Council Leader Jane Meagher reflects on the strength of Edinburgh’s diverse communities
I’ve used the time since the knife attacks in the Calders last Monday to reflect on the strong sense of community that we enjoy here in Edinburgh – and on the many benefits that come from our incredible diversity (writes City of Edinburgh Counci leader JANE MEAGHER). As Nelson Mandela famously said, ‘our differences are our strength ’.
What has struck me most following this isolated, albeit frightening incident, is the way that those in the community were able to rally and unite in the face of adversity.
This was abundantly clear when I visited the Calders to spend time with the community and with council colleagues in our schools, early years centre and in our housing service – all of whom were impacted by what had happened.
What stood out was the selfless way they focused on the safety and wellbeing of those in their care – and I want to thank everyone who played their part during and after the incident, including of course the Police and other emergency services.
I was particularly heartened by the conversation I had with local shopkeeper, Mr Hussain, whose store was badly damaged by the attacker. Despite what he’d been through, he spoke proudly of the kind-hearted support he’d received from across the community and how they’d helped him clear up his shop.
We are all reminded in these circumstances of the need to stand together – and of the importance of community spirit and tolerance.
From our long-standing links with the Norwegians and Poles during and after World War II to the thousands of Ukrainians, Afghans and Syrians who now call Edinburgh home, we’re proud to be a city of sanctuary – welcoming all those who come here in search of a better life.
Many have lived here for generations and some of our best loved institutions – cafes, bars, restaurants and other family businesses – are only here thanks to incomers. Those who care for us, either in the community or in hospitals include people from other parts of the world. Our city and its culture are all the better for it.
Sadly, there are those who will seek to spread hate, division and misinformation on the back of last week’s incident. Of course, people have a right to make their views heard, and to travel great distances to do so, but I condemn the opportunism and ignorance shown by some, particularly online.
One way we can combat such intolerance is to recognise and celebrate the strength and diversity of our communities across the city, comprising people from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds.
It was timely, then, that earlier this week councillors agreed a new Equal Edinburgh framework, which will help us do just that. We want all residents to be able to easily access and benefit from the services that meet their needs – without stigma and in a way that suits them.
Developed in partnership with our communities and partners, we hope that this will also help to reduce isolation, while fostering good community relations across the city.
We’re lucky to live in such a welcoming and diverse city. Our strength lies in all those who call Edinburgh home – our shared experiences sit alongside our differences – and we all have a part to play in keeping it that way.
This article first appeared in Edinburgh Evening News (12 March)
