The Scottish Conservatives have launched their manifesto which includes a proposal that children might leave school as young as 14. The Tories claim that :- “Pupils should be free to leave school at age 14 provided they engage in a monitored apprenticeship or a full-time vocational or technical training programme which can provide them with the necessary skills for the world of work.”
Actually we broke the news on that aspect of Tory policy during our live blogging of the Broughton Spurtle hustings last month. Oh and watch this space as we hope to cover more candidate grilling sessions with Michael MacLeod of The Guardian Edinburgh over the coming weeks before the election. The Broughton Spurtle has a report on how the candidates fared in the Hustings.
The new members of the Scottish Youth Parliament were announced yesterday afternoon and the full list of Edinburgh representatives is here.
This is the last day of the current tax year so if you haven’t done all you can do to save tax this year, then it might be time to call an accountant…..
But, if you have a little money to spare then you might donate it to one of many worthy Edinburgh causes, such as the Save the Forest Campaign which is a great effort to try and save the events, arty, multipurpose space with vegetarian cafe all rolled into one which has now raised over £20,000 of the £50,000 target needed by June 1st. Their landlords have gone bankrupt and they want to buy the building that they currently occupy and save it from falling into the hands of a developer who might kick them out. You can donate a lump sum or by direct debit – “think of it as a monthly pint” – or you can volunteer some time.
For the first time ever Edinburgh based Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) is eligible to collect Tesco for Schools and Clubs vouchers. The vouchers collected for CHAS will provide a wide range of equipment for families using CHAS services to enjoy, including gardening tools and musical instruments.
One Tesco voucher is issued for every £10 spent in store. CHAS is encouraging all its supporters who shop at Tesco to collect the vouchers. The charity hopes to collect 10,000 vouchers in its first year taking part in the scheme.
Vouchers can be handed in at the Edinburgh Fundraising Office at Canal Court, 42 Craiglockhart Avenue. CHAS can receive vouchers up until Sunday 8 May 2011.
An album is being released on May 7th to support the Edinburgh Sick Kids Friends Foundation. The album launch party will be at Maggies Chamber in Edinburgh.
Playing live will be Frantic Chant, My Electric Love Affair, White Heath, Steve Heron, The OK Social Club, The Steals, The Remnant Kings and David Winpenny. Tickets are available online here http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_scotland&query=detail&event=434863&interface
