Edinburgh MPs at Westminster
Tracy Gilbert the MP for Edinburgh North and Leith talked about antisocial behaviour earlier in the week at Westminster. She spoke during a debate on the Crime and Policing Bill and said: “Antisocial behaviour has been an increasing concern for my constituents in Edinburgh North and Leith.
“Over the past few months, they have relayed to me their concerns over a group of young people who have been dubbed the “baby gang”. Their name might not seem threatening, but their actions are. The actions of the “baby gang” have alarmed my constituents and made them afraid. The tragedy is that many of the gang members are only in their mid-teens. During the general election campaign, constituents told me repeatedly how they were fed up with off-road bikes being used in parks and on pavements. That is why I am so pleased to see that the Bill will include provisions to tackle not only antisocial behaviour but the use of off-road motorbikes used in this manner. These issues are devolved to the Scottish Parliament, so I hope that The Scottish Government – although they are not represented here tonight – will look closely at these measures.”
The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, has confirmed that the government spend on Facebook and Instagram has fallen dramatically under the new Labour administration.
In response to a question from Labour MP for Calder Valley, Josh Fenton-Glynn, the Minister said: “The Scotland Office operates 6 social media accounts across X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and Threads. It does not have any paid social media subscriptions.
The amount spent on advertisements on each social media platform in each of the last three years was:
| Year | Channel | Amount |
| 2022/3 | Facebook/ Instagram | £49,893 |
| 2023/4 | Facebook/ Instagram | £17,725 |
| 2024/5 (to date) | Facebook/ Instagram | £4,019 |
Former MP representing petitioners in Winter Fuel Payment case on Thursday
Former Edinburgh South West MP, Joanna Cherry, KC, is representing Peter and Florence Fanning in a Judicial Review they have brought at the Court of Session and which will be heard this week before the Hon Lady Hood.
The case initiated by the Govan Law Centre, seeks a review of the decisions by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Scottish Ministers to cut the Winter Fuel Payment. Mr & Mrs Fanning are supported by legal aid and assistance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and the trade unions, RMT and RMT Scotland.
Part of their challenge relates to the governments’ decisions being unreasonable as they knew that it would “cause excess winter deaths and jeopardise the health and lives of vulnerable pensioners”.
The case is scheduled to last over two days this week and begins on Thursday morning at 10am at the Court of Session. Ms Cherry is supported by Mike Dailly, Solicitor Advocate in the case.
Buy to Let seminar
In a city where there is a housing emergency private landlords may be loved or disliked by people seeking a home. But the ESPC the property website is trying to address the practical aspects by holding a seminar to advise anyone contemplating buying a property to let out.
The free Buy-To-Let insights and advice event will be held at 5.30pm on 20th March, targeted at property investors and current landlords.
The event will be held at Twenty Princes St, and will allow those thinking about beginning a property portfolio, or expanding their current portfolio, to have their most pressing questions answered by a panel of property experts.
Attendees will have the chance to speak to an array of experts, to receive tailored advice about Edinburgh’s rental market and becoming a landlord. The event will include an overview of the current rental sector, as well as an interactive Q&A session where attendees can ask the professional panel any burning questions about property investment.
Experts in attendance will include Head of ESPC Lettings, Nicky Lloyd, as well as solicitors, mortgage advisers, and tax advisers.
Nicky Lloyd, Head of ESPC Lettings said “If 2025 is the year you invest in the property market, this is a must-attend event for you. If you’re taking the leap to invest in buy-to-let, or are expanding your already existing portfolio, our free event will delve into the nuances of buy-to-let investment, and is perfectly timed to provide information and answers on what it takes to make a success of property investment.”
“It’s a rare opportunity to gain free access to an array of property experts who can answer your questions about buy-to-let properties from legislation, what areas in Edinburgh to invest in, the right mortgage, and much more. We hope to see many aspiring investors in attendance.”
Sign up here:
First solo exhibition is on now
Staging her first solo exhibition in her seventh decade has proved to artist Alison Johnston that it is never too late to follow your dreams.
Ms Johnston’s new career began during lockdown when she celebrated her 60th birthday, and now she is opening her first solo exhibition of textile art, Needle Pulling Thread, at the Dundas Street Gallery until 30 March.
Alison, from Edinburgh, said that reaching her milestone birthday during the pandemic helped spur her on to fulfil her long-held ambition.
At Queen’s Hall this week
Even in March there is a lot on at The Queen’s Hall. On Wednesday The Scottish Chamber Orchestra perform an eclectic programme from Britten to Haydn. And the audience is encouraged to come early to listen to some foyer music from a Scottish DJ, Dolphin Boy.
This concert is part of the New Dimensions series presenting exploratory programmes with music for the mind body and soul. Seats available on the Queen’s Hall website.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
