The Royal Blind School in Edinburgh lit up the festive season with its annual Christmas show, A Race Across the world!
This year’s production featured an exciting race between two teams, the Huskies and the Reindeers, competing in a thrilling journey to the North Pole, featuring special performances inspired by “The Beatles” and “ABBA.” The spectacular show involved every pupil and staff member, celebrating the talent and creativity of a school where all pupils have complex disabilities.
Head of Learning, Lucy Chetty, who also had a starring role in the show, expressed her gratitude for everyone who made it happen, saying:
“Our annual school show is such an important highlight of the year for everyone connected to the Royal Blind School – pupils, parents, and staff. The team works tirelessly, with planning starting as far back as the summer, to ensure every single pupil is given the opportunity to take part in a way that celebrates their individuality and strengths. The show is written specifically with inclusivity in mind, and it’s incredible to see the joy it brings to our community. The photos are fantastic, and we hope everyone who attended had a magical time.”
Labour cling on to power at the City Chambers
At the City Chambers on Thursday the ruling Labour group retained control with a new group leader elected as Council Leader. The new council leader was joining the meeting from 5,000 miles away and the former leader, Cammy Day joined the meeting online with his camera switched off.
When asked by Cllr Lesley Macinnes that the former leader be told to turn his camera on even for the vote, the Lord Provost declined the request. Cllr Day voted with the Labour group and the Tories and Liberal Democrats ensuring that Labour retained control 32 votes to 28.
Cllr Katrina Faccenda was the sole member of the Labour group who abstained from voting to keep the group in administration saying that: “We have failed in the last two and a half years. We do not have enough time here today to go through the ways in which we have failed.
“I am the only councillor who does not receive a Special Responsibility Allowance and so I am the only one who could make a dispassionate opinion.” After the decision was made Cllr Faccenda said on X: “As if it wasn’t enough that the former leader of Edinburgh Council felt it appropriate to attend council online, he left once the tight vote on the future administration was taken. An absolute disgrace”.
The next full council meeting takes place in February to discuss the Tourist Tax.
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Edinburgh Farmers Market
Support the local producers at Saturday’s Farmers Market. Here are the producers who will be there on Saturday on Castle Terrace
At the National Galleries
National Galleries of Scotland hosted its latest dementia-friendly Gallery Social event at the Portrait gallery to explore the Celebrating 40 Years of Scotland’s Photography Collection exhibition.
Welcoming a group of people affected by dementia along with their relatives, friends and supporters, they enjoyed a relaxed and sociable art session before going on to explore the exhibition. Gallery Social sessions take place on the fourth Friday of every month exploring exhibitions at the Portrait, Modern and National. All are welcome.
Led by a team of friendly artists, the sessions have a relaxed and slow start, with a chance to enjoy refreshments and socialise or perhaps take part in a light-touch art activity. This is followed by a short gallery tour where all contributions are welcomed and valued.
Celebrating 40 Years of Scotland’s Photography Collection is open until 16 March 2025.
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