Letters: Politicians must support public services

Dear Editor,

Despite the difficulties in the lives of working people of rising prices, restricted incomes and job insecurity, they will resist gross injustices done to others.

This is the real character and humanity of working people who are subject to continuous pressure from the system under which they live to just look after themselves and to believe “ there is no such thing as society”

How can working people express their humanity from their own shrinking resources? The head and heart are willing but the resources are not there: but, in other ways it can be done that would help everyone.

The disgraceful, disgusting situation of working people not being able to pay for adequate electricity or gas supplies for heating cooking and lighting whilst millions and millions of pounds are paid to shareholders in these private companies. These industries should be publicly owned and managed for the benefit of everyone is one such way.

The same should also apply to passenger transport, rail, bus and tram, these essential services are needed by working people to access their places of work. They are not a luxury, they are also important for social and leisure activity.

All these measures can benefit everyone and can be done, expressing humanity in operation. All MP’s, MSP’s and Councillors should be pressured to support and work for this.

A. Delahoy

Silverknowes Gardens

Children’s Festival programme launched

The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival (formerly Imaginate Festival) which is running from 27 May to 4 June 2017, has launched its programme. The new name reflects Imaginate’s wider role in the sector: supporting artists to make new work year round and producing the flagship Edinburgh International Children’s Festival. Continue reading Children’s Festival programme launched

Muirhouse: It’s your choice on Saturday

The St Paul’s and Muirhouse participatory budgeting (PB) event takes place this Saturday – and you can have your say in how funds should be allocated to local initiatives.
Parish minister Steve Ashley-Emery said: “We have a possible nine applicants to present to the community on Saturday and we have Ben McPherson and Michelle Thomson coming along to the event and presenting cheques. It would be great to see local people coming along to support this community initiative”.
The event at the Old Kirk & Muirhouse Parish Church starts at 10am – free refreshments, all welcome.

City five make final cut

After three months of call-outs and auditioning over 100 young performers nationally, Scottish Youth Theatre has finally unveiled the line-up for its first ever National Ensemble – and Edinburgh’s Amy Curran (19), Annie Bowes (16), Hana Mackenzie (22), Hannah Cumming (23) and Katee McCulloch (20) have made the final 24. Continue reading City five make final cut