Edinburgh College’s electric vehicle fleet has had a green-powered boost with the arrival of two new vans, supporting its commitment to sustainable travel. Continue reading New vans electrify College’s green transport fleet
Macpherson: Scotland must have choice over future
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Ben Macpherson, says it is absolutely correct and appropriate for the people of Scotland to be offered a choice, once the options become clear, between a Tory hard Brexit and becoming an independent country.
Continue reading Macpherson: Scotland must have choice over future
Youth projects launch My Travels postcard campaign
Young people from Deaf Action in Edinburgh and The Junction based in Leith gathered at the Scottish Parliament recently to launch the ‘My Travels’ postcard campaign, run by YouthLink Scotland. Continue reading Youth projects launch My Travels postcard campaign
Housing stats raise affordable homes questions, say Greens
The Scottish Government’s quarterly housing statistics show that ministers are too reliant on the private sector to deliver housing targets, say the Scottish Greens. Continue reading Housing stats raise affordable homes questions, say Greens
Letters: Save our local services
Dear Editor
Cuts in funding for services affect people differently; most are appalled at the frequency and the damage it is doing to the local social fabric. But, as always, it is those who most in need of services are denied them, with all the consequences including further isolation within the community.
Pilton Equalities Project (PEP), an organisation based in North Edinburgh, runs many services for local people including:
- Five day care clubs
- Classes and activities in computer training, arts and crafts and literacy and numeracy
- Cooking
- A mental health issues group
These activities are attended by approximately 200 people each week.
PEP minibuses pick up from and return people to their homes; all the buses are staffed with volunteer escorts. Up to 80 other volunteers help throughout the week with other activities.
Funding cuts from the city council or Scottish Government will hit the provision of these services and the very people who are most in need.
PEP makes every effort in appealing to various social and charitable organisations for grants and support to keep these vital services going, but it is not sustainable in the long run if funding cuts continue.
PEP’s volunteers carried out 13,000 hours volunteering for local people in 2016, adding greatly to the quality of life and indeed their health.
As one of those volunteers, the reason for this letter is to raise public understanding of how serious are repeated cuts in funding for local services. With the best will and efforts, volunteers cannot operate on insufficient funding for their organisation.
A. Delahoy
Silverknowes Gardens
BEER FESTIVAL RETURNS – LAGER THAN EVER BEFORE!
Leading Scottish craft brewer, Stewart Brewing, has announced the return of its annual Edinburgh Beer Festival on Saturday 13th May. Continue reading BEER FESTIVAL RETURNS – LAGER THAN EVER BEFORE!
Pupils ready to vote in council elections
The formal notice was published ahead of the local government elections on 4 May yesterday – and a group of 16 and 17-year-old city pupils found out more about how to register to vote.
A voter registration event was held at Holy Rood RC High School, raising awareness among pupils about their eligibility to cast their vote in the Council elections for the first time.
Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for Edinburgh, said: “This is the first time 16 and 17-year-olds are eligible to vote in Scottish Council elections and it’s a great opportunity for young people to get involved in local democracy and have their say about how services are delivered where they live.
“Registration for the 4 May election ends on 17 April and it’s quick and easy to do – find out more at yourvotematters.co.uk and make your vote count.”
Asked why it was important for young people to go out and vote, Holy Rood High S5 pupil Jason Stewart-Evans, 17, said: “It gives me, as an individual, more of a say in my political system.”
Niyoshi Dave, 16, also S5, said: “I believe it is important to vote because the laws being passed right now will significantly affect my future.”
And Christy Biju, 16, S5, said: “Voting is a right we have and we should use it, especially young people because we are the future. We need to make our voices heard!”
Pictures: Ian Georgeson
Increased funding for affordable housing
Over £590 million will be made available for 2017/18 to increase the supply of affordable homes in Scotland, Angela Constance has announced. The Scottish Greens have welcomed the announcement but say that more must be done to bring empty homes back into use. Continue reading Increased funding for affordable housing
Indeyref2 confirmed: “It will be Scotland’s choice”
Independence referendum will be held between Autumn 2018 and Spring 2019
The people of Scotland must be offered a choice between a hard Brexit and becoming an independent country, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said, as she confirmed plans to seek parliamentary approval to begin discussions with the UK Government on the details of a Section 30 order to enable an independence referendum to take place. The referendum is expected to take place between Autumn 2018 and Spring 2019. Continue reading Indeyref2 confirmed: “It will be Scotland’s choice”
Simple Times at North Edinburgh Arts
Saturday 18 March 7.30pm
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