Spokes’ revised and updated map of Edinburgh showing the best routes for cyclists and walkers published
The new Edinburgh Cycle Map (11th edition), produced by Spokes (the Lothian Cycle Campaign), has just been published. Fully revised and updated, the map shows new cycle infrastructure and other developments across the city.
It is invaluable for cyclists and walkers seeking safe routes to shops, work or school and for planning leisure and running routes. The map is available through bike shops, some bookshops and from Spokes.
The whole city was surveyed by local Spokes volunteers and the mapping revised and updated by a skilled volunteer cartographer. Major updates and improvements to the map include all the new housing developments across Edinburgh and contours and hill-shading so users can see the hill spots at a glance.
In addition, the back of the map now shows the area from South Queensferry to Newbridge, as well as the usual large scale map of the city centre. The maps are printed on tear and water-resistant synthetic paper which is fully recyclable.
Members of Spokes and their children recently travelled to the City Chambers to hand over copies of the new map to Council Leader Adam McVey, Depute Leader Cammy Day and Kristen Layne, Network Development Manager with Sustrans. Alex Fitzhowle, co-founder of Farr Out Deliveries, provided logistical support!
The printing of the map was supported by Sustrans Scotland and Cycling Scotland, with much information provided by City of Edinburgh Council.
A spokesperson for Spokes said: “This has been a great voluntary effort by local Spokes members.
“The new map will help residents and visitors find their way around the city in active and healthy ways, as well as showing new quiet routes and short cuts they didn’t know existed!”
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “We’ve got a growing network of safe and protected cycling and walking routes – some of which people might not know about.
“This is a great resource which will benefit so many people to make journeys around the city by bike – thanks to all the volunteers who made it happen.”
Depute Leader Cammy Dayadded: “Cycling is a healthy, environmentally-friendly and cost-effective way to get around the city and we want to support more people to do that.
“This map is a great way to explore safe and direct routes, whatever level of ability they have.”
Kristen Layne, Network Development Manager at Sustrans Scotland, said: “As Scotland faces the climate emergency, we need to work together to make walking, wheeling and cycling the obvious choices for more journeys across the country.
“We’re delighted to support our friends and partners at Spokes in launching the latest update of the much-used Edinburgh Cycle Map, and hope they continue to inspire many more people to make their journeys in a sustainable and active way.”
The new Edinburgh Cycle Map is available from local bike shops for £6.95.
There is also a special introductory offer for orders direct to Spokes on office@spokes.org.uk before the end of December 2021, to buy one map for £6 (postage-free) or £27 for 6 copies.
Spokes has also produced a buff/snood featuring a central section of the new Edinburgh map. This is on sale only from Spokes. Price £7 post-free or just £3 if added to a map order.
More information on all Spokes maps and sales outlets is available at:
Council Leader and Planning Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council welcome the approval of the plans for the Dunard Centre
The planning application, submitted by IMPACT Scotland, was approved yesterday by the city council’s Development Management Sub-Committee.
Council leader Adam McVey, said: “It’s great news that planning approval has been granted for this exciting and important new cultural venue for our Capital.
“This is the first purpose-built concert venue in Edinburgh in more than 100 years and I know so many people in the city are looking forward to enjoying a first class cultural experience with an expanding number of amazing venues.
“The new concert hall is the cultural flagship of our City Region Deal and being in a central location with fantastic public transport connections, it will complement the wider transformation of the east end of the city centre alongside the newly opened Edinburgh St James Quarter helping to keep our city centre a vibrant and thriving destination.”
Planning ConvenerCouncillor Neil Gardiner said: I’m delighted committee today approved the new concert hall planning application and I welcome this major investment in Scotland’s Capital City.
“This state of the art purpose-designed facility now matches our international standing as the world’s premier festival city.
“The architecture of this new concert hall works well with historic Dundas House: the original plan of the New Town was to have cultural buildings at either end of George Street, which will now be fulfilled at St Andrews Square.
“Impact, who will operate the venue, has also committed to reach out to communities and schools across the city to make music accessible which is also welcome.”
City of Edinburgh Council Winter Festivals Public Consultation report finds almost 90% of respondents are in favour of Underbelly’s Winter Festival events
A new report conducted by the City of Edinburgh Council has revealed that 87% of surveyed respondents are in favour of Edinburgh’s Christmas with a further 86% in favour of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, highlighting the resounding approval of Edinburgh’s Winter Festival.
The Winter Festivals Public Consultation Report surveyed 8,612 people between February – May of this year. Other highlights included:
Over 90% of those surveyed had attended Edinburgh’s Christmas in the past and over half of tickets for this year’s Hogmanay celebrations – Party at the Bells – have been purchased by those living in EH postcodes, proving the Winter Festivals are a firm favourite with locals.
73% of businesses surveyed in the city said that the Winter Festivals contributed to an increase in their turnover and footfall.
92% of locals agreed that the Winter Festivals are welcoming to tourists and other visitors.
The report also showcased the popularity of the dedicated 20% discount for those with an EH postcode, with 78% of respondents welcoming an Edinburgh resident’s discount.
Underbelly, the producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, have incorporated feedback from previous events in this year’s programme, all of which echoes the findings in the survey.
Answering 39% of respondents wish for the celebrations to be spread throughout the City Centre, the organisers of Edinburgh’s Christmas have extended the celebrations to the West End of the city this year with events in West Princes Street Gardens and the ice rink on George Street, driving footfall to the wider city centre areas.
27% of those that were surveyed were concerned about the environmental impact of the Winter Festivals, which is being addressed by Festivals Edinburgh Carbon Reduction Road Map, including a 50% reduction in use of diesel generators, to be replaced by cleaner fuel generators or mains power by 2025.
Concessions for disabled and elderly people, as well as discount for young people were also requested and are already offered as part of the Winter Festival programme.
Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: “The views of local Edinburgh residents and businesses are always at the forefront of our planning for Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals so to have nearly 90% approval for our programming is hugely encouraging.
“In advance of seeing this report and in the planning of this year’s events, we think we’ve taken many of the recommendations on board and based on the response to date, the events are being hugely enjoyed by Edinburgh residents.
“That said, reports like this are extremely valuable and we shall wait to see how the Council decides to move ahead next year before deciding whether to throw our hat back in the ring.”
Council: Survey reveals overwhelming support for continuation of winter celebrations in the Capital, but with a revised format
Residents and organisations across Edinburgh have backed the continuation of the city’s Christmas and Hogmanay events, according to the results of an independent surveyconducted for the city council.
More than 8,600 people and 35 organisations responded to the survey on the future of Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals, with 87% expressing support for a Christmas celebration and 86% for Hogmanay.
The 12-week consultation, carried out in Spring this year by independent market research company Progressive on behalf of the Council, sought feedback from the Capital’s residents, communities and businesses on the events from 2022 onwards, after the current contact ends. Several targeted focus groups were also conducted with parents, young people and special interest groups.
Respondents were asked about their experiences of winter celebrations in the Capital, as well as what activities they would like to see included in future.
Overall, results showed a wish to continue to provide high quality Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations which will be valued by residents and visitors and to also provide events that will continue to enhance Edinburgh’s reputation, and to make changes to past formats and avoid overcrowding and improve access.
Responses and the findings in the report have provided a framework and general principles for the delivery of future editions of the Winter Festivals.
There is a clear desire for the city to celebrate this time of year, albeit with a revised format, and as a result, it is being proposed that new models for their delivery are piloted in 2022/23.
These proposals, along with the results of the consultation, will be discussed by the Council’s Policy and Sustainability Committee next week.
It is proposed that a procurement exercise will be undertaken to identify a producer to deliver Edinburgh’s Christmas for a one year pilot, using the clear feedback from the consultation to ensure that it meets the needs of residents and businesses and is of appropriate scale.
For Hogmanay and wider winter activity, it is proposed to appoint an individual or organisation to a Winter Festivals Director role.
They would have responsibility for developing and delivering a Winter Festival programme based on the theme of Light and incorporating the desired elements of fireworks, lighting installations and live music from the consultation. Partnership with local artists, communities, performers and creatives would be essential in the development of this programme.
Council Leader Cllr Adam McVey said: “Firstly, I want to thank all those who took the time to take part in the consultation – we had an excellent response and the views of people in Edinburgh will shape the future of these events.
“Our Winter Festivals have grown in size and popularity over the years and have created some amazing experiences and images that has shown Edinburgh at its best.
However, if we’re to make the fun and enjoyment of winter sustainable, we must listen and respond to the views of our residents and other stakeholders. Through this major consultation, we’ve got a better idea of how they regard the celebrations, both positive and negative.
“The results are very encouraging but, as expected, respondents highlighted a range of issues that we will factor into our planning for future years.
“Some of these issues were already known to us, particularly in relation to pressure on the city centre, and this year’s lay-out reflects this as we look to respond to concerns and aspirations of residents and business. But we know from the positive experiences of the summer festivals that we can and must do more to spread the benefits across our communities.”
Council Depute Leader Cllr Cammy Day said: “The festive period is an extremely special time for our Capital City and, as well as contributing to the wellbeing of our residents, our Winter Festivals deliver real economic impact, benefitting tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors in particular.
“It is fantastic to see that there is a clear desire to keep the winter celebrations with many respondents commenting on how they are now part of Edinburgh’s tradition, and how much they were missed in 2020. However, it was also hugely important to hear what concerns there are and what people would like to see more of.
“Thanks to the feedback gathered earlier this year we’ll now be able to take people’s comments and ideas into account as we plan for next year, and beyond.”
Key findings included:
Food and beverages (82%), musical performances (77%) and activities for children (76%) were the top preferred activities for Christmas.
Fireworks (79%), lighting installations (77%) and live music performances (75%) were the top three preferred activities for Hogmanay.
Alcoholic drinks (56%) and funfair rides (47%) were the least wanted activities for Christmas celebrations.
Street party and mass gathering (49%) was the least wanted activity.
Respondents also called for future winter celebrations to have local involvement of artists and performers and Scottish/local culture.
In response to making Christmas and Hogmanay more accessible to people with disabilities, physical access issues such as wheelchair accessibility and restrictions on the number of people attending dominated.
Find out more about the consultation responses online.
A new campaign encouraging residents to have a less wasteful Christmas and help reduce their impact on the environment has been launched today.
Following on from the city-wide Net Zero Challenge, which encourages people learn about the cost to the climate of everyday actions by measuring their carbon footprint, the new multi-media campaign aims to build upon the momentum gathered by the COP26 conference.
Edinburgh residents are being urged to buy more responsibly and to avoid waste where possible, by choosing local suppliers and products, asking for pre-loved or home-made gifts and cutting down on food waste.
Residents will also be encouraged to use the Edinburgh Reuse Map, developed in partnership with Changeworks, to discover where items can be sourced second-hand or for free, fixed, donated or even upcycled.
As well as content promoted through billboards, bus shelters, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and radio, additional practical information and support on wasting less over the festive season, including details on recycling and Christmas tree uplifts, and plastic-free shops across the city is also available to residents at http://www.Edinburgh.gov.uk/GreenChristmas
Council Leader, Councillor Adam Mcvey said:“The Green Christmas campaign aims to build on the momentum and interest in the climate crisis from COP26 coming to Scotland, to encourage even more people across the city to take climate action and help deliver a cleaner, greener capital.
“The vast majority of people in Edinburgh agree that we need to cut down on waste over Christmas.
“And from choosing gifts with recyclable or minimal packaging, avoiding items that can’t be recycled – such as glittery cards or shiny wrapping paper, to supporting local shops and choosing local food to cut down on air miles – there’s lots of ways we can all be greener in the run up to holidays to be more sustainable and look after our beautiful city and precious planet.”
Depute leader, Cammy Day said:“Although going totally waste free this Christmas may be a tall order, there’s still lots we can all do to cut down.
“Small changes do add up and, as well as being good for the environment, can often save you time and money too. For example, planning your meals ahead of time so you only buy the food you need can help you save up to £437 a year, and helps us tread more lightly.”
Buy more responsibly this Christmas by asking yourself these 5 questions:
#1 How sustainable is this? What’s it made of? What’s the energy efficiency rating?
#2 Can I find this second hand? You may find the same for much less
#3 How long will it be loved for? Choose things which will last
#4 Who made it? Can the brand you’re buying from guarantee that everyone in the supply chain was paid fairly and had safe working conditions?
#5 Do I really need it? Check what you already have
The number of brussels sprouts wasted over Christmas in the UK could power a home for 3 years. Turn any leftovers into tasty meals www.lovefoodhatewaste.com
Edinburgh has become the first city in Scotland to be awarded with the highest rating for climate action.
Edinburgh is one of just 95 cities world-wide to be placed on the 2021 A List by CDP – an international charity which runs the world’s largest environmental disclosure system for companies and cities.
The A-List position recognises that Edinburgh has:
Publicly disclosed a city-wide emissions inventory
Set an emissions reduction target – for Edinburgh, this is a target of net zero emissions by 2030
Published a climate action plan, Edinburgh’s 2030 Climate Strategy, which sets the strategic direction for reducing the city’s emissions and becoming resilient to future climate change
Completed, and is in the process of updating a climate risk and vulnerability assessment
A climate adaptation plan, showing how it plans to tackle the unavoidable impacts of climate change, which will be updated and extended to respond to the risk assessment
By publicly disclosing Edinburgh’s environmental data through CDP, the city’s performance is benchmarked against other cities and regions across the world, helping to highlight areas of action and improvement.
Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council Adam McVey said: “This international recognition is a fantastic accomplishment for Edinburgh. It recognises how transparent we’re being about the action we’re taking as a city to tackle climate change as well as the hard work which is already underway to support our 2030 target.
“Net-zero redevelopments like Granton Waterfront, improving our parks, food growing sites and urban forests have all delivered action as a city to help deliver net-zero. “
“Whilst COP26 may have just ended, with some disappointment on progress agreed by National Governments, Edinburgh’s work continues to build on the progress we’ve already made. And the strength of Edinburgh’s approach has been endorsed with being listed one of just 95 cities in the world to be awarded an A-list status by the CPD, the only city in Scotland.
“Our works as a council and as a city will continue over the coming months and years to help deliver a net zero, climate ready capital by 2030 and we know that’s what our residents are demanding of us.”
Depute leader Cammy Day said: “This recognition from CDP is welcome encouragement and reinforces that we’re on the right track.As Scotland’s capital, we’re delivering innovative and ground-breaking projects which will encourage change at the speed and scale needed to ensure our young people inherit a thriving, climate ready, sustainable city which is a cleaner and healthier place to live and work.
“However we can’t afford to become complacent and we need to keep on driving city-wide climate action and change, whilst ensuring that no one is left behind to help Edinburgh meet its climate targets.”
Fewer than 1/10 cities reporting to CDP made the A List in 2021. Findings from the charity show that A List cities take twice as many mitigation and adaptation measures as non-A List cities, and also identify more than twice as many opportunities – such as the development of sustainable transport sectors and clean technology businesses.
About CDP
CDP is a global non-profit that runs the world’s environmental disclosure system for companies, cities, states and regions. Founded in 2000 and working with more than 590 investors with over $110 trillion in assets, CDP pioneered using capital markets and corporate procurement to motivate companies to disclose their environmental impacts, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard water resources and protect forests.
Over 14,000 organizations around the world disclosed data through CDP in 2021, including more than 13,000 companies worth over 64% of global market capitalization, and over 1,100 cities, states and regions. CDP is a founding member of the Science Based Targets initiative, We Mean Business Coalition, The Investor Agenda and the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative.
Museums & Galleries Edinburgh (MGE) is delighted to reveal important new donations to the Writers’ Museum collections, relating to the family and life of author Robert Louis Stevenson.
Among the donations are the Stevenson family Bible, bible box and a family genealogical record written by Stevenson’s grandfather, Robert, the first of the famed lighthouse engineers.
The family record lists personal details of births, deaths and marriages in the family over many generations, while the bible has fascinating marks and notations from years of heavy use.
Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener said:These are fantastic additions to our collections, offering our residents and visitors such lovely and important further insights into such an iconic family.
“I have no doubt this generous contribution will generate much interest and the city’s lasting gratitude.
Curator Anna MacQuarrie said: “Our Stevenson collections speak to the life and experiences of this great writer, both as a young boy and his later days spent in the South Seas.
“These new donations are a wonderful addition to the collection, allowing us to imagine what kind of influence these objects might have had on his young life and later inspirations.
“We are sincerely grateful to the donor for their generosity, enabling the wider public to better understand Stevenson and his family background.
The donor, who chose to remain anonymous, said: “I was touched by the gracious, enthusiastic attitude of the curators to whom I recently passed on family items, pertaining to Louis/RLS and the lighthouse engineer side of our family.
“Gifting was made easier by the knowledge and assurance that a wider public would benefit from being able to see other pieces in the familial, Stevenson jigsaw puzzle. It was a relief to realise that the items would be honoured and cared for – and subsequently appreciated by many other interested parties.
Jeremy Hodges, Robert Louis Stevenson biographer and co-ordinator of the annual RLS Day celebrations, said:“Despite the international fame of RLS as an author, he always felt slightly guilty about not following in his father’s footsteps as a builder of lighthouses – a proper job of more importance than making stories.
“He remedied this in part by writing Records of a Family of Engineers, drawing on the kind of genealogical material that forms part of this bequest.
“The family Bible would have been treasured by the devout Robert Stevenson and his descendants, including Robert Louis – despite his announcement in his early twenties that he no longer believed in the Christian religion, a confession that led to traumatic rows with his God-fearing parents.”
Children in Corstorphine have become urban designers to help create safer, more welcoming streets in their local neighbourhood.
As COP26 takes hold of Scotland, pupils from Carrick Knowe and Corstorphine Primary Schools have been sharing ideas to help people make healthy, low carbon journeys by walking, wheeling or cycling, as well as improving the environment, in their own corner of the country.
The city council is engaging with the community as part of Corstorphine Connections, a project to introduce a Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN), and are asking residents to share their views on proposals to improve the look and feel of the area.
The design proposals have been developed after receiving initial feedback from residents, including these designs for school streets by local children. Amongst their ideas are more trees, grass and flowers, spotty patterned roads and paw prints along the street to signpost safe routes.
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “We owe it to future generations to create a city that is healthy, sustainable and safe to move around by foot, wheel or bike. So it’s fantastic that we’ve been able to involve our youngest citizens in the development of Edinburgh’s first LTN – they’ve got some great ideas.
“We’ve seen from neighbourhoods around the world how LTNs can have a really positive impact on travel habits and quieter, more pleasant streets for residents and businesses, so I really look forward to delivering these benefits in Edinburgh.”
Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, added: “We really want to bring the Corstorphine community with us as we develop this LTN, and we’ve already been listening to ideas and concerns as we move through the process.
“These designs demonstrate the impact the layout of our streets can have an all members of society, young and old, so it’s been really helpful to hear what local school pupils think.”
Dan Jeffs, Senior Urban Designer at Sustrans Scotland, said: “Sustrans has been working closely with Corstorphine Primary School and Carrick Knowe Primary School to identify placemaking measures for spaces immediately outside their schools and within the wider area.
“These measures will help create safer, more enjoyable and attractive streets and spaces for children and local residents, as well as encourage and promote walking, wheeling and cycling in the area.
“People are being invited to have their say on placemaking ideas for Corstorphine, such as hanging baskets and ‘pencil bollards’ to protect children outside the school on Corstorphine High Street and new seating and colourful road surfaces to prioritise pedestrians on Saughton Road North.
“Two options for a ‘pocket park’ on Featherhall Avenue have also been put forward for feedback.”
Plans to start the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) process to introduce an LTN on a trial basis in Corstorphine were approved by Transport and Environment Committee in August, following engagement with the community on key issues and, subsequently, concept designs.
The LTN aims to create a safer environment, providing more opportunities for residents to walk, wheel, cycle and spend time in by reducing vehicle volume and speed.
In Corstorphine, residents have previously told the council about concerns around the level and speed of traffic there, which is backed up by CEC’s own monitoring.
By implementing an LTN the council hopes to create a calmer, more relaxed environment for travel by foot, wheel or bike. It is planning to introduce the LTN on a trial basis, using an ETRO, in early spring 2022.
LTNs form part of the City Mobility Plan, Edinburgh’s ten-year transport strategy envisioning a better-connected, safer and more inclusive net zero carbon transport system. The council is also working towards the introduction of an LTN in Leith next summer.
Find out more about Corstorphine Connections online and share your views on placemaking designs on the Council’s consultation hub before 14 November.
Work towards reintroducing a cycle hire scheme in Edinburgh has begun, along with plans for shorter term measures to support cycling initiatives in the Capital.
A report to Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday (11 November) proposes establishing a project team to explore options for replacing the popular Edinburgh Cycle Hire Scheme (ECHS), which provided almost half a million trips in its three-year term.
As well as learning lessons from the first contract with Serco, a series of objectives for any new initiative have been recommended. These include the need for bikes to be adaptive and accessible, for communities to be involved in proposals and to seek to increase use by low participation groups, particularly those who are economically or socially disadvantaged.
Several short-term actions are proposed to mitigate the impact of the previous cycle hire scheme ending. Amongst these are the expansion of the Cargo Bike Movement, letting members of the public, local businesses and organisations loan cargo bikes, and investment in Brake the Cycle, which supports offenders to repair and restore donated bikes for reuse.
Medium-term it is also recommended that officers explore a city bike club in partnership with retailers and other relevant organisations.
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “The Edinburgh Cycle Hire Scheme was an extremely welcome addition in Edinburgh, judging by the many people who made use of it, and opened up cycling as a convenient, accessible mode of transport to a whole new audience.
“It was really disappointing that we weren’t able to find a way forward with the previous contract, despite our best efforts, but as we look to a future scheme, I’m confident we can deliver an even better replacement suited to the needs of the city.”
Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “I know many people will be delighted that we’re making moves toward an inclusive, community-led replacement for the cycle hire scheme.
“As we work to develop this our short-term measures will help those who need support to access a bike.”
Edinburgh’s first cycle hire scheme, operated by Serco, ran from 2018 to 2021 at no cost to the Council. Despite negotiations considering various options, an extension to the contract could not be agreed and, unfortunately, the scheme closed at midnight on 17 September.
During 2020, ECHS was the fastest growing scheme in Britain, with 234,500 trips made, expanding across the city and attracting users from different backgrounds. It is recognised that its availability helped to normalise and promote cycling amongst the public, aligning with the need to shift towards more sustainable modes of transport and supporting net zero carbon goals.
Based on the first contract it is suggested that a financial subsidy from the Council will be required for a future scheme. Analysis by Transport for Edinburgh highlights other matters for consideration, including clearly defined aims and objectives, the need to minimise opportunities for vandalism of bikes and infrastructure and integration with buses and trams.
If approved, a project team would be formed to carry out research and engagement with stakeholders, elected members and local communities to gather views on objectives and the options for delivering them. This work would then form the basis of recommendations to a future committee.
The double BRIT and Grammy winners will be supported by BBC Radio 1 DJ, and Scotland’s answer to Annie Mac, Arielle Free, who will be returning to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay after ringing in the bells in 2019. Party goers can prepare themselves for more bangers than the midnight fireworks, making it the best place to welcome the new year!
Garden Access Tickets for Party at the Bells are now sold out, a limited number of Premium Garden Access Tickets for Party at the Bells went on sale today (Tuesday 9 November) at 10am.
Party at the Bells: Street Access tickets will allow revellers to view Basement Jaxx’s DJ set through a series of screens as they are beamed onto the street from the Ross Bandstand. Party goers will also enjoy interactive street theatre entertainment from Close-Act Street Theatre, who will be joined by Scottish based PyroCeltica with more acts to be announced soon.
The world-renowned midnight firework display will also return with a bang, accompanied by a special soundtrack from Basement Jaxx themselves.
Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam, said: ‘Basement Jaxx are world class DJs and we’re bringing them to Edinburgh for the biggest night of the year!
“Nothing brings people together like live music and, after a year like no other, we can’t wait to see them on stage in Edinburgh, helping us to see 2021 out in style.’
Basement Jaxx duo, Felix Burton and Simon Ratcliffe said: “Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is an iconic event known to artists around the world.
“The crowds in Edinburgh are always full of atmosphere and we know it will be a special night heading into 2022.”
Cllr Cammy Day, Depute Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Edinburgh is THE place to be to celebrate Hogmanay and it’s great to have the return of live events including music from Basement Jaxx to herald 2022.
“The past year has been very challenging right across the globe and for us, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is such a fantastic way to close 2021 and bring a shared sense of renewed hope and optimism for the year ahead.”
In a showcase of some of the best of Scottish music, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival will also see Greyfriars Kirk play host to imaginative contemporary folk act, Breabach, on 29 December whilst local singer-songwriter, Dougie Maclean OBE and three x BRIT Award winner, Eddi Reader OBE take to the stage on 30 and 31 December respectively.
Working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Government, Underbelly is meticulously planning Edinburgh’s Hogmanay in the context of Covid-19 and is dedicated to creating a safe and fun environment for the 2021 celebrations. Ticket holders for the Party at the Bells and the Torchlight Procession, who are aged 18 and over, will need to show a Covid-19 passport to enter the events.
The City of Edinburgh Council is channelling crucial Young Person’s Guarantee funding into 14 employability programmes to help as many young people as possible get into work.
As Scotland’s Capital looks to build a stronger, fairer and more sustainable economy, councillors at the Council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work committee this week were given an update on the diverse range of projects and programmes, both new and existing across the city, that will receive grant money.
These programmes will further help young people, aged between 16-24 years old, to prepare or give them the tools to find work.
They are open to all young people, regardless of background or experience, but will also specifically help and support young people who have additional barriers to securing a job. The help that young people can expect to receive will include mental health support, early skills training, practical skills training, as well as in-work support and mentoring as they progress into employment.
The funding supports projects and activities running between October 2021 and March 2022.
The successful providers and their programmes that young people can access are as follows (in no particular order):
Cyrenians “Key to Potential – Key to College” and “Getting Together”
Councillor Kate Campbell, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “We’re really pleased that there were so many good ideas and new, innovative programmes put forward by organisations across the city. The pandemic, and then Brexit, have caused so much disruption to people’s working lives and livelihoods, but we’re particularly mindful of the impact on young people and people facing additional barriers.
“We want to make sure that everyone, but especially those at the early stages of their working life or people who already face disadvantage, get fair access to education, training, skills development and good quality jobs.
“The Young Person’s Guarantee grant programme will help to increase those opportunities and will complement the already extensive support provided across the city.
“As a council we spend almost £5million a year supporting people who need a bit of extra help to find work and build skills and confidence. It’s never been more needed.
“Alongside, we’re making Edinburgh a Living Wage City, so that we’re not just helping people to access jobs, but good quality jobs. As we move through to economic recovery it’s vital that everyone can share in Edinburgh’s success, so making sure that work is fair, and people can earn a living wage, is a top priority.”
Councillor Mandy Watt, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Vice Convener, said: “Our Edinburgh Guarantee promises that no one will be left behind. Through this small grant programme we hope to make sure those who need our help will be given the opportunity to access the support they need so they are ready for whatever training or career aspirations they have their sights on.
“We also want to make sure that this is spread out across the city and that those experiencing the greatest barriers get the most help from these grant programmes.
It is hoped that YPG funding from the Scottish Government will be available in 2022/23 so work with providers to continue projects where the uptake and impact on young person accessing those programmes has been positive.
