North Edinburgh News – Page 555 – The NEN

Progress on NHS dentistry risks being undone by NI hike

The British Dental Association has warned that reforms to NHS dentistry cannot be the end of the road for the struggling service, and that recent hikes in National Insurance may undo this progress.

According to survey evidence from 195 NHS dentists in Scotland:

69% of respondents agree that Payment Reform, which launched in November 2023, represents an improvement over the system that proceeded it. However, dentists say it has not met the Scottish Government’s stated objectives. Only 1 in 5 (21%) agree that the reformed system reduces bureaucracy, little over 1 in 4 (26%) say it increases clinical freedom. Only 7% believe it enhances access for NHS patients, and only 3% says it supports a reduction in oral health inequality.
With practices facing higher costs as a result of the most recent UK Budget, 45% estimated their practices will struggle to remain financially sustainable. Over half (53%) warned it will accelerate the move to the private sector. 65% stressed these costs must be covered by either the UK or Scottish Government.

Only 10% could describe the NHS as an attractive place to build and maintain a career. 91% felt their job was stressful, with 71% saying they felt burnt out by it.

86% identified higher needs patients requiring more clinical time as a challenge affecting their practice. 83% cited not being able to accommodate all the patients who contact them. Recruitment and retention of dentists was flagged by 72%, for dental nurses by 78%.

These headlines were presented to the Conference of Scottish Local Dental Committees in Stirling yesterday the single largest gathering of NHS dentists in Scotland.

Gillian Lennox, Chair of the BDA’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee, said: “Dentists on the frontline say payment reform is clearly an improvement on what preceded it.

“But in terms of sustainability, bureaucracy, prevention, access and inequality there is still so much more to do.

“The simple fact is that 9 out of 10 of my colleagues wouldn’t describe the NHS as an attractive place for dentists to build and maintain a career. We can’t go on like this.

“It’s the practices with vacancies they can’t fill. The NHS colleagues on the brink reporting high levels of stress and burnout.

“As dentists we believe in prevention, and that principle needs to be applied to the pressures we’re under. Broken systems have a very human cost, for colleagues and the millions we treat.”

Neither the UK nor Scottish Government have arrived at any tangible mitigations to the threat presented by National Insurance and National Minimum Wage hikes.

Gillian Lennox added: “The National Insurance hike risks taking a wrecking ball to already struggling practices, undoing the progress we’ve secured with payment reform.

“We do have sympathy with Holyrood, this mess is not of their making.

“However, what remains clear is that one Government – North or South of the border – is going to have to fix it.”

Dazzling student creations brought to life at QMU Costume Showcase

A vibrant theatrical catwalk show celebrating the creativity, craftsmanship and collaboration of Queen Margaret University’s talented BA (Hons) Costume Design and Construction students, is set to dazzle audiences across two dates this May.

Taking place at the renowned Traverse Theatre, the QMU Costume Showcase will unveil a bold and beautiful collection of historical, fantastical, whimsical, and elegant costume designs, which have all been meticulously crafted by students for live events and productions throughout their time on the course.

The 2025 showcase draws upon the wonder and magic that costumes can bring to theatre – think Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland and Kim Henson’s Labyrinth – bringing the audience into a wonderland that has a dark fantasy undertone, while holding the overall appearance of the Edwardian curiosity and oddities style.

Dr Susan Martin, Programme Leader of Costume Design and Construction at QMU, said: “Each year, QMU’s Costume Showcase provides the perfect platform to witness the talent of the next generation of costume professionals—bold in vision, meticulous in craft, and full of passion.

“Not only is the showcase a celebration of our students’ outstanding design work, but also a powerful demonstration of what happens when creativity meets collaboration. Behind the scenes, a large team of students, in roles such as stage management, wardrobe maintenance, dressing, technical support, and modelling, have come together to make the showcase possible – a testament to the spirit of teamwork that defines QMU’s Costume Design and Construction course.”

In addition to the 45-minute performance, an exhibition of graduating student work will be on display in the Traverse Bar, offering guests the chance to explore the inspiration, process and artistry behind the designs.

This year’s showcase includes work created for the Brunton Theatre’s annual pantomime, in collaboration with Wonder Fools Company.

Students have also designed clothes for QMU’s Acting and Performance shows, most recently ‘Charley’s Aunt, Blue Stockings’,a photographic reinterpretation of ‘Sleeping Beauty’, and a fantasy promenade version of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, created exclusively for the Costume Showcase catwalk.

Each production highlights the students’ versatility, industry-readiness, and commitment to storytelling through costume design. All costumes will be modelled by students from across QMU’s performing arts department.

The QMU Costume Showcase 2025 will be taking place on Friday 2 May at 7.30pm, and Saturday 3 May at 12.30pm.

Prints and merchandise will also be available to purchase before and after the show in the Traverse Bar.

Join us in celebrating the skill, imagination, and hard work of QMU’s costume cohort – an unforgettable display of theatrical flair awaits.

Book your ticket on the Traverse Theatre website.

Young creatives experience Western Isles in Celtic Exchange Programme

‘Celtic Exchange Programme – Supporting the Next Generation in Creative Media’

Celtic Media Festival: June 3-5 2025.

At the 2024 Celtic Media Festival in Cardiff, the British-Irish Council brought together a panel of media experts on the theme: ‘Livelihoods and Language: Making Your Living, Where You’re Living.’

That discussion inspired an ambition to create a new Celtic Exchange Programme which provides an exciting opportunity for young language creatives to explore that reality, to meet, travel and collaborate, co-creating and sharing content in their indigenous languages.

Mark Drakeford, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, said: “We’re pleased to give Welsh Government support for this innovative Celtic Exchange Programme, which will create opportunities for talented young people to work together for the first time.

“It will give them an insight into other minority languages across these isles, which will no doubt affect how they see the world and how they live and work within the creative industries.

“These experiences are invaluable in broadening horizons and building connections. This partnership shows our shared commitment to sustaining our languages, strengthening cultural connections across our nations and helping people to work where they choose to live.”

Hosted by MG ALBA and their content creators, this inaugural Celtic Exchange Programme will welcome young speakers of Irish, Scots Gaelic, Welsh and Cornish. Travelling throughout the Western Isles they will meet with colleagues working in creative and broadcast industries, celebrate cultural connections, explore opportunities to develop future collaborations and demonstrate the benefits of working within the communities in which we live.

Donald Campbell, Chief Executive MG ALBA mgalba.com said: “We are so pleased to join forces with the Celtic Media Festival, the British-Irish Council, Welsh Government, Cornwall Council and the University of Galway, to help young people celebrate and sustain their indigenous Celtic languages.

“We are especially delighted that the first participants in the Celtic Exchange Programme are immersing themselves in Gaelic communities in the Western Isles. This media collaboration is an investment in creating an exciting future for the languages that that are so precious to us.”

The multilingual content filmed during the event will be collaboratively shared across social media platforms and a short film produced from the event will also be screened as part of a panel discussion at the 2025 Celtic Media Festival in Newquay, Cornwall.

Catriona Logan, Festival Director, celticmediafestival.co.uk said: “We were delighted to hear that the British-Irish Council made practical strides in supporting young people with Indigenous, Minority and Lesser-Used languages in the media, following on from Celtic Media Festival 2024.

“The ambition of the Celtic Exchange Programme is incredibly impressive, and we look forward to welcoming the British-Irish Council back to this year’s Celtic Media Festival in June, to continue making cultural connections and supporting young people in creating collaborative work within their communities.”

Highlighting their support of the linguistic and cultural heritage of these islands, the exchange is a joint initiative of the British-Irish Council, the Welsh Government and MG ALBA, with the support and participation of Cornwall Council and the University of Galway.

Child Assault: Image released

Police have released an image of a man who may be able to assist their enquiries into an assault of a child in Edinburgh that occurred at around 3.45pm on Tuesday 15 April 2025, on Cultins Road, Edinburgh.

The man pictured may be able to help with enquiries. He is described as a white, 5ft 7in tall, slim build, around 30 years old with blue/green eyes, short light brown hair a light beard. He was wearing a dark coloured zip-up bomber jacket with a hood, dark coloured tracksuit bottoms, and black and white trainers.

Constable Ross Murray said: “The man pictured is believed to have information that could help with our enquiries into this assault. If this is you, or you recognise the man, please get in touch.

“Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2191 of 15 April, 2025. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously.”

MSP welcomes rollout of PADP

NEW PENSION AGE DISABILITY PAYMENT REPLACES ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE

The SNP Scottish Government has introduced the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) in Edinburgh and across Scotland with the national rollout of a new, fairer replacement to Attendance Allowance.

The payment is for people of state pension age living with a disability or long-term health condition.

PADP takes a fairer, more dignified approach to supporting pensioners than Attendance Allowance. While Attendance Allowance only classes those with terminal illness as eligible to receive support if they are expected to live for 12 months or less, PADP classes terminally ill people as eligible regardless of how long they are expected to live.

The payment, which is not means-tested, is paid either at a higher rate of £441 a month, or a lower rate of £295 a month. Under PADP, terminally ill recipients are automatically entitled to the highest level of payment – which is not the case under Attendance Allowance.

Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “In light of the UK Labour government’s decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment and slash PIP provision, the SNP Scottish Government is delivering the support that older disabled people across Edinburgh deserve.

“I welcome the rollout of the Pension Age Disability Payment as people living with terminal illness will automatically be entitled to the highest level of payment, regardless of life expectancy – a marked difference from Westminster’s Attendance Allowance.

“This new benefit is the 15th delivered by Social Security Scotland with the principle of dignity, fairness, and respect at its heart.

“I urge all those across the city who think they may be eligible to apply.”

Consulate General of India in Edinburgh holds Remembrance Ceremony for victims of Pahalgam terrorist attack

The Consulate General of India in Edinburgh organized a solemn remembrance ceremony yesterday to honour the victims of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on 22 April 2025.

Over 100 members of the Scottish and Indian communities in Scotland came together in a powerful display of solidarity with India and in condemnation of terrorism.

Consul General Siddharth Malik addressed the gathering, reaffirming India’s unwavering resolve to combat terrorism and reiterated Hon’ble PM’s statement that India will pursue the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terrorist attack to the ends of the earth, ensuring justice for the victims and their families.

On 22 April 2025, a group of heavily armed terrorists launched a brutal attack in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, a picturesque tourist destination. The terrorist attack claimed the lives of 26 innocent people. More than 17 others were injured.

The victims were attacked when they were enjoying vacation at Pahalgam. The attack, the deadliest in the country since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, has sparked widespread outrage and grief across India and the international community.

The Consulate General of India in Edinburgh extend deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish for the speedy recovery of those injured.

Celebration honours winners of Edinburgh 900 writing competitions

A celebratory reception was held on Thursday at the City Chambers to honour the winners of two Edinburgh 900 themed writing competitions.

Hosted by the Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, the event recognised the creativity and talent of local writers who submitted original works inspired by Edinburgh’s remarkable nine-century history.

The two featured competitions included the Green Pencil Award 2024, aimed at school-aged children (P4 to S3) attending Edinburgh schools or home-educated in the city, and a city-wide poetry writing competition organised through Edinburgh’s library network, open to adult residents.

The Edinburgh 900 initiative commemorates 900 years since the Royal Burgh was established by King David I around 1124. In honour of this historic milestone, residents were invited to share their reflections, memories, and love for Scotland’s capital through poetry and storytelling.

Both competitions highlighted Edinburgh’s rich heritage, cultural vibrancy, and strong community spirit. Six winning entries from the poetry competition will be immortalised on exclusive bookmarks to be distributed across Council-run libraries throughout the city.

The winning poets will also be filmed reciting their work, with the recordings shared across the Council’s social media channels and preserved as part of the Edinburgh 900 archive for future generations.

The winners are: Shasta Hanif Ali, Eric Robinson, Rory Allison, Tricia Ronaldson and Suzanne Smith.

The Green Pencil Award encouraged young people to express their voices creatively in written form, with entries limited to one side of A4 and open to stories or poems in any style.

Twenty finalists were selected, with one crowned the overall winner and presented with the prestigious Green Pencil Award trophy and winner’s medal.

The Green Pencil was awarded to Preston Street Primary 7 pupil Ema Mene for her poem “To Edinburgh She Went” (pictured top).

Highly commended: Isobel Rhys-Davies, Cargilfield School (P6); Marcus Osborne, Bruntsfield Primary School (P6B); and Sofia Brown, James Gillespie’s High School (S1).

The Lord Provost Robert Aldridge praised all entrants for their enthusiasm and passion: “Creative writing ensures our stories are told and remembered. Edinburgh 900 is not only a celebration of the past but also a platform to inspire the future. These competitions show how deeply people care about the city and its legacy.

“Edinburgh has long been a city where literature thrives, as we mark 900 years these wonderful written pieces provide another meaningful way to honour the city’s legacy through the words of its people. My congratulations to our fantastic winners.”

ECCAN: Climate Bites Events

Host a Climate Bites Lunch with ECCAN

Bring our vibrant community to your space, spark conversations over great food, and connect your network with ECCAN’s work!

As a host, you’ll create a welcoming space for collaboration while receiving a hosting fee to support your efforts. Already provide community meals? We’ll also cover through an additional catering fee!

Interested? Learn more on our website https://tinyurl.com/22smudy2 or email edinburgh@eccan.scot.

Let’s grow the climate movement—one meal at a time!

#ClimateBites

#ECCAN

#CommunityAction

EDINBURGH TRADFEST KICKS OFF NEXT WEEK

2nd – 12th MAY

MUSIC | FILM | STORYTELLING

A packed programme of music, film and storytelling kicks off Edinburgh Tradfest next weekend (2 May to 12 May) thanks to continued support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation.

The Festival opens with Terra Kin supporting celebrated piper Ross Ainslie and the Sanctuary Band (Greg Lawson, Paul Towndrow, Steve Byrnes, Hamish Napier, James Lindsay, John Blease),who have featured on Ross’s last four albums including Pool released in 2024.

Terra Kin aka Hannah Findlay has been a dynamic force in Glasgow’s jazz, folk and pop scenes for many years, and for this year’s opening they will be joined by master musicians and rising stars: Su-a-Lee (cello), Roo Geddes (violin) Emma Pantel (violin) and Sarah Hanniffy (viola).

This opening night concert at the Queens Hall in Edinburgh kick starts an incredible 11 days of traditional and traditional-inspired music taking place at The Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, and other film and storytelling events happening across the City.

Other opening weekend highlights include Leveret, made up of some of the finest tunesmiths in modern folk music (Andy Cutting on melodeon, Sam Sweeney on fiddle, and Rob Harbron on English concertina); and the rich darkly-toned fiddle sounds of Lauren MacCollwho is joined by Rachel Newton (harp), Anna Massie (guitar), Mhairi Hall (piano), Mairearad Green (accordion) and James Lindsay on (bass) to play tunes from her most recent album Haar, along with a delve into her back catalogue.

This year’s festival commission on Monday night is For the Love of Trees featuring new tunes and old, by Mary Macmaster (The Poozies) and Donald Hay. Including The Cedar, Silent, a new piece about the tallest tree in Edinburgh’s Botanic Gardens that was felled by Storm Éowyn earlier this year, The Trees by rock band Pulp, and Chraobh nan Ubhal a traditional Gaelic waulking song.

Joining them will be super group of Scottish traditional musicians: Amy MacDougall (vocals, sampling), Mairearad Green (accordion, pipes, vocals), Pete Harvey (cello) and Ciaran Ryan (banjo/fiddle/guitar); andspecial guest Fiona Soe Paing who will open the concert with a selection of her electro alt-folk sounds.

Other hot tickets include: The Traveling Janes; BBC Scotland’s Young Trad Winner Ellie Beaton; Seckou Keita dubbed the ‘Hendrix of the kora’; Virginia’s finest string band The Hot Seats; piping legends the Finlay Macdonald Band; national treasures the Siobhan Miller Band; and singer, broadcaster and cultural ambassador Joy Dunlop who is this year’s Rebellious Truth guest. She will be sharing her story on 11 May, from when she first learnt Gaelic at school in Oban, to reading the weather on the BBC.

Plus, on Saturday 3 May, folk musicians playing at any level, can take part in #WorldPlayAStrathspeyDay by uploading a strathspey tune online using the hashtag, or by joining fiddlers, Anna Robertson, Catriona Price, Adam Sutherland and pianist extraordinaire Rory Matheson for a live afternoon of Scottish music to celebrate the beauty of the humble Strathspey. Alternatively, there is also the traditional May Day Parade which sets off down the Royal Mile at mid-day and finishes with a rally, music and speeches.

Fans of traditional storytelling can enjoy events at the Scottish Storytelling Centre including an introduction to Gaelic storytelling with the University of Edinburgh’s first Gaelic Writer in Residence Martin MacIntyre; storytelling from the Highlands and islands with Bea Fergusonand Heather Yule; and stories and songs told in the North-East Bothy Tradition by Phyll McBain, Jackie Ross, and ballad singer Allan Taylor, accompanied by fiddler Karin Paterson. In addition,storyteller Inez Alvarez Villa of TuFlamenco presents a tribute toFederico Garcia Lorca, Spain’s most iconic poet told through poetry and flamenco dance.

For film-goers there is this year’s Folk Film Gatherin’ – a fantastic programme of world film which includes a whole day dedicated to the late Douglas Eadie on Sunday, 11 May. This tribute includes screenings of docudrama An Ceasnachadh – An Interrogation of a Highland Lass starring a young Kathleen MacInnes, Ian MacRae and Dolina MacLennan.

The film tells the legendary story about the band of students who took the Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey on Christmas morning 1950. National treasure Kathleen MacInnes, fresh from starring in the acclaimed production of Macbeth in London’s West End, will also perform her latest songs at the festival on Friday 9 May, all of which are set to appear on her next album.

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “This year’s line-up represents the wealth of Scottish musical talent with some very special visitors from England and overseas.

“The breadth of musical brilliance that will open the festival next Friday at the Queens Hall is incredible, and reflects the festival’s strength of programme and position as a key player in Scotland’s year-round calendar of unmissable events.

“Be there!”

Edinburgh Tradfest runs from Friday 2 May to Monday 12 May.

For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com

Fettes College begins search for new head teacher

A recruitment process has begun for a new head teacher at Fettes College in Edinburgh, with the current Head Helen Harrison announcing her retirement from the role next year. The school has commissioned a specialist firm to help identify candidates, with applications due by 15 May.

Named after its founder, Sir William Fettes, the school opened in 1870 and has around 720 students with over 300 staff. It is the only school in Scotland to offer the option of A-Levels or International Baccalaureate in the Sixth Form and a top ten IB School in the UK. Although it currently serves young people aged 7 – 18, from next academic year it will also open a Pre-Prep and offer places to children from age five.

The Rt Hon Lady Morag Wise, Chair of the Governors, said: “Helen has selflessly devoted herself to Fettes for over 30 years – 19 in a senior leadership role and latterly seven as Head.

“She has made a significant contribution to the success of this place and her vision for Fettes has steered a path that ensures our students leave Fettes knowing themselves, looking out for others and ready to make a positive mark on their rapidly changing world.

“We are now beginning the work of securing a new Head in partnership with Perrett Laver to ensure we have someone worthy of leading this great school. The Governing Body is seeking a visionary educationalist who will bring energy and experience to the role of Head from September 2026.

“This is a rare and career-defining opportunity for an outstanding leader.”

Helen Harrison said: “This place; the students and our staff mean the world to me, and it will always be the honour of my life to have led Fettes College and this community.

“I am immensely proud of our achievements, of seeing my vision for Fettes come to life, ground-breaking facilities under construction; and most importantly our students fulfilling their potential.

“However, by Founder’s Day next year it will be the right time to pass on this privilege to the next Head. Until that time it is business as usual and I will continue to give this job my absolute all.”