Category: North Edinburgh News

A Happy Christmas for North Edinburgh Arts!

NORTH EDINBURGH’s ‘LOCAL TREASURE’ TO OPEN EARLY 2025

  • £1.7 million Community Ownership Funding secures North Edinburgh Arts
  • Government funding will save at least 35 community centres, helping fix the foundations of our communities as part of the Plan for Change
  • Money will boost opportunities and help grow local economies, supporting the government’s drive for national renewal
  • This will help kickstart economic growth and rebuild Britain in a decade of renewal

Cherished community centres are among the 85 local venues across the UK that are set to receive government support to stay open, helping to fix the foundations of our communities. One of these is North Edinburgh Arts, which will receive £1.7 million.

An additional £36 million of funding has been provided to back local communities, including the rescue of at least 35 community centres, protecting vital local services, boosting opportunities for working families and supporting local economies.

As set out in its Plan for Change, the government is committed to kickstarting economic growth and raising living standards. Thriving communities lie at the heart of a thriving economy, and the support provided by the Community Ownership Fund will inject funding where it is most needed, making change happen and bringing people together in the process.

The projects will support the government on its path to national renewal, helping realise our regions’ huge potential while creating safer and happier streets by restoring community pride.

Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner said: “We are delivering on our Plan for Change by saving these vital community assets to provide important opportunities for working people and their families.

“These projects represent what is so special about communities across the UK – bringing people of all ages together, providing vital support and giving them a sense of purpose and belonging.

“Every project will support social causes in the community, keeping widely used services open and thriving to improve people’s health and wellbeing.”

In Scotland, £5 million will be awarded to 11 projects including the £1.7 million to refurbish and expand the community arts centre in Muirhouse – North Edinburgh Arts’ MacMillan Hub.

In a statement, North Edinburgh Arts said: “North Edinburgh Arts is delighted to be one of 85 community owned venues across the UK receiving support from the Community Ownership Fund. Announced yesterday, £1.7m is earmarked for NEA to complete our build programme, kit out the venue and refurbish our much-loved community garden. 

“Sitting at the heart of our community the expanded and refurbished venue will run to over 2000m2, housing a 96 seat theatre, 72 seat café, welcome area, 2 wood workshops, 5 multi-purpose studios, 6 artist studios, music room, 4 offices, greenhouse, and the half-acre community garden. It will be bustling again in 2025 with a creative and community programme; shaped by the people who own, use, and love it.

“Funders of all types, large and small, public and private, have supported the community’s vision and bought into NEA’s ambitious plans. Many individuals have supported our crowd funder over the past year too. 

“The Board and NEA team are thankful to all our supporters, and thrilled that the Community Ownership Fund brings us to our capital target. We couldn’t have achieved this without the support of our local Councillors, MSPs, and our MP, Tracy Gilbert.

“But, mostly, we couldn’t have done this without the support of our neighbours, participants, and our community. Thank you all. We’ll see you in 2025 when we throw the doors open once again!”

Edinburgh North and Leith MP said: “I am delighted that the UK Government have announced the successful projects in the Community Ownership Fund including £1.7 million for @northedinarts in Edinburgh North and Leith.

Minister for Local Growth, Alex Norris said: “These are all multi-functional spaces that do so much for local people and most of us will have fond memories in treasured places like these.

“We’ve prioritised these grants to help preserve and upgrade what these vital places offer to their communities – whether that’s improving access to sport and education, tackling loneliness or boosting family services for parents and children.

“This is just the start of our work to support communities and give them greater control of their assets and we’ll be setting out our full strategy next year.”

Action4Youth, a youth charity in the South East, has been given £300,000 to refurbish the George Amey Centre in Milton Keynes, securing its future as a centre for outdoor education and supporting the charity’s work to tackle knife and gang crime.

Chief Executive of Action4Youth, Jenifer Cameron said: “We are so grateful to have funding which will enable us to complete our renovation project and to ensure the future of the outdoor centre which benefits 15,000 children and young people each year.

“We can now look forward with optimism and hope to support many more young people in future.”

Nineteen sports clubs and leisure facilities across the country will be saved, including four historic swimming pools. These include the 1960s Portishead Lido in North Somerset – where funding will also be used to renovate the café, supporting the local economy – and one of the last tidal pools left in the country, the Victorian Shoalstone Pool in Devon.

On the Isle of Wight, the Isorropia Foundation will receive more than £1m to purchase and renovate the Medina Valley Centre so it can provide a range of community services including mental health support, training and educational opportunities. And Elmfield Hall in Accrington will be renovated to secure its future as a location for counselling, mentoring and employment courses.

The MacMillan Hub in Edinburgh will be backed with £1.7m so it can continue to promote culture, learning and training opportunities, work and well-being in and around the town centre, and expand its café.

And more than £1m will be used to restore the Higher Woodhill Viaduct so the East Lancashire Railway can continue to deliver a heritage railway experience, boosting the local tourism industry in the process.

To tackle loneliness and support rural communities, £3.8 million will go to eight parks and eight pubs, including £300,000 to help buy back a popular village pub in North Yorkshire – The Punch Bowl Inn. £300,000 will also be used to renovate a 200-year-old countryside pub in Gwyned, Wales – Tafarn y Plu. This funding will back local businesses, create jobs and drive growth while restoring community pride.

The Westminster government is also developing proposals for delivering on its manifesto commitment to introduce a stronger ‘Right to Buy’ and take over important community assets so they can determine their future in a meaningful way.

This will be a genuine shift so local people feel far more control, power and agency in the places they live.

Scottish Childline volunteer will support children on Christmas Eve

Volunteering at Childline and doing a shift for the first time on Christmas eve, Adam (36) from Springburn, Glasgow, cherishes the opportunity to be there for children, providing a trusted person to talk to.

Recognising that Christmas can be difficult and home unsafe for some children, Childline volunteer Adam will support them this festive period.

Childline, an NSPCC run service, delivered almost 5,500 counselling sessions over the 12 Days of Christmas[1] last year, averaging more than 450 a day. To manage this service, the NSPCC relies on the compassion and generosity of its volunteers. Childline is a vital service available 365 days a year to support children and young people, whatever their worry or concern.

Adam explains that the thought of a call or email going unanswered inspired him to volunteer over the Christmas period.

He said: “I previously worked with children when I was a classroom assistant, and I saw first-hand just how complicated children’s lives can be.

“Not everyone has a trusted person to talk to and someone needs to be there for them to listen, without judgement, and I feel privileged to be able to do that at Childline.

“It’s nice to know that you can be there for a child who just needs someone to listen to them. You feel you’ve made a positive difference in at least one child’s life, often more.

“There’s not much else I could do in an evening after work that would be as worthwhile.”

Adam says it’s crucial to have volunteers at Childline during the festive period and there’s fantastic support available to them from staff and other volunteers.

He said: “Last January, I recall a particularly challenging contact from a child who was upset as they had to spend time with extended family on Boxing Day including having a meal with a relative who’d sexually abused them.

“These contacts can be difficult, but they highlight the need for Childline and reminds you that you’ve got a job to do, to support the young person.

“When you talk to a child you are thinking – how can I help them to feel comfortable to open up about what’s happened to them? You also want to make sure that they don’t feel judged. I ask myself do they just need to talk or are they in need of support to come up with a course of action or solution? How are they going to start that conversation with their mum, teacher or friend?”

Adam added: “There is plenty of training and support available at the Childline base in Glasgow, including supervisor assistance before, during, and after shifts, making sure we are well-prepared to manage difficult contacts.

“As this will be my first Christmas shift, I am a bit nervous about contact from children that may ask me why Santa didn’t come? Although, I am reassured that I have my supervisor and other volunteers to support me on how to handle these kinds of concerns.”

Adam talked about how he deals with his worries in general and if he has a difficult shift on Childline.

He explains: “I like to spend time outside and enjoy hill walking and this helps with decompressing after a difficult shift or even anything else that may be going on in my own life. It’s a good way to clear my head.”

Since his volunteering journey began in January 2024, Adam has gained valuable insights to the hardship endured by children and during Christmas time.

Adam said: “Unfortunately, Christmas isn’t a positive experience for all children, as some face difficult family situations, or homelessness. The contrast between children who receive many gifts and those who receive almost nothing is stark during the holiday season.”

However, the incredible resilience of children, who often thank volunteers despite their own struggles, stands out to Adam.

He said: “The children’s strength of character shines through during the calls. Despite their difficulties, they thank you, wish you a good weekend, or chat excitedly about positive aspects of their lives. For example, when asked if they’ll do something nice as a distraction, they might say they’re going to cuddle their cat. It’s heartening to see them as whole individuals, not just their issues.”

Sometimes, Adam is the first person a child talks to about issues like friendship problems.

He explains: “It’s such a privilege to help children and young people take the next step, such as speaking to their parents about what’s worrying them. Many young people say they feel much better after speaking with Childline, and it’s so heartwarming to see the positive impact of the support.

“While I know it will be tough, I’m happy to volunteer this Christmas Eve. During the festive period children have less support from their usual networks, such as school and friends, so I’m looking forward to being there to listen to them.”

Adam wants to encourage other people to volunteer with Childline.

He said: “You can sign up for a volunteer information meeting through the Childline website. These provide valuable information without any obligation to commit.  If you do decide to be a Childline volunteer, you won’t regret it.

“Christmas is not always a happy time for everyone. It’s a stressful and challenging period for many children, and we all should be aware of this. Volunteering or donating to the NSPCC can make a significant difference for children in need during the holiday season.

“Behind the festive facade, some children are dealing with grief, the absence of family members, or the complexities of family dynamics. The true meaning of Christmas is compassion, generosity and community.  To provide a listening ear for children during Christmastime is a wonderful gift to give.”

Childline Glasgow currently has vacancies for Volunteer Counsellors.

To find out more about volunteering at Childline visit: 

https://join-us.nspcc.org.uk/volunteers/volunteers/childline/

This Christmas, a child will contact Childline every 45 seconds on average. Help the charity to make sure Childline is ready for every question this festive season by visiting the NSPCC website. Just £4 could help a counsellor answer a call this Christmas.    

The Childline service is here for children every day, even on Christmas Day. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk  

Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

Letters:  Check your hearing

Dear Editor,

The festive season is a time for connection and conversation, but for those with undiagnosed hearing loss, it can feel like a struggle to keep up. This Christmas, RNID is encouraging everyone to look out for the signs of hearing loss in themselves and their loved ones.

Do you notice someone turning the TV up louder than others prefer? Do they struggle to follow conversations in noisy places like pubs or restaurants, or frequently ask people to repeat what they’ve said? Perhaps they find it hard to hear on the phone, feel like others mumble, or have a partner who thinks they’re not listening. If any of these feel familiar, it might be time to check your hearing.  

The good news is that it is very easy to look for the signs of hearing loss in yourself and loved ones and to do something about it.

Taking our free simple check at rnid.org.uk can be the first step on your hearing journey. This Christmas, let’s keep everyone part of the conversation! 

Sincerely,

Crystal Rolfe

Director of Health at RNID

Specsavers puts Scotland fans songbook knowledge to the test

Research reveals many Scots don’t know national anthem

RESEARCH data by Specsavers has revealed a staggering amount of Scots don’t know the words to the nation’s favourite football chants and songs.

From the national anthem ‘Flower of Scotland’ and classics like ‘Loch Lomond’ to recently adopted favourites like ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’, many Scotland fans either don’t know the songs or are mishearing the lyrics.

As the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, Specsavers recently put supporters’ knowledge to the test.

Via a Censuswide survey[1] and interviews outside of Hampden ahead of the Scotland men’s national team’s crucial match against Croatia, the responses threw up some shocking and surprising results.

Among the most surprising was the lack of knowledge of Baccara’s ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’, with over half of Scots (55%) not knowing the lyrics to the 70s disco hit and recent fan favourite from the terraces.

Almost a third (30%) believe the lyrics to the chorus are: ‘Yes sir, I can boogie, if you play you can’t go wrong’. The actual lyrics are ‘if you stay you can’t go wrong’.

Over a third of Scots (34%) don’t recognise former national anthem ‘Scotland the Brave’, with one eighth of Scots believing the lyric ‘now feel the blood a-leaping’ is actually ‘now feel the floods are creeping’.

Nearly one fifth of Scots (17%) believe the Gaelic verse in ‘Loch Lomond’ ‘Ho, ho mo leannan, ho mo leannan bhoidheach’ means ‘let’s go home, let’s go home together’.

However, A quarter of the people from the Highlands and Islands and Inverness correctly identified the lyrics as ‘my sweetheart, my beautiful sweetheart’.

Most shockingly, almost a quarter of Scots aged 35-44 (23%) don’t recognise the national anthem at all.

Presenter Beth Wallace took to Hampden ahead of the Croatia match to find out if the core Tartan Army support could do any better. However, many also struggled to find the right words.

With answers ranging from ‘if you stay, you will be mine’ for ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’ to ‘not a scooby’ as a response for the lyrics to ‘Loch Lomond’, it’s fair to say the fans didn’t perform as well as the team on the pitch that evening as Steve Clarke’s team earned a significant 1-0 win to increase their chances of a Pot 1 place for the World Cup Qualifying draw.

However, plenty of supporters did themselves and the country proud as they correctly recounted the lyrics with that famous Scottish gusto, before going on to roar the national team to victory at a packed Hampden stadium.

Jenny Stephenson, Divisional Chair for Scotland, said: ‘Keeping on top of your hearing health with regular checks and not overexposing yourself to loud noises is of paramount importance to your overall wellbeing.

‘Specsavers encourages everyone, particularly the raucous Tartan Army, to get their ears checked on a regular basis to avoid further complications in the future.

‘Not only is it good for your health, it means you’ll be able to hear our famous Scottish symphonies loud and clear at matches.’

As the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, Specsavers is here to change lives through better sight and hearing, by making expert care accessible and affordable for all.

Hearing loss is experienced by millions of people in the UK and affects people of all ages. Everyone’s hearing is unique.

That’s why Specsavers carries out comprehensive hearing tests to better understand each person’s individual hearing profile. It also means Specsavers’ hearing experts can help people find the right hearing aids to rediscover the sounds they may be missing.

Visit www.specsavers.co.uk or go in store to book an appointment with one of our expert audiologists.

‘Tis the season of giving at Valneva Scotland

Colleagues at Scotland’s largest vaccine producer Valneva Scotland, based in Livingston, have been getting into the spirit of giving this Christmas by collecting donations for the West Lothian Foodbank and volunteering with cancer charity Team Jak. 

Team Jak offers emotional, social, and practical support to children and young people aged 0-25 with cancer across Scotland. With headquarters at Ochil House, Livingston, the charity offers services including music therapy, counselling and fun activity days. In December Team Jak hosted a Christmas party. Earlier this month colleagues at Valneva volunteered to help with the preparations including gift wrapping goody bags. 

Meanwhile the team at Valneva Scotland, participated in Christmas Jumper Day on 12 December and collected tins, dried food supplies and selection boxes for West Lothian Foodbank. These donations will help the organisation with its mission for no one in West Lothian to go hungry or without support. The weight of donations from Valneva Scotland equates to 785 meals for those in need. 

Greig Rooney, Managing Director at Valneva Scotland said: “This can be a joyous time of year for many, but it is also a reminder of those less fortunate.

“Our staff wanted to play a part in championing charities who are supporting people in our local communities, and this is something we were more than happy to support through our volunteering days and foodbank collection.

“We look forward to continuing to offer our support in 2025 and beyond.”

For more information on Valneva Scotland, visit valneva.com. 

Don’t let gravy be the Grinch

NHSGGC urges people to take care this Christmas

Everyone is familiar with the old saying ‘there’s no use crying over spilled milk’, but it’s spilled gravy that might be doing the damage this Christmas – and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is asking the public to take extra care when they’re serving up the Turkey this December 25th.

Burns from hot gravy are among reasons why people self-present at Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments on Christmas Day. Other common minor conditions include cuts from parents using box cutters and craft knives to open presents, falls from ladders following decorations being hung or presents decanted from lofts, and acid reflux or constipation.

Debbie McCoach, Interim Lead Nurse at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Accident and Emergency Department, said: “Christmas Day at home is mostly full of buzz, excitement – and let’s be honest – chaos.

“In times of hectic family life, rational thinking can go out of the window and accidents can very quickly and easily happen. We’re asking everyone to have a lot of fun but approach things with caution, particularly when it comes to the kitchen.”

Upset tummies and respiratory issues from seasonal illnesses are also big with self-presenters at A&E, which are minor illnesses that should be treated elsewhere.

Dr Claire Harrow, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Deputy Medical Director for Acute Services said: “We’re also asking people to be aware when and when not to attend the Accident and Emergency department.

“A&E is for urgent injuries and life-threatening care. Otherwise, on Christmas Day, people should be calling NHS24 on 111 if they have a minor injury or minor illness. In doing so, they’ll be provided advice and will be given an appointment if required, virtually or in-person.

“After all, no one wants to be sitting in a waiting room on Christmas Day!”

There are instances where A&E will be essential and, when it comes to safety, paediatricians are asking parents and carers to be extra vigilant of their child at home to avoid hospital this Christmas.

Staff at the Royal Hospital for Children A&E have highlighted the anticipated big hitters when it comes to objects causing serious injuries this Christmas, along with some advice on how to avoid them.

Dr Joanne Stirling, Consultant in Paediatric Emergency Medicine at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow said: “Bikes and scooters are always big on Christmas lists and we’re pleading with parents to remember that if Santa is bringing anything with wheels, especially if it is motorised, then a helmet is also included. We’ve had a few incidents with eScooters this year and the injuries have been very serious.

“This request extends to the “big kids” of the family too. i.e. mum and dad who may be eager for a “wee shot”– trust us, if you’re unprotected, the injury won’t be worth it.”

Dr Stirling highlighted others for parents to watch out for and if an injury does occur, should be brought straight to A&E:

  • Button batteries if swallowed – We’re very lucky in the UK that most toys have the battery secured away by being screwed in place but there are toys that can be bought from abroad. Double check yours are secure.
  • Severe burns from hair straighteners – It is so easy to style your hair and leave the appliance within reach when you’re a busy parent. Even when switched off, the burn for a child can be serious. Always keep hair straighteners out of reach and stored away safely.
  • Swallowing liquitabs or cleaning products – Many products look like sweeties and are exciting for a child who won’t hesitate to pop them into their mouth. Keep in high cupboards or use safety lock on cupboard doors.
  • Water beads if swallowed – What appears as a harmless, small bead will expand once inside a child and can block their stomach. Check all gifts for smaller children to ensure they don’t contain these.

Fresh Start Pantry: New Year, New Membership Fee

Please note, from Monday 6th January, the Pantry membership fee will increase to £5.00 as per Your Local Pantry guidelines and rising food/supply costs.

If you have any questions, please contact Pantry@freshstartweb.org.uk or admin@freshstartweb.org.uk

We wish you all a very peaceful and restful Christmas and Happy New Year.

#Yourlocalpantry

#FreshStartPantry

Oriam completes synthetic pitch renovation project

A major upgrade to the playing surfaces at Oriam is now complete ushering in a new era of sporting excellence at the Edinburgh venue.

The £800,000 project, funded by Heriot-Watt University, has resulted in the renovation of three synthetic pitches. Each was uplifted and then replaced with cutting-edge materials using sustainable innovations.

Such is the quality of the new playing surfaces that they have achieved the prestigious FIFA 2 Star* MX Elite Professional Standard and IRB Compliant World Rugby certification.

This upgrade is expected to have a lasting impact on Oriam’s customers and professional athletes and teams who use the venue, including the Scottish Rugby Union, Scottish Football Association, Heart of Midlothian FC, and Heriot-Watt University Sports Union. It also reaffirms Oriam and Heriot-Watt University as a hub for sport and exercise in Scotland, catering to professional, university, and recreational athletes alike.

The project was led by Oriam’s Head of Operations, John Lowe, and took six months to complete. Reflecting on this achievement, John said: “It has been an honour to oversee the synthetic pitch replacement project.

“Heriot-Watt University’s £800,000 investment not only ensures Oriam remains a leader in world-class sports facilities but also demonstrates remarkable ambition. Completing the project from financial approvals to installation in under eight months is a testament to the dedication of my colleagues and the successful collaboration with Sportex and Sports Labs.”

The refurbishment was carried out by Sportex, a company who specialise in sports surfacing.

Luke McGeechan from Sportex highlighted their commitment to sustainability during the process: “At Sportex, we are proud to support sustainability through our Sportex Recycling programme. By carefully removing, separating, and repurposing the old turf from Oriam, we’ve minimised waste while promoting a more eco-friendly sports industry.”

The arrival of the new playing surfaces highlights the University’s commitment to deliver the best facilities for its students. This continued investment in sport has seen Heriot-Watt attract top sporting talent from across the world through the introduction of a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses and the University’s innovative Sports Scholarship Programme, which allows student athletes to balance their studies whilst continuing to compete at the highest level.

Lynda Johnstone is Global Director of Estates and Facilities at Heriot-Watt University. She said: “This major upgrade to the playing surfaces at Oriam is an £800,000 investment by Heriot-Watt University and showcases our continued commitment to providing world-class facilities for athletes at all levels, from students to professionals.

“By embracing cutting-edge, sustainable innovations, we have reaffirmed Oriam’s position at the heart of sports and exercise in Scotland.”

MagicFest Christmas Special opens TODAY

After opening at the weekend past in Carnegie Hall to rave reviews, the Christmas Special is moving to Edinburgh, opening just in time for Christmas! 

Join Kevin Quantum & guests Art of Illusion and Daiquiri for a festive night of magic, mystery and high jinx at the Church Hill Theatre.

24, 27 Dec 12pm and 4pm
23 Dec & 28-30 Dec 2pm & 7pm

Tickets are selling fast for the pre Christmas shows, get yours now! 

Winner of the Utilita Energy Hub Christmas Raffle is revealed

AND THE WINNER IS …

Staff at Utilita’s Energy Hub, located at Leith’s Newkirkgate Shopping Centre, would like to thank all customers who entered into this year’s Christmas Raffle.

The team raises funds throughout the year and were able to kindly gift back to the local Leith Community, having bought items worth £250.00 to create a Christmas food hamper raffle.

In the spirit of festive giving, raffle tickets were gifted to the Hub’s regular customers in a free to enter draw and Natasha Baillie, Leith Energy Hub Supervisor, was delighted to present a beautiful hamper to the raffle winner, Mr. Potter, a regular customer who tops up and pays his bills at the Hub.

Natasha said: “Mr. Potter was so delighted with the news that he called us his angels! He popped down and was so happy and emotional at the win. Mr. Potter did tell us to choose what we wanted but we managed to convince him otherwise, so he’s going to share the hamper with his neighbours! 

“It’s something we have very luckily been able to do each year – and our previous winners still visit our Leith Hub, which is lovely to see.”

Utilita’s high street hubs make it super simple to manage your energy – no phone lines or online dashboards, just a friendly face to speak to.

Whether you’re looking for account support, help to manage your spend or energy-saving advice, Utilita’s Energy Experts are on hand to help.