Pedal on Parliament
Karaoke in Leith today!
Botanics Late
Calling aspiring Edinburgh authors
New young volunteer in Muirhouse gets to work
It’s time for Pedal on Parliament.
Later today, thousands or people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life are going to come together in Edinburgh, and cycle or march on Holyrood to let Scottish politicians know that cycling and walking are hugely important for Scotland. The pedalling protest gets underway at The Meadows at about 11.30.
As with last year, families and children will be leading the ride, but so too will cyclists using specially adapted disability bikes from Free Wheel North, emphasising that cycling is – or should be – for everyone. Organiser David Brennan will be riding an emotionally significant bike – it was being ridden by Andrew McNicoll when he was killed on the roads in Edinburgh just before the first Pedal on Parliament, and donated by his family, who wanted it to be at POP ‘for him’. This year, POP has also gone local as there will be a simultaneous event in Aberdeen, Pedal on Marsichal.
In a General Election campaign that has been more than usually stage managed, Pedal on Parliament will bring thousands of ordinary people out to make their voices heard – and talk directly to the politicians themselves. The Scottish Transport Minister, Derek MacKay, will be attending alongside 20 other politicians from all levels of government, all of whom want to hear what those Pedalling on Parliament have to say. It should see the election campaign come alive after the stale Westminster debates, and show that cycling can be beneficial to the entire nation – regardless of who gets into coalition with whom after May 7th.
Businessman Alex Robertson, one of the Pedal on Parliament organisers said, “London is starting to grasp the benefits of cycling with huge interventions such as cycle superhighways and bike rental schemes. They know that there is a long way to go but are actively working at it. The rest of the UK needs to follow suit, and we want Scotland to be at the forefront of this revolution. This is a revolution that will make our streets safer, quieter, nicer places to live. It’s a revolution that will save lives, not just directly by increasing road safety, but indirectly by limiting pressure on the NHS, and getting people out and about and active.”
Fellow organiser Denise Marshall, who will be leading the ‘Pedestrians on Parliament’ contingent this year, said, “Pedal on Parliament is not about making roads safer just for keen cyclists. It’s about helping our children get to school safely, under their own steam. It’s about a healthier, wealthier Scotland. But, perhaps most importantly, it’s about telling the politicians what we want and when we want it— and the time is now!”
So look out for cyclists!
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At Newkirkgate Shopping Centre, Leith this afternoon between 1:30pm – 4:30pm there is a big karaoke event!
Are you a budding singer, enjoy performing to an audience or just want to take your karaoke skills to the next level? Leith Festival 2015 presents ‘Karaoke in the Kirkgate’, at the Newkirkgate Shopping Centre in Leith, for you to showcase your talents.
What are you waiting for? Come along to show-off your singing skills and entertain shoppers!
Follow-up dates planned for Sunday 24th May and Saturday 20th June, both 1:30pm – 4:30pm
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There will be a very different sort of nip in the air at The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in May, as we prepare to have fun with a twilight toast to two of Scotland’s most prized assets at Botanics Late: The Hive & The Still on Friday 15th. A celebration of all things whisky and honey, this buzzing after-hours event fuses live music and dancing, street food, drink and science during Scotland’s Whisky Month of May.
Friday 15 May: 7pm – 10pm
Soak up the unique atmosphere of the Botanics at night while discovering what makes two of our national products so distinct and diverse. Alongside whisky and honey tastings, enjoy cocktails, hands-on activities and exhibitions, including Inverleith House entirely covered in murals by Swiss artist Nicolas Party.
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Do you think you can write?
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is calling upon Edinburgh authors to enter for Story Shop, the annual showcase for Edinburgh’s newest writing talent, returns to the Festival this August.
Edinburgh City of Literature Trust is now taking submissions and the selected writers will get to read their work in front of our Book Festival audience.
This is a brilliant opportunity for new writers – previous participants have gone on to win awardsand publishing deals – so if you’re an unpublished writer who lives or works in Edinburgh you can find out how to apply on the City of Literature website.
The closing date for entries is Monday 27 April. Good luck!
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The Muirhouse Millennium Centre have sent us some news of their new volunteers.
“Yet another young volunteer joins us from the council run Scheme, financially helping 16 & 17 into work or education and volunteering. Young Connor joins our Young Team Chris Paul and Dale doing the many tasks that are required to run a successful Community Centre. Pictured is Chris enjoying the morning sunshine and tending to the daffodils, maintaining a bright and cheerful garden for our community to enjoy.”
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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
