One day, Two routesAND our fabulous goodybag, free Zumba passes, FREE swimand our very collectable certificatefor everybody who registersand does the walk!
Last years Million Steps was on a Saturday but we have moved it back to a Friday due to popular demand!
Last year we did well over a million steps…. can we beat that!!!
Groups and organisations used this as an opportunity for raising funds for community groups and local groups – so if you are a local school, community group, mothers group, dads group, local organisation, work place, get a team together and take those wee steps towards a healthier lifestyle!
PS if you are a local organisation or business and you can’t make it on the day you can always take part in Walkin’ at Work week, from 17 – 21 September.
Lisa Arnott, PCHP Community Healthy Lifestyles Coordinator (on behalf of the organising group)
Following on from the letter that was sent in this week from local resident, Robert Pearson, we have decided to run an article about our Open Spaces. In Roberts letter he tells us a story of the derelict land sites in Muirhouse being overgrown with weeds, unsightly and not what you would expect to find in a City like Edinburgh. Unfortunately for Residents in North Edinburgh this appears to be an issue all across the Neighbourhood and not just focused on one area.
This is how the other looked after the first year. (Picture: Robert Pearson)
In Drylaw the grass that runs along the cycle path has been left to grow and now stands around three feet high and this has led to a rise in the amount of rubbish that is being dumped. Not only does it cause issues around fly tipping its also a hazard for Dogs who may be being walked in the area.
We contacted Local housing & Regeneration Manager Henry Coyle and he said ” In terms of the timeline for 21st Century Homes development, both the northern and southern areas of Pennywell and Muirhouse have Planning Permission in Principle in place, and further progress was made earlier this month, with the granting of further Planning Permission in Principle for the central area of Muirhouse (Muirhouse Avenue to Pennywell Gardens).
Now the same area is full of weeds and cant be used for anything. (Picture: Robert Pearson)
These Planning Permissions are based on masterplans that were developed following extensive consultation with the local community. While the wildflowers did take on fantastically well in the first year, this has not been quite as successful and certainly not as colourful in subsequent years.However, I agree that some general maintenance will improve the overall appearance and I have requested that this is carried out ASAP. I have also asked the Task Force to concentrate on the areas closet to the paths and footpaths, to ensure that the routes to school are as tidy as possible and to enable clearer passage for buggies and prams.
We are also currently engaging with the local community through the Centipede Project to develop a brownfield art project on the site to the west end of Muirhouse Avenue. To deliver this, we will enable a group of volunteer ‘guerrilla gardeners’ to take possession and carry out some bulb planting. This is due to take place in early September and I am confident that everyone will soon see a real improvement in the general appearance of the the area.
Many areas in Muirhouse now resemble this Image. (Picture: Thomas Brown)
In relation to maintaining the whole area during the ongoing regeneration programme, it was agreed through consultation with local groups that cleared sites would be planted as wildflower meadows until such time as development takes hold. The trip rails and wildflower planting have generally been very successful in deterring antisocial behaviour on these sites, such as fly tipping and setting bonfires.”
This is a claim that is refuted by local activist Grant Cunningham, Grant was the Chairperson of the Save Royston Primary School Group and today Grant is shocked about the condition of the School site. Grant said “The Royston primary site is fast becoming to rack and ruin and all this does is anger a community still hurting from a scandalous decision even further!. We hear lots of talk about the work of the local community Council working hard to improve the area but this is just evidence of another great asset stripped away and left to become an eyesore!.”
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This was taken today at the Royston Primary School site. (Picture: Thomas Brown)
Local Councillor Vicki Redpath said “Unfortunately sites like Muirhouse have suffered in the time between demolition and regeneration. Local groups and residents were consulted it was decided that wild flower meadows would be created to make the brown field sites more pleasant in the lead up to construction and while they have been successful in deterring some anti-social behaviour such as fly tipping they are not looking at their best. We have spoken to the North Office and they have agreed that some immediate work is required to tidy up the area and this will be started this week.”
What are your views on our open spaces? Please tell us by commenting on this article. Next month we will be reviewing local Play Parks so please get in touch and tell us about the Play parks near you.
Billy, second fom left, with North Edinburgh’s Social Action Research Group
Given the service took place across the other side of town, many local people made the journey to Mortonhall Crematorium last week to celebrate the life of Billy Anderson, who died on 6 August . Billy might have been secretly proud of all the attention, but he probably would have said: ‘this is a load of crap!’ or ‘what’s a’ the fuss aboot?’ That was Billy.
Billy was a hugely likeable character – grumpy and huffy, sure, and I’ll always remember with affection his regular comic fall outs with his pal John Davidson – but William Nelson Anderson was a man who above all enjoyed company and who loved to laugh.
It’s fair to say there was a time when Billy didn’t have a lot to laugh about. The youngest of five children (he had a twin who died), family life was shattered when Billy’s mother died when he was only twelve. Billy sometimes talked about the dark years that followed, and while he often made light of it life could not have been easy for Billy as a boy and young man. He talked of sleeping under London Bridge looking up at the stars – it’s a romantic image, but it masks the ever-present danger and misery of being alone, hungry and homeless in London. These must sometimes have been desperate days, and the fact that he survived the ordeal with his sanity – and even sense of humour – intact says a lot about Billy.
Billy was the guy who only planned to stop in Muirhouse for a wee while and ended up staying thirty years, and he certainly made his mark over that time. While he’d lost touch with his real-life family, Billy managed to create himself a new one as he became part of the Muirhouse community. He became involved in a number of community activities – he was a member of his tenants group and went on to become an Edinburgh Tenants Federation executive committee member alongside his friend, Birnie’s Court neighbour (and ‘Ayatollah’!) Betty Stevenson. Billy also took the opportunity to participate in training courses in North Edinburgh – he was an enthusiastic and forthright contributor at courses run by Pilton Partnership and Granton Information Centre. And if there was a community event Billy was there – particularly if it had a social afterwards!
In recent years Billy was perhaps best known for his involvement in Muirhouse Millennium Centre – he was part of the original steering group and he stuck with the Centre all the way through, the cafe was his kingdom. The Millennium Centre was like a second home for Billy; it was a huge part of his life and the centre staff, members and volunteers were Billy’s family. It just won’t be the same dropping into Muirhouse Millennium Centre now – Billy was always there, delighted to share the latest gossip, rumour and scandal with an evil cackle!
At last week’s funeral service, Lesley Hinds read a number of touching tributes from friends and colleagues:
Where do you start?
Billy wasn’t your everyday guy – when you said ‘good morning’ to him he would say ‘what’s good about it?’ and ‘it was morning when I came in!’. Billy would not have been the person we all loved if he didn’t wind you up!
His stories were amazing, and if he’d written them down they would have given him a best seller.
Billy’s café, as we all knew it, was his special place. Whether it was soup, bacon rolls, pasta or puddings (although you didn’t want to try his custard!) he loved cooking.
Billy volunteered in the Centre for eleven years but was very active in getting the Centre built.
Bus Pass Billy became his new name when hr turned sixty and thought it was great as he could go for the messages jumping on and off the buses as he pleased! Although he did get carried away when he was going up to Craigleith – he ended up at The Bridges only to come all the way back using three different buses!
Everyone has good memories of Billy as he was that kind of man – whether you are young or old he touched everyone’s heart in some way. The passing of Billy has had a massive impact on everyone as it was so unexpected. The Centre doesn’t feel the same at the moment, but as he used to say ‘everybody’s got to die’; that was Billy, living every day and enjoying it.
He once said ‘naebody will care when ah’m deid’ – well Billy, you were wrong; we all care and we will never forget you as you gave us so many memories to remember you by. Take care Billy and keep an eye on us all.
Your Family and Friends at the Millennium Centre
My Memories of You, Billy
When we first met, Billy, many years ago I knew you were a character – you had such a sense of humour, you were never afraid to speak your mind and you did not care who it was! We went to so many meetings together over the years, and still were until your sudden departure. You had a colourful life – you joined the Hari Krishnas for five years and you even slept under London Bridge for a time – you said you enjoyed it and it was an experience. I tried to get you to write a book about it – you did start it, Billy, but you did not take it any further.
When we went to Edinburgh Tenants Federation Executive meetings you used to say to me: ‘get it finished before 9pm as my programme is on the telly then!’ We brought in New Year together and watched the fireworks but last year you fell asleep, and for that you got an ear-bashing from Leanne! Leanne asked me the other day if yo would still see the fireworks – I said you will have a better view than anyone!
I remember when you took your first heart attack over ten years ago – we had been at a meeting in the church, and when we came out you looked terrible. I asked what was wrong: you said it was indigestion and blamed it on the vicar’s tea, saying it was stewed!
When you got the flat next door to me you were happy and said you felt safe, but you continued to have trouble with your heart, diabetes and high blood pressure – but you would not slow down, you said you’d be bored. You loved working with the young kids and their mothers at the Millennium Centre and even gave some of them cooking lessons.
Billy, you had a few nicknames for me; some I would not dare repeat but the latest one was Her Next Door Who Must Be Obeyed! You loved it when you got your bus pass – not having to pay fares, it was like you had won the Lottery!
I always said you were a free spirit, Billy, and you were – you lived your life the way you wanted to. I hope you are now free from pain and at peace. I for one will miss you. As well as a neighbour you were a friend and I will always remember you as that. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Betty Stevenson
Billy was an activist who worked hard for his area. He was always there in the background but when it mattered his voice would be heard, Billy came to Muirhouse as a visitor and ended up staying for 30 years. Billy has left his mark in Muirhouse, North Edinburgh and Edinburgh.
Councillor Lesley Hinds
I don’t remember the first time I met Billy but I was surprised to learn that he was only a member of the (Edinburgh Tenants Federation) Executive Committee for five years, as it feels like he has been a part of the Federation for ever!
Billy was always good fun and had a wicked sense of humour. He would come out with a comment at just the wrong moment and have me spluttering when I was trying to be serious! Billy was particularly good with helium, having lots of fun when helping to set up for our social events! I am going to miss him.
Mary Cockburn
I loved Billy’s wicked sense of humour. I enjoyed his company at EC meetings and in particular at the High Flats meetings where he would always arrange refreshments. The people of Muirhouse have lost a hardworking and dedicated volunteer. Rest in peace, Billy, you will be sorely missed.
Mark Henry
Billy was a lovely guy who knew how to work the (ETF) staff; he always praised the staff reports by calling for us to be rewarded with extra holidays and pay rises – really he knew that this would earn him extra drinks tickets at social events!
Justine Bradd
I think of Billy as a quiet man with a great sense of humour and deep compassion for humanity. Billy was quiet in the sense that he had a peace about him – he was thoughtful, content and at one with his place in the world.
Billy seemed to have a strong spiritual side – I remember him telling me stories about his life as a Hare Krishna monk, we had conversations about the Dalai Lama’s visit to Edinburgh and how his message of peace could fit into this fast-paced, individualistic world.
That spiritual side fitted well with Billy’s passion for social justice. He cared about people, and especially people who were vulnerable. Maybe that’s what made him such a committed community activist – he fought injustice by being involved in community groups – to make a difference.
Billy was a very intelligent man, with a lot of life experience and a willingness to share his wit and wisdom with others in his own quiet way. He was fun to be around as well – he had great stories to tell about his life in Edinburgh and in London, and he wasn’t one to mince his words, either. If he had a strong view about something, you’d hear it! ‘What a load of shite!’ he would often say if something wasn’t to his pleasing! And his views were often proved right!
I worked with Billy on the ETF’s 20th Anniversary planning group, where we organised a big plan of events to celebrate this milestone. Billy was really positive, coming up with lots of creative ideas and keeping us focused by chopping us down and telling is to ‘get real’ when our ideas got a bit too mad!
I’ll remember Billy as being a supportive Executive Committee member for ETF. He was really funny and brought a lot of knowledge to the table. Wherever he is now, I’m sure he’ll be swearing about Betty being the Ayatollah! Their ‘love/hate’ relationship was comedy gold to watch, especially because you knew they were great friends and neighbours behind the hilarious banter. Billy will be warmly remembered and sorely missed.
Clare MacGillivray
A collection following Billy’s memorial service at Mortonhall raised £371.06p for the British Heart Foundation. There is some speculation about who donated the 6p!
The 66th Edinburgh Boys Brigade, based at Muirhouse St Andrew’s Parish Church, had a stall at the first ever West Pilton and Muirhouse Gala yesterday. Captain Andrew Hay is hopeful that the company’s attendance at the event will help boost numbers, particularly with a special anniversary on the horizon.
Andrew said: “We have a catchment of both the Muirhouse and West Pilton areas and we were there to make our presence known, both to try to recruit more boys and also to try to get in touch with any ex-members as our 50th anniversary is next year. The leaders had a great day and we successfully reminded many local organisations and families the Boys’ Brigade is still strong in this part of Edinburgh.”
For further information on the local Boys Brigade company go to:
Organisers players were answered yesterday when the rain stayed away and the sun came out for the West Pilton and Muirhouse Community Gala. Forth One’s Grant Stott got the party started and hundreds of local residents came to West Pilton Park to enjoy both the sunshine and the entertainment on offer.
Congratulations to the organisers for staging a first class event. (And thank goodness it wasn’t scheduled to take place today!)
The West Pilton and Muirhouse Community Gala is almost upon us and organisers are keeping their fingers crossed for some Sunday sunshine – the current forecast is for sunshine with showers later in the day, so if the showers are after 4pm that should be just perfect for everyone!
The event opens at midday and Forth One’s Grant Stott (below) will officially get the party started at 12.30pm – then there will be loads of fun activities for all the family throughout the afternoon.One of the daftest of them all is Muirhouse Centipede Project’s Peculiar Planter Competition. The challenge is to take a plant in a planter along to the Gala – the dafter container the better – along with a postcard telling your container’s story. Your planter will be judged on its creativity, its ingenuity and its ridiculousness for the purpose! You will also gain points for the “story” you tell on your postcard about why you chose this particular planter.
The winner will be judged at the Gala, but you can get some pre-Gala help potting up your potty planter at Muirhouse St Andrew’s Church Fayre on Saturday morning from 10am – 12 noon.Other Gala highlights and fun events include dancers, races, live music, inflatables, beat the goalie, refreshments, tug of war, award-winning baton twirlers, face painting, information stalls and bouncy castles – and much more too!
And the Gala has produced one lucky winner already! The Gala Committee organised a special prize to be drawn from the people who signed up to ‘Like’ their Facebook page, and a delighted Karen Hogg was the winner of a family pass for Sunday!
Muirhouse and Pennywell will be regenerated as part of the council’s 21st Century Homes initiative, but Muirhouse resident Robert Pearson has written to the city council expressing concerns over the current state of the area:
I feel it necessary and appropriate to email you. I have lived in Muirhouse for eight years and have seen a steady decline in the area. Most recently the flats on Muirhouse Avenue were brought down to make way for the so called 21st century homes. No work has started since these flats where demolished months ago, instead you felt it necessary to plant some sort of wild flowers. These have never been maintained and as a direct result we now have a large open area which has now been taken over by weeds in excess of 4ft in height. If maintained correctly the area could be used by local children until such time the building work starts.
I made contact with my councillor regarding this matter but I feel I need to chase it up myself; I fail to understand why 21st century feel its appropriate to leave the area in such a mess. I know Muirhouse is not the most pleasant area but you’re certainly not helping.
There is a path which kids are expected to walk along to and from school which runs from Muirhouse Park to Muirhouse Avenue; this is overrun with weeds either side, flies, slugs and snails. Whilst I understand this can’t be totally prevented, this is something I would expect on a nature trail not on a walk way in the middle of a housing estate. So why is this happening, I ask? I’ll explain why: it’s because we have substantial amount of weeds either side.
I truly believe that we live in a forgotten estate, I think it would be beneficial for you to visit the area to understand my concerns. Simple resolution: cut the weeds down and a general clean up of area.
I am more than happy to meet up and discuss in person, I have photographic evidence if you require.
Manager Christine Mackay gives an update on the Total Craigroyston initiative:
Consultation meeting at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre
I hope you have all had a good summer in spite of the dreary weather.
Many thanks to all of you who contributed to our consultation events. In total, 215 local residents and front line staff, from 37 different teams and organisations were involved in nine events.
We had expected to be ready to share the outcome with you earlier in August but in the end, processing all the information we received took longer than we thought. However, we now have a draft ‘Road Map’, which will set the direction for the Total Craigroyston Initiative. The information and insights that we gathered have been grouped into themes and we have identified a range of short and long term actions that we would like to achieve over the life of the initiative.
What is obvious is that there is a real strength within the community and a desire to build on the good work that is already going on. Of course, some challenges were identified and we hope that we can make progress on these in order to achieve the kinds of changes that people would like to see.
We have organised a range of meetings to present the findings of the research back to people who were involved and other stakeholders.
The meetings will take place on the following dates:
Tuesday 4 September at 2pm in West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre
Wednesday 5 September at 7pm in Craigroyston Community High School
Thursday 6 September at 10am in North Edinburgh Arts Centre.
Everyone is welcome but please book a place by contacting Julie Innes by telephone on 469 3162 or by email on julie.innes@edinburgh.gov.uk. Childcare can be arranged for those who need it. Please let Julie know when you book a place.
The draft Road Map will be available on Monday 20 August from the Total Craigroyston Blog at totalcraigroyston.wordpress.com and if you have any comments or observations please let us know.
As well as the meetings above, there will be a short presentation to the Forth Neighbourhood Partnership on Tuesday 21 Aug at 7pm, which is open to everyone.
Two Play Out days were organised by Total Craigroyston
A young Spanish Telford College student spent eight months taking photographs in Muirhouse while working on a documentary portfolio for his HND in photography. The result was some superb images, excellent exam results – and friendships that could last a lifetime.
Borja Prada Garcia first became interested in Muirhouse when he passed through on the bus on the way to college. “It was an interesting place, photogenic,” he said. “At first sight it seemed like it had been painted on a grey canvas, but later as I visited day after day I found a broader palette of colours behind it’s doors. Muirhouse is actually a colourful place, because of it’s people”.
Borja may have seemed like an unusual figure, a stranger always armed with a camera but as the days and weeks passed he got to know local residents. “Some people were wary and suspicious when I approached them, one or two were threatening, but most people were friendly and helpful. They were inquisitive and interested when I explained what I was trying to do,” he said. “I found that there are lots of misconceptions about Muirhouse; it may seem like a cold place but the people were warm – their smiles can light misty days.”
One family in particular welcomed Borja into their home. “The Sargents were so good to me”, he said. “They were like a family for me here in Muirhouse – they let me share their lives and I visited them every week.”
Over days, weeks and months Borja built up his portfolio, photographing buildings, people and situations on film and then developing prints. It was a long, laborious and expensive process – Borja reckons he shot between forty and fifty rolls of film – but the effort proved worth it: Borja gained 98% for his Graded Unit 2!
Borja self-published ‘Welcome to Muirhouse’, a 60-page book of Muirhouse prints, and now hopes to exhibit his work both at local venues and at galleries further afield. North Edinburgh Arts Centre will perhaps be the first of many when it stages an exhibition of Borja’s work in October.
Borja’s tutor Susan Richards said: “Each year we have three or four projects worth taking further, but every so often a student submits work that is extra special and Borja’s portfolio falls into that category. It is a really impressive body of work and I know how long and how hard Borja worked to achieve it. That dedication and the images he’s produced certainly deserve a wider audience and I’m delighted that more people will be now be able to appreciate it”.
Borja makes a living by working in a restaurant, but the young Spaniard won’t be saying ‘adios’ to Muirhouse any time soon. “The project is ongoing and I intend to shoot in Muirhouse for several years. I thank all the people of Muirhouse who helped me during the project, especially Jim, Jennifer and the Sargents. It is still a very close relationship – they are my friends and we will stay in touch with each other.”
If a picture paints a thousand words: some of Borja’s images of Muirhouse …
