Lib Dems announce candidate list and pledge to “Put Recovery First”

As nominations close, Scottish Liberal Democrats have announced their list of candidates for Lothian and are pledging their commitment to make recovery from the pandemic their number one priority as MSPs.

Today the Scottish Liberal Democrats submitted their nomination papers for the upcoming Scottish parliament election to be held on the 6th May.

The Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Edinburgh Northern and Leith will be Rebecca Bell (above). She is also the mental health spokesperson for the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

Rebecca Bell said: “People are under huge pressure from the pandemic. There’s a lot of work to be done to recover from this crisis. It will not be easily done and we will need our complete focus on the project at hand.

“As an MSP, I want to focus on cutting mental health waits, a bounce back plan for education, creating jobs and tackling the climate emergency.

“After years of arguing about independence and Brexit, the last thing we need right now is another independence referendum.

“As the MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, I will put the recovery first.”

Willie Rennie said: “This election is about priorities. Liberal Democrats will put recovery first. After the dreadful year we have endured, people want a needle-sharp focus on jobs, mental health, our NHS, schools and the climate crisis.

“With ten years of experience as leader I have won support for areas like mental health, education and nursery education.  For me it has always been about investing in people so they can do great things.

“For the next five years the divided nationalists will put independence first, dividing the country too.

“For the next five years I will put the recovery first, cut mental health waits, help pupils bounce back, create jobs and take action on the climate. The SNP will prioritise another independence referendum.

Donations to restart at Fresh Start

Fresh Start will be accepting donations from Tuesday 6th April.

The charity, which is based on Ferry Road Drive, supports people who have been homeless to settle into new homes. Fresh Start is looking for donations of:

Dishes and cutlery

Cleaning Items

Pots and pans

Bed linen and towels

Small household electric items

Long dated food products

For further information telephone 0131 476 7741 or email admin@freshstartweb.org.uk

Pirniehall Primary’s Mrs Ryan is retiring: send her your message!

After 35 years as Pirnie Headteacher Mrs Ryan is approaching her well deserved retirement!🎉💐

Did you attend Pirniehall Primary over the last 35 years or are you the parent/carer of a pupil? If so please send us a message of any good wishes, memories you have of Mrs Ryan or any pictures.

Please include your name and the year you attended.

Please send a private message to Pirniehall’s Facebook page, comment or write a message and post to Pirniehall Primary School, 4 West Pilton Crescent, Edinburgh EH4 4HP.

We would love to hear from you!

Lauriston Farm project looking for local people to get involved

Do you live in Muirhouse, Pilton or Drylaw? Would you like to be in our advisory group?

We are looking for people from the Muirhouse, Pilton and Drylaw areas to join the advisory group for the Lauriston Farm project.

The project seeks to transforming an existing farm into an urban food production and community hub that benefits, supports and regenerates the environment and all those connected to it.

The group will meet once a month to give input, insight, thoughts and advice on different aspects of the farm project as it progresses. 

In terms of time commitment, there will be an introductory meeting in late March and monthly meetings thereafter. (maximum one 2hr meeting per month).

If you would be interested in joining the group please e-mail:

edinburghagroecology@gmail.com

Become a Volunteer Trustee at Pilton Equalities Project

Make a difference in your local community

BECOME A VOLUNTEER TRUSTEE AT PILTON EQUALITIES PROJECT

Make a difference in your local community

PEP is overseen by a Board of Trustees who have overall responsibility and accountability for the Project.  They set and maintain PEP’s vision, mission and values; support strategic development of services, establish and monitor policies, monitor employment procedures alongside the Manager, support the Manager and ensure good governance.

About Pilton Equalities Project

Aims to enhance the quality of life for older people in North Edinburgh by continuing to develop services that measurably reduce isolation and which enable people and other vulnerable and isolated adults to actively participate in community life.

Experience Required

Good independent judgement, ability to think creatively, willingness to speak your mind, an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of the charity.

Training Details

PEP, 3 West Pilton Park, Edinburgh, EH4 4EL . Training will be given on commencement of volunteering.

Location/Travel Details

Board meet once a month for 2 hours by zoom.  Normally meetings are held in the PEP Office, 3 West Pilton Park EH4 4EL .

Expenses

Public transport and out of pocket expenses paid.

Accessibility Details

Named Contact For Volunteer. Wheelchair Access/Disabled Access Toilet

Interested? Contact:

dianepepequalities@hotmail.co.uk or tel 0131 315 4466

www.pepequalities.co.uk Facebook: Piltonequalitiesproject

Fabulous Forthview supporting families through COVID

Local Primary School’s ‘highly-effective practice in family learning and parental engagement’ is shared across Scotland

Education Scotland has highlighted Forthview Primary School’s outstanding work during the pandemic in their latest Scotland Learns e-bulletin .

When HM Inspectors visited Forthview Primary School as part of the thematic inspection of family learning, they noted their highly-effective practice in family learning and parental engagement.

The school have provided a recovery update on how their practice in family learning and parental engagement has been developed during lockdown and since schools returned in August.

They share what is working well for Forthview children and their families at this time. A sketchnote (above) has been developed to share this practice.

Community projects in the running for Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce awards

Community projects and third sector organisations have been short-listed for awards at next month’s Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business awards.

North Edinburgh’s COVID 19 Response and Recovery Group has been nominated for the Inspiring Partnership Award, with Citadel Youth Centre and Leith Rugby Club and Cyrenians and Natwest partnerships also in the running in that category.

The North Edinburgh COVID-19 Response and Recovery Group was formed at the outset of the coronavirus pandemic. Local projects and community organisations joined together in an informal coalition and have been working together ever since to ensure that the community’s most vulnerable people are being supported and protected during the pandemic.

Cyrenians is also nominated in the Local Business Hero, Employer of the Year and and Young Leader of the Year categories.

A Chamber spokesperson explained:Each year, the Edinburgh Chamber looks forward to hosting its much loved Business Awards ceremony to recognise the successes and achievements of our vibrant business community.

“2020 has been a tough year for all. However, despite the ongoing challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have watched businesses across the city come together to lead, innovate, collaborate and support those in need.

“We feel it is important to recognise the efforts and dedication shown by organisations over the past year, and so we’re delighted to announce the launch of our first ever virtual business awards.

“Our virtual awards will bring the business community together to showcase the resilience, adaptability and outstanding contribution of our local businesses and professionals, in the most challenging of years.”

Award Categories 2021:

  • Responsible Business – sponsored by City of Edinburgh Council
  • Innovation in Business – sponsored by CityFibre
  • Director of the Year – sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland
  • Developing the Young Workforce – sponsored by Developing the Young Workforce
  • Employer of the Year – sponsored by Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP
  • Young Leader of the Year – sponsored by Thorntons Law LLP
  • Inspiring Partnership Award – sponsored by Openreach
  • Excellence in Circular Economy – sponsored by Circular Edinburgh
  • Export Business of the Year – sponsored by Forth Ports
  • Service Excellence – sponsored by Heehaw
  • Local Business Hero – sponsored by TLT LLP
  • Lifetime Achievement – sponsored by Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce 

This event will take place virtually during the week of the Edinburgh’s Business Festival .

The virtual festival, taking place from 1-5th March, offers 18 events over the 5 days, ranging from keynote speakers and panel discussions to networking events and practical workshops. The Chamber will also host its annual Business Awards, to recognise and showcase the resilience, adaptability and outstanding contribution of local businesses and professionals, in the most challenging of years.

The headline sponsor for this year’s Business Festival is St James Quarter.

Martin Perry, Director of Development for St James Quarter, said: “At St James Quarter we’re passionate about doing our part to support the local Edinburgh community – and the businesses within it.

“We’re delighted to partner with the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and look forward to connecting with our peers and neighbours throughout the event.”

 You can download the full programme here 

Edinburgh’s Business Festival is open to all and free to attend. For more information please click here.

If you have not booked a Festival ticket, you may book this event separately via ECC’s event page.

West Pilton taxi theft: can you help trace driver’s attackers?

Police are continuing enquiries into a robbery which happened on Tuesday, 29 December, 2020, where a taxi driver was assaulted and his taxi stolen in West Pilton Grove.

The 39-year-old taxi driver was driving along West Pilton Grove around 2.40pm when he had to stop his car due to a number of youths throwing stones at it. On stopping and getting out of his car he was attacked by around six or seven youths and assaulted.

One of the youths then drove off in his taxi, a grey coloured Mercedes car which has the registration number WP14ZRY. As yet the car has not been recovered.

Two of youths involved are described as being:

(1) male, white, 16/17 years, 5’8” tall, medium build with light brown short hair. He was wearing a brown/yellow jacket and black tracksuit bottoms. He spoke with a local accent.

(2) Male, white, medium build, dark curly hair, wearing a black tracksuit.

The other youths are only described as being male, in the 16 to 17 years age range and were wearing dark coloured clothing.

As a result of the attack the victim received a number of bruises to his face and body.

Detective Constable Zaira Marker of Edinburgh Division’s CID said: “I would ask anyone who may have witnessed this robbery, or who may have any information which might assist us in this investigation to call us on the 101 number, giving the reference number 1841 of 29 December 2020.”