The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society (EFFS) is set to develop a new festival hub after the City of Edinburgh Council agreed a long lease for one of its buildings in the city centre.
The EFFS proposals, funded from an award of up to £7m from the UK Government, would see the building completely refurbished and modernised, with an emphasis on access and carbon reduction, as it is transformed into a year-round resource.
Detailed work is ongoing to identify other venues for the current users of South Bridge Resource Centre – the majority are adult education classes with suitable alternative locations already identified – and further detailed and responsive engagement will take place as plans are finalised.
Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Today’s decision means the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society now has a substantial city centre location for their exciting plans for a new hub.
“The proposals are for a new, year-round space which includes opportunities for local cultural organisations, artists, and communities to use as well as a Fringe Festival home.
“The Council has a vital role to play in ensuring residents have access to creative and cultural opportunities wherever they live in our city.
“We’re committed to regular funding, partnership working, and backing development programmes and projects. By doing this, we can support and facilitate the stability and development of our city’s exceptional array of cultural activities, venues, communities and events at every level.
“As part of the proposals, suitable alternative locations have already been identified for the majority of groups and classes that currently use the building. Further detailed and responsive engagement will take place as we identify venues going forward.
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: The Committee’s decision today is an important milestone in the journey towards creating a new Fringe community hub.
“We’re pleased with the decision and excited to move a step closer towards providing a flexible, functional, sustainable and accessible space to bring artists, residents, community groups and the Fringe community together.”
Road policing officers are appealing for information following a serious crash in Nicolson Street involving a pedestrian and a bus.
The incident happened around 8pm last night (Wednesday, 11 January, 2023).
Emergency services attended and the pedestrian, a 51-year-old man, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where his conditions is described as critical. No one else was injured.
The road was closed for crash investigation work to be carried out and re-opened around 4am this morning (Thursday, 12 January, 2023).
Sergeant Jill Kirkpatrick said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what happened and we are asking anyone who can assist to get in touch.
“If you were in the area at the time and saw what happened or were driving and have dash-cam footage that could help with our enquiries then please make contact.”
Anyone who can help is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3101 of Wednesday, 11 December, 2023.
PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, is calling on kind-hearted volunteers to support its life-saving work by offering a helping hand in its soon-to-be launched Edinburgh charity shop.
The store, which is set to open next month, will help to fund vital veterinary work across PDSA’s 48 Pet Hospitals – including its local centre in the city – which care for thousands of pets whose owners struggle to afford essential treatments.
Cluster Shop Manager Fiona Lawrie, who will co-ordinate the opening of the South Bridge shop, is encouraging animal lovers who can spare a few hours a week to get in touch and find out about the exciting opportunities available.
Fiona said: “The pandemic had a huge impact on PDSA’s fundraising activities which is why the support provided by the incredible people who volunteer in our shops is so important.
“We receive no government funding towards running our vital vet services and everything we do is supported by the generosity of the pet-loving public whose kind donations of time, money, and items mean we can be there for pets and their owners when they are most in need.
“Volunteering is an excellent way to assist charities and do something that makes a real difference to the lives of others, but it is also a great way to make new friends, gain confidence, and enhance your CV.
“We’re looking for friendly and dedicated people aged 18 or over to join our team at South Bridge in Edinburgh – it doesn’t matter if you don’t have previous retail experience, we provide full training and we’ll reimburse your travel expenses so you’re not out of pocket. All you need is a few spare hours a week, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn.”
To find out about volunteering opportunities at the new store, please contact Fiona Lawrie by calling 07557 196831 or email lawrie.fiona@pdsa.org.uk.
No pet owner should be faced with losing a beloved pet because they can no longer afford to pay for treatment. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn.
PDSA encourages all supporters to sign up for Gift Aid* if they are a UK taxpayer, to help their donations go even further. Gift Aid allows PDSA to claim an additional 25 per cent of the value of each item sold.
Bookings surge results in venue close to matching pre-pandemic levels
ONE of Scotland’s top conference and events businesses is dispelling concerns that the industry would never return to pre-pandemic levels as it reveals a major surge in bookings.
City-centre venue Surgeons Quarter, which promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities held within The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) campus, has revealed that conference and events bookings made during the six months from April to September 2022 were close to exceeding the organisation’s record-breaking year in 2019.
With still 91 confirmed events and a further 79 internal college bookings to take place in the final quarter of the year alone.
That success is being mirrored in occupancy rates at its 129-room Ten Hill Place, which is sitting at over 98% for September and over 84% for October with encouraging figures recorded for the remainder of the year and into 2023.
Scott Mitchell is Managing Director of Surgeons Quarter, which puts profits back into the historic college, to support RCSEd’s aims of advancing surgical care and improving patient outcomes worldwide.
He said: “Business events are central to the local and national economy – and we want to do all we can to drive that inward investment.
“We’re delighted to get back to these numbers of visitors and it’s encouraging to see such a strong picture for the rest of the year. However, with an ever-changing landscape we are mindful of ongoing industry challenges.
“During the pandemic, it was worrying to think we may never return to in-person events at this level – which would have been a massive blow to the industry and delegates as there is only so much that can be transferred to a virtual setting. Thankfully, that hasn’t been the case and we’re back playing host to events from all across the world.
“Our venue offers bespoke set ups across sectors and specialities as required – with our teams able to accommodate and cater to hundreds of people at one time.
“The team go above and beyond for delegates and guests – it’s their dedication that sets us apart in Edinburgh and we’re exceptionally proud of their achievements during such a busy period.”
The strong performance and forecasts follow on from a successful August, with the venue hosting more than 160 Festival Fringe performances across 10 spaces – including a new venue adding a further 55 seats – resulting in thousands of fringe-goers being welcomed to the Surgeons Quarter campus throughout the month.
Surgeons Quarter has also invested in its 178-strong team with a selection of certified courses and training offered as multiskilling has been a key aspiration in response to growing demand.
Surgeons Quarter, the commercial arm of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh [RCSEd] promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd Campus with profits supporting the charitable aims of the College: education, assessment and advancement of surgical standards worldwide.
Here’s the latest Capital Cops column from Chief Inspector Sam Ainslie, Local Area Commander for South East Edinburgh:
The city centre and South East of Edinburgh is a diverse locality, incorporating homes, businesses and a large number of leisure facilities and visitor attractions, ranging from easily accessible green spaces to the vast majority of the city’s night-time economy.
Local Edinburgh residents welcome the responsible use of our fantastic green spaces and amenities. However, disappointingly, these areas can experience incidences of antisocial behaviour and even disorder, particularly during periods of good weather, where excessive drinking has been a contributory factor.
You may be aware of some issues within the Meadows area during the Easter weekend, and I raise it here, for a number of reasons.
First to provide reassurance, that it was obvious that a small group of individuals attended with the express purpose of causing disorder.
Second, being acutely aware of the negative impact on local communities, South East Community Improvement Partnership developed a comprehensive action plan, calling on expertise and resource from across a range of Police, voluntary organisations, and City of Edinburgh Council functions.
This multi-agency response was then utilised successfully over a number of subsequent weekends.
Third, I wish to highlight the success of our dedicated investigation team, formed to specifically target those responsible for the pockets of disorder that weekend, and I am delighted to report that 14 of 17 key individual have been traced, arrested and reported to the Procurator Fiscal and suffice to say efforts will continue to hold the remainder to account.
Please continue to use these spaces respectfully.
While Edinburgh is a safe city, we are never complacent in respect of violence or anti-social behaviour in any of its forms, and as the night-time economy gradually returns, officers are once again providing a high visibility policing presence within the city centre during weekend periods, providing reassurance to our local communities, preventing issues and robustly dealing with incidents, should they occur.
Keeping with prevention, we have started to see a rise in thefts from vehicles, homes, sheds and businesses, and as a recurring theme, these are often opportunistic in nature, with thieves capitalising on a door or window being left unlocked.
Items of choice include, purses, handbags, laptops and bikes. Police Scotland’s website www.scotland.police.uk provides lots of great security advice, so please give it a visit.
Road safety matters remain an area of focus, and with Police Scotland’s Summer Drink/ Drug Drive Campaign having started on Monday – please follow us on our social media channels for information and updates.
I want to thank you for your ongoing support and ask that you continue to contact us to report suspected criminality and relevant concerns.
Information can also be passed to local officers, 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, and as ever, we will continue to post policing updates via @EdinPolSE Twitter account.
If you haven’t already done so, please follow us to receive regular information on what’s happening in your local area.
Chief Inspector Sam Ainslie is Local Area Commander, South East Edinburgh
TWO Edinburgh care homes have invested in new technology to offer potential residents and their families virtual viewings from the comfort of their own homes.
Mansfield Care has produced virtual tour videos for seven of its 11 care homes across Scotland, including Belleville Lodge and Craighall House in the capital, showcasing both the interior and exterior of each to give an accurate representation of the building.
The care provider hopes the videos will allow potential residents or family members looking on their behalf to get a feel for the services without leaving their home, whilst reducing the number of people entering the premise.
Mansfield Care’s founder, Andrew Hume, said: “It is important for us to continue to adapt and innovate our processes and services as the care industry becomes more digital.
“On top of this, virtual viewings are a way to keep our current staff and residents safe, whilst making the process easier for those looking to make the move to one of our homes.
“Virtual viewings will allow potential residents to see the apartment almost in person from the comfort of their own home for convenience, safety and to enable people who cannot travel easily to conduct a viewing.”
Personalised virtual viewings can be arranged for those interested in moving into a care home with one of Mansfield Care’s staff on hand to answer questions, and provide more information about the home and its care services.
Mansfield Care specialise in small, friendly residential care homes in Edinburgh, Borders and west of Scotland; each designed to an exceptional standard with state-of-the-art facilities.
The Mansfield Care ethos is inspired by the kind of care we would wish for ourselves in later life – supportive, friendly, bright, positive, empathetic, respectful and homely.
We are pleased to announce that show registration for Fringe 2021 will open on Wednesday 05 May.
Artists and venues will be able to register Fringe shows right up until the end of the festival. The Fringe’s world-class programme will be available to browse and book at edfringe.com, with tickets going on sale for audiences in early summer.
As Scotland navigates its roadmap out of lockdown, much is still unknown about what the Fringe will look like this August. However, a range of scenarios are being prepared for, from socially distanced live events to digital offerings.
The Fringe Society is supporting artists and audiences to find and book work online across a range of platforms, including the brand-new Fringe Player.
This online platform aims to bring some festival magic into homes across the world, while providing a secure platform for artists, companies and venues to host their shows. The platform is available to any registered 2021 Fringe show or venue to use if they wish.
Any live performance registered as part of the 2021 Fringe will be expected to adhere to public health guidance from the Scottish Government.
Audiences can search, browse and buy tickets to both online and in-person work through edfringe.com. More details on individual shows and Fringe 2021 will be available in early summer.
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Fringe Society, said: “We’re delighted to be able to open registration for 2021. Of course, we’re still very much in planning mode as we await further updates from the Scottish Government, but this feels like a hugely positive step in the right direction.
“Through the work being created across the various digital platforms, including the Fringe Player, artists have a brilliant opportunity to reach audiences and communities all over the world. I look forward to seeing how our Fringe creatives use these platforms in 2021 and beyond.”
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe will take place from 06 – 30 August 2021.
The Causey Development Trust (CDT) is working with local Edinburgh resident Robert Motyka and Aga Miętkiewicz of Wee Dog media to share artist’s impressions and a video animation of how The Causey could look and be used
The Causey is a street in South Edinburgh that is currently vehicle dominated and unattractive
Objections to a design to transform The Causey into a street that is safer for walking, cycling and all users are currently with the Scot Govt. Department of Environmental Assessment
At a time when attractive outdoor space is at a premium and how we socialise safely has changed for the foreseeable future, creating places that prioritise people has never been so important
A charity that has been working tirelessly to transform an ill-used and vehicle dominated street in South Edinburgh for over 14 years is excited to give the local community a sneak peek at its plans thanks to a local partnership.
The Causey Development Trust (CDT) has teamed up with local resident Robert Motyka and Aga Miętkiewicz – the creative minds at Wee Dog Media – to create artist impressions of what The Causey (a street with historic significance in Edinburgh South) could look like, when the proposal currently sitting with the Scottish Government Department of Environmental Assessment (DPEA) gets the green light.
The first of the artist’s impressions looks down West Crosscauseway from Nicholson Street and using digitally created characters, draws attention to the proposed design that features a two-way bike system, plenty of space for pedestrians and makes way for trees, benches and neighbourliness.
The second impression looks from The Causey towards Nicholson Street, highlighting the change from a two-way, car dominated rat run, to a tranquil throughway for pedestrians and cyclists and hinting at the benefit to business spruced up shop fronts.
These artist’s impressions and indeed the design proposal promoted by City of Edinburgh Council in a Traffic Regulation Order for this street by CDT, have come about as a result of years of Ideas Workshops (with participants aged 12 -92 years) exhibitions, consultation with individuals and businesses located locally as well as liaison with The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh World Heritage, Sustrans Scotland, Spokes and Living Streets Edinburgh.
The City of Edinburgh Council supports CDT’s aims and the design proposed for The Causey.
It is not the first time that Robert Motyka and CDT have teamed up to help promote create a safer, healthier, and more attractive environment for those living in and around The Causey, and to promote the design proposal under review by DPEA.
In 2020 CDT premiered a film called The Causey – transforming a place created by Robert as part of their Doors Open Day 2020 contribution and you can watch it in full HERE.
The Causey Development Trust Chair David Wood said:“We are delighted to be in a position to share these amazing visualisations of our plans for The Causey with both the local community and wider Edinburgh public thanks to the fantastic work undertaken by Robert and his team at Wee Dog media.
“By working with local resident Robert and his Wee Dog Media colleague Aga, we have been able to put years of planning and canvassing of the local population into a visual format for the local community to enjoy for the first time.
“Given the impact of Covid-19 on how we work and interact, there has never been a more important time to prioritise people by creating spaces that are safer and greener and cater to the needs of the whole community.”
The Causey Development Trust is a charity committed to putting people back at the heart of The Causey, a street in Edinburgh’s Southside, by transforming it into a space that everyone can enjoy.
Currently dominated by vehicles and a redundant, unsightly traffic island, The Causey has the potential to be a fine civic space and plans to make it such submitted in 2018 are currently awaiting the final green light from the Department of Environmental Assessment.
By reconfiguring The Causey, reducing the volume of vehicles passing through the street and creating two way cycling, CDT will promote safer everyday walking and cycling while giving local people, visitors and students an attractive and practical public space that they can use for community-inspired events, neighbourliness, resting, socialising and simply soaking up the historic surrounds – and maybe even some sun!
Police in Edinburgh have launched their annual campaign to keep the public safe during the period between Halloween and Bonfire Night.
Operation Crackle will see local officers throughout the Capital out on patrol during evenings and weekends to deter antisocial and criminal activity involving fireworks and keep communities safe from disorder and damage.
Halloween and Bonfire Night weekends are typically some of the busiest times for police, not only in Edinburgh, but across the city, and as always a partnership approach is being taken by the division.
Working alongside the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and City of Edinburgh Council, officers have been engaging with young people through school inputs and social media to highlight the risks associated with fireworks and the consequences of getting involved in any forms of crime using these items.
In addition, police have conducted joint patrols with council environmental wardens and SFRS personnel to carry out environmental audits and identify any debris or materials that could be used to start bonfires.
When found, these items have been removed.
While working to ensure the safety of the public within the city, Operation Crackle also looks to preserve the safety of all emergency service workers deployed during the coming weekends.
A zero tolerance approach towards violence and threatening behaviour is being taken and everyone is urged to act responsibly if handling fireworks.
Supporting Operation Crackle, Police Scotland’s national initiative, Operation Moonbeam is again in place to support local divisions with a range of additional and specialist resources.
These additional officers can be used if public disorder and violence takes place requiring a more robust response.
Dispersal zones will be in operation across Edinburgh again this year in an attempt to combat antisocial behaviour and disorder over the bonfire period.
This is the third year dispersal zones have operated across the city. The zones will run between 2pm and midnight on Wednesday 4th November to Saturday 7th November.
The areas covered by the zones include Muirhouse, West Pilton, Portobello, Loganlea, Saughton, Gorgie, Gilmerton, Moredun and Southhouse.
The dispersal zones enable police to instruct groups of two or more people who are congregating and behaving in an antisocial manner in these areas to disperse. Those who fail to comply, or fail to stay away for up to 24 hours, can face arrest.
Police are asking parents and guardians to have frank conversations with young people in their care and remind them to behave in a manner that does not put themselves, or others, at risk of harm.
Unlike previous years, organised Bonfire Night events have all been cancelled as a result of COVID-19. Police patrols will take place across the city to identify illegal bonfires, as well as deal with any breaches of current Scottish Government coronavirus restriction legislation.
Chief Inspector David Happs, who is leading on Operation Crackle, said: “We know that the vast majority of those who purchase fireworks do so in order to enjoy Bonfire Night responsibly. However, a small minority use the Halloween and Bonfire Night period to get involved in disorder and commit acts of violence and damage.
“Let me make it clear, that such behaviour is not acceptable and if you are involved in criminality involving fireworks, you can expect to be arrested. If not on the night, then as we carry out follow-up inquiries.
“I know many people will be really disappointed that they are unable to attend organised events this year, but I would urge everyone to be mindful of existing guidelines and legislation aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19. Please do not do anything that puts you in breach of the current restrictions.
“For the past three years, we have been able to call upon additional specialist national resources to assist local officers. Once again, these officers are available if they are needed and I’m grateful to have them as an operational consideration.
“We want everyone to have a great Halloween and Bonfire Night, but please enjoy these events responsibly and help us keep you, and everyone else, safe throughout.”
Kenny Rogers, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Local Senior Officer for the City of Edinburgh, said: “This Bonfire Night will be a different experience for many of us.
“We know that many organised public displays have been cancelled due to COVID-19 and that some may consider private use of fireworks in their gardens.
“We would urge caution over the private use of fireworks and remind people that these items can pose grave dangers.
“If you are planning on using fireworks in a private setting, please familiarise yourself with our Fireworks Code before purchasing. It is designed to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
“I would like to stress that this is our busiest night of the year and that we must maintain a capacity to respond to emergencies.
“Last year we saw a large spike in deliberate fire-setting and this can divert firefighters away from genuine emergencies, where lives may be at risk.
“We do take a zero-tolerance approach to fire-setting and will work with police to identify those responsible, but we also realise it’s a very small minority of people involved.
“Ultimately, I would urge those who are marking Bonfire Night to help us by reading all safety advice before using fireworks and by helping protect Scotland’s emergency services.”
“For more information visit our fireworks safety page at ww.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/fireworks-safety.aspx”
Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, Chair of Edinburgh Community Safety Partnership said: “Protecting our communities from harm is a priority for us all in the Edinburgh Community Safety Partnership and we will continue to work with our partners to prevent anti-social behaviour in the lead up to Bonfire Night to ensure that Edinburgh remains a safe place for its residents.
“It’s important that we all look after each other. Fly tipping during the Bonfire and Fireworks season can be a major cause of fire and we ask that if anyone sees fly tipping or notices an area where there is a build-up of refuse or combustible material to please let the council know.”
Two Edinburgh children’s charities have received £4,000 in donations from Amazon’s Development Centre in the city.
Amazon Development Centre Scotland donated £2,000 to Canongate Youth and £2,000 to The Yard.
The donations were made as part of the ‘Amazon in the Community’ programme, whereby the company supports the communities around its operating locations across the UK.
Canongate Youth supports children across Edinburgh and the Lothians, offering youth clubs, support services, advice and counselling. Amazon Development Centre Scotland has supported the charity since 2014.
The Yard is an organisation that creates safe play areas for disabled children and their siblings, giving them the chance to experience creative, adventurous indoor and outdoor play in a well-supported environment.
The charity plans to use the money to support more disabled children and families with online videos for early years, play ideas and relaxation, and work towards bringing more people back into the playground in line with current guidance.
Graeme Smith, Managing Director at Amazon Development Centre Scotland, said: “We are pleased to offer these donations to such brilliant charities. We hope the support will help both charities continue their important work with the children of our community.”
Amazon’s Tich Kent with Anna Robinson (left) partnership manager and Danielle Campbell play team leader.NOTE picture was pre-COVID
Jenny MacDonald, Director of Development at The Yard, added: “We are very grateful for this donation from the Amazon team and for their support of our mission to ensure every child has the right to safe and fun play. We would like to say a big thank you to Amazon for its kind support.”
Amazon’s Development Centre in Scotland is responsible for innovations used around the world by the company, including machine learning to power Amazon’s smart features like personalised recommendations and intelligent advertising.
Community donations is one of a number of ways in which Amazon is supporting communities across the UK during COVID-19.
Amazon is providing disadvantaged students with online STEM courses as well as teaming up with charity partner Magic Breakfast and delivering three quarters of a million healthy breakfasts to families around the UK.
For more information on how Amazon is supporting the UK during COVID-19, click here.
