Local residents are welcome to join us to find out more about the community council, or to raise an issue for discussion!
This is a hybrid meeting – if you’d like to attend online, please get in touch for the MS Teams link. Alternatively, we can raise any issues for discussion on your behalf.
Research published today (Monday 10 March) by the Electoral Commission reveals that nearly three quarters of young people in Scotland (73%) think children and young people should learn more about politics in school or college.Young people are most interested in learning more about political parties and the difference voting makes.
The research, which surveyed 11 to 25-year-olds from across the UK, also found that 81% of young people in Scotland who live in homes where politics is discussed weekly or more often, say they are confident about voting compared to only 30% of young people living in homes where politics is never discussed.
More positively, young people who responded to the survey said that hearing about politics at school or college is, along with at home, the most trusted source of information – more so that TV or social media.
The Electoral Commission is calling for all young people in Scotland to have the opportunity to learn about democracy in school, with better support for educators to deliver engaging and effective lessons.
With the voting age being 16 in Scotland at Scottish Parliament and council elections, it is more important than ever to ensure young people understand our democracy and how they can play an active role in it.
Andy O’Neill, Head of the Electoral Commission in Scotland, said: “Young people should feel empowered to take part in our democracy, yet too many in Scotland feel disconnected from politics and uncertain about how decisions that affect them locally are made.
“It is crucial young people are equipped with the knowledge and confidence they need to engage with democracy and cast their vote.
“The Electoral Commission is expanding its work with schools and youth groups across Scotland to support democratic education, but meaningful change also requires updates to the curriculum and dedicated time for teachers to deliver democratic education in schools, ensuring all young people understand and participate in democracy.
“We will continue to work with the Scottish Government to encourage this positive change.”
The findings are being launched to mark the start of Welcome to Your Vote Week, the Electoral Commission’s annual campaign celebrating democracy and promoting further democratic education.
This year’s theme, ‘Get Informed and Get Involved,’ encourages young people to access accurate information on democracy and elections, helping them take the first steps to engage locally.”
It’s been over half a century since community councils came into existence in Scotland in 1973 – and in that time, we’ve seen over 1,200 established across the country (writes Culture and Communities Convener CLLR VAL WALKER).
These bodies are groups of residents who are passionate about their communities and play an important role in grassroots democracy.
Here in Edinburgh, the election period for our community councils has begun. Last week nominations opened to stand for election as a community councillor, this closes on 27 February. Following that we’ll hold an election only if there are more people nominated than places on the community council.
This is your chance to take a lead in your local area and make your community a better place. From campaigning on key local issues, organising meetings, chairing debates, looking out for vulnerable individuals and groups, to liaising with local and national representatives and much more – the life of a community councillor in the Capital is never ordinary.
I’m continually inspired by the stories I come across of community councils. In Lady Nairne, the Northfield and Willowbrae Community Council worked tirelessly to ensure that a solution was found when the previous 69 supported bus service ceased operations several years ago.
Following extensive engagement with ward councillors and Council officers a new route was implemented just in time for Christmas last year, which I know was a welcome gift to those residents who had long campaigned for its reinstation.
We’ve also seen Longstone Community Council lead a campaign to erect a new bridge to link their community to the Hutchison/Chesser community, as part of a new active travel project.
Initially a bridge was not part of these plans but following successful meetings with their ward councillor, Council officers and the developer some £170,000 worth of contributions were earmarked to support the delivery of the bridge. This will now go to consultation as part of the as the Longstone Link project.
These are just a couple of the many examples of the excellent work community councils are doing across our city every day. I’d encourage all residents to consider standing as a community councillor.
“From Pilton to Portobello, Muirhouse to Morningside and beyond, Edinburgh draws its strength from its people, and we need their views, ideas and expertise to move forward together.
Find out more about community councils and how to stand for election on CEC website.
The latest additions to Police Scotland’s canine search capability – Digital Evidence Detection Dogs – are currently being trained before they are deployed operationally.
The dogs will assist officers investigating a crime where a digital device, such as a smartphone, tablet and laptop, may have been used and is believed to have been hidden.
The trainee dogs – Zen, a rescue Springer Spaniel, Xena, a Springer Spaniel/Labrador cross, Max a Sprocker, gifted by the previous owners who wanted him to have an active home, Pip, a Malinois/Australian Shepherd Cross, gifted by a member of the public and Willow, a Labrador – and their three specialist handlers are a national resource.
When their specialist training is complete they will be able to detect hidden devices and hardware which existing searches may not be able to identify.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1772272340295897436
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Freeburn said: “It is now extremely common for a digital device to be used in criminal activity, which is then concealed by the perpetrator to hide incriminating evidence.
“People and businesses are spending more and more time online and criminals will use any means available to them to exploit vulnerabilities and any method at their disposal. Digital devices are becoming smaller in size and those involved in criminal activity are becoming more adept at hiding them.
“Searches by humans can be limited and the dogs will provide an additional capability which make finding hidden devices easier.
“Police Scotland is committed to keeping everyone safe and this addition to our search capabilities will ensure there is no hiding place for criminals, even in the digital world.”
“The training of the dogs takes between six and eight weeks and when complete they will be an invaluable resource to assist our officers and staff search for evidence.”
The Digital Evidence Detection Dogs search capability is an additional resource and complementary to Police Scotland’s existing canine resources including those dogs that can currently search for drugs, explosives, cash, firearms, human remains and blood.
In December 2023, Benjamin Young from Dunoon was convicted of serious sexual offences against children.
For the first time in Scotland, a Digital Evidence Detection Dog, deployed from another force, assisted during the investigation by carrying out searches which located several SIM cards.
Last week Young was sentenced to 12 years in prison and had an Order of Lifelong Restriction imposed.
Neighbours who go that extra mile have been thanked at the City of Edinburgh Council’s first Good Neighbour Awards for their inspirational commitment to their communities.Continue reading Everybody needs good neighbours!
The deadline is fast approaching for local people taking part in this year’s community council elections in Edinburgh – nominations close on Monday (26 September).
This year, nominations are being sought for 44 community councils. By becoming a member, local residents are given the opportunity to influence what happens in their area. Members can get involved in a wide range of activities, comment on planning and licensing applications, take part in community campaigns and work with others to improve the local area.
Community councils are made up of local residents and community groups such as youth forums, parent councils and student bodies. Each one is represented on the Neighbourhood Partnership for their area, where they work with local elected members, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, NHS Lothian and the voluntary sector to identify and deliver local priorities.
The first community councils were established in Edinburgh in 1980 in Merchiston and Longstone, and there are more than 500 community councillors across the city.
Cllr Maureen Child, Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee Convener, said: “Community councils are an ideal way to support communities to thrive. They allow people of all ages and from all backgrounds to meet and share ideas and to make change happen. They are a fantastic way of making public sector agencies aware of the needs of local areas, and can really help to make changes for the better.
“With only three days left until nominations close, I’d like to encourage anyone who’s interested in local democracy to get involved – be part of something great.”
People aged 16 years or older who are registered to vote can join. The nomination period for the community council elections runs until 4pm on Monday 26 September 2016. Elections, where required, will take place on Thursday 27 October 2016. Residents can apply as an individual or as a local interest group, such as a Parent Council, Friends of Parks or sports club.
Congratulations to Eileen Brash, who was chosen to be the recipient of the annual Thomas Tierney Award for Good Citizenship at last night’s Drylaw Telford Community Council meeting.
Eileen is a founding member and office-bearer of Easter Drylaw Residents Association (EDRA), the group which has campaigned to raise awareness on local issues including 20mph zones and dog-fouling.
Eileen will receive her award at the community council’s next meeting on 30 March.
