Category: North Edinburgh News

Eric Liddell 100 launches the Eric Liddell Awards in honour of Scotland’s Olympic hero

AWARDS WILL BE HOSTED BY SALLY MAGNUSSON AND DAVID TANNER, AND PRESENTED BY HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, PRINCESS ANNE 

The Eric Liddell 100 has announced today the launch of its new ‘Eric Liddell Awards’ which will be held on Friday the 1 November 2024 as part of a Gala Dinner and will celebrate some of the outstanding individuals contributing to Scotland’s athletics and sports.  

Launched by The Eric Liddell Community charity, The Eric Liddell 100 campaign honours the centenary of The Flying Scotsman’s famous Olympic gold medal in Paris 1924, 100 years on, celebrating the life, sporting and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s iconic figures through a series of initiatives, events and activities, with the final event of 2024 being the ‘Eric Liddell 100 Awards’.  

To form the awards, the charity has partnered with five organisations to honour some of Scotland’s most outstanding individuals in athletics and sports, who have demonstrated the charity’s core values: passion, compassion, and integrity.  

Throughout this year Scottish Athletics, Youthlink Scotland, Scottish Rugby, Scottish Disability Sport and The Eric Liddell Community, have awarded 100 individuals with ‘Eric Liddell Recognition Awards’ with each winner presented with a unique Eric Liddell 100 pin badge and a certificate. Each partner will also nominate one individual to be celebrated further at the Eric Liddell 100 Awards in November.  

John MacMillan, Chief Executive Officer of The Eric Liddell Community, said: “We are so proud to announce the launch of this incredible awards ceremony as part of the Eric Liddell 100, and are honoured to be able to create a platform for outstanding individuals across Scotland to be recognised for their achievements in athletics, sports and community work.

“These nominees can beathletes, coaches, officials, volunteers or community members who have displayed one or more of our core values of passion, compassion and integrity.  

“We very much look forward to honouring the incredible nominees in November. This is the first year of the awards, and we hope to make this an annual tradition, continuing to commemorate Eric Liddell through this incredible initiative.”  

Colin Hutchison, CEO of Scottish Athletics, said: “We are thrilled to take part in the very first Eric Liddell Awards in honour of one of Scotland’s greatest athletes and his legacy.

“It is important to us to highlight the wonderful achievements of our members, and this is truly an amazing way to do so. Eric Liddell’s contribution to Scottish athletics is extremely admirable and his passion for the sport and compassion towards everyone he met is something we want to continue honouring through our involvement with Eric Liddell 100.”  

Hosted by Scottish icon Sally Magnusson – broadcaster and author of ‘The Flying Scotsman: The Eric Liddell Story’ – and sports broadcaster David Tanner, the awards will also feature elite sports people who have shown their dedication to Eric Liddell’s core values.

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, who serves as Patron of the Eric Liddell 100, will present each nominee with an award highlighting their achievements.  

During a service of centenary celebration and remembrance in June 2024, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, praised the Eric Liddell 100 and stated: “The Eric Liddell 100 is a programme of events and activities to recognise and celebrate the life, sporting, and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s, and the UK’s, iconic figures, The Flying Scotsman Eric Liddell.

“The 2024 Olympics in Paris are taking place 100 years after Eric Liddell won Olympic Gold and Bronze medals at the 1924 Games, which also took place in Paris. 

“As the 2024 Olympics return to Paris, we all have an opportunity to remember, celebrate, and be inspired by the story of Eric Liddell. Those involved in The Eric Liddell 100 carefully considered suitable values for this initiative, values that Eric Liddell lived by and demonstrated daily; passion, compassion, and integrity.” 

For more information on The Eric Liddell Awards and how to get involved, please visit https://ericliddell.org/events/eric-liddell-awards-gala-dinner/ 

Colleges: Financial challenges mount

Scotland’s colleges need more clarity from ministers on what parts of their role to prioritise, as the sector’s financial challenges mount, according to Audit Scotland.

The public spending watchdog released their latest ‘Scotland’s Colleges’ report this morning.

Scottish Government funding for colleges reduced by £32.7 million in cash terms in 2024/25. Funding has reduced by 17 per cent in real terms since 2021/22. Cash balances held by colleges are also forecast to fall.

Colleges have used voluntary severance schemes to reduce their costs, with nearly 500 staff leaving colleges in 2022/23. Staffing makes up around 70 per cent of colleges’ costs and the sector expects further cuts in coming years.

The financial challenges and staffing reduction means colleges may not be able to offer the same learning experience to students as in the past. Meanwhile, the lack of reform of the post-school sector is causing continuing uncertainty for colleges.

Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: “The college sector is facing huge challenges. But to plan effectively for the future, colleges need a much stronger steer from the Scottish Government on what parts of their role to prioritise.

“The Scottish Government also needs to respond quickly to the results of its consultations on post-school reforms to provide the college sector with more certainty.”

briefing_240919_Scotlands_collegesDownload

Granton History Walk with Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

We have a fantastic walk organised for next week!

Granton History Walk with Tamsin Grainger

Monday September 23rd 10am-1pm

To and from Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre (you can start with us 10.20 at Granton Station).

The route will take in Granton Station, Granton Gas Tower, Granton Walled Garden and Dovecot, the new history mural, Granton Lighthouse, Caroline Park, the ‘Going to the Beach’ sculpture, Granton Hub, Granton Square and Granton Harbour.

Bring a pack lunch, water and something to sit on. Please wear suitable clothes for the weather.

Book via Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre by phoning 0131 315 4989 or messaging us😁

Edinburgh MSP warns of looming deadline for Winter Fuel Payment

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has encouraged those across the city of Edinburgh who have not already applied for pension credit to do so by 22nd September to ensure they receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year.  

Across the UK, 37% of those eligible do not claim pension credit, which is now a prerequisite for receiving the Winter Fuel Payment of £300 after the UK Labour government cut its universal provision as part of its austerity agenda.

16th – 22nd September 2024 is qualifying week for those who are eligible for the payment this year, however over 800,000 pensioners across Scotland are now set to lose out.

Commenting, Gordon Macdonald said: “The abhorrent decision by the Labour UK government to cut the Winter Fuel payment has put thousands of pensioners in an unimaginable situation.

“As a result, 67,555 across Edinburgh will miss out on the payment altogether whilst some who are eligible are also in danger of missing out.

“The SNP are clear;  this is a cruel and inexplicable decision by the Labour government that leaves pensioners across the city worse off.

“If you have not already done so, please check your eligibility and apply for pension credit by the end of this week to ensure you don’t miss out on vital support this winter.”

Gracemount assault: Do you know these men?

Police have released images of two men who may be able to assist with enquiries into an assault in Edinburgh that occurred on Gracemount Drive around 10pm on Tuesday, 27 August, 2024.

A 53-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment.

The first man is described as white, around 30-years-old, tall and of slim build. He was wearing a dark coloured baseball cap, black zip up hoodie and black Adidas trainers with white sole and stripes.

He spoke with a local Scottish accent and has potential links to Bonnyrigg.

The second man is described as white, aged between 30 and 45-years-old, of heavy build and short brown hair.

He was wearing a red/orange hooded top with white draw strings, blue jeans and white trainers.

Detective Constable Richmond of Edinburgh CID said: “I would urge the men pictured, or anyone who has information relating to him, to contact police as soon as possible.

“You can contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting reference number 4231 of 27 August, 2024 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Eye Pavilion to close for six months for urgent plumbing repairs

MSP MILES BRIGGS REPEATS CALL FOR REPLACEMENT EYE HOSPITAL

Urgent repair work will have to be carried out at the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion at the end of October.

Extensive work is required on the plumbing system, meaning that all patient appointments which were scheduled to take place from October 28 will now be moved to other NHS Lothian facilities.

It is anticipated that the PAEP building will be vacated for around six months while contractors replace two waste pipes and remove asbestos material from a sealed cavity where the pipework is located.

The decision to move to other locations temporarily while the work takes place is designed to protect patients, staff and visitors.

Jim Crombie, Deputy Chief Executive, NHS Lothian, said: “We are very sorry for the inconvenience this will cause our patients and it is not a decision we have taken lightly. 

“Whilst patients and staff are not at risk, the work is essential and the advice we have received from our contractors is that this can be done more speedily and safely if the building is temporarily vacated.

“Patient and staff safety are always our chief consideration. Our teams are working hard to minimise disruption and to ensure patients continue to be seen and treated throughout this period.”

Teams are currently developing plans to ensure that inpatient and outpatient appointments continue throughout this period and it is expected that all appointments will be held in NHS Lothian facilities.

Patients do not need to do anything differently.

The vast majority of patients due to be seen at the PAEP between now and Friday October 26are unaffected. A very small number of appointments scheduled to take place before then may need to be rescheduled. These patients do not need to do anything as they will be contacted individually by their clinical teams at least two weeks in advance.

Those who already have appointments booked for dates from Monday October 28 will be contacted by letter, text or both in good time to arrange their new appointments, starting with patients who have appointments in the week beginning October 28. 

Mr Crombie added: “We are really grateful to all of our patients for their patience and understanding.

“I would like to reassure them they do not need to do anything. All affected patients will be being contacted with details of the new location of their appointment.

“Our staff and teams throughout PAEP are working really hard to make the move as smooth as possible at short notice and I can’t thank them enough.”

Lothian MSP urges residents to make their voices heard over unacceptable lack of a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has called on Edinburgh and Lothian residents to send a clear message to SNP Ministers and the Scottish Government that the failure to deliver a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion is unacceptable.

On Tuesday NHS Lothian announced that the eye hospital would be closing for six months due to urgent plumbing repairs (see above).

Previous FOIs to NHS Lothian showed a list of 125 outstanding items of maintenance work, totalling £2.3 million, that needed carried out at the hospital.

Since April 2022 the list of outstanding maintenance work has remained the same, with MSP Miles Briggs, calling the building “unfit for purpose”.

A scheduled visit to the hospital with Lothian MSPs and the Cabinet Secretary for Health is scheduled for next month to see the extent of work required at the hospital and the urgent need for a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.

Figures from Sight Scotland show that over the last ten years there has been a 230% increase in ongoing waits for ophthalmology outpatients in NHS Lothian. The number of people waiting over sixteen weeks has increased by 5600% and those waiting over 12 weeks has increased by 2752%.

This closure to the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion is only going to worsen ophthalmology waits in NHS Lothian.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “Residents in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s must let SNP Ministers know how angry they are with the lack of funding being delivered for a replacement Edinburgh Eye hospital

“Waits for Ophthalmology services in NHS Lothian have grown dramatically, especially over the last 3 to 5 years and people are having to wait excessive lengths of time for treatment.

“As with any medical treatment, the sooner that you are seen the better the expected outcome and this is especially the case for ophthalmology.

“People who want to make their voices heard can sign my petition online to restore funding for a new Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.”

If you would like to support Mr Brigg’s petition to reinstate funding for a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, you can find the petition here:

https://www.edinburghconservatives.org.uk/news/miles-briggs-msp-launches-petition-restore-funding-planned-new-princess-alexandra-eye-pavilion

Corstorphine Community Centre Tea Dance

SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER from 2 – 4pm at ASTORIA CENTRE, KIRK LOAN

Savour a Saturday with our suave social!

Join us for our monthly Tea Dance.

Tickets are selling out fast

Buy them from the CCC charity shop Monday – Friday, or from our Partner @ The Gift Tree

Responsible Tourism: Join the Debate

Join The Cockburn Association and panellists for an engaging afternoon discussion on tourism, sustainability and capacity in Edinburgh and beyond. An in-person and online event.

Here is the link for the IN-PERSON tickets https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1000629258047…

And here is the link for the ONLINE tickets https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1000640581917…

On-street bus tracker system is live

Edinburgh’s new on-street bus tracking system has gone live at hundreds of travel stops. All of the city’s 322 new digital trackers are now displaying real-time travel information, as well as 42 signs in Midlothian and six in West Lothian.

Making travel easier for passengers planning journeys within, to and from Edinburgh, the displays offer live departure information and will soon offer details of diverted routes and service disruptions for multiple transport operators, including train and air travel at key locations.

A further 100 signs will be installed at new locations across Edinburgh and screens will continue to be connected across South East Scotland, combining efforts to make travel throughout the region consistent.

Integrating open access to Edinburgh Travel Tracker API, developers and third parties will be able to use data from the displays for their own apps and services and the Council will monitor and fine-tune the service to keep it accurate and up to date.

Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, Edinburgh’s Transport and Environment Convener, said: “We’ve been planning to roll out our new travel trackers for some time so I’m really pleased to have the displays up and running. It has been a complex exercise to integrate all our systems, and we have needed to go through a process of testing and developing fixes, but we’re confident we now have a strong system in place.

“This is real-time data that will make journeys easier to plan for all passengers.”

Police issue crime and safety advice to students during Freshers Weeks

Police Scotland is engaging with students across the country to promote a range of crime prevention and personal safety advice during Freshers Weeks.

To minimise the risk of students being the victim of crime, or becoming involved in criminal activity, police will be attending various Freshers events taking place in the coming weeks to provide useful information and guidance on how to keep themselves and their belongings safe wherever they go.

Policing teams throughout Scotland will also be promoting student safety advice on their social media channels over the next month.

Chief Inspector Michelle Grant from Police Scotland’s Policing Together Division said: “Students make up a large part of populations in towns and cities across the country and make a positive contribution to our society. It is important they feel safe and supported during their studies.

“We have been engaging with numerous further and higher education establishments in the run-up to freshers weeks beginning and we’re grateful to have been given the opportunity to speak with students.

“Over the coming weeks, we will be offering advice on how to stay safe while on nights out, protecting your accommodation and personal belongings and staying safe online.

“We’ll also be discussing how to identify and report domestic abuse, as, for many, the next few years could be when they enter into relationships for the first time in their lives.

“Our advice on staying safe is relevant, whether you’re in your first or last year of your studies so please consider this when you are at home, in college or university, or out enjoying the night-time economy.”

All of Police Scotland’s crime prevention and personal safety advice can be found by visiting www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information.