unique blend of history, storytelling, and immersive experiences.

Guests at ‘Underground Unlocked’ will come face to face with the people who once called The Close home. Encounter the enigmatic plague doctor, John Paulitious, and hear his grim warnings. Stop for a conversation with Mary Stewart, Mary Queen of Scots, who spent her last night in Edinburgh in Pearson’s Close.

Exchange words with renowned poet Robert Fergusson, or pause to listen to Janet Chesney, mother of the Close’s final resident, as she shares memories of a vanished way of life.

The two-hour experience will allow guests to wander leisurely and curiously as every turn reveals a new piece of history, character, and every shadow holds a secret.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “Our new Underground Unlocked events give a rare chance to explore The Real Mary King’s Close at your own pace for up to two hours.

“During the one-off experience, guests will meet and interact with up to 13 historic residents, and step inside preserved homes and businesses, exactly as they stood centuries ago.”

“We wanted to give an idea of what the streets would have been like back in the 17^th when the Close would have been bustling with life. At The Real Mary King’s Close, we are passionate about storytelling and creating unforgettable experiences that transport our visitors back in time.

“We can’t wait to welcome them to ‘Underground Unlocked’ and give them our most immersive experience yet.”

The special ‘Underground Unlocked’ experience will be running on Thursday 13^th March from 18.00 until 21.00. Tickets are £40 per person. Spaces are extremely limited, so pre-booking is highly recommended.

For more information and bookings please visit:

https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/event/underground-unlocked-2025/

Tomorrow: Free drumming session at South Queensferry Library

How about some feelgood drumming session this weekend?

@edmcfest director Morgan Njobo is bringing his signature drumming workshop rooted in the South African rhythms to South Queensferry Library at 2pm tomorrow – Saturday 1st March.

No fee/booking required.

@Edinburgh_CC

@TalesOfOneCity

Cruise Ship Levy consultation

Views sought on proposed new power for councils

Local authorities could be given the optional power to introduce a tax on cruise ships that visit their areas in future.

The Scottish Government is seeking views on the practicalities of such a levy, as well as the potential market implications and effect on local economies and communities.

Analysis shows there were around 1,000 cruise ship visits to Scottish ports in 2024, bringing 1.2 million passengers – an increase of almost 400,000 per year compared with 2019.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: “The tourism sector is a crucially important part of the Scottish economy and cruise visits are increasing. The consultation will help to inform the Scottish Government’s decision over whether or not to bring forward legislation and it is really important that we hear from a wide variety of voices on this matter.

“Last year, we held events to hear the views of the cruise ship industry, local government, and others. We want to continue the helpful dialogue which started at those events, and explore further what a cruise ship levy could mean in a Scottish context.”

Consultation on a potential local authority Cruise Ship Levy in Scotland – gov.scot

The Scottish Government has no plans to introduce a nationwide cruise ship levy.

The areas that welcome the most cruise passengers are Invergordon, Orkney, Edinburgh, Lerwick, and Greenock, and the average ship in the five busiest ports carries over 1,000 passengers.

SNP budget delivers record funding for City of Edinburgh Council

5.9% INVESTMENT INCREASE FOR LOCAL SERVICES

Gordon Macdonald MSP has highlighted the record funding going to City of Edinburgh Council after the Scottish Budget was passed at Holyrood this week, providing a £1 billion increase in funding to local authorities.

After the budget received cross-party support – despite Labour and Tory MSPs sitting on their hands – City of Edinburgh Council is set to receive an increase in funding worth £60 million.

This increases funding for local priorities, teachers, and additional support for learning and to tackle the climate emergency. It also facilitates pay increases agreed for teachers, social care workers, refuse collectors and more.

Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “This year’s Scottish Budget provides record funding for Edinburgh Council which will help deliver the services people rely on and ensure our communities get the investment they need.

“After over a decade of austerity and a Labour tax hike which is set to cost councils £100 million, our local authorities have been repeatedly betrayed by Westminster parties.

“Under the SNP, we are not only investing in our local councils, but we are mitigating the impact of Westminster decisions, to the tune of £144 million for the National Insurance hike alone.

“This SNP government is delivering for the city, and I am pleased parliament has backed this budget to ensure that continues.”

https://www.gov.scot/news/15-billion-for-councils

Edinburgh charity thank public for playing crucial role in stopping needless animal cruelty

Scottish public play crucial role in stopping needless animal cruelty
OneKind campaign generated support of thousands of Scots to end the use of snares

A leading Scottish animal charity, OneKind, is celebrating the thousands of volunteers and members of the public who helped to locate and report cruel snares ahead of a historic ban to end the capture device comes into force.

This significant milestone means that wild, farmed, and companion animals across the country will no longer endure the inhumane mental and physical agony inflicted by snare traps.

The Scottish Government’s historic decision to ban snares, passed through the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act, marks a monumental step forward in ending animal cruelty. OneKind had been working on getting snares banned for many years and thanks to public interest and support finally got the ban confirmed in November 2024.

Snares, which have long been used by gamekeepers to trap wild animals like foxes in the name of protecting game birds for shooting, are indiscriminate and often cause immense suffering to a wide range of non-targeted species, from deer and badgers to cats and dogs. The new law, which came into effect in November 2024, makes it an offence to use snares or cause harm to wild animals through snaring.

This win was made possible thanks to various funding streams for the charity including that of Bighearted Scotland which helps fund essential campaigns through Payroll Giving.

Bob Elliot, Director of OneKind said: “The ban on snares is a victory that will end the suffering of countless animals across Scotland. For years, we have seen the devastating impact of snares on both target and non-target species alike.

“The distress caused to pets, wildlife, and even livestock has been heartbreaking. The Scottish Government has underlined its commitment to bettering animal welfare across the country with this landmark decision, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of the general public who helped us locate many snares in the Scottish countryside, our dedicated donors – including Bighearted Scotland – and supporters.”

OneKind has been at the forefront of this battle, campaigning for many years to eliminate the use of snares in Scotland. The charity’s efforts included public marches, rallies outside the Scottish Parliament, petitions, and extensive outreach to raise awareness of the cruelty caused by these devices.

The snare ban is the culmination of years of hard work by OneKind, but it also signals a shift in how we view wild animals. By protecting them from these inhumane traps, Scotland is taking a strong stance on the ethical treatment of wildlife.

Bighearted Scotland’s ongoing support of OneKind’s campaigns, particularly through payroll giving, has been crucial in securing this win. Payroll giving allows employees to donate a portion of their salary directly to causes like OneKind, ensuring a consistent and reliable funding stream that powers crucial campaigns.

Deborah Roe, Chair of Bighearted Scotland said: “We are proud to be part of a landmark moment for Scotland, our wildlife and our beautiful countryside through our ongoing support of OneKind.

“We want to make donating and giving back as easy as possible which is why, this Payroll Giving Month, we are encouraging people to opt in to payroll giving to benefit four Scottish Charities including Erskine, OneKind, Epilepsy Scotland and Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland.

“By donating via payroll giving you can be guaranteed you are supporting a range of charities spanning various causes and making a real impact, to real people.”

Bighearted Scotland is a consortium that has been supporting Scottish charities for over 30 years. Bighearted Scotland is dedicated to enhancing fundraising efforts through payroll giving, or Give as You Earn, which allows employees to make regular, tax-efficient donations straight from their gross pay.

In February, Payroll Giving Month, Bighearted Scotland and its member charities raise awareness about the power of payroll donations, which are often a consistent and reliable source of funding. However, despite the program’s impact, the amount donated through payroll giving has decreased by 15% over the last decade, with the number of donors also declining by 13%.

For those interested in supporting OneKind and other member charities of Bighearted Scotland, visit www.bigheartedscotland.co.uk to learn more about how to set up payroll giving in your workplace.

New collaboration to tackle health inequalities launched

The Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland launches plans this week to bring about significant change to reduce health inequalities in three of Scotland’s local authority areas.

This collaboration brings together Public Health Scotland (PHS) and Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Director of University College London’s Institute of Health Equity (IHE) with councils and health boards in Aberdeen City, North Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire.

Over the next two years, this partnership will help local areas and Community Planning Partners to strengthen their local plans to reduce health inequalities and improve wellbeing in their communities. It will support local partners to understand the actions which will have the greatest impact on health inequalities locally and help to overcome the barriers to implementing these.

The ultimate goal is to enable people to live longer, healthier lives by addressing the root causes of health inequalities and preventing illness before it starts. By creating conditions where communities can thrive, the initiative aims to create lasting positive change.

A key element of the collaboration is its role in bridging the gap between national policies and local implementation. The insights and learning from the collaboration will be shared across Scotland through a dedicated learning system, ensuring that communities nationwide can benefit from the knowledge gained.

To mark the beginning of the partnerships, each of the three local areas host launch events this week. These events will serve as a platform to engage with the community, share the vision of the collaboration, and kickstart this ambitious project to build a healthier, more equitable Scotland.

Paul Johnston, Chief Executive of PHS, said: “Our mission in Public Health Scotland is to see life expectancy increase and health inequalities reduced. The circumstances in which we are born, live and work have a huge impact on the length and quality of our lives. People born in the most deprived areas are dying, on average, a decade earlier than their wealthier neighbours.

“It’s possible to change this by taking action across the range of factors that impact on health and wellbeing. That is what this new partnership is all about. We’re determined to see an improvement in Scotland’s long-term health outcomes, and we can do this by uniting partners from across the system including the NHS, local government, community and voluntary sectors, and businesses.

“The Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland will bring together national expertise, informed by the success of ‘Marmot Places’ across England and Wales, with local knowledge to agree priority actions and support meaningful change.

“We’re looking forward to working and learning together with a determined focus to see improvement in health, wellbeing and life expectancy across Scotland.”

Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Director of the IHE said: “Research in Scotland has demonstrated dramatic differences in health and life expectancy within and between areas in Scotland. Progress in improving health stalled after 2010, in Scotland as in other parts of the UK, and health inequalities increased.

“We have been working with places in England and Wales to implement change at local level to improve health and reduce health inequalities. We are inspired by the commitment of communities and local leaders to improve the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age.

“We are now delighted to launch programmes of work in three places in Scotland. Each place has vital contributions to make in improving the conditions of people’s lives thereby tackling health inequalities within their area.

“This local action will also inform national system leaders about the most effective ways to develop national approaches to tackling health inequalities in Scotland. Put simply, we aim to show that poverty is not destiny.”

Find out more about the Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland

Find out more about the UCL Institute for Health Equity

UK Youth Parliament annual session at Westminster today

TODAY (Friday 28 February), more than 300 elected Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) aged 11-18 will represent the views of their peers and hold debates on a range of topics.

Young people from across the UK, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies will return to the House of Commons Chamber today for the annual sitting of UK Youth Parliament.

The debated motions will include:

16- and 17-year-olds should be allowed to vote in all elections and referendums, accompanied with more political education throughout school.
That the National Minimum Wage for every worker under 22 be raised, to match the National Living Wage for those over 22.
All public transport should be free for young people.
All young people in the UK must have access to a standardised level of political literacy and democratic education to improve engagement in politics on a local, national and international level to develop critical thinking skills.
To establish period dignity, there should be free, accessible, good quality period products available in public spaces for everyone.

The debate areas are part of the UK Youth Parliament Manifesto for 2024-2026 ‘Shaping Our Future, Today Not Tomorrow’ which was created by the MYP’s at their Annual Conference in October 2024, drawing on the views and issues raised by young people from across the UK.

For the first time in the House of Commons, an MYP will use British Sign Language to deliver his speech. A BSL interpreter will communicate this via a microphone in the Commons Chamber.

Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, said that he is “very proud that this sitting of the UK Youth Parliament will be the most inclusive and exciting yet.

“I cannot wait to hear the thoughts and views of young people from across the UK, the British Overseas Territories, and the Crown Dependencies, on the issues that matter to them.”

Leigh Middleton, OBE, CEO, National Youth Agency: “Youth voice is a central tenet of youth work and the UK Youth Parliament provides young people with a valuable opportunity to debate the issues which they have identified as being important whilst gaining first-hand experience of the political process.

“The Annual Sitting really is the highlight of the UK Youth Parliament calendar when we get to see the young Members of Youth Parliament shine in the prestigious setting as they deliver their impassioned speeches and arguments for reform.”

The debates will be streamed live (with an approximately 20-minute delay) on parliamentlive.tv and YouTube.

Find more information about UK Youth Parliament from the House of Commons Library Research Briefing.

Over 326,000 children currently supported by Scottish Child Payment

£1 BILLION paid to help tackle child poverty

New figures, show that as of 31 December 2024, the families of 326,080 children under 16 years of age were receiving vital support from Scottish Child Payment. 

Over £1 billion has now been paid to parents and carers since the payment was introduced in February 2021. 

Scottish Child Payment is unique to Scotland and provides financial support for families, helping with the costs of caring for a child. It is a weekly payment, currently worth £26.70, for every eligible child that a parent or carer looks after who’s under 16 years of age.   

While visiting Craigour Park Primary school in Edinburgh, to talk to parents who receive Scottish Child Payment, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:  “Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government’s top priority and a national mission.   

“Our investment in Scottish Child Payment has seen over £1 billion worth of these payments issued by 31 December 2024; that is money directly in the pockets of those families who need it most.

“Modelling published in February 2024 also estimates that the Scottish Child Payment could keep 60,000 children out of relative poverty this year.

“Scottish Child Payment is actively improving the lives of hundreds of thousands of children in Scotland – helping their families to access essentials and experiences they might otherwise miss out on because they live on a low income.

“In the coming year it is forecast we’ll invest a further £471 million, ensuring that this support continues to reach even more families and children who need it.”

https://twitter.com/i/status/1895156126464749904

Head Teacher of Craigour Park Primary, Sally Ketchin, said: “We welcome payments like Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Grants.

“We can see the real difference this money makes to families in our community.”

CASE STUDY  

Ashley Forbes lives in Glenrothes with her three children.  She said:  “The two-child cap came in for Tax Credits when I was pregnant with my third child. That meant I would be losing £60 a week when the baby was born so, obviously, that was quite a scary moment. It was huge.  

“I wasn’t working and my partner at the time was only working part-time so money wasn’t great. It felt like £60 was so much to lose, you know, when you have a baby with milk and all that stuff to buy.     

“And then when Scottish Child Payment came in, it was a huge relief. I have three kids and they grow so fast. It’s new shoes, new coats and new clothes all the time.  

“My eldest two do swimming as well which is a really important skill that you need in life. We wouldn’t be able to do this stuff without Scottish Child Payment.    

“I think Scottish Child Payment is great. We couldn’t do without it.”  

Prime Minister at the White House: “We stand side by side still”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s opening remarks at the White House press conference

Thank you very much, Mr President. Thank you for your hospitality, thank you for your leadership. This has been a very good and very productive visit.

And with your family roots in Scotland, and your close bond with His Majesty the King, it’s good to know that the United Kingdom has a true friend in the Oval Office.

And it was so good to see the bust of Winston Churchill back in its rightful place just a moment ago.

But look, in a moment of real danger around the world this relationship matters more than ever. We remain each other’s first partner in defence ready to come to the other’s aid to counter threats, wherever and whenever they may arise.

No two militaries are more intertwined than ours. No two countries have done more together to keep people safe.

And in a few weeks’ time we’ll mark VE Day The 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe. Britain and America fought side-by-side to make that happen – one of the greatest moments in our history.

We stand side-by-side still, today and we’re focused now on bringing an enduring end to the barbaric war in Ukraine.

Mr President, I welcome your deep, personal commitment to bring peace and stop the killing. You have created a moment of tremendous opportunity to reach an historic peace deal – a deal that would be celebrated in Ukraine and around the world.

That is the prize.

But we have to get it right. There’s a famous slogan in the United Kingdom, from after the Second World War – that is that we have to “win the peace.” And that’s what we must do now.

Because it can’t be a peace that rewards the aggressor. Or that gives succour to regimes like Iran.

We agree – history must be on the side of the peacemaker, not the invader. So the stakes, they could not be higher.

And we’re determined to work together to deliver a good deal. We’ve discussed a plan today to reach a peace that is tough and fair – that Ukraine will help to shape – that is backed by strength – to stop Putin coming back for more.

And I am working closely with other European leaders on this. And I am clear – that the UK is ready to put boots on the ground and planes in the air to support a deal. Working together with our allies, because that is the only way that peace that will last.

Mr President, in this new era, you’re also right that Europe must step up. And let me tell you now – I see the growing threats we face and so the UK is all in.

This year we will be giving more military aid to Ukraine than ever. And just this week I have set out how we are shouldering more of the security burden. We’re already one of the biggest spenders in NATO and now we are going much further, delivering Britain’s biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War.

This isn’t just talk – it’s action. Rebalancing the transatlantic alliance, making us all stronger and standing up for our shared values and shared security. As Britain always has.

Now, Mr President, it’s no secret we’re from different political traditions but there is a lot that we have in common. We believe it’s not taking part that counts – what counts is winning. If you don’t win – you don’t deliver.

And we’re determined to deliver for the working people of Britain and America – who want – and deserve – to see their lives improve. So we’re both in a hurry to get things done.

And that’s what the UK and the US do when we work together: we win – and we get things done.

So we’ll do what it takes to keep our people safe. We will also work together to deliver some big economic wins that can benefit us both.

We have $1.5 trillion invested in each other’s economies, creating over 2.5 million jobs across both economies.

Our trading relationship is not just strong – it is fair, balanced and reciprocal.

We’re leaders together in so many areas: Ranked one and two in the world as investment destinations…one and two for universities…One and two for Nobel prizes…One and two in golf, as well – by the way…

And we’re the only two western countries with trillion dollar tech sectors – Leaders in AI and look, we take a similar approach on this issue.

Instead of over-regulating these new technologies we’re seizing the opportunities they offer. So we have decided today to go further to begin work on a new economic deal with advanced technology at its core.

Look – our two nations, together shaped the great technological innovations of the last century. We have a chance now to do the same for the 21st century.

I mean – artificial intelligence could cure cancer that could be a moonshot for our age and that’s how we will keep delivering for our people.

There are so many opportunities.

Keep our nations strong and fulfil the promise of greatness that has always defined this relationship.

Finally, to underline the importance of this bond, it was my privilege and honour to bring a letter with me today – from His Majesty the King.

Not only sending his best wishes, but also inviting the President and the First Lady to make a State Visit to the United Kingdom: an unprecedented second State Visit – this has never happened before.

It’s so incredible it will be historic.

And I’m delighted that I can go back to His Majesty The King and tell him that President Trump has accepted the invitation.

So thank you. Our teams will now work together to set a date.

Mr President, we look forward to welcoming you in the United Kingdom.

Thank you once again.

PM meeting with President Trump

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President of the United States Donald Trump met today in the White House.

The leaders discussed the depth of the special relationship between their two nations and their commitment to shared security and prosperity.

They spoke about the fair, balanced and reciprocal economic relationship that the two countries enjoy. They agreed their teams should work together to deepen this relationship, and to work together to agree a trade deal focused on tech.

On defence and security, they agreed that the strength of the UK and US’s intelligence and defence relationship is unrivalled. The Prime Minister underlined the announcement he made this week to increase defence spending to 2.5%

The leaders agreed that on Ukraine, talks must work towards a lasting peace. The Prime Minister said the UK is ready to play a leadership role on supporting Ukraine’s future security. They discussed their shared commitment to a ‘peace through strength’ approach and that their teams should collaborate on this.

The President accepted an invitation on behalf of His Majesty The King for an unprecedented second State Visit to the United Kingdom.