More than £1m is being invested by the City of Edinburgh Council to provide new accessible permanent toilets in Edinburgh as well as temporary facilities for residents and visitors.
New permanent toilets are planned for three of the city’s premier parks – Inverleith, Leith Links and additional loos in the Meadows.
More than 50 temporary facilities have also been installed at these locations which are open now until the end of October. In the coming weeks, a number of these temporary toilets will also open at Straiton Place Park next to Portobello Promenade.
Part of the investment (£450,000) is from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund for new accessible toilets at Hawes Pier, South Queensferry.
Environment Convener Scott Arthur said: “We’re hoping that this investment in our beautiful premier parks will encourage as many local people as possible to spend longer in them as well as at our stunning coastal areas.
“As an internationally renowned city, we also want to welcome visitors to the Capital with modern accessible facilities in popular areas so they can spend time enjoying the great outdoor space that Edinburgh is so famous for.
“The funding from the UK Government for new facilities at our busy coastal location in South Queensferry is to be welcomed, and I look forward to seeing these all of these new facilities being installed.
“The wellbeing of our residents and visitors is really important and with all of this investment, we are making it even easier for people to enjoy our wonderful open spaces and the wider city. Edinburgh will boast more free to use public toilets than many other cities.”
Pupils and teaching staff from Brunstane Primary School will be relocated to other local schools after a decision was taken to close the building as a precaution ahead of the start of the new term.
Ongoing investigations relating to planned energy retrofit works at the school have revealed issues with the ground conditions including a small hole in an area of the playground next to the main school building.
The site of the school contains historic coal mine workings and the Council is working closely with the Coal Authority to establish the exact cause and extent of the issue. An action plan will be drawn up to decide what remedial work is needed so the school can reopen as soon as possible.
This means that the pupils and teaching staff will be relocated to other schools in the area for the start of the new term on Wednesday August 16. The nursery is also affected with plans in place for children to attend Moffat Early Years Campus.
Magdalene Community Centre is also on the site and alternative venues are being considered for the community groups who use that building.
Education, Children and Families Convener, Cllr Joan Griffiths, said:This is highly unusual but I know parents/carers and the local community will fully understand why we had to take this decision to close the school as a precaution which hasn’t been taken lightly.
“The expert advice we have received from independent engineers is that the site should remain closed until further investigative work has identified the exact nature of the problem. We’ll be working closely with the Coal Authority to establish what has caused this and what the next steps are so we can reopen the site.
“I know this news will be disappointing for everyone affected by the closures however it is the most sensible solution given what has happened. Our education officers are working closely with the school and other Council teams to identify suitable schools so learning and teaching can continue for our young people.
“We have already identified Moffat Early Years Campus for the nursery pupils and are looking at other venues for the groups that use Magdalene Community Centre. We will keep parents/carers updated as our plans develop and will do everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum.”
The school will be in direct contact with parents regarding updates and the Council’s emergency school closures web page will be kept updated.
The route for the UCI Men’s Elite Road Race has been announced. This forms part of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, the “biggest cycling event ever.”
The race will begin in Edinburgh on Sunday 6 August 2023 at 9.30am. We expect the event to attract many visitors from across the world to follow the race as it makes its way from the capital to Glasgow. The city will be busy and some roads will be closed as the event passes through.
Route
Competitors will start off in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat and the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood Park. The race then heads up the Royal Mile and through Edinburgh’s Old Town, passing under Edinburgh Castle.
They will then head down the Mound and towards Stockbridge before moving onto Queensferry. Competitors will then cross the Firth of Forth via the Queensferry Crossing. The race will eventually finish in Glasgow’s George Square, covering a distance of 270km.
Road closures
These roads will be closed from 6:30pm on August 5 to 12 noon on 6 August:
Queens Drive
Horse Wynd
Dukes Walk
These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 1:45pm on 6 August:
Canongate
New Street (between East Market Street and Canongate)
These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 11:15am on 6 August:
High Street (between South Bridge and St Giles Street)
Lawnmarket (between St Giles Street and Bank Street)
These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 12 noon on 6 August:
High Street (between St Mary’s Street and South Bridge)
The following roads will be closed from 8:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:
Abbeyhill (between Canongate and Abbeyhill Crescent)
Calton Road (between Abbeyhill and Abbeyhill Crescent)
The following roads will be closed from 9:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:
George IV Bridge (between Lawnmarket and Victoria Street)
Lawnmarket (between Bank Street and Castlehill)
Bank Street
North Bank Street
The Mound
Hanover Street
Queen Street Gardens East
Heriot Row (between Dundas Street and Howe Street)
Howe Street (between Heriot Row and South-East Circus Place)
South-East Circus Place
Circus Place
North-West Circus Place
These roads will be closed from 9:10am to 9:45am on 6 August:
Kerr Street
Deanhaugh Street
Raeburn Place
Comely Bank Road
Craigleith Road
These roads will be closed from 9:15am to 9:50am on 6 August:
Queensferry Road (between Craigleith Road and Hillhouse Road)
Hillhouse Road
These roads will be closed from 9:20 to 9:55am on 6 August:
Queensferry Road (between Hillhouse Road and Maybury Road)
These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10am on 6 August:
Queensferry Road / A90 South-eastbound (between the dual carriageway section and Whitehouse Road)
These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10:40am on 6 August:
Queensferry Road / A90 North-westbound (between Maybury Road and the boundary of City of Edinburgh Council’s responsibility).
Vehicle crossing points on closed roads
On 6 August, traffic will be held at the junctions with the race route for up to 10 minutes while the race passes. Once the final support vehicle passes, traffic will be able to flow as normal. The timings may change slightly to fit with the event as it passes through Edinburgh.
St Mary Street – Jeffery Street at Canongate/ High Street 9:25am to 9:35am
North Bridge – South Bridge at High Street 09:25am to 9:35am
Princess Street at The Mound/ Hanover Street 9:25am to 9:35am
Queen Street at Hanover Street/ Queen Street Gardens East 9:25am to 9:35am
East Fettes Avenue – Comley Bank Avenue at Comely Bank Road 9:30am to 9:40am
Orchard Brae – Crewe Road South at Comely Bank Road 9:30am to 9:40am
Telford Road – Strachan Road at A90 Hillhouse Road 9:30am to 9:40am
Quality Street – Craigcrook Road at A90 Queensferry Road 9:30am to 9:40am
People living in and interested in the future of the west of Edinburgh can take part in THREE public consultations just launched.
The city council is asking residents as well as those working and visiting the area how they think it could grow sustainably for future communities to be better connected, cleaner, greener and fairer for all.
Over the next few months there will be an opportunity to comment on three separate but linked key proposal documents:
Available to view together, these proposals could substantially develop the experience of living and moving around communities in the west of Edinburgh, helping the Capital to shape future planning policy and become a net zero city.
Towards West Edinburgh 2050 proposes how we could develop the area over the next 30 years. At this stage there are no detailed proposals but instead an overarching vision to be used as a starting point for discussion.
This has been informed by the city’s current City Plan 2030 (used to guide physical development and planning applications) and City Mobility Plan (for transport infrastructure) and, as the document develops, it will be used to evolve these plans over time.
The West Edinburgh Placemaking Framework and Strategic Masterplan is a consultation on development to the north of Gogarburn, extending from Eastfield Road in the west to Maybury junction in the east, with Edinburgh Airport and Turnhouse Road to the north.
There are a range of new opportunities for housing in this area as set out in City Plan 2030. The aim is to create a new 20 minute neighbourhood with a range of facilities which people will need to live well locally such as schools and medical centres.
Feedback on this document will be used to finalise a masterplan for this area which will go to the Planning Committee later this year for approval. The masterplan will then guide future planning applications.
Travel connections for those living, working and visiting west Edinburgh need to be improved, and to support future growth the Capital’s local authority is working with West Lothian Council to look at public transport and active travel links in the area along the A8/A89 between Broxburn to Maybury.
Known as Broxburn to Maybury Transport Improvements this is a major transport improvement project. The project is funded through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.
The plan is to have better connected communities with major employment, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities easily accessible. This will also make it easier for more people to make more journeys by bus or by cycling, walking or wheeling.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “The west of the city is an area of strategic importance locally, regionally and within Scotland and beyond.
“It has three waterways, major rail and tram routes running through it and is home to the city’s busy airport which has more than 11m passengers passing through it every year. Leisure plays a big part in the community too.
“Every year the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston hosts many prestigious international and national concerts, conferences, and other events. There are also several major educational establishments serving students locally and from all over the world. This all makes it a popular place to live, work and study and we need to take action to respond to the opportunities and challenges this presents.
“We’re looking to create a new neighbourhood to the north of Gogarburn and so we’ve produced a proposed masterplan with a range of new opportunities for much needed affordable housing.
“We’re also using 20 minute neighbourhood principles as in the rest of the city to make sure future residents live well locally with schools, healthcare and leisure facilities nearby. Like other neighbourhoods in west Edinburgh this new community needs to be well connected to the rest of the city, the wider region and beyond through improved public transport links.
“It’s an exciting time for the west of Edinburgh and I’d encourage you all to give us your views, whether that is online or at one of the drop in events we’ll be promoting in the coming months.”
35 of these are maintained by the Council and the remaining three by the Friends of Corstorphine Hill (Corstorphine Hill LNR Community Walled Garden), NHS Lothian (Royal Edinburgh Hospital), and Heriot Watt University (The Lawn & Central Woodlands).
Edinburgh’s award recipients represent over one third of the 87 total Green Flag Awards across Scotland.
The Capital placed third overall in the UK in total Green Flag Awards.
The full list of awarded parks and greenspaces in Scotland is available here.
The International Green Flag Award is bestowed upon parks and greenspaces that demonstrate excellent management and adherence to environmental standards. To make sure Edinburgh’s parks are kept to a high standard, each year the Council checks all its parks and gardens using Green Flag Award criteria.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker, said: “I am delighted that 38 parks around Edinburgh have been recognised by Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Green Flag Awards scheme.
“The scheme recognises the quality of parks and greenspaces, their benefits to communities and the hard work of managers, staff and volunteers who keep them ticking over.
“Here in the Capital, we are truly spoiled for choice across the city when it comes to fantastic parks and green spaces. Each different space has a unique character and significance for the residents and visitors that it welcomes.
“As part of our Edinburgh’s Thriving Greenspaces 2050 strategy, we are committed to doing everything we can to safeguard, preserve and improve these spaces so that people can continue to enjoy them, and communities feel involved in how they are looked after.”
Pic Greg Macvean 13/07/2023
Keep Scotland Beautiful – Green Flag Award 2023/24
Jamie Ormiston, Senior Awards Officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “Congratulations to our 38 award winners in Edinburgh. Every park has a wide range of people visiting them and their requirements can vary. What is essential is that they are well maintained and provide a safe place for people to relax and have fun.
“Our award-winning parks have demonstrated they are worthy winners, meeting the criteria of the coveted international award. Receiving this prestigious benchmark recognises all the hard work that has gone into maintaining and managing these precious green open spaces.
“It is imperative that Scotland reconnects with the natural world if we are to fix the biodiversity crisis and these green spaces will provide a space for people of all ages to do that.
“Green spaces are so important for our physical and mental wellbeing and it’s fantastic to see such a wide range of parks and green spaces across the entire length of the country. I encourage everyone to make the most of them this summer.”
Scotland’s only 5-star concert venue, Edinburgh’s stunning Usher Hall, is proud to announce the 2023-24 programme for its much-loved Sunday Classics season.
The Sunday afternoon season is renowned for bringing the finest orchestras from around the world to the Scottish capital, accompanied by exceptional soloists at the height of their talents.
Starting in September, the mighty Concerto Budapest Symphony Orchestra kicks off the 2023-24 season with a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. Brimming over with drama and emotional intensity, the symphony charts a course from darkness to a final, life-affirming glimmer of optimism.
Two weeks later the Basel Chamber Orchestra, the first orchestra to win the Swiss Music Prize in 2019, makes a triumphant return to Edinburgh. Joining them is pianist Angela Hewitt, a great favorite of the Zurich International Series’ audience, who will direct the orchestra in two concerto masterpieces – Mozart’s lyrical E-flat Piano Concerto and Bach’s pulsating D-minor Piano Concerto.
December sees a visit from the Symphony Orchestra of India, bringing with it all its renowned energy and vigour to one of the great 20th-century masterpieces by Stravinsky, Petrushka.
They are joined by perhaps the greatest musician in the Indian classical tradition, the tabla player Zakir Hussain, in a work commissioned especially for this tour, his exciting Triple Concerto.
The first concert of 2024 welcomes global superstar guitarist Miloš Karadaglić and the Arcangelo Ensemble, who will treat us to a celebration of Baroque masterpieces by Vivaldi, Marcello, Bach, Pachelbel, Rameau, and Couperin.
For lovers of the Baroque repertoire, this will be a very special evening featuring music recently recorded by Miloš and released by Sony later this year.
They will be joined by the brilliant young violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen in two masterworks for orchestra and violin – Chausson’s Poème and Saint-Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso.
The second half will feature two of Respighi’s monumental tone poems, Fountains of Rome and his ultimate work, Pines of Rome.
To celebrate a new, cordial phase of Anglo-French relations, a group of brilliant, young British and French musicians have been brought together to form the virtuosic Orchestre de l’Entente Cordiale.
They are joined by acclaimed French cellist Gautier Capuҫon who will perform that quintessentially English work, the Elgar Cello Concerto. After the British first half, an all-French second half features popular music by Satie and Debussy, with a grand finale of opulent music from Poulenc’s ballet Les biches.
Russian-born violinst Maria Ioudenitch treats the Usher Hall to one of the most profound violin concertos composed in the 20th century, Shostakovich’s First Violin Concerto, with its ravishing central passacaglia.
Joined by the Dresden Philharmonic, the show will also feature one of the most poignant and tragic of all symphonies, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6, the ‘Pathétique’.
Acclaimed pianist Mark Bebbington joins the Czech National Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Beethoven’s grand ‘Emperor’ Concerto and two much-loved Czech favourites – Smetana’s Bartered Bride and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7, in authentic and inimitable Czech style.
The orchestra’s American music director Steven Mercurio will begin the concert with Copland’s delightful portrait of the Appalachian countryside.
This finale includes one of the greatest of all choral works, Mozart’s farewell to the world, his Requiem. To balance this sombre second half, the first half includes Beethoven’s sparkling Eighth Symphony.
Taking part in this concert will be one of England’s historic choruses, the Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus, who join the Flanders Symphony Orchestra in a moving end to the Sunday Classics season.
Karl Chapman, Cultural Venues Manager at Usher Hall said: “We are delighted to announce our new Sunday Classics season, packed full of the best orchestras, soloists, and conductors in the world today.
“Sunday Classics has become an integral part of the Scottish classical music scene and the Sunday afternoon concert experience has proved ever popular. It’s fantastic that the Usher Hall can offer such an unrivalled variety of international talent to the music-lovers of Edinburgh and Scotland in a concert hall with some of the very best acoustics around.
“This season we are hosting a diverse selection of ensembles – the Czech National Symphony Orchestra make a triumphant return to the Hall led by American music director Stephen Mercurio.
“We are also incredibly excited to welcome back the likes of the India Symphony and Concerto Budapest Symphony orchestras and we know that the amazing Edinburgh audiences will leave them wanting to come back!
Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener said: “I am delighted that the Sunday Classics programme is returning for the 2023-24 season.
“There can be no better location to experience a live classical performance than the world-famous Usher Hall. Designed and built with a view to bring classical music to Scotland’s Capital, our venue has been a key part of our musical culture for over a century. I am proud that the tradition of concert-going at Edinburgh’s most stunning indoor venue continues as strongly as ever.
“It’s a genuine pleasure to sit back in the impressive hall and lose yourself in the music, and this new Sunday Classics series will feature first-class orchestras and classical superstars from around the world. Plus, with lots of options and special rates on tickets, the Usher Hall is helping to make classical music accessible to all.”
Edinburgh’s globally renowned festivals are gearing up for another spectacular year, with Friday’s launch of the 2023 Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival.
Last night Council Leader Cammy Day, Culture Minister Christina McKelvie and Jason Rust, Chair of Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, launched the Festival alongside performances from Baila Venezuela and Marianne McGregor.
Taking place over ten days from 14-23 July the festival will include over 110 concerts featuring: top Scottish bands, international stars, and festival favourites alongside new names.
Tickets are on sale and can be purchased by calling 0131 226 0013 or through the festival website.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I was delighted to attend yesterday’s launch as both Council Leader and as the newest Board Member of the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival.
“I am proud that our residents and visitors are able to take advantage of such an internationally eclectic and exciting festival.
“The Council is a proud supporter and funder of the EJBF and this year, I am pleased to see events held in every area of the city – from established music venues to churches and community centres – and spanning the length of our new tram route from the Pianodrome in Ocean Terminal to performances at Edinburgh Airport.
“I’d also like to thank the EJBF Board, the artists and everyone else who has contributed to the festival”.
Jason Rust, Chair of Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival said: “We are absolutely delighted to launch our 45th Festival.
“There is something for everyone in our ten-day programme and in communities across the city. We are really grateful to our funders, including the Council. Let’s make this a Festival to remember.”
Almost 1,200 long-term homes are being brought back into use for those fleeing the war in Ukraine through an innovative approach.
The Scottish Government’s £50 million Ukraine Longer-Term Resettlement Fund supports Local Authorities and Registered Social Landlords to improve properties that are currently void.
The fund was launched in September 2022 following a successful pilot and has so far provided 14 approved projects with £23 million of grant funding, helping to bring 1,168 homes back into use.
Almost 1,000 Ukrainian people are already living in 450 of these refurbished homes. A further 225 homes have been completed and are in the process of being tenanted.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville announced the latest figures on a visit to see progress at a housing site in Edinburgh.
More than 1,100 void homes across Scotland are being brought back into use for Ukrainians through @scotgov funding.
Social Justice Secretary @S_A_Somerville visited Leith to see a house in the process of being refurbished.
Ms Somerville said: “We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and are determined to do all we can to help those who wish to build their life here in Scotland.
“Our innovative £50 million programme provides a vital lifeline for those fleeing the war by providing long-term and secure accommodation through reclaimed empty homes. I am proud that Scotland has been able to play its part and pleased to see us reach and surpass the crucial milestone of 1,000 homes for displaced Ukrainians.
“We have been able to house hundreds of families and individuals in safe accommodation so far and we will continue to work closely with councils and housing associations as we build on this excellent progress.”
City of Edinburgh Council Housing, Homelessness, and Fair Work Convener, Councillor Jane Meagher said: “We are proud to continue our support of displaced Ukrainians, and are committed to assisting those making their new lives here in Edinburgh and beyond.
“The £50 million programme to refit currently empty properties is very much welcomed and will make a positive difference to many families. The approximately 100 homes in Edinburgh that will benefit from the programme will initially be used to house displaced Ukrainians, before ultimately being returned to our council housing stock. Without the support of the programme it is unlikely we would have been able to bring these properties back into use for some time.
“However, it is important that we remember the scale of the housing challenges our residents currently face, not just in Edinburgh but across Scotland.
“We will continue to work closely with the Scottish Government and our other partners as we move forward.”
In September 2022, following a successful pilot, the Scottish Government launched the £50 million Ukraine Longer-Term Resettlement Fund. The Fund was designed to offer displaced people of Ukraine, settled accommodation for up to three years.
To date, the Scottish Government has provided 14 projects with almost £23 million in grant funding which has helped to bring back almost 1,200 homes. The fund remains open for applications.
The latest published data on the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme including the Scottish Government’s Super Sponsor Scheme. The data shows as at 4 July there were:
24,962 total arrivals into the UK with a sponsor located in Scotland, of which 20,022 have come under the Super Sponsor scheme.
38,304 applications under the Super Sponsor scheme.
32,601 visas issued under the Super Sponsor scheme.
Heritage, community building and creativity were on show at the site of the old Portobello Kilns where a new ‘Collaborative Bannerwork by the Decorators of Portobello’ was unveiled yesterday.
The kilns are the last remaining buildings of the pottery industry in Scotland and have been a community landmark for over a century. The kilns first fired objects in 1906 with the construction of the first kiln by Buchan’s Pottery company.
The bannerwork depicts a range of drawings and paintings from the original illustrations and motifs used at the potteries in the 1960s. The decorators themselves are five local women who worked at the pottery during that time period.
The aim of the project is to showcase the rich heritage of the area and to raise awareness and funding for the renovations and maintenance of the kilns going forward. The bannerwork is expected to be displayed for up to a year.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “It is fantastic news that this new collaborative banner has been unveiled at the historic Portobello Kilns. These are the only surviving bottle kilns in Scotland and represent the rich industrial history of Portobello and the Firth of Forth.
“I would like to thank the Portobello Heritage Trust and Art Walk Porty for their excellent work on this and I’m sure many Portobello residents and visitors will enjoy the installation in the coming weeks and months.”
Chair of the Portobello Heritage Trust, Dr Margaret Munro said:“Portobello Heritage Trust enjoyed working with Art Walk Porty and the decorators from A.W. Buchan & Co. Ltd. in creating this amazing, decorative banner.
“We support the City of Edinburgh Council with their grant applications to rebuild the 1906 kiln and look forward to having it completed in the near future.”
Rosy Naylor from Art Walk Porty said: “Art Walk Porty is really delighted to have been able to collaborate with artist Nicky Bird and some of the decorators who worked at A.W. Buchan & Co Ltd potteries in the 1960s, to create this beautiful new bannerwork for the site of Portobello Kilns.
“We hope it brings some colour and enjoyment to the area, while work is underway to source funding for the rebuild. Many thanks to City of Edinburgh Council and Portobello Heritage Trust in helping to realise this project.”
The launch event was organised by Portobello Heritage Trust, Art Walk Porty and Eastern Exhibition and Display with support from the City of Edinburgh Council.
Artwalk Porty, which celebrates Edinburgh’s seaside and the creativity of Portobello, have been appointed to lead an exciting community outreach programme including working with local school children to document and celebrate Scotland’s pottery past and present.
Since 2019 there have been efforts to rebuild and preserve both kilns using original brickwork. This followed on from previous conservation work since the 1970s.
An innovative educational programme funded by the Sean Connery Foundation designed to help dyslexic children and young people in Edinburgh is showing positive signs of making a difference.
Interim results from the three year project, targeted at those experiencing literacy difficulties, has demonstrated that individual children are making significant progress in their reading.
While Sir Sean, who was born in Edinburgh, was not himself dyslexic, learning to read was life-changing for him, and he was passionate about sharing his enthusiasm for reading with others.
The partnership between Dyslexia Scotland, the City of Edinburgh Council’s Literacy and Dyslexia Support Team and the Foundation started last August. The work being carried out builds on the Council’s already established support to deliver intensive programmes to more pupils than were previously provided.
In the first year 15 primary and two secondary schools have been provided with specialist teachers and pupil support assistants trained to develop the capacity of school staff supporting children/young people with dyslexia or literacy difficulties. This has resulted in 215 pupils benefitting from the extra support and the wider training programme reaching 175 teaching staff.
An analysis of the work found all teachers and pupils involved were positive about its impact, with data suggesting “individual children are flourishing as a result of the initiative”. Even in just nine weeks of intervention, it was found that individual children were making “significant progress in their reading” and the report said: “If such improvements are sustained longer term it is highly likely that the impact of the project will demonstrate statistical significance.”
Another positive development from the project has been the setting up of parent/carer groups which helps parents with strategies to support literacy at home and practise these with their children.
Cllr Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Thanks to this funding from the Sean Connery Foundation and our longstanding partnership with Dyslexia Scotland we have been able to significantly increase support for learners who benefit most from this targeted work.
“Although we’re still in the early stages of this ground-breaking project the early results are really encouraging and building on the excellent work already taking place around literacy and dyslexia in our schools.
“In the first year we carefully selected 16 schools, offering group or one to one input to learners. We delivered intensive staff training and support for parents and carers, so that they felt more confident and informed about how to help at home.
“Children who had difficulties with reading are now showing significant progress. The work also helps build their self-confidence making them feel more motivated and engaged in learning.
“This is a wonderful partnership which shows real promise for learners with literacy difficulties. I can’t wait to see how the programme develops over the next two years and the positive impact it will have.”
Cathy Magee, Chief Executive of Dyslexia Scotland, said: “We are delighted that this initiative has started so well and that the hard work of everyone involved in the first year is having such a significant impact on the learners’ literacy skills as well as on their confidence and wellbeing.
“Early reports show that the generous investment by the Foundation, combined with the excellent partnership between Dyslexia Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council are delivering encouraging results. This is evident in the positive feedback from learners, parents, teachers and pupil support assistants.”
Stephane Connery, Chair of The Sean Connery Foundation, said: “The single most important event in Sean’s life was learning to read. It opened up his world. Sean was very conscious of the stigma that people with dyslexia endure.
“It does a terrible number on their confidence despite the fact that many dyslexic people are truly gifted with fresh, original perspectives. Our hope is that the Sean Connery Dyslexia Initiative helps to unlock this genius, helping students to grow in confidence and thrive in school.
