Edinburgh residents are being encouraged to hand in their unwanted laptops and other tech to be refurbished & repaired for reuse as well as being passed on to people who suffer who digital poverty.
The Council has partnered with the Edinburgh Remakery, an award-winning social enterprise committed to diverting waste from landfill and promoting a culture of repair and reuse, to help to make this happen.
Three tech donation centres have been set up at the following locations:
13 Sept – 16 Oct: Central Library
17 Oct – 20 Nov : Wester Hailes Library
21 Nov – 13 Dec : South East Locality Office
So far, the Edinburgh Remakery has helped more than 400 people out of digital poverty by donating tech to them through their Tech Gifting Programme.
Council Leader Cammy Day said:“The idea is to make it as easy as possible for anyone to pass on their unwanted technology instead of throwing it away.
“An estimated 24 million old smartphones are kept as ‘spares’ in homes across the UK in cupboards or drawers so I’d encourage everyone across the city to have a clear out where you can and donate your old phones or other tech items to those on low incomes who really need them.
“This project is also about tackling electronic waste, which is one of the fastest-growing and most polluting waste streams in the UK.”
Chief Executive Officer the Edinburgh Remakery Elaine Brown said:“We are delighted that our tech Donation Boxes will be hosted in the three libraries.
!The impact your donations will make cannot be underestimated. Together we can contribute to the city’s ambitious net zero targets, ensure that tech can get a new lease of life and prevent valuable, finite resources going to landfill.
“In addition, we will be able to give the gift of connectivity to people in our community experiencing digital poverty. Together we can Waste less and Live More!”
Through their activities, the Edinburgh Remakery estimated that they saved 83,087kg (CO2e) in CO2 emissions in 2022 – equivalent to 100 million smartphones being fully charged, or 1,400 trees grown for 10 years.
What you can donate:
Laptops and Macbooks
Tablets and iPads
Smart phones
DSLR cameras
General cables
Chargers
Headphones
Routers
Smart watches
Peripherals, such as keyboards, webcams, and mice.
Further information
Please don’t drop off general household electrical goods, such as toasters, kettles, lamps, hair dryers, etc. The donation boxes are also not able to accept printers of any size or type.
You can recycle electrical equipment at household waste recycling centres, but if you just have small items you might be able to recycle those at some local shops. The Recycle Your Electricals campaign has a postcode search to help.
Housing estates are in store for a bumper harvest thanks to a number of new and growing community gardens in the Capital.
The Edinburgh Growing Together project, which began gardening last year after a survey of plots in 2021, has reported a busy summer with new planters and raised beds being built, water supplies linked up and composting facilities installed across community growing areas.
A lot of this work has been conducted by Growing Youth, a social enterprise supported by the council’s Additional Support for Learning Service (ASLS) that educates young people in horticulture and construction.
Located on City of Edinburgh Council housing land, work has started on three new growing areas in Hutchison, Broomhouse and Muirhouse. These will feature home grown fruit and vegetables alongside flowers. They will offer opportunities for tenants and local people to learn gardening skills, socialise and benefit from sustainable, affordable food.
At Hutchison, participants will soon start prepping the area for autumn planting of a forest garden, while over in Broomhouse volunteers have been preparing a wildflower garden.
Opportunities for local communities to enjoy and use space for food growth in greenspaces is part of the Council’s 20-Minute Neighbourhood strategy, which is designed to support people to live well locally and be able to meet most daily needs within a 20-minute walk or wheel.
On a recent visit to the community backgreens, the Council’s Housing Convener Councillor Jane Meagher and the Chair of Edible Edinburgh, Councillor Katrina Faccenda, met with local growers. They were joined by Greig Robertson, Founding Director of Edible Estates, which is delivering the Growing Together initiative of behalf of the council.
Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “What better way to reinvigorate community council estates and work towards net zero carbon than with these beautiful, edible gardens?
“Edinburgh really is blessed with stunning greenspaces but this project is about helping local people to connect with nature and neighbours in their own communities. We have 46 community gardens across our council housing estates and, while many of them are thriving, others need a little bit of nurturing. That’s where the Edinburgh Growing Together project comes in.
“From upskilling local people in gardening to seeing community kitchens set up, our Growing Together project is making a real difference to tenants. It has been fantastic to check in on progress and to meet with volunteers in Hutchison.
“They are doing a tremendous job and I’m sure these gardens will deliver countless benefits for living well locally, in line with our 20 minute neighbourhood approach. Eating good quality nutritious food doesn’t have to cost us, or the earth.”
Councillor Katrina Faccenda, Chair of Edible Edinburgh, said: “These community gardens are a brilliant way to brighten up our estates while helping tenants access nutritious, budget-friendly ingredients.
“It links into the diverse range of work being undertaken by the council, our partners and the third sector to tackle food insecurity and improve the sustainability of food, and it’s a joy to see meet those involved in establishing and nurturing these new gardens.
“As part of the project, improvements are also being made to six existing gardens which are managed by the council plus nine gardens which are run by local community groups, with support also being provided to the remaining gardens in a variety of ways.”
These projects are being delivered by Edible Estates, funded by the City of Edinburgh Council, with support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Greig Robertson, Edible Estates’ Founding Director, comments: “Community gardens are a valuable resource to communities, they support individual and community well-being, promote physical activity, create new connections between folk, and of course grow fruit and veg.
“They are a ‘place’ and an activity, and play an important role in the move towards establishing 20-minute neighbourhoods across the city. Amidst news of produce shortages and a cost of living crisis, community gardens provide skills and resources towards more resilient communities.
“The Community Garden Survey highlighted that gold-standard community growing projects can and do exist across Edinburgh, and showcased the potential for many more to develop with the right support provided through the Edinburgh Growing Together project.
“We are looking forward to continuing work with and supporting the fantastic organisations, groups, and volunteers behind each of the gardens, and more so to seeing how each garden develops over the coming years.”
Inspections carried out by local authorities have shown that, at present, there are 16 council areas which have identified schools as containing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
Local authorities have responsibility to ensure schools are safe for pupils, staff and all their users, and are carrying out inspections of school buildings to identify the presence of RAAC. Ministers have been clear to local authorities that those must be carried out as a matter of the highest priority and have offered assistance to councils in the matter where appropriate.
Where RAAC has been identified, Councils have assured the Scottish Government that mitigations are in place in accordance with guidance from the Institution of Structural Engineers.
The schools currently impacted are in the following council areas:
Aberdeen City
Aberdeenshire
Argyll and Bute
City of Edinburgh
Dumfries and Galloway
Dundee City
East Ayrshire
East Lothian
Glasgow City
Highland
Inverclyde
Moray
North Ayrshire
North Lanarkshire
Perth and Kinross
West Lothian
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government has been actively engaging with local authority partners, who have statutory responsibility for school buildings in Scotland, for some time.
“It is important that there is transparency around the schools where RAAC has been identified and mitigations in place. Local authorities were asked to publish by today the data relating to impacted schools in their area given the seriousness of this issue and to ensure this data is freely available.
“I hope this provides reassurance to parents, carers, staff and pupils who may be concerned about the presence of RAAC in their learning facilities. I also expect the local authorities still to publish to do so as a matter of urgency.
“Currently half of Scotland’s local authorities have identified RAAC in schools. COSLA has confirmed that safety is their central consideration and that there is robust guidance that is followed by every local authority to ensure that those buildings are safe to be in for pupils, staff and the public.
“This is in line with the existing guidance from the Institution of Structural Engineers who have advised us they do not believe there is sufficient grounds to update their advice.”
EDINBURGH REPORT:
Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) is a lightweight construction material that was used in the construction of some public buildings between the 1950s and 1990s. It was mostly used mostly in flat roofing. Despite its name, it is very different to traditional concrete. It is aerated, or ‘bubbly’, and is therefore less durable than traditional concrete.
RAAC can be susceptible to failure when exposed to moisture. As a result UK Government has issued guidance to organisations across the UK to carry out check buildings where RAAC may have been used.
Since April 2023, we have been inspecting our schools to check for RAAC. The work is being carried out in line with UK Government advice. We have contracted independent structural engineers to do the surveys.
No schools have had to close as a result of RAAC.
These are the schools affected and the mitigations that are in place (as at 8 September 2023):
Colinton Primary School – no impact on the school
Cramond Primary School – one classroom block is closed, temporary classroom units on site
Currie Community High School – access still available to dining hall, old gym block, assembly hall and an art classroom are closed. Newer gym block still in use, some gym classes taking place outdoors
Fox Covert/St Andrew’s RC Primary School – gym hall/dining hall closed but likely to re-open after remedial works; kitchen closed for longer term
Lorne Primary School – top floor currently closed while assessment takes place; classes relocated within the school.
Pentland Primary School – four classrooms, kitchen and supporting areas not in use; numbers restricted in dining hall
Trinity Academy – swimming pool, no impact as building has been closed since 2014
Trinity Primary School – a classroom area and kitchen not in use; temporary classrooms on site.
A supported internship programme for young people with a disability has welcomed 21 recruits.
Each young person will spend the next nine months gaining work experience within the council or with one of the city’s Project SEARCH partners, which includes NHS Lothian and Virgin Hotels.
Edinburgh Project SEARCH is a programme where young people with a disability, aged between 16 to 29 years, are given the opportunity to complete three 10-week work experience placements across the academic year while also studying for a qualification with Edinburgh College. The programme, which is now in its ninth year, aims to prepare young people to move into mainstream employment upon completion.
Tom Randall joined the council as part of Project SEARCH and has recently gone on to secure a position within the council’s facilities management team. He said: “I have come; I really feel I can do the job for the Facilities Management team now and Edinburgh Project SEARCH has helped me to do this.
“Now that I have this job I am really looking forward to feeling like I am a real part of the team and doing a good job with all the tasks. With my first wages I am planning to get a big takeaway!”
Most recent figures show that just 4.1% of young adults with a learning disability and/or autism in Scotland enter secure paid employment following education, compared to 80% of their peers.
Supported internships – work-based study programmes for 16 to 29-year-olds with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) – dramatically change the employment outcomes for those who take part.
DFN Project SEARCH figures show that 70% of people who complete their supported internships achieve this and successfully remain in employment.*
Hannah Goodall participated in Project SEARCH and now has a job in the City Chambers. She said: “I was an Edinburgh Project SEARCH intern on the 2022/23 programme. Project SEARCH helped me with my confidence and helped me to prepare and successfully apply for a job with the City of Edinburgh Council.
“I work at the City Chambers in the licencing department. My job title is licensing support assistant. All my colleagues are friendly and supporting. I like knowing that every month money is coming into my account, and I can choose when to take my holidays. I like being independent when I go out to work every day and maybe one day I’ll be able to move out and live independently.
Connor McDermid, another Project SEARCH alumni who enjoyed a placement with Virgin Hotels, has also secured a job since his internship. He said: “Edinburgh Project SEARCH really helped me develop my confidence.
“My work experience placement with Virgin Hotels Edinburgh helped me further develop my customer service skills too. These gave me the motivation to apply for a role as a concierge in the hotel – a job I was successful getting!
“This was all made possible with the support of my workplace buddies and the ‘People Team’ in the Virgin Hotels Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Project SEARCH team.”
Edinburgh’s new starts were welcomed by Council Leader Cammy Day, Planning Convener James Dalgleish and Chief Executive Andrew Kerr at a special induction ceremony.
Celebrating the start of the new Project SEARCH term, Council Leader Cammy Day said: “One of our biggest priorities in the aftermath of the pandemic has been to improve opportunities and outcomes for our young people, including those with complex needs.
“I’m proud of the inspiring and talented group of graduates we’ve nurtured to date and excited for the 21 new recruits. Such internships give these special young people the same opportunities as their peers and space to shine.
“Since 2014 Project SEARCH has been about teaching skills to be an employee as well as learning and a number of graduates have gone on to succeed in getting jobs in the council, which is fantastic! The placements can unlock confidence, build CV skills and be the difference between someone choosing to enter the workforce or feeling unable to.”
A key strategy has been updated to help people across Edinburgh live well locally in places that are healthier, greener, more vibrant and inclusive.
The Council’s initial 20-Minute Neighbourhood Strategy was approved by the Policy and Sustainability Committee on 10 June 2021, outlining a vision for a city where everyone can meet most of their daily needs within a short walk, wheel or cycle from their home. A further report on 30 November 2021 gave an update on how the Strategy was being delivered.
This strategy has now been refreshed to provide the latest information on key projects that are being progressed, alongside the overall direction and delivery of the concept in Edinburgh.
Through the 20-minute neighbourhood approach, the Council is working in partnership with local communities across the capital to help to deliver its strategic priorities of creating good places to live and work, while meeting its targets of ending poverty and becoming net zero by 2030.
The 20-minute neighbourhood approach in Edinburgh focusses on making it easier for people to access daily services and facilities in their local area. It is now being implemented through several key ‘building blocks’:
• Working with local communities • Supporting people to access the services they need locally • Providing multiple services and facilities from a single location • Delivering mixed-use regeneration and development • Making our town and local centres greener, more inclusive and more people-focussed • Supporting local economies and businesses • Improving sustainable and active travel access to services and facilities
Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “We want to support people across the city to live well locally, and this latest update to our 20-Minute Neighbourhood Strategy shows how we are working to deliver this approach in different parts of Edinburgh.
“The 20-minute neighbourhood concept is one that many communities already enjoy: ensuring services and facilities are close to residents, enabling walking, wheeling and cycling to be the natural choice for shorter journeys.
“Now, we are starting to see how all residents throughout Edinburgh can fully enjoy this approach and live in a cleaner, greener and more thriving city that supports communities and brings people together. By putting local people at the heart of everything, each person living in the city can choose to participate in all community, cultural and heritage activities.
“The updated strategy outlines how our support for local living can give more people more choice within their neighbourhood, while also making it easier to travel further to access the services and facilities they need on public transport and by active travel.
“We know people have strong views on this concept, and we believe engaging and collaborating with communities across the city to understand their needs is essential. That’s why we’re involving communities at an early stage of design projects as a key priority. If we work together, everyone can benefit from healthier, well-connected and thriving neighbourhoods right across the city.”
These updates show different examples how the 20-minute neighbourhood concept is currently being embedded into key projects across the city.
Following initial engagement with communities earlier this year, proposals are currently being developed to make it easier to access Gorgie Dalry, Portobello and Craigmillar town centres by walking, wheeling cycling and public transport while improving the quality of local streets and public spaces.
The regeneration of Pennywell and Muirhouse is a long-standing objective for the Council and its partners. Work completed to date includes a new School, medical centre, retail centre, improved public realm and new homes. There will be around 1000 new mixed tenure homes of which over 50% will be affordable. 730 new homes have been delivered to date across several sites in the area.
A community hub is also under construction at the local centre. The hub will have an early years centre, library, skills hub, six affordable homes and space for North Edinburgh Arts.
The hub is being delivered in partnership with North Edinburgh Arts and aims to promote culture, learning, work and wellbeing within the local community. All staff operating from the hub space will follow a ‘No Wrong Door’ approach to make sure citizens can access relevant services in the space or be signposted where necessary.
The NEAT Connections project will deliver improved active travel links to the new local centre, schools and services.
Granton Waterfront
The Granton Waterfront regeneration will deliver a new coastal town with an ambitious 20-minute neighbourhood vision over the next 10-15 years. The regeneration will deliver around 3,500 new net zero carbon homes (over 35% of them affordable); a primary school, commercial, creative, and community space, and a new coastal park.
The project will create new employment opportunities, meaning residents of this fast-growing area will be able to access work locally. Partner organisations will deliver substantial new cultural and educational assets over the regeneration timeframe.
Early Action housing projects are well underway at Western Villages, Silverlea and the Demonstrator site at Waterfront Avenue. In March 2023, the Granton Station Square building opened and provides affordable workspace for artists and creative industries.
New active travel and public transport infrastructure will be created throughout the regeneration area, including new cycle paths and a mobility hub.
Liberton
Planning permission for a new Liberton High School has been granted, with a GP practice and community facilities a key part of the design.
The creation of a community campus will deliver a range of services and activities and aims to create a place where multiple services and partners can be accessed that contribute to health, wellbeing and learning of young people and the wider community.
With one month to go until Scotland’s short term lets licence deadline, the Council has reaffirmed its commitment to the scheme and the 1 October start date.
The need for clarity over Edinburgh’s commitment to the scheme followed comments made by council leader Cammy Day where he appeared to support calls for an extension to the deadline.
Notes the deadline of 1 October 2023 for existing landlords to apply for a license for a short term let (STL).
Notes the unanimous decision of all members of the Regulatory Committee on 6 February 2023 to “regret” the Scottish Government’s decision to delay the start date for STL licensing for existing landlords from 1 April to 1 October 2023.
Believes that a proper system of licensing is important to help address the significant issues within the short-term rental market which is why there was such strong cross-party agreement for a robust system of regulation.
Therefore, regrets the comments made by the Council Leader on BBC Radio Scotland on 23 August 2023, which might have led operators to assume or believe that the Council Leader, and by extension the Council, was open to a further extension to the 1 October 2023 start date when no such position has been taken, either by the Regulatory Committee or full Council.
Believes these comments, despite further clarifications, were damaging to the ongoing hard work of officers to encourage landlords to meet the 1 October 2023 start date by suggesting a dilution of this Council’s commitment to the proper and fair regulation of the short term let market in Edinburgh.
Therefore, Council:
Reaffirms its existing commitment to the licensing of short term lets, expresses its opposition to any further extension to the start date for licensing of existing short term let landlords and requests that this position be communicated strongly through the Council’s communications channels.
Agrees that the Council Leader will write to Scottish Ministers to convey that opposition and further welcomes recent comments from the First Minister and the Economy Minister that there will be no further extension to the 1 October start date. Calls on all existing STL operators to ensure they submit a licensing application ahead of the 1 October 2023 start date.
Agrees the outstanding briefing, outlining the state of readiness of the Council to process applications by 1 October 2023, will be circulated to Councillors before the Finance and Resources Committee meeting of 21 September 2023 to align with budget considerations.
In addition, a draft copy of the STL Enforcement report due to be presented to the 2 October Regulatory Committee should be circulated on a confidential basis to all councillors also before 21 September Finance & Resources Committee meeting.
Moved by: Councillor Neil Ross Seconded by: Councillor Susan Rae
The national roll-out of Naloxone to Police Scotland’s operational officers has been officially completed yesterday (Thursday, 31 August, 2023) on International Overdose Awareness Day.
The programme to issue overdose reversal kits to all constables, sergeants and inspectors began exactly a year ago, and around 12,500 officers are now trained and equipped with individual pouches to be worn as part of standard issue equipment.
Naloxone is an emergency first aid treatment to reverse a potentially life-threatening opioid/opiate-related drug overdose by countering the suppression of the respiratory system.
Police Scotland officers have now used Naloxone on at least 325 occasions and across all 13 geographical policing divisions.
Administrations have occurred when officers have come across people in crisis while on duty, been flagged down by members of the public, during warrant executions, while attending a siege situation and in Custody departments, as well as in concern for person calls when an individual was intending to complete suicide.
The Scottish Government’s Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy, Elena Whitham, today met Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, who led the Naloxone programme, along with two officers who’ve administered Naloxone while on duty.
ACC Ritchiesaid: “Police Scotland is committed to doing all we can to combat the insidious effects of drugs in our society, from both an enforcement perspective and also while taking a public health approach to preventing harm.
“Naloxone is part of that public health approach. We’ve had positive outcomes in the overwhelming majority of incidents, and I am in no doubt that by doing so, our officers have saved lives.
“I very much hope that by officers carrying it in a highly visible manner, it will encourage other people to learn about Naloxone, and consider carrying it themselves.
“We continue to work in partnership with members of the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and other partners at local, national and international level to stop drugs from reaching our communities on a daily basis.
“As a result, we have an extremely strong record in dismantling serious and organised crime gangs, and bringing to justice those responsible for preying on the most vulnerable members of society by pedalling death and misery.”
Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whithamsaid: “I want to thank Police Scotland for the incredible job they do every day to help keep people safe. The roll-out of Naloxone training has no doubt resulted in many lives being saved.
“Naloxone is one of a wide range of measures being used to address the public health emergency of drugs deaths, but it plays an important role and allows those supplying the kits to connect people who use drugs and their families with appropriate local services.
“Of course, we want to help people long before they get to the point of a life-threatening overdose.
“We are taking action now to save and improve lives with an evidence-based approach – implementing policies that we know work to reduce harm and deaths from drugs and focusing on getting people into support and treatment.
“We are investing a total of £250 million in our National Mission on drugs over the course of this Parliament and have already supported 300 grass-roots projects. We’ll continue to expand and improve access to residential rehabilitation and drive MAT Standards implementation where recent research found substantial progress had been made with more people getting treatment.”
PC Jenna Minshull works in Greater Glasgow division and has administered Naloxone twice since starting to carry it as part of the test of change.
PC Minshull said: “I was on foot patrol in Glasgow city centre with a colleague when a member of the public came towards us. They were really unsteady on their feet and slurring their words. They slumped to the ground and we were obviously concerned for their welfare so I called 999.
“The casualty’s breathing became shallow and when they became unresponsive we were advised to administer our Naloxone.
“I gave one dose of the intra-nasal spray, and after a few minutes I gave a second dose. The casualty’s condition improved and soon after the ambulance crew arrived and took over the patient’s care.
“My colleague left the patient with a card explaining they’d been given Naloxone by the police.
“I’m confident to use the Naloxone kits, particularly as they’re a spray and so easy to administer. It’s reassuring to know you can’t overdose on it or do anyone any harm by giving them it. I’d certainly far rather have it to hand to use if needs be than potentially see someone potentially die if I didn’t have it.”
Left to right: PC Jenna Minshull, Superintendent Pat Murphy, Minister for Drugs & Alcohol Policy Elena Whitham, Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, PC Scott Lisett.
Council Leader Cammy Day spoke of the importance of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) at yesterday’s full council meeting.
IOAD takes place on 31 August each year to create better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use. Today we look at what an overdose means, how you can prevent it and where to find out more information and support.
This year’s theme is ‘Recognising those who go unseen’ honouring the people whose lives have been altered by overdose. They are the family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one, workers in healthcare and support services extending strength and compassion, or spontaneous first responders who selflessly assume the role of lifesaver.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “As we mark International Overdose Awareness Day today, I am conscious of the fact that for some of our residents this will be their first year living with the loss of a loved one through overdose. Each and every death we see is a tragedy and behind all of these are individual stories.
“Unfortunately, this has been a persistent issue for Scotland for a number of years with our national drug death rate continuing to be the highest in the UK and Europe. Too many people are dying prematurely across our country, with events like International Overdose Awareness Day we can raise awareness of the help and support available to those with substance issues.
“I am clear that the Council will closely support our partners to bring these figures down here in Edinburgh.”
Below is a list of services here in Edinburgh which specialise in dealing with issues around drugs and alcohol:
The Harm reduction team provide information and training on how to use the take-home kits, and list pharmacies across the city that supply free naloxone.
The Edinburgh Alcohol and Drugs Partnership has a directory of services to help you find the most appropriate support or recovery activity. The ARC 2.0 app is the Addiction Recovery Companion, which can help you find local facilities and support groups. They also have supportive services that family, friends or other people close to those who have overdosed can use.
Crew 2000 is a harm reduction charity based in the city centre. Their mission is to reduce drug and sexual health related harms and stigma, improving mental and physical health without judgement.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, and President of the One City Trust (OCT), Robert Aldridge, looks back on two decades of the Trust and sets his sights on the future:
I am immensely proud of the work that the OCT has undertaken in the last twenty years. Since the Trust was established in 2003, we have delivered over £1.3m of grants to 265 projects across the Capital whilst promoting community benefits and social value amongst our city’s business and private sector community.
Over the years, we have enjoyed the support of notable ambassadors and supporters. These include Sir Ian Rankin, Irvine Welsh, Alexander McCall Smith, Sara Sheridan, Nadine Aisha Jassat and Anne Hamilton; who last year collaborated to produce ‘The People’s City’, a celebration of Edinburgh’s literary heritage in aid of the Trust.
Unfortunately, we still face major challenges in the fight against poverty, inequality, and social exclusion across the city. The pandemic also cast these into sharp light and made us consider how we could reach and help our citizens in different ways.
Now, perhaps more than ever, the OCT and the organisations it supports are key to supporting our communities as we move forward. From Edinburgh Interfaith Association breaking down cultural barriers, to Fresh Start Pantry providing low-cost nutritious and healthy food to tackle holiday hunger and many more we are committed to helping our residents through these difficult times.
I would encourage anyone reading this to consider the ways that they can contribute whether that be through donations, community benefit partnerships, volunteering or spreading the word of the Trust and its affiliates.
I’d like to thank everyone who has supported and been involved in the activities of the OCT in the last twenty years.
Last Friday (August 25) it was a real privilege to host a civic reception at the City Chambers to mark twenty years since the establishment of the OCT. The event was attended by former Lord Provosts of the City of Edinburgh, partner organisations, key supporters, and other distinguished guests.
We were lucky enough to hear from a range of truly inspiring speakers who have been involved in the Trust over the years, and those who continue to undertake excellent work in the fight against poverty, inequality, and social exclusion here in Edinburgh.
We heard a powerful speech from representatives of Jock Tamson’s Gairden at Duddingston Loch who are dedicated to providing an inclusive community garden that is open to all. Indeed, the famous phrase ‘We’re a’ Jock Tamson’s bairns’ perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the OCT and its goals.
We also heard about the work of the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank who make sure our schoolchildren are properly clothed regardless of circumstances. I continue to be inspired by the ways in which the Capital’s community groups look out for one another in these difficult times. Groups like these truly reflects the very best qualities of the individuals who make up our city.
Another highlight of the evening was hearing from Dr Jim McCormick, Chief Executive of the Robertson Trust, and former Chair of the Edinburgh Poverty Commission (2018-2020). This reminded us to remember the need for humanity, respect, and decency at the heart of every experience of poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. Each individual that we can help in Edinburgh is an important victory.
I’d also like to thank our partners Travis Perkins and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre for generously sponsoring the reception.
As Lord Provost my duty is first and foremost to the people of Edinburgh and I am committed to helping them in any way that I am able. I look forward to seeing the Trust continue its work in the next twenty years and beyond, and it is my sincere hope that we will be able to make a strong and lasting difference for our most vulnerable residents.
A civic reception to recognise the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition (August 23) was held on Wednesday evening at the City Chambers.
The event, hosted by the Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Council Leader Cammy Day, also officially launched the work of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Implementation Group (ESCLRIG). The reception provided a space to remember the victims of the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism, time to reflect on its legacy in our city, and honour those figures who fought for its abolition.
The reception opened with speeches from distinguished guests before the screening of ‘Sugar for Your Tea’, a short film from Edinburgh’s own Kayus Bankole from the Mercury Prize winning group Young Fathers. This was followed by moments for reflection and group discussions on key issues.
Back in 2020, Edinburgh agreed to address historic racial injustice and stem modern day discrimination by holding an independent review into the city’s historical links with slavery and colonialism.
Between December 2020 and July 2022, the independent Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Group, chaired by Sir Geoff Palmer, undertook a significant body of work investigating the city’s past and present relationship with slavery and colonialism.
In March 2023, Irene Mosota was nominated to chair the ESCLRIG which will take forward the remaining recommendations. In the last month the ESCLRIG has been recruiting for members of the core Implementation Group and also for a wider Supporters Network. The results of this recruitment drive have now been finalised and a full list of members is now available following the quotes below.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge said: “It was an honour to host this first civic reception with the Council Leader to recognise the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. It is imperative that as a city we look to our past in order to better understand our present and look forward to a better future.
“Edinburgh, like many other cities in the UK, was enriched by its position in the British Empire and grew at the expense of people and communities around the world. In my position as Lord Provost, I reiterate this apology on behalf of the city of Edinburgh for our historical links to slavery and colonialism. I am clear that this apology will be the start of this collective journey forward for the city.
“We want this civic reception to be the start of an annual tradition of commemoration and learning here in Edinburgh for everyone who is associated with the Capital on this day. The work of the ESCLRIG will continue year-round to shape the modern, forward thinking, and diverse city that we all want to see.”
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “The commemoration of the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition represents a key step in our work to address the legacies of slavery and colonialism here in Edinburgh.
“We must be under no illusions that racism and the legacies of slavery and colonialism continue to impact the lives of Black and Minority Ethnic people who live in and visit Edinburgh. This is completely unacceptable, and I am committed to leading an anti-racist Council in our actions and unconditional support of the ESCLRIG.
I” am proud that we are having these difficult conversations and forging the foundations for a more tolerant, just, and equal Edinburgh. It is crucial that as a city and a society we come to terms with our past in order to create a better present and future.
“I look forward to working closely with the ESCLRIG going forward, and seeing their progress as they undertake this key work for our city.”
Irene Mosota, Chair of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Implementation Group, said: “Today, we have to face up to our past and look ahead to what’s next.
“Our history is complex, marked by the weight of slavery and colonialism, which has left behind a legacy of racism that we still see in our city and its institutions. On this UNESCO Day of Remembrance, let’s work together to make changes, treating everyone with respect and dignity, and sticking to our commitment for a better future.
“Part of this work is to ensure that we listen to the voices of communities which have long been marginalised, centring their lived experiences to inform how we move forward.
“Everyone must play their part and warm words alone are not enough. We need concrete action from business communities, educational authorities, and government to combat both structural and systemic inequalities.
“The excitement about our recruitment drive shows that Edinburgh really wants to change – it’s an opportunity to reconsider our history and traditions, heal old hurts, and create a future that’s fair and just for all.”
The names and bios of the members of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group are listed below:
Irene Mosota – Chairperson: Irene Mosota, MSc, FRSA, is a social enterprise practitioner and Deputy Chair for Social Enterprise Scotland with experience in delivering a variety of social and community projects. An advocate for Social Justice, Human Rights, and Dignity for all. She is fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA). With a Master in Science in Intercultural Business Communications, Ms Mosota is the founder and managing director of Knowledge Bridge, which supports organisations in translating equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and sustainability strategies into meaningful action, change and impact.
Abimbola Adeola – Adeola obtained a first (Bachelors) degree in Political Science from the Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University and bagged his Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the prestigious University of Lagos. He is an associate member of the Nigeria Institute of Management, the Nigeria Union of Journalists and Sports Writers Association of Nigeria. He is the MD, 27 July Ltd, a complete media/content production company.
Alex Stobart – Alex works for Mydex, a Community Interest Company (CIC), which provides identity and personal data services to citizens and organisations across the public, private and third sectors in the UK. Alex has worked in technology, food and drinks industries, in the third sector and the public sector in Scotland, UK and Europe. Alex is also a Board Member of Birthlink.
Anila Mirza – Anila Mirza works as the Equality Manager at Historic Environment Scotland. She has previously worked at Shakti Women`s Aid where she worked closely with women who have no recourse to public funds and campaigns to promote women’s rights, justice, and equality for all women. Anila has an in-depth knowledge of issues related to the migrant communities in Scotland. She is the co-editor of ‘Real Women: Unheard Stories-based on true stories of migrant women in Scotland and also a published poet for a poetry collection `Fire In Me`.
Asif Khan – Asif is the director of the Scottish Poetry Library (SPL). Based in Edinburgh, the SPL is home to the nation’s collection of modern Scottish poetry. Asif has worked on numerous projects engaging African diaspora communities and themes at home and abroad, including as a producer of the Jamaica Rising and Yardstick poetry festivals, and in his role as a senior cultural policy advisor for the UK’s Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade programme in 2007.
Christina Sinclair – Christina Sinclair, MSc MA BArch IHBC, is the Director of Edinburgh World Heritage – the independent charity dedicated to the proactive conservation of our beautiful city, for the benefit of all. From studying architecture on Edinburgh’s Chambers Street and a Masters in European Urban Conservation, through years dedicated to positively and proactively managing change in historic places across the sectors, she is a passionate ambassador for Edinburgh’s outstanding historic environment.
Grant Mackenzie – Grant is an experienced Strategic Leader, Project Manager and Consultant with over 20-years of experience in delivering cultural projects. He recently delivered the David Livingstone Birthplace Museum project, recontextualising the Museum exhibition’s interpretation. Also worked on the Kelpies/Helix project, National Museums Scotland and the British Museum. A long-standing Edinburgh resident, who is keen to ensure that our history tells the real story of the past. Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Implementation Group Members
Harry Mould – Harry Mould (they/she) is a mixed-heritage and neurodiverse artist and Wellbeing Facilitator. They are currently the Federation of Scottish Theatre’s first Policy and Public Affairs Lead, focusing on advocacy and inclusion, and was a member of the HiPA working group, which produced two guides combatting harassment in the performing arts. Harry was the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh’s first EDI Associate, one of the founding team members of Bolton Pride festival and is a graduate of Stonewall’s Role Model programme.
Harry Ross – Harry is a teaching artist, producer, and librettist who has been commissioned globally – from Théâtre des Champs- Elysées to New National Theatre Tokyo. He was founding producer of Secret Cinema, and then worked to create art experiences that bring minoritised histories to life with The National Trust, The National Archives, and Kensington and Chelsea Culture. Currently he is creative director of Army at the Fringe; commissioning art and theatre that deals with the diversity, inclusivity, and utility of the armed forces in society, and a PhD candidate at Edinburgh Napier’s Centre for Military Research, Education and Public Engagement.
Professor Kenneth Amaeshi – Kenneth joined the University of Edinburgh in 2010. He has an expert level knowledge of developing and emerging economies. He has an extensive network in Africa and is currently a Visiting Professor of Leadership and Financial Markets in Africa, London School of Economics, a Visiting Professor of Strategy at the Lagos Business School, Nigeria, and an Honorary Professor of Business in Africa at the Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Kenneth Barker – Ken recently retired as a partner of Baillie Gifford & Co where he headed their fixed income client business. He also served as a director of Scottish Financial Enterprise from 2014 to 2018. Prior to his career in asset management, Ken worked in investment banking in London for JP Morgan and Banque Paribas. Ken is a graduate in Political Science of the University of Glasgow and a Charterholder of the CFA Institute. Ken is Chair of Trustees with The David Hume Institute.
Dr Melissa Moncrieffe – Dr. Melissa Moncrieffe is Jamaican-American and the Founder and Director of Valued Educational Services (VES), a global education company based in the UK and the USA. Dr. Moncrieffe has years of professional and academic experiences in the arts (visual and piano), international studies, languages, education, and history. Dr. Moncrieffe obtained her Masters in International Studies at The Graduate Institute in Geneva and her PhD in Education from The University of Edinburgh.
Nava Rizvi – Nava Rizvi is an art historian and artist whose practice and research interests revolve around cultural memory, (de)colonial theory and practices, themes of identity and belonging as well as language and third culture. She graduated in December 2022 with an MSc. in History of Art, Theory and Display from the University of Edinburgh and has been a Curatorial Fellow for the Future Flow project with Edinburgh Printmakers.
Professor Roger Jeffrey – Roger Jeffery was Professor of Sociology of South Asia at the University of Edinburgh from 1997 to 2020. Starting in 1970 he has been involved in many sociological research projects in different South Asian countries. He was a co-founder of the University’s Centre for South Asian Studies and is Associate Director of its Edinburgh India Institute; he is also a Trustee of the Edinburgh Indian Association.
Stephen Kelly – Stephen has lived in Edinburgh since 1989 having moved here the day after leaving school in North Lanarkshire. He studied in Edinburgh, qualified to teach Physics and Mathematics, and then began working in Edinburgh schools in 1995. He is currently on secondment to the post of Head of Education; his substantive post is Headteacher of Liberton High School where he has been in post since 2012.
