North Edinburgh Active Travel Network are hosting a number of events this weekend to promote active travel.
See poster for more information – we hope you find an activity to take part in.
North Edinburgh Arts are hosting a Dr Bike Session on Saturday either in MacMillan Square or in the Shed if the weather is poor.
We hope to see you at one of these events!
Ocean Terminal has launched an online exhibition to provide local residents with the opportunity to learn more about the proposed redevelopment of the centre and its £100m plans to open up the Leith waterfront for the community.
Put forward by the centre’s Scottish owners, Ambassador Group, the proposal to remodel the 20-year-old centre builds on their vision to create a destination that reflects the needs and aspirations of the people who live and work in Leith and north Edinburgh, adding to the wider regeneration of the area.
With ambitions to maximise the potential of the location with a dramatic streetscape facing the Firth of Forth, Ambassador Group plans to reconfigure the building, with new mixed-used indoor and outdoor space, achieved by the demolition of the existing north multistorey car park and the former Debenhams store.
The exhibition (www.development-oceanterminal.com) is designed to illustrate Ambassador’s strategy for the transformation of the site and will be an opportunity for local people to have their say on the proposals as plans are shaped ahead of the submission of a full planning application early next year.
There will be a chance to put questions to the project team today (Thursday 23 September) between 12 noon and 8pm. The deadline for comments through the feedback form is 8th October.
A second exhibition, which will present more detailed proposals, is planned for later in the year before a full planning application is submitted to City of Edinburgh Council in early 2022.
Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Ambassador Investments, who is leading the £100m project for Ambassador Group, said: “The regeneration of Leith, with the extension of the tramline to Newhaven and new housing, has allowed us to evolve our ambitions for the centre to create a destination that sits at the heart of this new community.
“Over the pandemic, we’ve seen how local people have relied on Ocean Terminal as a place to connect and with the move towards the idea for 20-minute neighbourhoods, with services, shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities all on the doorstep, there is an opportunity to reimagine the entire space.
“At the same time, and as part of the broader issues that face us, we are committed to climate change mitigation and the promotion of sustainability, in line with City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Government net zero targets, through the use of energy efficient materials and low carbon energy generation. The redevelopment allows us to embrace this going forward.
“The online exhibition is an opportunity for people to understand our approach, to ask questions and offer feedback. We want to hear what people think as we continue to develop the plans.”
Derelict brownfield land in Leith is set to be transformed into two new five-star housing developments by Barratt Homes.
The UK’s largest housebuilder has started construction of 212 homes on Baltic Street and plans for a 115 home development on South Fort Street are well underway. Named Merchant Quay and Heron Bank respectively, the new developments are expected to generate nearly 60 new jobs and create positions for at least five apprentices.
The construction of Heron Bank and Merchant Quay will also serve to boost the local economy; an economic footprint calculation predicts the developments will add more than £30m in financial output over their build period.
Both developments will also revitalise brownfield sites, with Merchant Quay previously housing a builders yard and Heron Bank home to a steel fabrication company. The regeneration these developments provide will only add to the already booming metropolitan progression of Leith.
Building in these areas will also provide a significant contribution of much needed Affordable Housing units; Merchant Quay will deliver 43 plots, a mix of one, two and three-bed apartments, in collaboration with Port of Leith Housing Association, and Heron Bank will provide 24 units, the mix of which will be determined throughout the planning process.
Barratt Homes has established itself as one of the biggest contributors to Edinburgh’s Affordable Housing Policy, with over 1,000 units constructed to date.
Alison Condie, managing director for Barratt Homes East Scotland, said: “We have a long and proud association providing housing in the east of Scotland and Barratt is a popular and trusted source of five-star quality homes for buyers.
“We’re looking forward to expanding our offering in the region with these new developments on South Fort Street and Baltic Street, and helping to regenerate these locations.”
Work on both developments is now underway and it is expected that opportunities to move into one, two and three-bedroom apartments in Leith will be available in early 2022.
Further details and updates on Merchant Quay and Heron Bank are available on the Barratt Homes website.
The history hub have prepared a series of displays that include unique photographs on Granton’s industries, the Madelvic Car Factory, Granton harbour and Granton castle, transport as well as agriculture.
We are also delighted that Edinburgh City Council have their Waterfront Development Information Displays available, outlining the detailed plans for the local area.
This is truly be a unique community event showing how Granton has developed over the years, with visions about its future.
We also have an art sale of work by 13 artists celebrating local scenery and heritage, complementing the heritage displays.
The event is free, no booking required.
Opening times are Saturday 11-4pm and Sunday 11-2pm.
Please note there is a (seated) talk between 2-4pm during which we are unable give access to the general public.
With Challenge Poverty Week fast approaching we wanted to let you know about a couple of events the Poverty Alliance are organising during the week …
5th October, 6.30pm
Across a distinguished career as a campaigner and academic Baroness Professor Ruth Lister has explored how we understand and conceive poverty, and how these understandings impact both the experience of poverty and our responses to it. Recurring themes in her work include the connection between poverty and human rights; the differential experiences of poverty; discourses of poverty, in particular the experience of ‘othering’.
For the Challenge Poverty Lecture 2021 Professor Lister will explore these themes and what they mean for addressing poverty in Scotland during and after the pandemic.
This year’s lecture will take place online. For more information and to register please click here
Poverty Alliance Annual Conference
8 October 2021, 9.45am-2pm
As we now look forward towards a period of recovery from the pandemic, this conference will consider how we can both tackle poverty and ensure that the human rights of those who have been most affected can be protected and extended. The discussions at the conference will be used to feed into the development of the Scottish Government’s Child Poverty Delivery Plan, as well as the informing the new Human Rights Bill.
Speakers include John Swinney MSP, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Covid Recovery Plans, Professor Olivier de Schutter, UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, Judith Robertson, Chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission, Bruce Adamson, Children and Young People’s Commissioner for Scotland, and Moira Tasker, CEO of Inclusion Scotland.
For full details and to register please click here
The owners of The Dome in Edinburgh have said they hope the planning committee approve plans for a new roof for their Rose Street Garden this week to ensure income for the famous venue and help them meet rising upkeep and maintenance costs.
Owners of The Dome say having the Rose Street Garden unable to trade due to do unpredictable weather conditions is putting a great strain on the business. A roof would allow the Garden to be used in all weathers, maximising customers space following the Covid-19 pandemic and helping The Dome meet upkeep and maintenance costs that are increasing on an annual basis.
But Council planners have recommended that the Development Management Sub Committee reject the application, despite no objections from community councils or members of the public and 27 submissions supporting the move indicating they believed it would be a positive addition to the building.
The Dome management are puzzled planners that Historic Scotland (HES), have recommended refusal when a similar application was granted in 1999 with no objection from HES.
Commenting on the report from the Planning Officers, The Dome management said: “The Dome is an iconic Edinburgh building and an attraction in its own right.
“Our application for a retractable glass roof to the rear of the property is similar to one approved in 1999. It means we can make better use of the space on Rose Street and adapt to the changing demands of our customers who more and more want safe outdoor space.
“Approving this roof will allow The Dome to continue as one of Edinburgh’s Premiere venues and tourist attractions. We hope the planning committee would give consideration to the points we have made above.”
More than 10 million COVID-19 PCR tests have now been carried out in Scotland over the past 19 months since testing got underway.
The tests, which include those processed at the three NHS regional hubs set up around Scotland, have now reached 10,017,000. They also include the four-nations network of Lighthouse laboratories, partner laboratories and testing sites.
More than one million tests have also been conducted by the Scottish Ambulance service at mobile testing units around the country.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Reaching ten million tests is a major milestone and recognition of the hard work and dedication of our testing teams across the country.
“Testing has a vital role to play as restrictions are phased out and we learn to live with the virus.
“It may be tempting to think as vaccinations increase and cases drop, that testing will become less important. In fact, this will only make it more important to spot and prevent new outbreaks as cases emerge. We know from our experience just how quickly one outbreak can lead to another.
“The ability to quickly identify new outbreaks and put appropriate measures in place will remain at the heart of our strategy to help break chains of transmission.”
All adults are encouraged to take a PCR test if they have any one of the three symptoms of coronavirus. These are a high temperature or fever, a new continuous cough, as well as any loss of, or change in sense of smell or taste.
People are also encouraged to take two rapid (lateral flow) tests a week, regardless of whether they have symptoms.
Three regional hubs were established this year at Gartnavel hospital in Glasgow (West) operated by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Foresterhill in Aberdeen (North) operated by NHS Grampian and Lauriston Place in Edinburgh (East), operated by NHS Lothian, to increase capacity.
The 10,017,000 figure for tests comprises those processed through to midnight on September 20.
A PCR test can be booked through NHS Inform: NHS inform – Scottish health information you can trust | NHS inform
InterContinental Edinburgh The George has partnered with Scottish Opera to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott with a special balcony performance of ‘Spargi d’amaro pianto’ from Lucia di Lammermoor, an opera based on Scott’s historical novel The Bride of Lammermoor.
Yesterday’s performance – on 21 September, which is the anniversary of his death – featured Scottish Opera’s emerging artist, soprano Catriona Clark, accompanied by pianist Toby Hession.
Forming part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of Sir Walter Scott, and in the wake of the pandemic, Scottish Opera will feature the novel, The Bride of Lammermoor as a creative stimulus and inspiration to explore issues such as loneliness and isolation.
‘Sweet Sounds in Wild Places’ aims to empower women who have been struggling during lockdown and to help build creative skills, as well as increase self-confidence and self-expression.
The hotel boasts a historical connection to Scotland’s beloved Sir Walter Scott and was originally a collection of five prestigious townhouses. James Ferrier and his family lived at Number 25, with many literary links including Sir Walter Scott, who was also a well-known friend of novelist Susan Ferrier and was regularly entertained at the family home.
InterContinental Edinburgh The George will welcome back Scottish Opera next year to host a curated exhibition of the artwork created throughout the ‘Sweet Sounds in Wild Places’ sessions.
Kieran Quinn, Hotel General Manager InterContinental Edinburgh The George said: “It is hugely exciting to host Scottish Opera at InterContinental Edinburgh The George, both to support the launch of Scottish Opera’s ‘Sweet Sounds in Wild Places’ as well as commemorate Sir Walter Scott.
“This world-class performance is not only a nod to Sir Walter Scott, whom had a personal connection to the historical building of this hotel, but also highlights that InterContinental Edinburgh The George is open, following the many challenges faced by the hospitality industry.
“The impact from the pandemic has left many people with feelings of loneliness, isolation and anxiety and it is important that we support them. We look forward to our partnership with Scottish Opera, and to welcoming them back to host a selection of the artwork created during their ‘Sweet Sounds in Wild Places’ workshops.
Jane Davidson, Director of Outreach and Education, Scottish Opera said: “The past 18 months has been a challenging time for many people, and even although some things are returning to normal, some of us are struggling with mental health and well-being which can make it difficult to re-connect with our usual activities, social circles or with the places where we live and work.
“At times like this it is important not to undermine the power of opera and the ability individuals have to connect with the art forms involved. We thank InterContinental Edinburgh The George for its support in our ‘Sweet Sounds in Wild Places’ sessions and look forward to celebrating the artwork created during the workshops with them later in the year.”
As part of the partnership The InterContinental Edinburgh The George join The Cruden Foundation and Scottish Opera’s Education Angels in supporting the Sweet Sounds in Wild Places project.
For more information about the InterContinental Edinburgh The George visit:
https://edinburgh.intercontinental.com/.
For more information about Scottish Opera’s ‘Sweet Sounds in Wild Places’ sessions visit: https://www.scottishopera.org.uk/join-in/sweet-sounds-in-wild-places/
Police Scotland Positive Action Team will be hosting an online information/recruitment event on Tuesday 28 September aimed at the Thai communities in Scotland.
To sign up, please email:
As we leave summer behind and enter the autumn months, the UK will change before our eyes. Its most recognisable landscapes will soon be draped in golden leaves, famous peaks will be topped with snow, and mysterious mist will embrace our treasured landmarks.
Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com) is offering tours throughout our transformed nation, on which we’ll fall in love with the UK all over again.
The award-winning small-group tour operator has departures across the UK throughout the autumn months, and with its guaranteed departure policy – those who book are certain to travel (and have a great time). Every adventure promises new experiences, gorgeous views, local stories from an insightful driver-guide and an unforgettable exploration.
Rabbie’s operates sustainability-focused, eco domestic travel options, ensuring that the places we love are there for future generations to enjoy and advocates ‘taking only photos and leaving only footprints’.
Rabbie’s tours provide worry-free journeys so guests can enjoy a sustainable staycation without concerns.
For more information and to book, visit www.rabbies.com
