Vast majority of Edinburgh’s citizens ‘satisfied with life here’
Satisfaction with Edinburgh as a city to live in is the highest it’s ever been, according to the city council’s latest annual residents’ survey. Continue reading Edinburgh: Shiny happy people?
Contracts signed – Muirhouse building to get underway
Edinburgh will be flying the flag today to mark Commonwealth Day 2016.
The event, now in its third year, will see the Lord Provost Donald Wilson raise the Commonwealth Flag at the City Chambers. A specially written message from Kamalesh Sharma, Commonwealth Secretary-General, will be read out before a recital of the Commonwealth Affirmation.
More than 850 flags are expected to be raised in 53 Commonwealth countries around the world.
The Lord Provost will say: “The Commonwealth is made up of two billion citizens drawn from all faiths, cultures and ethnicities.
“The countries come together voluntarily in a spirit of co-operation, partnership and understanding and it is for that reason we raise the Commonwealth Flag in unity with those throughout all the participating countries of the world.”
He will also convey a message sent from Kamalesh Sharma, Commonwealth Secretary-General. It will say: “Our theme as we celebrate Commonwealth Day 2016 is An Inclusive Commonwealth.
“Reflection on the many ways in which the Commonwealth is a great global good can go hand in hand with celebration as we put out the flags for Commonwealth Day with pride in our shared commitment, and dedicate ourselves afresh to progress and prosperity, with fairness, justice and opportunity for all.”
In 1997, the Edinburgh Declaration was issued by the heads of government of the Commonwealth of Nations. Developed over two-thirds of a century, the report served as a consolidation of the membership criteria of the Commonwealth and was signed in Edinburgh.
WEDNESDAY 23 MARCH
PYCP Greenhouse 9.30am – 12.30pm
See below for details of Total Craigroyston’s final event, which takes place on 23 March. To register your attendance, telephone 529 5073 or email tracey.devenney@edinburgh.gov.uk
Lucky City Centre … but North Edinburgh will have to wait
A new initiative by the City of Edinburgh Council is set to tackle the capital’s worst potholes and road defects resulting from winter weather. A dedicated team of neighbourhood staff has been put together to coordinate an intensive programme of repairs concentrating on main arterial routes – but North Edinburgh won’t be seeing any additional pothole attention anytime soon. Continue reading Council sets up pothole posse
The Travelling Gallery will embark on another Scottish tour this week with a new spring exhibition in association with the Stills Gallery. Continue reading All aboard! Travelling Gallery is back on the road
Green light for £1.5 million Shopping Centre transformation
Muirhouse Shopping Centre is to be transformed through a £1.52 million Regeneration Grant, it’s been announced. The cash will see sections of the run-down centre demolished and replaced to give the area a new ‘civic heart’ (writes Dave Pickering). Continue reading A new heart for Pennywell
“Edinburgh is not out of the woods yet and it is still early days with many of its planned actions. But it is in a much stronger position to meet the challenges that lie ahead.” – Douglas Sinclair, Accounts Commission Continue reading Edinburgh is balancing the books – but at a price
Reprieve for some but others still await funding decision
The city council has heralded a new way of distributing grants but some highly-regarded local voluntary sector projects still await the decisions that will determine their future. And with just six weeks before the start of the new financial year, management committees and voluntary boards across the city are faced with unpalatable choices: issue redundancy notices and risk losing staff or hope that all will be well with next year’s funding? Continue reading Council funding: for some, the wait goes on
St Andrew Square invaded by stick people
One of Edinburgh’s iconic gardens has been invaded by nocturnal stick-figures as part of an art installation commissioned by the City of Edinburgh Council.
KEYFRAMES is a highlight of the 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design and has been delivered by producers Curated Place with French artists Groupe LAPS.
The playful stick-figure light sculptures will be exhibited until 28 March 2016 in St Andrew Square. Each sculpture has been designed to create an illusion of stop-motion movement as they shine in sequence to a series of sound effects every evening.
Speaking about the opportunity to present the artwork within Edinburgh, Thomas Veyssiere from Groupe LAPS said: “The most exciting thing about installing KEYFRAMES in St Andrew Square is that it is a long and immersive form. Our lighting puppets will inhabit the square for two months.
“Rather than offering one point of view, visitors who walk through the Square will discover the figures undertaking different activities, be it climbing a tree, throwing a Frisbee or having a snooze. Sound will envelop the whole area and entice visitors to get closer to the installation.”
Councillor Richard Lewis, Edinburgh’s Events Champion, said: “Public art by day, lightshow by night, KEYFRAMES is something completely different for Edinburgh. It’s fantastic to bring international cultural events to the city. This project has been tailored by the French artists to suit the Square and celebrate elements of Scottish culture, from the sound of the bagpipes to our national love of football. I’m sure it will drive footfall as it brightens up the city centre with its playful stick-figure sculptures. You can’t miss it.”
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design is now underway and we have an exciting array of events planned to showcase Scotland’s spirit of invention and creativity. KEYFRAMES is a fantastic example of what will be on offer during the year. The installation will bring a busy part of our nation’s capital to life and, as a free event, gives everyone the opportunity to participate and experience the architecture and environment of St Andrew Square in a new and different light.”
Roddy Smith, Chief Executive of Essential Edinburgh, added: “We are delighted to support a project in St Andrew Square that is such a stunning addition to the city centre. KEYFRAMES is something that will draw and delight local people and visitors alike, and add to the ambience of the city centre well into spring.”
This is the first time KEYFRAMES will be exhibited in Scotland following a UK debut in Durham at the 2013 Lumiere Festival. It has delighted thousands of people across the world from Singapore to Jerusalem, France, Spain and the Netherlands.
The exhibition, which is free to view, is being funded by the City of Edinburgh Council and EventScotland with the support of Marketing Edinburgh and Essential Edinburgh.
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Pictures: CEC
Video: Lloyd Smith
