Commemorating the 7 October attack
It is a year today since the attack by Hamas on Israelis at the Nova festival in Israel. Since then conflict has escalated in the Middle East and the BBC report this morning that Israel has carried out more air strikes in Gaza, hitting a hospital which Israel says was used by Hamas, and in the capital of Lebanon, Beirut hitting Hezbollah weapons storage. The UK Government has ordered the evacuation of UK citizens from Lebanon.
Pro-Palestine rallies which have become a weekly occurrence in the capital were held in Edinburgh on Saturday, and a vigil will be held on Monday from 6pm at 58 Ratcliffe Terrace to remember those who have died and to continue the call for a ceasefire. This is organised by the Scottish Palestinian Forum, Secure Scotland and Peace and Justice (Scotland).
The First Minister, John Swinney, has issued a message of sympathy to the Jewish community who lost their loved ones, and he has repeated a call for peace.
Challenge Poverty Week 7 to 13 October
It was the Poverty Alliance which set up the first Challenge Poverty Week in 2013. They continue to make policy demands of the government – and you will find these here. Each day this week the charity will focus on a different aspect of poverty. Today it is housing.
For more information use the QR code below.
Coalie Park Mural
The Water of Leith Conservation Trust raised more than £1,000 for the new mural on the path leading into Leith. Over the weekend artist Kate George began the work to put the new design in place. Make sure to take time to admire the evolving mural as you pass along the path – or take some old Tupperware containers to help with the process. (The painters need some more containers to mix the paint in.)
Hannah Lavery at St Giles’
The former Edinburgh Makar, Hannah Lavery, is taking part in an event at St Giles on 9 October to mark the capital’s 900th anniversary.
She will perform a newly commissioned poetic work that asks the question “who are the unsung heroes that bring light to our communities?”. Inspired by Saint Giles’ story of care for the vulnerable and the dispossessed, this ambitious, immersive live music, song and spoken word event features 175 performers – superb brass brand musicians and singers from Edinburgh’s diverse communities and schools.
Performed by Hannah Lavery with The Wallace Collection, The Cooperation Band, Ama-zing Harmonies, Edinburgh Ukrainian Choir, Songtribe Choir, Abbeyhill Primary School and Portobello High School. (Lavery and the new Makar, Michael Pedersen, are both former pupils of Portobello High School).
Edinburgh cycle with Woodland Wheels
Time to book for a day out with your bike on 19 October beginning from Clermiston and travelling to Dalmeny Woods and back. It will give you an opportunity to make a packed lunch and take it with you – as well as meeting other cyclists and having a bit of fun. Click on the poster below to book a place.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
