Five things you need to know today
Parliament celebrates 25 years
The Scottish Parliament has set out plans for a year-long programme of engagement designed to involve everyone in Scotland in a conversation that both reflects on devolution and considers how to shape the Parliament in future.
A special event will take place on Saturday 29 June at The Scottish Parliament which people across Scotland will be invited to join. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Presiding Officer will also visit regions all over Scotland, meeting people from all walks of life to hear their views and ideas for the future. These activities, together with other events to be announced, will enable communities up and down the country to help shape the Parliament of the future.
The Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP said: “This year we will reflect on the Parliament’s record and the significant political events during 25 years of devolution. While that reflection is welcome, I also want the Parliament’s focus to be firmly on the future.
“I want to use this milestone as an opportunity to engage people all over country about their aspirations for their Parliament.
“I want to continue to build on and strengthen that relationship between people and Parliament and modernise Holyrood to ensure it meets Scotland’s needs for the coming years.”
Further details for our 25th anniversary will be announced throughout the year.
A special 25th anniversary themed Festival of Politics will take place in the Scottish Parliament in August.
New supermarket
The new Lidl Store at Meadowbank opens this week on Thursday. It will be in the unit where TK Maxx traded until last year and will have an in-store bakery.
The new store has created 40 new jobs.
Filmhouse raise the ceiling on fundraising
Filmhouse Edinburgh continues to apply for grant funding while the new company seeks to reopen the doors. The fundraiser has so far raised almost £250,000 but the target has now been raised to £300,000.
The explanation from the company is simple: “We set an initial amount of £250,000 for this Crowdfunder but the evidence is that we can raise this target in line with the level of giving. We’re so pleased that people are giving what they can – from £3 to £2000. Some give regularly and we haven’t had a day without a donation! So we will increase the target to match the level of giving. And we will let everyone know when we are reaching the final deadline.
We now have a number of funding applications submitted / in train and we will know the outcomes by April so we have moved the deadline to the end of April. This Crowdfunder is a huge success story and it is a brilliant mechanism for people to show their support for the goal to re-open Filmhouse. All the money raised here is needed – it will form a really important part of the overall funds we need and are seeking.”
Building planned for the green belt
Builders Barratt and David Wilson Homes and the Catchelraw Trust have lodged a pre-planning application for land on the green belt which the Frogston Road Greenbelt Protection Group say is not zoned for housing in the City Plan. A public exhibition between 3pm and 7pm will be held on 20 February at the Toby Carvery 41 Howdenhall Road EH16 6PG where representatives of the house builders will be present to discuss the proposals. See also www.holderplanning.com from 20 February. There will be eight days to lodge comments.
Become an Edinburgh Reporter subscriber
Our February issue is out now. With more on our exclusive story about Chief Constable Jo Farrell revealed in our centre spread and our new columnist to entertain you with news of all the theatre you must see, we are pleased with this month’s issue. We hope you like it too.
If you would like to make sure that you don’t miss any of our monthly newspapers then sign up here.
