Also this Solstice weekend … :
Category: Trinity
It’s Power of Food Festival weekend!
It’s here! Edinburgh’s community gardeners take centre stage this weekend as The Power of Food Festival takes place at venues and locations across the city.
For further info visit https://poweroffoodfestival.wordpress.com/
Edinburgh Guarantee spells success for school leavers
More school leavers than ever in Edinburgh are moving into work, education, or training, thanks to the strong partnership that has developed between the public and private sectors through the Edinburgh Guarantee.
Figures published by the Scottish Government today show that the success rate of school leavers in Edinburgh achieving and sustaining a positive destination are at the highest rate ever. The figure is up 10 per cent since the Edinburgh Guarantee began four years ago and is now at 93.1 per cent. The Capital is now the best performing city in Scotland and is 12th out of all local authority areas, which puts us well above the national average.
The statistics show that more school leavers in Edinburgh are getting into jobs compared to September 2013 with over one in four of school leavers in employment at the snapshot taken in March. Just over 40% are getting into and sustaining places in Higher Education while over a quarter of school leavers opt for Further Education.
The majority of schools improved their performance since September 2013.
The largest increase was at Craigroyston Community High school up 13.1 per cent (see separate article), Currie performed extremely well with their figure now sitting at 97.9 per cent, and Firrhill and Gracemount were up by 6.8 per cent.
This success has been underpinned by the active support of the city’s employers in recruiting young people into their businesses, with 350 opportunities offered since April 2015.
Sue Bruce, Chief Executive, the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Today’s figures will be welcomed across the city by young people, employers in the private, voluntary and public sectors and those working in education. Giving young people the best start they can have in life is a key priority and I am delighted that the Edinburgh Guarantee is playing such an important role in securing the future success of our young people in the city.”
Cllr Paul Godzik, Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee, said: “Whether it’s employment, apprenticeships or training, young people need to move out of school and into a positive destination quickly. It is really encouraging that there has been such an improvement in the figures this year as moving on to make a new start in life is the boost young people really need to raise their self esteem at this critical point in their lives.”
Cllr Frank Ross, Convener of the Economy Committee, said: “Ensuring that Edinburgh’s young people have opportunities is vital for the economic success of our city. These year’s figures demonstrate that initiatives such as the Edinburgh Guarantee are making a real difference to many young lives. I am confident that with sustained investment we’ll continue to drive up this figure and see many more young people taking a positive next step in their lives.”
Stephen Ramsay (pictured top) , panel beater modern apprentice at DSL Motors, said: “When I was at Craigroyston High School I was invovled in a Formula 1 project and I really enjoyed it. My career advisor helped me with an interview for Edinburgh College and I am now a modern apprentice doing a four year course in Automotive Paint Refinishing. As soon as I left school I wanted to get involved in this trade and I want to work in this field until I retire.”
A positive destination is defined as a place in Higher Education, Further Education, a job, paid apprenticeship, or work-focused training.
Click here for a short video featuring Cllrs Burns, Godzik and modern apprentice Stephen Ramsay.
It’s Water of Leith clean up time!
Water of Leith Clean Up
Sunday 28 June 11am – 1.30pm
Meet at clock at Canonmills clock (foot of Brandon Terrace) at 10.45. Wear long sleeves and long trousers (nettles!) – and bring a picnic!
Local Community Learning & Development Worker Callum Mcleod said: “It’s normally a fun day and if you can make it along I’m sure you’ll enjoy yourself!”
Police seek four following Trinity attack
Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault on two people on Laverockbank Road. Four people, one of whom is a woman, are being sought following the attack.
The incident happened at around 1am on Sunday 31 May, when the two victims and four suspects left a business premises separately.
The first suspect assaulted the 34-year-old male victim, and the 28-year-old female victim was assaulted when she tried to intervene. The other suspects then joined the attack and the female victim was knocked unconscious.
Both victims sustained facial injuries, which were subsequently found to be more serious than first thought. Police attended at the time of the incident, and officers have conducted various enquiries in an effort to trace the suspects.
The first suspect is described as a white man in his 30s, 5ft 10inches tall with a medium build. He had a shaved head and a heart tattoo with a keyhole on his right forearm.
The second suspect is described a white man in his 30s, 5ft 11inches tall with a heavy build. He had short dark hair and was wearing a dark jacket.
The third suspect was a white man in his 40s, 5ft 10inches tall with a slim build. He was wearing a light-coloured shirt.
The fourth suspect is described as a white woman, 5ft 6inches tall, with a medium build. She had long dark hair and was wearing a black jacket.
Detective Sergeant Clark Martin said: “This was a seemingly unprovoked and brutal attack and we are eager to trace anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has any information which can help with our enquiries.
“We’re also eager to speak to a taxi driver seen in the area at the time of the assault, who may be able to help with our investigations.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
City communities meet up for a Big Lunch
‘You never know what might happen in your community after a chat over a few sandwiches and some cake!’ – Michelle McManus
Edinburgh neighbours joined in with the millions of people all over the UK who have been getting to know their neighbours better as part of The Big Lunch yesterday. The UK’s annual one-day get-together for neighbours, an initiative led by the Eden Project and made possible by the Big Lottery Fund, has taken place in villages, towns and cities across the country.
Big Lunch activities in Edinburgh included a fiesta-themed Big Lunch in Trinity, neighbours’ street parties in Newhaven and Willowbrae and an event organized by Halifax Princes Street branch at Gorgie City Farm attended by the Lord Provost.
Communities were getting together across Scotland, including at street parties in Glasgow, Angus and West Lothian, picnics in the park in Dumfries, Fife and Perthshire and even a Big Lunch beach party on the Isle of Skye!
The Big Lunch, which is supported by Halifax and Asda, is the perfect recipe for having fun with neighbours, feeding community spirit and helping to build stronger neighbourhoods. People are the key ingredient, with those taking part creating friendlier communities in which they start to share more, from conversation and ideas to skills and resources.
Elaine, who helped put the fiesta Big Lunch together in Trinity today, said: “We’ve had a fantastic day and a great turnout! We first decided to give The Big Lunch a go in 2009 when we realised we didn’t know everyone in our stair of 8 flats – we’ve now held one every year since! We ended up meeting people who had lived in the street for over 40 years but who I had never even seen before as they rarely come out. It has been a real icebreaker for us, bringing our community closer together, breaking down barriers and providing a chance to socialise.”
Lara, who got her neighbours together in Willowbrae yesterday, explained: “It seems to be a common theme that neighbours have fewer opportunities to meet. In Willowbrae, we’ve seen the closure of the baker, post office, pub and chemist. Some of us lead such busy lives that unless we make an effort, chances are we won’t see or speak to our neighbours. The Big Lunch felt like the perfect excuse to bring everyone together. The real benefits we’ve felt since our first Big Lunch include a greater sense of community and in building trust. Once you’ve chatted to someone over cake (or chocolate dipped strawberries, or green smoothie, or home made pakora!) then what you’ve actually done without noticing it is broken down some imaginary barriers!”
Sir Tim Smit KBE, Co-Founder of the Eden Project and The Big Lunch, said: “The Big Lunch is always special as millions of people all over the UK take time out of their busy lives to talk, laugh and eat with their neighbours. It is based on a simple concept: if we spend a Sunday afternoon with our neighbours in June, we’ll build friendships and stronger communities that will last for years. It’s about making our streets happier, safer and less lonely places and it’s fantastic to see so many people taking part this year.”
Michelle McManus, who has supported The Big Lunch in Scotland for the past three years, added: “I really believe in the benefits of being part of a strong community like the one I grew up in the East End of Glasgow. Even today, I cherish the great relationships I am lucky to have with my own neighbours.
“Knowing who you live beside makes you feel safe and connected to your community. Events like The Big Lunch provide an excuse to chap your neighbour’s door and ask if they’d like to get together. You never know what might happen in your community after a chat over a few sandwiches and some cake!”
Pictures by Phil Wilkinson
AND THAT BIG LUNCH COULD GET EVEN BIGGER …
The project that last year encouraged over 400,000 Scottish people to share lunch with their neighbours has been awarded Scottish Government funding to help more communities be involved in this year’s events.
Big Lunch Scotland will receive almost £50,000 to give communities the chance to apply for a grant that could go towards food, insurance, outdoor games or furniture to host their own get-together.
From now until September, communities who may have faced barriers to taking part in the past will be able to apply for grants of up to £150.
The Big Lunch is the Eden Project’s annual UK-wide event aimed at building community spirit and getting neighbours talking. While events kick off on June 7, communities are encouraged to run events throughout the summer.
In addition, the Scottish Government funding will also offer grants of up to £500 to help support participants of the Big Lunch Extra Programme develop ideas in their community such as cookery classes, babysitting services or community cinemas.
Minister for Community Empowerment Marco Biagi met with Edinburgh and Midlothian Big Lunch organisers and their neighbours to officially open the new funding schemes on Friday.
He said: “Around 400,000 Scottish people – including me – took part in The Big Lunch last year, and I hope the Scottish Government’s funding boost of nearly £50,000 will make it possible for even more people to take part over the summer.
“We’re often guilty of not making enough time to get to know the people who live next door to us, never mind the ones who live down the street. The Big Lunch is a simple way to reconnect with our neighbours and is having a powerful impact on communities.
“From the people I’ve met who have attended Big Lunches in the past it’s clear to see the benefits of this annual event. People feel more involved their community, they have a stronger sense of community spirit and they feel less isolated.
“The Scottish Government recognises the importance of empowering communities and giving them the confidence to shape their own futures. These grants will remove financial barriers and will make sure everyone has an opportunity to be involved in The Big Lunch.”
Feedback from the 2014 Big Lunch found that 97 per cent of people who took part would recommend the event to their friends, and 84 per cent said it made them feel better about their neighbourhood.
Emily Watts, Campaign Manager for The Big Lunch in Scotland, said: “We always say that you don’t need much money to hold a Big lunch when everyone brings something to the table and that is still true – but there are times when a small amount of help can mean the difference between your community getting involved and not.
“To be eligible you need to be able to tell us how you would use the grant to enable your community or street to take part, and what barriers it would help to overcome. For existing Big Lunch participants, you must be able to tell us how you will engage a new section of the community with the grant.”
More information and application forms can be found at: http://www.thebiglunch.com/partners/scotland-seed-fund.php
Power of Food Festival is fast approaching …
North Edinburgh plays a major part in this month’s Power of Food Festival with events and activities in Blackhall, Drylaw, Granton, Leith, Muirhouse and the Botanics to name just a few …! 
Hello everyone!
It’s an amazing privilege to be in a position today to launch the programme of Edinburgh’s first Power of Food Festival, only five and a half months after we decided to turn the original idea into a reality. It’s been a bit of a mad time getting everything in place, but really exhilarating to see it all coming together thanks to the efforts of a wide range of individuals keen to share their resources, skills, energy and passion. And how appropriate to be launching such an initiative on Volunteers Week! Volunteers are at the heart of community food growing and of the centre of the Festival.
We look forward to seeing you in one (or several!) of the 15 gardens of the Festival on 20-21 June and hope you enjoy the celebration!
Best wishes from
The Power of Food Festival Committee
Rebecca Crowther
Christine Giraud
Marie-Amélie Viatte
After months of preparation, The Power of Food Festival is pleased to announce an exciting programme of free events organised by each venue in line with what they do best: connecting people!
From well established award winning gardens, to new grassroot food growing projects, the diversity of the initiatives which feature in the programme will surprise and delight Festival goers. Venues open on the weekend of 20 and 21 June include a library, an office block, a secret garden, and a farmhouse which is undergoing an incredible transformation!
A citywide celebration
From Portobello to Wester Hailes, Granton to Blackhall, Tollcross to Old Dalkeith Road, and many others in between, every corner of Edinburgh will have a garden celebrating the joy of community food growing. There will be a rich menu of events suited for every taste, for children and adults alike, including: children’s poetry writing, bug hunting, storytelling and sharing, choir music, conversations on nature, food and sustainability, wind band, foraging, cooking and eating, as well as practical gardening workshops, and the launch of Edible Edinburgh Food Charter of a Sustainable Food City.
In association with Sustrans, visitors can also join in a guided bike tour of the
gardens (free but ticketed). Bookings can be made online.
Whether on foot or on two wheels, visitors can plan their Festival trip and keep up to date with the latest events and information via The Power of Food Festival website (details below).
A Festival for everyone
Why not invite your friends and family to take part in the first Edinburgh Power of Food Festival? The weekend will give everyone a chance to meet people in their local community, to join those who are transforming the city landscape everyday, and to give a deeper meaning to the word ‘community’. Maybe it will be the beginning of a great adventure: who knows where The Power of Food will take you?
The full programme of events can be accessed here: PoF Programme
Come with family and friends to The Power of Food Festival
Celebrating community food growing and local change makers
summer solstice weekend 20-21 June
W: poweroffoodfestival.wordpress.
Twitter @PoFFest FacebookEdinburghPowerofFoodFestival
Art exhibition at St Columba’s this week
The 29th Annual Art Exhibition by the Art Friends of St Columba’s Hospice is an excellent opportunity to view and maybe even buy some excellent art for this excellent cause. It will take place at the St Columba’s Hospice Education Centre, Boswall Road on:
Friday 5 June 12 noon – 8pm (incl informal drinks reception from 6pm)
Saturday 6 June – 10am – 4pm
Sunday 7 June – 11am – 4pm
More details to be found here
http://www.stcolumbashospicefu
Edinburgh prepares for a Big Lunch!
Edinburgh residents are busy with final preparations for The Big Lunch (www.thebiglunch.com) next Sunday (7 June), which helps people get to know their neighbours better and create closer communities.
In the seventh year of the UK-wide initiative, lots of Big Lunch events are taking place across the city, including in Willowbrae, Newhaven, Trinity and Gorgie.
The Big Lunch is the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours, an idea from the Eden Project made possible by the Big Lottery Fund and supported by Halifax and Asda. It is the perfect recipe for having fun with neighbours, feeding community spirit and helping to build stronger neighbourhoods.
Elaine, who is helping to organise a fiesta themed street party with her neighbours in Trinity, explains: “We decided to give The Big Lunch a go in 2009 when we realised we didn’t know everyone in our stair of 8 flats – we’ve now held one every year since!
“We ended up meeting people who had lived in the street for over 40 years but who I had never even seen before as they rarely come out. They had seen previous year’s events through their window and decided to come down. It has been a real icebreaker for us, bringing our community closer together, breaking down barriers and providing a chance to socialise.”
Halifax Princes Street branch will be hosting a Big Lunch at Gorgie City Farm from 10am – 3pm next Sunday.
The Halifax Edinburgh Big Lunch event will host a range of activities for the community to get involved in to raise money for Gorgie City Farm and three other local charities. There will be a gazebo with free sandwiches, music throughout the day and fun activities including face-painting, tombola, bouncy castle, a ‘beat the goalie’ event, egg and spoon races and sack races. From 11am-12pm, the Lord Provost will be attending the event.
The Halifax Edinburgh Princes Street Branch is working with Asda, who will be providing sandwiches on the day.
Esther Clark, Branch Manager at Halifax Princes Street said: “We’re really excited that Halifax Princes Street is hosting a Big Lunch event at Gorgie City Farm on Sunday 7 June. There will be lots of fun activities for all the family to raise money for charity and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone from the local community along. The Big Lunch provides a great opportunity for us to talk to people on a more personal level and really helps strengthen relationships in the community”.
It’s never too late to host a Big Lunch! Anyone who would like to host one on Sunday 7 June (or another date if they prefer) can request a free planning pack from www.thebiglunch.com or call 0845 850 8181.
In 2014 over 4.83 million people took part in Big Lunches across the UK, including thousands from Scotland, who held street parties, picnics in the park and community hall gatherings.
Here for you? RBS Goldenacre branch to close
Goldenacre is one of eight RBS branch closures
The Royal Bank of Scotland’s Goldenacre branch is to close on 13 August.
The bank says the decision to close the branch on the corner of Ferry Road and South Trinity Road ‘has not been taken lightly’ and cites a number of reasons for the branch closure, including a decline in the number of people using Goldenacre and an increasing take-up in mobile and telephone banking.
RBS Stockbridge at North West Circus Place will become the new ‘local’ branch for RBS customers when the Goldenacre branch closes in the summer. RBS say they also plan to invest in their Davidsons Mains branch this year.
In a letter to branch customers, RBS Local CEO Debbie Pows said: “Over the next three months we will be actively engaging, helping and supporting our customers and the local community on how they can continue to bank with us in the local area. If you’d like to talk about the decision or about the services that are available in the area you can come into the brnach, call me on 07826 664071 (Minicom 0800 404 6160) or email me at debbie.pow@rbs.co.uk ”
Edinburgh’s Tollcross is another of the eight RBS branches earmarked for closure across Scotland.