Tag: city council

Meadowbank Sports Centre is open

The new Meadowbank Sports Centre was officially opened at a special ceremony yesterday (Friday 4 November).

The new £47m centre is a state-of-the-art community sports facility built on the site of the original Meadowbank, which closed in December 2017.

The new Meadowbank opened its doors to the public in July this year and features a wide range of enhanced facilities and will support physical activity, sport, health and well-being in Edinburgh for generations to come.

The new venue supports accessible participation and has improved indoor facilities with two multi-sport halls with seating, a gym and three large fitness studios.

In recognising the legacy and heritage of the old Meadowbank and its 50+ years of sporting history a Wall of Honour has been unveiled in the atrium featuring over 45 names.

The wall honours people who have made significant contributions to Meadowbank’s past and its legacy as a sport and community venue. The honourees have been nominated by the public in four categories: Competitive Achievements, Community Service, Professional Service and Special Contribution.

Inductees include sport heroes Chris Hoy, Lynsey Sharp, Allan Wells and Jake Wightman and sport coaches such as gymnastic coach Maggie Bissett and athletics coach Bill Walker.

Cllr Day was joined by Scott Haldane from Edinburgh Leisure and Mel Young from sportscotland to welcome partners, elected members and representatives from sport governing bodies and sports clubs and Wall of Honour inductees.

To coincide with the official opening, Edinburgh Leisure will be celebrating with an open weekend at the centre with free activities available from Friday 4 until Sunday 6 November 2022.

Over the weekend, there will be children’s coaching, gym, fitness classes, racquet sports, and the running track and athletics area will be available for everyone to come and try for free.

Council Leader, Cammy Day, said: I’m delighted that with our partners we have been able to provide this fantastic facility which will offer year-round opportunities for both adults and young people to take part in sport.

“We are committed to encouraging and enabling everyone to become more physically active and enjoy the associated benefits. It’s important for sport to be as accessible as possible for our residents and our investment in fit-for-purpose sports facilities is helping to ensure that as many people as possible can get involved in sport throughout the year.

“The Wall of Honour has been a great way for our citizens to pay a lasting tribute to the Meadowbank legacy and to some outstanding individuals who have made a positive impact on sport in the city and gained national and international recognition for Edinburgh.

“More names will be added to the wall in the future as we continue to honour those who inspire and deserve to be recognised and celebrated for years to come.”

June Peebles, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure said: “The team at Meadowbank has enjoyed welcoming customers, old and new to this amazing new facility since we opened our doors on 19 July and the reaction from customers has been very positive.

“The centre has a large variety of activities on offer, and we have been developing the activity programme in response to demand and customer feedback, ensuring the new Meadowbank Sports Centre establishes itself with a new generation.

“And to coincide with the City of Edinburgh Council’s official opening on 4 November, we are celebrating the occasion by opening the whole venue for free from Friday, 4 to Sunday, 6 November.

“There will be children’s coaching (football and multi-activity), gym, fitness glasses, racquet sports and the running track and athletics area will be available for everyone to come and find out first hand for themselves what all the fuss is about.

“I would encourage everyone to pay us a visit and join in the fun!”

Mel Young, Chair of sportscotland, said: “Meadowbank has long been at the heart of sport and physical activity in the City of Edinburgh and it’s fantastic to see that tradition continuing with the opening of this magnificent new centre.

“At sportscotland we work closely with partners like City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Leisure to ensure that the facilities that we invest in are in the right place and will really meet the long term needs of the community, whether that’s an introduction to sport and physical activity, or supporting the aspirations of some of Scotland’s best athletes.

“This new, inclusive Meadowbank Sports Centre really delivers on that ambition which is why we were delighted to invest £5million of National Lottery funding through our Sports Facilities Fund to support this important project.”

Cleaning up the Capital

Local volunteers, housing associations and teams from the Council’s Housing, Parks and Greenspace, Waste and Cleansing departments came together for community clean ups in North Edinburgh and Wester Hailes over the last fortnight.

Together they collected over 125 bags of rubbish bags of rubbish, 13 van loads of waste and dumped items and seven skips during their big clean. Greenery was cut back, 200 bulbs were planted, and the Union Canal towpath near Wester Hailes was cleaned with the help of young people from St Augustine’s RC High School.

They were also joined by local police officers and supported by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Many of the items collected had been illegally dumped by flytippers.

During the clean-up teams also removed dumped items in stairwells which could have been a fire risk and gave local residents advice on the best ways to dispose of their unwanted items.

The weeks of action follow the success of a similar event in Craigmillar earlier this year.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convenor Councillor Jane Meagher said: “So many community groups, organisations and local volunteers were involved in the Wester Hailes and North Edinburgh clean ups, and they’ve done a tremendous job. The before and after results are clear to see and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part.

“Council officers work hard all year round to keep common areas and green spaces clean and tidy but clean ups are a great way for communities and partners to come together to tackle issues with litter and flytipping.

“Wester Hailes and Pennywell are both areas that we have prioritised for capital investment over many years. It’s great to see so many new, modern affordable homes built alongside schools, health centres, shops, and green spaces that people can enjoy as part of our 20-minute neighbourhood strategy.

“These events are being coordinated by Places for People, Prospect Community Housing, and the Council’s housing operations team, supported by officers from waste and cleansing and parks and greenspace.

“We also thank our commercial partners Mitie, GasCall, Robertson Homes, ISS, Belac, ID Verde and Premier One for their important role in supporting these initiatives.”

Green light expected for next stage of George Street ‘transformation’ plans

A project to transform the heart of Edinburgh’s First New Town has reached a milestone moment in its delivery.

Final developed design elements for the George Street and First New Town (GNT) project, as well as an updated operational plan, have been published as part of the latest phase in the design process – Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stage 3.

If recommendations are approved, the project will be able to move to RIBA Stage 4 and, subject to securing all necessary statutory consents, construction is targeted to start in 2024.

Developed design proposals, to be considered by Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday (3 November), have been built on concept design principles approved by the Committee in August 2021.

These aim to create more welcoming, people-friendly spaces, support accessibility, walking and cycling and celebrate Edinburgh’s unique heritage.

Amongst the ‘core elements’ of the Stage 3 Developed Design are: significantly widened pavements; the creation of a European style cycling street; removal of parking bays (while retaining blue badge and essential resident parking); ‘greening’ plans for planting and shrubbery along the length of the street; and the use of natural stone suitable for the World Heritage Site.

Updated principles for the First New Town operation plan, which will support the area’s transformation, include: proposed entry times for non-essential vehicles; access windows for taxis, recognising their role in the night-time economy and protecting public safety; the maintenance of bus services in the wider First New Town; and methods for enforcing the changes. Further engagement and analysis on the plan will be carried out during the next design stage in the process, RIBA Stage 4.

Recommendations for GNT follow years of development, consultation and engagement with residents, businesses and stakeholders. The latest update has been commended by the Council’s Urban Design Panel for its continued positive collaborative approach, reinforced by several recent studies and assessments.

Amongst these are a women’s safety audit, a refreshed heritage impact assessment, a business and resident operations survey and an economic impact assessment – this estimated the improvements will generate a potential £95m Gross Value Added (GVA) benefit to the Edinburgh economy.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “This is a major milestone for a flagship project to transform Edinburgh’s city centre, where people will be put first and the economy will be supported. We will transform George Street from a place which is dominated by cars to one which is dominated by people.

“The latest proposals build on years of public and business engagement, all of which has improved the design. As part of this stage of development the project team has carried out a significant package of in-depth assessments to address GNT’s impact on residents, businesses, public safety and the economy, amongst other factors, and to ensure final designs take varied needs into account.

“Once complete, GNT will deliver a world-class city centre worthy of a European capital, highlighting Edinburgh’s stunning architecture and creating a safe space for people to spend time in. By supporting sustainable travel by foot and bike, as well as retaining public transport links, it’s also key to the Council’s plans to reduce travel by car and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.”

Karen McGregor, Scotland Director, Sustrans, said: “Sustrans is proud to be a funding partner for the George Street and First New Town transformation. The design proposals are the result of extensive public engagement with a broad range of stakeholders.

“The project will facilitate walking, wheeling, cycling and sustainable transport in Scotland’s capital. But more importantly, it will create a greener, healthier place with people at its heart, where they can relax, socialise, shop, work and enjoy Edinburgh’s beautiful surroundings.”

If recommendations are approved by Transport and Environment Committee next week, the project will progress to Stage 4, which sets out key processes required for its delivery. This includes the promotion of all necessary statutory processes, such as Traffic Regulation and Redetermination Orders, which will allow construction to commence in 2024. This stage will also deliver the final Operational Plan.

GNT is one of the first projects to be delivered as part Edinburgh City Centre Transformation and intersects with other key schemes supporting travel by foot, wheel or bike in the city centre, including Meadows to George Street (MGS) and the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL).

Core Elements of GNT Stage 3 Developed Design

  • Wider pavements (approx four metres) on both sides of George Street along the entire street length, increasing accessibility for pedestrians
  • Landscaping confined to planters and low hedges, within sensitively balanced landscaped seating areas where people can relax
  • European cycling street within the central carriageway of the new street, interfacing with both CCWEL and MGS to create a network of strategic cycling routes 
  • Redesign of junctions to provide cycling and pedestrian priority while also improving the visual setting around the central statues
  • Integrated Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) allowing surface water to drain naturally via the creation of rainwater gardens
  • Material finishes of natural stone, developed in close partnership with Edinburgh World Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland and the Cockburn Association
  • Designs and placemaking influenced by woman’s safety and Threat, Vulnerability and Risk assessments

Read the full report, George Street and First New Town – RIBA Stage 3 Design and Operational Plan update, online, and visit the dedicated website for more information. You can also watch a video illustrating the area’s transformation on our YouTube channel.

Watch the discussion of the recommendations at Transport and Environment committee live via webcast from 10am on Thursday (3 November).

City Council: ‘Slavery – We’re Sorry’

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge opened yesterday’s meeting of the City Council by apologising on behalf of the city for its past role in sustaining slavery and colonialism.

The civic apology follows ten recommendations and an action plan made by the independent Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Group which were accepted by the Policy and Sustainability Committee in August.

The first recommendation made by the review group was that the Council publicly acknowledges the city’s past role in sustaining slavery and colonialism, and issues an apology to those places and people who suffered.

Statement by the Lord Provost in full:

‘The decision of the Policy and Sustainability Committee on 30 August 2022 provides a welcome opportunity to reflect on the city’s role in the rise of colonialism and the part played by some of our forefathers in slavery and the economic benefits of it.

‘It is impossible to look out from this building across the city and not see how the landscape of the city was shaped by the wealth generated from colonialism and slavery.

‘The effects of colonialism and slavery are deeply embedded in the fabric of our city, in the buildings, in the institutions and even in the way that Edinburgh is laid out.

‘We cannot deny the benefits that the city has accrued over the years from the exploitation of others and in particular the continent and peoples of Africa.

‘Coming to terms with our past and recognising the detriment our ancestors have wrought through colonialism and slavery is very difficult for us all.

‘But try we must to reconcile our past with the generations of today in order that we can move forward, united in our common goals of equality, fraternity and liberty.

‘Through the establishment of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review, led by Professor Geoff Palmer, Edinburgh is aiming to fill the gap in knowledge and understanding about the city’s past.

‘I wish to thank Geoff and his team most sincerely for producing a world leading piece of work on the subject which will help shape policy and engagement in our city for the foreseeable future.

‘It is appropriate to start this process with a formal apology.

‘So as Civic Leader of the city and Convener of the Council, I apologise to all those who suffered profound physical and mental abuse from the City’s past involvement in colonialism and slavery.’

Following the apology, the next action will be the creation of an independent Legacy Commission, supported by the Council.

This group will oversee prioritisation and co-ordination of the remaining actions, liaise with the many stakeholders in addressing this legacy across the city and beyond and provide regular updates on progress.

Armed Services join forces to launch Scottish Poppy Appeal 

Service personnel past and present launched this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal at a ceremony in Edinburgh yesterday (MONDAY 24th OCT).

The sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community were honoured at the official opening of the Edinburgh Garden and Field of Remembrance, which also marked the start of the annual Appeal.

Senior members of all three Armed Services, Brigadier Andy Muddiman, Lieutenant Colonel Lorne Ian Campbell, and Air Vice Marshal Ross Paterson joined forces for the launch, highlighting the importance of the remembrance period and outlining why wearing a poppy remains vital.

Lt Col Campbell, Commander of Edinburgh Garrison, said: “Throughout my career at this time of year I have paused to reflect on the enormous sacrifices made by those who have gone before.

“I think of those fellow soldiers I have served with who have done their duty by their country in the heat and cold, wet and dry, 24 hours a day and seven days a week at peace, on operations and at war to protect the nation and defend our way of life.

“I have been reassured by the quite outstanding work conducted over the many years by Poppyscotland in support of those who have needed, and in many cases still do, help to overcome challenges that some face once they hang up their uniforms for the last time.”

Brigadier Muddiman, Royal Marines, Naval Regional Commander Scotland & Northern Ireland added: “Sacrifice is something that should always be acknowledged and the Remembrance period is when we collectively as a nation remember those service personnel who gave their lives in order to ensure our way of life continues.

“It’s gratifying to see people wearing the poppy because it shows that people do care and that they are happy to outwardly display that. It reminds everyone that we have entered that period when we should be remembering those souls who did not return from battlefield and acknowledging that our country retains the freedom it has as a result of that sacrifice.”

Three million poppies are being distributed throughout Scotland as part of the country’s largest fundraising appeal, supporting Poppyscotland’s welfare and advice services. The charity’s army of thousands of volunteers are hitting the streets, as well as collecting in supermarkets and delivering poppies to shops, businesses and schools.

Austin Hardie, Director of Poppyscotland, said: “This is a chance to recognise the extraordinary service our Armed Forces offer to the country, and how they risk everything to protect each one of us, despite never having met us.

“Wearing your poppy shows serving personnel, veterans and their families, their service and sacrifice means something to you and will never be forgotten. All funds raised will go to support our life-changing work, providing advice and welfare support to the Armed Forces community in Scotland.

“This is needed more than ever, as we are seeing an increasing demand for our services due to the cost-of-living crisis.”

The service of remembrance was led by Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, National Padre of the Royal British Legion Scotland, before a wreath-laying ceremony which included The Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, and Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans.

The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland provided music, as well as piper Angus Adams from George Heriot’s School.

Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland added: “From the First World War to more recent conflicts, it is essential that we continue to honour and remember those who gave their lives for our country. Today’s ceremony is an opportunity to come together and show our gratitude to all who have served over the years.

“I hope that residents and visitors to Edinburgh will take the chance to visit the garden over the next few weeks to reflect and pay their own tributes.”

People can find out more and support the Scottish Poppy Appeal at

 www.poppyscotland.org.uk.

Helping people facing homelessness

Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, highlights help for people facing homelessness in Edinburgh:

It takes a whole society to work together to help people who face homelessness and prevent families from losing their homes. This autumn and winter, we must all look out for those around us.

With the lowest proportion of social housing in the country and the biggest, most expensive, private rented sector, the current economic climate is worrying for Edinburgh. This is a rapidly growing city and we already face housing pressures like nowhere else in Scotland.

Our fundamental problem is that, in spite of all the council’s efforts to build new affordable homes, we simply do not have enough to fulfil the demand and we are calling on the Scottish Government to support Scotland’s capital city by providing the funding that will allow us to unlock the means to build warm and affordable homes like those we’re building in West Granton.

The cost of living crisis gives me grave concern that even more households in Edinburgh could be forced into debt, financial insecurity and ultimately feel unable to afford their own home. No one should have to experience the stress of not having a safe and permanent home and the daily pressures facing people experiencing homelessness are unimaginable for most.

Sadly, after the pandemic we’re starting to see numbers of homeless cases gradually rise again – highlighting just how important and urgent it is that people understand the help which exists.

We are focusing our efforts on prevention and helping people to stay in their current homes, putting plans in place to help those at risk of fuel poverty and creating a dedicated cost of living directory, and we’re working with Changeworks as we do every year to make homes warmer and more energy efficient.

Our Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan steps up activity to prevent homelessness, maximises our supply of and access to settled housing options, reduces the time people spend as homeless – especially in temporary accommodation – and helps us to provide tailored support as and when people need it. It is a five-year plan which prioritises prevention and directs every decision we make.

Council tenants’ rents have been frozen for two years running and we’re considering extending this for another year.

A dedicated team has been tasked with reducing the number of people who become homeless from the private rented sector, and I urge landlords to extend the freeze on their rents when government rules lift next year.

Landlords, including those with short-term lets, can also sign over to Private Sector Leasing – receiving market rates and guaranteed tenancies through the council and providing an essential home for someone in need.

We’re developing pathways to avoid homelessness for people at key transition points in their life – such as leaving hospital or prison or fleeing domestic abuse – and have specialist support in place for anyone at these junctures.

In 2020 we adopted a new Domestic Abuse Housing Policy which aims to give people affected by domestic abuse access a range of housing options. It prioritises, where possible, those subjected to abuse safely staying where they are or moving quickly and with strong support into a safer space.

I’m so grateful to the many officers, third sector organisations, partners and volunteers in our city who work day and night to help people in desperate need. As a Bethany soup kitchen volunteer I have seen first-hand the difference charity workers and local residents can make to improve – even save – lives.

Streetwork is a charity that supports people who are homeless in Edinburgh – please do contact them on 0808 178 2323 if you are worried about someone you think is homeless. We also have an emergency out of hours service which can be contacted at any time on 0800 032 5968.

For more information, advice and support on homelessness or helping someone in need, visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/homeless-risk.

Thriving? Council seeks your views on Edinburgh’s Green Spaces

We want to hear your views on Edinburgh’s Thriving Greenspaces 2050: A Vision and Strategy.

This consultation will be the benchmark for how we move forward with greenspaces over the next 30 years 🌲

Find out more and take part here until November 15th: 

https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/…/thriving…/

Ferryhill children put their Thinking Caps on

Exhibition now on display at the Museum of Edinburgh

The Put Your Thinking Cap On Exhibition, a collaboration between youth Samba band Pulse of the Place and Ferryhill Primary School, is now on display at the Museum of Edinburgh.

Inspired by the drumming sessions hosted by Rohan Seilman at Ferryhill Primary School and spurned on by an invitation to perform in a music video for the Edinburgh Festival Carnival, the exhibition shows portraits of students wearing their ‘thinking caps’ that were used at the Pulse of the Place performance. 

The headgear was designed and fashioned by students with guidance and oversight from teacher and art specialist Dr Anke-Beate Stahl. The materials used were papier mâché, paper, wire, straws, pipe cleaners, pompoms, and glue. This provided an opportunity for pupils to express themselves creatively and experiment with different designs.

Many more pupils performed for Pulse of the Place than those whose portraits are displayed at the exhibition and their contribution should also be recognised. The portraits were shot in the school dining hall with this being the first experience of its kind for many students.

Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener said: This exhibition represents an important addition to our collection of community-led displays and showcases the innovation and talent of our young people here in Edinburgh.

“I am sure this exhibition will be well-received by visitors to the Museum of Edinburgh. I would like to thank the pupils and teachers of Ferryhill Primary School and Pulse of the Place for undertaking this dynamic project, Councillor for Inverleith Ward, Hal Osler for her brokering and championing of this exhibition and to Museums & Galleries colleagues for their ongoing hard work.

Dr Anke-Beate Stahl, art specialist and teacher at Ferryhill Primary School said: “This exhibition highlights the creativity that our pupils can demonstrate when given the extra time, space, and specialist support.

“Connecting music and visual arts with the bonus of a public display is a great learning experience for the children.”

Inverleith councillor Hal Osler said: “I am so unbelievably proud of the pupils of @Ferryhill_PS who are presently appearing in an exhibition at the Museum of Edinburgh. Thanks to all involved – the exhibition looks fantastic and it’s well worth a view”

The exhibition runs until February 26, 2023 and is located in the community display area of the Museum of Edinburgh on the ground floor. 

Students and teachers receive the inaugural Saroj Lal Award for City of Edinburgh Schools

The winners of the first ever edition of the Saroj Lal Award for City of Edinburgh Schools were announced at the City Chambers this week.

The ceremony consisted of award judges, the family of Saroj Lal, student/teacher nominees and their families, along with Council colleagues and other invited guests. 

Saroj Lal was one of the first BAME women to teach in a Scottish primary school when she began her role at South Morningside Primary School in 1970

. Her many successes included being at the forefront of race relations during a period of immense political and social change, delivering anti-racism training and starting the first local authority interpreting and translating service in Edinburgh.

Following her death in 2020, Saroj’s many achievements in equality, women’s rights, education, and community work are being formally recognised.

All City of Edinburgh schools were invited to nominate pupil work relating to any aspect of equalities, in any artform. Headteachers were also invited to nominate staff, whose collaborative work around equalities has taken a creative approach and had an impact.

All nominated work will be used to start building a resource bank for schools. There were 9 schools who nominated, with 13 pupil/pupil group nominations and 4 teacher nominations submitted.

All work submitted was considered by a panel of judges, comprising Saroj Lal’s son Vineet Lal, Debora Kayembe (Rector of The University of Edinburgh), Theo Ogbhemhe (teacher in Orkney who was winner of the first GTCS Saroj Lal Award), and young person, Alanah Walker.

The award categories for students were as follows:

  • Proud to be Me: Communicates the young person’s personal expression of pride their heritage, in their own culture and/or identity.
  • How Prejudice Makes Me Feel: Expresses young people’s feelings about any form prejudice inflicted on themselves or others.
  • Artivism: Art expresses their views on social justice and challenges others to change and/or act differently.

All the nominated work was celebrated at the ceremony hosted by Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener.

The winner for the Proud to be Me category was Anum Shezad of The Royal High School.

In the How Prejudice Makes Me Feel category the winner was Freya Wilson of The Flora Stevenson Primary School.          

For the Artivism category the winner was the Rights Respecting Schools Group, comprising four senior pupils from Firrhill High School namely Jess Daly, Alisha McLeod, Sara McLeod and Jane Williams.

The staff winner was Rory Murray, again of Firrhill High School, with the special Judges’ Commendation going to Jane O’Thy, of Boroughmuir High School.

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener said: “I am incredibly proud to oversee the inaugural Saroj Lal Award for City of Edinburgh Schools as Education, Children and Families Convener.

“These pupils and their achievements are a testament to the rich legacy that Saroj Lal left in her decades of pioneering work in Edinburgh and beyond. This award provides an opportunity to reflect not only on the life on a seminal and inspiring woman in Saroj Lal but an opportunity to look ahead to the future with pupils across the Capital showing their passion for equality, diversity and social justice.”

Vineet Lal, son of Saroj Lal, and one of the Award judges said: “I have been blown away by the sheer creativity and depth of thought demonstrated by all those pupils and staff nominated for the inaugural Saroj Lal Award for Schools.

“I have been truly amazed by the variety and originality with which they have embraced the spirit of equality and diversity and captured that spirit so beautifully in their submissions.

“Saroj was a pioneering force in the struggle for justice and fairness for all, and I think she would have been very proud indeed that her trailblazing work in the City of Edinburgh and beyond should inspire new generations to champion those same values.”

Aims of The Saroj Lal Award for City of Edinburgh Schools: 

  • Mark the important legacy of Saroj Lal’s life and work.
  • Inspire action and promote equalities work in the widest sense.
  • Ensure pupils’ views, ideas and experiences are central and communicated widely through creative approaches.
  • Create a bank of resources for schools to use and share.
  • Challenge perceptions, remove stigma and celebrate diversity.

Màiri Mhòr nan Òran is the latest addition to Scotland’s literary greats at Makar’s Court

Màiri Mhòr nan Òran has a commemorative flagstone unveiled at Makars’ Court

Lauded Scottish Gaelic poet and songmaker Màiri Nic a’ Phearsain (Mary MacPherson; 1821-1898) is most commonly known as Màiri Mhòr nan Òran, or ‘Big Mary of the Songs’ is set to be added to Makars’ Court, where the nations most esteemed literary figures have been celebrated since its creation in 1998.

Described as ‘a towering presence in Gaelic culture’ (The National, 2021), Màiri Mhòr will take her rightful place at Makars’ Court where she will have a memorial flagstone inscribed with her name and the lines:

Màiri Mhòr nan Òran

1821-1898

Cuimhnichibh gur sluagh sibh

Is cumaibh suas ur còir

(Remember that you are a people / And stand up for your rights)

(From The Highest Apple/An Ubhal as Àirde (Francis Boutle Press, 2019), p. 522).

Despite not discovering her latent literary talents until after her 50th birthday, Màiri Mhòr is lauded as one of the most important songmakers in Scottish history.

Her work unflinchingly chronicled the Highland Clearances and land struggles, one of the most profound eras of socio-economic and political unrest in the nation’s history. 

Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Màiri Mhòr’s addition to Makars’ Court reflects her indelible impact as a songmaker and she can now occupy her rightful place alongside the finest literary figures in our nation’s rich history.

“Makars’ Court is an important stop on the Old Town tourist trail and provides an opportunity for visitors and residents alike to explore the very best of Scotland’s writers. I would like to thank the sponsor of this flagstone Wilson McLeod; this will be a fitting testament to a true giant of Gaelic literature and society.”

The sponsor of this flagstone, Professor Wilson McLeod noted that: “There are currently only three Gaelic writers commemorated at Makars’ Court (George Campbell Hay, Somhairle MacGill-Eain and Lachlann MacMhuirich).

“All of them are male. It would be highly appropriate to honour one of Gaeldom’s best-known female poets.”

About Màiri Mhòr nan Òran:

Born in 1821 at Skeabost in Skye, she spent many years in Inverness and then Glasgow before returning to Skye later in life. After being widowed, she worked as a domestic servant.

In 1872, she was convicted of stealing from her employer, apparently unfairly. Her damaging experience with the law and the lasting effect it had on her is recorded in Tha mi sgìth de luchd na Beurla (I’m tired of the English speakers). She said that the humiliation (tàmailt) she endured brought her muse to life, and it was this injustice which spurred her to become a song-maker.

Mairi Mhòr moved to Glasgow on her release from prison. It was here she is believed to have learned to read and write in English and qualified with a nursing certificate and diploma in obstetrics from Glasgow Royal Infirmary. In 1876, she moved to Greenock to work but often returned to Glasgow for cèilidhs and other gatherings of Skye people, she retired to Skye in 1882.

She is remembered for her active involvement in the Crofters’ War and the Highland land issue, which provided the themes of some of her best-known songs. She is known to have been present at Highland Land League meetings and to have known influential campaigners such as Alexander Mackenzie and her friend Fraser Mackintosh in the run up to the Napier Commission of 1883-4 and the Crofters Act of 1886.

By this time Màiri Mhòr had acquired a reputation for her songs. She sang at the first ever National Mòd in Oban in 1892 and came to achieve considerable celebrity in the Gàidhealtachd, a status she retains to the present day.

Màiri Mhòr died in Portree on Skye in 1898 and was buried in Chapel Yard Cemetery in Inverness beside her husband.

About Makars’ Court:

Makars’ Court, an evolving national literary monument, is located beside the Writers’ Museum in Lady Stairs Close. There, people can read some of the famous words of great Scottish writers inscribed in the flagstones, with quotes ranging from the 14th century John Barbour to Dame Muriel Spark, who died in 2006. New flagstones continue to be added.

The Scots word Makar means “one who fashions, constructs, produces, prepares, etc”. (Dictionary of the Scots Language), and in a literary context it is the role of the poet or author as a skilled and versatile worker in the craft of writing.

We have many such wordsmiths living in Scotland, and to celebrate the importance of writers in our lives, in this UNESCO City of Literature, Edinburgh has adopted its own version of the Poet Laureate: the Edinburgh Makar. 

The office of Edinburgh Makar is currently held by the poet Hannah Lavery. The office of Scotland’s Makar is currently held by the poet Kathleen Jamie.