Category: North Edinburgh News

Drugs: Scottish Government calls for decriminalisation for personal supply

RECKLESS, SAY SCOTTISH CONSERVATIVES

Decriminalisation of all drugs for personal supply is one of a number of polices which the Scottish Government is calling on the UK Government to implement in a new paper on drug law reform.

The move would allow people found in possession of drugs to be treated and supported rather than criminalised and excluded. Decriminalisation would also mean that without a criminal record, people in recovery would have a better chance of employment.

The document has been published by the Scottish Government outlining measures which could be implemented through further devolution, independence, or changes enacted immediately by the UK Government to support the work being done within existing powers to reduce drug deaths.

Among the proposals are:

  • Decriminalisation of all drugs for personal supply progressed as part of a wider review of drug laws
  • Immediate legislative changes to allow us to fully and properly implement harm reduction measures such as supervised drug consumption facilities (rather than the current proposal being explored which is constrained by having to work within existing legislation), drug checking and increased access to the life saving drug naloxone.
  • a roadmap for further exploration of drug law reform, focused on evidence and the reduction of harm, including an update of the drug classification system to be based on harms caused

The proposals follow recommendations made by the Drug Deaths Taskforce in September 2021.

Minister for Drugs Policy Elena Whitham said: “These are ambitious and radical proposals, grounded in evidence, that will help save lives.

“We want to create a society where problematic drug use is treated as a health, not a criminal matter, reducing stigma and discrimination and enabling the person to recover and contribute positively to society. While we know these proposals will spark debate, they are in line with our public health approach and would further our national mission to improve and save lives.

“We are working hard within the powers we have to reduce drug deaths, and while there is more we need to do, our approach is simply at odds with the Westminster legislation we must operate within.

“These policies could be implemented by the Scottish Government through the devolution of further, specific powers to Holyrood including the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 – or through independence. An immediate way for these policies to be enacted would be for the UK Government to use its existing powers to change its drug laws.

“Scotland needs a caring, compassionate and human rights informed drugs policy, with public health and the reduction of harm as its underlying principles, and we are ready to work with the UK Government to put into practice this progressive policy.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Conservatives said: “Trying to solve Scotland’s drug death crisis by decriminalising dangerous class-A drugs is reckless.

“To tackle the highest drug death rate in Europe, Humza Yousaf needs to back our Right to Recovery Bill.”

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have been calling for the decriminalisation of drug misuse for years. From rehab spaces to support for families, there are pressing areas where action is needed. This is an urgent public health crisis and ministers need to act like it.

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The Studio throws open the doors of opportunity for theatre practitioners

Open@TheStudio

One of the key performing arts venues in the Scottish capital, The Studio is managed by Capital Theatres alongside the King’s Theatre and the Festival Theatre and this year it celebrates its 10th anniversary.

To mark the occasion, The Studio team is announcing details of it’s Open@TheStudio programme which has been piloted over the last few months with great success.

Open@TheStudio is a unique, comprehensive programme of practical workshops, useful talks, R&D residencies and scratch nights designed to help those in the theatre industry: new graduates, independent artists, companies and self-producers, offering them a complete support package, from advice and networking, to workshops, free to use space and seed money.

Fiona Gibson, CEO of Capital Theatres said: “Everyone at Capital Theatres is hugely excited to continue the vital opportunity that Open@TheStudio offers to performing arts practitioners in Edinburgh and the Lothians, following the very successful pilot earlier this year.

“The Studio is becoming an exciting new hub for emerging creatives – here’s to the next 10 years of celebrating and sharing their fantastic creativity!”

Claire Symonds, Head of Creative Engagement at Capital Theatres said: “We recognise that the pandemic has caused a massive skills drain in the performing arts industry and also broken pathways for early career arts practitioners to emerge from education into professional practice. Open@TheStudio aims to address that.

“Following the runaway success that was the Open@TheStudio pilot, we are delighted to continue the programme which allows the participants to explore their creativity while learning new skills.

“Many arts organisations around the country offer similar support but we think that the comprehensive programme of Open@TheStudio is pretty unique as it addresses so many aspects of creative practice.

“We see it as an important investment in the creative talent of the future and cannot wait to share it with the industry and our audiences.”

The programme includes:

Open Conversations 90-minute sessions on the nuts & bolts of the industry

An insight into how things work and informal networking with local theatre makers and producers, answering questions such as how does tour booking work? How do you get funding? How does programming work? How theatre maths works?

Click here for the latest schedule for Open Conversations. Bookings open on Thurs 6 July.

Open to Ideas residency programme for new theatre makers

The Studio provides 5 free days of space, 2 days free technical support and £2k seed funding. There is no pressure to showcase an end product and the theatre makes no promises to programme. This is a genuine invitation to explore an idea.

Click here for the latest Call for Ideas.

Open Workshops masterclasses and workshops

Taking advantage of the fantastic talent performing at Capital Theatres’ venues, Open Workshops offer a chance to work with visiting companies, from West End touring shows to the hottest new contemporary theatre makers, offering a unique chance to learn from the experts.

Workshop schedule will be announced in due course.

Open Floor scratch nights

Theatre practitioners can test their work in front of a live audience – with the audience giving them constructive feedback afterwards.

The next Open Floor scratch night takes place on 1 November 2023. £5 tickets are available to book here. Bookings open on Thurs 6 July.

Anonymous survey conducted following the pilot of Open@TheStudio reiterated the urgent need for such a programme with the participants saying:

“Please, keep going. Keep offering residencies and space to create and stage our work, keep cultivating connections to grassroots theatre-makers and platforms, keep actually using your venue for the benefit of the local theatre community. (…) Be proud of this and let that pride inform your offerings to the creatives that for so long have been wanting to collaborate with your venue.”

“I think a lot of regularly funded organisations who say that they support local artists, but this doesn’t always translate to real-world opportunities. It is very good to have something open to a range of different theatre makers, rather than very few opportunities which end up going to the expected faces. It allows us to build relationships with a theatre org even if we don’t have a completed shiny product to share right now. I think that’s vital.”

“It feels like there are very few free or cheap workshops for theatre makers in the city. This is the first set of workshops I’ve heard about that offer such in-depth information on a range of extremely relevant and useful topics.”

Open@The Studio is generously supported by Baillie Gifford.

Temporary art installation comes to Portobello Kilns

Heritage, community building and creativity were on show at the site of the old Portobello Kilns where a new ‘Collaborative Bannerwork by the Decorators of Portobello’ was unveiled yesterday.

The kilns are the last remaining buildings of the pottery industry in Scotland and have been a community landmark for over a century. The kilns first fired objects in 1906 with the construction of the first kiln by Buchan’s Pottery company.

The bannerwork depicts a range of drawings and paintings from the original illustrations and motifs used at the potteries in the 1960s. The decorators themselves are five local women who worked at the pottery during that time period.

The aim of the project is to showcase the rich heritage of the area and to raise awareness and funding for the renovations and maintenance of the kilns going forward. The bannerwork is expected to be displayed for up to a year.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “It is fantastic news that this new collaborative banner has been unveiled at the historic Portobello Kilns. These are the only surviving bottle kilns in Scotland and represent the rich industrial history of Portobello and the Firth of Forth.

“I would like to thank the Portobello Heritage Trust and Art Walk Porty for their excellent work on this and I’m sure many Portobello residents and visitors will enjoy the installation in the coming weeks and months.”

Chair of the Portobello Heritage Trust, Dr Margaret Munro said: “Portobello Heritage Trust enjoyed working with Art Walk Porty and the decorators from A.W. Buchan & Co. Ltd. in creating this amazing, decorative banner.

“We support the City of Edinburgh Council with their grant applications to rebuild the 1906 kiln and look forward to having it completed in the near future.”

Rosy Naylor from Art Walk Porty said: “Art Walk Porty is really delighted to have been able to collaborate with artist Nicky Bird and some of the decorators who worked at A.W. Buchan & Co Ltd potteries in the 1960s, to create this beautiful new bannerwork for the site of Portobello Kilns.

“We hope it brings some colour and enjoyment to the area, while work is underway to source funding for the rebuild. Many thanks to City of Edinburgh Council and Portobello Heritage Trust in helping to realise this project.”

  • The launch event was organised by Portobello Heritage Trust, Art Walk Porty and Eastern Exhibition and Display with support from the City of Edinburgh Council.
  • Artwalk Porty, which celebrates Edinburgh’s seaside and the creativity of Portobello, have been appointed to lead an exciting community outreach programme including working with local school children to document and celebrate Scotland’s pottery past and present.
  • Since 2019 there have been efforts to rebuild and preserve both kilns using original brickwork. This followed on from previous conservation work since the 1970s.

Junior doctors: Pay deal agreed?

Industrial action suspended as improved offer to be put to union members

A record 12.4% pay increase for junior doctors and doctors in training for 2023/24 has been agreed with the British Medical Association.

Following discussions with Health Secretary Michael Matheson this afternoon, BMA Scotland have agreed to suspend strike action while they consult their members on this deal. 

Coupled with the pay raise of 4.5% awarded in 2022/23, this amounts to a cumulative increase of 17.5% over two years.

The deal also includes a commitment to future years pay, contract and pay bargaining modernisation.

Health Secretary Michael Matheson said: “Following months of negotiations with BMA Scotland, I am delighted that we have agreed a pay deal for 2023/24 for our Junior Doctors.  BMA have agreed to suspend strike action in Scotland while they consult with their members.

“I hope this investment and the significant commitments we have given around pay and contract reform will show Junior Doctors how much we value them, and that we are determined to ensure that Scotland is the place for Junior Doctors to work and train.

“Some patients may have been contacted to say their treatment has been cancelled. We are working hard with health boards to make sure appointments that can go ahead do, and that any others are rescheduled as soon as possible.”

Next week’s planned Scottish junior doctor industrial action has been suspended after the latest period of intense negotiations ended with BMA Scotland agreeing to put an improved offer from the Scottish Government to its members.

This year, Junior Doctors will receive a pay rise of 12.4%. For the following three financial years, Junior Doctors will receive a guaranteed minimum pay uplift of inflation every year. Over this three-year period, the Scottish Government has committed to negotiate further annual pay rises on top of inflation that must, “make credible progress on the path towards pay restoration”.

In addition, BMA Scotland will enter contract negotiations with the Scottish Government from Autumn 2023 with the aim of improving the working and training conditions of Junior Doctors in Scotland by April 2026.

As part of these negotiations, they will agree a new Pay Review mechanism, the aim of which is to reach a “mutually agreeable path to achieve pay restoration and prevent erosion recurring in the future”.

This mechanism once established should complete the process of restoring Junior Doctor pay and ensure it is protected against any recurrence of pay erosion in the long term.

On this basis, the BMA’s Scottish Junior Doctor Committee (SJDC) yesterday agreed unanimously that it would recommend members accept the offer in a consultative vote in the coming weeks.

Speaking after a full meeting of the committee, where the decision to put the offer to members was made, Dr Chris Smith, chair of SJDC, said: “This has been an intense period of negotiation with the Scottish Government.

“At this stage, our negotiating team feel they have reached the limit of what can be achieved this year and do not think strike action would result in a materially improved offer. As a result, we have agreed to suspend next week’s strikes and put this offer to our members.

“This offer commits the government to working with doctors to restore our pay and prevent pay erosion from occurring in the future.

“This is an unprecedented shift from the Scottish Government, which is a recognition of the huge decline in real terms pay that doctors have experienced over the past fifteen years, and the huge amount of work needed to undo the damage this has caused to the NHS. 

“By agreeing to address the way our pay has been cut, and setting out a clear mechanism for doing so, the Government is making a serious, welcome commitment to ensuring that pay for Junior Doctors in Scotland is restored to a fair level.

“The agreement is clear that the increases above inflation over the next three years must be substantial enough in real terms to make credible progress on the path towards pay restoration.

“We will now deliver wide ranging and comprehensive details of the offer to members over the coming days and will open a fresh consultative vote as soon as we can.

“While we have suspended next week’s strikes, our mandate to strike still has months to run, so all options will remain open. Indeed, regardless of the outcome of the consultative vote, the collective power junior doctors have demonstrated by consistently and powerfully speaking up on behalf of the profession should ensure that we are never again taken for granted as we have been for the last 15 years.”

The Scottish Government says the pay deal represents a £61.3 million investment in Junior Doctor pay – the largest in the last 20 years and the best offer in the UK – and means a doctor at the beginning of their career would receive a salary increase of £3,429 in 2023/24. For those at the end of their training the rise would be £7,111 over the same period. 

Thunderstorms warning

Yellow warnings are in place this morning across Scotland for thunderstorms.

Please drive to the road conditions, plan ahead and be aware of increased stopping distances.

There are also a number of outdoor events taking place over the weekend and we would remind people to be prepared and dress appropriately for the weather.

Follow Traffic Scotland and Met Office for more information and updates.

Cycling World Champs: Charity partner calls for volunteers 

  • Volunteers and fundraisers across Scotland prepare to help World Bicycle Relief deliver 1 million bikes to communities in need around the world 
  • More cycling-loving volunteers needed to bring World Bicycle Relief events to life in key Championship venues including Glasgow, Glentress, and Fort William 

Ahead of the first-ever UCI Cycling World Championships in Scotland in August, World Bicycle Relief, the official Global Charity Partner of the 2023 event, is preparing to announce an ambitious programme of events and activities created to unite communities across Scotland to celebrate the power of the bike. 

But first, World Bicycle Relief is calling on audacious Scots to donate their time at the Cycling World Championships. 

Cycling fans who sign up as volunteers will join World Bicycle Relief’s passionate team to celebrate the sport’s greatest athletes at this world-first event – all while fundraising to help to provide 1 million bicycles to transform the lives of thousands of families and communities around the world. 

World Bicycle Relief’s volunteers will get involved in exciting activations alongside iconic World Bicycle Relief partners; lead community bike rides; support school and club activities; and help deliver inspiring fundraising activities. All with the goal of raising money to provide bikes and train mechanics. 

In Glasgow, the Glasgow Green BMX hub will be home to a VR experience where volunteers will help the public can ride a Buffalo Bike and see exactly what the bike’s recipient would.

In George Square, volunteers will support a milk churn challenge, where participants will try and shift full milk churns with and without the help of a Buffalo Bike – a great way of demonstrating how a bike can boost physical capabilities and help people transport goods.

In event villages around Scotland volunteers will also help sell merchandise and man donation points, as well as host competitions and challenges for the public.  

World Bicycle Relief works with communities to provide Buffalo Bicycles –  sturdy bikes specially designed to carry heavy loads and handle rugged terrain –  to people in need who live in rural, unpaved areas. These bikes can transform lives by helping schoolchildren and adults access education, employment, and healthcare.   

Mark Kiehlmann, an Agile Project Manager based in Glasgow, has volunteered for World Bicycle Relief since 2020 and is looking forward to leading the charity’s Cycling World Championships mountain biking volunteer team alongside his wife and three children: 

“I’ve witnessed first-hand the transformation that bicycles can bring to children, women and men in countries like Kenya where I once worked. Children could shorten the time taken to get to school by cycling, allowing them to travel more safely and quickly while providing more time for essential chores like collecting firewood or water. While women I met, like Irene, could transport more of the food she grew easily, sell it fresh and get home safely by bicycle.

“The Cycling World Championships is going to be an incredible opportunity to share World Bicycle Relief’s life-changing message that anyone, anywhere in the world should have the opportunity to pursue their goals without feeling stuck or unsafe due to distance or lack of transportation.

“I can’t wait to get involved in the biggest cycling event ever where the world’s greatest riders will make history in Scotland and show the world the power of the bike – all while making a difference to communities around the world!”

David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair Announces August Opening

David Lloyd Clubs will open its eagerly awaited Edinburgh Shawfair club this August.

There has been a significant amount of local interest in joining the new club, with many people living in the area signing up to find out how becoming a member at David Lloyd Clubs can help them live a healthier lifestyle.

In further good news for the local area, the arrival of David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair will create exciting job opportunities and play a key role in the city’s leisure industry.

For those members who have already taken advantage of the early joining offer and secured their membership at the brand-new club, the wait is almost over.

Michael Lindores, the new General Manager, has arranged to get the members together even sooner by arranging a local running club activity meeting twice a week. 

Michael says: “I am delighted to be able to get the new members together so that I can meet them, and they can meet each other.  Community is a big part of what makes David Lloyd Clubs special so these introductions will pave the way for some friendships in the future.”

The centrepiece of David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair will be the 100+ station gym, which will house David Lloyd Clubs’ cutting-edge gym concept with an unrivalled array of best-in-class equipment. There will be four bespoke designed studios which will offer high-octane High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) classes, such as Blaze, to group cycling in Cyclone and mind and body classes such as SPIRIT.

A 20m indoor and a 25m outdoor heated swimming pool will offer a range of activities, including aqua aerobics, family swim times and quiet adult swim sessions. The new club will also feature three outdoor paddle courts plus four tennis courts inside an aerodome.

For families with children, private swimming lessons and tennis coaching will be available, and children can take part in daily activities and holiday clubs that offer fun and active solutions for parents trying to keep the little ones entertained.

Sessions will take place in a dedicated DL Kids area and will be synchronised with the adult group exercise programme to give parents and guardians an opportunity to focus on their own fitness with the peace of mind that their children are being cared for.

For those looking for a luxurious wellness experience, the impressive indoor spa and spa garden facilities will include a Himalayan salt sauna, rainforest experience shower, hydrotherapy pool, heated beds to create a sanctuary of relaxation to recharge, revive and rejuvenate.

There will also be a Clubroomat the heart of the club, which will be carefully zoned to meet member needs, including a dining area with freshly cooked meals and a business area to catch up with work in peaceful surroundings.

Families will love the dedicated family area with eating areas and an indoor playframe. An outdoor patio area will offer a space for outdoor dining and socialising on warmer days and evenings, with playground facilities for the children.

The club will have a 250-space carpark and is well-connected to Edinburgh and surrounding towns in Midlothian and East Lothian by nearby bus, rail, and cycle links.

The specific date in August for the opening of David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair will be announced shortly and those interested in membership are encouraged to keep an eye on the club website.

To secure membership at David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair and join today on the introductory offer, visit www.davidlloyd.co.uk/edinburghshawfair

Dalkeith and Danderhall councillor Stephen Curran said: “The opening of the new David Lloyd club is great news for jobs and growth in my ward and across the local area.

“The investment it brings is also very welcome and I’m looking forward to visiting when it opens in August.

“From start to finish, I’ve been impressed by David Lloyd Clubs’s commitment to supporting the local community as the Edinburgh Shawfair club has taken shape.”

Michael Lindores, David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair General Manager, said: “The countdown has begun to our August opening, and we couldn’t be more excited.

“There has been so much positive engagement and interest in our club so far and it’s not long now until we can welcome our members to enjoy our state-of-the-art facilities and world-class customer service.

“David Lloyd Clubs has a well-established and deserved reputation as the go-to leisure destination in Edinburgh and our new Shawfair club will give many more people the chance to experience this first-hand.”

Michelle Chambers-Cran, Regional Manager at David Lloyd Leisure, said: “We are thrilled to announce that we will be welcoming new members to David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair this August.

“Everyone involved in delivering this project has been working really hard to bring our vison to life and it’s super exciting to see it all coming together.

“David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair will be so much more than ‘just a gym’ – it will be a true complete leisure destination and we can’t wait to welcome our new members through our doors in August.”

Full Steam Ahead for 102 year old Muriel

STRACHAN House resident Muriel Sinclair had always wanted to jump on board and relive her journeys she would take on a steam train, so staff at the home made her  wish a reality with their Gone Fishing 23 project.

Muriel said some of her fondest memories was travelling around Scotland on days out with her children, and the fun they would have as a family. 

Muriel has lived at Strachan House for many years and at 102 she is dearly loved by the staff and residents alike. Staff jumped on board when they heard of her memories travelling from Edinburgh to Dundee on the steam trains and worked in secret to ensure her surprise was kept on the right track.

Speaking with Boness Railway about Muriel the team organised for her to take a 70 minute steam train ride whilst enjoying a good old fashion afternoon tea.

What Muriel didn’t also know was when she reached the platform her daughter was there to surprise. And as if that wasn’t enough excitement for one day, the station master and guards then surprised her with a First class compartment to ensure she had a day to remember!

Mandy Head of Activities said “Our Gone Fishing 23 is all about making that meaningful moment happen and this like many others, was very special. To see Muriel’s face light up when she heard the steam train pull up was just magical!”

“I’m 102 and never ever thought I’d take another ride on a steam train. I can hardly see now, but the smell of smoke and the sounds reminded me instantly of the fun journeys I would take in my younger days. I can’t thank the team enough for an amazing day. The afternoon tea was just the cherry on the top of such a wonderful surprise.”

Gordon Philp General Manager at the home, said: “We want everyone we care for to know how important they are to us here at Strachan House.

“It was marvellous see how overwhelmed Muriel was – and how hard the team works behind the scenes to make sure our residents have such special moments like these.”

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Draw inspiration from The Cairn Distillery

Dream opportunity for aspiring artists to realise a dream with help from rising Instagram star

Aspiring artists are being offered the chance to fulfil a long-held ambition to collaborate with one of Instagram’s favourite artists. Phil Dean, also known as ‘The Shoreditch Sketcher’, has over 100,000 followers and is also a published author.

For millennia, cairns have encouraged people to explore new paths and this latest initiative is part of The Cairn Distillery’s Beacon of Inspiration campaign which aims to encourage people to take that next step and realise a long-held ambition. 

People from across the UK are being invited to tell The Cairn why they’ve always harboured a dream to become an artist, and what it would mean to them to be given the chance to hone their craft under the expert wing of Phil Dean.

The winners will first embark on an all-expenses paid trip to London to take part in an inspiring tutorial on how to capture an urban environment, with Phil sharing valuable insights including the top tips he has learned over a lifetime of sketching.

The workshop will focus on refining the artists’ styles, helping the pair form a deeper understanding of the art they want to create and how to create it. Working alongside Phil, the winners will learn new methods and techniques to capture both natural and urban landscapes in an intriguing and innovative way.

After a few weeks of self-practice, the successful applicants will then join Phil in September at The Cairn to put their new skills into practice, by sketching the distillery in its stunning natural environment, on the banks of the River Spey.

The Cairn, which opened its doors in October 2022, is the first new distillery to be built in the Cairngorms National Park since its inception. Its owners, Moray-based family business, Gordon & MacPhail, aim to build on its 128-year heritage of producing exceptional Scotch whisky by creating legacies that inspire future generations.  

Phil Dean, ‘The Shoreditch Sketcher’, said: “Drawing in urban spaces gives you a completely new way to engage – to sketch a city is to truly see it. You are out in a public environment, part of the landscape and embedded in your surroundings. You have to embrace the freedom it provides.

“The Cairn is truly inspirational in terms of its whisky, its building, and its surroundings, so I’m very much looking forward to helping our amateur artists to bring this magnificent place to life on paper.” 

Ian Chapman, Marketing Director of Gordon & MacPhail said: “We are so proud of our home here in the Cairngorms, from the stunning mountains to the glorious River Spey, we are never short of inspiration. It truly is the perfect place for artists to bring their canvas and create something special. 

“We are delighted to be working with Phil to give aspiring artists the chance pursue a life-long dream and collaborate with such a talented creator. We can’t wait to see the final results.”

The mission to discover aspiring artists is the third instalment of The Cairn’s initiative to inspire visitors to pursue long-held ambitions.

The first was launched last year when The Cairn brought together three musicians who shared a goal to collaborate internationally and offered them the opportunity to create a unique track inspired by Scotland’s incredible landscape, which encompasses the distillery.

This was followed by a competition earlier this year, giving ambitious chefs the chance to design a bespoke menu with Tim Maddams, one of the UK’s leading chefs.

To enter, please see the online application form with full terms and conditions, available here https://www.thecairndistillery.com/the-shoreditch-sketcher

For more information on The Cairn, please visit www.thecairndistillery.com.