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.
Primary school pupils in Leith have helped create colourful solutions to parking issues in the area, which they unveiled yesterday (Tuesday 22 August).
St Mary’s (Leith) RC Primary School P5 class shared a series of posters they’ve created to discourage people from parking in an area blocking communal bins on Links Gardens. Links Gardens is a ‘School Street’ where traffic is restricted at the beginning and end of the day to help people walk, wheel and cycle to school safely.
They also helped celebrate the completion of a vibrant public artwork on the street, installed as part of Leith Connections, a project making changes across the area to support safe and easy walking, wheeling and cycling.
The colourful on-street painting is one of three installations designed in collaboration with the community, local school children and Scottish art firms Bigg Design and Fun Makes Good.
Similar artworks have popped up at Leith Primary School on St Andrew Place (another School Street) and John’s Place, where a new public space has been created for people to relax and play.
Designs across the three sites have been inspired by Leith’s heritage and natural attributes and feature local wildlife, references to the area’s shipbuilding history and Leith’s ‘Persevere’ motto, amongst other elements.
The project is being funded through Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure programme funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Sustrans.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “We really want to bring the local community along with us to enjoy and interact with the changes introduced through Leith Connections, so it’s great to be able to involve the youngest generation to help brighten up the area.
“As well as contributing to these fantastic artworks, St Mary’s (Leith) RC pupils have also been thinking about the impact of irresponsible parking in their School Street. I’m sure their striking posters will have a real impact on all road users.
“By creating safer, more welcoming spaces to walk, wheel and cycle in Leith, as well as for spending time with friends or visiting local businesses, we want to benefit everyone who lives in and visits Leith.”
Simon Strain, Head of Programme, Sustrans said: “Making it easier and safer for children to travel independently to and from school is of the utmost importance. The simple crossing improvements and road layout changes delivered as part of Leith Connections not only deliver more accessible everyday journeys but also provide new creative spaces for children and adults to enjoy.
“It’s great to see the creativity and talent of these local pupils now on show. We’d like to thank the school and the wider Leith community for their support in making this project a success.”
Primary 5 pupil Leon added: “We as a class made lots of different designs for the pavements and posters. We had this piece of paper and we were drawing our designs and seeing which ones were the best.
“The road paintings are really cool, I think it’s really nice that we made them.”
Changes implemented as part of Leith Connections include improved pedestrian crossings, pavement decluttering and planting and seating in newly created pedestrian spaces.
This is alongside new traffic layouts in several streets to prioritise people travelling by foot, wheel or bike. Under the scheme Sandport Place Bridge has been closed to motor traffic, bus gates introduced at the Shore and Links Place and measures added to prevent through traffic in some areas. All residential and business properties are still accessible by motor vehicle, while blue badge parking will be unaffected.
Leith Connections designs draw from two years of engagement with the community and local stakeholders, encompassing online co-design workshops, public drop-in sessions and focused meetings. Some of the measures, around Leith Links, will be implemented on a trial basis under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO).
Funding announced ahead of Independence Day of Ukraine
Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council (EVOC), Volunteer Edinburgh, The Welcoming Project, Feniks and the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain’s (AUGB) Edinburgh branch are sharing in more than £200,000 from the Scottish Government’s Ukraine Programme funding pot.
Migration Minister Emma Roddick said: “People all over Scotland, and particularly in Edinburgh, have welcomed those fleeing the war in Ukraine into their communities, their schools and workplaces and their homes.
“Third sector organisations have been at the heart of this warm welcome, supporting Ukrainians every step of the way. They have hosted English lessons, created social hubs and helped people to access local services.
“They have also showcased what can be achieved when national and local government, and the third sector work together, and this funding will help make sure this important partnership working continues.
“As we look ahead to the Independence Day of Ukraine, our message to Ukrainians remains clear: we stand with you, and we want Scotland to be your home for as long as you need it.”
The City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Third sector organisations here in Edinburgh have been a cornerstone of the partnership effort to support displaced Ukrainians over the last 18 months.
“I’m sure I speak on behalf of all colleagues when I say that they have made a real and tangible difference to the lives of the people who have fled their country following Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine.
“It is right and proper that these organisations are set to benefit from the Scottish Government’s Ukraine Programme funding.
“I have seen firsthand the difference that these organisations make in our communities across a wealth of different areas. From language classes to support with health and wellbeing to helping people into work and education and so much more their impact cannot be understated.
“I look forward to working closely with our third sector partners as we move forward in supporting our Ukrainian friends in the capital.”
Details of organisations outside Edinburgh receiving funding will be confirmed in due course.
NEXT MEETING:Thursday 31 Aug 2023: 18.50 for 19.00 on Microsoft Teams.
Speakers:
Andrew Field: CEC; Head of Community Engagement and Empowerment;
Helen Bourquin: CEC; Manager, Community Engagement and Empowerment.
Topic:
The roll-out of Edinburgh’s Locality Improvement Plans 2023-28.
Under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, the Edinburgh Partnership is required to develop and deliver Locality Improvement Plans (LIPs) for each of the four localities in the city.
Work on this is already underway in the North-West and is building-out elsewhere.
I’ve invited Andrew and Helen to talk through:
The scope and target outcomes of the LIPs;
The community consultation process intended to shape the right priorities for each locality; and
Where the LIPs stand currently in terms of their early progress.
Roger Colkett (Tollcross CC) is on the EACC Members’ Board and covers Licensing issues. He sits on the Edinburgh Licensing Forum.
He will host a one-hour screen meeting and invites all community council Licensing Leads to join him to chat through what is currently happening on the city’s Licensing front.
I’ll issue a reminder in two weeks or so, along with the meeting link. For now, please make sure your community council colleagues looking after Licensing have this message.
Museums & Galleries Edinburgh has recently completed a partnership project which aims to share Edinburgh’s unique stories of LGBTQ+ history with digital and real-life visitors.
Curators have been working with Rowan Rush-Morgan, a PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh, to make digital object records more accessible for audiences and to share key objects in a digital exhibition.
The project, hosted by Museums & Galleries Edinburgh, and funded by the Scottish Graduate School of Arts & Humanities, focuses on the Remember When? Project, which collected objects from 2004 to 2006.
The collection includes posters, magazines, t-shirts, badges, and larger items including the distinctive hand painted sign of Lavender Menace, the first LGBT bookshop in Scotland. The collections are stored at the Museum Collections Centre in Broughton.
The exhibition – Our Rainbow Past: LGBTQ+ objects from Edinburgh – launched this week on the Our Town Stories platform.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker, said:“Museums & Galleries Edinburgh is proud to reflect our diverse communities in our venues, events, and exhibitions.
“Partnership projects like Rowan’s enable us to access expertise which helps us and our visitors to see our collections in a new light.
“The important contribution of the LGBTQ+ community to Edinburgh is showcased brilliantly in the new digital exhibition. We plan to keep collecting objects which tell the story of LGBTQ+ Edinburgh, and to keep sharing them with our visitors.
“We’re so excited to be able to share some of the most iconic objects from our LGBTQ+ collection online. New photography has really brought the objects to life, while Rowan’s research has added depth to the stories. Anyone with an interest in the LGBTQ+ life of Edinburgh and how far we’ve come in the journey towards equality and inclusion will love the exhibition.”
Rowan Rush-Morgan, Project Lead and PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh, said:“The Remember When? Project was groundbreaking at the time, bringing together objects, archives, and interviews to give a complete picture of LGBTQ+ life in Edinburgh.
“My placement was designed to make sure the collections database uses the correct terminology to allow researchers and the public to search for the stories from the collection important to them. We also wanted to highlight some of the star objects in an online exhibition, which was great fun to put together.”
You can visit the Our Town Stories exhibition here.
The Remember When? Project was an oral and community history project carried out between July 2004 and July 2006. The project was run jointly by the City of Edinburgh Council and the Living Memory Association and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the City of Edinburgh Council and Lesbian & Gay Switchboard.
The project documented the lives and achievements of Edinburgh’s LGBT people, past and present. It involved over 60 volunteers, culminating in the 2006 exhibition Rainbow City, shown at the City Art Centre, and a book of the same name. Part of the project involved collecting LGBT memorabilia, which was then added to the collections of Museums & Galleries Edinburgh.
