Alex Wilson
Drink Driving – Don’t risk it!
Christmas at Holyrood
Crops in Pots AGM
Erskine Carol concert
The Edinburgh Reporter is very saddened to hear that Alex Wilson, a man committed to making Leith a better place, has passed away.
We photographed Alex at the opening night of Lockerbie Lost Voices, a play which he had a hand in. He had fingers in many pies, most notably as Chair of the Leith Business Association and as a historian who was behind the reintroduction of the Leith Flag.
He told The Edinburgh Reporter that he wanted the flag to fly from every building possible across the whole of Leith. He wrote: “The whole business community in Leith can see the advantages for Leith in re-identifying itself with its own symbol. This is not something exclusive to the business community for the flag is for all Leithers, not just one section of the town.”
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From today The Scottish Government has lowered the blood alcohol limit to 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. If you register over that from today when stopped by the police you face a ban.
There has been a high profile campaign since The Scottish Parliament voted this move through on 18 November 2014. The new lower limit has been highlighted in a TV and radio advertising campaign as well as electronic road signs on motorways.
Chief Superintendent Iain Murray, Head of Roads Policing for Police Scotland said:
“An average of 20 die on Scotland’s roads each year and last year a further 90 were seriously injured and 340 slightly injured as a result of drink driving related collisions.
“The new lower limit will reduce those numbers and the evidence from across Europe where the lower limit applies suggests we will see reductions in drink driving and blood alcohol counts.
“However even at the new limit you are three times more likely to die in a crash than if you had taken no alcohol. It is clear, when it comes to drinking and driving, that the simple ‘the best advice is none’ message is the right one.
“On the lead up to 5 December police patrols positively engaged with as many road users as possible to provide real-time education to those who may be putting themselves and others at risk, influence behaviour in the future and prevent collisions on Scotland’s roads.”
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For the first time, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is to be transformed both inside and out for the festive season. From today until 6 January, the Palace’s historic State Apartments, as well as the courtyard and the ornamental fountains, will be adorned with lights, decorations, and rich foliage, making the Palace the ideal place to visit to get into the Christmas spirit.
In the Royal Dining Room the table will be laid with a silver service, presented by Scottish benefactor Sir Alexander Grant to George V and Queen Mary in 1935 to mark their Silver Jubilee. Made in Edinburgh by Henry Tatton, the service was commissioned specially for use at the Palace, with each piece engraved with the Scottish Coat of Arms. Selected pieces from a Bloor Derby porcelain dessert service which was ordered by Queen Victoria in 1842 will also be on display and warden staff will be on-hand to give short talks about the favourite foods that would have been served and the Christmas traditions that the Victorians introduced.
Throughout the festive season families will be able to explore the Palace with a special Family Activity trail, and visit the Family Room which will be transformed into a Christmas grotto. On Sunday 21 and Sunday 28 December, an additional programme of special family events will be included in admission to the Palace, including face painting and storytelling in the Great Gallery. Find out more here.
On Wednesday, 10 December, gather in the Great Gallery at the Palace for carols around the Christmas tree, from 7.00pm until 8.30pm. Find out more about this special event and book tickets here.
On selected dates in December and January, Exclusive Evening Tours offer the opportunity to experience the festivity of the Palace after visiting hours, in the company of an expert guide. Find out more and book tickets here.
The Café at the Palace will offer a delicious selection of tempting festive treats, from mulled wine to Christmas cake, and a winter cart in the Café forecourt will sell roasted chestnuts and home-made mince pies.
Gift inspiration is on-hand at the Royal Collection Trust Shop, which will also be decorated for Christmas.
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In Leith there are many green projects. The latest one to come to our notice is the Leith Crops in Pots organisation which holds its AGM on 7 December at Leith Community Education Centre, 12a Newkirkgate, EH6 6AD from 16.30 till 19.00. The group want to use the opportunity to celebrate the last year and the work which they have been doing with schools and also with adults.
Mr Mash will join the meeting to explain about food through storytelling. The group are holding a ‘Croft Work’ session soon and they will be announcing their croft agreements and membership criteria for next year. If you want to sign up for a plot to grow some crops next year then get along to the AGM to sign up.
(Photo from Crops in Pots Facebook page which you can access here.)
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The Erskine Edinburgh Christmas Carol Concert is taking place as St Cuthbert’s Parish Church, Lothian Road, on Thursday 11th December 2014. Refreshments at 7:00pm for 7.30pm start
This year’s concert will feature:
The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland
The Cadenza Choir
Chamber Choir of St George’s School for Girls
Caitlyn Vanbeck (Edinburgh’s Got Talent Winner!)
Suggested donation of £5 – tickets are not necessary, please just come along.
For more information please contact Shona Langlands on 0131 666 9961 or shona.langlands@erskine.org.uk
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
