The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 3214 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Focus on youth at community council meeting

West Pilton West Granton Community Council

Tuesday 9 January, 7pm

West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre

Dear All,

A Happy New Year to you!

Just giving you a heads up that our January meeting will include a discussion led by Ben Macpherson MSP on the subject of crime and young people.

An invitation has been sent to the Police and the Council and to the young people and youth provision in the area to join us in this discussion.

The meeting has been moved to the 9th January to allow Ben and others to attend.

Hope to see you there,

Willie Black (Chair, West Pilton West Granton CC)

Massive public response to ivory sales ban consultation

More than 60,000 people respond to the Government’s proposed ban on ivory sales to help bring an end to elephant poaching

There has been a massive public response to the Government’s proposed ban on ivory sales – with over 60,000 responses to the public consultation, making it one of Defra’s most popular ever. Of the responses analysed so far the overwhelming majority support a ban. In the past week more than 30,000 responses were submitted before the consultation closed. Continue reading Massive public response to ivory sales ban consultation

Lord Provost looks ahead

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Frank Ross reflected on 2017 and shared his hopes for 2018 in yesterday’s Evening News …

Following another record-breaking year for Edinburgh’s festivals, our Hogmanay festivities certainly provided a stellar end to a superb 70th anniversary year.

As the world’s festival capital and a city which prides itself on its reputation as the home of Hogmanay, it is great to see the Edinburgh Evening News print today’s special New Year’s Day edition. Indeed, you are the first readers to hold a copy of this paper dated 1 January for over a century!

When this paper first went to print, the year was 1873. Sculptor William Brodie was working on a new statue to honour Edinburgh’s most loyal four-legged friend, Greyfriars Bobby, which would be unveiled later that year. The Scottish Rugby Union and Scottish Football Association were being formed for the first time, while a young Elsie Inglis grew up in India, yet to set foot in Edinburgh and influence medics across the nation.

Now, in 2018, we’ve seen our local paper continue to report on turning points in the capital’s history. Over the last 12 months alone, highlights have included the opening of the new Queensferry Crossing, our third bridge across the Forth, one built in each of the last three centuries. Photos have documented works to rebuild a new St James Centre fit for 21st Century Edinburgh, while reporters have covered the beginning of a new Council coalition administration and the crucial securing of a City Region Deal, which will enable Edinburgh and our neighbouring councils to finance important infrastructure projects and new homes for the future.

With a growing economy and an expanding population, it is so important for a city like Edinburgh to plan ahead and, in the year ahead, I hope to read more about citizens’ ambitions for their city – not just for the coming year, but for the coming decades. As part of this, we will continue to promote the creation of a vision for 2050. One which all of us can buy into and help make a reality. Already we have heard from citizens from all corners of the city about the type of place Edinburgh should be, but we need to engage everyone to make sure we get it right. So, when you make your own new year’s resolutions today, I urge you to make one for Edinburgh too. A greener city? A fairer city? Why not let us know at edinburgh.org/2050.

I also appreciate that this is a time of year which can be very hard for many people in the city, and there are urgent social issues which need to be addressed right now. That is why one of my personal priorities for 2018 will be to work with businesses and partners to build on the work of the OneCity Trust. On Saturday night, every torch lit for the Torchlight Procession provided funds towards the Trust, which works to tackle inequality across the city. One look at the photos of the torches blazing an amber trail through the city, is an indication of money raised. Yet, more needs to be done and later this month, I hope to do my part and raise thousands of pounds through my first Lord Provost’s Burns Supper in aid of the OneCity Trust.

This time of year can be particularly difficult for families with loved ones in the armed forces, and for those veterans who have returned from service. Last year I signed the Lothian Armed Forces and Veterans Covenant agreement, to improve support for the military community. I hope to see that work continue, to give stability to every member of the armed forces in Edinburgh and beyond and their families. This year, I also aim to make sure Edinburgh hosts fitting commemorations to mark the end of the centenary of WW1. You can be sure this will be a key moment for the city for 2018.

And, while Greyfriars Bobby remains a permanent reminder of his story, and how the city rallied together all those years ago to remember him with a statue, I think we all know it is time for a new tribute. One which will honour a woman who did so much for the city, for the country, for the war effort and for equality. She set foot in Edinburgh at age 14 having arrived from India, just a few years since that very first edition of the Evening News.

Let’s make 2018 the year we fundraise enough to add Edinburgh’s inspiring Elsie Inglis to the list of the very few women honoured with statues in our city. The campaign needs the people and businesses of Edinburgh’s help if we are to make it happen. If you can, please donate here: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/elsie.

Best wishes to everyone, and Happy New Year.

Frank

Frank Ross, the Right Honourable Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh

New Year, new name for North West Carers

The name will change but the project’s focus remains the same: supporting local carers young and old, North West Carers Centre annual general meeting decided last month. Members voted unanimously for a name change to open up more funding opportunities for the Prentice Centre-based project, which will become Capital Carers Ltd. in April. Continue reading New Year, new name for North West Carers

Ambulance service reports big increase in Hogmanay calls

Calls on Hogmanay were up almost 40% on last year’s levels, the Scottish Ambulance service has reported. The Service experienced a big increase in demand over Hogmanay, with Control Centres receiving 2,565 calls between 7pm on 31st December and 7am on 1st January – an increase of 38.4% compared to the same time last year. Continue reading Ambulance service reports big increase in Hogmanay calls

Prime Minister Theresa May’s New Year message

2017 has been a year of progress for the United Kingdom.

In January, I set out our objectives for the Brexit negotiations, and in the months since we have pursued them with steady purpose.

In March we triggered Article 50, putting the decision of the British people into action.

In December we reached agreement on the first phase of negotiations with our EU partners.

Next year we will move on to the vital issues of trade and security, and I am determined that we will keep up our progress in 2018.

Because whichever way you voted in the referendum, most people just want the government to get on and deliver a good Brexit, and that’s exactly what we are doing.

Making a success of Brexit is crucial, but it will not be the limit of our ambitions.

We also have to carry on making a difference here and now on the issues that matter to people’s daily lives.

That means building an economy fit for the future and taking a balanced approach to government spending, so we get our debt falling but can also invest in the things that matter – our schools, our police and our precious NHS.

Our goal is simple: more good jobs in every part of the country, and more opportunities for young people to get on in life.

The first step to a better future is getting a place at a good school.

It’s what every parent expects, and it’s what every child deserves.

So we will build more good schools, keep a tight focus on standards and discipline, and give more help and support to our fantastic teachers.

We will build more homes, so housing becomes more affordable and more families can get on – and climb up – the housing ladder.

And we will protect and enhance our natural environment for the next generation.

2018 is a special year in the life of one of our most cherished institutions, as we will celebrate the 70th birthday of our National Health Service.

It is a year to rededicate ourselves to its founding ideal: that good healthcare should be available to everyone, regardless of income.

And it’s a chance to celebrate the care and compassion of our wonderful NHS staff.

We will continue to invest in our NHS and ensure it can deliver a world-class service now and for generations to come.

As we mark the centenary of the end of the First World War, and remember the tremendous sacrifices of that conflict, the UK will remain a champion of peace and order around the world.

Together with our allies, we will continue the fight against all forms of extremism, and support our security services as they work every day to keep us safe.

When we host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in April we’ll work with our partners to tackle global problems like climate change and plastic waste in our oceans.

And as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first votes for women, let’s vow to eliminate all prejudice and discrimination from our society.

Because in the United Kingdom in 2018, everyone deserves the chance to succeed and everyone has a right to be treated with respect.

That means safe workplaces, free from harassment.

And it also means a public sphere where debate is constructive and courteous, and where we treat each other with decency.

Of course any year brings its challenges – that is true for each of us personally, as much as for our country and the world.

But the real test is not whether challenges come; it’s how you face them.

Whether you allow a task to overcome you, or tackle it head on with purpose and resolve.

I believe 2018 can be a year of renewed confidence and pride in our country.

A year in which we continue to make good progress towards a successful Brexit deal, an economy that’s fit for the future, and a stronger and fairer society for everyone.

And whatever challenges we may face, I know we will overcome them by standing united as one proud union of nations and people.

I hope that 2018 is a great year for you and your family – and I wish everyone a very happy new year.

Crackdown on ticket bots: A better chance of seeing the stars in 2018

Gig goers and sports fans will have more chance to see their favourite stars in 2018 as the Government cracks down on touts using “bots” to bulk buy tickets for resale on secondary ticketing sites. Continue reading Crackdown on ticket bots: A better chance of seeing the stars in 2018

January Garden Plant of the Month: Camellia

Camellia japonica: flowers in the snow

It’s like something out of a fairytale: when everything is still bare, the evergreen shrub Camellia japonica (also known as Japanese camellia) is already flowering abundantly. Neither cold nor snow will stop this winter bloomer. In the first four months of the year the plant sparkles with large rose-like flowers with a diameter of up to 12 cm. The combination with the large, shiny dark green leaves make it an appealing sight for everyone who wants greenery and colour on their patio, in the garden or on the balcony.

Range

There are over 2000 different cultivars of the elegant Camelia japonica, ranging from single flowered to semi-double, and double flowered varieties. The most common colours are red, white and pink, but there is also lilac, salmon and bi-coloured plants.

Camellia trivia

• The plant has featured on Chinese porcelain and paintings since the 11th century.

• The oldest Camellias in Europe can be found in the Portuguese town of Campo Bello and some are 470 years old.

• The unique flowering time makes it one of the most frequently painted garden plants, because the garden offers little alternative inspiration in the winter and early spring.

• In China the Camellia is a symbol of luck for the Chinese New Year (which falls on Friday 16 February in 2018).

Origin

As the name suggests, Camellia japonica originates from Japan, and is also native to Taiwan and Korea, where the plant prefers to grow on wooded slopes at heights of between 300 and 1100 metres. This winter bloomer is related to the tea plant Camellia sinensis and was brought to Europe in the 18th century by traders.

What to look for when buying

• Camellia is a woody plant and comes with a plant passport that shows that the grower has complied with the European Union’s phytosanitary requirements. The passport can be found on the plant’s label.

• When buying, check the number of buds that can flower and their state of ripeness. Dry or dropped buds are a sign that the Camellia will not flower optimally.

• The plant must be free of pests and diseases. Brown discolouration can occur if there’s too much moisture on the petals and botrytis (grey mould) develops.

Care tips for consumers

– Camellia japonica prefers acidic, slightly damp, easy-draining soil.

– The plant prefers a sheltered spot in partial shade.

– Although Camellia is hardy, it’s best to cover the plant in the event of a harsh or lengthy frost in order to prevent frost damage.

– Don’t allow the plant to dry out, particularly if the plant is in a pot or tub.

– Some fertiliser in March and June helps the plant to produce fresh buds.

– Camellia does not need to be pruned.

– Camellia japonica combines well with other acid soil lovers such as conifers, Rhododendron, Erica, Skimmia and Gaultheria.

New Year starts with a bang with Edinburgh’s ‘best street party ever’

Up to 75,000 people celebrated Edinburgh’s Hogmanay from the Ceilidh under the Castle with Edinburgh Gin to Hogmanay HQ and all corners of the Street Party were led in a moving rendition of Auld Lang Syne after midnight fireworks by Rag’n’Bone Man.

Underbelly, the new producers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, confirmed that the arena had sold out and a capacity crowd had enjoyed ‘the best street party ever’ with more performers and entertainment throughout the evening.

The all female Divas and Districts Pipes and Bands and LED drumming sensation Spark! made an early move to claim the evening’s best moment in an incredible drum-off with spectacular energy and light raising the crowd’s energy early in the evening on Princes Street.

The Street Party got a face lift for its 25th Anniversary from some of the best international events creatives in the world and dazzled party goers with a huge range of entertainment popping up, from parkour runners on the new ribboned stages to aerialists dancing on the sides of buildings down Edinburgh’s famous main street.

A fantastic line up of bands across the three stages in the Street Party arena included Sacred Paws, a lively dance set from Niteworks and Human League who drew a bumper crowd to the Waverley Stage, Barns Courtney, Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5 and Treacherous Orchestra on the East End Stage, the Mac Twins and Huey Morgan who got the crowd jumping at the fantastic new Castle Street DJ pod.

In a special pre-midnight moment Edinburgh’s Hogmanay played The KLF’s What Time is Love across the Street Party arena, the first time in over 20 years it has been heard and played thanks to special permission from The KLF themselves.

Sanjeev Kohli, the Hogmanay Host, kept the party going as revellers were entertained by aerialists, flash mobs, bands, choirs, and many other surprise moments on podium stages and walls throughout the arena. Sanjeev led the countdown in the crowd collecting New Year’s resolution.

This year’s spectacular Midnight Moment was, for the first time, choreographed to a specially commissioned soundscape created by Skye band Niteworks and award winning sound designer and film composer Dan Jones in collaboration with fireworks experts Titanium. Brand new fireworks called planets stunned the audience with their fizzy sherbet middles and a drum solo in the middle saw showers of pink and gold arrows ricocheting into the night sky.

At the sold-out Concert in the Gardens, Edinburgh’s own Nina Nesbitt kicked off the night sharing stories with the capacity crowd in Princes Street Gardens. The audience of 10,000 in the gardens lit up for Rag’n’Bone Man’s powerful set with the crowd going mad for Hell Yeah and his finisher Gimme Shelter by the Rolling Stones.

Councillor Ian Campbell, Vice Convener of the Culture and Communities Committee at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Yet again, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations have been the envy of cities across the globe. This has been another record-breaking year for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, with over 75,000 revellers from all over the world bringing in the bells with us at the Concert in the Gardens, Street Party and Ceilidh in the Gardens. What an extraordinary send-off for the 70th anniversary of Edinburgh’s Festivals, and a fantastic way to kick-start 2018. This was my first experience of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations and they did not disappoint. It’s true – Edinburgh really is the best place in the world to celebrate New Year.”

Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam, directors of Underbelly who produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council said: “The day started with a storm and ended with a bang – without a doubt this was the BEST PARTY EVER. Our 9 minutes fireworks choreographed to Niteworks’ and Dan Jones’ score was truly spectacular and who will forget Rag’n’Bone man leading 75,000 in Auld Lang Syne? What a special way to ring in 2018.

“We’re particularly proud of the first Bairns Afore event – it was quite magical to see families looking up and enjoying their very own midnight moment together and at 6pm in the evening!

“Our specially built DJ booth had crowds dancing in the street and under the Mac Twins and Huey Morgan right through to the wee small hours.

“It’s been spectacular and we’d like to thank all those who came and made the party such a great night for Edinburgh and Scotland.

“We’re tired and happy but tomorrow morning we will be flinging ourselves into the River Forth for the Loony Dook. It’s going to be braw!”

Free Hogmanay NightBus Services ran throughout the capital once again, supported by the City of Edinburgh Council and provided by Lothian Buses. And Edinburgh Trams again ran free services helping many partygoers get home safely.

Chief Superintendent Kenny Macdonald, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh said: “Edinburgh has once again shown why it’s one of the greatest cities in the world, welcoming in the New Year in tremendous fashion. I would like to thank all of my officers and staff and the stewards for their outstanding work in helping us deliver another fantastic event.

“Extensive planning and discussions between ourselves, City of Edinburgh Council and Underbelly took place over several months, allowing us to deploy appropriate resources within the Street Party arena and ensure we kept the public safe.

“In addition to uniformed officers, specialist resources, including armed officers were present on the evening. This was purely as a precaution, but I think it provided the public with a sense of reassurance while they enjoyed the festivities.

“It is very pleasing to note that the Street Party passed with no major incidents and only 4 arrests were made for minor disorder offences.

“A comprehensive analysis of our arrest figures will be compiled as the day continues.”

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival doesn’t stop when the bells stop ringing. Today (Monday 1 January 2018), the brave, the foolhardy and the generous dive into the chilly Firth of Forth for the Loony Dook, raising money for a huge range of charities in the process.

The New Year’s Day dip sees 1,100 ‘Dookers’ in fancy dress, ranging from the weird to the wonderful, welcome the New Year by running into the River Forth at South Queensferry. Thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets to watch the Dookers parade through the town from 9am before plunging into the chilly water under the shadow of the world famous Forth Bridges. South Queensferry has a variety of pubs, cafes and restaurants, all of which will be open on New Year’s Day.

And as dusk falls this evening, the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, celebrates its rich literary heritage and that of Scotland with projections across buildings and landmarks across the city. In a nod to Robert Burns’s poem Sketch New Year’s Day, Message from the Skies sees literary star Val McDermid join with dramaturg, Philip Howard of Pearlfisher, Edinburgh based projection company Double Take Projections and some of Scotland’s best soundscape artists to create and write a new short story which will lead audiences on a trail around Edinburgh. Message from the Skies runs until 25 January 2018 in a celebration of the Bard’s day too. Message from the Skies is a joint commission by Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and Edinburgh International Book Festival and is developed in partnership with Edinburgh City of Literature and is supported by Creative Scotland through the Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals EXPO fund.

Full details of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay are available at www.edinburghshogmanay.com