Do you have some research you wish to do concerning the history of Edinburgh? Do you need funds to help you accomplish this goal? Why not apply for a grant from the Old Edinburgh Club?
We have an introductory meeting at The Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, EH1 2JL commencing at 7:30 on the 19th of this month (November) which you can attend by applying to membership@oldedinburghclub.org.uk.
POLICE Scotland have released an image of a man they wish to speak to who may be able to assist their enquiries into an assault which took place on Thursday 26 September 2024 at the Grassmarket.
The man is described as being white, slim build, approximately 6ft in height, with short red hair. He was wearing a grey tracksuit and a black jacket.
Detective Constable Mark Richmond said “ I would urge the man pictured or anyone who may recognise him or has information about this incident to contact us as soon as possible.”
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1768 of 27 September 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
Scotland’s national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland 2024, returns from 18-24 November to uplift Edinburgh and Lothians with its theme of Hope.
This year’s programme offers unique perspectives on resilience, community, and the landscapes that define the region. Over the years, Book Week Scotland has deepened its impact on Edinburgh and the Lothians, delivering literary events to even the remotest locations and fostering connections in towns and communities.
The 2024 programme spotlights regional authors and local libraries as community cornerstones. 65,000 copies of a new free book, Scotland’s Stories: Hope, will be distributed during the week.
It is made up of real-life stories from people across Scotland, including contributions from people in Edinburgh and Lothians.
Local voices in this year’s Hope book include:
· “A Wee Pocket of Joy” by Rosemary Henderson, East Lothian
· “Dancing for Hope” by Georgia Marlborough, Edinburgh
· “Ribbons and New Socks” by Sheena Mason, Dalkeith
· “Hope and Consolation” by David Pickering, Edinburgh
· “It’s The Hope That Kills You” by Julie Drybrough, Edinburgh
· “Thorin” by Sam Eastop, Edinburgh (also adapted as a comic strip by Mollie Ray)
Each piece reflects the theme of Hope in unique and personal ways, highlighting the power of local stories.
Book Week Scotland event highlights in Edinburgh and the Lothians:
· Landscapes of Hope and Inspiration, Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh, 18 November—This event will bring together visual artist Julie Brook, writer Linda Cracknell, and musician Duncan Chisholm to discuss how Scotland’s landscapes inspire and provide hope.
· The Pleasures of Reading with Jackie Kay, Portobello Bookshop, 20 November – Jackie Kay shares the books that have inspired her, joined by Dr Sarah McGeown to explore the benefits of reading for pleasure.
· Various Author Events Across Edinburgh and East Lothian – Libraries and regional community centres will host readings, discussions, and family events celebrating the joy of reading.
The variety of events this year reflects Edinburgh and Lothians’ longstanding engagement with Book Week Scotland, now in its 13th year and supported by Creative Scotland.
A man who died after being struck by a bus in the Cowgate has been named as Michael Leneghen, 74, from Edinburgh.
His family has released a statement, which said: “We wish to thank all the members of the public and emergency services involved. We would now ask for privacy at this time.”
The incident happened around 7.25pm on Saturday, 2 November in the Cowgate area of Edinburgh.
Michael Leneghen was on foot and the incident also involved a single decker bus.
Sergeant Paul Ewing, of the Road Policing Unit in Edinburgh, said: “Our thoughts remain with Michael’s family and friends, as well as everyone affected by this tragic incident.
“Our enquiries remain ongoing. We have already spoken to a number of people who were in the area at the time and work is ongoing to check public and private CCTV footage.
“We are still keen to hear from anyone who has not yet spoken to police. If you have any information about what happened, then please get in touch.
“Anyone with information is asked to call the police via 101. Please quote incident number 3395 of Saturday, 2 November 2024.”
The People’s Story Museum will reopen to the public on Monday 2 December after a temporary closure.
The Museum, which offers an insight into the lives of Edinburgh’s working-class people from the 18th to the late 20th century, has been temporarily closed due to staff shortages but will resume its regular seven-day schedule from Monday 2 December.
The Council is working on a new operating model for the Museums and Galleries service aimed at enhancing the experience for residents and visitors, increasing revenue, and focusing more on the city’s historic collections. The service has faced increased budget pressures this year, which initially led to a proposal to close the People’s Story Museum during the autumn and winter.
However, based on public feedback, officers have been working to identify funding and resource which will facilitate the reopening of the museum.
Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker, said: “After initially proposing a temporary winter closure for the museum, we listened closely to the community’s passionate feedback, and I’m delighted to announce that we will reopen the museum on Monday 2 December.
“It’s a special museum where all exhibits are inspired by the voices of Edinburgh’s own people, drawn from oral histories and written accounts to share authentic stories. The collections showcase this with items such as Friendly Society regalia, banners, and materials representing Edinburgh’s diverse communities.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors back through the museum’s doors.”
JIM Slaven, who initiated the campaign to keep the museum open, said: “@SaveTPSM welcome this Council decision & thank everyone who has supported the campaign.
“The city now needs to work together to create a sustainable future for the museum. #Edinburgh needs change. This is a first step.”
“It is only a first step. For the museum to have a successful future it must be in the Tolbooth & it must be curated properly, cared for & invested in. That is going to involve a lot of work. Not just from Council staff, but from everyone who wants it to succeed. It can be done.
“On personal note. To all the real ones who trusted my judgment that this fight was worth it & was winnable, who stayed disciplined & stuck to the plan, I am constantly surprised and inspired by people’s energy and enthusiasm for the battle(s).”
Jim Slaven had criticised the Labour-led council’s proposals as a betrayal of the city’s working class. “Labour with 11 out of 63 #Edinburgh councillors have no mandate for their dodgy “buildings strategy”, which closes museums & community centres.
“Turning public spaces into private spaces. In whose interests?”
A report on the new operating model for Museums and Galleries will be brought to December’s meeting of the Culture and Communities Committee.
Enjoy a Relaxed Opening Hours Day at Dynamic Earth – Accessible Fun for the Whole Family!
Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, is excited to announce its upcoming Relaxed Opening Hours Day on 6th November, offering visitors an extraordinary opportunity to explore the wonders of our planet in a calm, sensory-friendly setting.
Dynamic Earth’s Relaxed Opening Hours Day provides an inclusive environment for all visitors. Designed for those who would benefit from a more relaxed visit such as those with Additional Support Needs (ASN), but open to everyone.
These sessions prioritise sensory comfort through sensory adjustments without compromising on the overall Dynamic Earth experience. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or solo, Relaxed Opening Hours Day creates a welcoming space for everyone to experience the wonder of Dynamic Earth.
Dynamic Earth’s approach encourages visitors to learn and explore at their own pace, giving everyone the chance to fully enjoy everything this world-class science centre and planetarium has to offer. This is why Dynamic Earth offers sensory adjustments throughout the entire day.
Sensory Adjustments on Relaxed Opening Hours Day:
Reduced Visitor Numbers Throughout the Day: Allowing for a quieter, more comfortable experience across all exhibitions.
Altered Lighting and Audio Features: Adjusted lighting and sound create a softer environment throughout the attraction, from our entrance to exhibitions.
Trained Staff in Disability and Neurodiversity Awareness: Dynamic Earth’s team is equipped to support and assist all visitors, ensuring a respectful and supportive experience.
Subtitles on All Videos & BSL Interpretation: All videos include subtitles, and the 3 pm planetarium show will feature British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation for enhanced accessibility.
A Wide Range of Sensory Aids: Sensory bags, social stories, and sensory maps are available to guide and enhance each visitor’s experience.
Flexible Admission: Enjoy the freedom to visit Dynamic Earth’s tour and planetarium at a relaxed pace, allowing visitors to choose their best experience.
Designated Quiet Space: A dedicated area is available for visitors to recharge during their visit.
Dynamic Earth’s Relaxed Opening Hours Days reflect the centre’s core mission to make science accessible and engaging for everyone.
This initiative aligns with Dynamic Earth’s commitment to “Deliver Outstanding Science Engagement”, reaching people from all backgrounds, particularly those who benefit from an inclusive and adaptive environment.
In addition to the November date, Dynamic Earth will host another Relaxed Opening Hours Day on 24th January, reaffirming its dedication to providing accessible learning experiences for all visitors.
Guided by a purpose to foster understanding and empathy for the planet, Dynamic Earth is committed to expanding access to science in ways that make a positive impact on individuals and communities alike.
Dynamic Earth warmly invites visitors to join them on November 6th and enjoy a day where everyone is welcomed and supported – tickets available to purchase here:
A 74-year-old man has died after being struck by a single-decker bus in the Cowgate area last night.
Officers were called to the incident around 7.25pm on Saturday, 2 November.
A number of roads in the area were closed to allow officers to carry out their investigation, however the roads have since re-opened.
Sergeant Louise Birrell, Road Policing Unit, Edinburgh: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died.
“Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident.
“Officers have spoken to a number of people who were in the area at the time and work is ongoing to check public and private CCTV footage.
“We are still keen to hear from anyone who has not yet spoken to police. If you have any information about what happened, then please get in touch.
“Anyone with information is asked to call the police via 101. Please quote incident number 3395 of Saturday, 2 November 2024.”
Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, the local area commander, said: “We are aware of videos and images circulating on social media which are causing distress to the deceased’s family and those viewing them inadvertently.
“We would ask members of the public not to share them out of respect for his family, and to report them to the relevant social media platform to prevent further circulation.
“There has been a lot of speculation, and I would like to reassure the local community that this was an isolated incident and there is no risk to the wider public.
“This was a tragic incident. We are investigating a crash, and our road policing officers, assisted by local officers, are continuing to carry out enquiries.”
“Anyone with concerns or any information which could assist the investigation should contact police.”
This week, storytellers and audiences are invited to gather at the Tree of Memory in the Storytelling Centre to hear stories of our great tradition bearers, and add a leaf to honour their elders and celebrate their own memories of lives well lived.
The Tree of Memory by artist Katie Warner is created from willow and forms the centrepiece to four Tree of Memory events during this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival:
Mon 28 Oct, 4pm
Edinburgh-based storyteller Claire McNicol hosts a celebration of Irish and Scots storyteller Audrey Parks who has been described as the founding mother and grandmother of Scotland’s storytelling renaissance.
Tues 29 Oct, 4pm
Liz Tulloch hosts a celebration of her father, well-known Shetland storyteller Lawrence Tulloch who was a familiar voice on BBC Radio Shetland and wrote for many magazines and newspapers.
Wed 30 Oct, 4pm
Storyteller Tim Porteous and Festival Director Donald Smith host a celebration of Edinburgh storytellers Jack Martin and John Fee.
Jack Martin who died in 2023, became a storyteller after a lifetime as an entertainer, puppeteer, and stand up comedian.
John Fee who died aged 80 was known as a master of storytelling and performed regularly at the Waverley Bar’s Guid Crack Club and on the Netherbow stage.
Thu 31st Oct, 4pm
Douglas Mackay hosts a celebration of David Campbell with a basket of blessings to all absent friends.
David Campbell is a writer, broadcaster, poet and an acclaimed international storyteller whose repertoire ranges from ancient Celtic epics of Ireland and Scotland through stories of adventure, romance, faith, love and quirky comic tales.
Donald Smith, Director of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, said: “Stories are passed between the generations.Our Tree of Memory honours the elders – those who are preciously still with us, and those who have passed on.
“We invite everyone who wishes to honour a storyteller in their life to add a leaf to our Tree.”
The Scottish International Storytelling Festival runs until Thursday 31 October. 2024 marks the 35thanniversary of the festival and its packed programme of events take place in venues in Edinburgh and across Scotland thanks to support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Creative Scotland.
For details of the full programme, visitsisf.org.uk
