Five things you need to know today in Edinburgh
The Smith Commission
Flea Market
National Trust for Scotland are the winners
WHALE Arts AGM
Writing classes
Edinburgh’s Liberal Democrat MP, Mike Crockart is encouraging people in Edinburgh West to make their views on Scotland’s future heard by making submissions to the Smith Commission.
The Smith Commission is welcoming submissions from the public to help guide the Commission’s consideration of what further powers should be devolved to strengthen the Scottish Parliament within the UK.
The deadline for making submissions is 5pm next Friday 31st October 2014
Commenting, Mr Crockart:
“This week saw the first meeting of the Smith Commission with all five main parties and it was great to hear that the meeting was constructive and that everyone was committed to work together to achieve a positive outcome.
“We are at a crucial point in Scotland’s history and I believe that this is a process in which everyone is able to take part in.
“With just over a week until the deadline for making submissions to the Commission, there is still plenty of time for people to make their views heard and I want to make sure that as many people as possible share their views and play a role in shaping Scotland’s future.”
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Tomorrow there is a mini flea market on at Out of the Blue on Dalmeny Street. More details here.
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Volunteers at the National Trust for Scotland’s Georgian House in Edinburgh have been given a range of special commendations for their continued support across all aspects of the property’s work. The ceremony in Edinburgh recognised the outstanding volunteers across a range of categories, including Properties, Gardens and Group awards.
Georgian House guides Ann-Marie West, Mabel Waddell and Olga Macfadyen were each praised for their outstanding efforts in support of the property.
Anne-Marie and Olga joined the volunteer team at The Georgian House in 2007. As former teachers, they have become an integral part of the guiding team, in particular as Education Guides offering curriculum-linked programmes for the 900 school children who visit every year.
Mabel has volunteered at the Georgian House for ten years, regularly travelling across Scotland to carry out her role. Alongside her dedication to the Georgian House, she was also recognised for her volunteering in other areas of the Trust’s work – as a volunteer at the Tenement House in Glasgow and as a committee member for the Glasgow Members’ Centre.
The Georgian House Players also received recognition from the Trust for the dedication, hard work and commitment of the performers. Without volunteer support, the Georgian House would not be able to put on their annual Living History tours, which are often fully booked throughout the weekend. The tours take place during a weekend in November, with performances in each of the House’s restored rooms. Many hours of learning the script and weeks of rehearsals are required to provide visitors with a unique and fun insight to the Trust property and life in Georgian times.
Their efforts were recognised in their nomination, saying: “For the professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment, for the entertainment and fun, for increasing revenue and for promoting the Trust, the Georgian House Players would be worthy recipients of this award.”
The awards were presented by Trust Chairman Sir Kenneth Calman and Head of Volunteering, Violet Dalton.
Sir Kenneth said:
“The Trust depends upon the support of its volunteers, and their continuing effort is a vote of confidence in both our Trust and the worth of our heritage. I am privileged to present the Volunteer of the Year Awards, knowing that the time, skills and resources our volunteers devote to the Trust are beyond any words of gratitude I can offer.”
The National Trust for Scotland has over 3,400 volunteers who play a key role in keeping Scotland’s heritage alive at properties and offices all over Scotland. For more information about volunteering opportunities visit: http://www.nts.org.uk/Volunteering/.
For anyone who would like to experience their award-winning performance, the Living History Players will be providing guided tours of the Georgian House on the weekend of 15/16 November 2014 (booking advisable, normal entrance fees apply – last tours leave at 2:30pm).
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