Manufacturing wind turbines in Leith Docks? Big new plans!
Drop in, learn more, ask questions & give your views.
26th September between 3pm and 7pm, Leith Community Centre, Newkirkgate
The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (“the College”) is launching a new public exhibition next week: Wild & Tame: Animals in History.
The exhibition will explore the history of animals, real and imagined, and their impact on human lives and culture. From unicorns and the first Renaissance animal encyclopaedia to Charles Darwin, it will show how humans exploited animals and how they cared for them, creating our shared history.
As well as providing us with food and labour necessary for our survival, animals were essential in the development of medicine. They were our test subjects, as well as a source of medical ingredients – from the fat of whales to treat haemorrhoids in the past to modern use of venoms to treat heart disease.
The exhibition will show the instruments used to treat animals in the past and explore the modern idea of One Medicine – a call for closer cooperation between physicians and veterinarians for the benefit of all species on Earth.
Using the remarkable collection of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh natural history books, the exhibition will show the changing ways we depicted animals and studied them, finally unlocking the mysteries of evolution and our place in the natural world.
The exhibition will also explore the vital role animals played in our cultural history, from myths and monsters to modern pets and companions.
As well as books and objects, the exhibition has an interactive digital display which further explores the place of animals in popular culture as symbols and mascots.
Estela Dukan, co-curator of the Wild and Tame: Animals in History said: “ Close links between animal and human health call for closer communication and cooperation between human medicine and veterinary medicine.
“Animals have been essential to human survival for thousands of years, but increasing number of humans living today and modern international travel mean we are coming into closer contact with different animals and environments across the planet.
“The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh recognises the importance of globally connected health research and education to improve wellbeing of humans and animals. Our exhibition explores the history of these links and the role animals played in development of modern medicine.”
Kate Aitkenhead, co-curator of the Wild and Tame: Animals in History, said: “Animals are an integral part of our daily lives. Our relationship with them has often been fraught and overbearing, whilst still maintaining a core of respect and companionship.
“We have included them in our heraldry, such as the rampant lion on the Scottish coat of arms, or the unicorn as the national animal of Scotland, seen as a creature of courage, purity and healing.
“Through artworks, objects, encyclopaedias and viewpoints both historical and modern, we explore the impact this ubiquitous relationship has had on medicine and science as a whole. Animals aren’t going anywhere.
“Our exhibition aims to provide an understanding of our shared history in order to help ensure the continued health and safety of humans and animals alike.”
The exhibition will also include contributions and quotes from people and organisations dedicated to conservation and animal health around the UK, such as Prof Neil Fitzpatrick, veterinary surgeon, and Sheila Voas, Chief veterinary Officer for Scotland.
Property developer S Harrison Developments is giving the public the chance to view updated proposals for residential-led development at Ocean Point 2 in Leith, adding to the ongoing transformation of the Waterfront and delivering further vibrancy to the area.
Neighbouring Ocean Point 1, whose occupiers include VisitScotland, the brownfield site will aim to comprise a mix of homes, a high proportion of which will be for families, alongside other potential uses including purpose-built student accommodation, delivering a truly mixed community.
Along with commercial uses/co-working and amenity space, landscaping and infrastructure, these will occupy two buildings on the site.
Following an initial public exhibition which took place in December, a second exhibition of updated proposals will take place TOMORROW – Tuesday 7 March – between 2pm and 7pm at Ocean Terminal.
In addition to delivering new homes, student accommodation is also being explored with students delivering significant spending power locally and bringing a future skilled workforce to an area which has witnessed little purpose-built student accommodation.
Edinburgh is a university city, and the number of students in higher education has risen by almost a third since the start of the century, with purpose-built student accommodation having the potential to free-up much needed family homes currently occupied by students locally.
Located in Leith, voted in October 2021 by Time Out as one of the “world’s coolest neighbourhoods” and by the Sunday Times as the best place to live in Britain, the proposed development will bring increased vibrancy to the area.
Conveniently situated just two miles from Edinburgh city centre, it is likely to be attractive to those seeking to live, work and study in the area, taking advantage of local shops, bars, restaurants and cafés.
The development neighbours Ocean Terminal, which is set to undergo a £100 million transformation, delivering a mixed-use development comprising residential, commercial, retail and hospitality.
In addition, Forth Ports, which has been named as a Green Freeport and at the centre of a new supply chain for Scotland’s renewable industry, is seeming to deliver an exciting mixed-use development, including residential, a hotel, local retail, flexible workspaces and offices and leisure facilities.
The extension of the tram line between Edinburgh and Ocean Terminal, anticipated to commence running in June, will also provide connectivity between the development and Edinburgh city centre within 20 minutes.
Further information will also be posted on the website at: www.oceanpoint2.com
Harrison has a long pedigree of working in the city, ranging from delivering the Malmaison at St Andrew Square to student developments at Westfield and Gorgie and hotel development at Osborne House, Haymarket.
A spokesperson for Harrison Developments commented: “Our proposed development, if approved, will bring much-needed homes and other uses to an area which is undergoing a rapid transformation, delivering a truly mixed community.
“Regenerating a current brownfield site, we look forward to continue to engage with the local community following our first exhibition last year and providing it with the opportunity to input their views and further shape our ambitious proposals.”
