SNP leader Steve stands down

Deputy council leader Councillor Steve Cardownie is to step down from front-line politics. The Forth councillor will stay on as an elected member but has relinquished leadership of the SNP group – and with it his Deputy Council Leader post. Mr Cardownie says he is leaving for personal reasons and to spend more time with his family.

Formerly a trade union official, Steve Cardownie became a Labour councillor on Edinburgh District Council in 1988. Always a colourful and often a controversial figure, Cardownie infuriated many when he ‘jumped ship’ to join the SNP in 2005.

Mr Cardownie was a lonely figure as the sole SNP councillor on the local authority for two years but an upsurge in his new party’s fortunes saw a greatly-increased SNP group share power in successive coalitions – first with the Liberal Democrats in 2007 and then with Labour in 2012. He has served in his current role since 2007 and is widely recognised as the city’s ‘Festival Czar’.

With over 25 years of political experience under his belt the SNP will find Steve Cardownie’s skills as a negotiator and fixer hard to replace. The new group leader is Sandy Howat, but he’ll find the Jambo from Leith a hard act to follow.

Cllr Howat said: ““Steve will still have a large role to play in the group. He has been a very successful politician on many and all levels, and he goes with a great deal of thanks. Honestly, I would have liked him to stay for another year – I thought he still had a lot to offer.”

Steve Cardownie said: “It had been my intention for some time to relinquish the position as leader, but I wanted to ensure the coalition got to the other side of the referendum intact. I have successfully negotiated two coalition deals – first with the Liberal Democrats and then with Labour – which has kept the SNP in the administration for eight years now.

“Having got through the referendum, the coalition is still strong and I felt it was time to give someone else the opportunity to develop their style. I have a ten-year-old son and I want to spend a bit more time with him.”

Edinburgh flies the flag to mark Commonwealth Day

Capital to celebrate Games legacy

The Lord Provost Donald Wilson will convey a message from Her Majesty, The Queen before raising the Commonwealth Flag at the City Chambers on Commonwealth Day tomorrow (Monday).

It is expected that 730 flags will be raised on Monday by 53 Commonwealth countries. In Edinburgh, the flag-raising will also be an opportunity for the City of Edinburgh Council to celebrate the start of Legacy Week (9-15 March).

Legacy Week is a Scotland-wide Government initiative celebrating last summer’s Commonwealth Games. In Edinburgh, events spanning athletics, swimming, paralympics, walking and cycling will take place showcasing the variety of sporting opportunities that take place in the Capital.

Lord Provost Donald Wilson will say: “Organisations from all 53 Commonwealth countries are joining to raise more than 730 Commonwealth Flags in a shared celebration of this remarkable family of nations.

“The Commonwealth is made up of two billion citizens drawn from all faiths, cultures and ethnicities. Commonwealth countries come together voluntarily in a spirit of co-operation, partnership and understanding. It is for that reason we are here today to raise the Commonwealth Flag in unity with those throughout all the participating countries of the world.

“We also welcome the Commonwealth Day theme for 2015 which honours the future generation: A Young Commonwealth and commits to advancing opportunities for the development and growth our youth.”

Events to celebrate benefits of the Glasgow 2014 Games

Events will take place all over the country next week as partners come together to highlight the positive impact of the Commonwealth Games.

The third national Legacy Week (March 9 – 15) will put the spotlight on how the Games has helped to boost communities in Glasgow’s east end and beyond.

On the eve of the Week, a Legacy Cycle Ride takes place in the brand new Aberfoyle Bike Park, Stirlingshire, which has received funding from the Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund. Riders will take on a 40 km course to celebrate the positive influence the Games is having to encourage more people to take up physical activity.

On Monday, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, Jamie Hepburn will visit the new Dalmarnock Legacy Hub in the east end of Glasgow. Construction of the Hub is now nearing completion and the new modern community centre next to the Emirates Arena will provide health services, a nursery, leisure facilities and training and employment for local people.

Mr Hepburn will also visit Active East, a Glasgow scheme to inspire young people from deprived backgrounds to take advantage of the training opportunities connected to the Games, and on Thursday he will see some of the infrastructure projects being led by Clyde Gateway.

The legacy of the Games covers opportunities across community development, sport, education, culture, business, tourism, and many more areas of life and the Scottish Government will be supporting a number of events, projects and programmes across the Week.

Other events include a Legacy 2014 Equality and Human Rights Conference at Hampden Park; the opening of a national touring exhibition of artefacts showing the history of the Commonwealth Games Hosts and Champions in association with the Commonwealth Games Scotland Archive;, and activities taking place across Scotland involving community groups, local authorities and national partners involved in delivering the legacy of the Games including Young Scot, University of the West of Scotland, Cycling Scotland and Transport Scotland.

Mr Hepburn said: “The thing that made Glasgow 2014 such a success was the people. It was the spectators, volunteers and competitors who truly made them the best Games ever. It’s no surprise to see that the Games’ legacy is being driven by communities across the country, whether that’s through small local projects or big national programmes.

“Legacy Week is a chance to celebrate the contribution that people are making to ensure that the memory of the Commonwealth Games doesn’t fade.

“Whether that’s a bowls player taking a coaching qualification, or a young person working to build the Legacy Hub in Dalmarnock. All of them are just as much a part of the success story of the Games as the Team Scotland stars who did us proud last summer.”

Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council and Executive Member for Commonwealth Games, Councillor Archie Graham, said: “Hosting the Games provided us with an excellent opportunity to make our city healthier, greener and more prosperous; before, during and after the sporting event. For the council and our partners, legacy is a long term commitment and this week is a chance for all of us including individuals, organisations and communities to celebrate and showcase their achievements so far and what they have planned for the future.

“Yes, 2014 was a fantastic year for our city and it cemented our reputation for hosting high profile events and being a great place to live and visit, but now we have to keep the momentum of legacy going. We are continuing to lead on, provide the means for and support a range of projects and organisations that will help us to continue the momentum.”

During Legacy Week people can also enjoy the Games experience by also visiting the two legacy exhibitions currently running in Glasgow’s museums. Launched last week Blood, Sweat and Gears at the Riverside Museum showcases some of the Scottish athletes’ journeys and challenges faced in getting to the Games, while at the People’s Palace the Host City Volunteer exhibition ‘Our Games‘ highlights the experiences of the many different volunteers who delivered the best ever Commonwealth Games.

A sporting chance for Victoria Park?

New basketball court and upgraded tennis courts in Victoria Park could be ready by in time for school summer holidays

Under-used outdoor sports facilities could soon be brought back into play if funding for upgrades to pitch facilities and new courts in Trinity, Sighthill and Queensferry is agreed by councillors next week.

Members will be asked to agree investment of £130,000 into pre-existing rugby and football facilities and new tennis and basketball courts at Tuesday’s Culture & Sport Committee meeting.

The Sport Partnership Projects: capital contributions by Culture and Sport report has outlined a funding package designed to boost participation in outdoor sport in the Capital.

Under the proposals, Councillors will be asked to allocate £50,000 as the Council works in partnership with Scottish Rugby and Edinburgh Napier University to locate the BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy in Sighthill.

The project will enable a stream of selected young players to follow their performance pathway, alongside hosting rugby skills camps through contacts with local schools. The changing pavilion in Sighthill Park will be upgraded as part of the works being undertaken for the Academy, and Edinburgh Leisure will continue to manage the bookings for the pitches which will remain accessible to local people and clubs.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture & Sport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We have a range of outdoor courts and pitches in Edinburgh but some sites are being better used than others. By upgrading and adding to the facilities we already have, we will hope to inspire more people to get into outdoor sport and physical activity.

“The BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy will support young and aspiring rugby players as they develop their skills and aim to reach their full potential, whether at a club or professional level, but we are also conscious of the needs of local pitch users. In Sighthill Park we have five football pitches but they are being under-used. By partnering with the University, we could offer a new home for Napier’s pitch sports teams, while also offering better facilities for local users, schools and community groups.”

The Council will also be asked to provide £10,000 to complete the re-instatement of two tennis courts and creation of a new basketball court in Victoria Park, to be opened in time for the school summer break with free taster sessions. The rest of the cost is being met by the North Edinburgh Partnership and sportscotland.

Under a Section 75 Agreement with developers of the former Agilent site in Queensferry, £70,000 is available to the Council to be reinvested in local sports facilities in the area. Councillors will consider using the funding to convert grass football pitches into all-weather 3G pitches which can accommodate rugby as well as football training.

To find out what Councillors decide, watch the meeting webcast live from 10am on Tuesday (10 March).

Council Chief Executive Sue Bruce stepping down

City Council Chief Executive Dame Sue Bruce has announced she is to retire from local government.

Dame Sue Bruce has informed Council Leader Andrew Burns and his deputy Steve Cardownie of her plans to leave her post when she turns 60 in October. She will formally give notice at next Thursday’s council meeting.

Sue took up her post as Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council in January 2011 having previously held the same role at both Aberdeen City Council and East Dunbartonshire Council. She began her local government career 39 years ago.

She said: “From my first job as a Youth and Community Worker for Strathclyde Regional Council back in 1976, I have been hugely proud to dedicate my entire working life to local government and public service.

“Serving as Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council, particularly during such a challenging and exciting time for the Capital, has undoubtedly been the pinnacle of my career and I am proud of what we have achieved together during my time here. There is still much to do and I will continue to focus on that until I handover to my successor. ”

Councillr Andrew Burns said: “Sue has successfully tackled some key challenges during her time as Chief Executive and has achieved real progress for the Council.

“Of particular note was her leadership in resolving the tram dispute, paving the way for the completion of the project and successful launch of passenger services last May, and her decisive yet sensitive handing of the Mortonhall baby ashes investigation.

“From the outset, she has worked tirelessly and well beyond the normal expectations of the role. This is particularly true of her support of charities, building relationships with the business community and other key partners and improving the job prospects of young people across Edinburgh.”

Cllr Steve Cardownie added: “Our attention now turns to finding a high calibre replacement; an individual capable of building upon the platform laid by Sue during her years in post while taking on the undoubted challenges we face as a council in the years ahead.”

In November 2013, Sue was awarded the Chief Executive of the Year in the Hr NETWORK National awards. October 2014 saw her named the UK City Leader of the Year in the prestigious MIPIM UK awards for her work in driving the city’s economic development achievements and most recently, Sue was made a Dame Commander of the order of the British Empire in the 2015 New Year’s Honours list.

The search for a replacement will begin immediately.

Craigroyston initiative tackles bullying and violence

‘Law enforcement agencies and governments can only take things so far. The way to change attitudes is to identify and build on the assets you have in your communities. You guys – the students and young people – are the assets’ – Justice Secretary Michael Matheson

Craigroyston Community High School pupils who have learned how to tackle violence and bullying through a training initiatve shared their experiences with the Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson yesterday.

The Justice Secretary watched a presentation on the Mentors in Violence Prevention(MVP) initiative and listened to the experiences of participants before chatting informally with students about their participation in the groundbreaking project.

Craigroyston staff and students explained that the Mentors in Violence Prevention(MVP) scheme is already having some success in changing unacceptable behaviour – early feedback suggests improved attitudes amongst those who have taken part.

MVP Scotland trains senior pupils to become mentors who, in turn, equip younger students in ways in which to intervene and prevent incidents that could lead to gender violence, which can be domestic abuse, sexting, assault or homophobia. Pupils are taught to challenge their own friends and peers about their behaviour if and when it’s appropriate.

It was first piloted in Portobello High by the Violence Reduction Unit in 2011 and has since been rolled out to 11 secondary schools in the Capital. The unit’s Chief Inspector Graham Goulden spoke to pupils during the morning’s visit about its work.

Chief Inspector Goulden (above) said: “The MVP programme is emerging as a great way to continue to safely discuss many issues that contribute towards abuse and violence in Scotland. It provides schools with an approach that supports learning, as young people are faced with a range of external influences that impact on their resilience, such as online media. Bullying is still an issue in our schools and also strips young people of control.

“At the heart of violence and abuse is a breakdown in relationships. Let’s use relationships in the form of friendships to counter all of these issues allowing young people to do their best at an important time in their academic lives.”

Forth Councillor Cammy Day – who is also Edinburgh’s Community Safety Convener – also attended the event and spoke about how MVP is an important part of the local anti-crime #StrongerNorth campaign.

He said: “MVP is a key feature of the #StrongerNorth initiative as it really engages young people by helping them to recognise unacceptable behaviour, and gives them the power to face up to it. These skills are helping them to change attitudes whether it’s in school, in their homes or when they’re with their friends.

“Most school children have a great attitude and are involved in many positive schemes, but we know that the bad attitude of even just a few can have a real impact on communities.

“#StrongerNorth and projects like MVP and Total Craigroyston are aimed at nipping unacceptable behaviour in the bud before it escalates into something worse, and it was fantastic to hear first hand today about how these schemes are really working.”

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson (above) said: “I was delighted to be invited along to Craigroyston Community High School to see the excellent work ongoing to tackle the issues of violence and bullying in schools.

“Since 2008, incidents of violence among young people have halved across Scotland, but it is crucial we are not complacent and education is key to ensuring our young people change the culture of violence in our society.

“The work being done through the Mentors in Violence programme by the Violence Reduction Unit to train these young people to deliver their own training is having a huge impact not only within the school but also throughout the wider community.

“The programme empowers young people by bringing issues such as bullying and violence out into the open to allow for full, frank and informed discussions around the risks and consequences.

“Most importantly, it’s giving our young people a confidence and sense of responsibility that will benefit them throughout their lives.”

Some images from the Craigroyston event (also on Facebook):

Communities call: bring back our 42!

‘We want the 42 bus service to Craigleith Retail Park restored with immediate effect’ – DTCC’s Alex Dale

Four local Community Councils and a residents group have joined forces to call for the immediate reinstatement of a local bus service to Craigleith Retail Park.

Drylaw/Telford, Muirhouse/Salvsen, Craigleith/Blackhall and Stockbridge/Inverleith community councils, along with Easter Drylaw Residents Association, are urging Lothian Buses to bring back the 42.

Drylaw Telford CC chairman Alex Dale explained: “I have set up a CEC petition form (see below) calling for the return of bus service 42 to the retail park with immediate effect.

“The service was withdrawn by Lothian Buses at the end of last year. They said buses entering and leaving the retail park were held up because of congestion and that these delays meant the service couldn’t keep to its timetable further along the route.

“As the bus uses the section of the park owned by Sainsbury’s, I have been badgering away over the past months to try and solve the issues. In the end Sainsbury’s agreed to pay for equipment to both the buses and the traffic lights which will allow buses priority at these lights – this is now in place and Lothian Buses are at present trialling the system with the 38 bus, which still accesses the park.

“If the trial is successful Lothian Buses will look at a possibly returning the service at their Autumn timetable, but our community councils agree that the company should return the service 42 with immediate effect as part of the trial, and not wait till Autumn.”

service 42 Signature form of those individuals supporting the petition (1)

Members of the public/local businesses can also view and sign petition by going to www.edinburgh.gov.uk/petitions and selecting ‘Support a Petition’.

The Closing Date is the 13 March 2015.

Dementia Friendly campaign coming to Granton Campus

Did you see North Edinburgh News’ recent story about the city council’s campaign to make Edinburgh a Dementia Friendly city? Well, representatives from Alzheimer Scotland will be at

Edinburgh College Granton Campus

on Wednesday 11 March between 10am and 4pm

to tell you how you can get involved.

We will be there talking to the students about the work of Alzheimer Scotland and various fundraising and volunteering opportunities within the organisation and will be encouraging people to sign up to become Dementia Friends.

We want to get people talking about dementia and would welcome you to come along on the day to talk to us. We look forward to seeing you and thanking you for helping us make sure that nobody faces dementia alone.

Abbi Parkhouse, Regional Fundraiser

School place problems for Ferryhill and Granton?

New classrooms for Wardie and Flora Stevenson but growing pains loom for Ferryhill and Granton

Ferryhill and Granton are among eight Edinburgh primary schools identified by the city council as potentially having accommodation issues for August 2016 due to rising rolls.

The Primary School Estate Rising Rolls report highlights possible pressures for P1 places for August 2016 at Balgreen, East Craigs, Ferryhill, Fox Covert, Granton, Roseburn, St Mary’s RC (Leith) and Towerbank Primary Schools.

Consultation will now take place with the eight school communities – including the recommendation for a catchment review at Towerbank Primary School – and the report will be discussed at the Education, Children and Families Committee next week (Tuesday 3 March).

Councillor Paul Godzik, Education Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “In the past two years we have delivered an additional 46 modern, high quality class spaces in our primary school estate and a further 24 will be delivered for this August.

“The issue of rising rolls will be here for many years to come so it’s important that we consider all the available options when creating space for our pupils. Key to this is our consultation with local school communities which has been really positive.”

Currently there are 28,010 primary school pupils but latest estimates show this will rise to 31,700 by 2020 and then increase further to 35,400 by 2030.

The City of Edinburgh Council will deliver 24 new class spaces which are needed for the start of the 2015/16 session. Local schools set to benefit are Flora Stevenson (3 classes) and Wardie (2) while Clermiston (4 classes), Gilmerton (4), James Gillespie’s (4), Pentland (3) and Ratho (4) will also grow.

In addition South Morningside Primary School will have a temporary annexe created for P1 and P2 pupils at Deanbank Resource Centre and extra internal space will be provided at both Brunstfield and Liberton Primary Schools.

Homeless? That could be you or me …

How does a person end up homeless? A recent survey carried out by the Salvation Army uncovered a gulf between the public’s perception and the reality.

The fact is that homelessness can affect ordinary people, of all ages and backgrounds, who would never have imagined this outcome for themselves and their families. Becoming homeless – which means someone not having a permanent place to stay – has a devastating impact on people’s lives.

This is why the Capital Coalition has agreed to protect funding for commissioned services aimed at helping those affected by homelessness. It included this proposal in its budget motion after listening to the responses to thousands of residents who took part in one of the widest consultations ever undertaken by the Council.

Ongoing Council work focuses on preventing people from becoming homeless in the first place. We believe that tackling the issues that can lead to it is much more successful than dealing with it once it becomes a serious problem.

Our homelessness strategy has seen incidences drop by 17% in five years, and two-thirds of Council house lets go to those who are homeless. Making sure that there are enough affordable homes is a challenge that we are meeting head on – the budget motion also proposes spending a further £55m of investment into building more.

We recently announced an innovative scheme to prevent homelessness with third sector organisation partners the Bethany Christian Trust, Edinburgh Cyrenian Trust, Foursquare and CHAI (Community Help and Advice Initiative).

The aim is to take a collaborative approach by rebalancing housing support services and by placing emphasis on prevention, through mentoring, befriending, group work and visits from housing support staff.

This approach will help resolve some of the crises that lead to homelessness and also deliver initial savings of £400,000, with potential further savings in the future.

Details include giving advice about budgeting and debt, benefits, housing options, links to employment and training, and help to avoid social isolation.

Not having a permanent roof over your head can lead to all sorts of health and social issues, and it’s our duty, as a local authority, to protect our citizens and to give children the best start in life. Tackling the problems of homelessness before it’s too far down the line is something that we are very much committed to.

Councillor Ricky Henderson,

Health, Social Care and Housing Convener, City of Edinburgh Council

Motorists: Waverley Bridge diversions from Tuesday

Waverley Bridge one way only for four weeks

Vehicles heading south will be diverted away from Waverley Bridge from next week so that further work can begin on pedestrian access improvements around Waverley Station. For four weeks from 6am on Tuesday (24 February), Waverley Bridge will become one way to northbound traffic only.

This is to allow the construction of a setted raised table, or an elevated section of road, on Waverley Bridge between the north and south ramps of Waverley Station.

The works are part of a £1 million programme to improve pedestrian access around Waverley Station.

The first phase of works on Market Street was completed in mid-2014 and included the creation of a temporary taxi rank, new loading areas and a cycle lane.

The second phase, which is ongoing, involves carriageway resurfacing and the widening of footways on Waverley Bridge, as well as the installation of upgraded drainage, kerb realignment, laying of sandstone and Caithness paving and improved pedestrian crossing facilities.

The raised table is designed to act as an informal or uncontrolled pedestrian crossing, encouraging traffic to slow down and making it much easier for pedestrians to cross the Bridge to and from the Station ramps.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport Convener, said: “We appreciate that these works will inevitably cause some inconvenience for traffic heading south and we would ask for the public’s patience while we get this much-needed improvement work completed.

“The new raised section will create an informal pedestrian crossing so that people leaving or arriving at the Station on foot can feel much safer about crossing Waverley Bridge.”

Diversion routes will come into effect for southbound traffic, namely:

Princes Street – North Bridge – High Street – Jeffrey Street – Market Street

Princes Street – South St David Street – Queen Street – Hanover Street – The Mound – Market Street

Advance warning signs have been installed on site informing the public of the upcoming works and local businesses have been informed.

The Airlink bus service will remain on Waverley Bridge and the tour buses will be relocated to Market Street.

The taxi rank on Waverley Bridge will remain in its current position with access and egress only in a northbound direction.