The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 337 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Council spend ‘supports jobs and spreads community benefits’

*Donations to the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank*

Hundreds of work placements, apprenticeships and local jobs have been created thanks to Council contracts – with over a quarter of a million pounds secured in community benefits.

In a report considered by the Finance and Resources Committee yesterday (Thursday 18 September), Councillors heard how the city’s procurement programme is helping to boost community wealth building in the city.

The Annual Procurement Report confirms contracts awarded by the Council last year brought in £253,954 in community benefits, supporting 316 work placements, 84 apprentices and 91 local jobs.

With a focus on supporting fair work and local business, almost half of Edinburgh’s spending power has been with SMEs (49%), with support for local suppliers also above the Scottish average (36%). That is alongside 93% of all Council suppliers committed to paying the Living Wage.

Community benefits delivered over the last year include:

Construction skills: Working with builders on Council construction projects, opportunities have been delivered in schools, colleges and the local community, helping to promote a new generation of specialist trades needed in Edinburgh like stonemasonry. This year 195 young people are engaged in construction pathways.
Local apprenticeships: The Granton Waterfront regeneration alone is supporting 220 apprenticeships and employability services.
The Edinburgh School Uniform Bank: With support from Council suppliers, £21,700 has been raised to roll out 20 on-site uniform banks in schools, so that young people can get the basics they need straight away and without any stigma.
Food pantry donations: Charities like Fareshare and Cyrenians have worked with suppliers to gather donations for local food banks and pantries.
Buddies for ‘New Scots’: Job support, a buddy scheme and English language teaching have been delivered thanks to 115 hours of volunteering by suppliers with The Welcoming project.
The Million Trees Project: Contractors have helped to plant new trees in contribution to Edinburgh’s Million Tree target, with contractor Anderson Strathearn planting 60 trees on the side of Arthur’s Seat to save 60 tonnes of carbon.
Community clean ups: Volunteers have worked with the Water of Leith Conservation Trust to carry out community clean ups, with CMS sending 25 volunteers to tidy waste in the Water of Leith.

Councillor Mandy Watt, Finance and Resources Convener, said: “We’re using our spending power to create local job opportunities and support Edinburgh-based businesses as far as we can. This is bringing fantastic community benefits, helping us to address issues like poverty and climate change while creating good places to live.

“This latest report shows just how much progress has been made. The difference we can make when we work together with contractors and other community organisations is huge.

“I’m keen to build on this even further to keep spend local and with Living Wage suppliers, to create even more good quality jobs and local opportunities.”

John McKinney, Scottish Traditional Building Forum, said: “We have been working with the City of Edinburgh Council to coordinate community benefit activities in construction to maximise their long-term impact for the benefit of young people and businesses in the city.

“We have made significant progress in the last year with the creation and delivery of a construction pathway piloted in schools and using community benefits. We have been working on developing and delivering this programme for the last three years and are looking forward to working with the Council to roll it out across the city.”

Julia Grindley, Trustee on the Board of the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank, said: “Donations facilitated by community benefits have significantly aided Edinburgh’s most disadvantaged families by supporting the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank to provide school uniforms and essentials, helping children overcome barriers to education, inclusion and participation.“

UK fighter jets begin NATO air defence missions to bolster European security

Royal Air Force Typhoon patrolled the skies over Poland as part of NATO’s Eastern Sentry mission

Royal Air Force Typhoons have flown their first NATO air defence sortie over Poland as part of NATO’s Eastern Sentry, strengthening the Alliance’s defences on its eastern flank following a reckless Russian drone incursion.

Two British fighter jets took off from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire on Friday night, supported by an RAF Voyager aircraft, to patrol Polish skies and deter and defend against aerial threats from Russia, including drones. They returned safely to the UK early Saturday morning.

This first operational mission follows the reckless and dangerous incursion by Russian drones into Polish sovereign airspace – the most significant violation of NATO airspace by President Putin to date since his illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine – and further breaches of NATO airspace by Russian jets and a drone over the past week.

On Monday, the Defence Secretary visited RAF Brize Norton, home of the Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft, to announce the UK’s contribution. He met with some of the RAF personnel who are among more than 400 personnel set to directly support these missions.

The UK operation comes as the UK marks the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain this weekend, with the UK and Poland sharing a poignant history. Just as during the Battle of Britain, when Polish pilots came to the aid of the UK forming one of the largest and most successful foreign contingents in the RAF, the UK is now standing side by side with the UK’s Polish allies in the face of Russian aggression.

The UK commitment follows last week’s North Atlantic Council meeting where Allies expressed full solidarity with Poland after it requested consultations under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said: “RAF Typhoons have now flown their first air defence mission over Poland, sending a clear signal: NATO airspace will be defended.

“I’m proud of the outstanding British pilots and air crew who took part in this successful operation to defend our Allies from reckless Russian aggression.

“This weekend, as we honour the heroism of the Battle of Britain generation, it is especially poignant that RAF pilots and crew are once again standing shoulder to shoulder with Poland in defence of our shared security – making us secure at home and strong abroad.”

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth, said: “Our partnership with NATO has never been stronger. This sortie marks the RAF’s first operational mission on Eastern Sentry, reinforcing the UK’s steadfast commitment to NATO and its allies.

“RAF Typhoons, supported by Voyager air-air refuelling aircraft, joined allies along the eastern flank to bolster NATO’s defence and deterrence.

“We remain agile, integrated, and ready to project airpower at range.”

This new era of threat – exemplified by Russia’s intensifying airspace violations – requires a new era for Defence, and the government is delivering the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027. The UK’s national security , the foundation of the government’s Plan for Change, starts with an unwavering commitment to NATO and Euro-Atlantic security.

The UK’s commitment to NATO is unshakeable. British Armed Forces continue to play a leading role in the Alliance, from the Army’s continuing presence in Estonia as part of NATO’s Forward Land Forces, to the RAF’s enduring air policing missions in Europe.

Over the past 18 months, the RAF has deployed Typhoons to both Poland and Romania to protect NATO airspace.

Typhoons are equipped with advanced sensors and infrared-guided ASRAAM missiles (Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles), making them ideally suited to detecting, monitoring and intercepting potential aerial threats.

Missing girl: Have you seen Pantica?

Officers are continuing to appeal for information to help trace a 12-year-old missing from Perth. Pantica Sali, also known as Garofita, was reported missing on Friday, 19 September, 2025 from the Victoria Street area.

It is understood she travelled to Edinburgh and was last seen in the city’s St James Quarter, around 1pm on Wednesday, 17 September, 2025.

She is described as being around 5ft 6in tall, of slim build, with long, dark hair.

When last seen, she was wearing a black dress, white trainers and hooped earrings. She was also carrying a supermarket carrier bag.

Inspector Jill Dolan said: “Concerns are growing for Pantica’s welfare as time passes and extensive enquiries to trace her are ongoing.

“We are speaking to relatives and friends, carrying out door to door enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage in our efforts to trace her and we continue to ask for the help of the public.

“I would appeal to anyone who has seen Pantica or who has any information on her whereabouts to contact us.

“Additionally, we would ask Pantica herself to get in touch to let us know she is safe.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 1182 of Friday, 19 September, 2025.

Salvation Army Edinburgh Earl Grey charity shop shortlisted for prestigious national award

Winners of the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards will be decided by a public vote

Salvation Army Edinburgh Earl Grey charity shop has been shortlisted for the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards. The winner will be decided by a public vote, which is now open.

The Awards, run by the Charity Retail Association, are now in their second year and are a celebration of the impact that charity shops have within their local communities. For many, charity shops are more than a place to pick up a second-hand bargain – they are community hubs that employ local people, help volunteers find friendship, and offer support to those with first-hand experience of the causes they support.

More than 5,000 nominations were received this year and, as part of the process, people were asked to share why they were nominating their favourite shop.

When asked what makes the Earl Grey shop so special, members of the public said:

“The vibe in this shop is always so upbeat and welcoming whether you are there to shop, looking for help or just to say hello. Everyone is greeted with respect and welcomed like an old friend.”

“Best charity shop in Edinburgh! Always loads of new items, well laid out and merchandised, and the friendliest helpful staff always dancing and singing no matter how busy it is.”

Margaret Rouzet, shop manager said: “Thank you so much, we are absolutely delighted!!

“We are now more determined than ever to win the whole competition, not only for us but for every Salvation Army shop out there whose staff and volunteers put so much work and dedication into every day.”

Robin Osterley OBE, Chief Executive of the Charity Retail Association, said: “Congratulations to all the shops that made the shortlist and thank you to everyone who made a nomination.

“The level of support the Awards continue to inspire highlights just how much charity shops mean to their local communities. We are now calling on the public to cast their votes and decide which shops will be crowned winners in 12 areas across the UK.”

People can vote for their favourite shop now, here:

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8448060/Vote-in-The-UK-s-Favourite-Charity-Shop-Awards-2025

Voting closes at midnight on 2 October.

To see all the shortlisted shops and for more details about the Awards, visit: https://charityretail.org.uk/the-uks-favourite-charity-shop

Scotland’s Climate Action Secretary to attend Climate Week NYC

Visit is ‘opportunity to highlight role of devolved nations in driving climate action’

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin will undertake a series of engagements in New York as part of Climate Week NYC.

Climate Week NYC brings together global leaders, businesses and civil society to address climate change and promote sustainable solutions.

In recognition of Scotland’s leadership positions as Regions4 President and European co-chair of the Under2 Coalition, Ms Martin will attend a series of meetings with member representatives as part of ongoing work to strengthen the influence of devolved, state and regional governments within international climate discussions.

Attendance at Climate Week will also be a chance to share knowledge and experience on emissions reductions and the need for a just transition with others, as well as action on creating climate resilience and enabling real, lasting and fair change across Scotland.

Speaking ahead of her visit, Ms Martin said: “No community is safe from the impacts of climate change, but the burden isn’t shared equally – with the poorest and most vulnerable suffering the most.

“Climate Week NYC gives Scotland the chance to shape the global conversation on climate finance and climate justice.

“As President of Regions4 and European co-chair of the Under2 Coalition, Scotland is pushing for more ambitious climate action – and we’re making sure that the voices of the Global South, especially women and young people, are heard loud and clear.

“I look forward to the opportunity to further build the influence of devolved, states and regional governments within the international climate debate with a strong focus on capacity building.”

The Cabinet Secretary’s programme will see her addressing the Under2 Global Ministerial Session on Monday 22 September as European Co-Chair of the Under2 Coalition.

She will also represent Scotland as President of Regions4, convening a roundtable of network members on Tuesday 23 September to inform and develop the network’s preparations for COP30.

On Wednesday 24 September the Scottish Government will co-host the livestreamed launch of a case study on the Scottish Climate Intelligence Service, in collaboration with ICLEI and Climate View.

The Cabinet Secretary will deliver opening remarks and take questions during a panel discussion emphasising the importance of and Scotland’s pioneering work on multilevel governance.

Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby and Wooden Spoon launch Junior Regional Academies to fuel the future of Wheelchair Rugby

Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby has partnered with Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of Rugby to launch the Wooden Spoon GBWR Junior Regional Academies, an initiative that will expand inclusive playing and training opportunities for juniors to engage with wheelchair rugby at both grassroots and performance levels.

Wooden Spoon has a long-standing commitment to supporting children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage, through the power of rugby. This partnership with GBWR is a natural extension of that mission; creating a dynamic, inclusive, and empowering space for young people with disabilities to thrive.

Building Tomorrow’s Champions: Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Junior Regional Academies

Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) is proud to announce a landmark partnership with Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby to launch the Wooden Spoon GBWR Junior Regional Academies; a transformative initiative set to redefine the landscape of junior wheelchair rugby across the UK.

This exciting collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the sport’s development, creating a structured and inclusive pathway for young athletes and expanding opportunities for juniors to engage with wheelchair rugby at both grassroots and performance levels.

A Game-Changer for Junior Wheelchair Rugby

The new academies will provide increased playing and training opportunities for junior athletes in both wheelchair rugby (Paralympic discipline) and Wheelchair Rugby fives, while also welcoming young people who are not currently affiliated with local clubs. Wooden Spoon’s sponsorship is instrumental in supporting this growth, helping to build a vibrant and sustainable junior community.

Why Junior Academies Matter

Many junior players currently train within senior clubs under “Safe to Play” rules. While this has enabled participation, it often limits peer-to-peer engagement. The new academies will offer a dedicated space for juniors to connect, compete, and grow alongside athletes their own age; fostering personal development, confidence, and a shared passion for the sport.

Aligned with GBWR’s Performance Pathway

The academies will serve as the first step in GBWR’s performance pathway, offering consistent, high-quality coaching and a clear route for talented young athletes to progress. This structured environment is designed to nurture the next generation of Paralympians.

Key Pillars of the Junior Academies

Talent Development: A structured environment aligned with GBWR’s talent pathway.
Inclusivity: Open to all junior players, including wheelchair ruby fives athletes.
Accessibility: Welcoming juniors regardless of club affiliation.
Competition: Regional teams will compete in tournaments, starting with the inaugural Junior Tournament on Saturday, 7th February 2026.
Academy Identity: Each academy will choose its name and design bespoke kit.
Geographic Boundaries: Players will join their nearest academy, with flexibility for border regions.
Regularity: A minimum of five sessions per year, complementing club commitments.
Junior Voice: Each academy will elect a player representative to a Junior Panel.
Coaching Excellence: Led by passionate GBWR club coaches, supported with CPD and a structured syllabus.

Launch Details

The first academy sessions will take place on the weekend of Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October 2025, with initial locations in:

North – Galashiels (Coaches: Adam Robson & Aaron Kilpatrick)
Midlands – Corby (Coaches: Jamie Higgins & Kascie Higgins)
London & South – Reading (Coaches: Sally Sycha & Omar Foster)
Wales – Location TBC (Coaches: Byron White & Dominic Evans)

Following the launch, regular sessions will be held in November, January, and March, leading up to the Junior Tournament in February 2026.

GBWR and Wooden Spoon Launch Junior Regional Academies to Fuel the Future of Wheelchair Rugby

Contact Jamie Higgins to find out more information or register your child jamie.higgins@gbwr.org.uk

Voices from the Community

Jason Brisbane, GBWR CEO, said: “This partnership with Wooden Spoon is a powerful step forward in our mission to grow the sport from the ground up.

“Junior athletes deserve a space where they can thrive, connect and dream big. These academies will be the launchpad for future Paralympians and community leaders.”

Sarah Webb, Wooden Spoon CEO, said: “Every child deserves the joy, confidence, and sense of belonging that sport brings.

“That’s why this partnership is so important, it opens the door for more young people to discover wheelchair rugby, to fulfil their dream of representing their country at the Paralympics, and to build lifelong friendships along the way.

“Together, we’re not just creating opportunities to play; we’re building a future where every child with a disability can see themselves as an athlete”

Jamie Higgins, Junior Programme Development Officer and Midlands Coach, added: “These academies will not only provide consistent, high-quality coaching through links with the Talent pathway, but also create a sense of community and competition among young players.

“We are confident this will lead to increased participation and pave the way for future wheelchair rugby stars.”

A 9-year-old junior player from the North Academy shared: “I can’t wait to play with other kids like me!

“It’s gonna be so fun making new friends and learning new stuff together.”

A Shared Mission for Inclusion and Empowerment

🔗 Learn more about Wooden Spoon at woodenspoon.org.uk

Improving access to services for disabled people

Increased investment as part of Disability Equality Plan

Additional funding of £500,000 will be delivered to strengthen access to essential services and projects that disabled people rely on.

It comes as a result of dialogue with Independent MSP Jeremy Balfour on the best way to support Disabled People’s Organisations and follows his tireless campaigning on behalf of disabled people throughout this parliamentary session.

The additional investment will support our Improving Access Fund, announced earlier this year as part of the Scottish Government’s Disability Equality Plan. This brings the total funding available in the fund to £1.5 million.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We made it very clear when launching our Disability Equality Plan that disabled people are a priority for the Scottish Government.

“In order to deliver lasting change, we must improve access to vital support and services. That’s why the Scottish Government is boosting the amount available via the Improving Access Fund. This means we are committing to invest £3 million to support the overall Disability Equality Plan and improve the lives of disabled people across Scotland.

“We also recognise the vital role Disabled People’s Organisations play in working to support and empower disabled people, and so we are committing to explore multi-year funding for those organisations.”

Independent MSP Jeremy Balfour said: “I am proud to have worked with the Scottish Government to deliver new money for disabled people in Scotland.

“This funding is a solid step in the right direction, but it must not be the last step. I believe a wider debate needs to take place on how best to support disabled people across into the next parliament.

“Delivery of a multi-year funding deal is a welcome commitment.”

Inclusion Scotland has welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government of an additional £0.5 million for the Improving Access Fund:

“This funding will help deliver the actions set out in the Disability Equality Plan launched earlier this year.

“We will continue to work alongside Glasgow Disability Alliance, Disability Equality Scotland, and disabled people to ensure the fund brings real and lasting improvements to disabled people’s everyday lives, while building momentum and commitment towards securing all the resources needed to achieve equality.”

The Improving Access Fund will open for applications in autumn this year.

Disability Equality Plan

West Pilton Community Cleanup

MONDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER from 4.30pm – 6.30pm FERRY ROAD DRIVE

**Calling All Volunteers young and old!**

We’re hosting a **Community Clean-Up** and we need YOUR help to make a difference!

**Where?** The Arena Basketball Court, Ferry Road Drive

**When?** Monday 22nd September

**Time?** 4:30PM – 6:30PM (Clean-Up)

6:30PM – 7:30PM (Refreshments at PYCP – come relax and chat!)

Let’s come together to **tidy and improve the basketball court and surrounding green space**.

Whether you can spare 30 minutes or the whole time, every helping hand counts!

**Free refreshments afterwards** at PYCP – everyone welcome!

Let’s make The Arena a space we can all be proud of.

**Supported by:** Places for People Pilton Youth and Children’s Project (PYCP), Police Scotland Edinburgh

**Tag a friend, share this post, and let’s build a cleaner, greener, more welcoming community together!**

#TheArenaBasketballCourt

Scottish politicians to clash over independence in inaugural debate of the Edinburgh Union

The Edinburgh Union will host its inaugural debate on Monday 22 September, with a panel of senior Scottish politicians debating the motion: This House Believes Scotland Should Be Independent.

The debate will feature Fergus Ewing MSP and Ben Macpherson MSP, representing the case for independence, opposite Baroness Annabel Goldie, former leader of the Scottish Conservatives, and Daniel Johnson MSP, representing the case against.

Adding to the politicians, two student speakers will join the debate, taking opposing sides on the motion, and bringing the perspectives of Edinburgh’s student body directly into the discussion.

The debate, taking place just months ahead of the 2026 Holyrood elections, promises to be a lively and timely discussion on one of the most contested questions in Scottish politics.

Founded in 2025, the Edinburgh Union, which is part of the Edinburgh Political Union, is the University of Edinburgh’s newest debating society.

It seeks to provide an apolitical platform dedicated to debate and open dialogue. With political and social conversations growing increasingly polarised, the Union’s mission is to develop an environment where ideas can be challenged constructively and where participants from all backgrounds feel empowered to engage in discussion.

This semester, the Union will host fortnightly debates in Edinburgh’s iconic Rainy Hall at New College, bringing together speakers from across the political spectrum. Upcoming motions include This House Welcomes the Legalisation of Assisted Dying and This House Believes Traditional Masculinity is Damaging to Men and Society.

Each debate will offer audience members, comprising students and academics from across Edinburgh with the opportunity to debate and challenge guest speakers from across the political spectrum.

President Finn Tyson said: ““The Edinburgh Union seeks to spark open dialogue in the capital, in a way that is not seen anywhere else in Scotland.

“We want to give students and staff the chance to engage in-person with big ideas, challenge perspectives, and form their own views through reasoned debate – all in away that reflects the diversity and voice of Scotland’s student population.

“More than a decade after the Better Together campaign’s victory in 2014, public opinion on Scottish independence remains deeply divided. That’s why we’re bringing in outstanding speakers from across the political spectrum to debate the issue – and to give our students the chance to question them directly.”

British Veterinary Association calls on political parties to prioritise veterinary education funding in Scotland

Ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has published a new manifesto, calling on Scotland’s political parties to prioritise good animal health and welfare and support veterinary education by including a number of key asks in their party manifestos.

The manifesto calls on Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) to ensure that veterinary education is properly funded and supported by removing financial barriers for universities and students, so that more homegrown talent, particularly from rural areas, can enter the profession.

The organisation is also urging the new Scottish Government to implement legislation on vital animal welfare issues, such as a complete ban on the sale and use of electric shock collars for dogs and cats and improving the welfare of farmed fish.

Launching the manifesto, BVA Scottish Branch President Vivienne Mackinnon said: “We know that there is already strong political and public backing for many of the welfare priorities we’ve set out — including a complete ban on aversive training devices like shock collars.

“The removal of financial barriers for universities and students to encourage more homegrown talent to enter the veterinary profession is vital to address the current shortage of vets in Scotland. We’re eager to work with all parties on these important issues and are urging candidates to speak with vets in their constituencies to gain a better understanding of veterinary workforce and animal welfare issues.

“Vets play a vital role in keeping pets healthy, protecting both animals and the public from disease, and ensuring high standards across the food supply chain. Our manifesto highlights the key animal welfare and workforce issues that matter most to our members across the Scottish veterinary community and calls for cross-party commitments to take meaningful action”

BVA is urging the veterinary community in Scotland to read the manifesto, share it with their networks, and engage their local MSP on veterinary education funding, shock collar ban, and five other key calls to action:

Improve the welfare of farmed fish- Implement legislation based upon the principles of humane slaughter of farmed fish as set out by the Animal Welfare Committee. As an interim measure, we welcome the new statutory guidance issued by the Government under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
Teach children about animal welfare- Make animal welfare and sentience part of the national curriculum. Children should learn about animals’ needs, duty of care, and the meaning of sentience so they grow up treating animals and people with compassion and respect.
Support the veterinary workforce– Streamline the visa/sponsorship process for international vets to attract and support veterinary talent from overseas and sustain the vital roles they contribute to in Scotland, including public health.
Tighten the regulation of fireworks- Implement the recommendations of the Fireworks Review Group as soon as possible and ensure effective application of Firework Control Zones across the country.
Champion the veterinary voice in farming policy- The veterinary profession should be recognised as a key partner in shaping agricultural policy. The new Government must commit to maintaining the current level of resource spent on the scanning surveillance network to safeguard both animal and public health.

BVA is the leading body representing vets in the UK, with around 19,000 members, including nearly 2,500 in Scotland.

For more detail read BVA’s Manifesto for Scotland’s animals, vets, and public health 2026-2031.