Category: Portobello

UNISON: Tonight’s public meeting to discuss teaching of gender identity in schools should be cancelled

UNISON City of Edinburgh branch is calling on the council to cancel a ‘Schools and gender identity event’ to protect library staff and members of the trans community.

The event which its organisers say is “a group of concerned adults organised a public meeting in Portobello Community Centre to discuss the teaching of gender identity in schools” is due to be held at Portobello Library this evening (Tuesday 14 March) has already gathered national media attention and some community campaigners have also called for its cancellation.

UNISON City of Edinburgh branch has been in dialogue with the council to express safety-fears for library staff and local trans-individuals. UNISON argue that library staff are being placed at the centre of something that is going to impact their ability to provide a high quality public services to the local community, including the LGBT+ community.

UNISON City of Edinburgh branch is also concerned that the event indirectly endangers the wider safety of the UK trans community.  Should the event be allowed to continue, the branch will peacefully protest with other community activist protesters and would ask other who feel the same to join them.

UNISON City of Edinburgh branch secretary, Tom Conolly said: “UNISON Edinburgh city branch represent library staff across the city and we do not want to see them placed at the centre of something which could impact on their ability to deliver high quality public services.

“We are concerned that this event has been granted permission to go ahead. UNISON Edinburgh city branch is clear in its commitment to trans and non-binary members. We recognise the importance of supporting trans members in our local communities.”

UNISON City of Edinburgh branch equalities officer, Elaine Wishart said: “UNISON supports trans rights and wants to be at the forefront of promoting an inclusive debate.

“You don’t have to be trans to fight for trans rights, you can be a trans ally. The national debate is very divisive and harms trans-people who need our compassion and support. UNISON have produced many campaign materials around combatting the gender critical narrative.

“Trans rights are human rights and making sure our trans members are able to go to work, and just be themselves in the wider community free of fear, harassment and bullying is paramount.”

Woman with sight loss to take part in Portobello story-telling event

Anne Dignan, an Edinburgh woman who is blind, will take part in a story-telling session in Portobello on Saturday, March 11th.

‘Tales of Gallus Women’ will feature six women telling anecdotes, chronicles and yarns ranging from the far north of Scotland to the shores of East Lothian – “Tales of real life, fantasy, intrigue and witchcraft,” says Anne (68).

“I’ve always loved telling stories to the children I taught at school before I had to take early medical retirement due to my sight loss,” says Anne. “I missed reading books, and being able to tell and to listen to stories again meant so much to me.”

A former primary-school teacher, Anne (68) joined a local group called the Burgh Blatherers three years ago after a friend told her about them.

“Through the Burgh Blatherers, I discovered the art of traditional oral story-telling,” she goes on. “This art has been going for centuries where stories, customs and traditions were handed down from generation to generation, as well as being a form of social interaction amongst people who couldn’t read or write.

“The Burgh Blatherers share a very keen interest in ensuring the skill of story-telling continues to enjoy its relatively recent revival over the last 20 or so years. There will be six of us taking part on Saturday evening. All are acclaimed storytellers in their own right, most with many professional years of experience – Rona Barbour, Beverley Casebow, Linda Portula, Elaine Robertson, Emilie Barr and myself.”

Anne, herself, has won one of the story-telling movement’s most prestigious awards, the Tall Tales Oscars. “I was up against several professional contenders who all had many, many years of experience. I am highly delighted, and proud of the award.

Her own tale this Saturday will be the true story of woman born into a Gaelic-speaking community on Skye in 1821. “My story is self-penned and extensively researched,” she enthuses. “It’s about Mairi Mohr Nan Oran, or ‘Great Mary of the Stories’ as she became famously known by her native Gaelic-speaking community. Her real name was Mairi MacPherson (nee MacDonald).

“She was instrumental in rallying people to effect a change in the legislation affecting crofters, the Crofters Holdings Act, which secured land tenure for crofters who had who had undergone the ravages of the later Highland Clearances. She wrote many songs and poems railing against landlords and persons of authority.

“She taught herself to speak and write English so she could help Gaelic-speaking emigrés who, like her, lived in slum conditions whilst they sought work in Glasgow. Her poems and stories were created when she was imprisoned.

“To this day, she has left an indelible mark and even Gaelic choirs are still named after her in the islands.”

* ‘Tales of Gallus Women’ will take place in Bellfield Community Hub in Portobello on Saturday, March 11th, from 6.30 to 8.30pm.

Tickets are from £8.00 – £10.00 available on the door or from Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/472783838187.

Light refreshments will be provided during the interval. Gallus men are very welcome, too!

Appeal for information following assault and robbery in Seafield

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a man was assaulted and robbed by three youths in Seafield.

Around 5.30pm on Tuesday (24 January 2023) the man sustained minor injuries after three males struck him on the head with a weapon and stole his rucksack and laptop as he made his way along the cycle path between Seafield Street and Pirniefield.

The suspects are described as:

The first was around 14-years-old, with a Scottish accent, slim build, wearing a snood, dressed in black and riding a black scooter.

The second, with the weapon, was about 16/17-years-old, stocky build, 5ft 9, Scottish accent, wearing a dark hoodie with the hood tied tight, red snood, black jogging bottoms and black trainers.

The third was around 14/15-years-old, wearing dark clothing and silver trainers. Both were on electric bikes.

Detective Sergeant Keith Taylor, Violence Reduction Unit, said: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace the people responsible, and we encourage anyone with information about this attack to contact police.

“Think back, did you see these three youths in the area around this time?

“We are also appealing for anyone who may have relevant dash-cam footage from the Seafield Road area around 5.30pm on Tuesday to get in touch.

“Please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 3094 of Tuesday, 24 January, 2023.”

Read more – http://ow.ly/mVPk50MB1Qz

Edinburgh Tool Library offers a ladder of opportunity

CELEBRATION EVENT AT PORTOBELLO WORKSHOP TOMORROW EVENING

The Edinburgh Tool Library is exactly what it sounds like: a library, but for tools. Instead of books, members can borrow a huge range of hand and power tools – from circular saws to sewing machines – all free of charge. 

Inspiration for Edinburgh’s Tool Library came after Chris Hellawell, Founder and Director of Edinburgh Tool Library, visited the Toronto Tool Library during a family holiday. Chris not only saw the need for freely available tools in his own community, Leith, he had the vision of the wider environmental, financial and social value a tool library could bring. 

Unlike his Canadian counterparts, Chris did not have a stock of tools, or premises to store and loan tools from, but his drive to help others inspired his next move:

“Giving people access to equipment means handing them the potential  to better their living environment and potentially their lives” says Chris. “That could be as simple as putting up a shelf or  hanging some pictures, or as life-changing as giving someone the tools and the chance of holding down a job. I just knew  that’s what I wanted to do.” 

Chris used his resourcefulness to collect donated tools and stored them in his living room. And instead of renting  premises he created an online tool inventory and hired a police box on Leith Walk once a week from where tools could  be collected! 

Since then, Chris hasn’t looked back and has built Edinburgh Tool Library from the ground up into the thriving charity it  is today. With a loan depot in Meadowbank, and workshops in Portobello and Leith, the library has grown to include more than 2,000 tools which are borrowed regularly by 1,400 members from all walks of life, saving members a  collective £1.5m compared to the cost of buying those tools!

An overall reduction of around 180T CO2, the equivalent of  driving a car around the world 180 times. And with the cost-of-living crisis becoming an escalating challenge, Edinburgh  Tool Library is fast becoming a lifeline for many. 

Not only has Chris’s environmental and economic vision become a reality, its social impact is undeniable.

Much like a  book library, Edinburgh Tool Library is a hub around which the community gathers. The year-round community and outreach programme offers workshops designed to reduce social isolation, improve wellbeing, champion diversity and  most importantly provide opportunities for communities to come together to learn new life and employability skills.

Projects such as “Nailing It!” work with women’s support groups around the city teaching DIY skills, building confidence and encouraging women to participate in woodwork, often for the first time. Or ‘Tools for Life’ – a programme matching a young unemployed person with barriers to work, with an older, retired person, who has skills to pass on to the  trainee, helping them to build confidence and learn new skills. 

Run in large by its 50+ volunteers, the love and commitment of these volunteers was never more evident than during  the pandemic. The Edinburgh Tool Library put it’s resources towards hot meal, and art pack delivery, as well as  providing logistical support to the Edinburgh Mask Makers volunteer group, helping over 17,000 masks reach key  workers across the central belt. 

This kindness is also evident in the membership framework. The charity charges members £30 per year to borrow tools  and to gain free access to their workshop programme, along with invites to community social events.

Members can also buy a ‘£40 pay it forward’ membership which includes a reduced £10 membership fee for those facing financial  hardship. All membership income is ploughed back into supporting the charity’s environmental and social objectives. 

For those interested in becoming a member or supporting their charitable work through their fun ‘Adopt a Tool’ scheme, visit edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk or email them on hello@edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk.

Or pop along to their celebration event at their Portobello Workshop (19 Windsor Place, EH15 2AJ) tomorrow – Thursday 27th October (5 – 8pm) – where  they will welcome you in, show you their fantastic workshop facilities and introduce you to their friendly team!

Motorpoint marks the opening of its Portobello store with a ribbon cutting and family day

  • UK’s largest independent retailer of nearly new cars and vans formally opens its new Edinburgh store on Baileyfield Road in Portobello.   
  • Motorpoint Edinburgh is the automotive retailer’s second outlet in Scotland and 18th in the UK. There is a store in Glasgow and a preparation centre in Motherwell.   
  • Opening ceremony ribbon cutting performed by talented five-year-old Scottish Highland dancer, Rosie, from the Dunedin Dance Academy.
  • Event kicked off store’s year-long commitment to fundraise for St Columba’s Hospice.
  • Attractions included the ‘live’ creation of a unique Edinburgh landscape on the side of a dirty van by renowned grime artist Ruddy Muddy.

A talented five-year-old dancer performed a ceremonial ribbon-cutting this week as Motorpoint – the UK’s largest independent retailer of nearly new cars and vans –strengthened its growing nationwide network with the official opening of its new store in Edinburgh.

Young Highland dancer Rosie did the honours after performing with fellow dancers from the Dunedin Dance Academy at an event celebrating the opening of the brand’s second retail outlet in Scotland and its 18th in the UK.

As well as dance performances, Motorpoint Edinburgh, which is located on Baileyfield Road in Portobello, also hosted a ‘live’ art installation with acclaimed grime artist Ruddy Muddy.  Throughout the day, he created a stunning image of the world-famous Edinburgh Castle and Greyfriars Bobby in the mud on the side of a Mercedes Benz Vito van.

Visitors to the store were also treated to a stirring musical treat with a performance of piping from the Pipers of Edinburgh, while the store also announced that St Columba’s Hospice Care in Edinburgh is their nominated charity partner for the year.

Richard Start, Regional Retail Director at Motorpoint Edinburgh said: “We were delighted to be able to mark the opening of our latest store in such an inspirational and cultural way and having Rosie perform the ribbon-cutting made it extra special.

“The whole official opening event had a fabulous family feel and it was a joy to have the dancers from the Dunedin Dance Academy, grime van artist Ruddy Muddy, the Pipers of Edinburgh and Paw Patrol with us to provide some great entertainment for our customers.” 

Richard added: “Despite a nationwide shortage of new and nearly new vehicles we have been able to ensure that Motorpoint Edinburgh has the widest possible range of the makes and models that local motorists want the most and all are available to drive away the same day.

“Motorpoint Edinburgh is also proud to bring the brand’s ‘never beaten on price’ promise to the city, helping to deliver market-leading value for car buyers at a time when every penny counts.”

Find out more about Motorpoint Edinburgh here

CCTV appeal following serious assault

CCTV appeal following a serious assault around 11pm on 18 July 2022 at Brighton Place, Portobello

Police in Edinburgh have issued images of a male they believe may have information that can assist them with their investigation into a serious assault that occurred around 11pm in Portobello on Monday the 18 July 2022.

The male is described as being white, around 40 years old, around 6ft2” tall, bald head, thin build. He is shown in the image as wearing a light coloured t-shirt with a design on the front and shorts.

Detective Constable Mark Walker of Gayfield CID said: “I would urge the male, or anyone who has information relating to the male, depicted in these images to make contact with the Police.

“Members of the public can contact Police Scotland via the 101 non-emergency telephone number quoting incident number 3631 of 22 July 2022. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”

Motorpoint to open store in Edinburgh

  • Motorpoint, the UK’s largest independent retailer of cars and vans will open the doors to its new Edinburgh store in September 2022.
  • Motorpoint Edinburgh, located in Baileyfield Road, Portabello is now recruiting 30 new team members across Sales, Service, Administration and Vehicle Preparation.
  • Motorpoint already has a well-established store in Glasgow with a record of selling a nearly new vehicle to every postcode in Scotland.
  • Employing more than 900 people across the UK, Motorpoint recently achieved number one position on the Best Companies to Work for in the Automotive Sector 2022 list.  
  • The 33,000 sq. ft Edinburgh store will stock around 400 Clean Air Compliant vehicles on site with 1000’s more available via Motorpoint’s online store.  
  • The Motorpoint Price Promise means that Motorpoint guarantees to provide its customers with cars and vans at Unbeatable Prices.

Up to 30 new jobs are being created in Edinburgh by Motorpoint, the UK’s largest independent car retailer of nearly new cars and vans.

Located at Motorpoint’s stylish new store at 25 Baileyfield Road, the new roles will include positions in Sales, Service, Administration and Vehicle Preparation.   

Richard Start, Regional Retail Director at Motorpoint Edinburgh said: “We are excited about the opening of our new store in Edinburgh. We are busy transforming the site with an extensive multimillion pound investment to get ready for our September 2022 opening day. We are now keen to recruit team members to join us at our new Edinburgh store.

“We are looking for up to 30 new colleagues to join our team and there’s a range of roles to apply for. We offer a great remuneration and benefits package and are looking for motivated people who want to be a part of Motorpoint’s ongoing nationwide success story.

“We already have a strong Motorpoint presence in Scotland with a well-established store in Glasgow and our Preparation Centre in Motherwell. We’ve sold a car to every postcode in Scotland and are proud of our award-winning track record for delivering first class customer service. 

“We are keen to hear from people with experience from other sectors and industry including hospitality or retail, for example. We’re proud to be an active member of the Automotive 30% Club, an organisation that campaigns for gender balance in the automotive sector.”     

Hannah Litt, Motorpoint’s Head of Recruitment and Inclusion said: “We are extremely proud of our company culture and our record as an equal opportunities’ employer.

“We have a strong focus on providing an exceptional working environment. Our staff enjoy a fantastic range of benefits and there is wealth of opportunity for career development and progression within Motorpoint.

“We have a strong ethos of being part of the wider community in the areas where our stores are located; we have an active fundraising programme that supports local and national charities and events.”

Head over to Motorpoint’s careers page at careers.motorpoint.co.uk or find out more on our LinkedIn company page or Twitter page.

Greenpeace volunteers bring The Big Plastic Count to Edinburgh

Yesterday (Sunday 8 May), Greenpeace Edinburgh volunteers spoke to members of the public on Portobello Promenade about The Big Plastic Count.

Throughout April and May Greenpeace Edinburgh, along with local Greenpeace groups up and down the country, have been talking to the public about the nationwide survey on plastic wastage.

Volunteers showed passers-by a photo of the six months’ worth of plastic used by Everyday Plastic founder Daniel Webb (below), and asked them to guess how many people’s plastic this was. Answers ranged from one household to 100 people but only a few people guessed correctly that it was just one individual’s plastic waste! 

The Big Plastic Count, a collaboration between Greenpeace and Everyday Plastic, is taking place between 16th – 22nd May.

It will uncover the truth about how much household plastic we throw away, and how much is really recycled. Individuals, households, schools, community groups and businesses across the UK will count their plastic packaging waste, record the different types they throw away and submit their results online.

The campaign is supported by actor Bonnie Wright, as well as naturalist and television presenter, Chris Packham.

Zoë, a volunteer from Newington, said: “We’re all doing our bit to recycle, but plastic waste is still everywhere. It’s so sad to see it polluting the environment in beautiful areas such as Portobello Beach.

“That’s why I’m counting my plastic for one week between 16th – 22nd May, and submitting this data to get my personal plastic footprint, to find out what really happens to our plastic waste.

“More than 140,000 people from across the UK including more than 650 households in Edinburgh have signed up to participate. Sign up to take part too at https://thebigplasticcount.com“

The data each participant generates will contribute to an overall national picture, filling a crucial evidence gap on exactly how much plastic packaging waste is leaving UK homes.

The results will demonstrate the scale of the plastic waste problem and pressure the government and supermarkets to tackle the root cause of the plastic crisis. 

The launch of The Big Plastic Count comes as new polling from YouGov, commissioned by Greenpeace UK, shows that more than four in five people (81%) want the UK Government to introduce targets to reduce plastic waste.

Across Scotland, support is also very high, with 82% supporting targets.

The YouGov survey also shows how almost four in five (77%) people in the UK recycle plastic products in order to reduce plastic waste. However, three in four (75%) don’t know what happens to their plastic recycling after disposing of it.

The UK produces more plastic waste per person than almost any other country in the world – second only to the USA [2]. In 2018, the UK generated 5.2 million tonnes, enough to fill Wembley Stadium six times over.

Joan from Marchmont said: “‘I was amazed that one person used so much plastic in 6 months. I put the plastic I use in the recycling bin, so I’m disappointed to hear that lots of that plastic might not actually be recycled, but is in fact often incinerated, sent to landfill, or dumped abroad.

“It’s up to the Government and big supermarkets to cut plastic packaging, and to properly deal with our waste.”

This year, the government is starting to decide on legal targets to reduce plastic waste. Greenpeace Edinburgh is calling on the Government to set a target to reduce single-use plastic by 50% by 2025, to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme for plastic re-use and recycling, and ban the dumping of our waste onto other countries. 

Sign-up at https://thebigplasticcount.com/ 

Ageing Well the Nordic Way

Ageing Well is looking for participants interested in joining a new Nordic Walking course, which they will be introducing in early spring. 

The Ageing Well Project is run by Edinburgh Leisure in partnership with NHS Lothian and delivers a range of city-wide activities which support people to become, and remain, active in later life. The emphasis is on meeting new people whilst making physical activity accessible and enjoyable.

Ageing Well activities have been developed to cater for a wide range of tastes and abilities and all activities are either led by or supported by fully trained volunteers, who are all older adults themselves

Cat Wilson, Active Communities Project Officer at Edinburgh Leisure said: “This new course will complement our already popular regular walks which take place in different locations around the city each week. It’s for anyone who would like to try a new activity, meet some like-minded people, and get physically active.

“Nordic walking origins are Finnish with more than 10 million people globally enjoying this outdoor activity. The evidence shows that you can burn around 20% more calories compared to conventional walking. The use of poles means the effort is divided across the upper and lower body, so it feels easier, particularly when walking uphill.”

The four-week course will start in spring on a date to be decided, depending on interest. 

Participants will meet at Straiton Place Park, on the promenade at Portobello Beach, and would be expected to attend all four sessions to graduate. Each session will last 1-hour, and poles will be provided if people do not already have their own.

Once group members have graduated from the 4-week introductory course, they will be eligible to join the Nordic Walking 6-week course, visiting various locations in Edinburgh. These walks would take between 1.5 – 2 hours.

Ageing Well relies on external funding and donations to deliver its programmes across Edinburgh. A donation of £3 per week is therefore appreciated for this activity. This can be paid in one go or each week. People’s generous support means Edinburgh Leisure can provide a range of activities to reach more older adults in need of their support, protecting their health and wellbeing and improving their quality of life. 

In 2018 the Ageing Well programme was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), which is the highest award given to UK volunteer groups and is the equivalent of an MBE. The award reflects the tremendous contribution of Edinburgh Leisure’s Ageing Well volunteers and the positive difference they make to the lives of participants. 

To find out more and/or to register your interest in joining the initial 4-week introductory course, contact active@edinburghleisure.co.uk or call 0131 458 2260

For more information:   www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

Missing Alice ‘entered water alone’

Police Scotland has issued an update on the search for missing woman Alice Byrne:

‘Extensive enquiries have been carried out as part of our efforts to trace 28-year-old Alice Byrne, including house to house enquiries, CCTV reviews and detailed searches in the local area.

‘Alice was last seen leaving a friend’s flat in Marlborough Street, Edinburgh, on the morning of Saturday, 1 January, 2022, and walking towards the promenade and beach.

‘Our enquiries have subsequently indicated that Alice entered the water alone on the morning she went missing.

‘Efforts to trace her continue and officers are providing support and updates to Alice’s family.’

In a statement released though Police Scotland, shortly after herdisappearance Alice’s family said: “Alice has been missing for one week now and we are shocked and distressed by her disappearance.

“She always keeps in contact with us so we are extremely worried because we have not heard from her. We are desperate to know where she is.

“If Alice sees this, we want her to know how much we miss her. We just want her home safe and well.”