Virtual event organised by Leith Churches Together: Monday 26th April 7 – 8pm
Tonight: Edinburgh Northern & Leith online hustings
Tag: Edinburgh Northern & Leith
Planting seeds of partnership
Ben Macpherson MSP, recently elected member for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, has made his first behind-the-scenes visit to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE). The MSP met personnel across the Science and Horticultural Divisions who are behind research and conservation initiatives at home and around the world.
Accompanied by Regius Keeper Simon Milne MBE, Ben Macpherson started his visit in the Library where he was provided with an insight into the archives collection of books and maps dating back over the centuries with Serials Librarian Graham Hardy using historic documents to plot the course of the Garden’s move over four locations in 346 years.
Escorted by Director of Science Professor Pete Hollingsworth, Mr Macpherson was given insight into the workings of the RBGE Herbarium with explanations as to why it is a crucial research and conservation tool for experts around the world.
Following an introduction to the preserved collections by Deputy Herbarium Curator Dr Elspeth Haston, the MSP was invited to play his part in the ongoing digitisation of the Herbarium’s extensive three million plus specimens by photographing Senecio cambrensis Rosser.
This species, a member of thedaisy and dandelion family, was selected appropriately because Senecio cambrensis evolved in Leith, most likely sometime in the last half century. Its evolutionary origin is by hybridisation between two other Senecio species and then subsequent genetic isolation from its parent species. Specimens were first collected in 1974, but it was last seen in 1989
Specimens were first collected in 1974, but it was last seen in 1989. This reflects a fascinating evolutionary example of the origin and extinction of a species within a human life time, and because of this it has been used as a model system for studying the evolutionary process.
Moving from the Herbarium, introductions were exchanged with David Knott, Curator of the Living Collections, and Glasshouse Supervisor Louise Galloway. After a general introduction and explanation of the fact that RBGE is, in fact, four Gardens cultivating a wide diversity of species – including Scottish species – and many of which are included in active conservation and reintroduction programmes, the next part of the visit focused on the non-public research houses. These, it was explained, are home to many specimens being cultivated as vital parts of RBGE’s contribution to global work in the study and conservation of plants from key research groups, many of which are endangered in their native habitats.
Mr Macpherson was also shown photographs of the devastating damaged suffered by the public and research houses in the January 2012 storm, with the Regius Keeper describing the current plans and funding required to replace and upgrade these houses. His visit to the Glasshouses concluded on a lighter note, however, with an introduction to RBGE’s mighty Amorphophallus titanum (titan arum), which spectacularly flowered for the first time 12 months ago.
The final stop of the day was to the recently restored Botanic Cottage (pictured above) which was first built at the Garden’s Leith Walk site in the 18th century. Mr Macpherson was welcomed by Community Engagement Coordinator Sutherland Forsyth who explained the dramatic story so far of this, the Garden’s newest and oldest building.
With a strong interest in community engagement the MSP was keen to hear about the varied band of organisations already using the building for a range of different activities. Bidding farewell he expressed an interest in hearing of further groups who might benefit specifically through engagement with the Cottage and, more generally, with the wider work of RBGE.
RBGE
Ben Macpherson sworn in as Northern Leith MSP
First surgery details announced
New MSP Ben McPherson was sworn in as the new member for Edinburgh Northern & Leith MSP yesterday, one of five new Edinburgh constituency MSPs voted in last week. Continue reading Ben Macpherson sworn in as Northern Leith MSP
Scottish Youth Parliament Elections: just seven days left to cast your vote
You still have seven days to cast your vote in the Scottish Youth Parliament elections …
The Scottish Youth Parliament is a non-party political organisation made up of 150 young people representing every constituency in Scotland. It campaigns to highlight the views of Scotland’s young people on a national and international stage.
Its members meet three times each year at a range of different locations, including in the main chamber at Holyrood’s Scottish Parliament.
There are 12 seats representing Edinburgh open to candidates who receive the most votes at the elections in March. These are in six city areas: Central, Eastern, Northern & Leith, Pentlands, Southern and Western.
Anyone aged between 12 and 25 is eligible to vote – to get involved young people can log onto the Young Scot website and use their Young Scot number to vote (temporary numbers for voting are also available from a selection of schools and community venues across the city).
EDINBURGH NORTHERN & LEITH CANDIDATES
EILIDH MACKAY
Hello, I’m Eilidh, and I want to be your MSYP for Edinburgh North and Leith. Why Me?
I am passionate about being a voice for young people in my area and across Scotland
I think there are important changes that need to be made for the benefit of young people in our country
I have been a member of the Youth Issues forum for 4 years, proving my enthusiasm and meaning I know what issues are important to young people in Edinburgh
I have a lot of experience in public speaking so won’t be afraid to speak out about the issues that are important
MAIN ISSUES
Votes at 16
This is something I feel very strongly about; we have a voice that deserves to be heard
Sex Education
I feel that there is a serious lack of proper sex ed in schools. This is an issue I’ve heard from a lot of people and one I promise to take forward
School Dinners
Everyone knows school dinners are awful, so why has nothing changed? There needs to be a proper look taken at the quality and healthiness of what we serve to school students.
Follow Me – @littlenerdyscot – and tweet me with any questions you may have. I Hope I Have Your Vote!
KIERAN REAPE
Why I’m Standing
I’m standing for Edinburgh Northern and Leith in the upcoming 2015 Scottish Youth Parliament elections to represent the young people in the
Edinburgh Northern and Leith constituency.
What I will support and commit to as a Member of Scottish Youth Parliament:
– Votes at 16 (including all elections; UK and Scottish General Elections;
European Elections and Local Council Elections)
– Equality in Young People.
– Higher minimum wage for under-18’s and Modern Apprentices
I want Votes at 16 to become a reality across every type of election possible. This ties in with equality in young people. Young people should be able to Vote.
I also want Modern Apprentices and Under 18’s to be paid higher. The Modern Apprenticeship minimum wage is £2.73 per hour. Compare
that to the National Minimum of £6.50 per hour and you can see that the
gap is far too big.
A little bit about me
I’m 17 years old and born and raised in Edinburgh. I attended Drummond Community High School. After leaving in 5th year I ended up doing some work with the European Parliament shortly after I left school and eventually started a Certificate of Work Readiness at
the National Records of Scotland in January 2014 to March 2014.
I completed the certificate in March and achieved a Highly Commended SQA Star Award for my efforts there and my destination of work after the placement. After the placement I immediately started a one year modern apprenticeship for a SVQ Level 2 in Business and Administration. I now work for the Scottish Government.
Like me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KieranReapeMSYP
Follow me on Twitter: @Keezor
Email me: K.L.Reape@gmail.com
Please note that due to the Code of the Civil Service, my influence on anything to do with the portfolio I will work in is extremely limited. It’s fortunate that each constituency actually has two MSYP’s. In the case of a portfolio topic, of where I work was to arise, I would plan to hand it over to the other MSYP of the constituency.
TERRI SMITH
SYP_Manifesto_Terri_Smith_Edinburgh_Northern_and_Leith
Past experience:
I’ve been a MSYP since 2009
Current Vice Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament
Peer educator/mentor locally & nationally
Youth Worker with disadvantaged young people
Involved in 3 successful national campaigns
Registered over 200 young people to vote in the referendum
Why vote for me?
I have vast experience
I’m hard working
Great at public speaking
I love working with young people
I always throw in a bit of banter
I’m committed to further representing you for another 2 years!
I have a great working relationship with our politicians.
A vote for #TeamTerri is a vote for …
1. More support for LGBT young people
2. More knowledge and access to local and national opportunities
3. Engage and provide more support to the local youth forum and youth clubs/groups
4. Campaign to improve work experience
5. Tackle bullying In schools and provide further support for bullied young people
6. Continue to work with NUS Scotland to ensure college and university students aren’t facing further cuts to their education.