Tag: city council

Pupils and teachers recognised for challenging inequality through creativity at The Saroj Lal Awards

Winners announced in the annual Saroj Lal Awards

Primary and secondary aged learners along with teaching staff from across Edinburgh were honoured with awards at a ceremony held at the City Chambers on Thursday (6 March).

The awards, now in their third year, encouraged schools to nominate pupils’ work in any art form including the written word, technologies and multi-artforms, inspired by the award themes of equality, inclusion and diversity. Head teachers were also encouraged to nominate a staff team from their school whose collaborative work around equalities has adopted a creative approach and had an impact on the school or in the wider community.

Saroj Lal was one of the first Asian 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.

Entries were judged by a panel of esteemed judges including Saroj Lal’s son, Vineet Lal, Ethelinda Lashley-Scott, CEO of the Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB), Hardeep Kaur, winner of the 2024 GTC of Scotland Saroj Lal Awards and teacher at Portobello High School, Carol Tuzan, Wider Achievement & Lifelong Learning Manager (CLD youth and children’s work) along with a former Saroj Lal Award staff winner and two student judges, recruited for the first time, via school’s equalities groups and the youth parliament.

The award categories for pupils were as follows:

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

The winners are:

  • Proud To Be Me – primary schools’ category: P7’s “The Quilt Group” at Currie Primary School
  • Proud To Be Me – secondary schools’ category: Pilrig Park School – A whole school Project
  • How Prejudice Makes Me Feel – primary schools’ category: Andrew Amanfo – P5 Ferryhill Primary School
  • How Prejudice Makes Me Feel – secondary schools’ category: Jesudarasimi Omaoya (Dara)- S3 Castlebrae Community Campus
  • Artivism – primary schools’ category: Duddingston Primary School – A whole school Project
  • Artivism – secondary schools’ category:  Farah Joma – S4 St Thomas of Aquin’s RC High School
  • Staff winner:  Laura-Jane Inglis. (Teacher of Modern Studies and Politics in the Faculty of Humanities)  James Gillespie’s High School
  • Judges Commendation Award 2025 is: Hazel Li S1 Craigmount High School

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener, hosted the awards and said: “Most of us will be able to recall an inspiring or memorable teacher and Saroj Lal raised the bar in leading the way during her lifetime, and she continues to inspire Edinburgh learners through the legacy she left behind.

“Now in their third year, the awards recognise the work schools and pupils are doing to champion equality and promote diversity. It’s fantastic to see that so many schools have submitted entries this year, from art works, poems, films and animation, the entries this year include a real mix of mediums and at such a high standard.

“I want to congratulate the winners, and acknowledge all those who submitted an entry, for their creativity.

Vineet Lal, said: “The quality of entries this year has been outstanding and I want to thank pupils and staff across Edinburgh schools who have put so much thought and creativity in to their submissions this year. I have been blown away by the different ways that the art works have captured and showcased the themes of equality and diversity.

“Saroj was a force for good in her community and beyond, championing social justice and equality for all. She would be extremely proud to see that the awards in her name are now in their third year and that children and young people continue to be inspired by her pioneering work.”

Judges:

  • Vineet Lal, Saroj Lal’s son
  • Ethelinda Lashley-Scott, CEO of the Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB)
  • Hardeep Kaur, winner of the 2024 GTC of Scotland Saroj Lal Awards and teacher at Portobello High School,
  • Carol Tuzan, Wider Achievement & Lifelong Learning Manager (CLD youth and children’s work)
  • Elaine Oram, winner of the Saroj Lal Awards staff category last year and teacher at James Gillespies High School
  • Yashasvi Soni, student judge and S6 Pupil at Leith Academy
  • Scarlet D’Mellow, student judge and pupil at  Liberton High School

New exhibition celebrating kinship care opens at Museum of Edinburgh

Council’s Kinship Care Team launches inspiring photography exhibition

Kinship Captured: Kinship Carer Journeys in Photographs, a powerful visual exploration of kinship stories and experiences in Edinburgh, has opened at the Museum of Edinburgh.

This unique exhibition is the result of the Kinship Captured Project, which uses photography to delve into the journeys of kinship carers and the meaning of ‘wellbeing’ within this context.

The exhibition features a selection of photo journals created by five Kinship Carers who have been actively involved in the project. Through the lens of their cameras, these carers have shared their personal experiences, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges, rewards, and the powerful connections formed through kinship care.

Culture and Communities Convener, Val Walker said: “The photographs on display offer a visual narrative of the kinship care experience, focusing on the joy, love, and resilience that often goes unspoken. Through their work, these carers are helping to shine a light on the vital role they play in the lives of the children they care for.

“We are proud to support this project, which highlights the important work that Kinship Carers do every day. The exhibition provides an opportunity for the community to engage with and understand the journey of kinship carers, and we hope it will inspire others to consider the profound impact of kinship care on both carers and the children they support.”

In addition to showcasing their photographs, the exhibition includes a short film that captures the essence of the project and the lasting impact it has had on participants.

The Kinship Captured exhibition will run in conjunction with Kinship Care Week, from 17-21 March 2025, a week dedicated to celebrating the vital role that Kinship Carers play in supporting children and young people.

The exhibition highlights the importance of kinship care, not only for the children in need of support but also for the carers who provide it, emphasizing the collective power of community and shared experiences.

Education, Children and Families Convener, Joan Griffiths said: “This new exhibition offers a fantastic insight into the unique and rewarding, but often challenging, role of kinship carers.

“Stepping into this role can often be unexpected and these carers play a vital part in a child’s life, creating stability and helping them to maintain important family and community links.

“We offer a range of support mechanisms for those in this role, including help to navigate the formal aspects of looking after a child, access to local support groups, services and training as well as everyday help to explore any difficulties or concerns.”

The Kinship Captured exhibition will be open to the public at Museum of Edinburgh from Thursday 6 March until Sunday 6 April. Admission is free.

Quotes from participants:

This was a stimulating and therapeutic project which came along at just the right time for me.

I found that using the camera and especially making the album was a wonderfully creative way to show some of the journey I have been on so far and I loved making it.

Although it was sad and painful at times exploring all that has happened since I began my kinship journey, being involved in this project has ultimately been life affirming and enriching.

I loved meeting everyone, and hearing everyone’s stories has been a privilege. Thank you to you for facilitating it all so gently and supportively.

Maybury pupils start new chapter with World Book Day donation from leading housebuilder

Pupils at Maybury Primary School are celebrating World Book Day with a donation from Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes towards their favourite titles.

The brand-new school, located in the West Craigs area of Edinburgh, welcomed its first batch of pupils back in January – 26 P1 learners who had previously been based at East Craigs Primary since August 2024.

To mark the pupils’ transition, Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes has donated book vouchers totalling £250 for the class to spend on some of their favourite titles.

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener, said: “It was fantastic to see the new Maybury Primary School open its doors to its first group of P1 learners at the end of January, and I know that the whole school community are excited to celebrate World Book Day.

“We know that access to books and hearing stories is hugely beneficial for our younger learners, helping them to establish the early building blocks for reading, broadening their knowledge of the world and helping to develop their imaginations.

“This welcome donation of book vouchers will help the school to enhance their library and in turn add to the learning experience of children at the school.”

Lorraine Paterson, Sales Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “This is an exciting new chapter for pupils in the West Craigs area, and what better way to celebrate their move to their new school than with a donation towards their favourite books for the classroom.

“It’s no secret that reading builds imagination and helps with creativity, and we all have our favourite novels from childhood that we hold dear to our hearts. If this small donation helps even one P1 pupil pick up a book and find a love for reading, then we know we’ve played a positive role in helping the youngest in our local communities thrive.”

Maybury Primary School is a local school to David Wilson’s West Craigs Quarter and Barratt @ West Craigs developments.

For more information on Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes in the East of Scotland, visit https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/scotland-east/

New Ratho Library unveils special artwork

The new Ratho Library has officially opened its doors to the public as it moves into its permanent location after closing its doors in 2020 and serving as a mobile service since 2021.

The opening celebration includes the unveiling of a special artwork inside the library, showcasing a quote chosen by the local community.

In the summer of 2023, the library hosted a community vote to select a quote from a selection of beloved children’s books. The winning quote, now proudly displayed above the children’s library section, is from Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The quote celebrates the joy of reading and literature, making it a perfect fit for the new library’s vibrant atmosphere.

In addition to the winning quote, illustrations of Rowena frog and other characters from the book accompany the quote, further enhancing the library’s welcoming environment for young readers.

Each child who attends the early years centre adjacent to the new library will receive a copy of Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler to mark the official opening of the new library.

Winning quote 

‘Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book’ (2005) written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Macmillan Children’s Books (Pan Macmillan).

‘About Rowena Reddalot,
a very well-read frog,
Who jumped upon a lily pad
and jumped upon a log,
Then jumped into the library
which stood beside the brook,
And went, “Reddit! Reddit! Reddit!”
as she jumped upon a book…’

Julia Donaldson said: “I have long campaigned on the valuable role that public libraries play in communities and in developing a love of books.

“I am very pleased that this library is opening in Ratho; it isn’t news that you hear every day!

“I want to thank everyone who voted to see ‘Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book‘ featured on the walls in the children’s area and I hope this joyful space introduces a new generation of readers to stories they will treasure for life.”

Axel Scheffler said: “It is an honour to know that ‘Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book‘ was chosen by the local community in Ratho to feature in their new library.

“I would like to thank them all and also the librarian team who have worked so hard to make this happen. I am so pleased that Rowena frog and Charlie will welcome young readers into the children’s area and I hope they will inspire families to discover great new books together.”

Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker, said: “We are thrilled to open the doors of our new Ratho Library and celebrate the community’s involvement in selecting the quote that now graces our children’s library.

“This collaboration highlights our shared love of reading and the importance of literature in inspiring young minds.

“The winning quote from ‘Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book‘ perfectly reflects the joy of storytelling, and we are excited to create a space where every visitor, especially our young readers, can feel the magic of books.

“Our dedicated team at Ratho has worked closely with Macmillan Children’s Books to develop the graphic design for our new library and it looks fantastic.

“I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler and Macmillan Children’s Books for their permission to use ‘Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book’ and their ongoing support in the process. I hope visitors enjoy the design for years to come.”

Ratho Library offers a broad range of services to customers, including access to a wide variety of digital and printed books, free public access to computers, free public Wi-Fi, collection of NHS hearing Aid batteries, support with National Entitlement Cards alongside an exciting programme of events and activities for children and adults.

The library will also host Tech Donation Boxes later in the year where everyday tech devices can be upcycled.

An official opening event for the library will be held at a later date.

Maroon Mile: A Hearts Heritage Trail

An application (25/00544/ADV) has been submitted for ‘The Maroon Mile’—a mile-long heritage trail celebrating Heart of Midlothian FC’s history in Gorgie and Dalry.

The trail will feature 15 lamppost banners along Dalry Rd, Gorgie Rd, Ardmillan Terrace, McLeod St, and Newton St, designed to CEC guidelines.

Check out the full details on the City of Edinburgh Council’s planning portal: 

https://citydev-portal.edinburgh.gov.uk/…/applicationDe…

ICO takes action to improve access to personal information from local authorities across Scotland

  • Reprimands issued to Glasgow City Council and City of Edinburgh Council for failing to respond to requests for personal information on time   
  • Action follows ICO engagement with local authorities across Scotland to improve right of access, including for people with care experience and those applying for redress after suffering abuse while in care   
  • “Those who were let down in the past are being let down again, this time by poor SAR compliance.” 

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is taking action to tackle significant delays for people who are trying to access copies of their personal information held by local authorities across Scotland.  

Under data protection law, people have the right to ask an organisation if it holds their personal information and receive a copy of any personal information held within a month, unless an extension is applied – this is known as a subject access request (SAR).  

The regulator has now reprimanded both Glasgow City Council and City of Edinburgh Council for repeatedly failing to respond to SARs within the legal timeframe, leading to a significant backlog of requests.  

The reprimands follow the ICO’s proactive engagement with all 32 local authorities in Scotland after it became aware of delays in responses to SARs, amounting to years in some cases.  

Many local authorities have seen an increase in SARs received, many in relation to the Redress Scotland scheme where people who suffered abuse while in care can apply for redress using supporting documents such as their care records.  

Jenny Brotchie, Acting Head of Scottish Affairs at the ICO, said: “Those who were let down in the past are being let down again, this time by poor SAR compliance.

“We have heard how undue delays and lack of communication from local authorities can cause further distress for people, including those with care experience and those trying to claim redress in Scotland.

“Local authorities must get this right despite the rising numbers of requests, which is why we have been offering support and monitoring those with poor compliance until we are satisfied that improvements have been made.”  

Following the ICO’s scrutiny and support to put action plans in place, many local authorities have significantly reduced their backlog of requests and improved their response times.  

Despite a 67% overall increase in the total number of SARs to local authorities in Scotland between 2021 and 2024, 75% of local authorities improved their SAR compliance, with 13 local authorities reporting a compliance rate of 90% in 2023/24. 

However, the regulator launched investigations into two local authorities, Glasgow City Council and City of Edinburgh Council, after it did not see any tangible improvements over 12 months.  

The ICO’s recent compulsory audit of Glasgow City Council found that the council has good policies and procedures in place to handle SARs. However, lack of resource and budget remains an issue, with the council still unable to respond to many SARs within the legal timeframe.   

Following its reprimand, City of Edinburgh Council has now reported some improvement in its response times.   

Jenny Brotchie added: “While I’m pleased to see significant improvements from most of the local authorities that we engaged with, SAR compliance in Scotland remains a concern and we must ensure people can exercise their information rights effectively and without further harm.

“We expect all local authorities to have sufficient resources in place to handle the volume and complexity of SARs, and to keep people updated on the progress of their request.  

“We are taking a proportionate approach to monitoring local authorities, but these reprimands show that we will not hesitate to take enforcement action where necessary.”  

Looking forward, the ICO continues to engage with local authorities and other key stakeholders to drive further improvements and ensure that people can access their own personal information. 

The ICO has committed to improving the support it provides to both people who grew up in the care system across the UK and the organisations that hold their information. It has been gathering evidence of the challenges facing both people and organisations when it comes to accessing care records and will share its findings and next steps over the coming months.  

Read more detail about the ICO’s work with local authorities in Scotland here. 

Find out more about your information rights here, including the right of access.  

Plans to protect Edinburgh from climate effects

EDINBURGH PLANS TO GET CLIMATE-READY

Detailed plans have been produced outlining 66 steps the council and partners must take to get ‘climate ready’.

Our Climate Ready Edinburgh Implementation Plan, published on Friday (28 February), will be considered by members of the Policy and Sustainability Committee on Tuesday 11 March.

Over the next two years, it is proposed that all actions in the plan are implemented to help Edinburgh adapt to the impacts of climate change.

This could include working with partners to tackle the risks of flooding and coastal erosion and protecting the World Heritage Site, to planting trees and exploring transport systems to make the city resilient against weather extremes.

It is hoped this work will help to protect homes from flooding and overheating, safeguard our buildings and support new climate skills and jobs, while increasing the resilience of our ancient city against the future risks of climate change.

Some of the proposed steps to implement our Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan 2024-2030 include:

  • Identifying trigger points and action needed to prepare for weather extremes 
  • Making Edinburgh a Million Tree City by planting 25,000 new trees a year 
  • Prioritising street tree planting in areas prone to flooding and overheating
  • Increasing the tree canopy from 17% to 20% of the whole city by 2045
  • Establishing a Wilding Wee Spaces Schools programme
  • Undertaking a flood study to determine the long-term management of existing defences along the coast
  • Completing a surface water flood management project with Scottish Water in Craigleith by 2026
  • Delivery of new small-scale adaptation and energy retrofit pilot projects in the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site by 2026
  • Monitoring issues of damp in Council housing, addressing most at risk properties
  • Working with providers to increase the resilience of Edinburgh’s transport systems.

Council Leader, Jane Meagher, said: “With architecture spanning 1,000 years and two World Heritage Sites, more trees than any other Capital city and a vast coastline, there is no question that Edinburgh’s natural and built environment is unique. Our Climate Ready plan has been designed to protect and enhance the place we are lucky enough to call home.

“Recent events have been a stark reminder of how disruptive weather can be to our city and to property. As such, we need to focus our efforts on adapting and preparing for such risks. 

“Where we face issues of flooding and dampness, it disproportionately affects disadvantaged households. Where buildings suffer from poor energy efficiency, this brings up the cost of bills.

“It is to this end that climate change goes hand in hand with poverty as the biggest challenge we face, and we cannot tackle one without the other.

“With our businesses at risk as much as our homes, there is also a clear economic case for getting our capital ‘climate ready’. This report makes it clear that this work will require significant investment, but the costs of failing to prepare are higher.

“That is what has driven us to pledge an additional £2.9m to address our climate and nature emergencies in the budget we set last week. It is also why we have invested £500,000 into protecting our coastline with the successful introduction of new groynes at Portobello Beach.

“If approved next month by Committee, this detailed 66-step plan will further guide us and partners to become a ‘climate ready’ capital. Climate change is a major threat to our health and that of our ancient, coastal city and it is crucial that we work with partners to protect it.”

Gordon Reid, Scottish Water and chair of the Edinburgh Adapts Partnership that developed the plan, said: “We are already seeing the impacts of a changing climate in Edinburgh, with more frequent severe storms causing flooding, damage to buildings and disruption to travel.

“If we don’t take action then we will see greater impacts to the people, buildings, economy and the services we all rely on in the city. Many of these impacts disproportionately effect disadvantaged households and we need to ensure that we act to deliver adaptation for everyone in society as part of the just transition to a climate changed future.

“In addition, we need to act to address the nature emergency and many of the actions in the plan will address adaption and nature, delivering multiple benefits for the city.”

Yann Grandgirard, Head of Climate Change at Edinburgh World Heritage and member of the Edinburgh Adaptation and Nature Partnership, said: “Climate change is one of the biggest threats to the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site, affecting its integrity, and undermining our efforts to preserve it and share its cultural values with current and future generations.

“Climate change impacts are diverse and not limited to physical damages to our historic buildings, streets and green spaces. They also affect our experience of this special part of the city – a vibrant place where people live, work, study and visit.

“The finalisation of the Edinburgh Climate Ready implementation plan is an important step in providing the necessary framework to protect and enhance both the World Heritage Site and the city through sensitive adaptation actions. It will act as a critical tool to prioritise climate actions, attract much needed funding and support partnerships across the city.”

SNP budget delivers record funding for City of Edinburgh Council

5.9% INVESTMENT INCREASE FOR LOCAL SERVICES

Gordon Macdonald MSP has highlighted the record funding going to City of Edinburgh Council after the Scottish Budget was passed at Holyrood this week, providing a £1 billion increase in funding to local authorities.

After the budget received cross-party support – despite Labour and Tory MSPs sitting on their hands – City of Edinburgh Council is set to receive an increase in funding worth £60 million.

This increases funding for local priorities, teachers, and additional support for learning and to tackle the climate emergency. It also facilitates pay increases agreed for teachers, social care workers, refuse collectors and more.

Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “This year’s Scottish Budget provides record funding for Edinburgh Council which will help deliver the services people rely on and ensure our communities get the investment they need.

“After over a decade of austerity and a Labour tax hike which is set to cost councils £100 million, our local authorities have been repeatedly betrayed by Westminster parties.

“Under the SNP, we are not only investing in our local councils, but we are mitigating the impact of Westminster decisions, to the tune of £144 million for the National Insurance hike alone.

“This SNP government is delivering for the city, and I am pleased parliament has backed this budget to ensure that continues.”

https://www.gov.scot/news/15-billion-for-councils

COMMUNITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS: FINAL REMINDER

COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 4pm TODAY

LAST CALL FOR COMMUNITY COUNCILLORS!

As at 2pm yesterday (Wednesday 26 February):

25 Community Councils currently have the minimum elected members numbers to form. Vacancies remain on ALL CCs.

22 Community Councils still require more elected member nominations to form. Of these, seven CCs have received NO nominations.

IT’S NOT TOO LATE – DEADLINE TO APPLY IS 4pm TODAY

Form can be downloaded here:

http://edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/file/36320/2025-community-council-election-nomination-form

Warm welcome for council initiative to deliver warmer homes and lower energy bills to tenants

TENANTS in nine homes in Edinburgh will benefit from major energy upgrades to improve living standards and lower energy bills.

The homes, located in the southeast of the city, boast an Energy Performance Certificate ‘B’ rating after a series of improvements including External Wall Insulation (EWI) and window upgrades.

They are now undergoing monitoring to assess energy consumption, tenant comfort, and overall performance. Data gathered from the homes will provide valuable insight into the effectiveness of these measures and help determine the feasibility of rolling out similar upgrades across other Council housing stock.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said: “I warmly welcome what’s been achieved in collaboration with our partners, AtkinsRéalis and Anderson Bell + Christie, on this transformative retrofit project. The energy improvements are already delivering real benefits for tenants – lower energy bills, increased comfort, and more sustainable homes.

“The data we’re collecting will be instrumental in scaling up this work to happen across other Council homes in Edinburgh, contributing towards our Net Zero 2030 target. While the work involved is complex, the long-term benefits – for our tenants, communities, and our city’s environment – are undeniable.”

Anderson Bell + Christie Director Jonathan McQuillan said: “This project signals a real shift change in how Scottish social housing landlords are approaching their obligations to improve the energy and quality of homes ahead of the Scottish Government deadline – taking a co-ordinated, architectural viewpoint to ensure the measures put in place and undertaken are tailed to each and every building to ensure its effectiveness for many generations to come.

“The City of Edinburgh Council have been pioneering in their thinking and as a result of the pilot, on which we spent two years investigating and garnering the right data, the majority of their stock can now be retrofitted with confidence.

“The improvement works support future measures such as district heating systems, making them ‘net zero-ready’.”

The project adopted a ‘whole house approach’ to implement advanced retrofit standards for the nine pilot homes. The properties were selected following an in-depth review of 52 building types which involved comprehensive surveys, including asbestos checks, air-tightness testing, and extensive energy modelling.