- Three Schools to reopen
- World Whisky Day
- Events today at the Botanics
- Portobello Timebank
- BBQ advice
Oxgangs Primary, St Peter’s Primary and Braidburn Schools will reopen their doors to pupils and staff on Tuesday 24 May, in line with the programme published by the Council last month.
The schools had been temporarily closed whilst remedial works were carried out by the Edinburgh Schools Partnership (ESP) and their contractors. This has now been completed and all the necessary documentation has been closely scrutinised by the independent structural engineers appointed by the Council.
Five more schools are due to reopen next month – Firrhill High on 6 June, Royal High and Drummond Community High on 20 June and Broomhouse Primary and St Joseph’s Primary on 27 June. The remainder are on course to open for the start of the new term in August.
Council leader Andrew Burns said: “I am sure the parents at these three schools will be relieved to see their children back at their own schools next week. It has been a very difficult time for everyone and I want to thank parents for their patience and understanding.
“Staff at the schools and across the Council have pulled out all the stops to ensure our young people’s education could continue and they deserve praise for their commitment and flexibility.
“Our priority has always been the safety of our pupils and staff and we have insisted that Edinburgh Schools Partnership and their contractors take a belt and braces approach to these works and associated paperwork. This approach has also been reviewed by an independent expert on behalf of the Council.
“I hope parents will take comfort from the level of rigour we have applied and insisted upon throughout.
“The remedial work at the remaining schools is on track with five due to reopen in June and the remaining nine by the middle of August for the start of the new term. If we can bring forward any of these dates, we will.”
Correspondence from ESP and their contractors providing safety assurances to the Council will be published on the Council websiteon Monday morning.
The Council has confirmed that an independent inquiry into the school closures will commence after the summer holidays.
Today is World Whisky Day but The Edinburgh Reporter had a lovely breakfast yesterday with Glengoyne Distillery Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Tom Lewis from Monachyle Mhor.
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- Free but bookable– Gather round the kitchen table at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for cookery demonstrations of seasonal recipes. Using fresh garden produce where possible, our Community Gardener will show you how to cook the vegetables that can be grown in your own garden or allotment.
- Free but bookable– Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Talk: Social Enterprise Models in Thailand, 11:00 – 12:30, Lecture Theatre. Free but booking essential.
- Free, all ages – Sat 21 May. 14:00 – 16:00. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh , John Hope Gateway. Free. All ages.Participants of the New for Old Thailand programme will be sharing their ideas and making techniques. Take part in basket weaving with Varni Weaving Community (from 14:00 to 15:00) and Indigo Dyeing with Kaewanna Indigo Studios (from 15:00 to 16:00).
Portobello Timebank say they are hosting an Open Day today Saturday 21 May, 2 – 4:30pm at Tribe Porty, above Earthy on Windsor Place.
They would love you to come along. Kirsty said: “We’ve spent time looking at how people engage with timebanks across the world and have been developing new ways for members of the Portobello community to come together and help each other. This is your opportunity to meet the people who are actively using the timebank to solve their problems, get jobs done, help their community or enhance their social life.
“We’ll be happy to answer your questions and show you ‘the workings’ to help you decide if timebanking may be something you could get involved in, either as an individual member or as an organisation. See for yourself what it’s all about, there will be several activity stations around the hall, so please come prepared.
- Upcycled World will be demonstrating book-binding throughout the afternoon, so raid the recycling box and bring along a supply of old envelopes, scrap paper, magazines and calendars to make your own notebook.
- ‘Crafty’ members will teach you to knit without needles, so bring 3 balls of wool and complete a stylish garment in half an hour.
- Bring along that sewing repair you haven’t got round to, and someone will fix it for you or show you how to do it.
- The Community Garden Group will have a display stand (we’re going to be helping them out next month), so what better excuse for a plant/seedling swap?
- And if you don’t have plants to swap, donations of edible goodies are always welcome!
Portobello Timebank look forward to seeing you on Saturday. If you know of anyone who might be interested in joining them, be sure to take them along too.
A City of Edinburgh fire officer is warning people to be extra careful when using barbecues.
The warning comes following an incident that happened in Edinburgh earlier this week.
Crews from Crewe Toll fire station were called to an incident on Monday evening which involved a casualty who had suffered minor burns while trying to light a barbecue.
Crews were also called out over the weekend to barbecues that had been left unattended and still lit.
With the warmer weather here it is likely that there will be an increase in barbecues and potential fire risks.
One of the main causes of fire is the careless disposal of BBQs into bins, some of which already contained combustible materials.
Group Manager David Girrity said: “We want people to enjoy the good weather and stay safe at the same time.
“Every year we get called out to deal with barbecues. We want people to follow the manufacturers’ guidance and make sure they stay safe.
“By following some simple rules, you can ensure your barbecue is a safe and enjoyable event.”
- Make sure your barbecue site is flat and away from fences, trees and sheds.
- All BBQ’s should be raised from grass areas to avoid burning or scolding
- Keep a bucket of water or large bottle of water nearby, in case of emergencies.
- Use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue to a depth of about five centimetres (two inches).
- Never use petrol or paraffin to start, or revive your barbecue – use only barbecue firelighters or starter fuel on cold coals.
- Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
- Never leave the barbecue unattended.
- After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before trying to move it.
- Hot ashes can melt a plastic wheelie bin and can cause a fire.
- Avoid alcohol if you are in charge of a barbeque.
For more information on staying safe with barbecues visit our website http://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/barbecue-safety.aspx
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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
