Award-winning poet, playwright and performer Hannah Lavery has been nominated to become the Scottish Capital’s next poet laureate.
A report to the City of Edinburgh Council’s Culture and Communities Committee next week (Tuesday 14 September) recommends Hannah as the next writer to be inaugurated as the sixth Edinburgh Makar.
If agreed, Hannah will take over the honorary role from Alan Spence later this year at a special reception hosted by the Lord Provost within the City Chambers.
Born and raised in the Capital, Hannah is a highly respected poet and playwright whose work has been published widely. Hannah’s poem, “Scotland, You’re no mine” was selected by Roseanne Watt as one of the Best Scottish Poems of 2019, her poetry film, Thirteen Fragments featured as part of the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Curious Festival this year and she it will feature as part of a longer work for Push the Boat Out Festival in Edinburgh, this October.
Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, Culture and Communities Vice Convener, said: “Hannah Lavery is the sixth in an illustrious line of writers who have filled this important role in Edinburgh, the original City of Literature.
“Hannah is a fantastic choice, an accomplished and highly-regarded writer whose work inspires and generates important conversations, and I’m sure she’ll take the role in fascinating new directions.
“The Council continues to show its commitment to the celebration of writers and literature which enhance the capital’s international reputation, including establishing the post of the Edinburgh Makar, a Scots word celebrating the role of the writer as a skilled crafter of words and images.
“I’m truly delighted that Hannah has been nominated as the Capital’s next Makar. She of course follows the brilliant Alan Spence, who has been an impressive advocate and ambassador for Edinburgh and for poetry, and whose interest in international dialogue and exchange has undoubtedly enhanced the city’s global reputation.
“It has been a pleasure to experience Alan’s perspective of the Capital and we would like to thank him for the dedication and insight that he has brought to the role.
Hannah Lavery, said: “I am thrilled to be nominated and to be given the opportunity to build upon the work of Alan Spence and previous Makars.
“Edinburgh is in my bones – to be nominated as her Makar is an absolute honour and privilege”.
The Edinburgh Makar is a civic post instituted in 2002 by the City of Edinburgh Council. The writer is selected and nominated by representatives of the Scottish Poetry Library, Scottish PEN, The Saltire Society, Edinburgh City of Literature Trust and the Council.
We have a few places available in an adult education outdoor art course that will offer some weather protection as it is based at Ocean Terminal, with indoor and outdoor opportunities, great views, lots of ventilation, social distancing and a lovely friendly tutor.
The course is running on 21st and 28th September from 10.30-1.30pm (3 hours each session). Enrolments must be made by Tuesday 14th September so please act quickly and please spread the word.
Fees are £24.75 for the standard fee and £15 for senior citizens, students and people receiving benefits.
It is a great way to ease back into adult education courses (which we hope will be back soon) and will offer an opportunity to have some technique demonstration and support for your creativity to progress, whether a complete beginner or someone who has been sketching for years.
No entry requirements and everyone welcome! The course will be based at Ocean Terminal, with access to an outdoor area as well as an indoor shop floor with plenty of space for social distancing – so you can choose to be outdoors and indoors during the time. The views are excellent and lots of exciting scenarios to sketch.
OVERVIEW / INTRODUCTION TO COURSE:
A chance to sketch outdoors in companionable quiet with as much or as little tutor input as desired, a loose course structure devised to gently stretch your abilities with a suggested (but ultimately optional) focus, technique and/ or medium each week, the opportunity to get peer and tutor feedback (again, if desired) or to just enjoy yourself.
HOW THE COURSE WILL BE TAUGHT:
See above. A loose structure with suggested foci and media but lots of choice and flexibility to reflect varied student needs and interests.
WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT TO LEARN:
Students will be provided with support to develop their own style, through guidance on techniques and feedback from the tutor.
RESOURCES / ADDITIONAL COSTS REQUIRED BY STUDENTS:
Art students need to provide- a decent quality sketchpad, A3 size, with a minimum paper weight of 90 mcg; sketching pencils of preferred density (2B minimum suggested); bottle of water for wet media; optional watercolours/ watercolour pencils/ oil bar/ dry pastels/ charcoal/ sketching pens/ acrylic paints/ brushes; a sun hat and sun cream or waterproof jacket depending on the forecast comfortable and practical footwear; water bottle; hand sanitiser; a folding camping stool or small cushion for sitting on; snack (optional).
HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES:
See above for sun hat, sun cream, hand sanitiser, kitchen or toilet roll for tidying up wet materials and spillages. Please sharpen pencils in advance or use pencil sharpeners rather than Stanley knives or other blades to lessen the likelihood of needing the First Aid box!
More than 4000 people have told the city council what they think of proposals to introduce a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Edinburgh, with less than two weeks left to take part in the consultation.
CEC is seeking people’s views on proposals for an LEZ in Edinburgh’s city centre, which would require all motor vehicles, other than mopeds and motorcycles (and exempted vehicles), to meet minimum emissions standards to enter the zone freely. The council intends to introduce the LEZ by spring 2022, with a two-year grace period before enforcement begins, to help people adjust to the changes.
People have until 20 September to take part in the consultation asking about travel habits and for responses to the scheme, including the city centre boundary, the two-year grace period and exemptions. As of Thursday (9 September), 4025 people had already responded.
To help you have your say on the proposals, the council has put together some key facts about the LEZ (below).
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “It’s great that so many people have already taken the time to share their views on our proposals. This is a change that could affect anyone coming into the city centre, as well as all those that live here, so I would encourage as many people as possible to take part before the consultation closes.
“It’s really important that people are able to make informed responses to the consultation, which is why we’ve gathered together some key facts about the scheme, and we hope these will dispel some of the myths about how it would operate.
Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “People have already told us how important clean air is to them, and our proposals aim to improve air quality while also supporting all those who live and work here to adjust to the changes.
“By reducing the most polluting vehicles in the city, alongside other projects to reduce congestion and facilitate travel by foot, bike or wheel, we could create a safer, cleaner and healthier city.”
Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Scotland said: “Low Emission Zones are a vital step towards improving Scotland’s air quality and people’s lung health.
“Air pollution causes as many as 2000 premature deaths in Scotland every year so it is crucial that we take steps to reduce the levels we are exposed to, especially in our busy cities.
“We encourage everyone to take a moment and have their say to help ensure the Edinburgh LEZ plan is robust and will help to create a world where everyone can breathe clean air with healthy lungs.”
Feedback to the consultation will help inform a finalised LEZ plan, to be brought back to the Transport and Environment Committee in the autumn, before the statutory process for introducing the scheme begins.
In 2019 we carried out a consultation on initial proposals for LEZs in Edinburgh, with responses showing that cleaner air is important to everyone.
LEZ: Key facts
Why are we introducing an LEZ?
We want to reduce air pollution, for which road traffic is the main source. By limiting the most polluting vehicles in the LEZ we want to create cleaner air and improve people’s health in this densely populated part of the city.
Introducing the LEZ will significantly improve air quality, reducing traffic related (NO2 – nitrogen dioxide) emissions in the city centre by 55% – equivalent to 25-30 tonnes per year, when compared to 2019 levels.
Will this negatively impact those who need to drive in the city?
We want to make sure that those who need to drive into the city still can, so blue badge holders and emergency vehicles will be amongst those exempt from the restrictions.
Only the most polluting vehicles will be affected – we expect the majority of drivers not to be affected by the changes.
By the time enforcement begins in 2024 only diesel cars less than nine years old and petrol cars less than 18 years old will be able to drive in the zone.
Why are we proposing a boundary that only covers the city centre and not the whole city?
An evidence-led approach was taken when appraising options for an LEZ, adhering to the National Low Emission Framework and based on detailed traffic and air quality modelling and data. Each option was assessed against a series of principles and objectives including the reduction of harmful NO2 and greenhouse gas emissions and minimising the displacement of traffic as a result of the LEZ.
This work suggested a citywide boundary would have a limited impact, with commercial fleet already improving in emissions standards. In 2020, Edinburgh traffic surveys showed Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) were already 76-95% compliant, while Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs), or vans, had increased in compliance to 48% from 7% in 2016.
Over 60% of bus and coach fleet here (excluding Lothian Buses) was compliant in February 2020 and Lothian Buses are already on the road to reaching full compliance with the LEZ requirements by the end of 2021.
It is anticipated that the effects of vehicles complying with a city centre boundary will filter out to the wider city, with all buses and taxis becoming compliant with LEZ rules covering the whole city. According to modelling by SEPA, for areas that are not in the LEZ, it is predicted that harmful Nitrogen Oxides emissions from traffic sources will decline by 15% when compared to 2019 levels.
Will an LEZ generate money for the Council but disproportionately affect low income households?
LEZs improve public health and help to save money, supporting the NHS to reduce health inequalities. By allowing a two-year grace period we want to give people time to prepare for the changes before 2024.
Scotland’s LEZs will issue fines to the most polluting vehicles only and are not designed to generate income. The Scottish LEZs are not designed in the same way as the Clean Air Zones in other parts of the UK which essentially set a fee for entering in a non-compliant vehicle. The Edinburgh LEZ will issue fines for non-compliance set at rates which will discourage repeat contraventions.
Is this a Council strategy or something encouraged by the Scottish Government?
We have been working to introduce an LEZ in Edinburgh since 2018 in line with the Scottish Government’s commitment to implement LEZs in Scotland’s four largest cities – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee – to tackle air pollution and protect public health.
Our own City Mobility Plan – Edinburgh’s ten-year-transport strategy – commits to developing an LEZ alongside several other measures to tackle congestion, support cleaner air and support the move towards low emission transport. These include the Workplace Parking Levy (subject to consultation), the completion of the tram line to Newhaven and expansion of the active travel network.
Are you planning to increase electric vehicle charging infrastructure to help people comply with the LEZ?
Although you don’t have to have an electric vehicle to drive in the LEZ (newer petrol and diesel vehicles will still be allowed), the Council is working to develop electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the city to help facilitate these types of vehicles.
We’ve been awarded £2.2m of funding from Transport Scotland through the Switched-On Towns and Cities Fund for installing on street chargers. A total of 66 of these chargers will be put in across the city as part of the first phase of implementation. This is expected to be completed by 31 March 2022.
There are already publicly accessible electric vehicle chargers located around the city. Their locations can be found on the Charge Place Scotland website.
Edinburgh’s Transport leaders have welcomed calls by more than 140 medical professionals to retain and expand upon measures introduced to support walking, wheeling and cycling during lockdown.
Doctors and health workers from across the city have published an open letter to the City of Edinburgh Council in support of the Travelling Safely programme, formerly Spaces for People.
The group cites the positive impacts of more active travel on health, inequality, air quality and in tackling the climate crisis, amongst other benefits.
In June, Transport and Environment Committee approved proposals to retain some of the schemes on an experimental basis, to remove others post-pandemic and to engage further with communities on options for a handful of measures.
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener said: “The collective voice of this wide range of medical and health professionals is incredibly welcome.
“We’ve been vocal about our commitment to encourage travel by foot, wheel or bike, and the benefits this brings, but to have the support of the medical profession demonstrates just how crucial investment in safe, protected routes is.
“Over the last year and a half we’ve introduced changes which have helped many people to feel newly confident about walking, cycling and wheeling safely. There are, of course, tens of thousands of people in Edinburgh who don’t have access to a car. We now have the opportunity to extend the lifespan of many of these measures and to improve upon them so that they work for as many people as possible.
“The evidence is clear and well expressed in this letter – there’s so much to gain from active travel, in terms of health, quality of life and in limiting our impact on the climate. We simply cannot return to the status quo, where private car journeys dominate the streets.
“By retaining the majority of schemes introduced through Spaces for People, we’re laying the foundations for a happier, healthier future for everyone here.
Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “It’s indisputable that walking, wheeling or cycling, whether for leisure or commuting, has a positive impact on our health, our state of mind and our pockets, as well as the air we breathe. We wholeheartedly recognise and support these calls to retain and expand on the measures we’ve introduced during the pandemic.
“Temporary protected cycle lanes, widened pavements and quiet routes have helped families to walk safely to school, shoppers to spend time strolling through some of our iconic city centre streets and people trying out cycling for the first time.
“We really want to continue delivering these benefits, and we’ll be working hard to make sure the measures we have kept do just that.”
We are a group of doctors and other health professionals, living or working in Edinburgh, and write to support the retention and extension of changes to travel infrastructure in Edinburgh and the Lothians, to improve public health and mitigate climate emergency. We hope that the points and evidence below will support the council to make decisions that will help to benefit, protect, and reduce inequalities in the health of the population of Edinburgh.
Climate crisis and health
One of the duties of a doctor as stated by the General Medical Council is “to protect and promote the health of patients and the public”1. As health professionals we have been reminded by our professional bodies of our responsibilities to raise the profile of the climate emergency, which is a public health emergency likely to have a much greater impact than COVID-192,3.
We have a responsibility to speak up for disadvantaged groups who are disproportionately vulnerable to the health and economic impacts of the climate crisis.
Health Inequality
Those living in areas of deprivation are less likely to drive but much more likely to be injured in a road traffic collision6. Rates of pedestrian casualties are twice as high in children as in adults, and pedestrians over 70 years of age have the highest fatality rate7.
Many of our patients do not have the financial means, health status, or abilities to access private car transport. Children, the frail elderly, and people with chronic illnesses or disabilities are disadvantaged in opportunities to access services and community by systems which prioritise private car transport.
Moves to promote safe active travel, including widening of pavements and provision of segregated paths, make the urban environment more accessible for people with disabilities and release road space for reliable and efficient public transport.
Measures to improve the urban environment and promote active travel in Edinburgh will differentially benefit the most disadvantaged members of our community and so help to reduce health inequalities in Edinburgh. We ask that councillors carefully consider the differential impact of decisions to prioritise private car transport on those for whom private car transport is not an option.
Air pollution and health
Air pollution is strongly associated with poor health outcomes. A joint Royal College of Physicians and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health report estimated that outdoor air pollution causes 40,000 deaths a year in the UK. Data from Scotland shows a particularly strong association between air pollution and respiratory disease and deaths. Transport – predominantly car transport – is the main source of air pollution in Scotland.
Edinburgh City Council has six Air Quality Management Areas, with concerning levels of air pollution related to vehicular traffic.
Decisive action from the council to promote active travel and reduce private car traffic in Edinburgh will help to reduce air pollution and associated harm to health.
Physical activity and health
Regular physical activity is associated with improved health outcomes at all ages13.
UK Chief Medical Officers recommend that children and young people should engage in moderate physical activity for at least one hour every day. For adults, 150 minutes of moderate activity per week is associated with a 40% reduction in risk of type 2 diabetes, 35% reduction in heart disease, 25% reduction in joint and back pain, and 20% reduction in bowel and breast cancer13.
National data indicates that in Scotland during 2019 only 66% of adults met this target, whilst in the same year fewer than 50% of journeys under two miles were made on foot14.
Segregated active travel infrastructure allows everyone to increase their physical activity levels through active travel; not only those who already enjoy regular physical activity.
We ask that the council considers the beneficial and protective health effects of physical activity when considering its decisions about travel infrastructure in Edinburgh.
Behaviour change for public health
Changing established patterns of behaviour is difficult. We understand that a move away from the current position of private car dependency can feel difficult.
Bold Scottish strategies have led to strikingly effective population shifts in behaviour for better health; tobacco smoking restrictions have saved many lives, and early data suggests that minimum alcohol unit pricing has reduced the amount of alcohol purchased by the heaviest alcohol consumers15,16. Both of these strategies met with initial resistance, but are now broadly supported.
Now, local government in Edinburgh has the potential to lead a bold and exemplary modal shift away from car-dependence which will benefit and protect the health of the people of Edinburgh.
Key Points
As health professionals, we have a responsibility to protect and promote the health of the population. We have a responsibility to address inequalities and to advocate for the needs of the most deprived and disadvantaged members of the population we serve.
We are concerned about the impact of the climate crisis on health, globally and locally.
We are concerned about harms to health caused by air pollution in Edinburgh.
Regular physical activity is associated with improved health outcomes at all ages.
We support the retention, and further development and integration of infrastructures designed to support active travel and clean air for the whole population of Edinburgh, to mitigate inequalities in health, local mobility, and air quality.
This includes quiet routes in the vicinity of schools to allow safe active travel for families, an integrated network of segregated safe paths for cycling, city-wide subsidised cycle hire programmes, and low-emission zones.
We are concerned that suggested steps to reverse active travel measures introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic would be a retrograde and harmful step for the health of the population of Edinburgh.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Laura McWhirter, Consultant Neuropsychiatrist, Edinburgh Neil Aitken, Physiotherapist, Neil Aitken Physiotherapy Ltd, Edinburgh Dr Niall H. Anderson, Senior Lecturer in Medical Statistics, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh Dr Ross Archibald, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, NHS Lothian Dr Elika Aspinall, General Practitioner, NHS Lothian Dr Katherine Atkins, Chancellor’s Fellow, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh Dr Paul Bailey, General Practitioner, NHS Lothian Miss Emily Baird, Consultant, Children’s Orthopaedics, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People Edinburgh Dr Kasia Banas, UG Talent Lead and Programme Director in Data-Driven Innovation for Health and Social Care, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh Dr Ravneet Batra, Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist, Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, Western General Hospital Dr Roland Baumann, General Practitioner, Niddrie Medical Practice, Edinburgh Dr Craig Beattie, Consultant Anaesthetist, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Monika Beatty, Consultant in Critical Care, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Sam Bennett, Foundation Doctor, Acute Medicine, Western General Hospital Ms Katherine Bethell, Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Programme Manager, Chalmers Sexual Health Centre (Lothian) and Sandyford Centre (GGC) Dr David Birrell, Emergency medicine trainee, Royal infirmary of Edinburgh; Honorary Clinical Fellow, University of Edinburgh Professor James Boardman, Professor of Neonatal Medicine, University of Edinburgh Dr Friederike Boellert, Respiratory Consultant, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh Dr Kirsty Boyd, Reader in Palliative Care, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh Dr Tom Bloomfield, Consultant Anaesthetist, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Mr Paul Brennan, Reader and Honorary Consultant Neurosurgeon, University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian Mr Iain Brown, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr John Budd, General Practitioner, Edinburgh Access Practice, and Co-ordinator of Lothian Deprivation Interest Group Dr Rosamunde Burns, Consultant Anaesthetist, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Peter Cairns, General Practitioner, Wester Hailes Medical Practice Professor Alan Carson, Consultant Neuropsychiatrist, University of Edinburgh Dr Simon Chillingworth, Consultant Anaesthetist, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Professor Richard Chin, Professor of Paediatric Neurology and Clinical Epidemiology, Honorary Consultant Paediatric Neurologist, University of Edinburgh and The Royal Hospital for Children and Young People Dr Sarah Clay, Locum General Practitioner, Niddrie Medical Practice, and Specialty Doctor in Palliative Care Dr Elizabeth Cole, Anaesthetics registrar, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Catherine Collinson, Consultant Anaesthetist, Department of Anaesthesia, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Claire Cooke-Jones, Trainee Anaesthetist, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Robert Cooke-Jones, Trainee General Practitioner, Inchpark Surgery, Edinburgh Dr Nadine Cossette, Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Helen Creedon, Clinical Fellow in Oncology, University of Edinburgh Dr Julia Critchley, Consultant Anaesthetist, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Craig Davidson, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, NHS Lothian Professor Adrian Davis, Professor of Transport & Health, Edinburgh Napier University Dr Christopher Dickens, General Practitioner, Edinburgh Ms Lynsey Downie, Anaesthesia Associate, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary Mr Andrew Duckworth, Senior Lecturer and Consultant Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon, Edinburgh Orthopaedics and University of Edinburgh Mr Joseph Duncumb, Orthopaedic Surgery Registrar, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Tamasin Evans, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Edinburgh Cancer Centre Dr Alasdair Fitzgerald, Clinical Lead, Rehabilitation Services and Consultant in Neurorehabilitation, Astley Ainslie Hospital, Edinburgh Dr Nicholas Fletcher, Trainee General Practitioner, NHS Education Scotland Professor Sue Fletcher-Watson, Chair in Developmental Psychology, Division of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh Mr Martin Gemmell, Principal Educational Psychologist, City of Edinburgh Council Ms Paula Gardiner, Neurological Specialist Physiotherapist and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, Edinburgh Dr Cameron J Fairfield, Clinical Research Fellow, University of Edinburgh Dr Gavin Francis, General Practitioner, Dalkeith Road Medical Practice, Edinburgh Dr Allan Gordon, Retired Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Edinburgh Dr Claire Gordon, Consultant in Acute Medicine, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh Dr Rebecca Gormley, Anaesthetic Core Trainee, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Peter S Hall, Honorary Consultant Medical Oncologist, Edinburgh Cancer Centre at St John’s Hospital and the Western General Hospital Dr Helen Hare, Junior Doctor, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary Dr Simon Heaney, Consultant Anaesthetist, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Ingrid Hoeritzauer, Consultant Neurologist and Acute Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Catriona Howes, Consultant Psychiatrist, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh Dr Seán Keating, Consultant in Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Malik Jahangeer, Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer, University of Edinburgh Dr Marc Janssens, Consultant Anaesthetist, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Mr Aimun Jamjoom, Speciality Neurosurgery Trainee, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary Dr Michelle Jeffrey, Consultant Sports and Exercise Medicine, Sportscotland Institute of Sport, Oriam, Edinburgh Dr Guy Johnson, General Practitioner (retired), Sighthill Health Centre Professor John Keating, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh; Honorary Senior Lecturer, Edinburgh University Dr Stephanie Kelly, Clinical Fellow in Intensive Care, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Dean Kerslake, Consultant, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Alice King, Trainee General Practitioner, Edinburgh Dr Oliver Koch, Consultant & Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer in Infectious Diseases, Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, Western General Hospital Dr Rebecca Lawrence, Consultant Psychiatrist in Addictions, Royal Edinburgh Hospital Mr Graham Lawson, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Yvonne Leavy, Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist (epilepsy) Department for Clinical Neurosciences, RHCYP, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Katharine Logan, Consultant Psychiatrist in Psychotherapy, Rivers Centre, Edinburgh Dr Nazir Lone, Honorary Consultant and Senior Lecturer in Critical Care, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian and University of Edinburgh Dr Carey Lunan, General Practitioner, Craigmillar Medical GroupDr Saturnino Luz, Reader in Medical Informatics, Usher Institute, Medical School, The University of Edinburgh Dr Saturnino Luz, Reader in Medical Informatics, Usher Institute, Medical School, The University of Edinburgh Dr Sonia MacCallum, General Practitioner, Niddrie Medical Practice Dr Claire Mackintosh, Consultant Infectious Disease Physician and Clinical Director, Regional Infectious Disease Unit, NHS Lothian Dr Ivan Marples, Consultant in Pain Medicine and Anaesthesia, Leith Community Treatment Centre Dr Katie Marwick, Clinical Lecturer in Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh Dr Alexander von Maydell, Junior Doctor, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Miss Julie McBirnie, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Spire Shawfair Park Hospital Professor Alison McCallum, Centre for Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh Dr Dermot McKeown, Consultant Anaesthetist, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Professor Andrew McIntosh, Professor of Biological Psychiatry and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, University of Edinburgh Dr Christina McManus, Doctor, Western General Hospital Dr Carinne McMurray, General Practitioner, Craigmillar Medical Group Professor Stewart Mercer, Professor of Primary Care and Multimorbidity, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh; General Practitioner, NHS Lothian Dr Eve Miller-Hodges, Senior Clinical Lecturer & Honorary Consultant in Inherited Metabolic Disorders and Renal Medicine, Scottish Inherited Metabolic Disorders Service & University of Edinburgh Dr Lyle Moncur, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Mr Matthew Moran, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Catriona Morton, General Practitioner, Craigmillar Medical Group Dr Megan Mowbray, Consultant Dermatologist, Clinical Lead Dermatology, Skin Cancer Lead NHS Fife, Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline (& resident of Edinburgh) Mr Samuel Molyneux, Consultant in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Ms Mome Mukherjee, Senior Research Fellow, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh Dr Nóra Murray-Cavanagh, Clinical Lead General Practitioner, Wester Hailes Medical Practice Dr Susan Nelson, General Practitioner, Mackenzie Medical Centre, Edinburgh Dr Anna Noble, General Practitioner, Wester Hailes Medical Practice David Obree, Archie Duncan Fellow in Medical Ethics and Fellow in Medical Education, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh Dr Richard O’Brien, Consultant Stroke Physician, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer, University of Edinburgh Dr Laura O’Conaire, General Practitioner, Braefoot Medical Practice, Edinburgh Dr Rory O’Conaire, General Practitioner, West End Medical Practice, Edinburgh Dr Ailis Orr, Consultant Paediatrician, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh Mr James Patton, Clinical Director Orthopaedics, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Royal Infirmary Edinburgh Dr. Meghan Perry, Consultant Physician and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer in Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh Dr Sharon Peoples, Consultant in Clinical Oncology, Edinburgh Cancer Centre Professor Martyn Pickersgill, Co-Director of Research, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh Dr Evgeniya Plotnikova, Teaching Fellow, Master of Public Health Programme, University of Edinburgh Dr S.G. Potts, Consultant in Transplant Psychiatry, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Michael Quinn, General Practitioner, Craigmillar Medical Group Dr Martin Quirke, Research Fellow, Centre for Environment, Dementia and Ageing Research, University of Stirling (& resident of Edinburgh) Dr Kristiina Rannikmäe, Consultant Neurologist and Clinical Research Fellow, Forth Valley Royal Hospital and University of Edinburgh Ms Aїcha Reid, Registered Educational Psychologist, Edinburgh Dr Helga Rhein, General Practitioner (retired), Edinburgh Dr Helen Riches, General Practitioner, Restalrig Park Medical Centre, Edinburgh Professor Craig Ritchie, Professor of Psychiatry of Ageing, University of Edinburgh; Director of Brain Health Scotland Dr Alasdair Ruthven, Consultant Anaesthetist, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Professor Rustam Al-Shahi Salman, Professor of Clinical Neurology at the University of Edinburgh; Honorary consultant neurologist in NHS Lothian Dr Euan Sandilands, Consultant Toxicologist and Director National Poisons Information Service (Edinburgh); Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer, University of Edinburgh Ms Chloe Scott, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Ann Sergeant, Consultant Dermatologist, NHS Fife (Edinburgh resident) Dr Anthony Simon, General Practitioner, Craigmillar Medical Group Dr Chris Smith, Foundation Doctor, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh Dr Nick Spencer, Anaesthetic Trainee, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh Dr Andrew Stanfield, Senior Clinical Research Fellow and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, University of Edinburgh Dr Elizabeth Steel, Consultant Anaesthetist, Royal infirmary Edinburgh Professor Jon Stone, Consultant Neurologist, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and University of Edinburgh Professor Cathie Sudlow, Professor of Neurology and Clinical Epidemiology and Head of the Centre for Medical Informatics, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh Dr Digby Thomas, General Practitioner to the homeless 2001-2021, Edinburgh Homeless/Access Practice Dr Sarah Thompson, Consultant Anaesthetist, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Professor Lindsay Thomson, Professor of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh; Medical Director of the State Hospitals Board for Scotland and the Forensic Mental Health Managed Care Network Dr Fionn Toolis, General Practitioner, Wester Hailes Medical Practice, Edinburgh Professor Neil Turner, Professor of Nephrology, University of Edinburgh; Honorary Consultant, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Stefan Unger, Consultant Respiratory Paediatrician, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People Dr Helen Usher, Consultant Anaesthetist, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Anna te Water Naudé, Acute Medicine Core Trainee, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Stephen Walls, Senior Charge Nurse, General Intensive Care, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Charles Wallis, Consultant Anaesthetist and Chair of Bicycle Users Group, Western General Hospital Dr Andrew Watson, Associate Medical Director for Psychiatry, NHS Lothian Ms Abby White, Psychiatric Nurse, Edinburgh Mr T.O. White, Consultant Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon (Clinical Lead for Trauma), Royal Infirmary Edinburgh, and Honorary Lecturer, University of Edinburgh Dr William Whiteley, Reader in Neurology, University of Edinburgh; Honorary Consultant Neurologist, NHS Lothian Dr E.B. Wilson, Emergency Department Consultant, Emergency Department, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Dr Hilary Young, General Practitioner, Mackenzie Medical Centre / University of Edinburgh
Post-publication supporters: (added after 6th September 2021):
Dr Anna Gaskell, General Practitioner, Newbattle Medical Practice Dr Andrew Grant, Consultant Anaesthetist, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Lydia Howells, Lead Nurse for Quality & Standards, NHS Lothian Dr Catriona McLean, Clinical Director and Consultant Clinical Oncologist – Lower GI Cancer, Edinburgh Cancer Centre Professor Gillian Mead, Chair of Stroke and Elderly Medicine, University of Edinburgh Dr David Noble, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Edinburgh Cancer Centre Dr Faye Robertson, Oncology Registrar, Edinburgh Cancer Centre Professor Roy Robertson, Chair of Addiction Medicine, University of Edinburgh, and General Practitioner, Edinburgh Louise Starkey, Practice Nurse, Slateford Medical Practice, Edinburgh Dr Lucy Wall, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Edinburgh Cancer Centre
Proposals for an exciting new residential development at New Mart Road, Chesser, have been announced today, creating a new urban quarter.
Watkin Jones Group, a leading developer and manager of homes for rent, has revealed proposals to redevelop land to the rear of the Corn Exchange, which includes the World of Football and World of Bowling buildings. .
The proposed high-quality mixed-use brownfield development will comprise primarily of build-to-rent (BTR) homes, including affordable homes, as well as managed student accommodation, forming a mixed-tenure urban residential village. This forms part of an overall regeneration of the brownfield site following the recent acquisition of the Corn Exchange building concert venue by the Academy Music Group, to be called the O2 Academy Edinburgh.
Completing the work in 2025, should planning permission be given, the regeneration of this brownfield site – formerly comprising a mix of listed and unlisted buildings originally used as an auction mart and livestock sheds – will seek to retain the character and elements of the buildings. This will ensure their long-term viable future, all of which is considered in the creation of community spaces and public realm within the proposed scheme.
The World of Football and World of Bowling have provided a suitable uses and adaptation of the former auction mart buildings and livestock sheds for over 22 years, however their condition currently requires considerable investment on an ongoing basis.
To bring the buildings up to standard is a continual test, burden and cost for the business. Investment in recent state of the art facilities such as World of Football at Marine Drive show that they can provide far more viable spaces without the ongoing cost and environmental impact that old out of date buildings unfortunately provide.
The BTR apartments will comprise a mix of studios, one bedroom, two bedroom and three-bedroom flats. Within the building it is proposed there are areas of communal amenity such as working from home and study space, a communal lounge, exercise facilities, management suite and reception, bike storage and large shared kitchen.
Student bed spaces are proposed as a mix of studio and cluster rooms each with their own ensuite. This will also have a range of communal amenity spaces, bike storage, management suite and reception areas.
Reflecting the heritage of the site, a significant proportion of the former livestock shed frames will be retained and incorporated into the overall development. There will also be a variety of external high-quality communal spaces. The development is proposed as a car free scheme with parking limited to accessible parking only and maximising the good quality public transport and active travel links to the site.
Each of the key areas of public realm and open space will be given an identity as part of the overall masterplan, reflecting the history of the site, including a large central public square. This will form a connection between the proposed development and the O2 Academy Edinburgh
It is envisaged that the public square will be used by performing arts groups; farmers markets; leisure square gatherings and as an urban gathering space for residents.
The central square is adjacent to a series of smaller walled gardens and routes that link the more private series of residential courtyards. These smaller courtyards are connected by a grouping of pends, footpaths and tree lined boulevards.
The developer has formally submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to City of Edinburgh Council, informing it that it intends to submit a planning application for the development following a minimum 12-week consultation period.
Watkin Jones Group has undertaken major BTR schemes throughout the UK, completing its first purpose-built scheme in Leeds in 2016.
It has extensive experience of working in Edinburgh, investing extensively in the city over the last 10 years. Over the period it has developed a total of ten purpose-built student accommodation schemes, equating to 2,861 student homes.
A notable example is the award-winning Sugarhouse Close development, which was completed in the summer of 2012. The development is accessed from the Royal Mile and located within the World Heritage Site, demonstrating that the Group have first-hand experience delivering a high-quality scheme in a historically sensitive location.
Watkin Jones Group is also currently progressing a mixed tenure residential development at Iona Street in Edinburgh, for which planning permission was granted in March of this year. This development comprises over 200 managed student homes, 60 residential apartments and 20 affordable homes and will be completed in 2023. In addition, the Group is delivering 645 managed student homes on Westfield Road and Gorgie Road which will be completing in 2022.
Iain Smith, Planning Director for Watkin Jones, commented: “We’re thrilled to be announcing our exciting scheme for this new urban quarter at Chesser, creating a thriving and diverse community as part of an overall redevelopment of the area. The site is in a highly sustainable location with excellent access to amenities and transport links and will be built to future-proofed high environmental standards.
“Maintaining the strong heritage of the site is a feature of the development and our intention is to retain the character of the buildings where we can, ensuring their long-term viable future, with the creation of some fantastic public squares, each with their own distinct identity.
“These proposals will greatly assist in the regeneration of this part of the city and we are consulting extensively to ensure that people from across the local area have an opportunity to input their views and shape our ambitious proposals.”
What is BTR?
BTR is a relatively new model for creating new homes in the UK but it is very popular in Europe and America. All the properties are built for rent, not for sale and are usually owned by a pension provider that wants to maintain a secure income to pay the pensions of its members.
Because the owner is a long-term professional investor there is an emphasis on future-proofed sustainability and maintaining a diverse thriving community that keeps the building and local area attractive as a place to live for decades.
Residents are offered long-term security of tenure, with the flexibility of renting and have access to wider on-site amenities, such as gyms and workspaces, that offer a better lifestyle the traditional boundaries of rented homes. Pets are often allowed in BTR homes. Recent research by the UKAA found that BTR homes charge similar rents to traditional rented homes.
Citizens, businesses, and organisations across South East Scotland have helped shape a major consultation on the region’s economic future.
The Regional Prosperity Framework (PDF, 2.59MB) highlights the need to tackle inequalities and climate change, and to prioritise well-being and quality of life alongside economic growth.
The consultation took place over the summer, with public, private and third sector organisations providing their views on issues including transport and housing, education and digital inclusion.
Welcoming the Joint Prosperity Plan, City of Edinburgh council leader CllrAdam McVey said: “Edinburgh and South East Scotland is a central driver of the Scottish economy. It is essential that we use our economic success to deliver on our policies for fair work, provide opportunities to all citizens and communities and support people’s well-being.
“The Regional Prosperity Framework has been developed with input from public, private and third sector organisations and local communities and sets out our collective ambition to combine economic and social success with protecting the planet. We will work together as a region to meet that ambition.”
Garry Clark, Federation of Small Businesses Development Manager for the East of Scotland, said: “For small businesses across the Lothians, Fife and the Borders, the Regional Prosperity Framework represents an important touchstone for the collective economic ambition of the region.
“They will welcome the commitment to fostering and supporting business creation and growth and the recognition of the role that businesses play, not only in our economic prosperity, but also in social and community wellbeing.”
Cllr David Ross, Fife Council’s Co-Leader and Joint Committee Chair for the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, said: “This document sets out long-term aspirations for the region and informs policy development for the next 20 years.
“It has been developed with input from public, private and third sector organisations and aims to address the region’s challenges and opportunities to make Edinburgh and South East Scotland a better place to live, work, study, visit and invest for current and future generations.
“It is focused on tackling the important and pressing challenges of climate change, sustainability, biodiversity loss, inequalities, health and well-being, job creation and achieving a net zero economy.”
The Framework focuses on addressing inequalities and the challenges of creating new jobs and businesses while enabling a transition to a net zero carbon economy.
It does this through a commitment to actions that will deliver a more prosperous, innovative and resilient regional economy.
Other plans include making employment, training and education more accessible through better connected and sustainable transport.
Data-Driven Innovation is also set to play a vital role in strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem to support organisations, irrespective of where they are based. This will bring the region a step closer to becoming the data capital of Europe.
Another priority is creating ‘twenty minute neighbourhoods’, where residents have closer access to everyday goods, services and amenities. These include seven sites at Blindwells, Edinburgh’s Waterfront, Dunfermline, Shawfair, Winchburgh, Calderwood and Tweedbank.
The Framework builds on, and widens, the partnerships developed through the City Region Deal, paving the way for further collaboration through regional economic plans with shared outcomes, responsibilities, and aligned priorities and resources.
If, following the public consultation, the Council gives the go ahead and the proposal is approved by the Scottish Government, the new powers would mean all residential properties, which are not an owner’s principle home, being let as STLs in their totality throughout the local authority area would require approval of a ‘change of use’ to a STL from Planning.
Around a third of STLs in Scotland are in Edinburgh. At the moment, in addition to planning applications made for STLs, to establish whether or not planning permission is required for properties where this is disputed, the Council’s enforcement team looks at each case individually, which is a very lengthy and time consuming process.
The introduction of powers to make a control area, follows the Council calling for new legislation to tighten up the control of STLs to help manage high concentrations of secondary letting where it affects the availability of residential housing or the character of a neighbourhood.
Also, it will help to restrict or prevent STLs in places or types of buildings where they are not appropriate as well as making sure homes are used to best effect in their areas.
Generally renting out a room/s in your house or letting your property whilst on holiday would also still be allowed if Edinburgh became a STL control zone.
The Scottish Government is currently consulting on legislation to introduce a new licensing regime next year, which the Council also called for, to address the issues of safety, anti-social behaviour and noise. These issues have all had a detrimental effect on communities as the number of STLs has greatly increased across the city in recent years.
The proposal is that all Scottish councils will have to adopt a STL licensing system by October 2022. In terms of the Government’s proposed new licensing regime, if Edinburgh becomes a control area it will be a mandatory condition of any licensing application to have made a planning application or to have planning permission already when providing accommodation that requires it.
Councillor Neil Gardiner, Planning Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We’ve worked hard calling for greater controls for short term lets and so it’s great we’re now asking for your views on the whole city becoming a control area.
“This is a positive step forward as Edinburgh has almost a third of all STLs in Scotland and so we need to take action. They’re putting pressure on house prices and rents and taking houses out of supply as well as causing issues such as anti-social behaviour and the hollowing out of communities.
“We’re really keen to hear views from residents in all communities across the city and the industry and we’ll carefully consider all of the feedback you give us before the proposal is finalised as the impact of STLs can be felt in communities across Edinburgh.”
Councillor Maureen Child, Planning Vice-Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “If we do proceed with this approach and it’s approved by the Scottish Government, we’ll be better able to manage the number of STLs in the city.
“Many properties being let out in a control area would automatically require to have ‘change of use’ planning permission in place and I’m pleased the Scottish Government is also proposing that when people apply for a licence we can ask for evidence of that.”
Lothian Conservative MSP Miles Briggs has called on SNP and Green Minister to do more to support Edinburgh Council in preventing homelessness.
Yesterday the city council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee met to discuss challenges facing the capital.
Councillors raised concerns that the number of people presenting as homeless would rise over the next few months. Between 1st April 2020 and 30 June 2021, 2,550 people presented to the Council as homeless.
The number of household in temporary accommodation increased from 3,570 in March 2020 to 4,431 in March 2021, an increase of 24%.
Mr Briggs has also supported calls for tenants to contact Edinburgh Council if they are having trouble paying their rent to help resolve the issue sooner rather than later.
The pledge to end homelessness across Scotland by the end of this Parliament has received cross party support, with Lothian MSP Miles Briggs going even further, calling for homelessness to be ended by 2023.
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said:“If we are going to end homelessness in Scotland then the first step is to prevent people becoming homeless.
“Charities, such as Crisis, do excellent work to stop people becoming homeless, by working with Private landlords and Edinburgh Council.
“In Edinburgh we face unique challenges to preventing homelessness and SNP/ Green Ministers are not providing enough support to prevent people from becoming homeless.
“I will be meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government later this month to discuss these issues in greater detail.”
After an extraordinary 25 days, the 2021 Edinburgh Festival Fringe has drawn to a close, having brought artists, arts industry, media and audiences together once again to celebrate the magic of live performance.
This year, the Fringe looked very different. For the first time, audiences were able to engage with work both online and in-person, with performers, creators and producers embracing new ways to keep performance in our hearts and minds.
Shows happened in car parks, racecourses, tents and forests. There were brave new works-in-progress; exciting revivals; reimagined classics; solo shows; family-friendly shows; international showcases; sketch shows; interactive digital works; outdoor site-specific shows; walking tours; immersive experiences and late-night, mixed-bill, laugh-a-minute shows.
Some performers took the stage for the first time in 18 months, while others used the festival as a way of reconnecting with fellow artists and industry professionals.
There was support for arts professionals in new ways – with Fringe Connect offering a professional development, workshop and networking space for artists and industry, and Fringe Marketplace providing a digital platform to showcase export ready professional work from across the Fringe to delegates from around the world.
Our Street Events programme looked different, but was just as joy-filled as always, with everything from magic to live music happening in safe, managed locations from West Parliament Square to the Mound.
Street performers also went into communities across Edinburgh, while the Fringe Society worked with over 30 charities and community groups to distribute Fringe vouchers and Lothian bus tickets to give people the opportunity to experience the Fringe either in person or online.
The Fringe Society continued its commitment to accessibility. There was BSL interpretation of the street events at West Parliament Square, and a bespoke access bookings service on offer for customers who require it.
This Fringe was also a big step forward for sustainability. More performers marketed their shows digitally, through QR codes, social media and more. Our online strand meant less travel and a reduced carbon footprint for some participating artists, audiences and industry, extending our global reach even further.
We also strengthened the Fringe’s place in our local community. This year, over a third of audiences were from Edinburgh, and a further 17% were from the rest of Scotland. 44% were from the wider United Kingdom. Artists and creatives local to Scotland also added their stories to stages and screens in greater proportions than we have seen in recent years.
But that didn’t happen at the expense of the festival’s founding open access principle. 38 countries were represented on the Fringe this year, with work from nine countries featured as part of international showcases taking place. There was also increased international representation in proportion to the overall programme.
Commenting on this year’s festival, Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “Traditionally, this day in the Fringe calendar is all about statistics: how many shows took place, how many tickets were bought, and what that means.
“But this year, I’d like to stop defining success by scale. For me, that’s never been what makes the Fringe special. Success should be defined by the quality of experience we’ve all had – and what we’re hearing from performers and audiences alike is that this year’s Fringe has been hugely successful indeed.
“When registration opened in May, we had no way of knowing for sure what this summer would look like. Today, we celebrate every single show that has been brought to life. I’d like to personally thank and congratulate everyone that made it happen, as well as our audiences, sponsors and supporters who have cheered us on and offered much-needed support through this wild and unexpected year.
“We’ve still got work to do to ensure the Fringe recovers – but recovery isn’t about growth in the statistical sense. It’s about growth as a Fringe community. As we move forward with our Save the Fringe campaign and continue to champion this festival and the wider arts, we’ll be calling on everyone to help us shape what the future of this fantastic festival holds.”
Benny Higgins, Chair, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “I’d like to offer huge congratulations to everyone that made this festival happen in the most challenging of circumstances.
“I’ve been blown away by the commitment, creativity and talent of those that have worked tirelessly to bring the magic of the Fringe back to Edinburgh’s streets – and for the first time – to screens around the world.
“As we look to the Fringe’s 75th anniversary in 2022, I am looking forward to being part of a wider conversation about how we make this festival the very best version of itself. This year proved that a small amount of public sector investment can bring about positive change, and it’s crucial that investment in this hugely important festival continues. The Fringe has a big role to play in our recovery, and as we look to build a renaissance for the Fringe in the future, we’ll keep working to support those that make it happen.”
Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: “It’s been a fantastic month, seeing the phased return of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and seeing Edinburgh locals and visitors get to enjoy what Edinburgh does best.
“As official whisky of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Johnnie Walker has celebrated the month with our residence ‘The Fringe Club’ on The Mound throughout the festival and gifting lucky festival-goers with exclusive prizes. We’ve our eyes firmly on the future, opening our doors to Johnnie Walker Princes Street on 6 September and joining in the celebrations once again in 2022.”
Next year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe will run from 05 – 29 August 2022. It will mark the 75th anniversary of the festival.
SPONSORS and SUPPORTERS
As a charity, the work of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society would not be possible without the valuable support of our partners, sponsors and funders.
We are delighted to be working with Johnnie Walker for the third year running as our official whisky partner.
We are proud to be partnering with the newly opened St James Quarter and are excited to be working with them this year and beyond.
We are excited to be partnering with Crowdfunder again through our FringeMakers fundraising platform, supporting Fringe artists and venues with vital fundraising efforts.
We have teamed up with Rare Birds Books to a create a limited-edition book bundle with books selected by the women behind three of the Fringe’s most iconic venues; Rowan Campbell, the General Manager of Summerhall, Dani Rae, the General Manager of Assembly and Katy Koren, who co-runs Gilded Balloon. Proceeds of the sale of this bundle will support go directly to supporting Fringe artists bring work to the Fringe.
We would also like to thank Lothian Buses for their continued support of our Fringe Days Out programme.
We’re thrilled to welcome Edinburgh Gin on board as Official Gin of the Fringe and look forward to working with them.
We are grateful for funding through the PLACE Programme, a partnership between the Scottish Government -through Creative Scotland -the City of Edinburgh Council and Festivals Edinburgh; Scottish Government for Made in Scotland through the Festivals Expo Fund – managed through Creative Scotland – and the continued support of the City of Edinburgh Council. Thanks also to Scottish Government for funds from their Get into Summer campaign.
We are grateful for funding from the Pivotal Event Business Fund, the SCVO Adapt and Thrive programme, the Foyle Foundation and the UK Government to enhance our digital capabilities.
Our thanks also to the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, the Pump House Trust and the Turtleton Charitable Trust.
With thanks to EventScotland and City of Edinburgh Council for supporting Street Events.
Thank you to Brightcove, our streaming partners, for their support in delivering the Fringe Player.
Our thanks also to our Fringe Angels, Patrons, Friends and supporters whose passion and generosity made a real difference this year.
Registration to join the next service year for the Garden Waste service is open until 2pm on 1 September.
The next service year will run from 8 November 2021 to 6 November 2022.
If you currently use our Garden Waste service you need to renew your permit by 2pm on 1 September to continue receiving collections after 7 November 2021. If you don’t use the service but would like to, you can sign up now.
Last year garden waste customers helped us turn over 20,000 tonnes of garden waste into compost, which is used on farms, gardens and greenspaces.
Sign Up or Renew and Pay
The cost of a permit is increasing from £25 to £35 a year.
The cost of running the service has increased since we introduced a paid collection service three years ago. To ensure we can continue to run the service we’ve had to increase the price for the first time since 2018. You can find out more about the pricing below.
The cost of the service is £35 per bin for fortnightly collections from 8 November 2021 until 6 November 2022 with no collections between 20 December and 16 January.
If you stay in a traditional tenement, with the numbering system 1F1, 1F2, etc. this format is used when registering. The flat numbers follow the flow of the staircase, for each floor. For example, 3F2 should be interpreted as 3rd floor, flat 2, which is the second flat from the stair.
If you want to share a bin with your neighbours, you will need to agree on one resident acting as the lead in paying for the service against their address and reporting any issues.
You can register on behalf of someone else, if they are unable to.
If you are a commercial site, please see details below.
You will need to renew your permit every year before it expires to continue receiving the service.
You can sign up during the mid-year registration window which opens in December, however the cost will remain at £35 and the permit will run until the end of the service year, which is 6 November 2022.
You no longer have to use your mygovscot myaccount. However, if you choose not to log in, you won’t see the history of your garden waste permits on your mygovscot myaccount.
