Fringe Society wants South Bridge Resource Centre to become new Fringe Community Hub

NEXT Tuesday (25th April), the City Council’s Finance and Resource Committee will consider Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society’s request for approval to progress to formal discussions for a long-term lease of the South Bridge Resource Centre as the preferred location for a new Fringe Community Hub. 

The building in Infirmary Street has been identified for a variety of reasons, with its proximity to the existing footprint of the Fringe a key consideration.  

Canongate Youth community group who reside there have been receptive to the idea of the Fringe Society working to improve the building and make it more accessible; by securing and maintaining the space for community and cultural use.  

It is proposed that Canongate Youth remain a tenant of the building, and other small arts and cultural organisations may also be offered the opportunity to co-exist, creating a vibrant, mixed use community space for all and a hub for the Fringe Society’s services and team during August and year-round.

South Bridge Resource Centre is also a popular central location for adult education classes.

First identified within the 2017 Fringe Blueprint, the proposed development of a new, year-round space for artists and creatives across the Fringe landscape, has been made possible due to funding from the UK Government, announced during the 2023 Spring Budget. 

The announcement followed many meetings with Ministers and officials from various departments, during which the Fringe Society advocated for a range of support across several key areas. 

The Fringe Society continue to use their convening power to lobby for additional financial support for artists and venues, with funding for the new community hub fully ringfenced against a capital investment to meet the Levelling Up agenda.  

Since the announcement, Fringe Society Chief Executive, and Chair, have asked whether some of this fund might be apportioned to other areas of the Fringe in crucial need of support; such as direct to participants via the new Keep it Fringe Fund. 

To date there has been no indication that this investment can be allocated to something outwith the capital investment project.

If approved by the Council to enter into formal discussions, the Fringe Society will produce a detailed business case to present to UK Government, with full costings on development of the proposed hub. 

These elements will include any structural changes required to maximise the space, a detailed breakdown of what facilities may be available, and what will be required to make the building fully accessible and sustainable for the long term.

All current services and usage of the Resource Centre will continue ‘as-is’ while this work is progressing and there will be no interruption to the Fringe 2023 operations for Greenside Venues.  

In order to ensure the new hub meets the needs of its many user groups and all those within the Fringe community, consultation will be undertaken over the coming months and during this year’s festival with artists, producers, educators, community groups and industry bodies.

Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “Following the UK Budget announcement of funding for this project, there has been understandable interest and comment on where, when and how the new Fringe community hub will be created. 

“Next week marks the next step in this process, with an ask to the City of Edinburgh Council that we enter into formal discussions about the space on Infirmary Street.  This is very much a long-term project and one that will take a few years to establish.

“We are excited at the prospect of revitalising an important city centre space that has such an established history with the Fringe through Greenside, and a vital hub for the excellent work with young people and communities that has been the hallmark of Canongate Youth.

“The conversion of this space into a year-round Fringe community hub will allow local cultural organisation, artists and our community partners, the opportunity to utilise this space too. 

“In the long-term it will allow a permanent home for our August participants hub, known as Fringe Central, for whom artists, arts industry, media and international delegates access each summer for a range of workshops, networking and industry events. 

“We look forward to working with colleagues at the Council as plans for this space evolve as well as deepening existing and building new relationships with community groups in the City’.

Tara and Darren, Greenside Venue Directors, said: ‘The possibility of losing Infirmary Street has loomed over us for some time as when we started our journey, we were told that it was not a permanent option, and while its reality is undeniably bittersweet, we find solace in knowing that this beautiful, historic building will remain an integral part of the Fringe landscape for many years to come. 

“Today’s announcement does not affect our operations in 2023. We have been meticulously planning for this moment, ensuring a seamless transition to ensure we can continue to provide a welcoming Fringe home for almost 200 shows every year across our venues. 

“Greenside is excited about our future and we look forward to embracing the new opportunities that lie ahead. We have ambitious and exciting plans for Fringe 2024 and beyond, and we eagerly anticipate sharing more details with you in the near future’.

Clare Jamieson, Canongate Youth Manager said: “We are delighted to be involved in early-stage conversations around the future of South Bridge Resource Centre with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society.

“The building has huge potential, and we welcome the opportunity to explore this further, and most importantly how future developments could benefit children and young people who use CY services and the wider local community”. 

The Fringe Society recognise the challenging environment that currently exists for artists and venues and are continuing to lobby and advocate for greater support across a range of areas, including the recently launched Keep it Fringe fund.   

The Fringe Society have asked DCMS for further support for Fringe participants and continue to lobby for this from non-capital funds. 

With just weeks until the launch of the full 2023 programme, the Fringe Society’s focus remains on supporting the artists and creatives coming to Edinburgh for this year’s Fringe, and in helping audiences navigate through the array of work available.

What’s on at Divino in April 

Edinburgh Restaurant Named Venue in AA Restaurant Guide 2023

Award-winning Italian restaurant Divino has just been named a top destination in the prestigious AA Restaurant Guide 2023.

There are some great events happening at Divino this month, all offer a unique night out and a fun way to get together with friends or family and enjoy great food and wine without the need for a special occasion to celebrate!

Veneto Regional Menu Nights – April 20th and 27th – Chef Andrea has developed a three-course menu with canapés, mains and petit fours for £39 celebrating the northern region known for its fresh seafood and famous cicchetti. Guests can add paired wines for an additional £26.

Sardinia Wine Night – April 30th – Featuring 5 fabulous wines from the island of Sardinia paired with matching canapes, guests at Divino will experience the rich & complex flavours of the region for just £25 beginning at 5pm.

Wednesday Jazz Nights – Every single Wednesday, enjoy live jazz from 7:30pm onwards, the perfect accompaniment to a glass of wine and good company.

Events can be booked here. 

Edinburgh author wins prestigious Fellowship

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity transforming lives through reading and writing, has today announced the fifth Ignite Fellowship awardees – including Edinburgh-based author Tim Tim Cheng. 

The Ignite Fellowship supports established writers embarking on a significant project. The Fellows receive a £2,000 bursary and tailored creative support to suit their individual projects.

Gail Anderson, (above) based in North Ayrshire, and Gaelic writer Rody Gorman, based on Skye (below), have also been awarded Ignite Fellowships this year.

Tim Tim Cheng is a poet and teacher from Hong Kong, whose writing explores womanhood, multilingualism and psycho-geography.

Her debut pamphlet Tapping at Glass was published by Verve Poetry Press earlier this year, and she also co-edited an anthology of Hong Kong poetry, Where Else, coming out with the press on 27 April.

Tim Tim Cheng will use the Ignite Fellowship to work on her forthcoming debut collection, inspired by her time in Scotland.

Tim Tim Cheng (above) said: ‘I am so grateful for the award. I am working on my first full poetry collection as I try to settle down as a new immigrant.

“The support will surely help me focus on making the book better!

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: ‘Congratulations to our three new Ignite Fellows, who are very deserving of this award.

“The Ignite Fellowship provides writers with essential mentoring, financial assistance and practical support that will help them reach new heights in their careers.’

Low Pay Britain: “miserly” sick pay system is punishing low-paid workers, says TUC

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The UK workforce expanded in the three months to February, driven by young people leaving full-time education and moving into work, but the longer-term problem of rising ill-health continues to worsen, the Resolution Foundation said in response to the latest ONS labour market statistics yesterday.

The UK workforce continued to expand in recent months, with employment up 170,000 on the quarter, and economic inactivity down 230,000. The fall in inactivity was driven by full-time students: the number of people inactive due to being a full-time student was down 180,000 on the quarter.

The labour market has loosened overall, with short-term unemployment (up to 6 months) rising by 52,000 to above normal pre-pandemic levels, and vacancies falling by 47,000 on the quarter.

Less encouragingly, inactivity among older workers aged 50-64 remains high – up 298,000 on pre-pandemic levels – while the number of people inactive due to ill-health rose to a record high of over 2.5 million.

Reversing this trend – which predated the pandemic – is a huge priority that is likely to take years to address, says the Foundation, and a key test of the new Health and Disability White Paper.

Nominal pay growth strengthened in February, driven by the gap between public-sector (5.3 per cent) and private sector (6.1 per cent) pay growth closing. However, with inflation still at double digits, pay packets continue to shrink in real terms.

Louise Murphy, Economist at the Resolution Foundation, said: “Britain’s workforce continued to expand in early 2023 as thousands of full-time students moved into work. But while the young entered work, but the old and sick did not. Reversing these trends are a major problem for policy makers across government to confront.

“Strong growth in the public sector has helped to close the gap in pay growth with the private sector. But the picture remains that almost all workers across Britain are seeing their pay packets shrink in real terms, which will continue for the foreseeable future.”

Commenting on the Resolution Foundation’s Low Paid Britain Report, which criticises the UK’s lack of decent sick pay, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Nobody should be plunged into financial hardship if they become sick. 

“But Britain has one of the most miserly sick pay rates in Europe. 

“This is disproportionately punishing low-paid workers and leaving them without a safety net. 

“We must fix our broken sick pay system by making statutory sick pay available from day one and raising it to the level of the real living wage. 

“The lack of decent sick pay cost us dear during the pandemic. The government should have learned this lesson.” 

On the need for a higher minimum wage and sector-wide fair pay agreements, Paul Nowak added: “Let’s not kid ourselves. Low-paid workers remain under huge financial strain. 

“Energy bills have shot up by £67 a month and food prices are through the roof. 

“It’s time to put an end to low-pay Britain once and for all. That means getting the minimum wage to £15 per an hour as soon as possible.  

“And it means introducing industry-wide fair pay agreements so that all workers have a minimum set of pay and rights.”  

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Back to the Drawing Board!

YOUSAF ANNOUNCES ‘A FRESH START FOR SCOTLAND’

PRIORITIES OF ‘EQUALITY, OPPORTUNITY, COMMUNITY’ SET

First Minister Humza Yousaf has published a new ‘policy prospectus’, setting out how the government will deliver for Scotland over the next three years – but his big policy announcement was overshadowed by the news that SNP treasurer Colin Beattie had been arrested by police as they continue to investigate the SNP’s finances.

In his first major statement to Parliament, the First Minister said three missions, centred on the themes of equality, opportunity and community, will be central to his government.

Announcing he will seek to reach agreement on a ‘New Deal for Scottish Business’, the statement revealed that the launch of Deposit Return Scheme will be set for March next year, that proposals on alcohol advertising will go “back to the drawing board” and that the Scottish Government will look at ways to use Business Rates to boost business and further support communities.

Titled ‘New Leadership – A Fresh Start’, the prospectus details the key aims the government intends to achieve in each Cabinet portfolio, working with the Scottish Green Party to build on the success of the Bute House Agreement.

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Actions set out by the First Minister and the prospectus document to tackle poverty, build a fairer, greener and growing economy, and improve public services by 2026 include:

  • a ‘New Deal for Scottish Business’ will be sought, with urgent discussion to agree how government can better support businesses and communities using policy levers such as Non-Domestic Rates.
  • an extension of the Deposit Return Scheme launch date to March 2024, from August this year.
  • an explicit commitment to support economic growth for a purpose – to help business and trade to thrive and maximise the opportunity for a fair, green economy.
  • confirmation of a further £1.3 billion investment for the Scottish Child Payment over the next three years
  • improved cancer outcomes through better prevention and diagnostics, including expanded Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services in Lanarkshire and Borders by June 2023
  • investment of up to £25 million to convert suitable properties into affordable homes for key workers and others, as part of an action plan to increase housing in remote, rural and island areas
  • confirmation of a six-month pilot removing peak-time fares from ScotRail services from October to make rail travel more accessible, available and affordable.
  • the delivery of six new vessels to serve Scotland’s ferry network and a doubling of the charge point network for electric vehicles to at least 6,000
  • reinstating Scotland’s participation in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science (TIMSS) and Progress in International Reading Literacy (PIRLS) studies to increase the availability of internationally comparable data on Scotland’s education performance
  • seeking a new agreement with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) to support the delivery of shared priorities, and legislation to give councils powers to apply a Local Visitor Levy on overnight stays in commercially let accommodation as additional means to raise revenue
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The First Minister said: “Scotland is a land of opportunity, I’m very proud of that fact, I’m proud to be a product of that.

“My grandparents came to this country in the 1960s, barely speaking English, little money in their pockets. Despite the challenges they faced, and at times hostility they faced, due to their background, they overcame those barriers and provided a life for their children, and for their grandchildren that I will forever be grateful for.

“It is my responsibility to ensure every family in Scotland has that equality of opportunity, regardless of their background or where they live in Scotland.

“I am optimistic we can achieve that equality of opportunity, and the three missions that I have set out today, will determine the priorities of the government that I lead for the rest of this parliamentary session, and help us to achieve that.

“Together, we will be focused on the delivery, we will ensure that we have affordable, ambitious measures in place, which protect our environment, which protect business prosperity, they improve people’s well-being, and they reduce poverty.

“They will ensure the actions we take over the next three years, stand Scotland in good stead for the next decade to come. And they will use our present, very significant, strengths to deliver a fresh start for Scotland.”

Environmental campaigners are dismayed by the news that Scotland’s deposit return scheme, which was due to launch in August 2023, has been delayed until next year.

The deposit return scheme has already been delayed twice, with its initial launch date set for April 2021. The latest postponement will mean that 2.5 billion more drinks containers will have been littered, landfilled or incinerated than if it had gone ahead as planned.

Hundreds of Scottish producers and businesses, accounting for over 95% of Scottish drinks containers, have already registered to take part in the scheme from August and completed the necessary preparation to do so, including the biggest producers of single use drinks cans in the country.

Kim Pratt, circular economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “This delay marks a shameful breaking of promises which will ultimately be paid for by the people of Scotland and the environment. Over 70% of people in Scotland support the deposit return scheme, but the First Minister has decided to put corporate interests and politics before people and the planet.

“The repeated delays by the Scottish Government to deliver this scheme are as damaging as doing nothing. Companies have had five years to prepare, and the majority of them are ready to go as planned in August.

“We are living in a climate emergency, and this simple scheme should be an exciting bit of progress. It’s a concerning start to Humza Yousaf’s leadership.”

Dr Kat Jones, director of APRS, which is running the Have You Got The Bottle? campaign, said:

“Yet another delay to Scotland’s deposit return system should send a chill down the spine of everyone who understands the environmental crisis we face. Both the Scottish and UK governments need to get their act together if a third delay is not to become a fourth or worse.”

Calum Duncan, head of conservation Scotland at Marine Conservation Society, said: “Bottles and cans were littered on 95% of Scottish beaches cleaned and surveyed by our volunteers in 2022. We’re disappointed that, yet again, Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme will be delayed.

“We know deposit return schemes have huge potential to turn the tide on this kind of pollution, for the benefit of both people and the planet. Scotland’s seas cannot, and should not, be paying the price for our waste.”

The deposit return scheme will work by people paying a fully refundable 20p deposit when they buy a drink in a single-use container made of plastic, metal or glass.

First Minister’s speech – 18 April 2023

Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership – A fresh start 

Man jailed for 14 years for series of serious sexual assaults in Edinburgh

A man who was convicted of multiple serious sexual assaults and assaults has been jailed for 14 years. Barry Ingleson, 38, was convicted following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh on Friday, 17 March, 2023.

He was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow today, Tuesday, 18 April, 2023.

The offences, which were committed against four women, took place between August 2009 and August 2020 in the Edinburgh area.

Detective Inspector George Calder said: “Barry Ingleson ( above) is now facing the consequences of his actions and I welcome the significant custodial sentence he has been handed today.

“His behaviour towards women has been disgraceful and I would like to pay tribute to those affected by his horrific actions and commend the strength they have shown to report the abuse they suffered.

“I hope today’s outcome will give them some form of comfort and closure to put their ordeals behind them.

“This conviction and sentence sends a clear message to all perpetrators that all reports of sexual abuse will be thoroughly investigated by Police Scotland irrespective of the passage in time, and victims will be supported throughout.”

Should you wish to report a sexual crime to Police Scotland, then please do so by contacting officers on 101, or by making an anonymous report to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Dogs Trust Dundee celebrates a milestone first year of rehoming from foster home

Within a year, 49 dogs have had their lives transformed thanks to Dogs Trust Dundee and their team of volunteer foster carers.   

With no traditional rehoming centre in Dundee, Dogs Trust launched its unique approach to finding dogs new homes in the area in April 2022, rehoming dogs direct from foster homes within Dundee, Tayside, Fife and Perthshire. 

Dogs Trust Dundee now has 12 Home from Home foster carers who volunteer their time by providing a temporary home for dogs being cared for by the charity until they find their forever families.   

This small but mighty team has achieved great success within the year by finding loving new homes for 45 rescue dogs with a further four currently available for adoption. 

Magic milestone moments from the charity’s first year of rehoming in Dundee include: 

·       Cockapoo puppy Ollie (above) was the first dog to be rehomed through the scheme, finding a permanent home in Perthshire with his foster carer who couldn’t bear to part with him. Ollie also made a guest appearance at the charity’s Holyrood Dog of the Year Competition in May 2022 being paired with Claire Adamson MSP. 

·       15 of the dogs rehomed have been Older Age Pooches – with the oldest perfect pooch to find a new home being 14-year-old collie Angel 

·       29 of the dogs were male with 16 females 

·       The top three most popular breeds finding homes were Terriers (19), Labrador/cross (5) and Poodle/cross (5). 

·       Dandy and Beano, named after the comic magazines published by Dundee based publishers DC Thomson, featured on TV news and in the Scottish press before finding their new home together in Renfrewshire. 

·       Murphy the poodle cross was the quickest dog rehomed, being adopted just seven days after arriving in foster. Murphy is now enjoying lots of walks and cuddles in his new home in Fife. 

·       Dogs have been rehomed across Scotland, including to Bridge of Don, Nairn and the Isle of Skye. 

·       The Home from Home team attended 25 local events throughout the year including Broughty Ferry Gala, Dundee Dog Show, Arbroath Fun Dog Show and Dundee Dog Barket. 

·       The Dundee team held three ‘Thank Dog It’s Fostering Friday’ events for members of the public interested in finding out more about fostering in Perth, Dundee and Arbroath. 

Megan Wilkinson, Home from Home Co-ordinator at Dogs Trust Dundee said:  “It’s fantastic that our foster scheme has taken off within Dundee and surrounding areas allowing us to give all these wonderful dogs the chance of a lifetime by going into a home temporarily, until we find them a forever one.

“Some dogs may take a little longer than others to rehome but, as we have found, there really is a home out there for every dog. Our Home from Home fostering has also given people the chance to rehome a dog in their local area which is good for locals and the dogs. 

“Rehoming all of these dogs in need would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of our volunteer foster carers who do such an amazing job.  We cannot thank them enough. 

“It’s also important for us to remind people in the area that we are here to help anyone wrestling with the difficult decision to give up their dog.  For anyone in the area concerned about continuing to care for their dog for whatever reason, please reach out to us and we will do everything we can to help.” 

Anyone interested in rehoming from Dogs Trust Dundee should visit: 

https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/our-centres/dundee 

To find out more about fostering or to speak to the team about your dog please call the Home from Home team on 07918606722 or 07780469309.  

Launch of NHS Community Glaucoma Service

Treatment to be offered closer to patient’s home

Thousands of patients will be cared for  at their local community optometry practice rather than in the hospital as part of a new NHS community glaucoma service.

The flagship eyecare service is being rolled out in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and will expand across Scotland over the next two years and is expected to register an estimated 20,000 patients once complete.

As part of the service, patients with lower risk glaucoma or treated ocular hypertension will be safely cared for in community optometry practices, closer to home, rather than having to travel to hospital and help to reduce waiting times pressures in hospitals.

Marking the launch at Munro Optometrists, one of the first practices to offer the service, Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Scotland is regarded as a world leader in community eye care service provision.

“We are the only country in the UK to provide free universal NHS-funded eye examinations, and our investment in community optometry services has helped reduce the burden on GPs and secondary care services.

“I am very pleased to celebrate the launch of this new flagship NHS Community Glaucoma Service in Glasgow and look forward to seeing more patients across the country benefiting from the rollout.”

Frank Munro, practice owner said: “This new development demonstrates another positive aspect of joint working across the eyecare sector. This policy development comes at a much-needed time with so many people on long waiting lists waiting for appointments.

“This innovation demonstrates the proactive, constructive discussions that have taken place and the Scottish Government and Optometry Scotland should be congratulated in bringing the Community Glaucoma Service into effect.

“There is no doubt that this will benefit thousands of patients living with glaucoma across Scotland.”

Help shape Edinburgh’s transport future – AGAIN

‘Gathering views from our communities and businesses, alongside data and technical evidence, will be critical to these decisions’ – Transport Convener Cllr Scott Arthur

A major consultation to help shape the way people move around, to and from Edinburgh is now underway.

An integrated suite of action plans designed to transform transport in Edinburgh was approved for consultation by councillors during December and February.

Together, the Active Travel, Public Transport, Parking, Road Safety and Air Quality Action Plans aim to create cleaner, greener, safer, more accessible and affordable travel choices, while cutting congestion, reinforcing the Capital’s net zero 2030 goals and boosting the economy.

Each of the plans sits under the emerging Circulation Plan and its associated Streetspace Allocation Framework, which underpin the transition towards a less congested, more liveable, healthy and sustainable capital.

The city council is now seeking feedback on all the plans collectively, including via an online survey, public drop-ins, focus group and key stakeholder discussions and a toolkit to support community involvement.

The consultation will run until 9 July and outcomes will be reported to Transport and Environment Committee later this year, culminating in the finalisation of each plan.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Edinburgh is a growing, evolving capital, facing the same challenges as cities around the world – from climate change and poverty to traffic congestion and poor air quality.

“We want to transform the way people move around the city, which we hope will go some way to addressing this, and we’re looking at how we can create safer, sustainable and affordable transport options. This is also about working to support economic growth and building people-friendly spaces across the city, while helping to end poverty and isolation. We’ve put people, particularly those with a disability, at the heart of these plans.

“The draft action plans set out a range of actions to achieve this, and we want to collaborate with people and businesses in Edinburgh to shape how we deliver these plans. Combining all the plans into one big citywide conversation means we can really capture the interrelated issues and ensure actions are mutually supportive of each other.

“As a city we know and agree that we must cut congestion, boost the economy and hit net zero. This consultation is a chance for people to both comment on our proposals and also make alternative suggestions for delivering these key policies. Doing nothing, however, is no longer an option as we have a duty to face these challenges.

“We need to balance different travel needs with the limited street space we have, and that’s going to involve some real dilemmas. I’m particularly pleased, however, that making public transport more accessible and reliable is at the heart of these plans.

“Gathering views from our communities and businesses, alongside data and technical evidence, will be critical to these decisions. Whether you’re interested in improved public transport links, better walking, wheeling and cycling routes or making our streets more accessible and pleasant places to spend time, I’d urge you to take part in our consultation.”

Residents and businesses can share their views on proposals and priorities in a range of areas, including making streets more accessible, improving public transport and enhancing active travel networks, as well as achieving ambitious accident reduction targets and creating people-friendly, thriving neighbourhoods and shopping streets.

These actions support Edinburgh’s City Mobility Plan and aim to help drive down the number of kilometres travelled by car in the city by 30% by 2030, reduce air pollution and improve public health.

Find out more about plans to shape Edinburgh for future generations and take part in the consultation online.