TheEdinburgh Association of Community Councils(EACC) will be holding a special meeting entitled Events in the New Green Edinburgh — the Public Spaces Management Plan (PSMP) Exercise, this Thursday 10 December at 7pm by Zoom.
The City of Edinburgh has just launched an extensive stakeholder consultation about “how Edinburgh manages its public outside space for events, filming and festivals . . based around key principles/guidelines that will apply across the whole of Edinburgh.”
Leading our discussion on the Public Spaces Management Plan will be:
Cliff Hague, Emeritus Professor of Planning and Spatial Development at Heriot-Watt University, Chair of the Cockburn Association: Pitfalls and potholes: managing Edinburgh’s public spaces
Mariana Trusson, former Chair of the Edinburgh Sustainable Development Partnership (ESDP): Environmental protection, carbon neutrality and sustainability: events and festivals in public spaces
This will be followed by a contribution by a leading City of Edinburgh councillor or official.
Jim Scanlon (Leith Links Community Council) and another community councillor will talk about local issues with the PSMP.
This meeting is open to the public, but priority will be given to questions from community councillors.
The meeting will be recorded and may be published later. Please note that by joining the meeting you are giving your consent for the meeting to be recorded.
Bross Bagels empire are delighted to announce that they have signed their largest and most ambitious project to date at St James Quarter in Edinburgh, covering 1, 200 square feet on level one of the brand-new development opening next year.
Launching in spring 2021, Bross Bagels will be one of the first to open within the initial retail, and dining phase in the brand new 1.7 million square foot city centre development which will face out to Picardy Place and become part of Edinburgh’s most exciting food scene.
The brand new iconic ‘Bross Deli’ will feature an open kitchen which will be the main attraction, with old school style deli booths and floor to ceiling windows throughout. They will cater for their renowned loyal bagel fans worldwide opening from 8am – 10pm, serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch through to late night meals and drinks for all the family, with a special menu designed just for their mini bagel fans.
‘O ering’ a complete foodie experience like no other, the new Bross is set to become a dining destination for the city of Edinburgh.
Bross Bagels produce all their own bagels in-house to their very own specific Montreal style recipe with NYC deli inspired fillings. They are currently building a custom made Bross bakery where it all began for them in Portobello three years ago. Situated opposite their flagship store, the property previously a bank, is being converted into their very own bakery which is due to open in early 2021.
Owner of Bross Bagels, Larah Bross said: “Our aim is to make the new Bross an essential and exhilarating foodie experience that no trip to Edinburgh would be complete without.
“Like Swartz is to Montreal and Katz to NYC; we want to deliver something above and beyond expectation with our house cured salt beef and pastrami, a range of vegan meats that even people who are annoyed by vegans will get excited about, and of course our infamous bagels from our own bagel bakery 20 mins down the road in Portobello.
“If you’re already a fan of our bagels then you will adore this upgrading to full on foodie theatre as we deliver authentic Jewish Deli delights from our open kitchen. If you’ve yet to have your hole with us (or – if you’re new to the BROSS experience), prepare to be blown away – this is more than just a bagel shop!
“We will cater from breakfast to brunch to business lunch right through to late night meals, including beers, wine and our new house speciality the Bloody Bross.”
A simple face mask “hack” of swapping disposable single use face masks for washable ones will save the average person £190 in 2021 – and reduce the amount of non-recyclable masks being send to landfill – the weight equivalent of FIVE Eiffel Towers!
“Lets face it, we will be wearing face masks throughout 2021, so now is the time to swap single use masks for washable ones – the cost saving is £190 for a year, a huge amount of money for many people this Christmas”, explains Charlotte Green from recycling company TradeWaste.co.uk
A single use disposable face mask costs 18p
Over a year using 3 per day this is £197.10
A washable face mask costs £1.40 (Pack of 5 is £6.99)
If you can use 5 masks by washing them, then over a year this is a saving of £190.11
“The saving is more than monetary value though, because in 2021 the UK we will send 19.2 billion face masks to landfill – that’s 5 times the weight of the Eiffel Tower – the numbers are absolutely terrifying”, explains Green
What can we do to prevent environmental harm caused by disposable face masks?
The main thing to remember is that if we choose an alternative before buying a disposable mask then we have prevented manufacture and therefore halted much of the environmental harm.
The main issue with disposable masks is that they cannot be efficiently recycled, and therefore many of the billions of masks we use simply end up being buried in the ground.
Buy a washable face mask made from either recycled materials or washable cotton
Use a paper facemask that can be recycled – these are becoming more widely available
Use a recycling service which accepts disposable face masks made from plastic, such as dust masks, FFP2 (or so-called “N95”), FFP3 and surgical masks – this is the best option for medical users
TradeWaste.co.uk‘s Charlotte Green concluded: “The important message we are putting out is simple – stop buying single use face masks, and use washable ones instead. We are facing an environmental disaster – and the alternative will save you £190; it’s a no brainer!”
Do your children want to spend the festive holiday sprawled on the sofa watching Christmas films? Don’t despair: those old familiar favourites can be educational. Yes, really!
Former primary school teacher Laura Steele of education resources experts PlanBee shows how to turn passive screen time into an active learning experience:
Father Christmas
Based on the book by Raymond Briggs, this short animated film takes a look at what Father Christmas does on the other 364 days of the year.
Ask your child to choose one of the destinations Father Christmas visits on his holidays and put themselves into his shoes (or boots!) and write a postcard home, explaining everything he saw and got up to there.
Father Christmas doesn’t enjoy all the visits he makes. Encourage your child to write him a letter, suggesting where he should go next year, and why he might like it better than his holiday this year.
Father Christmas spends time organising presents for us, but what present would like to receive? Ask your youngster to draw a picture of the gift they would get for him, and write a short explanation of their choice.
Download FREE Father Christmas activity sheets here
The Snowman
Also based on a Raymond Briggs book, in this film a young boy’s snowman magically comes to life, and takes him on an adventure to meet Father Christmas.
The boy and the Snowman never speak to each other, but if they did what would they say? Children could write an imagined conversation between them, or even act it out.
We see the boy building the Snowman step-by-step. Encourage your child to draw pictures and write instructions for each of the different stages of construction.
Ask them to design their own snowman! Ask them to label what they would use for his eyes, nose, mouth, buttons and so on.
If you watch the film carefully, you will see many different animals. Can your child spot them? As an extra challenge, they could choose an animal to research and perhaps make a poster or write a report about it. Download FREE Snowman activity sheets here
Elf
Elf focuses on the character of Buddy, a human who has been raised by elves at the North Pole. On discovering that he is not actually an elf, Buddy travels to New York in search of his father
Buddy is given a snow globe of New York City. Children could design and draw their own snow globe, showing where they live.
Challenge them to describe and draw the film’s funniest, happiest and saddest moments. Download FREE Elf activity sheets here
The Grinch
Based on the 1957 book by Dr Seuss, a creature named the Grinch hates Christmas and everything to do with it. He devises a wicked plan to ruin the festive season for the town of Whoville.
Children could write a character description of the Grinch, detailing his appearance, his personality, what he does, and how he changes by the end of the film.
Ask children to draw a picture of, or describe, Whoville at Christmas. Would they like to live there? Can they explain why?
Ask your child to step into Grinch’s shoes, and describe or act out their thoughts about Christmas both at the beginning of the film, and then at the end, and discuss how they differ. Download FREE Grinch activity sheets here
The Polar Express
A young boy who is beginning to lose his belief in Father Christmas boards a to the North Pole and has amazing adventures, makes some special new friends, and regains his belief in the magic of Christmas.
Ask your child to design a ticket for the Polar Express. Who would they give it to, and why? Which two letters do they think The Conductor would cut out on it, and why? Which full word would be created on reboarding the train?
In the film, the symbol of Christmas spirit for the Boy is the bell he receives from ‘Mr C’. Ask children to draw and explain what represents the Christmas spirit for them.
At one point, the train passes the Northern Lights. Encourage children to research exactly what this phenomenon is. They could also create their own artwork depicting the scene. Download FREE Polar Express activity sheets here
Klaus
A young postman who is not very good at his job is sent to serve an unwelcoming, frozen town in the far North. When he meets an old toy maker, Klaus, and together they begin delivering presents to the children of the town, things begin to change…
Ask children to imagine that they are one of the children living in Smeerensburg. Challenge them to write their own letter to Klaus, telling him how they have been good, what gift they would like and why.
In the film, Klaus has carved alcoves into a tree trunk for a family of figurines. Ask children to draw or make their own version of this, complete with everyone that is special to them.
Klaus says: ‘A true selfless act always sparks another’. Ask children to name the selfless acts in the film. Have they made any selfless acts themselves in the past? Are there any that they could make in the future? Download FREE Klaus activity sheets here
Arthur Christmas (2011)
Santa’s rather accident-prone son, Arthur, sets out on a mission to deliver a present that was left at the North Pole on Christmas Eve
Encourage children to draw, and write a short description of, each member of Santa’s family: Santa himself, Mrs Santa, GrandSanta, Steve and of course, Arthur. What characteristics do they each have? How are they similar? How are they different?
Arthur is particularly fond of his slippers. Unfortunately, he loses them during his adventure. Can your child design a new pair for him?
Challenge your children to design and make their own version of ‘Christmas: the Board Game’. What will the board look like, what’s the aim of the game and how is it played? Will they need any extra items such as counters or question cards? Download FREE Arthur Christmas activity sheets here
Fun activities for ANY Film
Set one of these fun challenges to give a new dimension to your youngster’s watching habits, whatever their chosen film:
Turn the sound off and challenge your child to describe what is happening in the film. Ask children to imagine that they are helping a blind person experience the film so they need to use as much detail as possible for each scene. You could play a few short scenes using Audio Description to get them started: as a cartoon strip, a digital book, as a written account, as a series of drawings, or as a storyboard.
Challenge your child to write a review of the film. How many stars out of five would they give it? What was the best bit? Who was their favourite character? Or what about recording a vlog review giving their opinion to share online with friends and family?
Headteachers and Depute Headteachers from across Scotland have shared their extreme disappointment at the Scottish Government’s decision not to allow schools to move to remote learning as a means of protecting the health of staff, pupils and their families in the final week before Christmas.
A meeting of the EIS Headteacher (HT) and Depute Headteacher (DHT) Network, held on Friday, heard first-hand testimony from HTs and DHTs over the severe additional workload pressure that has been placed on school management teams as a result of COVID contact tracing requirements whenever a pupil or staff member tests positive for the virus.
Headteacher and Network Convener Lorraine McBride said, “The COVID pandemic has had a severe impact in our schools and has created huge stresses on everyone within our communities.
“Quite apart from the impact on the physical health of many teachers and students, there has also been a severe impact on their mental health and wellbeing. Added to this has been the huge additional workload burden generated by the demands of the contract tracing system, which frequently interrupts weekend and evenings on top of taking up swathes of time during the school day that should be being spent on other essential priorities.”
“Whenever there is a positive case linked to a school, this creates a demand on SMTs to quickly track, trace and isolate every pupil and staff member who has come into close contact with the infected person. This is additional workload, over and above the many usual demands on SMT’s time, and it has been imposed upon us with little or nothing in the way of tangible support.”
Ms McBride continued, “It is concrete support that we need – not just fine words from the Scottish Government or our employers telling us how much they appreciate us. Many HTs and DHTs have been left absolutely devastated by the Scottish Government’s decision not to allow schools to close their buildings early and move to remote learning in the final week before Christmas.
“This decision means that, where positive cases are identified late, SMTs may be expected to deliver or support contact tracing work over the Christmas period. The Scottish Government’s decision also significantly increases the risk of pupils and staff taking the virus into their homes, or into the homes of potentially vulnerable family members, during the festive period.”
Ms McBride added, “All we we’re asking for was for school buildings to close a few days early, in order to protect us all and our families. Education would have continued via remote learning and we were absolutely not asking for extra holidays, as has been falsely claimed elsewhere.
“In failing to take a small, common sense, step to protect teachers, pupils and their families, the Scottish Government is risking what little goodwill remains amongst a teaching profession that has been worn down to the point of physical and mental exhaustion over this past year.”
COVID-19 is bringing into sharp focus the importance of societal wellbeing. The pandemic has laid bare the disparities that persist for many people living in the UK, and the interconnection of different factors that have an impact on how we live our lives together as a society.
From the quality of our relationships to our health, to the places we call home and our income – the contribution of each to wellbeing cannot be understood in isolation. What is more, the narrow parameters of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) do not – and cannot – tell an accurate story of whether life is improving, where the gaps are, and who is being left behind.
Gross Domestic Wellbeing (GDWe)™ offers a holistic and relevant alternative to GDP as a measure of social progress. Using the framework and data in the Office for National Statistics Measures of National Wellbeing Dashboard, we have developed – for the first time – a tool that provides a single figure for GDWe in England, and mapped this against GDP for the past six years.
Our analysis found that GDWe in England was in decline before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Urgent action is therefore needed to focus decision-making on wellbeing.
Undertaken alongside a thematic analysis of the recommendations made within 48 key commissions and inquiries undertaken in England since 2010, we have identified areas of mutual focus and concern, to highlight the key actions that should be taken to improve wellbeing.
An overview of the main findings is provided in our summary document.
We hope that the findings of this report will be of interest to you. To let us know your thoughts, please email hannah.ormston@Carnegieuk.org or join the debate online by tagging @CarnegieUKTrust #GDWe – we would be pleased to hear from you.
– Offer available for those self-isolating or unable to get to the supermarket this Christmas –
– Costs just £18.36 and includes ingredients for four courses, wine and Christmas crackers for two people –
– Orders are placed via Morrisons Doorstep Delivery phone line –
Morrisons is launching a new service to ensure self-isolating customers can get everything they need for Christmas dinner for two people, for under £20.
Costing just £18.36[1] the Christmas Dinner for Two Box contains a British Turkey Breast joint, peeled potatoes and all the Christmas trimmings you’d expect – pigs in blankets, vegetables, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce – so that customers won’t go without on the big day.
The festive box also includes a starter and dessert, alongside two freshly-baked mince pies, two Christmas crackers, and a selection of wine.
Morrisons has included a recipe card with step-by-step instructions and timings so it couldn’t be easier to serve up the four-course dinner in style.
The Christmas Dinner for TwoBox is available to order via Morrisons dedicated Doorstep Deliveries phone line, which enables vulnerable or self-isolating customers to order their groceries over the phone and have them hand-delivered by a colleague from their local store.
Morrisons customers can order the Christmas Dinner for TwoBox until the 13th December. It will be delivered on a day to suit them between 21 and 23 December, between 8am and 8pm.
David Potts, Morrisons Chief Executive said: “Our telephone service is a lifeline for many vulnerable people. Thirty million British households will be shopping in the week up to Christmas and we do not want anyone to get left behind.
“Our Doorstep delivery service will ensure those who can’t leave their home to go shopping will still be able to enjoy their Christmas dinner.”
The Christmas Dinner for Two Box contains:
● Morrisons Savers Part Baked White Baguettes (2 per pack)● Morrisons Deli Counter Brussels Pate 50g● Morrisons Basted Boneless Turkey Breast 465g● Morrisons 12 Pigs in Blankets 300g (Frozen)● 1 Loose Parsnip● Morrisons Peeled Maris Piper Potatoes 600g● 2 Loose Carrots● 8 Loose Brussel Sprouts
● Morrisons Sage & Onion Stuffing 85g● Morrisons Cranberry Sauce 200g● Morrisons Pure Clear Honey 227g● 2 Morrisons Christmas Puddings 100g● Morrisons Ready To Serve Custard 400g● Morrisons Chicken Gravy Granules 200g● 2 In Store Baked Mince Pies● 2 Red Wines, 1 White Wine (187ml)● 2 Individual Christmas Crackers
Customers will be able to place orders with Morrisons over the phone by calling 0345 611 6111 and selecting option 5.
Standard delivery charges of £4.50 apply, with student delivery costing £2 and an optional delivery contribution of £1.50 for elderly and vulnerable customers.
MSPs are to forgo a pay increase next year, it has been announced.
In a message to MSPs Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh MSP said that, in the midst of a public health crisis with such devastating economic consequences and hardship for so many, now more than ever was the time for political leadership on Members’ pay.
The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB), chaired by the Presiding Officer, agreed unanimously (on 3 December) that no uplift will be presented in the SPCB’s budget bid for next year with regard to Members and Ministerial salaries.
The full text of the Presiding Officer’s message to all MSPs is as follows:
Dear Colleagues
MSP pay: financial year 2021/22
Later this month, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will present its budget bid for 2021/22 to the Finance and Constitution Committee for its scrutiny.
As ever, it is the duty of the SPCB to make provision for the resources and services that Parliament needs to function. Within its annual budget bid, the SPCB is required to make provision for the salaries of all Members and Ministers.
You will no doubt recall that in the previous session of Parliament, Members voted to break the pay link between MPs and MSPs salaries. Instead of receiving 87.5% of MPs’ salaries, we voted to link our future pay increases to those of public sectors workers in Scotland, using the ASHE index.
Last year, the ASHE index applied to our salaries stood at 1.4%. This year the corresponding rate is 5.1%.
In the midst of a public health crisis with such devastating economic consequences and hardship for so many households, the SPCB unanimously agreed yesterday, that it would be wholly inappropriate for the ASHE index to be applied to MSP and Ministerial salaries next year.
Instead, the SPCB agreed that Members, Ministers and Presiding Officers will forgo a pay rise and that our budget bid to the Finance and Constitution Committee will freeze the current salary rates for Members.
These are exceptional circumstances and no other decision would have been appropriate or welcome at this time – either inside or outwith Parliament. Now more than ever is a time for political leadership where our own salaries are concerned.
I am grateful to each of the members of the SPCB for their collaboration on this matter and in agreeing the budget bid that will be made to the Finance and Constitution Committee later this month.
Hart Builders have been appointed to lead work to design around 150 brand new affordable homes at the former Silverlea care home in Salvesen. The Council-led development is expected to start on site next summer.
Hart is working with designers Smith Scott Mullan; Will Rudd Davidson; Hulley and Kirkwood and Hardies to bring forward proposals for the site as part of the £1.3 bn Granton Waterfront regeneration project.
The site will provide net zero carbon homes for social and midmarket rent as part of Edinburgh’s ambitious 20,000 affordable homes target as well as a new home for Craigroyston Community Youth Football Club.
Residents will benefit from improved energy efficiency and savings on fuel bills, helping to halt our impact on climate change. Residents will have access to high quality green space and links to the promenade and shoreline.
In addition to delivering the project, the contractor will provide a range of community benefits for surrounding residents including apprenticeships and mentoring programmes as well as supporting local organisations.
The £18m investment will be funded by the Council and grant funding from the Scottish Government.
Councillor Kate Campbell , Convener of Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work, said:“Granton is a site of national importance – recognised by the Scottish Government as strategically significant. To us it’s an opportunity to provide a large number of the much-needed affordable homes, and to open up a beautiful part of our city’s waterfront so that residents can live there, work there and enjoy it.
“The views are amazing, the history is rich – and it’s our job to build homes and community spaces so that we protect and enhance that history and make it a fantastic place to live.
“I’m delighted that we have approved significant funding for Granton Station, one of the most important historical buildings, and that we now own, and are working to light up the gas holder. It’s critical that new development grows up around these buildings respecting, and enhancing, the history of this important part of Edinburgh.
“We’ve also got plans for a coastal park linking Granton Harbour, Cramond and Lauriston Castle, which will be one of the largest coastal parks in Europe.
“Residents told us during consultation on the masterplan that they wanted to see things happening on the ground, not a document sitting on a shelf.
“Appointing a contractor for these 150 new homes at Silverlea demonstrates clearly that we’re listening, and that we will get things moving so that our collective vision for this special part of our city can be realised.”
Councillor Mandy Watt, Vice Convener, added: “All of the steps we’re taking to make homes – new and existing council owned – more sustainable are also making them warmer and more cost efficient. This helps us to tackle poverty by making the running costs of a home more affordable as well as helping us meet our targets to tackle climate change.
“Already under way is our extensive £350 million investment programme in council housing which will, over the next 10 years, make them more energy efficient, help tenants save money on their energy bills and ensure more generally they are comfortable to live in.
“The appointment of a contractor is great news as this development will not only deliver much needed affordable homes but the project will also boost employment and help our economy recover from the challenges of the pandemic.”
Gill Henry, Business Development Director for Hart Builders, part of the Cruden Group said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been selected to deliver the Silverlea project in partnership with The City of Edinburgh Council.
“This landmark development will not only deliver one of the first net zero carbon home initiatives to the capital, it also provides the opportunity to really focus on placemaking and designing homes for the future and will address many of the issues highlighted throughout the pandemic in terms of homeworking, home schooling and the importance of accessible green spaces.
“Importantly, we are looking forward to engaging with Craigroyston High School and Edinburgh College to encourage more young people into the construction industry and offer first-hand experience of a live project being constructed on their doorstep.
“We will also be offering training and employment opportunities for local SMEs; supported work placements and employment opportunities for members of the community and sponsorship for local organisations to ensure the community benefits as far as possible from this new development.”
NHS Lothian’s official charity, Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation (ELHF), have been proud to work with Hibernian FC, Warner Music and The Proclaimers on the reissue of Sunshine on Leith which was announced last week.
This special edition, pressed for the first time on 7″ clear green vinyl, is due for release on 29 January 2021 – pre-orders opened on 3 December.
The money they raise will help Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation continue to provide additional support for NHS Lothian staff during one of the largest global health crises of our lifetime.
It will also enable them to put in place a programme of longer-term, sustainable wellbeing support that will address the lasting effects of the pandemic, both in the recovery phase and beyond. In aid of this, The Proclaimers also released 100 limited edition signed copies, exclusively through Hibernian Direct.
Jane Ferguson, Foundation Director of Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation, said: “We are delighted that The Proclaimers and Warner Music have re-released Sunshine on Leith to support our partnership with Hibs and help our amazing NHS Lothian staff as they respond to the ongoing challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“Funds raised will enable Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation to continue to provide additional support for our NHS Lothian colleagues, providing a fast and flexible response to meet any urgent and emerging needs, as well as supporting them in their long term recovery from the profound impact of the virus on their physical and emotional health and wellbeing.”
In a statement Craig and Charlie Reidsaid: “We’re very happy to be supporting NHS Lothian during this challenging time for our people and health service.
“The NHS is very much loved by both of us and we have much reason to be grateful to it.”
Hibernian Captainand Scottish Cup hero David Gray added: “”Sunshine on Leith is a phenomenal club anthem and I’ll never forget it ringing out around the east stand of Hampden during the celebrations of the Scottish cup final in 2016, it was a proper hairs on the back of your neck moment.
It’s such a powerful track and whenever I hear it I always get a buzz thinking back to that day.
“This limited edition version of the track is a fantastic gesture from The Proclaimers in support of The NHS and Edinburgh and Lothian’s Health Foundation and it’s great to see them partner with the club for such a great cause. Our NHS heroes have been brilliant during this pandemic and even before then and we wear the ‘Thank You NHS’ message on our shirts with pride.
“I’m sure our fans will snap up this limited edition version and raise plenty money for the charity. I’ll be after one as well!”
