Five things you need to know today
Filmhouse achieves their goal
Filmhouse Edinburgh have achieved their goal of raising £250,757.25 as at 27 December (including Gift Aid) to open the doors on Lothian Road. But of course this does not mean that the fundraising stops. Far from it – the group behind the project to get Filmhouse back on track still needs your help. The Crowdfunder is here.
The latest announcements about the plans for the future:
The goal is to open a new Filmhouse that continues to deliver the same sheer diversity of film programming as was ever the case; the most exceptional range of cultural film all year round – in a revitalised cinema building.
Filmhouse Edinburgh are now in advanced negotiations on a long lease with the new owners of 88 Lothian Road, Caledonian Heritable, and have entered into an interim six-month agreement with them to enable a period of fundraising,aiming to re-open in 2024. Currently, Caledonian Heritable are making a significant investment in much needed repairs to the fabric of the building.
In order to get the new Filmhouse up and running, funds are needed for a refurbishment and the preparations for opening. So a significant sum – ideally on the order of £1.25m – is needed from a number of sources, including public funders, philanthropy and the essential generosity of donors.
An initial target of £250,000 has been set for this Crowdfunder. This will be enough to cover crucial maintenance and essential improvements such as re-stepping and re-seating the cinemas, improved accessibility in screen 2 and improved toilet facilities. When this initial target is met, then a new target will be set to help fund other areas, such as the reconfiguration and renovation of the foyer and Café-Bar.
The challenge is for Filmhouse to thrive for the long term. Filmhouse Edinburgh plan to create an environment that people want to spend their time in and keep coming back to. A refit is long overdue and we believe it’s fundamental to making Filmhouse an attractive cinema venue – one that is also a sustainable business.
Edinburgh School Uniform Bank
This is the charity which provides new school uniform and other essentials like backpacks to children and young people who attend school in the city. The charity works on the premise that it is essential that all children attending school have access to appropriate clothes and equipment to ensure their inclusion and wellbeing. This way the charity says children can walk into a school with their “heads held high, ready to learn and play”.
The charity works on a referral basis only, but in the last year they have provided 1,369 packs of brand new uniforms as well as reaching more than 1,000 other children and young people by establishing community partnerships in Edinburgh.
The Edinburgh Reporter met the Chair of ESUB when the Lord Provost visited earlier in the year.
And anyone in the city can contact the charity to donate new uniform or as good as new items. There are many drop off points all listed here.
Calls for Mathieson’s resignation
Edinburgh University Students Association discussed a motion of no confidence in the senior management at University of Edinburgh when it last met. The motion was passed with 95% of votes cast in favour.
The Vice-Chancellor’s position and remuneration package were condemned in light of the strike action during the last year over fair pay and the continued difficulties posed by increases in the cost of living, and students will continue their campaign when they return in the New Year.
EUSA’s motion included a call for Mathieson to resign saying that the association should:
- “Publicly and formally support the position that Sir Peter William Mathieson should resign from his position and duties as Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh by no later than July 2024
- 2.1. Engage in a campaign through all pathways of communication, specifically email and social media platforms, to support ongoing student disapproval with current University Management
- 2.2. Publicly denounce the current salary paid to the Principal and other members of the University’s Senior Leadership Team”
In February last year students protested at McEwan Hall demanding Sir Peter’s resignation as he was meeting the General Council and delivering the university’s annual report.
The Vice-Chancellor’s salary is £406,000 per annum following a £43,000 raise during the year.
Coffee suggestions
Most coffee shops are open again between Christmas and New Year (but do check on Google or their websites before you go).
Charlie Ellis writes a monthly column about coffee and new openings or old favourites. One of the first he wrote about in 2023 was Artisan Roast on Leith Walk which opened just ahead of the trams opening in June which he proposed as a place to go since it upholds the highest values of labour profile and sheer quality.
With their La Marzocco machine and a high quality of barista training this is a place which exudes “a profound seriousness about coffee”.
Gift idea – buy a subscription for someone you love
A timely gift suggestion – buy someone a subscription to our monthly newspaper – we deliver by mail in compostable envelopes, and the subscription helps us to keep on publishing the news on a free to access basis. Click on the image below to sign up for yourself or as a present.
So far this year we have produced twelve issues and have already produced the January 2024 edition which will be delivered to our subscribers and stockists before 1 January.
And if you have any stories then do get in touch. editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk
