Fuel poverty will not be eliminated in Scotland until the government takes action to fix the one in two homes that have issues with weather-tightness and structural stability, says a Green MSP. Continue reading Wightman: Government must act on housing repairs to tackle fuel poverty
Craigroyston Parents Poetry Group
Makin a Brew Poetry is a creative project for parents based in North Edinburgh. The group first met through Makin a Brew’s story and music-making sessions at Craigroyston Early Years Centre in the Community High School.
The group is now two years old, as the women themselves explain in the introduction to their new collection of poems:
‘Starting on a dark January morning in 2016, we met together on a Wednesday morning to share stories, drink tea and eat cake!
‘We decided to explore the written word and poetry – something we had never done before. Over the weeks our creative juices flowed and by the time Spring was in the air we had produced many poems, written by both individuals and as a group, along with stories, music, recordings, laughter and sometimes tears.
‘And most of all, strong friendships and a belief in our creative selves.’
Susanne Malcolm, Matilda Hatse, Moira Harvey, Claire Caballero were often joined by others – Karen, Chrsitine, Waa, Callie and more. The Makin’ a Brew group is supported by musician Gica Loening and storyteller Claire McNicol.
On This Ground We Stand
On this ground we stand
Some born on this patch of earth
The Scots tongue a’ around us
Others journeyed here,
Born on distant patch of earth.
But under the same overarching sky
We walk back and forth
through the arched shopping centre
Where pigeons roost
Past the bird boxes
“No cocks allowed” written on one
“Cos them’s the house rules”
What are the house rules on
this little patch of
earth?
Walking along the yellow brick road
To our round table sanctuary
We talk, laugh and hope
for more fairness, love, kindness
On this little patch of earth
Claire McNicol
2018 sees the 70th anniversary of the NHS in Scotland, with a number of significant milestones and records marking the occasion.
Since its creation on 5 July 1948 the NHS in Scotland has seen a number of important and significant developments, including:
Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “Scotland’s NHS has changed significantly in its 70 years, but its best qualities have endured. From the care, compassion, and professionalism of our staff, to remaining a public, universal service based on need – it has been 70 years of striving at all times for the highest possible standards in clinical excellence and patient care,
“The choices, services and outcomes that NHS Scotland provides today would not have been imaginable in 1948, and it keeps adapting, developing and changing. The lesson of the years since its creation is that staying still simply isn’t an option. Through our approach of investment and reform, we will keep driving forward improvements and innovations.
“Everyone will have their own personal stories of what the NHS has done for them – why we must never take our health service for granted. I am delighted to see our NHS reach such a significant anniversary and I hope all of Scotland will join the celebrations this year as we pay tribute to everything it has achieved.”
More information on the NHS in Scotland’s 70th anniversary will be available on http://www.ournhsscotland.com/
West Pilton West Granton Community Council
Tuesday 9 January, 7pm
West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre
Dear All,
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
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
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
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
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.
