The city council’s Development Management Sub-Committee yesterday granted approval, subject to conditions, for a new 55-room aparthotel on Forth Street and Broughton Street Lane.
This is to be undertaken by independent company, Supercity Aparthotels.
Its first operation in Edinburgh, the aparthotel will incorporate Forth House and Playfair House, current home to Radio Forth, with associated parking, landscaping, and ancillary works.
The stylish aparthotel will includea communal lounge/bar area, with reception facilities provided on a 24/7 basis, and a gym will also be provided. It is estimated that around 18 jobs will be created by the new operation, which lies in close proximity to the city centre, contributing to tourism, which is the city’s third biggest source of employment.
Supercity Aparthotel’s core clients are business travellers and extended stay guests attracted by the central locations. It offers long stay incentives through a higher level of discount for medium-long term bookings. These core client characteristics mean that movements to/from the property will be less than that of the existing use.
The front of B-listed Forth House will remain mostly unchanged, serving to preserve the historic building. Minor changes are proposed on the rear elevation, such as changing an existing opening to a door.
Modern Playfair House, fronting Broughton Street Lane, will be stripped back to its superstructure and a new facade of natural stone and precast concrete built to align with adjacent buildings, reinstating the mews street frontage.
The site benefits from excellent transport links and as such, the existing parking provision is being reduced from 24 spaces to seven. There is some demand for parking associated with the business which will be located within the building undercroft and will not be visible from the street.
Five of the car parking spaces will include electric vehicle charging points. Ten secure cycle parking spaces will be located internally with an additional four external spaces located in the car park.
Roger Walters, Chairman of Supercity Aparthotels commented: “We are delighted that our aparthotel operation has been approved by the committee, which will preserve the fabulous Forth House.
“This is an excellent location for our first operation in Edinburgh, lying close to the busy city centre and will also serve to benefit the community through reducing movements to and from the building than is currently the case.
“We look forward to working commencing onsite and will continue to engage with the community to ensure that it is kept updated as works progress.”
Operating in London, Manchester and Brighton, Supercity Aparthotels is primarily aimed at extended stay guests and business travellers, have led the way in superior and stylish serviced apartment hotels. Its signature personalised and flexible service has established a level of comfort, convenience, and attention to detail that only true independently owned and operated companies can achieve.
It currently has six properties with two new locations in city centre York and Leeds opening by 2023, with strong aspirations to expand into more key locations across the UK.
Residents are being invited to drop-in events this week as the Council gathers views on the ongoing ‘transformation’ of Powderhall.
Detailing early plans for new homes and greenspace on part of the site on Broughton Road, Council officers will be joined by Cruden Building and Smith Scott Mullan to take questions and gather views on Wednesday 15 June between 4:00pm and 7:30pm. This will take place at McDonald Road Library.
A virtual drop-in will also go live on Thursday 16 June between 4:00pm and 7:30pm, with a presentation and Q&A starting each hour (4pm, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm).
For residents unable to attend these events, a consultation website will open on Wednesday 15 June for three weeks, closing on Wednesday 6 July.
This consultation will specifically consider the Council’s vision for new housing on the former Waste Transfer Station site, which will include around 240 new energy efficient mixed-tenure homes.
In addition to the above, the blueprint for the wider area comprises redevelopment of an adjacent former bowling greens site for 27 affordable homes for older people, above a new 128 space early years centre and refurbished B-listed stables building on Broughton Road. This will be converted into a flexible event and exhibition space with a community art workshop, while new public realm and improved cycling and walking in St Mark’s Path are also planned. These phases have previously been the subject of community consultation and have received planning permission.
Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “The closure of the old waste transfer site at Powderhall has created a unique opportunity for us to create a sustainable neighbourhood which benefits everyone in the area.
“Alongside affordable new homes – which will form an important part of our housebuilding target – our vision for Powderhall is to create enjoyable new public spaces and a truly intergenerational community. There will be dozens of employment opportunities too, as we also protect and preserve the nearby 1890s stable block for a whole variety of new uses.
“Local people have been very engaged to date and I hope that their views will genuinely shape this next phase of the project. The potential for Powderhall is incredible and we really want to make sure we get the designs right. The feedback from these drop-ins will help us.”
How to have your say:
In-person drop-in event
Wednesday 15 June, 4:00pm-7:30pm, at McDonald Road Library.
Views are being sought on proposals to improve walking, wheeling and cycling, plus public transport links, parks and public spaces, around new and future residential developments across the city.
Plans have been developed for four neighbourhoods identified as significant areas of new residential development in Edinburgh’s Local Development Plan – Leith, Lochend and Easter Road, Queensferry and Burdiehouse.
Amongst the potential measures are walking, cycling and public realm upgrades complementing changes already proposed through the Leith Connections project, pavement widening, dropped kerbs and placemaking improvements around Lochend and Easter Road and segregated cycle lanes and enhanced crossings in the Burdiehouse area.
These have been drawn up in close collaboration with the Council’s public transport team and in discussion with bus operators – improving access to bus stops is an important component of the schemes.
In Queensferry, changes in the Echline Estate, the Builyeon Road development, Viewforth Road, Scotstoun Avenue and Queensferry High School would make it easier and more pleasant to travel by foot, wheel or bike, especially to Dalmeny station and a planned new primary school at Builyeon Road.
A new linear park would be introduced on part of the current Builyeon Road route as well as ‘pocket parks’ and tree-planting.
Proposals support Edinburgh’s City Mobility Plan by encouraging people to make healthier, more sustainable transport choices, and align to our 20-minute neighbourhood strategy. This aims to help residents meet their daily needs within 20 minutes of their homes by walking, using public transport, wheeling or cycling.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Over the coming years we’re going to see tens of thousands of new houses built in Edinburgh, and it’s essential that we support residents in these homes, and those living nearby, to make healthy, sustainable transport choices.
“These proposals target areas where new developments are planned or are already underway and look to make improvements or introduce new infrastructure – like cycle lanes, widened pavements and safer crossings – to help people move around their neighbourhood, and further afield, by foot, wheel or bike.
“It’s crucial that we support travel by bus, tram and train as well as active travel, which is why we’ve worked closely with our public transport team and with providers to develop these plans – for example they will significantly improve access to bus stops and will transform travel on foot and bike from the Builyeon Road area in Queensferry to Dalmeny rail station.
“Recent research has shown that most people would walk, wheel or cycle more if they could access local amenities more easily. We need to encourage this kind of behaviour change if we are to achieve net zero goals, healthier lifestyles and a more pleasant city for future generations.
“This is how things used to be, and it is a great way of supporting local jobs. People’s feedback and ideas will be really important as the Council develops these proposals, and I’ll also be working closely with local councillors to ensure your voice is heard.”
Four separate consultations will run until 17 July and feedback will help inform the design process in each of the areas.
Drop-in events, where people can view proposals and provide feedback, will take place over the period of the consultations. Proposals for Queensferry will be on show at Queensferry Community Centre on 30 June (3pm to 7pm) and for Burdiehouse at Valley Park Community Centre on 30 June (3.30pm to 7.15pm). Further drop-ins are being arranged and will be announced in the coming weeks and publicised on the Council’s consultation web pages.
In Leith, proposals form phase three of Leith Connections. Consultations have already been undertaken on recommendations for phase one, a high-quality cycle track between Foot of the Walk and Ocean Terminal, and phase two, a low traffic neighbourhood where through traffic is removed and new community spaces are created.
View the full proposals and take part in the consultations online:
Designed by Anderson Bell Christie and located to the rear of the former Granton railway station building, this is the first pilot development in the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator (EHD) Project.
The collaboration between local and national government, academia and the construction industry is testing a new model for designing, procuring and delivering new homes in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal to create a greener future.
Granton D1 is also part of the Council’s ambition to deliver 20,000 affordable homes by 2027 and will contribute towards achieving the city’s target to become a ‘net zero’ city by 2030.
Future residents will benefit from a 20-minute neighbourhood approach, with active travel routes, public transport links and local amenities – including three commercial units on the ground floor level of D1 Homes. Where parking is provided, Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points will also be installed.
To achieve ‘net zero’, the development will utilise a series of innovative measures including improved fabric performance and triple-glazed windows, which will combine to dramatically reduce heat loss and energy demand, and an all-renewable energy strategy delivered by an entirely electric, on-site energy centre and solar PV panels.
Carbon offsetting measures will also be in place with the outcomes reviewed through post-occupation analysis that will be undertaken by Edinburgh Napier University to validate the performance of the homes and inform future strategy for EHD projects.
The homes themselves comprise one, two, and three-bedroom flats contained within a series of blocks, over-looking communal gardens, with the first homes set for completion in summer 2023.
They will each be clad in a rich red brick that corresponds to the former station building, that will become a creative workspace with a public square for community use. Three commercial premises will also be provided and leased to local business operators.
Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said:“The future of housebuilding is happening here in Edinburgh. Getting construction underway is a huge step for Granton Waterfront and the pilot will help us create much needed new homes and a trailblazing new future for sustainable living in the city.
“Using the most advanced construction methods and materials, these homes will be greener, warmer and more affordable. They will feature EV charging stations and community gardens to support local wildlife. As part of Edinburgh’s new coastal community and 20-minute neighbourhood, this exceptional development will also benefit from new local amenities and low carbon transport links.
“Granton D1 homes really have been designed to improve the lives of tenants and homeowners and will of course help us to meet Edinburgh’s net zero targets. We’re excited to now bring the blueprints to life.”
CCG Managing Director, David Wylie, said:“The aim of the EHD initiative is to prove if net zero housing delivery is affordable, practical, and scalable in order to meet Scotland’s ambitious targets as we transition to become a net zero economy by 2045.
“As the cost of living continues to increase, we are also responsible for understanding how we can tackle the fuel poverty agenda in the here and now by continuing to advance construction methods and adopt new, renewable technologies.
“CCG has pioneered offsite ‘Modern Methods of Construction’ for over a decade and our applied research and development into ‘Net Zero Carbon’ places us at the forefront of sustainable housebuilding in Scotland. Our partnership with the Council fosters early engagement and collaboration which means projects like Granton D1 can be realised much faster and the beneficiaries of this process are both the end-user and the environment.
“This project is hugely significant for the future of housing in Scotland and we thank the City of Edinburgh Council for allowing CCG to play our part in building a more sustainable future.”
A new partnership between ENABLE Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University and global professional services firm, EY, has set out to create equality across those accessing higher education opportunities.
Whilst 45% of all Scotland’s school leavers go to university, only 8.6% of school leavers who have a learning disability go on to higher education. Now, ENABLE Scotland’s Breaking Barriers programme is working with young people who have a learning disability to ensure they have the support required to access university life, can undertake work experience opportunities with a leading global employer, and graduate with a university qualification from a world-class academic institution.
Breaking Barriers, a ground-breaking initiative established by ENABLE Scotland in 2018, has partnered with some of Scotland’s highest profile corporate employers and has named EY as its newest official partner alongside Edinburgh Napier University – expanding its reach across the East of Scotland.
A cohort of young people from the East of Scotland are already undertaking studies and will now start work placements at EY. Anna Taylor (17) and Jaymes Doyle (18) from Edinburgh are working towards obtaining an Accreditation in Applied Business Skills from Edinburgh Napier University.
On her experience with Breaking Barriers so far, Anna Taylor said: “It has been really refreshing to meet different people who have the same anxieties and barriers as I do and who understand how you feel.
“It is a very unique experience; I have the support I need but also get to pursue something that was previously outside of my comfort zone.
“I am looking forward to my work placement with EY to see how the topics we have covered with Edinburgh Napier apply in a real life work setting.”
James Doyle added:“Breaking barriers has benefited me a lot as I have learned how to be in a university environment and have found a new interest in banking and business. I feel like I have been helped with my confidence and social skills a lot.”
ENABLE Group CEO and co-founder of the Breaking Barriers programme, Theresa Shearer, spoke at the 2022 Harkin International Disability Employment Summit in Belfast yesterday, discussing the Breaking Barriers programme and the charity’s goal to ensure further education is made more accessible for those with a learning disability.
Theresa Shearer said:“I am delighted that we are building on the success of the Breaking Barriers programme and making it possible for even more students who have a learning disability to access the life-shaping experience of university that is a rite of passage for so many, yet it is currently available to so few disabled young people.
“Breaking Barriers demonstrates how the public, private and third sectors can work collaboratively to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in education and the workplace, and I am excited to welcome Edinburgh Napier University and EY as the programme’s newest partners, advancing our shared ambition of a truly inclusive society for all.”
Professor Nazira Karodia, Vice Principal of Learning and Teaching at Edinburgh Napier University said: “We are delighted to welcome our ENABLE students to The Business School, where our vision is to be the Business School for empowerment, enterprise and employability for all.
“Our ethos as a university is to be the home for difference makers and our position as the number one modern university in Scotland reflects our success in providing students with a positive learning experience, and our close industry links.
“Not everyone has an opportunity to change the world, but everyone can make a positive difference to the world around them: working with fantastic partners like ENABLE and EY is truly helping break barriers faced by young people with learning difficulties.”
Ally Scott, EY Scotland Managing Partner, said: “Breaking Barriers is an inspiring initiative that EY is delighted not just to support, but to work with to give these remarkable young people the skills for a successful and fulfilling career.
“This is a great example of Scotland’s strong ecosystem between education, industry and the civic community in action, and I look forward to celebrating their graduation with them in the summer.”
The Breaking Barriers programme originated in the West of Scotland and has entered its fifth consecutive year, delivered in a partnership between ENABLE Scotland, the University of Strathclyde Business School, ScottishPower and STV.
Such is the success of the programme that many former graduates have gone on to shape their chosen career path and secure employment and additional training opportunities in fields such as filmmaking, para-medicine, cyber security, financial services, digital music, and fashion.
The expansion of the programme is supported by Edinburgh City Council through the Young Person Guarantee.
Since then, a record 58 organisations have now made a commitment to pay the Real Living Wage in Edinburgh with 42 employers accredited during the first five months of this year. This is the most successful period ever for new sign ups in Edinburgh and will result in more than 300 employees receiving a direct uplift in pay as a result of their employer’s commitment to the Real Living Wage.
The new sign ups – which include George Watson’s College, the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), drinks company Glenmorangie and charity Age Scotland – join a movement of 541 Edinburgh based businesses voluntarily paying their staff a minimum hourly wage of £9.90 per hour.
To support even more employers to become accredited, interested organisations are invited attend an interactive networking event on Thursday 16 June.
Hosted by Dr Ishbel McWha-Hermann at the University of Edinburgh Business School, the business breakfast will be held in partnership with Living Wage Scotland, the Council and University of Glasgow with tickets free to reserve on Eventbrite.
Councillor Jane Meagher, Convener of Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work for the City of Edinburgh Council, said:“Tackling poverty in Edinburgh remains one of the Council’s key priorities. We want to make sure everyone can take advantage of everything the Capital has to offer and is paid a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.
“It’s really positive that so many employers have been inspired by our new Living Wage City status. We’ve already doubled the number of organisations signing up, directly responding to our call to join us in making Edinburgh fairer. We want to see this trend continue.
“We all have a part to play in making sure Edinburgh’s economic recovery from Covid results in a fairer society. We have a commitment to end poverty in Edinburgh by the year 2030, but face challenges with the cost-of-living crisis and rising energy costs. By signing up to be a Living Wage employer, employers can show how much they value their workers and the financial security they deserve.”
Christine McCaig, Living Wage Projects Coordinator at Living Wage Scotland, said:“Nobody should experience in-work poverty and the Living Wage is a welcome step towards stamping out unfair working practices.
“The ‘City Status’ Edinburgh received last year is a sign of how much the Capital values workers and the Council’s commitment to becoming a fairer society. Being a living wage accredited employer has benefits for organisations, too. It shows care and commitment and can lead to greater retainment of skilled employees.
“It’s great to see such a surge in sign-ups and we should continue to aim high. Let’s work towards seeing every Edinburgh organisation accredited to help end poverty in our city.”
With Watson’s recent accreditation, Principal, Melvyn Roffe said:“At Watson’s we have long tried to ensure that everyone is properly paid for their work, but now is the right time to make the public commitment as a Scottish Living Wage employer.
“Poverty wages disrespect the contribution of individuals, put families under strain and undermine our communities. We should all do our bit to put a stop to them.”
Low Emission Zones (LEZs) to protect public health and improve air quality have now been formally introduced across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen.
Plans have been agreed at the local authority level and have now also been approved by Scottish Ministers, as required in legislation through the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019.
With the shape and scope of LEZs now agreed across the four cities through this introduction, local grace periods until enforcement commences have now begun.
In Glasgow, the LEZ already applies to buses. For other vehicle types, enforcement commences on 1 June 2023 (1 June 2024 for residents within the zone)
Edinburgh will commence enforcement TODAY 1 June 2024
Dundee will commence enforcement on 30 May 2024
Aberdeen will commence enforcement on 1 June 2024
LEZs set an emissions limit for certain road spaces, restricting access for the most polluting vehicles to improve air quality. This helps protect public health within our towns and cities, making them more attractive places in which to live, work and to visit. LEZs also encourage people to think about leaving the car at home and to consider public transport or active travel – supporting climate action by helping to meet Scotland’s world leading commitment to reduce car kilometres travelled by 20% by 2030.
Vehicles that do not meet the emission standards set for a Low Emission Zone will not be able to drive within the zone. A penalty charge will be payable by the registered keeper of a vehicle when a non-compliant vehicle enters the LEZ.
The minimum emission standards for vehicles permitted within the four LEZs are:
Euro 4 for petrol cars and vans (generally vehicles registered from January 2006)
Euro 6 for diesel cars and vans (generally vehicles registered from September 2015)
A number of vehicles are exempt from LEZ requirements, including any vehicle driven by a blue badge holder. Funding remains available to help people and businesses that need it most to comply with Low Emission Zones. Full information is available at www.lowemissionzones.scot
The introduction of Scotland’s LEZs marks the completion of the Scottish Government’s landmark Programme for Government commitment.
Welcoming the introduction, Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said: “The introduction of Low Emission Zones is a truly significant public health moment for Scotland. Our air quality is generally good – but for too long air pollution has exceeded legal limits for health in our city centres as a consequence of unrestricted vehicle emissions.
“We have a moral responsibility to act. Air pollution often disproportionally impacts those with the least in our society. It causes the most damage to the youngest, the oldest and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
“LEZs are the biggest change we’ve ever seen in how vehicles will access our cities – and they need to be, in order to best protect public health and improve air quality.
“With a year to go until the earliest point of enforcement in Glasgow and two years to go until enforcement in Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen, I encourage everyone to visit www.lowemissionzones.scot to find out more about the schemes, including the Scottish Government funding on offer.”
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, the City of Edinburgh Council said:“By introducing an LEZ, Edinburgh is joining cities right across the UK in working towards a healthier environment and a better quality of life for everyone. We all have the right to breathe clean air and it’s our responsibility to tackle air pollution to protect the health and wellbeing of the most vulnerable members of society.
“The LEZ will restrict the most polluting vehicles from entering the boundary, reducing harmful traffic-related nitrogen oxide emissions by a predicted 55% in the zone.
“The LEZ is one of a number of tools to reduce harmful emissions and is being delivered alongside a range of projects to support sustainable travel, including Edinburgh City Centre Transformation, Trams to Newhaven and City Centre West to East Link. Together, these will help achieve our vision of a clean, green and net zero European Capital.”
Joseph Carter, Head of Devolved Nations at Asthma+Lung UK said:“Air pollution is the biggest environmental threat to public health. It is causing new lung conditions like lung cancer and worsening existing ones. With 1 in 5 Scots developing a lung conditions like asthma and COPD in their lifetime, for them, it can trigger life-threatening asthma attacks and exacerbations.
“Children’s lungs are also more susceptible to air pollution as they are still growing, and they also breathe faster than adults. As they grow, toxic air can stunt the growth of their lungs, making them less resilient into adulthood and placing them at greater risk of lung disease in the future.
“More than 70,000 children have asthma in Scotland and for them, peaks in toxic air can put them at risk of a potentially life-threatening attack.
“The gradual roll out of Low Emission Zones is going to be a huge step forward to start tackling this major health problem. Starting in Glasgow in 2018 and then extended to our core cities with the Transport Act 2019, LEZs are one of the most effective way of reducing pollution.”
John Bynorth, who leads Scotland’s Clean Air Day for Environmental Protection Scotland said:“We welcome the milestone introduction of LEZs to Scotland’s four main cities as it will lead to vast improvements in air quality in the city centres where the zones operate.
“Outwith the LEZs, we would also expect to see potential benefits to the surrounding areas as people consider their travel options and consider cycling or walking instead of taking the car.
“This will lead to improvements in the health of people who live, work and go to school in these cities and make them cleaner and more sustainable as they strive to achieve net-zero climate change targets in the coming years.”
Neil Leckie, Senior Programme Manager at the Energy Saving Trust said:“The expansion of Low Emission Zones in Scotland’s major cities will play a key role in improving air quality and in the transition to a net zero carbon society.
“The zones will encourage the use of low carbon transport and active travel, and available funding to prepare for the changes will support the individuals and businesses who need it most – including additional support for taxi drivers.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Transport Scotland to shape the future of low carbon cities and sustainable travel in Scotland as part of our commitment to address climate change.”
Using the powers under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (and accompanying regulations), local authorities will introduce, operate and enforce their LEZ schemes using Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras. All four cities propose schemes operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Penalty charges are also consistent across the four cities. For non-compliant vehicles found to have been driven within the zone the initial penalty is set at £60, with a subsequent doubling for each contravention, capped at £480 for cars and light good vehicles, and £960 for bus and HGV. The penalty charge is reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days. Where there are no further contraventions detected within the 90 days following a previous contravention, the penalty is reset to £60.
There are a limited number of specific vehicles that are exempt from LEZ regulations as follows:
· Police · Ambulance · Scottish Fire and Rescue · Her Majesty’s Coastguard · Military vehicles · Vehicles for disabled persons (including blue badge holders) · Historic vehicles · Showman’s vehicles
Motorbikes and mopeds are also not within the scope of Scotland’s LEZs.
The Scottish Government is committed to helping those who will have most difficulty preparing for the introduction of LEZs across the four cities.
Our LEZ support fund offers three main packages of funding for households, micro-businesses, and a separate retrofit fund including support for taxi drivers.
Having been fully subscribed in 2021/22, funding is again available in 2022. Information is available on the Energy Saving Trust website.
For bus operators, a fourth round of BEAR funding has awarded £6.2 million to 20 operators to retrofit a further 379 buses and coaches in 2022. Between 2018-2021 the BEAR Phases 1, 2 and 3 awarded funding grants of £12.4 million to Scottish bus and coach operators to upgrade 762 vehicles to the latest Euro VI emission standard to help reduce pollution levels. This is in addition to funding for new zero emission buses.
West Princes Street Gardens will host a special free event in the Capital to mark the Platinum Jubilee of HM the Queen on Sunday 5th June.
Edinburgh’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration will coincide with celebrations taking place around the country as the nation marks the Queen’s 70-year reign with a special extended bank holiday weekend.
The Jubilee Celebration is a free event, open to the people of Edinburgh and its visitors who are all invited to dust off their best picnic blanket for a fun-filled event with live music performed by the world-famous Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland, fantastic local Love Music Community Choir and a special Edinburgh Festival Carnival parade just for the occasion.
The live entertainment will begin from 12.30pm followed by the Platinum Jubilee Pageant broadcast live from London being shown on big screen in the gardens.
Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon will be BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) presenter Mark McKenzie.
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “The Platinum Jubilee is a truly historic event and it was important to find a fitting tribute here in the Capital for those who wish to come together and celebrate the occasion.
“In the tradition of Jubilee street parties our big picnic in the gardens invites citizens to come together to enjoy some fantastic local entertainment and music. Watching the celebrations on the big screen will be a great way for people to be involved and soak up the atmosphere of this extraordinary day.”
Host Mark McKenzie, said: “It’s a huge honour and I’m delighted to be involved in helping celebrate her majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in Edinburgh.
“The programme has a real eclectic feel, capturing not only a flavour of Scotland but the Commonwealth and beyond. It’s always a thrill hosting with Edinburgh Castle as a backdrop, it will be a day with something for everyone.”
Capt TP Griffin RM, Director of Music, Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland, said: “We’re very happy to be performing at Edinburgh’s Jubilee Celebrations next weekend. The Band will march from the Blaise to the Ross Band Stand where they will perform a dazzling display to open the event.
“The Band will also conclude proceedings with a half an hour set from the bandstand which will include their world-renowned Corps of Drums, film music, Scottish melodies and virtuoso soloists.”
Giles Agis, Carnival and Community Manager, Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, said: “Edinburgh Festival Carnival is pleased to be presenting a small parade marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration in Princes Street Gardens on Sunday the 5th of June.
“Costumes, music, and dance will showcase the work of our visiting international artists from USA, South Africa, Brazil, Trinidad, Costa Rica, and Cuba. So come down and join in the carnival celebrations.”
Stephen Deazley, Artistic Director, Love Music Community Choir, said: “The Choir is so delighted to be able to share the fun we enjoy singing together with an audience at Princes Street Gardens as part of the historic Jubilee celebrations.Opportunities for us to gather in larger groups and perform have been so restricted over the last few years, we really can’t wait and are looking forward to a joy filled day!
The big screen has been supported by the UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
People are encouraged to bring their own picnics, however the Scott’s café will be open and can provide take-away food and beverages.
SNP VOWS TO HOLD ‘RIGHT WING COALITION’ TO ACCOUNT
Edinburgh’s Labour Group has formed an administration to lead the City of Edinburgh Councilfollowing a controversial deal with the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.
Detailed discussions have been ongoing across political groups since the Local Government Elections on 5 May and, following a vote at today’s Council meeting, Labour councillors will convene the Council’s six executive committees.
Cllr Cammy Day has become Leader of the Council with Cllr Mandy Watt appointed as Depute Leader.
Cllr Robert Aldridge had earlier been appointed as Lord Provost, taking the chair for the first time, with members of the Liberal Democrat and Conservative groups appointed as Conveners and Vice Conveners of quasi-judicial committees, including the Licensing and Development Management Sub-Committees.
The full list of appointments is below.
The convener of the Governance, Risk and Best Value committee will be decided at the next Council meeting on 30 June.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: I’m delighted and extremely honoured that we’ve reached agreement to lead the City of Edinburgh Council today.
“We’re committed to addressing the issues that matter the most to the people of Edinburgh, making the case for the funding we deserve as a Capital City and protecting our front-line services; taking forward the work of the Poverty Commission to tackle the cost of living crisis, promoting fair work and ensuring our children and young people get the best possible start in life.
“We’ll continue to focus on the fight against climate change and our ambitious target of being net zero by 2030, boosting our affordable house-building programme, taking Trams to Newhaven and delivering the pioneering regeneration of the Granton Waterfront and north Edinburgh.
“I’m confident our collaborative approach will lead to far more consensual and co-operative decision-making and I look forward to working closely across all parties, delivering positive changes and policies for the good of our great Capital City and its residents.”
The Lib-Dems, who doubled their number of councillors at this month’s election, justified their reasons for voting as they did:
Chief Executive, Andrew Kerr, said: I would like to congratulate Councillor Day and the Labour Group on forming an administration today.
“I look forward to working with all councillors over the next five years to deliver the best possible services for the people of Edinburgh.”
The full list of appointments is
Leader of the Council – Cllr Cammy Day (Lab) Depute Leader of the Council – Cllr Mandy Watt (Lab) Lord Provost – Cllr Robert Aldridge (Lib Dem) Depute Lord Provost – Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron (Lab) Convener of Culture and Communities – Cllr Val Walker (Lab) Convener of Transport and Environment – Cllr Scott Arthur (Lab) Convener of Housing and Economy – Cllr Jane Meagher (Lab) Convener of Education, Children and Families – Cllr Joan Griffiths (Lab) Convener of Finance and Resources – Cllr Mandy Watt (Lab) Licensing Board Convener – Cllr Louise Young (Lib Dem) Licensing Board Vice Convener – Cllr Jason Rust (Cons) Convener of Government, Risk and Best Value – to be decided 30 June Planning Committee Convener – Cllr James Dalgleish (Lab) Regulatory Committee Convener – Cllr Neil Ross (Lib Dem) Convener or Vice-Convener of Integration Joint Board – Cllr Tim Pogson (Lab) Development Sub Committee Convenor – Cllr Hal Osler (Lib Dem) Licensing Sub Committee Convenor – Cllr Joanna Mowat (Cons)
The SNP has run the city with Labour as a ‘Capital Coalition’ for ten years, and the SNP was the biggest party once again following this month’s election.
Capital Coalition III was very much on the cards until Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar announced that there would be no coalition deals with the SNP or the … em, Tories!
Former council leader Adam McVey said: “The Lab/Tory/Lib coalition is held together by nothing more a burning hatred of the SNP & a carve up of jobs.
“We will keep our focus on delivering the change needed for Edinburgh & will hold this right-wing coalition to account.”
Green Group Co-convener Cllr Claire Miller said: “We are disappointed not to have passed our proposal for a council which would have delivered on the climate emergency and the cost of living crisis.
“However Greens will continue to work constructively in the council, as we have always done.”
SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY PAYMENTS
Lord Provost – Robert Aldridge (Liberal) – £44.039.
