Tag: Sighthill

Red Hot Chilli Pipers play to Edinburgh residents to mark Care Home Open Week

Residents, staff and guests at two Edinburgh nursing homes were treated to highly-charged live performances by the Celtic rock band Red Hot Chilli Pipers today as part of the celebrations for Care Home Open Week.

Outdoor events took place on the grounds of the Blenham House and Ashley Court nursing homes in Sighthill and Morningside, which are owned and operated by Randolph Hill Nursing Homes Group.

Dubbed ‘the most famous bagpipe band on the planet,’ the Red Hot Chilli Pipers drew international attention after winning the BBC talent show When Will I Be Famous in 2007. The Scottish-based outfit now travels the globe playing concert tours as far afield as America, Malaysia, India and Saudi Arabia.

Yesterday’s performances in Edinburgh are part of a whirlwind two-day tour by the band, covering all of Randolph Hill’s seven nursing homes across Scotland.

Further live shows are also taking place in North Berwick, Gullane, Livingston, Broxburn and Dunblane to mark Care Home Open Week 2022, which takes place from 27 June to 3 July.

Care Home Open Week aims to connect care homes across the country with their local community. The event provides care homes with the opportunity to showcase their facilities, activities and services.

It also puts a focus on career opportunities and encourages communities to support and build connections with their local service throughout the year.

Peter McCormick, Managing Director of Randolph Hill Nursing Homes Group said: “We were delighted to welcome Red Hot Chilli Pipers to both our homes in Edinburgh today. As you might expect, it was a highly-spirited performance which our residents, staff, and invited guests thoroughly enjoyed.

“We are really pleased to have the band’s support during Care Home Open Week where they are performing at all of our seven nursing homes. It’s an ideal way to mark the occasion, which celebrates the important role of care homes in the communities where they operate.” 

Randolph Hill currently cares for more than 350 residents and employs over 500 members of staff at its seven sites across east and central Scotland.

Napier Knights: Edinburgh American Football project tackles deprivation head-on

An Edinburgh-based American football project which is using sport to drive young people from the most deprived areas of the city into further education, is taking part in a national campaign, supported by Dame Katherine Grainger, highlighting how universities are helping local communities recover from the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Edinburgh Napier Knights Youth team was set up by Edinburgh Napier University in 2017, with the goal of working with school-age children in Sighthill and Broomhouse – areas  with low levels of educational attainment – to promote health and wellbeing and provide a pathway for players to transition into higher education.

The youth teams are coached exclusively by students and graduates from Edinburgh Napier University who have undertaken coaching awards. By working across age groups, student coaches are able to educate their participants about the benefits of physical activity and the opportunities that are available to them through education.

The project, which has gone from strength to strength and seen seven members of the locally recruited youth team progress to university recently, is one of a number being featured in this week’s Made at Uni Energising Places campaign led by Universities UK and British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) and supported by Dame Katherine.

Pete Laird (above), Head Coach of the Napier Knights and the university’s programme leader for Sport, Exercise and Health Science explained how the project had helped inspire local youngsters: “We decided we wanted to give something back to the local community.

“We know from studies that sport can engage young people, and we also know that young people who play sport are also more likely to do better academically. So we thought American football as our sport would be fantastic vehicle to try and help local kids.

“One of the great success stories coming out of our youth team was the progression of some of our players on to further and higher education. For some of our kids they were first generation students, having never thought about university before. Last year we had seven students who progressed from the youth team onto university, which for us that is an unbelievable success story.”

One of those success stories is Robbie Wales, an incoming first year studying Physical Activity and Health at Napier and the first member of his family to attend university.

He said: “The coaching staff are amazing; the team is amazing. I’ve gained a lot of skills from American football, mainly teamwork but also patience. Talking with coaches and past players, it’s definitely helped me make decisions on my life.”

The university are hopeful that even more young people from Edinburgh will get involved in the project as Covid restrictions ease.

Pete Laird added: “We were very worried coming out of lockdown, about whether or not the numbers would stay the same – but actually what we’ve seen is a big growth in people wanting to participate in activity.

“Now more than ever, sport is a vital resource for post-pandemic recovery.”

Dame Katherine Grainger said: “A lot of people know about the role universities play in developing some of our greatest Olympians and Paralympians but there is a real untold story about the work they do in their communities to improve the lives of people through sport and physical activity.

“The Edinburgh Napier Knights Youth team is a great example of that.” 

The Made at Uni Energising Places campaign is taking place between July 12-16th, and includes the BUCS annual awards event which celebrates the positive effect of student sport and students who participate in the wider sporting sector in the UK.

To find out more about the Made at Uni Energising Places campaign visit www.madeatuni.org or follow @MadeAtUni on Twitter

Missing man FOUND

Appeal to trace missing man Robbie Russell

UPDATE: MISSING MAN FOUND

Police Scotland has reported that Robbie Russell (25) who had been missing from Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, since Sat, 17 April, has been traced safe and well in Edinburgh this afternoon.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for the help of the public to trace a 25-year-old man reported missing from the Wester Hailes area of the city.

Robbie Russell was last seen around 7am on Saturday (17 April) in the Longstone area. He also has connections in the Sighthill and Dumbryden areas of the city as well as Livingston.

He is described as 5ft 11ins, of slim build with dark brown hair and brown eyes. When last seen he was wearing a black hoodie, black joggers and black and white trainers.

Inspector Keith Forrester said: “We are growing increasing concerned for Robbie and ask anyone who may know where he is to get in touch. Likewise if he sees this appeal, please call your family or Police Scotland to let us know you are safe.

“Anyone who has information that may help us find Robbie is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0571 of Monday 19 April, 2021.”

Two charged after tram window smashed in Sighthill

Two boys, aged 12 and 13, have been charged after a stone was thrown at a tram in Sighthill, smashing a window. The incident occurred around 7.15pm in Bankhead Drive on Wednesday, 24 March.

The boys will be the subject of a report to the Youth Justice Assessor.

Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor said: “Throwing stones and other objects at public transport vehicles is extremely dangerous and we will not tolerate this mindless and destructive activity.

“Officers have been out speaking to youths in the community about the dangers and consequences of this behaviour as part of Operation Proust, and will continue these efforts over the coming weeks.

“Information from members of the public is vital in helping us quickly identify those involved in this type of criminality and we would encourage anyone who witnesses an incident to contact Police Scotland through 101. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Covid test centre opens in Sighthill

A Council community hub in Westerhailes has opened as Edinburgh’s newest Covid-19 testing centre as part of the UK Government’s drive to make testing more accessible to local people.

Providing an additional and safe spot for anyone showing symptoms, nearby residents can now pre-book a test at the Gate 55 centre by visiting  www.nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or by calling 0800 028 2816.

Anyone attending an appointment will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the centre safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

Adam McVey, Council Leader, said: “Keeping Edinburgh’s residents safe remains our top priority and the best way to do that is by encouraging people to follow the latest guidance and get tested if they have any Covid-19 symptoms.

“We’re already playing our part by providing the Government with staff support and access to the Usher Hall for testing, which has been going really well. It’s helping hundreds of people every week to get tested so I’m pleased that we’re now building on this by opening up our community hub at Gate 55.

” Well-known and well-placed for all West Edinburgh residents, it’s an ideal site to offer easy access to testing. It will prove particularly useful for those in our community who don’t have private transport and for nearby students, if they’re feeling unwell.

Cammy Day, Depute Leader, said: “The Usher Hall site has been fantastic and many students and local people are finding it easy to walk or cycle in to get checked. It isn’t handy for everyone though – particularly those in the West of the city.

“The new option of visiting Gate 55 will provide more choice and a familiar and accessible place for people in Sighthill and Westerhailes. I urge anyone with symptoms to follow the guidance and make sure they get checked out.”

The Gate 55 testing site is open now between 8:00am and 8:00pm and can be found at 55 Sighthill Road, Edinburgh.

Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.

Anyone who tests positive will be contacted by contact tracers to help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with and protect others from further transmission.

Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from contact tracers, asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book at test if they develop symptoms.

GMB Members Fight To “Make Work Better” at Burton’s Biscuits

Strike Action Starts Tomorrow Over ‘Derisory’ Pay Offer  

Workers at Edinburgh biscuit manufacturer Burton’s will start the first of three 24-hour strike actions tomorrow morning (Wednesday 9 September) over the company’s refusal to improve a “derisory” pay offer.  

Over 200 GMB members will take part in the action after the company failed to cooperate with union attempts to enter conciliation and negotiate improvements to the existing 1.6 per cent offer for 2020-21.  

A smaller socially distanced picket line will be enforced from 6am tomorrow until 05.59 hours on Thursday morning, complying with the UK industrial action laws and Scottish Government public health guidelines on COVID-19.  

An indefinite “work to rule”, including an overtime ban, started this afternoon at 14.00 hours.   

GMB Scotland Organiser Benny Rankin said: “This dispute strikes at the heart of the debate around fair work and decent pay in the Scottish economy. 

“The fact management claim to be shocked at our union’s claim for a rise that would put just 65 pence an hour more on the wages of the lowest paid shows you how out of touch they are.  

“Burton’s somehow think it is credible to offer just 14 pence an hour more to their lowest paid:that’s derisory given many of their workers make the living wage and just over or under £10 an hour. 

“After everything they have done for the business, and particularly against the backdrop of the COVID pandemic, our members are ready to fight to make their work better.” 

Strikes to start as Burton’s “takes the biscuit again” with pay offer

Production of some of Britain’s favourite biscuits will be halted over the next month as workers at Burton’s Biscuits Co in Edinburgh launch strike action over a “derisory” pay offer.

GMB members at the Sighthill manufacturing plant, voted by an overwhelming majority of 91 per cent for industrial action after management refused to increase a 1.6 per cent offer for the next year.

An indefinite work to rule and overtime ban will start on Tuesday 8 September from 14.00 hours before a series of twenty-four hour strikes throughout September. Action will take place on the following dates:

  • 06.00 hours on Wednesday 9 September to 05.59 hours on Thursday 10 September.
  • 06.00 hours on Wednesday 16 September to 05.59 hours on Thursday 17 September.
  • 06.00 hours on Wednesday 23 September to 05.59 hours on Thursday 24 September.

The biscuit manufacturer, which produces staple household brands like Jammie Dodgers and Wagon Wheels, is owned by the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan which hold net assets worth a staggering $204.7 billion.

GMB Scotland Organiser Benny Rankin said: “Burton’s stubborn stance on this year’s pay offer is an insult to staff that have worked throughout the lockdown at management’s insistence.

“In March staff were told they were part of the key worker response and despite serious health and safety concerns over working practices, our members did what needed to be done for this business.

“Burton’s derisory pay offer hold’s a mirror up to this management – they clearly do not value the contribution of their staff and have no interest in recognising and rewarding them properly.

“And after previous concerns over management’s ability to adhere to the COVID guidelines on workplace safety, Burton’s are taking the biscuit again over their workers’ pay and conditions.

“Their refusal to meaningfully engage with a workforce that deserve so much better means we have been left with little choice but to strike for a decent pay offer.”

Superhero lockdown dad nominated for award

14-year-old Charlie Bright of Sighthill, Edinburgh, has nominated Dad, Colin, in a national competition that asks families to name unsung heroes who’ve gone above and beyond for them in lockdown.

Colin Bright, who works as a receptionist at the Sighthill Health Centre and recently celebrated 30 years of continuous service in the NHS, has been nominated by his son, Charlie, in a national competition run by heating systems manufacturer, Viessmann.

Charlie wants to say thank you to his Dad for helping to look after him and his mum by working longer hours throughout lockdown and helping mum, Tracey, who has a long-term hearing impairment.

Colin has also taken on helping Charlie with his homework since lockdown led to a nationwide closure of schools as part of plans by the government to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

“I’ve been trying to do homework, but it’s not easy as I don’t have a teacher in front of me to help and my mum has tried her best and my dad has too,” says Charlie, 14.

Tracey has struggled with the effects of the lockdown and has felt rather lonely. With the recent government ruling enforcing masks in all shops, cinemas, galleries, banks, museums and places of worship, Tracey now feels nervous about going to the shops without Colin as she relies on lip-reading to speak with others.

“I tend to stay at home as much as possible as the wearing of face masks has left me really stressed out due to not enough awareness of the sunflower lanyard for hidden disabilities,” says Tracey.

“I have, a few times, had to explain myself to shop store staff as they have been asking me questions and I can’t see their face if they have a mask on! It feels rather embarrassing as I don’t like having to explain myself.

“After a few situations, I gave up going, so now Colin has an extra job to do and go to shops when he gets home from work or at the weekend.”

Colin, 50, works in Sighthill Health Centre in the treatment rooms and has been having to balance longer hours whilst continuing to support the family and his son with his work.

“My dad’s work is getting busier with patients as the doctors are seeing more and more people. He works on the reception desk booking patients appointments and checking them in when they arrive. He always comes home very tired as it can be a very busy long day trying to help people.”

Viessmann’s Nation’s Warmest Appreciation competition is designed to help children and families show appreciation to others’ good deeds during the first half of 2020.

“This has been a tough year for many of us, each facing our own challenges thanks to the unprecedented fallout the pandemic has brought, says James Harper, Marketing Manager at Viessmann.

“As a family-owned company that has pulled out all the stops to take care of its own members around the world over the past few months, Viessmann wanted to focus on all the good that has been going on around us all and how these times have also brought us all closer together.

“Gratitude is timeless, and because of this, we wanted to be able to help show off all the good deeds and kind acts our nation has been up to during the last six months. And by also recognising that there are still many other charities and causes that are in need of extra funding and support right now, it makes perfect sense to donate a part of the prize to those causes too.”

To enter, anyone between the age of 5-14 was invited to show their appreciation with a drawing, picture, poem or story showing who they were nominating and why they wanted to nominate them.

“I would love to nominate my Dad for all his hard work during these tough times and allowing me and Mum to stay safe at home, he is my real hero!” said Colin in his entry submission.

Entries for the competition are open until the 22nd August, with the final prize being £100 vouchers to both the entrant and nominated person and a £100 donation to a charity of their choice.

For more information and for your chance to enter, please visit the Viessmann site here.

Police seek witnesses to Bankhead crash

Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic crash in Sighthill. The incident happened at around 1.10pm yesterday in Bankhead Terrace when the male rider of a quad bike was injured when he came off his machine.

Sergeant Jill Kirkpatrick of the Roads Policing Unit said: “We would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this crash. In particular we would like to speak to the occupants of a red coloured Toyota Prius car which was seen driving west along Bankhead Terrace at the time of the crash.

“I would also ask anyone who may have been driving in the area in a vehicle which had a dash-cam fitted to check their device for anything which might help us establish the circumstances surrounding this crash.

“Callers can use the 101 number to call in and should quote the reference number 1609 of 18 August 2020.”

Preparing teachers for life in the classroom

John Swinney meets the first intake of students on ground-breaking STEM programme

DEPUTY First Minister John Swinney today heard an end-of-term report from students on a newly-launched teacher training programme. Continue reading Preparing teachers for life in the classroom