Tag: city council

City Council: Delivering essential services throughout lockdown

The Council is working to minimise the impact of new temporary lockdown measures on services.

National restrictions for mainland Scotland, which require the public to stay at home, came into force at midnight on Monday (4 January). Following this we carried out a review of services which may be impacted by the new rules.

Other than the extended closure of schools, early learning and childcare throughout January with online learning in place, service changes outlined for level four, introduced on Boxing Day, will continue.

We will continue to keep service delivery and the use of Council buildings under review, responding to any changes in guidance. Full details of Council services affected by COVID restrictions are available on our website, which will be regularly updated.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “This is an extremely difficult time for everyone, and we want to minimise any additional impact new restrictions will have on the services that residents rely on.

“Our main concern is keeping the public safe and supporting our most vulnerable citizens and we will continue to monitor and review our service delivery throughout lockdown to ensure this.

“I know postponing the return to school will pose a challenge for many but we’re working hard on our digital roll-out to make sure all children have access to learning resources while we’ll keep providing free school meals throughout January.

“We’ll also continue to support local businesses, processing business grants and seeking clarification from Government on any further funding available. Getting out and about for daily exercise will be key to coping over the coming weeks so I’m pleased that our parks and playparks will remain open during this time too.

“We must not lose sight of the goal here – we have already worked so hard to combat the spread of COVID-19. We must keep this collective effort up in the face of a new, virulent strain of the virus if we are to keep one another safe and, eventually, see our communities recover from this crisis.”

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: The introduction of a lockdown across the country demonstrates just how dangerous the situation is and we must take heed. It’s crucial that we listen to the advice of public health experts if we are to minimise the impact of COVID, and that means sticking to the guidance.

We know we can look forward to better times in 2021, with the ongoing roll-out of vaccines around the world. But right now we must act decisively and stay at home, except for essential purposes, to keep the rate of infection down and to protect the NHS, which we need so much at this time.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the many individuals, families and businesses who have observed restrictions over the last year, and for their continued adherence to the rules – together we can get through this. We’ll be updating our website with any service changes under lockdown, so keep an eye on our Coronavirus pages.

Find out more about services affected by COVID on the city council website.

Council working ‘as fast as we can’ to grit roads, footpaths and cycleways

City council Environment Convener Cllr Lesley Macinnes comments on work to grit roads, footpaths and cycleways in the Capital as icy conditions continue:

She reported yesterday: “Like many other areas of Scotland, our staff have been working tirelessly and as quickly as possible to tackle the ice which set in after showers of freezing rain overnight.

“We gritted all priority routes last night (Sunday) which includes routes to hospitals, bus routes and other areas that most need it. We did this again today and we are gritting category two and three routes now that the easing in conditions has allowed us to do this.

“We have thousands of roads and footpaths/cycleways in Edinburgh and it also hasn’t helped that due to very low temperatures grit on footpaths and cycleways will take longer to be ground into ice than on roads so as low temperatures continue please take extra care if you need to be out and about.

“Our staff will continue to work round the clock to grit as much as we can while this cold snap continues. My thanks too to all the residents who’ve been out gritting local neighbourhood streets – we’re filling grit bins up again as quickly as we can and we’re deploying additional resource from other services to help us to do this over the course of the coming week.”

Capital residents urged to pull together as lockdown announced

With a new national lockdown announced to combat rising case numbers, Council leaders have called on Edinburgh residents to do their utmost to help bring COVID19 rates down.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “This is obviously a very concerning situation for the whole country, perhaps the most precarious position we’ve been in since the pandemic first took hold in Scotland in early 2020.

“Everyone has sacrificed so much already in our collective fight against this virus but as the new strain is now accounting for almost half of all new cases, we need to act decisively.

Edinburgh residents and businesses have demonstrated extraordinary resilience throughout this crisis and we face more very difficult weeks ahead. I know we’ve got what it takes to pull together once again and keep ourselves and each other safe. The more we stick together on this, the faster we’ll bring the spread under control to keep our communities safe.

“We’re actively reviewing all relevant council services in light of today’s announcement and will provide further updates to residents and businesses as soon as we’re able. Our focus will remain on providing the best support we can to those most in need across the Capital.

“We’ll be speaking to partners over the next hours and days and will be sharing information when details are finalised on the dedicated COVID pages on our website and through our social media channels.”

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “New Year is always a hopeful time of year and with the vaccines being rolled out nationwide we can all draw comfort from the prospect of a return to a more normal way of life later in 2021. We’ll get to that point more quickly, though, if we put in the effort now to really minimise our risk of transmitting or picking up the virus.

“Please stay at home except for essential purposes and help protect the NHS, who are going through such an incredibly difficult period right now – and it looks set to worsen in the coming weeks. We need to follow the public health guidance and get this right.

“I want to offer my thanks in advance to all the frontline workers in health, retail, essential transport, core Council services and other sectors who help keep us all going through these extremely tough times.”

Tougher Covid restrictions likely as First Minister recalls Holyrood

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon Nicola Sturgeon is likely to announce tougher coronavirus restrictions this afternoon as the virus continues to run riot across the country.

Ms Sturgeon has called an urgent Cabinet meeting this morning and will address the Holyrood Parliament this afternoon.

2464 new cases were reported in Scotland yesterday and, with the new strain of the virus a particular concern, it’s understood that the cabinet will consider further delays to the return to school as well as other measures to contain the spread.

Current plans for Edinburgh pupils returning to school:

On 26 December, Level 4 COVID-19 restrictions came into force for mainland Scotland. This means that there are changes to the start of next term for children and young people.

6 to 8 January 2020

  • School will be closed for most pupils.

Children of key workers and vulnerable children

  • There will be support for children of key workers at their own school/nursery IF both parents/carers meet the criteria – read Scottish Government guidance on key workers.
  • All parents will receive an email about this on 22 December. If you meet the criteria, please apply online for a place by 3 January. Your child’s school will confirm places on 5 January.
  • Schools will also contact families to offer places for vulnerable children.

11 to 15 January 2020

  • Remote / online learning for all other pupils, at home.
  • Children of key workers and vulnerable children can continue to attend their own school if they have a place.
  • If your child attends a Special School, the head teacher will contact you by 6 January with the arrangements for that school from 11 January.

18 January 2020

  • All pupils return to school, unless further changes are announced by the Scottish Government.

When pupils return to school

When children return to school, it is essential that everyone follows infection control measures, especially:

  • face coverings (where appropriate)
  • hand-washing
  • two-metre distancing where possible.

NB: These plans are subject to change by Scottish Government.

Hogmanay appeal: celebrate safely at home

Police and council leaders have urged residents to adhere to national guidance as we welcome 2021.

Ahead of tonight’s midnight moment, Council Leader Adam McVey, Depute Leader Cammy Day and Police Scotland’s Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, are reminding residents to adhere to the ongoing level 4 restrictions in the Capital.

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, said: We’re asking everyone to continue to do the right thing to stop the spread of this virus and protect public health as it’s clear that there is an ongoing risk.

“Remember that parties and indoor gatherings of different households are not permitted and we will continue to use our enforcement powers to disperse large groups of people where necessary.

“Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance, and encourage compliance, but we will not hesitate to continue to use our enforcement powers as a last resort.

“Please follow the Scottish Government’s advice, which is to celebrate Hogmanay and the New Year with your own household only, in your own home.”

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “The best and safest place to celebrate Hogmanay this year is at home.

“Cases have increased significantly so please don’t go round to friends’ houses and keep adhering to the guidance – more gatherings at Hogmanay will cause increased risk to people across the Capital and in particular our NHS staff and services.

“Following the rules now is the quickest way to get restrictions lifted and hopefully we can look back at this Hogmanay as one of our final sacrifices in the battle against the virus.

“As 2020 comes to a close and with the roll out of vaccines underway, we can look more positively towards 2021. But for now, and this Hogmanay, please keep following the guidance, please stay at home and keep yourself and others safe.”

Deputy Leader Cammy Day said: Public safety must be our top priority as we continue the fight against Covid-19 and, by following the guidance as you have done so admirably since it began, you can play your part once more.

“We’ve worked closely with Underbelly and other partners to produce a fitting online celebration of Hogmanay and, having already paid tribute to our NHS and frontline workers with a fantastic pyrotechnic show on the Castle Esplanade, I would encourage everyone to tune in to the finale of the UK’s largest swarm drone display as we bid Fare Well to 2020. It’s a truly spectacular and moving show, befitting of Edinburgh’s status as the Home of Hogmanay.

“Let’s see out the year safely and look forward to a better and more positive 2021.”

Following the cancellation of the world famous street party, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has moved to an entirely online celebration with a series of spectacular ‘moments’ that can be watched from home.

Featuring the UK’s largest swarm drone show, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will bring to life an exciting new piece of writing by award-winning poet and Scots Makar, Jackie Kay. Fare Well is split into three, 5-minute parts, that can be viewed online at 7pm tonight.

Full details of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations can be found at www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay thanks Scotland’s NHS and key workers

  • Edinburgh’s Hogmanay presents a fantastic Torchlight Moment pyro show as part of this year’s online celebrations
  • The dazzling Torchlight Moment is a stand-alone tribute to thank all of Scotland’s NHS and key workers who have worked so tirelessly and selflessly in 2020
  • The Torchlight Moment will be followed by Fare Well, the UK’s largest ever swarm drone show , narrated by an array of Scottish voices including David Tennant

After an unprecedented year, in which Covid-19 has impacted every part of society in Scotland, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay kicks off the celebrations with a heartfelt thank you from Scotland’s capital city to NHS staff and key workers throughout the country.

Opening this year’s series of virtual celebrations, the stunning multi-coloured flare display was ignited on the Esplanade at Edinburgh Castle.  Historically the launchpad for thousands of fireworks lighting up the sky at midnight on Hogmanay, this year pyrotechnics came to life in a flaming tribute to NHS staff and key workers for their continued efforts throughout 2020 in keeping everyone safe and well. 

Each letter depicts a different rainbow colour, taking inspiration from the rainbows Scotland the rest of the UK placed in windows and homes across the country during the past year to show support for NHS and key workers.  

Over 193 custom-made  flares were used to create the moment, which was facilitated by Titanium Fireworks, who have historically delivered Edinburgh’s Hogmanay firework midnight moment.

Forming part of a week-long programme of remarkable online celebrations, the Torchlight Moment will be followed by a three-part film, titled Fare Well, to be released in the three days leading up to Hogmanay. 

Fare Well brings together the words of Scots Makar Jackie Kay, the music of NiteWorks from the Isle of Skye, the voices of acclaimed Scottish talent including David Tennant and the pioneering drone technology and filming of Celestial to create the UK’s largest swarm drone display.

Taking inspiration from Scotland’s land and air, the new work takes viewers on a breath-taking visual journey with the help of 150 individual drones from the Scottish Highlands to the capital city, Edinburgh – a journey that closes the year on 2020 and looks forward to a more hopeful year of 2021.

We swing aroon and turn tae the day.

We give thanks fir solidarity;
Drap parcels tae food banks.
Clap oor haunds frae balconies

fir the gift o’ nurses.

Jackie Kay, Fare Well, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2020

Charlie Wood & Ed Bartlam, Directors of Underbelly who produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, commented: “At the end of a year no one could have imagined, it was important that we started our week of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations with a heartfelt thank you to those across the UK who have worked so tirelessly to keep us safe during 2020.

“The NHS and our key workers have provided an immeasurable level of help and support and this Torchlight Moment sings Scotland’s gratitude with flaming torches in front one of our greatest national monuments, Edinburgh Castle.”

City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Councillor Adam McVey, said: “Edinburgh is the home of Hogmanay and this year’s digital celebrations will continue, albeit very differently.

“This is a fantastic and innovative way to pay tribute to all of our front-line workers – both in Scotland and across the globe – that have done so much to support us and keep us safe throughout this year.

“To our NHS staff and key workers – for those in the labs working on vaccines, those in food preparation and delivery, for our refuse collectors, postal workers, supermarket workers, police and so many more – we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts and hope that 2021 brings with it positive change as we battle to suppress and eradicate this virus.

Depute Leader, Councillor Cammy Day said: “We all clapped for carers and put up rainbows in our windows over the summer and now we light rainbow torches to show our enormous gratitude at the end of this year of tremendous strain on all of our communities.

“It’s wonderful to see this excellent online programme coming to life so that the undisputed Home of Hogmanay can still reach so many people around the world. It will serve as a virtual invitation for everyone to look forward to visiting us again when we’re all able to travel and live more freely in the future.”

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Scotland is the world-renowned home of Hogmanay and every year thousands of people, right across the globe, look forward to the spectacular of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to welcome in the New Year. 

“Although we’re not able to come together physically to bring in the bells this year, we can enjoy a fully digital programme that continues the tradition of celebrating Hogmanay with poetry, music and performance.  I encourage everyone to take part in this year’s series of virtual events and celebrate Hogmanay safely at home.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “The Torchlight Moment is the perfect way to kick off Edinburgh’s week-long programme of online Hogmanay celebrations while also recognising the incredibly work of our NHS and frontline workers in keeping us safe and well this year.

“By taking this year’s celebrations online, audiences around the world will still be able to enjoy the magic of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay while staying safe at home.”

Fare Well will be show on www.edinburghshogmanay.com at 7pm each night from 29-31 December 2020.

Council outlines level four service plans

The Council has outlined its revised service arrangements ahead of the city entering level four of the Scottish Government’s COVID restrictions framework.

Short-term plans have been drawn up in light of new rules, which come into effect at 00.01 on 26 December, and these will be reviewed in the New Year and in line with any future revisions by the Scottish Government.

Many Council services will continue as normal – waste services will be delivered in line with Christmas arrangements and household waste and recycling centres will remain open, as will parks.

Changes will include the suspension of library services and the reduction of Council house repairs and shared repairs surveys to essential work only. The City Art Centre will close and community centres will be limited to essential services, such as emergency shelter and providing meals for the homeless.

Schools will remain closed until 18 January, in line with Scottish Government guidance, with remote learning to start on 11 January. 

Full details of all service changes are available on the Council website and further information on level four restrictions can be found on the Scottish Government’s website.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “We know how difficult the tightening of restrictions over Christmas will be for people. This has been an extremely challenging year for everyone – individuals, families, communities and businesses – and the prospect of not being able to see family or loved ones as much as expected, or to reopen businesses after Christmas Day, will be another huge challenge for us to get through.

“The stricter guidance shows how dangerous the situation still is and this Christmas we can’t afford to let our guard down. It’s essential that we listen to the advice of public health experts if we are to minimise the impact of COVID, and that means sticking to the guidance. This will be a festive period like no other, but there is light at the end of the tunnel, and together we can look forward to a brighter 2021.

“I’d like to wish people a very Merry Christmas, and to thank you for your sacrifices and working so hard to adhere to restrictions throughout 2020.”

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “Christmas can be hard for many people at the best of times, so this year will be particularly tough as we face the threat of COVID and increased restrictions into the start of January at least.

“I want to reassure the public that we’re doing everything we can to make this period as easy as possible and will be working hard to support those in need while keeping Council services running smoothly. I would encourage people to check the Coronavirus pages on our website for any changes or updates.

“If we work together to follow guidance, staying within our local authority area, reducing contact with others and observing physical distancing and hygiene advice if we do form a bubble, I know we can enjoy a safe, peaceful Christmas Day, with minimum impact on the health of our city.”

On 19 December, the First Minister announced that protections against COVID would be significantly strengthened from Boxing Day to prevent the spread of a new, highly contagious strain of the virus.

Level four restrictions include the closure of non-essential retail and hospitality and a ban on travel out of the area, unless it is for essential reasons.

The planned easing of restrictions around Christmas has also been limited to Christmas Day with a maximum of eight people from three households allowed to meet. However, people are encouraged to celebrate the festive period at home in their own household and meet with others outdoors.

Equality consultation: there’s still time to have your say

The Equality Act 2010 requires all public bodies to publish equality outcomes every four years.

Working in partnership – Edinburgh, West Lothian and Midlothian Councils (including their education authorities and Midlothian’s licensing board), NHS Lothian, Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership and East Lothian Integrated Joint Board have developed a set of draft equality themes and outcomes for 2021-2025.

These are based on research and evidence from different sources and on conversations with services and organisations that work to help and support people.

Equality outcomes aim to achieve specific and identifiable improvements in people’s quality of life, eliminate discrimination and promote understanding between people.

Therefore, it is important that people with a variety of life and personal experiences share their thoughts on these.

Please encourage your colleagues / members / networks to give us their views 

Their feedback will influence the development of the final outcomes and help us to agree actions that can make a difference to people’s lives.

CONSULTATION CLOSES on TUESDAY 22 DECEMBER

Council welcomes funding for replacement schools

Education leaders in Edinburgh have welcomed the announcement today that the Scottish Government is providing funding for a replacement Liberton High School and Wester Hailes Education Centre.

Both schools were included in the funding submission by the City of Edinburgh Council to the Scottish Government as part of potential projects for Phase 2 of their Learning Estate Investment Programme.

The Scottish Government yesterday announced funding for a total of 25 projects from 18 local authorities. Alongside a replacement Currie High School this means Edinburgh has three schools included in their investment programme.

Cllr Ian Perry, Convener for Education, Children and Families at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Replacement of both these schools has been a top priority for the Council and today’s announcement will be really welcomed by their school communities.

“I’m very pleased that the Scottish Government has recognised the strength of our bid as we’re committed to building schools which provide the very best learning environment for our young people.

“Both these projects will provide us with significant opportunities to create, as part of an inclusive net zero-carbon city, community lifelong learning and sports hubs where public services can be co-located with links to active travel networks, green infrastructure and strategic public transport networks.

“It’s a real boost for our ambitious new school building programme which will see £500m planned investment over the next 10 years and we already have a number of schools across the primary, secondary and special sectors opening in the coming year.

“We will continue to work closely with the Scottish Government, COSLA and other partners as we drive forward our plans for new school campuses that are innovatively and sustainably designed so they are inspirational places for learning for the next generation.”

Cllr Alison Dickie, Vice Convener for Education, Children and Families at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This excellent news from the Scottish Government means we can now press on with building these much-needed new schools for Liberton and Wester Hailes.

“We want schools for the future that are fit for 21st Century learning and we’ll continue to develop our plans so that greater accessibility for all pupils and a more inclusive environment promoting greater health and wellbeing are key to their success.

“These projects will develop excellent facilities that meet all the aspirations of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Strategy by connecting people, places and learning, improving outcomes for all and promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

“It also provides us with the platform to keep progressing our ambitious plans for the enhancement of Gaelic Medium Education secondary provision in the city.  GME has grown at all learning levels, and a well-designed co-located school within a Liberton campus, would support our vision of a fully immersive environment.

“We’re committed to all our new learning estate buildings being constructed in line with our bold commitment of being carbon neutral by 2030 and designed to meet the city-wide aspirations for the curriculum to address all inclusion, digital and outdoor learning requirements and ensuring all our children have the best possible learning environment in which to flourish.”

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs added: “I have been campaigning for a replacement Liberton High School since my election and a new school building is long overdue.

“This is excellent news for pupils and parents at Liberton High School who have been campaigning tirelessly for a replacement building.

“What is important now is that we get a time scale for the replacement school building, so that pupils can benefit from modern state of the are learning facilities as soon as possible.”

“I am pleased that Wester Hailes Education Centre, Penicuik High School, Mayfield Primary School Campus and East Calder Primary school have all been included in Phase 2 of the Learning Estate Investment Programme.”

Current schools projects under construction with their completion dates include: Frogston Primary School (spring 2021), Victoria Primary School (summer 2021), St Crispin’s Special School (summer 2021), a new primary school on Canaan Lane in south Edinburgh (end of 2021), Castlebrae Community campus (end of 2021) and Trinity Academy Phase 1 (spring 2022).

The Council is also committed to building a new Currie High School by summer 2024.

Lord Provost’s Christmas message

On behalf of the City of Edinburgh, I extend my heartfelt and warm wishes this Christmas to the citizens of Edinburgh.

Christmas is traditionally an occasion for getting together with friends, family and loved ones and celebrating. This year we have to do this in different ways – either in our “Christmas bubbles” or by fully embracing technology that will allow us to be together even when we can’t gather in person.

Undoubtably, it is disappointing that we’ll be missing out on many of our customs this year, but there are still many things to be thankful for – our family and friends, our NHS, those who work tirelessly to keep us safe and provide vital services and, of course, science and vaccines.

It has been an unsettling and uncertain time for us all and I send my deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones this year, and my best wishes to all who are currently fighting the virus.   

We know the coronavirus pandemic has had far-reaching consequences beyond the spread of the disease and efforts to quarantine it. As we prepare to enter a new year, please know that the Council remains focussed on how we respond to the ongoing pandemic. We’re doing everything we can to keep services running and residents informed and supported. We will continue to explore further ways to support businesses as we hopefully see a return to normal.  

Like other cities and towns across the world this has been an incredibly difficult year for Edinburgh. The pandemic brought with it widespread, unexpected and sudden change which affected every resident. We’ve faced dark days, but we’ve faced them together, as one city. I’d like to thank every household and business across Edinburgh for following the rules. Let’s keep going and keep the case numbers down.

As Lord Provost, I’ve always been proud to represent our diverse and vibrant city. I’ve never been prouder than this year. The pandemic has brought out the very best in our community. This city has adapted and come together in our battle to beat the virus. In my role I have had the privilege of meeting (mostly virtually) many exceptional people as well as organisations who have worked tirelessly to support residents who have been disadvantaged and vulnerable throughout the pandemic.

On behalf of the city I would like to acknowledge and thank the outstanding commitment and care demonstrated by our NHS and emergency services, by all those working in schools caring for our children and their futures, by Council staff who ensure our services are maintained, and by all those reaching out to help the vulnerable members of our community.  

As 2020 comes to a close and the roll out of the vaccine has begun, we can look more positively towards 2021. But please don’t stop, please keep following the guidance: wear face coverings, avoid crowded places, clean your hands regularly, keep a two-metre distance and self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms. 

All my best wishes for a merry Christmas and a happier new year.