Five things you need to know today Edinburgh!
Trams – Any Questions at Queen Margaret University – Lutton Court plans refused – St Patrick’s Day in Portobello – Craft bombing
It appears to us that Edinburgh Trams have turned a corner, at least as far as public opinion is concerned. The Edinburgh Reporter joined the tram volunteers who got on and off trams several times to comply with the wishes of the tram company. This was a simulation of an event such as a rugby match when many people will leave from Murrayfield at one time. Most comments were favourable. The only niggles concerned passengers using wheelchairs. Firstly, the lift to the platform will accommodate only one wheelchair at a time. This means that there could be a long queue after rugby matches for those unable to use the stairs. Also there do not appear to be any places on the tram itself where someone in a wheelchair can hold on to a handrail, meaning that it is more difficult for someone travelling alone.
But in general those taking part in the exercise were good humoured and loved the tram journey. Just wait it will be your turn soon.
Meantime you can watch our video here.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cL5iE2Jo40?list=UUpyjaNvEF_ryiKTJ6QxCkIA])
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Panel line-up for BBC’s ‘Any Questions?’ at QMU tomorrow night
Jonathan Dimbleby is going to be treated to a full house at Queen Margaret University on Friday night.
There is a huge audience reserve list for BBC Radio 4’s ‘Any Questions?’ show which goes live from QMU at 8.02 on Friday evening.
The guest panel includes Angela Constance, Minister for Youth Employment in the Scottish Government; Michael Moore, Former Secretary of State for Scotland; Helena Kennedy, Labour Peer and Barrister; and Michael Fry, historian and founder of ‘Wealthy Nation’, which favours independence for Scotland. The programme is broadcast from a different location each week and involves an audience who pose questions on topical issues to panel members.
The event will be broadcast live from QMU’s Halle Lecture Theatre on BBC Radio 4 at 8.02pm this evening. Guests can arrive from 6.30pm and should be seated by 7.20pm. Audience participants are invited to submit questions for the panel on the evening, prior to the start of the show.
If you weren’t lucky enough to secure a place at the event and you miss the live broadcast, the show from QMU will be repeated again on BBC Radio 4 on Saturday 15th March at 1:10pm followed by ‘Any Answers’ at 2pm.
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Lutton Court plans were refused in line with the recommendations from planning officers.
Local MP, Sheila Gilmore said:-“Residents will be relieved now we have this decision. Like them I do not want to stop students coming to Edinburgh. They bring vitality and economic benefit to our city. Instead planners and the University must look address the concentration of the student population in this part of the city. Residents rightly suggested we must revitalise other parts of the city and encourage this type of development in areas where the students can make a positive contribution, alongside Edinburgh families.
“We must see Lutton Court put to good use. I’d like to see the council work with partners to encourage different buyers to come forward. For example I know residents would welcome mews style residential homes satisfying demand for family housing and contribute to setting of the Southside.
“With further plans for student accommodation just around the corner this application has been a much needed test of the Council’s own policies.”
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News from Portobello about their St Patrick`s Day Pageant
A wonderful family day out at Edinburgh`s seaside!
Join some of the local community groups including Row Porty, Portovelo Cycle Club and Girl Guides in a parade along Portobello Promenade led by Morningside Youth Pipe Band with a jazz band to bring up the rear!
The Pageant will begin at 2pm from outside Dalriada, 77 Promenade, Edinburgh EH15 2EL and proceed along Portobello Promenade for about 300 metres, returning by the same route.
There will be lots to do, for both kids and adults!
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The lovely people at Re-Union the canal boat which plies up and down the Union Canal is asking for help from potential craft bombers.
They undertook some mini ‘craft bombing’ last year, but would like to link their event on the Canal this year to a nationwide initiative called Voluntary Arts Week, which runs from 9-18 May.
There is a Facebook page with more information.
Anna Canning from Re-Union said:-“We hope people will be willing to take part this year, for an even better, bigger Craft Bomb all along the Canal!
“Please spread the word, especially if you are a knitter and / or know of any knitting or craft groups, or suppliers that might be interested in taking part or contributing items or materials.”
If you would like to get involved you can contact Anna by email Anna@re-union.org.uk
You can watch a video of what they got up to at Leamington LIft Bridge last year!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRsrVfMEboI])