WE (Granton& District Community Council) are aware of community concerns around the continuing occupation of Scottish Government land at Waterfront Avenue / Granton Park Avenue, which is earmarked for The Art Works development.
The Community Council acknowledges the frustration felt by local residents about the length of time it is taking for this complex issue to be resolved.
An appeal hearing in relation to the eviction order took place in early August, and the judgement was issued at the Court of Session on Thursday (27 August). It found in the Scottish Government’s favour, upholding the eviction order. However, it is worth noting that a further appeal is possible.
As a Community Council, we hope to receive further updates on next steps once available, and will do our best to communicate this to residents in good time.
Please find information below and attached about free courses this term for adults in North Edinburgh:
FIRST STEPS
Following on from the success of last term the First Steps course will now be on a Tuesday morning. Highlights last term included: visits to Edinburgh College, Lauriston Farm; Fresh Start; Granton Community Gardeners; and information sessions at the community centre on:
the redevelopment of West Pilton Park from ELGT;
the National Museum’s collection;
and volunteering.
Sessions start on Tuesday 8th September, but folk can join throughout the term.
We’ll meet at Royson Wardieburn Community Centre, as well as having sessions out and about. Please see the poster for more information and how to book a space.
ADULT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (AAA)
Five local people completed their AAA at a variety of levels last term. We’re going to stick with a time and venue that worked so it will be Thursday mornings again at Muirhouse Library.
Any adult who would like to gain a qualification by reflecting on current or recent learning or volunteering is eligible (SCQF levels 2-6 available). The course starts Thursday 17th September. Please see the poster for more information and how to book a space.
SOCIAL HISTORY
We have limited places available in the Social History group at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, starting back on Thursday 24th September.
Social History is how your life was growing up. What were the formative things that shaped your life? What was the world of work like in the past? How have we got where we are today?
The group will build on their recent work and publication OUR HEALTH, OUR NHS. The group meets on Thursday mornings – prior booking is essential.
SCOTTISH HISTORY
We have limited places available in this group at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, starting back on Tuesday 13th October.
An introduction to some of the key events in Scottish History. Visits to the Museum of Scotland to see Scottish History for ourselves. Scottish history is your past seen in the light of today. See you, See me. We are the future of Scottish History. The group meets on Tuesday mornings – prior booking is essential.
If anyone wants to book a space or wants more information, please do get in touch.
Best wishes
Tim Randall
Development Officer (CLD – Adult & Family Learning)
Wider Achievement & Lifelong Learning I Education I Children, Education & Justice Services
Community groups and organisations from across the city are being invited to register by Saturday 15 August to take part in the 2026 Edinburgh People’s Procession.
The People’s Procession takes place on Sunday 13 September 2026 and forms part of the spectacular Edinburgh Riding of the Marches, an annual event celebrating Edinburgh’s heritage while showcasing the city’s vibrant communities, culture and future. The procession gives local organisations the opportunity to raise awareness of their work and celebrate their contribution to life in the capital.
Organised by Edinburgh March Riding Association, with support from the City of Edinburgh Council, the procession will bring together more than 600 participants representing groups and organisations from across the city.
Participants will travel from Holyrood, near the Scottish Parliament and Palace of Holyroodhouse, along the Royal Mile to St Giles’ Cathedral ahead of the arrival of the Riding of the Marches cavalcade later that afternoon.
The Riding of the Marches will once again be joined by the Lord Provost Rt Hon Cllr Robert Aldridge, alongside the Edinburgh Captain and Lass, who will lead the cavalcade of 280 horses and riders up the Royal Mile watched by an audience of thousands.
City of Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “I’m delighted to see the return of the People’s Procession for 2026. The enthusiastic response to last year’s inaugural procession demonstrated the pride, diversity and community spirit that make Edinburgh such a special city.
“The procession is a fantastic opportunity for local groups and organisations to come together to celebrate the invaluable work they do and be part of one of Edinburgh’s most unique and historic events.
“I look forward to seeing even more community groups represented this year as the People’s procession continues to grow and become an established part of Edinburgh’s Riding of the Marches.”
Further information on the event including expected timings and the registration form is available via the events Eventbrite page.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of facilitating the second Introduction to Advocacy, Campaigning and Lobbying training for third-sector professionals in Edinburgh (writes TESFU GESSESSE).
In a time when narratives of division, fear, and “otherness” seem to be growing louder, it is more important than ever that we stand up for inclusion, fairness, and community. Advocacy is not just about influencing policy—it is about amplifying voices that are often unheard, challenging misinformation, and helping to build a society where everyone belongs.
What gives me hope is the passion, commitment, and determination of the people in this photo. Their energy reminded me that many individuals and organisations are still working every day to strengthen community cohesion, promote social justice, and bring people together.
Thank you to everyone who participated, shared their experiences, and contributed to such thoughtful discussions. Change happens when people come together, organise, and speak up.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we can shape a fairer future.
The Timms Review into Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is expanding its engagement to hear from more disabled people, following the closure of the Call for Evidence on 28 May
New resources launched to help organisations run workshops and events with disabled people and those with long term health conditions
The workshops cover three key themes: what PIP is for, what it is like to apply, and how decisions are made.
All materials are available on GOV.UK. and organisations can submit insights from their Workshop in a Box until 17 July.
Launched last autumn, the Timms Review is being co-produced with disabled people and aims to make sure the benefit is fit and fair for the future and better reflects the impact of people’s conditions in the modern world.
New resources are now being made available to support organisations and communities across the country to run workshops, bringing together disabled people to share their experiences and views. These sessions will focus on key aspects of the system, including what PIP is for, people’s experience of applying, and how decisions are made.
Their responses will shape the Review, with its launch following the closure of the Call for Evidence last month which received 38,000 responses.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, said: Hearing from disabled people across the UK is vitally important to inform the Review.
£That is why we are co-producing this review with disabled people every step of the way — to make sure that PIP is truly fair and fit for the future.
“I encourage any organisation that is able to host a workshop to do so, because we need to hear the views and lived experience of as many disabled people as possible.”
The resources include downloadable, ready-to-use engagement materials to help organisations across the UK engage with the review, run their own sessions with the people they advocate for, the public, or other stakeholders.
While the workshops are designed primarily for disabled people and those with long-term conditions, organisations are encouraged to adapt the materials for carers, advisors, and others with relevant knowledge and experience of PIP.
Co-chair Sharon Brennan said: “It is vital to the success of the review that we hear from as many people as possible about their thoughts on PIP, especially those whose voices are less heard such as those from marginalised communities or who are do not feel comfortable engaging with government-led consultations.
“We hope this new engagement method allows people to have conversations that matter with the organisations that they most trust so their lived experiences can shape the outcomes of our Review.
It is open to anyone who would like to host a session, including Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations (DDPOs), disability and health charities, community groups, and elected representatives.
Organisations can sign up for information sessions on how to conduct a workshop in a box taking place on 10 and 16 June and access the materials via the Timms Review webpage on gov.uk. Those taking part will need to submit their insights by 17 July to directly inform the steering group’s recommendations.
The newly released resources which make up the ‘Workshop in a Box’ are one of six evidence and engagement strands within the Review’s programme. The others are analysing existing data and research; carrying out new quantitative survey research; hearing evidence from experts; and running deliberative events.
We have approached a small number of organisations to offer financial support to deliver accessible workshops with local groups and communities in their networks. These organisations have been identified for their ability to reach individuals and groups who are less likely to engage with government research or public consultations, including those from marginalised or underrepresented communities.
An interim report will be published in the coming months, providing a fuller update on the steering group’s work to date.
Measures to make the Scottish Parliament more efficient, topical and effective are to be put into place by Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson MSP.
The changes, which the Parliament was informed of today, will be part of what the Presiding Officer calls “renewal and re-engagement”.
There will now be two First Minister’s Questions a week, with 30 minutes on a Tuesday for backbenchers and 30 minutes on a Thursday from Party Leaders.
MSPs were informed of the changes by the Presiding Officer during a meeting of the Parliament on Thursday.
The Presiding Officer also informed Members that:
Time taken for interventions will be added, to protect the time of speakers who most engage
Labour and Reform will alternate each week in leading off on questions in First Minister’s Questions, debates and statements
Chamber Business will run from 2pm to 5.30pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to provide more time for scrutiny in the Chamber
Chamber Business will run from 1.30pm to 5pm on Thursdays to accommodate more time for committee business in the morning
Questions to the First Minister will no longer be published in advance
There will be 18 general questions a week, 10 more than previously
Members will have to identify relevant procedure when making points of order
Events and cross-party groups will be permitted during Members’ debates to prevent delays to visitors
Informing MSPs of the changes, the Presiding Officer, Kenneth Gibson MSP, said: “Parliament needs renewal and re-engagement – with independent, innovative and open-minded leadership. That’s of critical importance and exactly what I’ll provide.
“We need to de-clutter and simplify how we work, make Parliament more efficient, topical end effective for those we represent.
“The collegiate working anticipated in the 90s, prior to Devolution, has not fully transpired. The status quo is not an option – and I’m keen to push at the boundaries of what’s possible within my remit.”
AND THE SUN IS SHINING ON WEST PILTON PARK ONCE AGAIN!!
North Edinburgh Community Festival is back TODAY – Saturday 16 May, taking over West Pilton Park for a full day of music, food, activities, sports, arts and crafts and proper community spirit.
Expect live performances, family fun, local groups showcasing what they do best, and plenty of free things to get stuck into. It’s a celebration made by the community, for the community, and everyone’s invited to come along, get involved and make the park buzz.
The festival parade will set off from North Edinburgh Arts at 1030am and wind its way to West Pilton Park arriving for 12noon. It’ll be led in vibrant style by local groups, organisations, schools and performers – a wonderful colourful collaboration with Edinburgh Carnival.
Expect colour, music and a proper burst of energy as the community walks, dances and drums its way into the heart of the festival.
TODAY – Thursday 7 May – the people of Scotland will decide which MSPs will represent them in the Scottish Parliament, and which party will form a new Scottish Government.
But how does the voting system work in Scotland?
Everyone gets two votes
73 constituency MSPs are chosen by First Past the Post
56 regional MSPs, representing Scotland’s eight regions, are chosen by the share of the regional vote (Additional Member System)
Each constituency has one MSP and seven MSPs are chosen to represent each region
It’s REALLY important that you use your vote, so that our elected politicians best reflect the views of the people of Scotland.
Watch this video to find out how the system works in more detail:
On Thursday 7 May, the people of Scotland will decide which MSPs will represent them in the Scottish Parliament, and which party will form a new Scottish Government.
