Tag: city council

Covid: First Minister announces significant easing of restrictions

“we are now in a position to relax more restrictions and restore much more normality to our everyday lives”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

People will be able to hug their loved ones and meet in private homes as most of mainland Scotland moves to Level 2, with eased restrictions on hospitality, entertainment, education and sport.

In an acceleration of previous plans, the number of people and households that can meet inside homes in Level 2 has been increased to six people from three households.

The new rules, which come into effect on Monday 17 May, will apply to all mainland local authority areas with the exception of Moray, which is experiencing a high and increasing number of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.

As a result Moray is likely to remain in Level 3 for a further period, with travel in and out of the area prohibited other than for permitted purposes. A final decision on this will be made at the end of this week.

The Scottish Government is working with Moray Council and Grampian Health Board to reduce case numbers, and will provide financial support for affected hospitality and leisure businesses if Level 3 restrictions do remain in place.

As the virus is now sufficiently under control in the Western Isles, Orkney, Shetland and remote Highland and Argyll islands, these communities are expected to move straight to Level 1.

From Monday 17 May, anyone entering Scotland from countries on a new international travel ‘Green List’ will not be required to quarantine on arrival, but will have to take a PCR test for COVID-19.

The Green List will initially be the same as that in place for England but will be subject to review based on Scotland’s specific needs.

Under Level 2 restrictions:

  • up to six people from three households will be able to meet in each other’s homes or gardens without physical distancing – this was the limit previously planned for Level 1 but has now been accelerated for areas in Level 2. People will be encouraged to use their judgment about close physical contact with others
  • up to six people from three households will be able to meet indoors in places such as pubs, cafes and restaurants, while up to eight people from eight households will be able to meet outdoors
  • pubs and restaurants will be able to serve alcohol indoors until 10:30pm in two-hour booked slots
  • venues including cinemas, theatres, concert halls, music venues, comedy clubs, amusement arcades, casinos, snooker halls and bingo halls will be able to reopen
  • events will resume with a maximum capacity of 100 people indoors, 250 outdoors where there is unrestricted standing and 500 for events with seating. Organisers will be allowed to apply to hold bigger events
  • outdoor contact sports and indoor group exercise classes will be able to restart
  • more than one person will be able to sing during religious services
  • amateur performing arts groups will be able to perform outdoors
  • colleges and universities will have more flexibility to resume in-person learning

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The success of the vaccination programme, and continued high compliance with the various rules and restrictions, means that we have seen continued suppression of the virus in the last three weeks.

“As a result the situation overall is a very positive one, and we are now in a position to relax more restrictions and restore much more normality to our everyday lives.

“I know just how unwelcome the likelihood of a further period in Level 3 must be to people in Moray, and we are doing everything possible to ensure that any extension of Level 3 is for as short a period as possible.

“I would appeal to everyone living in the region to follow all the public health advice so that we can get the situation back under control and allow Moray to get back on a positive track just as quickly as possible.

“It is almost eight months since most of us have been able to meet in each other’s homes. While I know all of us have been looking forward to being able to do that again, I would encourage everyone to please use judgement – close physical contact still carries risk, so if you have loved ones who are vulnerable for any reason, you should still be careful. And you should perhaps limit the overall number of people that you choose to have close physical contact with.    

“We still intend to be highly cautious on international travel, given the risk of new variants, but we consider that the situation now allows us to begin a careful move away from blanket restrictions on non-essential travel.

“Everyone should think seriously about whether they really need to travel abroad this summer. I know for many people international travel is about family connections. But when it comes to holidays abroad, my advice continues to be to err on the side of caution and to staycation this summer.”

Marc Crothall, CEO Scottish Tourism Alliance said: “The First Minister’s announcement today that mainland Scotland, with the possible exception of Moray, will move to level 2 on Monday will be a welcome boost for our tourism sector, particularly businesses in our island communities which I know will be delighted at the news that they will move to Level 1, albeit with the capacity restrictions on ferries limiting the number of people who can travel there.

“The return of indoor hospitality with alcohol will allow our hospitality businesses to hopefully start to recoup some of the significant losses incurred by being able to offer the very essence of the experience that has been missing for so long and to trade more viably despite the physical distancing restrictions which remain in place, however, I am sure that many will be heartened to learn today that this is currently under review and that the conclusions will be shared at the next review point.

“Good news also for events, particularly for event organisers who will be able to apply to host more than a hundred people.  Our events sector has been decimated over the last year with limited information or support in relation to opening up and guidance for doing so; it’s extremely encouraging to know that the ball is finally rolling for such an important sector within our industry. 

“I know both customers and operators will be awaiting to see what can be delivered; hosting the types of events many will want to enjoy in a viable way will however be dependent on social distancing measures being relaxed.

“The news that Scotland has adopted a four nations approach to travel is an important step in the right direction; the loss of inbound travel has had a critical impact on so many businesses across different sectors within Scotland’s tourism industry and I know that there will be some relief for many today, however, we must now move forward with a plan for more affordable testing for those coming into the country and a timescale for the introduction of digital vaccine passports for other countries and indeed,  a robust plan for encouraging inbound travel.

“43% of overnight tourism spend in Scotland comes from our international market; it would require around 7 million domestic overnight stays to replace that lost income.  From  the research the STA has undertaken which we will be releasing this week, we can see that we are quite some way from the staycation tourism boom that has been referenced in various media reports and by other commentators recently.

“The STA looks forward to our continued discussion with the Scottish Government and officials and in shaping the guidance to support these welcome changes as announced by the First Minister today.”

City of Edinburgh Leaders have welcomed the further easing of restrictions as the Scottish Government announced that most of Scotland will move to level two from next week.

Following the update Council and city leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continue supporting for businesses to help them recover safely and sustainably.

Council Leader, Adam McVey said: “This announcement is great news for our residents and businesses. The sacrifices we’ve had to make over the last year have protected our communities and meant we’re able to loosen restrictions safely – while we continue to suppress the virus and protect our NHS and frontline workers.

“It gives us further hope that we’re moving in the right direction thanks to the continued success of the vaccine rollout, universal testing and making sure we’re still sticking to the guidelines.

“I know being able to hug our loved ones will mean the world to people and families across our City.

“We’re continuing to support these efforts while also doing all we can to help our businesses’ recovery with flexible outdoor seating arrangements and waiving permit fees for our hospitality sector and it’s great to hear all the positive feedback we’re getting from the business we’ve supported.

“We’re also looking to inspire and encourage our residents to get back out safely and enjoy all that our Capital has to offer through our ForeverEdinburgh campaign’s The Story Never Ends and Shop Here This Year.

“Both initiatives are inspiring people to rediscover our City and share our experiences of the things we do and places we go to in enjoying all Edinburgh has to offer.

“Our city centre attractions, retailers and restaurants and cafes have done an amazing job making our city centre feel like the city centre again, and I hope as many people as possible will get behind our businesses and share their love for our Capital.“

Depute Leader, Cammy Day, said: “We continue to listen to and work with businesses to help them bounce back as quickly as possible from what has been an incredibly tough year.

“We’re collaborating closely with organisations such as Essential Edinburgh, Edinburgh’s Tourism Action Group (ETAG), VisitScotland, the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses to ensure we’re working with the different sectors to understand where the pressure points are while inviting people back into our unique neighbourhoods, buzzing city centre and beautiful outdoor spaces.

“Edinburgh really does have something for everyone and we’re so excited to be able to share that once again.

“I also welcome the news that we will be able to invite more friends and family into our homes and gardens. After so long keeping our distance from those we love, giving them a well-deserved hug or simply holding a hand will be a very emotional moment for many.  We still need to take care, though, so it’s crucial we all use our own careful judgement.

Liz McAreavey, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said: “The continued return to something closer to normality is highly encouraging, and we are delighted that the city’s hard-hit hospitality sector can once again welcome customers indoors and out.

“In particular, it is also pleasing to note the city council’s determination to promote the city centre, which has been hardest hit by the pandemic. The recovery of our city centre is vital to the economic, social and emotional recovery of the Capital.

“Edinburgh Chamber is keen to work with both the incoming Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council to ensure together we achieve the fairest, most sustainable recovery as quickly as possible.”

Donald Emslie, Chair of ETAG, said: “The latest easing of restrictions is very welcome news indeed for our tourism and hospitality businesses and marks another key milestone on the road to recovery.  Businesses have worked extremely hard over the last few weeks and months and have invested lots of time and money to create safe and welcoming spaces for everyone.

“ETAG continue to work in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, VisitScotland and others to support the ForeverEdinburgh initiative and hope that through that we are able to encourage people to venture back out to meet with friends and family and to enjoy all that Edinburgh has to offer while supporting the sector through the reopening period.”

City Art Centre to reopen with groundbreaking retrospective

Charles H. Mackie: Colour and Light

Charles H. Mackie: Colour and Light
15 May 2021 – 10 October 2021
City Art Centre, 2 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE
Free Admission, pre-booking online essential

Edinburgh’s City Art Centre is to re-open its doors to the public on Saturday 15th May 2021 with a full range of safety measures in place to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.

Visitors will be able to enjoy two exhibitions – the brand new retrospective Charles H. Mackie: Colour and Light, and the continuing collection display Bright Shadows: Scottish Art in the 1920s.  

This summer, Edinburgh’s City Art Centre presents the first major exhibition in over a century dedicated to the Scottish painter and printmaker Charles Hodge Mackie (1862-1920), one of the most versatile artists of his generation.

Charles H. Mackie: Colour and Light is a major new exhibition that sets out to re-evaluate Mackie’s significance and contribution. A full-scale retrospective, it charts the progress of his career and creative development, from the rural Scottish landscapes of his youth to his spectacular late Venetian scenes.

The exhibition brings together over fifty artworks from public and private collections, including loans from the National Galleries of Scotland, the Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture and Perth Museum & Art Gallery. Showcasing the breadth of Mackie’s creative vision and talents, it is the most comprehensive public display of his work in over a century.

Born in Aldershot and brought up in Edinburgh, Mackie trained at the Trustees Academy School of Art. He remained based in Edinburgh throughout his career, although he travelled often and embraced an international outlook.

As a mature artist, he worked across an impressive range of media, not only producing oil paintings and watercolours, but also murals, woodblock prints, book illustrations and sculpture. His influences were similarly diverse, drawing inspiration from French Symbolism, the Celtic Revival movement and the landscapes of his European travels.

Mackie was well-connected and respected in contemporary artistic circles. He was close friends with E.A. Hornel and other members of the Glasgow Boys, and he met Paul Gauguin, Édouard Vuillard and the Nabis while working in France.

In the 1890s he was commissioned by Patrick Geddes to produce murals for Ramsay Garden in Edinburgh’s Old Town, as well as illustrations for the pioneering journal The Evergreen.

In later years, Mackie spent time in Yorkshire, where he joined local artists groups and provided support and tuition to the young Laura Knight.

He was a founding member and Chairman of the Society of Scottish Artists, and was elected to the Royal Scottish Academy in 1917. He exhibited his work widely, both in Scotland and further afield. However, despite his many achievements, he has always been treated as a peripheral figure in the story of Scottish art.

Councillor Donald Wilson Culture and Communities Convener, said: “We are thrilled to be once again reopening the doors to the City Art Centre next week. The centre for our world class collections and exhibitions, we have certainly missed it!

“As we mark the centenary of Charles Mackie’s death, we are very proud to host this major study of his work in the City Art Centre. Bringing together over 50 artworks it promises to be a significant tribute to one of Edinburgh’s own.

“I’m sure ‘Colour and Light’ will captivate many visitors as well as inspire them through the accompanying programme of events and activities.”

Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, Culture and Communities Vice Convener, said: “This fantastic exhibition really shows the breadth of Mackie’s talents, and I think ‘Colour and Light’ are something we could all use right now!

“I’d like to reassure people that we continue to take measures to ensure the safety of visitors and our staff, so please follow the latest guidance and avoid visiting if showing any symptoms of coronavirus. We’re all very much looking forward to welcoming visitors back when we reopen next week.”

Curator Dr Helen Scott said: “This exhibition is the culmination of many years of detective work. We’ve been able to reunite finished paintings with their preparatory studies, giving insights into Mackie’s working methods, and we’ve also been able to explore the ways in which he pursued key themes across different types of media – shifting from oils and watercolours to printmaking and back again.

Highlights of the exhibition include several paintings that have recently undergone conservation treatment, such as Artis Ancilla, a large-scale composition of a nude reclining in the artist’s studio, which is part of the City Art Centre’s own fine art collection.

Also featured on display are a number of artworks from private collections, such as Breton Girl Crocheting, which is one of Mackie’s earliest experiments in the Symbolist style, or Study for Pitreavie Mural, which is a rare surviving watercolour depicting part of an original mural scheme that no longer exists.

Most of these privately-owned artworks have not been seen in public for many years. All in all, the exhibition is a wonderful, unique opportunity to celebrate Mackie’s life, connections and achievements.

Mackie biographer and researcher Pat Clark said: “This exhibition is the first major public retrospective since the artist’s Memorial Exhibition in 1921. Charles H. Mackie RSA RSW was a well-respected artist in his day and well-connected in artistic circles in France and Scotland.

“The works on display trace his development and responses to the places he visited and the people he met. The exhibition will draw together all the stages of Mackie’s life and career, from early Scottish landscapes in Kirkcudbright to the magnificent large-scale oils executed in Venice.

“Colour and Light will be a long-overdue tribute to one of Scotland’s outstanding and unjustly neglected artists. The exhibition will showcase this achievement. It will bring me untold joy to share my passion for Mackie’s art with those who visit the City Art Centre between May and October.”

Charles H. Mackie: Colour and Light is being presented as part of Edinburgh Art Festival 2021, and it is accompanied by a varied programme of public events and activities.

In order to protect and maintain the safety of our visitors and staff, the City Art Centre has introduced a range of new safety measures and procedures throughout the venue, including a one-way system, installation of screens at reception, hand sanitiser stations, extra barriers and signage and staff will of course be wearing face coverings while offering visitors a very warm, socially distanced welcome.

Visitors are asked to wear face coverings and pre-book free tickets for allocated time slots in advance via edinburghmuseums.org.uk

Charles H. Mackie: Colour and Light opens on 15 May 2021 and runs until 10 October 2021. Admission is free.

Visitors to the City Art Centre will also be able to enjoy the free collection display Bright Shadows: Scottish Art in the 1920s. This exhibition explores the work of Scottish artists during the 1920s – an evocative period of social, political and economic change. Bright Shadows opened in September and will run until Sunday 27 June

Capital counts get underway

Edinburgh’s count this year will take place over two days at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston. It gets underway at 9am this morning.

Throughout the planning process, our elections team has sought guidance from public health experts, consulting extensively with the Director of Public Health, to make sure the event runs as safely and as smoothly as possible.

Today (Friday 7 May) the results for Edinburgh Central, Edinburgh Southern and Edinburgh Western will be announced, while results will be declared for Edinburgh Eastern, Edinburgh Pentlands and Edinburgh Northern and Leith as well as the list/Region vote results tomorrow, Saturday 8 May. 

Safety measures in place at the count

  • Everyone must wear a face covering when moving and circulating within the count venue, unless they are exempt.
  • Hand sanitising stations will be positioned throughout the venue.
  • Physical distancing will be in place.
  • Regular cleaning, including at touch points.
  • Contact tracing system with all people attending the count.
  • One-way systems in parts of the building.
  • Room capacity limits will be in place.
  • Enhanced ventilation at the venue.

Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for the Edinburgh constituencies and the Lothian Region, said: The arrangements for the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary Election feel very different from previous elections.

“Throughout our preparations our elections team has sought guidance from public health experts and we’ve put in place extensive additional Covid-19 health and safety measures to help keep everyone safe, reduce the risk of spreading the virus and of course protect the integrity of the Election. 

“We’re taking all the necessary steps to support the COVID-safe operation of the election count at the Highland Hall. In line with Public Health Scotland (PHS) guidance every effort has been made to make sure the centre is well ventilated, hand-sanitising stations are positioned throughout the venue, facemasks are worn whenever people move about the venue and that everyone observes two-metre physical distancing at all times.

“Count assistants will adhere to two-metre distancing but don’t have to wear a face covering when seated on the count floor. 

“The safety of everyone working at the count is of utmost importance and measures will be enforced by our marshalls throughout the duration of the event for the health and safety of everyone present. I want to thank the team for their efforts so far and look forward to delivering a robust process in these unprecedented times.” 

The results from the count will be tweeted live from @Edinburgh_cc as they are announced by the Returning Officer, with the hashtag #SPE21RESULT.

Taking a free COVID test ‘helps keep your community safe’

Residents living close to Wester Hailes Library are being urged to come forward and get a free, rapid COVID test at the temporary community testing centre if they don’t have symptoms of the virus. 

The Asymptomatic Testing Centre (ATC) is open until Sunday 9 May from 9am to 6pm daily and is the second ATC in the Capital, following the first one which operated from Craigmillar Library until 2 May. 

Local resident Sas Martinez popped into Wester Hailes Library for a quick COVID test, to check if he was carrying the virus despite feeling fine. 

Sas said: “I think it’s really important to get tested as you don’t really know if you are a carrier of COVID.  People are unwittingly spreading the virus as they don’t have any symptoms and they don’t know they could be spreading it. 

“If more people get the test they will know for sure they are ok and people who do test positive can self-isolate, which will help stop the spread and keep their families safe – and, in turn, their local community.

“We all want to get back to normal as soon as possible and taking this test will help us achieve that.”

When Sas went to the community testing centre, he also met Council Leader Adam McVey and Depute Leader Cammy Day, who had come along to visit the centre and meet the staff working so hard to help identify symptomless cases in the local community and limit the spread. 

Cllr McVey said: “These community testing centres are vital in keeping the pandemic under control and getting back to something like normality again.

“If we can identify positive cases, even though there may be no symptoms, we can better keep the spread under control and keep people safe.

“It was great to meet Sas and all the staff doing such a great job to run the centre safely and efficiently.”

Cllr Day said: “If we don’t know where all the cases of COVID are, we’re in a much more difficult position when it comes to stopping the virus in its tracks if outbreaks do occur, so it’s really important as many people as possible come forward for a free and very quick test when there’s a community testing centre in their area.

“Hats off to all the centre staff here in Wester Hailes Library, they’re working incredibly hard on such a valuable project.”

Community testing information, including guidance on support available for anyone who has to self-isolate, is available on the council website. 

Asymptomatic testing centres are run in partnership with the Scottish Government. The next ATC in Edinburgh will open at Gilmerton Library from 10 to 16 May.

Residents who do not have any of the three COVID symptoms (a new continuous cough, temperature, loss or change in sense of taste or smell) are encouraged to get tested.

There is no need to book and testing is available from Wester Hailes Library until Sunday 9 May 2021, open 9am to 6pm daily. 

The centre is only for people without symptoms.

Anyone with COVID 19 symptoms should self-isolate and book a test in the usual way via nhsinform.scot or by calling 0800 028 2816.

Residents will be tested using lateral flow devices (LFDs), which can give people their results in around 45 minutes. Any positive cases will then be confirmed by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test.

Anyone who receives a positive LFD or PCR test result will be asked to self isolate. Dedicated support is available to anyone who needs to self isolate, including food packages and financial support.

Election Day: polls open at 7am

Because of COVID-19, there will be safety measures in place at polling stations to help you vote safely (for example, a one-way system or restrictions on the number of people allowed in).

If you choose to vote in person, make sure you:

  • wear a face covering (unless you’re exempt)
  • bring your own pen or pencil (there will be clean pencils available at the polling station if you forget to bring your own)
  • use the hand sanitiser provided when entering and leaving the polling station
  • keep to social distancing guidelines

If you have COVID-19 symptoms this morning or have been asked to self-isolate:

Do not visit the polling station. Apply for an emergency proxy vote instead. Your proxy can also apply if they develop symptoms.

Application-to-vote-by-emergency-proxy-in-Scotland-based-on-COVID-19Download

You can apply until 5pm today (6 May). 

For more info phone 0131 344 2500 or email enquiries@lothian-vjb.gov.uk

Download forms here:

https://lothian-vjb.gov.uk/scottish-parliament-election-6-may-2021/

Polling Stations are open from 7am – 10pm

Where we are: cultural partnership to support Edinburgh’s young carers

A culture project for young carers is launching after Museums & Galleries Edinburgh, with Edinburgh Young Carers, was selected as a key partner by the British Museum for their Where we are programme.

Where we are… is a new national programme for young people aged 16-24 that co-designs and co-delivers meaningful local arts and cultural projects around the UK.

In Edinburgh staff from Museums and Galleries Edinburgh and Edinburgh Young Carers will work with up to 10 young carers from across the Capital. 

Through this project, young carers in the community who may face adversity and challenges as a result of their caring responsibilities, will have the opportunity to have fun and forge networks and bring their experience and skills to the project, developing these further.

Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “Working with Edinburgh Young Carers, our Museums & Galleries Edinburgh service is delighted to have been selected as one of British Museums key partners on the Where we are programme.

“Our Museums service have done a lot of work with young carers and other vulnerable groups and there has never been a better time for this kind of engagement. 

“In Edinburgh we are keen to ensure that cultural opportunities are available to everyone that lives here, and we can’t wait to see what the young people produce.”

Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, Culture and Communities Vice Convener, said: “One of our priorities as a local authority is to ensure wellbeing and equalities are enhanced for everyone who lives here.

“This project will contribute to that aim by providing young people with a cultural opportunity that will help them to develop skills, build confidence and provide a positive focus after what has been a very difficult year.  We’re very excited to see what they produce.

Ria Sloan, Outreach and Access Manager, said: “Museums and Galleries Edinburgh place people at the heart of what we do; we work to provide opportunities for people to access, explore and contribute to Edinburgh’s cultural life.

“I’m thrilled to be able to give local young people the opportunity to be part of a nationwide project led by the British Museum and I’m really looking forward to learning more about how we can support their interests and needs.”

Lee MacKenzie, 16-25s Development Worker at Young Carers said: “We are thrilled to have been selected to take part in the project.

“This last year has been particularly challenging for our young adult carers in terms of wellbeing, education and employment. By being part of this project, we hope to remove some of the barriers the pandemic has created for our carers as well supporting them to explore some of the incredible culture their city has to offer.

“Having worked together with the Museums and Galleries Edinburgh team on successful projects in the past, it’s great to be able to work in partnership again on something new.”

Further information:

  • Museums and Galleries Edinburgh cares for thirteen venues and over 200,000 objects related to Edinburgh life, childhood, archaeology, fine art and decorative art.
  • Edinburgh Young Carers is a voluntary organisation that provides support for children and young people aged 5–25 who care for someone at home.

Capital counts down to Scottish Parliament elections

Highest ever numbers of registered voters and postal votes

With less than a week to go until the Scottish Parliament Election 2021, Edinburgh is gearing up to play its own part in the vote on 6 May.

Preparations are already well under way across the city’s 140 polling places and at the Royal Highland Centre, where the count will be held over two days (7 and 8 May).

Training is in progress for staff working on the day and the first postal votes are being processed.

More people than ever before are registered to vote in this election Edinburgh (401,321 people) and more than a quarter of these (102,138) have opted to vote by post – the largest number of postal votes of any Scottish local authority and the highest ever for the Capital.

And though registration for the electoral roll is now closed, citizens are still being urged to think carefully about their vote, to ensure they know when, where and how to vote on Thursday, 6 May and to return their postal vote in plenty of time.

Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for the Edinburgh constituencies and the Lothian Region, said: “We are entering the final days of preparation for the Scottish Parliament Election and anticipation is clearly beginning to build across the city.

“Running an election in the Capital is no mean feat, and it’s thanks to a great deal of organisation and the hard work of our Elections Team and hundreds of count and polling staff to adapt to the additional restrictions due to the pandemic that things go to plan.

“As we draw nearer to the day, I hope the public are making their own plans for voting, and ensuring they know when, where and how to have their say, remembering to put one cross on each paper on the day.

“On polling day there will be additional hygiene and distancing measures at polling places to keep voters and staff safe. These include a fresh pencil for each voter, protective screens for polling staff, one-way systems in some venues, additional ventilation and limits on the number of voters in polling places at any time.

“This year we’ve got the largest electorate we’ve ever had for an election in Edinburgh (401,321 registered to vote) and more than a quarter of these (102,138 people) have opted for a postal vote – the highest number of postal votes we’ve ever had and more than any other Scottish local authority. If you’re voting this way please make sure you post it in plenty of time – they must be received by 10pm on Thursday 6 May.“

As we count down the final few days until voting day on 6 May, we’re counting up some of the key facts about Edinburgh’s vote:

  • 401,321: the number of people registered to vote in the Scottish Parliament Election 2021 in Edinburgh.  Of these 102,138 of these are postal voters. This is the highest electorate and number of postal votes ever for an election in Edinburgh and there are more people registered to vote by post in Edinburgh than in any other Scottish Council area.  
  • There are six constituencies in Edinburgh – Edinburgh Central, Edinburgh Eastern, Edinburgh Northern & Leith, Edinburgh Pentlands, Edinburgh Southern and Edinburgh Western. The Lothian Region also includes the three constituencies Almond Valley, Linlithgow and Midlothian North & Musselburgh.
  • There are 33 individual candidates standing across Edinburgh’s constituencies. 18 parties and one independent are contesting the seven seats available for the Lothian Region, with a total of 94 candidates involved.
  • 140 buildings will be used as polling places on Thursday, 5 May, housing 352 polling stations.  Each station will have two ballot boxes – one for the lilac Constituency paper and one for the peach-coloured Region paper.   
  • This year, the Council will employ over 900 polling staff to assist the public to cast their vote – with one presiding officer and at least one polling assistant in each polling station.
  • The count will take place over two days (Friday 7 and Saturday 8 May), counting three constituencies on each day. Friday: Edinburgh Central, Edinburgh Southern and Edinburgh Western. Saturday: Edinburgh Eastern, Edinburgh Northern and Leith and Edinburgh Pentlands. The results of the regional list vote will be declared on Saturday 8 May.
  • Over the two-day count, there will be another 300 staff per day tallying votes.

Amongst the equipment used in Edinburgh this May will be:

140 POLLING PLACES

  • 250,000 pencils*
  • 632 bottles of hand gel
  • 140 bottles of anti-bac spray
  • 140 blue rolls
  • 140 boxes of face masks
  • 140 boxes of gloves
  • 280 visors

COUNT VENUE – HIGHLAND HALL, ROYAL HIGHLAND CENTRE

  • 250 bottles of hand gel
  • 36 bottles of anti-bac spray
  • 36 blue rolls
  • 27 cleaning stations
  • 320 clear rubbish bags
  • 3,744 Glacier mints/fruits per day (served in individual cups for each staff member)
  • 660 post-it pads
  • 1068 rubber thimbles

ADDITIONAL FACTS

  • 8526m² – the area of the count venue – Highland Hall at the Royal Highland Centre. This is bigger than the size of a professional football pitch. 
  • At the UK Parliamentary Election in December 2019 turnout in the Capital was high, at an average of 73% across Edinburgh’s five constituencies
  • Turnout for last Scottish Parliament election in 2016 was approx. 60%
  • Edinburgh accounts for around 8.7% of Scotland’s electorate – second highest in Scotland after Glasgow.
  • Three different types of polling booths are used in Edinburgh – aluminium, wood and cardboard.
  • Polls open at 7am and close at 10pm on 6 May.

*voters are encouraged to bring their own pencil, or can keep the single-use pencils provided at the polling places

Find out how, where and when to vote in the Scottish Parliament Election 2021.

Beefed-up police presence in Portobello to tackle ASB

Following an increase in antisocial behaviour in Portobello recently, local officers will be carrying out focused patrols this weekend.

Local community Sergeant Suzie Sandbach of Craigmillar Police Station said: “Officers responded to a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour involving groups of youths in Portobello last weekend.

“Dealing with disorder and antisocial behaviour is a policing priority in Edinburgh and I’d like to reassure residents, visitors and business owners in Portobello that there will be an increased police presence over the coming weekends to disrupt anyone intent on causing trouble.

“Our open spaces and beaches can now be enjoyed by the wider community and beyond, but sadly this can be ruined by the reckless behaviour of a small minority which is often fuelled by alcohol, and will not be tolerated.

“Local officers will continue to remain visible in the area, on mobile, foot or cycle patrol and I ask that if you see any criminality in the area help us hold offenders to account by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.”

Councillors yesterday gave the green light for £450K funding to install temporary public toilets in busy parks and other ‘hotspot’ areas in Edinburgh like the Meadows and Portobello.

Environment Convener Lesley Macinnes, said: “As the weather gets warmer and we ease out of lockdown our beautiful parks, beaches and other open spaces are going to be busier than ever.

“I’m really pleased Council agreed this funding today allowing us to respond so quickly to provide these much needed facilities over the summer months. We’ll publicise the list of temporary public toilets as soon as we have it.”

Key Council services set to reopen

A number of key Council services, including libraries, community centres and galleries, will shortly reopen following the move to Level 3 in Scotland earlier this week.

Plans have been developed to prioritise the reopening of these venues in line with the Scottish Government’s current guidance and route map out of lockdown.

Services resuming include:

  • Three libraries reopening on Monday (3 May) with a further six in the coming weeks (full details below)
  • The City Art Centre will open on 15 May with four free summer exhibitions scheduled
  • Outdoor extra-curricular activities in schools restarted this week
  • Edinburgh Leisure centres are now open for individual exercise, including gyms, swimming pools, indoor court hire, racquet sports and children’s coaching, with outdoor contact sports for 12 to 17-year-olds and community access to high school sports facilities also restarted.

We’re also working closely with Community Centre Management Committees to decide what services are able to operate from the centres and when.

We’ll be following the latest Scottish Government and health guidance to make sure all venues are safe to reopen. Our first priority thus far has been ensuring our schools could reopen safely for our young people and staff but strict cleaning regimes and other measures will be in place to ensure the safety of everyone visiting venues or taking part in activities.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Donald Wilson, said: “It’s great to see our first libraries reopening their doors next week with more to follow in May as part of our plans for a gradual reopening of community amenities across the city.

“This phased reopening, which will also see the City Art Centre welcome back visitors, community centres offering essential services like youth work and Edinburgh Leisure venues up and running again, is the first step in our gradual and careful emergence from lockdown.

“Our libraries are invaluable resources for local communities as there’s so much more to a library than just borrowing books. They are trusted and much-loved hub buildings which strengthen local communities and are essential for the wellbeing of our citizens.

“Libraries are a vital requirement in any democratic society, giving access to knowledge and literature, helping to bridge the digital divide and supporting literacy.”

Culture and Communities Vice Convener Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “We really appreciate everyone’s support and patience as we gradually start to welcome people back into their much-loved local spaces like our libraries, community centres and sports venues. I’m sure everyone will fully appreciate that our top priority remains the health of our citizens and staff.

“I’m particularly delighted that our libraries are able to begin reopening, especially here in the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, but also that the City Art Centre is able to open with four fantastic new – and free – exhibitions for our residents to enjoy as they take their first steps back towards normality.”

Libraries

Central, Drumbrae, and Kirkliston will be open this Monday (3 May) followed by Craigmillar, Fountainbridge, McDonald Road and Stockbridge (10 May). Wester Hailes will reopen on 17 May and Gilmerton on 24 May.

It is hoped that the remaining libraries will open again as soon as possible after these dates.

Residents are reminded that numbers will be limited in the buildings due to the safety measures in place and visits will need to be booked in advance – this can be done online or by phoning the library.

The buildings will be open by appointment for browsing and borrowing books, using computers and the internet, processing bus passes (National Entitlement Cards) or collecting hearing aid batteries. Returning books and picking up free sanitary products will not require a booking.

Social distancing measures will be in place and wearing face coverings is mandatory.

Museums and Galleries

The City Art Centre will open on 15 May with two new exhibitions –Bright Shadows: Scottish Art in the 1920s and Charles H. Mackie: Colour and Light. Two further exhibitions are planned Marine: Ian Hamilton Finlay (22 May) and Islander: The paintings of Donald Smith following a week later. All exhibitions are free.

Plans are being finalised for the reopening of other galleries and museums. Updates regarding reopening dates and measures in place to keep everyone safe will be published as soon as possible.

Community centres

We’re contacting all Community Centre Management Committees this week to provide support in re-establishing essential services such as youth work. As was the case before lockdown, processes are in place to allow them to identify services they want to resume and any support required to do so.

Extracurricular activities (ECA)

Outdoor ECA resumed in schools on 26 April and include activities such as sport, drama, dance music and art.

Indoor ECA aren’t currently permitted under the guidance but we’re considering their resumption alongside the need to maintain the strict cleaning regimes currently operating in our schools as the safety of our pupils and staff remains our priority.

Edinburgh Leisure

Outdoor contact sports for 12–17-year-olds started back on 5 April and community access to high school sports facilities on 19 April. Tennis courts and golf courses have been open since June 2020 with golf, in particular, seeing an upswing in participation (winter golf membership up 400%, year-on-year).

Leisure centres are now open for individual exercise, including gyms, swimming pools, indoor court hire, racquet sports and children’s coaching. It is hoped that outdoor adult contact sport and indoor group exercise can restart on 17 May, with indoor non-contact sport following in early June (as per Scottish Government’s current route map).

Edinburgh’s on-street bike parking set to double

A project to roll out secure on-street cycle parking across Edinburgh will be boosted with an additional 1200 spaces over the next two years, subject to funding, in response to increasing demand.

Contractors Cyclehoop Ltd began installing covered bike storage containers around the city in January 2019, with the intention of providing and maintaining 180 units – equating to 1080 bike parking spaces – over their five-year contract.

By creating safe, accessible ground-level storage for bikes, particularly in tenemental areas, the scheme aims to encourage people to take up cycling as a convenient form of transport.

So far 108 units have been installed, which have an occupancy rate of around 91% (591 users) and 476 people on the waiting list for a space. Requests have also been received for units at 206 new locations, with around 14 requests received every week.

As a result, last Thursday’s Transport and Environment Committee approved proposals to increase the scope of the contract with Cyclehoop to add an additional 50 locations (100 units) per year over the next two years to the programme, subject to match-funding by Sustrans. This would provide 1200 extra spaces – more than double the number currently being introduced.

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “The demand for bike parking in Edinburgh demonstrates the increasing popularity of cycling, and the positive impact it can have on health, travel costs and the environment. I’m delighted that we’re now going to be able to double the secure cycle storage units being installed across the city, subject to funding.

“When this project was first approved, it aimed to resolve issues around theft and the storage of bikes in stairwells, in turn making cycling a more attractive, convenient way to travel.

“Over the past year we’ve seen so many people realising the benefits of cycling, and I hope this decision will encourage even more people to take it up.”

Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “We know that living in a flat or small house can be a barrier to owning and storing a bike, which is why we began installing secure cycle storage in 2019.

“The take-up so far has been fantastic, and we’re constantly hearing from people who would like a unit in their neighbourhood. So it’s great that we’ll now be able to roll the scheme out further, in a fair and inclusive way.”

All new requests for bike parking are being recorded in a system set up to cross reference their locations against the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). This allows the council to pay extra attention to requests for units in areas lower down the SIMD, helping to balance these with requests from more affluent areas of the city, where residents tend to be more engaged with Council projects.

Transport and Environment Committee first approved the introduction of secure cycle parking in 10 to 15 locations (20 to 30 units) per year, over a three-year period, in 2016, following a successful trial.

The scope of the scheme was doubled and accelerated to be completed over a two-year period in 2018. A five-year contract was subsequently awarded to Cyclehoop Ltd to supply, install and maintain the units.

Cycle storage costs users £6 a month, in addition to an initial deposit and each container holds six spaces. 

Find out more about bike parking on the Council website and read the full report Secure On-Street Cycle Parking Project – Further Expansion.