Port of Leith Housing Association’s (PoLHA) PoLCATS (Port of Leith Community Action Team) lent a hand at the Older Adults event at Meadowbank Sports Centre this week. The event was hosted by Edinburgh Leisure’s Ageing Well project in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) and Pilmeny Development Project (PDP). Continue reading PoLCATS volunteer for action at seniors event
The winners of the 2016 Observer Food Monthly Awards, supported by AO.com, were announced at a ceremony in London on Thursday – and Edinburgh was among the winners. Social bite received the outstanding achievement award (Social Bite’s Josh Littlejohn pictured above) and Edinburgh food blogger Kerry Teakle was also honoured at the event, winning best reader’s recipe. Continue reading City shares in Observer Food Awards
Police, politicians and community representatives met at Drylaw Police Station yesterday to discuss ongoing problems with joyriding and associated antisocial behaviour in North Edinburgh. Continue reading Constructive talks on motorbike problem
Police Scotland to strengthen community focus – and North Edinburgh calls for action on joyriders
Scotland needs an increasingly resilient, flexible, responsive and locally-focused police service to help keep communities safe. This is the message at the heart of the new Strategic Police Priorities set by the Scottish Government, which also recognise the need to tackle new and developing threats to the public, including cybercrime.
Localism, inclusion, prevention, responsiveness, collaborative working, accountability and adaptability are the seven themes that will inform policing priorities in Scotland in the years to come, launched earlier this week.
Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson launched the priorities in West Lothian with Chief Constable Phil Gormley, Chair of the Scottish Police Authority Andrew Flanagan and COSLA’s Community Wellbeing Spokesperson, Councillor Harry McGuigan.
Mr Matheson said: “With recorded crime in Scotland at a 42 year low, I am confident that policing in Scotland is on the right track. We have a world class police system in Scotland, supported by a hugely dedicated and professional workforce who work each and every day to secure the safety and wellbeing of people and communities across the country.
“I believe that the new Strategic Police Priorities, developed following extensive consultation with people from across Scotland and key partners, will be key to shaping the future of policing in this country and will ensure Police Scotland remain a progressive and forward-looking service.”
Andrew Flanagan, Chair of the Scottish Police Authority, said: “In line with the new Strategic Police Priorities published today, the SPA have initiated work which will deliver a clear long-term vision and strategy for policing now and over the next 10 years. It will have a strong focus on the quality of service that Scotland needs from its policing, how we develop new capabilities, and deliver improved benefits for our communities.
“Through that we are committed to ensuring that the police have a workforce which has the skills and capability to meet the changing demands they face, within a shared direction and purpose for the single service that unites police professional and citizen alike.”
Chief Constable Phil Gormley added: “We welcome the publication of these strategic priorities for policing as we move forward with the transformation of the service in Scotland. Policing in Scotland, which is built on a really solid foundation and traditions that are the envy of many, needs to be locally relevant and have the confidence of our communities.
“We also need to ensure that the protection communities require to tackle emerging threats and risks is available where and when required. The majority of what officers and staff deal with on a daily basis, around the clock, every day of the year relates to calls for service – people calling us at a time of crisis and need and we need to make sure we respond by having the strategic priorities set out today at the heart of what we do and how we do it.”
Cllr McGuigan said: “The priorities set out by the Scottish Government are to be welcomed by all and COSLA is particularly pleased to see the clear emphasis on localism. It also gives us great encouragement to know that Police Scotland’s work will incorporate prevention, collaborative working and accountability.
“The police do not simply respond to crime, they are also there to help prevent crime and keep our communities safe along with other partners at a local level. The Strategic Police Priorities reflect that message and set a solid foundation for Police Scotland to continue their good work within our communities.”
On the day the prominent politicians and police officiers were launching their new priorities, school pupils on lunch break were watching a teenage joyrider playing cat and mouse with police in and around Muirhouse Shopping Centre. And if crime’s at a 42 year low, it certainly doesn’t feel like it to some local residents who fear letting their children out to play in case they are struck by dangerously driven motorbikes.
There’s little doubt about the most pressing crime issue in North Edinburgh just now: youths recklessly riding motor bikes. Local politicians and Police Scotland will meet community representatives next Wednesday to discuss the issue, which is causing increasing anger and concern across the area.
Stolen motorbikes being driven recklessly has been a longstanding problem in North Edinburgh and has spiked again over recent weeks. Back in June 14- year old Brad Williamson died when a motorbike he was riding collided with a car in Silverknowes, last month a stolen car driven by youths plunged into a garden on Graothill Road North in Drylaw and there have been numerous near-misses over recent weeks in West Pilton and Pennywell. In a new twist, there have been reports of pedestrians being assaulted by passing motorcyclists.
Five arrests were made yesterday but arrests alone, however welcome, will not make the problem go away.
It’s a real concern and there’s universal agreeement that something must be done to address the joyriding issue before someone else is killed or seriously injured. The problem is: just what?
DNC – still the place to be!
Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre celebrated a very special birthday at the weekend – the community hub off Groathill Road North is 21! Former staff, board members old and new and local politicians Edinburgh West MP Michelle Thomson and Inverleith councillors Nigel Bagshaw, Gavin Barrie and Lesley Hinds joined current community members and volunteers for a Friday night of memories and celebration.
Drylaw Community Association chair Alex Dale welcomed guests and said: “It’s hard to believe we have been here for 21 years and I’d like to think that, despite the funding difficulties we’ve experienced this year, going forward we will be here for the community for another 21 years.”
Inverleith councillor Lesley Hinds has lived in Drylaw for nearly forty years and remembers the local campaign to get a dedicated community centre for the area. She told guests: “This Centre has been a great asset for both the young and old in our community and it’s great to see so many old friends here who were involved in the campaign here tonight.
“However as you will all know it’s been a difficult year financially and next year will be just as challenging for the council. If you don’t use it you lose it, so it’s up to you to keep pressure on us as councillors to try to get other resources in to keep the centre here at the heart of the community. Thanks to all the staff past and present and all the people who have supported and used the centre over the years and have made it such a success.”
more pictures to follow
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Ben Macpherson MSP was proud to welcome the Glow Gold September campaign to the Scottish Parliament recently to support them in their mission to get the world “Glowing Gold” to change the face of childhood cancer.
The Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP met with a group of parents and grandparents from the Glow Gold September campaign to find out how everyone in Edinburgh can “glow gold” and do their bit to raise the profile of childhood cancer and help raise awareness of the early warning signs and symptoms.
Glow Gold September is a grassroots campaign that was started by parents and grandparents whose families have been affected by childhood cancer. They are on a mission to get the world “Glowing Gold” and shine a spotlight on childhood cancer. They have been inviting childhood cancer charities to unite in the goal of raising the profile of childhood cancer by “glowing gold “ during September (Childhood Cancer Awareness Month) and spread awareness of the early warning signs and symptoms to aid earlier diagnosis and detection.
The campaign has had an incredible impact in Scotland and globally. It has seen more than 200 famous landmarks and buildings sign up to light their façades in gold, including Edinburgh Castle, the National Galleries and St Andrew’s House.
Ben Macpherson said: “I am proud to be supporting the Glow Gold campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms and signs of childhood cancer and I hope that everyone in the area will join me in Glowing Gold this September.
“The support that Glow Gold has gathered is incredible and I will do all I can to help support this important campaign in Edinburgh, and across Scotland.”
Commenting, Emma Barron, one of the Glow Gold founding parents said: “Our aim at Glow Gold has been to ensure the colour gold becomes synonymous with childhood cancer and our awareness month September. We have been asking iconic buildings and landmarks to illuminate gold. And have been asking charities to work together to raise the profile of childhood cancer and improve awareness. And have been using the interest generated to disseminate the information on the early warning signs and symptoms through the be child cancer aware and headsmart awareness cards”
“11 children and young adults are diagnosed with cancer in the UK daily, a quarter wont survive and the vast majority will be left with some form of long term disability as a result of their cancer or its treatment. Knowledge is power, and we wish to empower parents with the knowledge required to pick up the signs and symptoms early. We are proud to have over 200 buildings that have illuminated this month to raise awareness and we will be aiming to build on this in the coming years.”
Recorded crime in Scotland is at its lowest level since 1974 according to new figures released today. The statistics have been welcomed by local MSP Ben Macpherson.
In total, 246,243 crimes were recorded in 2015-16, compared to 256,350 in the previous year. Key highlights include:
Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson said: “I am very pleased that Scotland now has the lowest rate of recorded crime in 42 years, including reductions in drug crime, theft and handling offensive weapons over the last year.
“I am grateful for the excellent work of Scotland’s police officers and their specialist and other civilian colleagues in detecting, disrupting and deterring criminal activities. Each of us can contribute to keeping our communities, homes and businesses safe, including by minimising opportunities for criminals.
“Police continue to lead that preventative approach alongside partners in other public services and the private and third sectors – not least in addressing emerging threats online, including child sexual exploitation, radicalisation and cyber-fraud.
“While higher levels of recorded sexual crime are broadly in line with UK trends, include a significant number of historical cases and may reflect greater willingness by victims to come forward, such incidents are completely unacceptable. This is why we have taken tough action to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
“Since 2006-07 we have also invested more than £10.5 million in a range of violence reduction programmes during which time violent crime has more than halved (down 52%) and is at its second lowest level since 1974.
“Today’s report also indicates that female victims of common assault were far more likely than men to be assaulted by a partner or ex-partner – underlining why the Scottish Government has committed an additional £20 million over three years to tackle violence against women, alongside our plan to strengthen legislation against all forms of domestic abuse.”
Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “The overall recorded crime picture remains largely positive with a 4% fall in overall recorded crime across our communities. This coupled with an increase in the detection rate of 1.2% reflects the hard work carried out by police officers and police staff throughout the country. The report also highlights the large demand on Police Scotland with 246,243 crimes recorded during 2015-16.
“The increase in the report of sexual crime is in part a reflection of the increased level of confidence the public has in reporting this type of crime to the police with the knowledge that every complaint will be handled sensitively and professionally. This equally applies to reports of historical abuse.
“We recognise the increase in crimes of violence and although this remains low in a historical context, we continue to work with partners in communities to tackle violence and address the influence that alcohol plays in many of these crimes. The recorded crime statistics are an important barometer on the level of service that the public get from Police Scotland, but they are only part of the picture.
“On a daily basis officers and staff provide help, advice and assistance on many different subjects ranging from anti-social behaviour, missing persons and mental health issues. In addition, we are developing a better understanding of the demands on modern policing in relation to issues such as cybercrime and online child exploitation which will be a focus for us in the future.
“Police Scotland will continue to engage with the public to identify issues in local communities across Scotland that will direct and inform the shape of policing for the future.”
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Ben Macpherson, has also welcomed the latest figures.Recorded crime in Edinburgh has fallen by 34% in the ten years between 2006/07 and 2015/16, part of a nationwide fall of 41% and the local MSP believes this shows the success of SNP policies in policing and justice.
Ben Macpherson said: “These are welcome figures that show a steep fall in recorded crime in the period since the SNP entered office in 2007 – and shows that SNP policies, such as having more police officers, have made our communities safer.
“It is excellent to see a decline in recorded crime of 34% across Edinburgh, part of a Scotland-wide picture that shows an overall fall of 41% since 2006/07.
“I am pleased to also see that the largest fall in recorded crime between 2014-15 and 2015-16 was in the City of Edinburgh, with a 11% decline. Having safe communities where everyone feels welcome are vital to creating the Scotland that we all want to see – and these figures show that, under the SNP, we have made significant progress in achieving this goal.”
Older People campaign updates
Edinburgh’s MSPs have shown support for women affected by breast cancer by dressing up in pink and encouraging everyone in Edinburgh to take part in the UK’s biggest, brightest and pinkest fundraiser, wear it pink, on Friday 21 October.
Wear it pink is back for its 15th year, calling on supporters across the country to add a flash of pink to their wardrobe for the day and raise money for Breast Cancer Now’s life-saving breast cancer research.
SNP MSPs Ben Macpherson (pictured), Ash Denham and Gordon MacDonald joined fellow parliamentarians in Holyrood to encourage people across Scotland to get involved and help support Breast Cancer Now’s efforts to ensure that, by 2050, everyone who develops breast cancer lives – an ambition shared by the Scottish Government and all party leaders in Scotland.
Wear it pink raises close to £2 million each year for world-class research into breast cancer, and this year it’s going to be pinker and more fun than ever before. Anyone can take part, whether at work, at home or at school. All you have to do is wear something pink and donate what you can.
Ash Denham MSP said: “Breast cancer still claims the lives of too many women in Scotland leaving their families devastated. I’m glad to support the work of Breast Cancer Now in Scotland and the wear it pink campaign in order to highlight this important issue.”
Ben Macpherson MSP said: “It’s great to see all MSPs join forces to show their support for Breast Cancer Now. I am very proud to Wear It Pink to support the crucial work that Breast Cancer Now undertake and I hope everyone in the local community will join me by wearing it pink on Friday 21 October.”
Gordon MacDonald MSP added: “Every penny raised for research brings the day closer when we will have an effective treatment for breast cancer. By supporting the Wear it Pink campaign we can all play our part in making that aim a reality.”
Breast Cancer Now is the UK’s largest breast cancer charity, created in JUne last year by the merger of leading research charities Breast Cancer Campaign and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
Breast cancer is still the most common cancer in the UK. Nearly 700,000 people living in the UK have experienced a diagnosis and one in eight women will face it in their lifetime. This year alone, more than 50,000 women will be told they have the disease.
Mary Allison, Breast Cancer Now’s Director for Scotland said: “I’m delighted that MSPs are coming together again this year to support wear it pink. Their continued support means a lot.
“More Scots are being diagnosed with breast cancer than a decade ago and it remains the most common cancer among women. We also know that while huge progress has been made in improving survival, almost 1,000 people a year in Scotland still die from this devastating disease.
“That’s why we need to continue to support research and find better ways to prevent, detect and treat breast cancer.”
Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond will give a special lecture to celebrate the Saltire Society’s 80th anniversary at the Royal Society of Edinburgh tonight.
Entitled ‘Inspiring Scotland – 80 years of the Saltire Society’, Mr Salmond’s lecture will focus on the history of the Saltire Society and its varied contribution to Scotland’s public life, culture and society since being set up in 1936. As part of the lecture, Mr. Salmond will also consider what Scotland’s future might hold and its changing place in the world.
The event is open to the public and tickets are free but must be booked by emailing saltire@saltiresociety.org.uk. Tickets can also be booked through the Saltire Society website, www.saltiresociety.org.uk.
Ahead of the lecture, Mr Salmond said: “The Saltire Society is a superb collective where Scottish culture is preserved, nurtured and most importantly, enjoyed, across the globe. As we approach a century of their great work, I am thrilled to be able to host this event and look back on eighty years of Comann Crann na h-Alba. Long may their work – and celebrating everything it means to be Scottish – continue.”
Alex Salmond was first elected as an SNP MP for Banff and Buchan in 1987 and first became leader of the SNP in 1990. He was elected First Minister of Scotland following the 2007 Scottish Parliament elections in which the SNP beat Labour into second place and became the largest single Parliamentary party. He then led a minority SNP administration until the 2011 Scottish Parliament elections, at which the SNP won an overall majority.
He led negotiations on the terms of the 2014 Referendum on Scottish Independence. On the day after the referendum vote, he announced his intention to resign as Leader of the SNP and as First Minister immediately following the SNP’s Annual Conference in November 2014, where he was succeeded as SNP Leader and First Minister by Nicola Sturgeon. He is currently MP for Gordon where he won 48% of the constituency vote at the 2015 UK General Election.
Jim Tough, Executive Director of the Saltire Society, said: “We are very excited to announce that former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond will be addressing the Saltire Society on its 80th anniversary. We are enjoying an extremely busy year of events, awards, and lectures to celebrate 80 years of the Saltire Society and I believe this will be another great highlight.
“I am very much looking forward to what I’m sure will be a fascinating and thought-provoking lecture and would encourage anyone interested to come along and join the audience for what is bound to be a very popular event.”
The lecture will take place at 6.30pm tonight at The Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street.
