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Shortlist unveiled for Scotland’s top councillor awards

THREE Edinburgh councillors are among over 100 nominations received for 3rd annual LGIU Scotland & CCLA Cllr Awards

Local Government Iinformation Unit (LGIU) Scotland and CCLA are proud to unveil the shortlist for the 2020 Cllr Awards, showcasing the achievements of councillors across Scotland for the third year running. 

The Cllr Awards are the only national ceremony to celebrate the vital contributions of our councillors. So often, their hard work goes unrecognised. These Awards are a uniquely important way to highlight what local councillors do for their communities, especially in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Competition was extremely tight again this year with a record number of nominations (over 100) received across the eight categories that celebrate the varied work of councillors.

Some of the awards up for grabs include Covid-19 Hero and Collaborative Working (new for 2020) alongside the coveted Leader of the Year and New Councillor of the Year awards. The full shortlist is included below.

Three Edinburgh councillors have been short-listed this year. The city’s transport convener, Liberton/Gilmerton SNP Cllr Lesley Macinnes, is in the running for Covid-19 Hero Award (above, right), while Leith Walk Green Councillor Susan Rae has been nominated in the Urban Community Champion category.

And last but not least veteran Craigleith Conservative councillor Iain Whyte is nominated in the Lifetime Contribution Category.

The winners will be decided by a panel of judges composed of senior councillors and officers as well as leading stakeholders from across the sector. Due to the ongoing health crisis, this year’s ceremony will take place virtually on Tuesday 24th November with special speakers and guests. 

This year’s awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU Scotland said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has presented this country with a set of challenges that few could have predicted. However, councillors up and down the country have risen to these challenges and stepped up to plate for their communities.

“From delivering food parcels to vulnerable residents and sourcing PPE for frontline workers to finding temporary accommodation for the homeless, local government has kept the country safe and moving. 

“It is for this reason that we are particularly proud to unveil the shortlist for this year’s Cllr Awards. Their achievements showcase the best of local government at a time when the country faces one of the greatest hardships of our lifetime.

“We would like to congratulate all of those councillors shortlisted and look forward to revealing the winners on the 24th of November.” 

2020 Cllr Awards Shortlist

Champion for Education

Champion for Education: for councillors who have performed outstanding work in the field of education

Cllr David MacDonald – East Renfrewshire Council

Cllr Dr Soryia Siddique – Glasgow City Council

Cllr Fay Sinclair – Fife Council

Collaborative Working

Collaborative Working: to celebrate a group of councillors who have worked effectively together to undertake a new project, implement a new process or better-scrutinise council proceedings

Cllr Laura Brennan-Whitefield – South Ayrshire Council (joint)

Cllr Siobhian Brown – South Ayrshire Council (joint)

Covid-19 Hero

Covid-19 Hero: to celebrate a councillor who has championed their local community during the pandemic

Bailie Philip Braat – Glasgow City Council

Cllr Elspeth Kerr – Glasgow City Council

Cllr Rosemary Liewald – Fife Council

Cllr Lesley Macinnes – The City of Edinburgh Council

Cllr Eva Murray – Glasgow City Council

Cllr Laura Murtagh – Falkirk Council

Leader of the Year

Leader of the Year: to celebrate the work of an exceptional Council Leader

Cllr Jenny Laing – Aberdeen City Council

Cllr Murray Lyle – Perth and Kinross Council

Cllr Douglas Reid – East Ayrshire Council

Lifetime Contribution

Lifetime Contribution: for councillors who have gone above and beyond for their communities over an extended period of time

Cllr Paul Carey – Glasgow City Council

Cllr Eileen Logan – South Lanarkshire Council

Cllr Willie Sawers – Dundee City Council

Cllr Iain Whyte – The City of Edinburgh Council

New Councillor of the Year

New Councillor of the Year: for recently elected councillors who are already making a noticeable impact in their communities in a short time

Cllr Julie Bell – Angus Council

Cllr Siobhian Brown – South Ayrshire Council

Cllr Kenneth Duffy – North Lanarkshire Council

Cllr Mark Horsham – South Lanarkshire Council

Cllr Kim Long – Glasgow City Council

Cllr Eva Murray – Glasgow City Council

Rural Community Champion

Rural Community Champion: for councillors in predominantly rural constituencies who have gone above and beyond in supporting their communities

Cllr Stephen Burns – Renfrewshire Council

Cllr Ian Ferguson – Fife Council

Cllr Glen Reid – Aberdeenshire Council

Cllr David Watson – South Lanarkshire Council

Urban Community Champion

Urban Community Champion: for councillors in predominantly urban constituencies who have gone above and beyond in supporting their communities

Cllr Bill Cormie – Aberdeen City Council

Cllr Kim Long – Glasgow City Council

Cllr Susan Rae – The City of Edinburgh Council

Cllr Lynne Short – Dundee City Council

Past winners of the Awards can be found here.

Rules for the nomination, shortlisting and selection process can be found here.

Follow #CllrAwards for all updates.

Amazon Edinburgh makes donations to local charities for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

The team from the Amazon Customer Service Centre in Edinburgh has donated a total of £1,500 worth of toys and pyjamas to Cancer & Leukemia Advice & Support for Parents (CCLASP) and Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity as part of the company’s global Amazon Goes Gold campaign during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. 

Amazon Goes Gold is Amazon’s annual campaign to raise awareness and funds during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. In addition to partnering with hospitals and research organisations around the world, Amazon also wraps a selection of its delivery fleet in gold ribbons during the month of September to further increase awareness across its network. The Amazon Goes Gold campaign was launched in 2017. 

Valerie Simpson, from CCLASP, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many of the team at the Amazon Customer Service Centre in Edinburgh working in their pyjamas in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness month!

“I’d like to thank Rachel and the team for raising awareness through #AmazonGoesGold and for providing us with a donation, which will be greatly appreciated by everyone at CCLASP. We could hardly believe it when the team showed up with all the pyjamas and toys – the children will love them.” 

While we’re all facing a global pandemic, more than 300,000 children will also be diagnosed with pediatric cancer this year, and it’s the number one non-communicable disease causing the death of children around the world. 

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with CCLASP and Edinburgh Children’s Hospital for Amazon Goes Gold,” said Rachel Seaward-Simpson, Site Leader at the Amazon Customer Service Centre in Edinburgh.

“We want patients and kids everywhere affected by childhood cancer to imagine the future innovators in themselves. It’s an honour to make a difference for such an important cause that affects families around the world.” 

This donation will support CCLASP and Edinburgh Children’s Hospital in their missions to provide practical and emotional support to families affected by childhood cancer.

Police appeal following assault and robbery of woman in Leith

Detectives have released images of a man who may have information that will assist their investigation into the assault and robbery of a woman in Leith.

The robbery took place at the junction of Henderson Street and Yardheads between 1.30am and 2am in the early hours of Sunday morning (13 September).

Police officers believe that the man in the images may be able to help with their ongoing enquiries.

He is described being slim to medium build, 30-40 years old, dark hair which is short at the back and sides and slightly longer on top. He is clean shaven and was wearing a black jacket with a different shade of black collar, white trousers and brown shoes.

Detective Constable Oliver Healy of Gayfield CID said: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing into the assault and robbery and officers are currently carrying out enquiries in the local area, and checking CCTV footage to gather more information.

“I would urge anyone who may have been in the area around the time of the incident and saw anything suspicious to contact us as soon as possible.

“Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1241 of Sunday, 13 September, 2020. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Apologies about the quality of the images – I will try to get better ones today – Ed.

Deaths following Covid outbreak in Western cancer ward

A number of people – understood to be fewer than five – have died in the Western General Hospital following an outbreak of Covid-19 on a cancer ward. Six other patients have also been confirmed with the virus.

NHS Lothian is investigating the outbreak and the oncology ward has been closed to new admissions and discharges to allow tests to be carried out.

Patients and staff are being screened for the virus as part of the health board’s response.

Public health expert Prof Linda Bauld told BC Reporting Scotland: “Infections do happen, not just for Covid, but the cause is always that someone has brought in the infection normally from outside, then it does spread.

“I know that the NHS has been working incredibly hard to develop Covid-secure areas, including priority testing for cancer patients. Obviously we just need to get to the bottom of why this happened.”

An incident management team (IMT) has been set up and strict infection control measures have been put in place on the ward.

All patients have been informed of the outbreak and contact tracing is being carried out.

Patients who would normally return home for the weekend have been asked to remain in the hospital to reduce the risk of further transmission.

Dr Donald Inverarity, consultant microbiologist and chair of the Incident Management Team, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased and I would like to express our sincere condolences.

“The situation will continue to be reviewed and monitored very closely.

“Patient safety is our main priority and while we understand that the request not to go home for the weekend may be upsetting, it is necessary.

“It will help reduce the risk of onwards transmission and protect their families and the wider community. I would like to thank patients and their families for their co-operation and understanding.”

West Pilton attempted murder: Police appeal for witnesses

Detectives are appealing for information following the attempted murder of a 19 year-old man at a flat in West Pilton Grove last night.

At around 8.40pm on Wednesday evening (7th October), the 19 year-old man and another man were outside shops on Ferry Road Drive in Edinburgh, when they were involved in an altercation with a group of youths.

The 19 year-old man received a facial injury then made his way home to West Pilton Grove.

At around 9.30pm, he was in the flat when four men forced entry and seriously assaulted him. Police and Ambulance attended and the injured man was taken to Edinburgh Royal Hospital where he is being treated for stab wounds.

Hospital staff describe his condition as serious.

The four men responsible are white and aged in their late teens or early twenties:

The first man was of medium build and wearing a grey hooded top, a black gilet and black jogging trousers.

The second man was wearing a black hooded top and black jogging trousers.

The third man was wearing a green top and black jogging trousers,

The fourth man was of heavy build and wearing a black hooded top, blue t-shirt, black jogging trousers and white trainers.

Detective Sergeant Rory Legge of Corstorphine Police Station said: “Our enquiries are continuing into this incident and we have been carrying out enquiries and gathering CCTV from the local area to help us establish the identity of the four men responsible.

“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed, or who has information on the incident outside the shops on Ferry Road Drive or the further assault in West Pilton Grove to contact us as soon as possible. “Anyone with information should contact Corstorphine Police Station through 101 quoting reference number 3512 of 7 October.

“Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Concern over COVID outbreaks in two Lothian care homes

Two Lothian care homes are under investigation by NHS Lothian following significant coronavirus outbreaks.

53 cases have been reported in Redmill Care home in Broxburn while 29 people have tested positive for the virus in Millford House Care Home in Duddingston.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “My thoughts are with the families and loved ones who have died from this cruel virus at these care homes.

“Since the start of the covid-19 outbreak care homes have been by far where the highest proportion of deaths have been, with residents at higher risk to Covid-19 and living under the same roof.

“SNP Ministers have failed to introduce effective infection prevention measures comprehensively across all care homes, which has left residents at greater risk.”

800 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported across Scotland in the last 24 hours. Of these, 164 are in Lothian.

Local MSP Neil Findlay said: “I am very concerned about the situation at Redmill care home in Whitburn (above) where there is an outbreak of Covid 19 – the company and Scottish Govt must be transparent about the situation and advise families and staff about the situation.

“Families are very appreciative of the efforts of staff at the home who are very worried about their wellbeing and that of all their residents.”

Updated guidance for parent and baby groups

The number of adults allowed to attend parent and baby groups has been increased, subject to certain conditions, following the publication of updated public health advice.

When all children in a group are less than 12 months old, and other health and safety criteria are met, groups will now allow up to ten adults to be present at one time. Where children are over 12 months, the maximum number of adults allowed will remain five.

Announcing the updated guidance, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We understand the vital importance of parent and baby groups, especially for supporting mental health and wellbeing in the early months after having a baby. That is particularly important just now, as we know the pandemic has the potential to increase stress and anxiety for new mothers.

“We are also, however, trying to keep an extremely infectious virus from spreading and protect the health of families and the wider community.

“I hope that this updated guidance will help us to strike the correct balance. No one wants restrictions in place a moment longer than needed, but until then we are all having to accept circumstances that we would not normally ever want to.”

Coronavirus (COVID-19): organised activities for children

Subject to content of the guidance and the following conditions being met, the maximum number of adults who can attend has been set to 10:

o where all children in the group are less than 12 months old

o where the space allows for appropriate physical distancing

o where face coverings must be worn at all times by anyone, except when sitting down

o where the service provider meets all the health and safety criteria and can comply with any specific conditions set out by the venue provider at all times

o where the duration of the activity is kept to a minimum and other blended delivery options are considered including use of outside space and digital delivery

o where group attendees and facilitators, as far as possible, are kept consistent and do not change regularly

‘Simple but far-reaching’: RNIB launches Holyrood manifesto

National sight loss charity RNIB Scotland is calling on all political parties to build on the greater social cohesiveness that the coronavirus crisis has engendered.

Launching its manifesto for next year’s Scottish Parliament elections, the charity’s director James Adams said: “The next Scottish Parliament will convene in a changed world. A world forced to re-evaluate things previously taken for granted, in which everyone has been made more aware of how dependent we are on each other.

“‘A Vision for the 2020s’ sets out simple but far-reaching steps that can create a more inclusive Scotland for blind and partially sighted people. Let’s seize this opportunity.”

The manifesto is calling on the next Scottish Government to launch a new campaign to emphasise the importance of regular eye examinations in preventing sight loss. Over 178,000 people in Scotland currently live with significant sight loss but this could potentially double if steps aren’t taken to contain it.

The manifesto also wants Ministers to report annually on the attainment figures for blind and partially sighted school pupils and train more specialist teachers as a matter of urgency. It highlights that only one in four blind and partially sighted adults are currently in paid employment.

‘Shared spaces’ schemes – where pedestrians and vehicles occupy the same level area – should be scrapped, the manifesto says, and a nationwide ban on pavement parking and advertising boards implemented.

People with sight loss claiming the new disability benefits devolved to Scotland should not have to undergo periodic reassessed if there is no realistic prospect of their condition improving. Any benefits awarded should cover the, often significant, additional costs of living with a visual impairment.

The manifesto is also calling for all public information to be available in accessible formats such as braille, large-print and audio, and for alternative voting methods to ensure people can cast their ballot independently and in secret.

Mr Adams said: “We want a health service that prevents avoidable sight loss and helps people come to terms with it when it isn’t.

“Education that helps every child reach their full potential, and employers who better understand what people with sight loss are capable of.

“Information that’s always available in alternative formats and public transport that’s always accessible.

“And we want our streets and thoroughfares to allow pedestrians to walk safely and without obstacles.

“Today’s coronavirus crisis has exacerbated many of the problems blind and partially sighted people face. But it’s brought to the fore, too, some of the best instincts of our society. That generosity of spirit can be the spur for a new deal for people with sight loss and other disabilities.

“Let’s make that one lasting legacy of the parliamentary term ahead.”

* www.rnib.org.uk/scotland

Douglas Ross: stump up the cash to save football clubs

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has proposed a new Fans Fighting Fund to help keep football clubs afloat.

Douglas, who is also an assistant referee, is calling for the Scottish Government to match the money that fans raise to save their local teams, as many clubs warn that they will struggle to get through the next few months without funding support.

On Friday, Douglas held a discussion with 24 clubs across each of Scotland’s top divisions to hear about their concerns.

Douglas has previously held similar Roundtable Scotland events with teaching unions, drug recovery organisations and business groups.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said: “On Friday, I spoke with representatives of 24 clubs across Scotland to hear about the perilous state of the game. Clubs told me that they’re on the brink without paying punters in the stadium.

“I’ve taken away a range of issues from the meeting that I want to look at further but this initial suggestion could provide some immediate help.  

“I’m proposing that we help clubs out, especially those smaller clubs embedded in communities, with a Fans Fighting Fund. I’d like to see the government commit to matching what fans raise to keep their clubs alive.

“The money from the UK Government is there. The SNP received £97 million to protect culture venues from the impact of Covid and haven’t spent at least £10 million of it. And we all know in Scotland that football is our culture, even more than comedy clubs or theatres.

“As long as clubs commit to paying the living wage and those who can chip in too, this is a fair deal to support football.”

 Lothian MSP Miles Briggs said: “Many clubs throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians are in real financial difficulty without any income from supporters.

“This initial proposal would go along way in keeping clubs afloat during what is going to be a very challenging season.

“SNP Ministers must take this proposal seriously to ensure that clubs throughout the region have a fighting change of making it to next season.”

Committee to discuss controversial Low Traffic Neighbourhoods

Proposals for a Low Traffic Neighbourhood in East Craigs will be considered by Transport and Environment Committee this morning (Thursday 1 October).

The temporary measures are being proposed as part of our Spaces for People programme and, following concerns raised by the local community, will be brought to committee for a final decision by councillors.

In response to feedback from residents, the design of the scheme has been amended to ensure that every area in the Low Traffic Neighbourhood can access (entry and/or exit) two of the major distributor roads, Drum Brae, Glasgow Road or Maybury Road.

The council says that by making these amendments, it will alleviate the requirement for right turns across Drum Brae South and Glasgow Road, which have been key concerns of residents. However, it will also ensure that routes used by vehicles to avoid the A8 corridor are closed, particularly during Craigmount High School’s opening and closing times. In addition, it will take traffic away from the West Edinburgh Link north-south cycle route.

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convenor, said: Low Traffic Neighbourhoods allow residents to move around their own areas safely and with more space. They encourage physical activity and reduce through traffic.

“We know through feedback we have received that local people want to see measures improved for walking, wheeling and cycling and this is an opportunity to make this a reality on a temporary basis.

“However, we recognise that a number of people have been opposed to the measures we are looking to implement, so we felt it was right to refer this matter to the Transport and Environment Committee for proper scrutiny by elected members.

“We have listened carefully to local concerns and are proposing a number of changes to address the issues raised by the community. This will make vehicle access easier for local residents while moving ahead with some elements that will bring positive changes for residents. There is also a clear commitment to continue monitoring its effect and to modify it where necessary.

Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convenor, said: “We know that Low Traffic Neighbourhoods reduce emissions and calm traffic due to the number of successful schemes that have already been implemented across the UK.

“Nevertheless, there is local opposition to this scheme and it should be discussed and agreed by the Transport and Environment Committee before we take steps to implement. We will continue to engage with residents and stakeholders regarding this matter and ensure that their voices are heard as we move forward.”

The report will also consider other potential Low Traffic Neighbourhoods across the city, including the Meadows, Leith and the South Corstorphine area.

The East Craigs Low Traffic Neighbourhood involves temporary measures and is not a permanent scheme. Once implemented we will continue to monitor its success and engage with local residents. If a view is taken to make the scheme permanent full consultation with residents would take place.

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods are used in a number of cities to reduce the impact of through motor traffic. They create people-friendly spaces which encourage physical activity and active travel choices while maintaining local access. Our consultation on the West Edinburgh Link (WEL) project showed support for proposals to improve conditions for active travel. We also received a number of suggestions via our Commonplace online tool on how the area could be made safer for residents.

Read the full report, Spaces for People – East Craigs Low Traffic Neighbourhood, online. Watch Transport Committee live via webcast from 10am on Thursday, 1 October.

The amended measures for the East Craigs scheme include – 

  • Removing the Craigmount Avenue and Craigs Loan modal filters
  • Changing the position of the Craigs Gardens modal filter
  • Changing the North Gyle Terrace filter to No Entry east bound (from Maybury Road)
  • Altering the Craigs Road bus gate so that it always permits one-way westbound traffic and restricts eastbound traffic at peak times (07:30 – 09:30 and 16:00-18:30)