People with learning difficulties from across Edinburgh and the Lothians are to be given the chance to grill their local would-be politicians, thanks to an innovative hustings event being held next week. Continue reading Disability charity organises hustings event
Thinking of standing in the Holyrood election? Then you’d better get your skates on!
Nominations close today for candidates to stand in next month’s Scottish Parliamentary Election – and papers must be submitted by 4pm.
The Notice of Election was published on 14 March for Edinburgh Central, Edinburgh Eastern, Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Edinburgh Pentlands, Edinburgh Southern and Edinburgh Western Constituencies plus the Lothian Region.
In order to stand as a candidate, individuals must submit nomination papers, which are available on the Council website, by Friday, 1 April.
The Scottish Parliamentary Election will take place on Thursday 5 May when people living across Scotland will elect MSPs to represent them at Holyrood.
Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for Edinburgh and Regional Returning Officer for the Lothian Region, said: “The Notice of Election signifies the official start of the election period. The forthcoming election will enable the city’s residents to have their say, and I would take this opportunity to urge all citizens to use their vote.
“We are keen to continue the enthusiasm demonstrated by voters during the UK Parliamentary Election last year and the Scottish Referendum in 2014, including the 16 and 17-year-olds who will be able to vote for the first time. Anyone unsure about how to register, where to vote or how to vote by post can find more information on the Council website.”
More than 84% of the city’s residents voted in the Scottish Independence Referendum in September 2014, which also saw a record-breaking turnout across the country. At the UK Parliamentary Election in May 2015 turnout in the capital stayed high, at an average of 73% across Edinburgh’s five constituencies.
On 5 May it will be the first time that 16 and 17-year-olds can vote in a Parliamentary election after the Scottish Elections (Reduction of Voting Age) Bill was passed last year.
While most people who registered to vote in time for the UK Parliamentary Election will still be eligible to take part in the Scottish Parliament Election in May, first time voters or anyone who has since moved house will need to register again. Continue reading Last call for Holyrood candidates
Get your questions answered at Royston Wardieburn this morning
TUESDAY 22 MARCH 6 – 8pm
CRAIGROYSTON COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
SOCIAL JUSTICE QUESTION TIME
Please see below publicity advertising two information and discussion sessions being hosted by the Power to the People group this week. Continue reading Power to the People: double event this week
Dear Editor
Tory politicians and others who the UK to leave the EU are extremely vocal about being able to trade as usual after leaving: they know, of course, how many people depend on this trading for their jobs, so seek to assure them.
If this is so, what other reasons do they have for wanting to leave – and more importantly whose interests are they concerned about?
Their main unspoken objective is to abolish all EU regulations dealing with working and social conditions, health and safety regulations and the environment – all of which have been of great benefit to people working in the UK.
On working conditions, for example:
So what do they object to – and why?
These regulations can always be improved by the UK Government; the same applies to health and safety and environmental reguations and others that have been of great benefit to the people of the UK.
But this is not their intention, of course – quite the reverse! This is why they want to get out, while shedding tears over how much they care!
A. Delahoy
Silverknowes Gardens
Time’s running out – get your vote in now!
Please see poster and survey monkey link for young people to vote on three awards of up to £1000 in Inverleith.
We had a massive response of ideas from young folk and were helped in the working of the top ten choices to vote for by a young people themselves who designed an algorithm that awarded points for all the boxes each idea ticked.
And the top ten ideas for voting were (in no particular order):
1.Nets on the goalposts in Drylaw / Telford Park
2.Bouncy castle in Drylaw / Telford Park
3.A sheltered area in Drylaw / Telford Park
4.Exercise / assault course area in Drylaw Park – (May be possible for parks Dept to do this with contribution)
5.Trips – (Theme Park, Adventure golf, Ryse Trampoline, Light Water Valley, Thorpe park)
6.A Relax Zone in Stockbridge Library – books, tv, computer, rest area
7.A fair/event to bring young / old people together (eg tree planting)
8.Sports kit (Rugby / Football / Scarves and banners / Coaches uniform)
9.More sporting and leisure activities in Inverleith Park (eg tightrope, cross country, yoga, trampolining)
10.Charity run/cycle
The link to vote can be found by clicking http://www.edinburghnp.org.uk/media/18320/YOUth%20Decide!%20the%20vote.pdf
Please Note: This vote is open to all young folk aged twelve (P7) or older who either live or attend a school within the Inverleith area.
It’s a short voting window so if you could pass out the information and link to any young folk you work with this would be fab!
Callum McLeod, CLD Worker Inverleith
Local community organisations have organised two Question Time events in the run-up to May’s Holyrood elections
TUESDAY 22 MARCH 6 – 8 pm
at Craigroyston Community High School
THURSDAY 24 MARCH 10am – 12 noon
at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre
Contact Anita on 0131 551 1671 if you need childcare.
These events are being organised by Pilton Community Health Project, North Edinburgh Community Learning and Development, Craigroyston Community High School, North Edinburgh Timebank, Living in Harmony and Edinburgh and Lothian Regional Equality Council.
Ask candidates for the Scottish Parliament the questions that matter to you!
REFERENDUM DATE set for 23 JUNE
Not quite a ‘peace in our time’ moment – but has the Prime Minister secured enough concessions to keep Britain in Europe?
The Prime Minister made a statement following the meeting of the European Council where he negotiated a deal to give the UK special status in the EU. Continue reading Europe Referendum date is 23 June
GMB Scotland and Unite are organising a lobby of the Scottish Parliament to coincide with the stage one debate on Scottish Government budget which takes place at Holyrood at 2.40 pm today (Wednesday 3 February). Continue reading Unions unite to challenge austerity cuts
