The City of Edinburgh Council and NHS Lothian have appealed for help following the theft of late-medieval masonry from the Grange area. A pair of 600-year-old architectural carved bosses – thought to have adorned the original Trinity Collegiate Church – have been stolen from the grounds of Astley Ainslie Hospital. Continue reading Medieval stones stolen from city hospital
Edinburgh SNP has launched its campaign to elect 27 Councillors in the Capital and be the largest party in City Chambers for the first time. The SNP in the Capital are fielding their largest ever number of candidates in an STV Council election with the most diverse group of candidates yet.
There are ten women among the 27 candidates and the group includes EU nationals, BME, LGBTI and disabled candidates all proud to be standing for the SNP.
SNP Council Group leader Frank Ross said: ““In standing 27 candidates in Edinburgh for the upcoming Council elections, the SNP are showing more ambition than any other political grouping.
“We have assembled a group of exceptionally talented individuals which blends the experience of sitting councillors and the fresh talents of our new candidates.
“In 2012 the SNP were the only party to have representation in each of the 17 wards across the city and we want to build on that success to win the Council election in Edinburgh on May 4th.”
Among the new faces is Kate Campbell, who is running for Portobello/Craigmillar. Ms Campbell, who’s priority is to improve housing across the city, said: “As a first time candidate I feel incredibly excited about what we can achieve. Housing is one of the areas where I want to make a big difference.
“This city desperately needs a dramatic increase of affordable homes.
“Sadly, we have too many people in temporary housing and too many in insecure tenancies that they are struggling to afford. An SNP-led administration will address this and I hope that I will be able to play my part in driving this forward.”
Another prominent candidate is Pentlands candidate Ernesta Noreikienek. Ms Noreikienek, who was born in Lithuania, said: “As an EU national in Edinburgh I know that many people are concerned with the direction the Tories are taking our City and our country. Edinburgh Council has a strong role to play in standing up for all its citizens, regardless of where they come from. I would love to have the opportunity to be part of that effort.”
SNP candidate for Liberton and Gilmerton, Derek Howie, is registered blind and he has spoken out about how he believes his experiences will add to the team: ““I have a lifetime of experience that I’m hoping to make use of if elected to the Council. During the campaign I’ve been speaking to hundreds of voters in Liberton and Gilmerton and I’d relish the chance to represent my community. It’s important that the voice of people with disabilities is heard loudly and I’ll be a strong voice ensuring that our city is accessible for everyone.”
Small business owner Simon Hayter is an SNP candidate in Sighthill/Gorgie. He said: “I’ve been proud of the SNP’s achievements on the council in the last 2 administrations. I’m hoping to be elected to represent the people of Sighthill/Gorgie and bring my experience to help find additional ways the Council can support small businesses which provide the backbone of our city’s economy.”
At the last council elections in May 2012 Labour was returned the biggest party with twenty seats, narrowly holding off a strong SNP challenge – the SNP returned 18 councillors. Both parties gained five seats and the Greens doubled their representation from three to six councillors. The big losers at the last election were the Lib Dems, whose fall from grace was quite remarkable. The Lib Dems, who had led the administration in partnership with the SNP, crashed from 16 seats to just three.
The turnout in 2012 was 42.6%. It will be interesting to see if those heady heights can be reached again next month.
West Pilton West Granton Community Council meets tonight in West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre at 7pm. All welcome.
See below for Agenda and Minutes of Last Meeting:
A computing student is using the grim experience of being homeless in London to drive his ambition of helping North Edinburgh’s jobseekers get to grips with digital technology.
Continue reading Azad Adam: From homeless in London to leading digital revolution in Muirhouse
As many as 4,800 people with health conditions and disabilities will receive help to get into work without the threat of sanctions in the first year of new Scottish employment services launched yesterday. Continue reading Help into work: Launch of devolved employment services.
A local Security Supervisor’s strong leadership skills and commitment to safety has earned him the prestigious British Security Industry Association (BSIA) Regional Security Personnel Award for ‘Best Use of Technology’ in Scotland. Continue reading Safety conscious Security Supervisor wins respected industry accolade
On Sunday 30th April the Beltane Fire Festival will return to Edinburgh’s Calton Hill to welcome the onset of Summer. Organisers have released details of this, the thirtieth Beltane to be held since it began in the 1980s, and tickets are now on sale. The modern twist on an ancient Celtic tradition will mark the changing seasons with a wild mix of drums, fire and physical theatre on a scale not seen anywhere else in the world. Continue reading How will you welcome Summer?
Drylaw team targets motorbike-related antisocial behaviour
Local police have appealed for the community’s help in tackling motorcycle crime and antisocial behaviour. Inspector James Jones said working together ‘can bring an end to this dangerous and disruptive behaviour.’ Continue reading Operation Soteria relaunch: cracking down on motorcycle crime
All pregnant women in Scotland are to receive free vitamins. The move to provide universal access will improve parent and children’s health and has widespread support among healthcare professionals.
Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell confirmed the development at Edinburgh Royal Maternity Hospital last week, where she also launched the first Scotland-only Maternal and Infant Nutrition Survey.
Ms Campbell said: “We are committed to giving every child in Scotland the very best start in life and helping women to enjoy a healthy pregnancy is a key part of this.
“There is strong evidence that taking vitamins during pregnancy improves both the mother and baby’s health. By offering them to all pregnant women we can contribute towards giving every baby a fair and equal chance – a move that is widely supported by healthcare professionals.
“I’m also pleased that the Maternal and Infant Nutrition survey is now underway. Data will be gathered on nutrition, breastfeeding, formula feeding and weaning practices and help us strengthen the support we offer to new mothers. I would strongly encourage pregnant women and families with young infants who receive a survey pack to complete and return it.”
