Continue reading First couples say ‘I do’ at City Chambers marriage suite
The City of Edinburgh Council will continue to prioritise frontline services for young, older and vulnerable residents while making necessary savings under the 2018/19 budget, which was set today. Continue reading Council sets budget – and approves cuts of £28 million
A Polish Second World War hero and his men are set to be honoured with a memorial bench to be placed in the courtyard at the entrance to the City of Edinburgh Council Chambers. A life-size image of General Stanislaw Maczek seated on the bench is hoped to be cast in bronze at a cost of £85,000 after a public appeal for donations. Continue reading Polish war hero memorial set for City Chambers
Edinburgh-based advocate for the homeless Mel Young (above)has been recognised by the Lord Provost after earning an award from the United States Sports Academy. Mel, founder of the Homeless World Cup and the Scottish Big Issue, follows in the footsteps of sporting giants Cristiano Ronaldo, Tiger Woods, Andre Agassi and Michael Jordan to be named winner of the Academy’s prestigious 2016 Jackie Robinson Humanitarian Award. Continue reading Mel Young recognised for his ‘concern for mankind’
Green councillors have slammed Edinburgh’s Local Development Plan, saying that it fails the city on affordable housing, traffic problems and loss of greenbelt land. Continue reading Greens slam Local Plan ‘sham’
Badminton star and community coach Christine McDiarmid Black has been presented with the British Empire Medal in recognition of her dedication to sport and coaching in her community. Continue reading British Empire Medal for badminton’s Christine
The Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Justice has congratulated six young people who have completed an 18 week work placement programme.
Kenny MacAskill MSP (Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Justice) handed out completion certificates to the Training Opportunities in Lothian (TOiL) graduates at a ceremony held at the City Chambers on Monday (9 December).
He said: “I congratulate all the young people for completing this TOiL programme and TOiL and Port of Leith Housing Association for contributing to their success.
“We have made a commitment that every school leaver under the age of 19 will be offered the opportunity of a place in meaningful learning or training. One way we are meeting this commitment is through the creation of 25,000 Modern Apprenticeships each year along with £25 million Youth Employment Scotland funding to support 10,000 young people into employment.
“As the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, I am particularly aware of the importance of such opportunities in providing positive futures for young people and their communities. I wish these young people well as they take the next step towards their future career.”
TOiL offers paid six-month work training and placements. Operated by Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA), the programme was established in 2004 and since then has helped almost 450 young people aged 16 to 24 into work and training.
Keith Anderson, Chief Executive at PoLHA, said: “We are very grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice for attending our ceremony. Young people are the lifeblood of the economy and it’s imperative there are projects, such as the this, to give them the required skills to get on the career ladder.”
One of those graduating was 18 year old Ben Hughes of Drumbrae. Ben has secured permanent employment as a direct result of the programme with J. Smart’s builders on completion of an 18 week placement with the firm. He said: “I really enjoyed the TOiL programme and the courses were great. I now have a job I love.”
Also graduating on the day were Michael Bryce, Connor Kerr, Mac Cruikshank, Danielle McGill and Lauren Edwards.
John Murray, who manages TOiL, said: “Congratulations to all the young people who have graduated and we look forward to continuing to support them as they progress in their early careers.”
As well as the young people graduating, the ceremony also honoured those involved in TOiL and there were awards for Partner Organisation of the Year which went to RTL, Award of Recognition for Good practice which went to Lothian Gas and Employer of the Year which went to CCG (Scotland) respectively.
If you are a young jobseeker or employer interested in learning more about the TOiL programme, call 554 0403.
A Book of Condolence has been opened in the City Chambers for those wishing to pay their respects to Nelson Mandela. Members of the public can sign the book between 7am and 7pm until Friday (13 December) or they can leave a message through the council website.
Lord Provost Donald Wilson was the first to sign the book on Friday. He said: “I was greatly saddened to learn of Nelson Mandela’s passing last night. But I also felt a sense of relief that he can now be at rest.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends but also with the people of South Africa as they come to terms with their great loss.
“Edinburgh has a long and close association with South Africa and its struggle for equality and, of course, with Nelson Mandela himself.
“I would encourage people to sign the Book of Condolence and to reflect upon his great courage, strength and determination. His legacy and everything it represents will live on for generations to come.”
The Lord Provost has submitted a motion to this week’s council meeting calling for a report that explores how Edinburgh can create a lasting tribute to Mr Mandela.
Once again rhis Wednesday (19 June) people will be meeting their MPs, MSPs and councillors across Edinburgh to cycle together to SPOKES’ bicycle breakfast.
Launched last year, the first Bike Breakfast saw Edinburgh residents and their political representatives bike along their cycling commuting routes to a central Edinburgh meeting at the City Chambers for the annual Spokes Bike breakfast.
This year’s organisers hope to double the number of councillors attending the rides and breakfast.
A group spokesperson said: “After a record turn out of more than 4,000 people at POP2 (Pedal on Parliament) this year it is clear our representatives have an obligation to engage with us, we are providing the perfect opportunity to have a meaningful conversation about cycling”.
For details about rides and times and how you can get involved please check our website and Facebook groups.
https://www.facebook.com/events/130759000446271/?fref=ts
This event is part of http://www.bikeweek.org.uk/
and the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling http://www.edfoc.org.uk/
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For GYC read AMP! Granton Youth Centre celebrated their tenth birthday in style at a civic reception in the City Chambers last Friday. See below for some pictures from the event – full story to follow:
