Dalmeny Primary School in conjunction with The City of Edinburgh Councils Museum’s Outreach and Access department displayed a fabulous exhibition recently.

The exhibition looked at toys and games in the past and especially from World War II. The children chose museum objects (from the Museum of Childhood and the People’s Story Museums) to put on display and wrote the labels for the exhibition. They also created their own artworks and a film showing the experiences of people in Dalmeny during WWII. Although the exhibition was initially open to the public at the school, a smaller version is now on display at South Queensferry Library.

I met up with Diana Morton the Museums and Galleries Outreach and Access Manager who told me more about it.

http://www.mixcloud.com/basher1969/chat-with-diana-morton/

Diana said:- “It has been great working with the school and meeting some of the people from the local community who came by to see the exhibition.

For Season 2013/14 Livingston Football Club are in the market for a new main sponsor

Over the years the club has been successful in securing long term sponsorship deals with Mitsibushi, Motorola, Intelligent Finance and latterly Fasteq.

The opportunity for a new sponsor comes at a very exciting time in Scottish Football with the distinct possibility of League re-construction which will enhance the exposure of the incoming sponsor and add an extra dimension to becoming involved in the future of Livingston Football Club which has a glowing reputation for the development of young players playing an exciting brand of football under the guidance of Director of Football, John Collins and his coaching team, with players gaining international recognition for their performances.

You could be part of the next exciting chapter of Livingston Football Club

For full details of the package that is on offer please contact:-

Charles Burnett Commercial Director

01506 403343 direct line

email charles.burnett@livingstonfc.co.uk

Green councillor Steve Burgess has put forward a motion to the Council’s Policy Committee for their meeting on 26 February 2013 which commits the Council not to take any eviction action against tenants for rent arrears which arise  as a result of housing benefit being reduced for “under-occupation”. This, he claims, will ensure that people do not become homeless for debt over which they had no control.

The housing benefit penalties go live on 1 April this year and affect working age tenants of councils and housing associations who are judged to have more rooms in their homes than they need.

Under the Green proposals, the council will still be able to take other forms of action for arrears, and if arrears overall soar then eviction action is still among the options a council could use for the amount that is owed over and above the bedroom tax.

Councillor Burgess said:-“Of all the welfare cuts coming from Westminster the bedroom tax is the most baffling, the most difficult to deal with and probably the most odious. Penalising tenants for occupying a home that is “too big” for them is absurd when there are simply not enough smaller homes to which they can move. The result will be more debt, more people struggling with bills and the real risk of more homelessness, with all the enormous costs that brings.

“But it is not enough for councils simply to wring their hands in despair. I am urging the City Council to send out a clear signal to our own tenants that we are on their side. We still need to collect the rent, yes, because that pays for the services tenants enjoy, but we will not seek to evict for that part of any arrears that are a result of the bedroom tax.

“This is a pragmatic move that leaves it open to the council to do as it has always done for other types of rent arrears and still means that other forms of debt-recovery can be used for bedroom tax-related arrears. But it removes the shadow of eviction and homelessness from the equation.”

Green MSP Patrick Harvie also raised the proposal at Holyrood this week

Harvie said:-“The bedroom tax is a hugely unfair and unjustified proposal and I urge all housing providers to look at creative approaches to reduce the risk of evictions, such as by allocating additional funds or by redesignating rooms.”

The papers for the meeting on 26 February can be found here.

The motion from the Greens is below:

a. Notes that from 1 April 2013 new restrictions will be introduced by the UK Government affecting working-age households occupying social housing such that reductions will be applied to housing benefit payments where tenants are deemed to be under-occupying their homes. This has been called the “bedroom tax”.

b. Notes that the restrictions are estimated to affect 6,500 council and housing association tenants in Edinburgh.

c. Notes that, on 22 January 2013, Corporate Policy and Strategy Committee agreed to explore topping up Discretionary Housing Payments up to an additional £2.021 million, aimed at, among other measures, reducing the detrimental impact of the under-occupancy restrictions.

d. Notes that a range of actions to mitigate the under-occupancy restrictions are being looked at, including providing offers of reasonable alternative accommodation but that the supply and turnover of smaller accommodation comes nowhere close to meeting the demand.

e. Therefore resolves that, in determining when and whether to initiate and pursue proceedings to recover a tenancy as a consequence of rent arrears, the council will:

– Calculate the sum by which the household’s housing benefit payment has been reduced by under-occupancy restrictions
– Disregard that sum in relation to action for recovery of the tenancy (eviction).

Lothian and Borders Police can now confirm the identity of a man who died following an alleged disturbance in Magdalene Drive on Sunday 10th February.

He is 25 year-old Craig Stewart from Penicuik.

Mr Stewart was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he was treated for serious injuries. However, he passed away on Tuesday 19th February 2013.

A report on the circumstances surrounding his death will now be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

A 46-year-old man has been arrested and charged and has made a first appearance in court in connection with this incident.

People seeking help getting into work or training were offered free advice at a special event at McDonald Road Library, today.

The drop-in event, organised by The City of Edinburgh Council’s Get On service in partnership with key employability organisations from across the city, aimed to connect job seekers with specially trained employability staff.

Attendees took part in a range of activities and workshops including:

• CV clinic
• live vacancy stall
• job search drop-in
• information stalls

The event also marked the launch of the new Employability Helpline number: 0131 529 6161. The helpline offers access to advice for those seeking to get into work or training. It also offers support on money matters, housing, and health, through a consortium of partners acting as an Integrated Employability Service.

Economic Convenor Councillor Frank Ross said: “Events like today’s are all about equipping people with the information, skills and confidence they need to get out into the job market. The people I have spoken to today are ready and willing to offer their skills to society, and Get On offers a gateway through to services aimed at providing them the best possible chance to make that contribution.

“We recognise how high a priority employment is to people in Edinburgh, which is why our budget for 2013/14 reinstated £800,000 in grant funding to employability services in the city. That’s in addition to the £1m to continue supporting the Edinburgh Guarantee, targeted specifically at creating opportunities for young people”.

CITY SPORTS INVESTMENT PLANS MOVE UP A GEAR

A new purpose-built cycling hub is set to be created in the east of Edinburgh.

The proposed investment would include the development of a regional track cycling facility and closed 1km road loop circuit at Hunters Hall Park, the home of the Jack Kane Sports Centre. Additional facilities, such as a BMX track, may be added later.

The move follows discussions with governing bodies and the cycling community regarding their desire to see improved cycling facilities in the city.

The commitment is part of the Council’s £1.215m investment in sports facilities, which will also include the addition of a new 3G pitch at the Jack Kane.

Council officers will submit applications to SportScotland and other bodies with a view to securing additional funding.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture & Sport Convener, City of Edinburgh Council, said:- “In line with our Capital Coalition pledge, we are committing substantial funding towards improving Edinburgh’s sporting infrastructure, particularly in relation to cycling.

“The phenomenal success enjoyed by Sir Chris Hoy has acted as an inspiration to many and interest in cycling is at all time high. We have already allocated 6% of our transport budget to cycling improvements across the city but, through this investment, we want to encourage and support competitive cycling as well.

“While these plans are at a very early stage, our vision is to create a cycling hub which will be accessible all year round by cyclists of all ages and abilities.

“This is an investment in Edinburgh’s sporting future but also in the continued regeneration of Craigmillar.”

Sir Chris Hoy today welcomed the news:- “I’m delighted to hear that a new velodrome and road circuit are being built in my home city of Edinburgh, and very pleased to hear that the council is investing in local sports facilities and in cycling in particular, to provide decent access and facilities for people wanting to get in to the sport.

“This is great news for Edinburgh and for the future of Scottish sport.”

The detailed plans, costings and timescales for the new facilities will be developed in partnership with partners and stakeholders.

Lothian and Borders Police and their neighbouring forces are carrying out a major operation across roads in the Scottish Borders and the North of England. Road Policing Officers from the Borders will join colleagues from Northumbria Police, Cumbria Constabulary, Durham Constabulary, Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary and Cleveland Police between Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd February to carry out searches of vehicles utilising the arterial routes between both countries.

The activity is part of Operation Overlord – an ongoing initiative co-ordinated by Lothian and Borders Police to identify and deter criminal activity on the road network.

Police will be on the look out for various motoring offences including speeding, drink/drug driving, driving without a seatbelt and driving without a valid licence; MOT or insurance.

Partner agencies from VOSA and SEPA will assist with roadside checks to ensure all vehicles stopped are roadworthy and do not present a risk to the environment.

Other organisations including British Transport Police HMRC Road Fuel, Benefits Agency, Motor Insurance Bureau and BT Openreach will also support Operation Overlord to help identify vehicles and individuals responsible for crimes including bogus workmen, metal theft and drugs couriering.

Anyone found to be involved in criminal activity over the 48-hour enforcement period will be robustly dealt with.

Superintendent Denise Mulvaney, Head of Road Policing for Lothian and Borders Police said: “The majority of motorists who utilise the road network between Scotland and England need not worry themselves with our presence over the next couple of days. However, a small number of people use these arterial routes to commit crimes North and South of the border and all the police forces are working closely together to bring these individuals to justice.

“As well as deterring and detecting crime, police will use this opportunity to gather intelligence on criminals who regularly move between both countries.

“Officers are also keen to ensure drivers are adhering to the laws of the roads and that their vehicles meet the required safety standards so as not to put other motorists at risks.

“I’m grateful for the support and assistance of all our police colleagues and partner agencies during this operation, which highlights our commitment to tackling all forms of crime, wherever it occurs.”

Forth Road Bridge – North Edinburgh Arts exhibition – Richard Thompson – ActivCity Funding available – All about The Edinburgh Reporter and Augmented Reality….

 Responding to a report by the chief engineer of the Forth Road Bridge, showing that “the safety of the main cables will not diminish significantly in the future as long as the dehumidification system continues to function”, Alison Johnstone, Green MSP for Lothian, said:

“This report removes the central justification that the SNP made for blowing over a billion pounds on a new bridge. The Scottish Greens were the only party arguing strongly that repairing the existing bridge, even if the cables had to be replaced, would have cost a tiny fraction of the price and with no closure of the bridge.

“Those who wanted to see if the repairs worked before blowing billions on a new bridge were the responsible ones, while other parties charged recklessly ahead.

Alison added:

“The Scottish Government must keep their promise to restrict use of the existing bridge to buses, bikes and pedestrians, otherwise they will simply have created an eight-lane motorway over the Forth, encouraging ever more traffic and congestion coming into Edinburgh.”

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A group of contemporary art students from Edinburgh College will hold a unique exhibition after drawing inspiration from the history and culture of North Edinburgh where they study.

Working in partnership with North Edinburgh Arts and North Edinburgh Social History Group, the group of eleven students from the HND Contemporary Art Practice course will showcase their artwork at the Local exhibition at North Edinburgh Arts.

With the help of the North Edinburgh Social History Group, students were able to connect with their surroundings by speaking to members of the local community and experts from the history group, and were overwhelmed by their stories.

HND Contemporary Art Practice student, Heather Lane, was inspired by the rich history of activism in North Edinburgh and created banners and campaign artwork to recognise its passionate social groups.

Heather said:  “I was inspired by the people of North Edinburgh’s collective want for change in the community, through their staging of protests and campaigns.”

Heather added: “I wanted to pay homage to their fight and let their message live on. Although these issues may be resolved or not relevant anymore, re-making the banners, placards and posters was about the overall notion of resistance against power; inspiring people to become active in bringing about change.”

Edinburgh College Art Lecturer, Jennie Temple, said: “The purpose of this project was to connect with our local community, and we have been overwhelmed by the warmth and support the North Edinburgh Arts and North Edinburgh Social History Group has shown us. Local has been a very successful exhibition for our students and we will carry on this unique partnership and friendship with the North Edinburgh community in the future.”

Edinburgh College is currently recruiting for the HND Contemporary Art Practice Course. Please visit www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk for further information and to apply online.

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Next week Richard Thompson appears at the Usher Hall. The former member of Fairport Convention is known as much for his songwriting as his performing.  Book your tickets here….

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The council has money for events involving sport or physical activity. This is what they say:-

Edinburgh hosts a series of sport and physical activity events annually. These range from events that attract a worldwide audience to small community festivals that aim to get local people involved in physical activity. In 2013 the programme will include the FINA World Diving Series, ATP Champions Tour, the Festival of Sport and several other mass participation walk, running and cycling events.

The Activcity Funding Programme is an initiative of the City of Edinburgh Council that supports events that promote sport and physical activity within the city.

If you are planning an event that aims to get local people active or involved in sport you could be eligible for Activcity funding up to £3,000 to support your event. To find out more about the funding available and to apply to the Activcity Funding Programme go to www.activcity.info/activcityevents The closing date for applications is Friday 29th March, but we ask that events taking place in April submit applications as soon as possible.

We’d like your help to promote this excellent opportunity. Please could you distribute details of the Activcity Funding Programme to your networks, colleagues and partners.

If you’d like to chat through the programme in more detail contact Shelagh Jackson, Sports Officer, at the City of Edinburgh Council on 0131 529 7993/ shelagh.jackson@edinburgh.gov.uk

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All of this information is on our About Us page but we thought it would be an idea to remind you all!

The Edinburgh Reporter is the hyperlocal news website for Edinburgh. It is aimed at people living and/or working in the capital, although some of the content may also be of interest to visitors.

We welcome contributions from anyone who has something to say about Edinburgh. If you have an article, or even an idea for an article which you could write, then please email us theedinburghreporter@gmail.com or use our Contact us page. Or you can Submit your Story by accessing the form here. This will allow you to add your own photos to your article too.

We publish details of any events that we come across here on our n0tice Board.  n0tice is a kind of community virtual notice board which has been developed by The Guardian, and we were invited to be part of the pilot. You can also add any events which you think would be interesting to our n0tice board.

You may also call us on 07791 406 498 if your enquiry or story is urgent. Or contact us on Twitter or Facebook.

We welcome press releases from any PR companies with a story to tell us and our readers about Edinburgh businesses or events happening here. We use press releases to get as many stories as possible out to our readers, but we always edit them before publication.

Photographs are essential to us so that our pages are alive with good, relevant images, and we take our own photographs or use photos from others but only with express permission. If you have photos you think we could use then please feel free to email and we will publish with full attribution to you.

We use video and audio where we can, employing the ever-advancing technology available. For example we have our Bambuser channel which streams video live to our site. You can see our latest footage on Bambuser which is filmed with an iPhone in our archive Bambuser footage which is on our Bambuser page here. It is possible for this footage to be used by others but we would urge you to say where it originated from and give us credit for our work.

We also publish our audio slideshows and edited videos on our YouTube channel which you can see here. 

All of our audio reports are grouped here.

We liveblog some council meetings and run live web chats with a variety of organisations. All of these articles are published here.

If we see some pdf documents that we think are of use or interest to our readers,  then we publish those on Scribd and usually include them in our articles, but you can read all of them here. 

We also publish details of interesting Edinburgh stories which are just a bit big for us or have passed us by on Scoop.it! which you can read here.

We also have a Pinterest account and are actively looking for you to pin your photos of Edinburgh there too!

And we are using our Blipfoto and Tumblr pages to show off some of our photos too….

You can access all of our other articles when you are out and about in Edinburgh by using the Wikitude App  or the LAYAR App on your smartphone. This allows you to search for The Edinburgh Reporter and. using technology called Augmented Reality, you will find the articles which are written about the area of Edinburgh where you actually are at the time.  

All of our articles are geotagged with an appropriate location. So for example if you want to read all of our Hibs related articles then when you are at Easter Road you can find them by using either of these apps either on your iPhone or an Android device.

You may subscribe FOR FREE!! to The Edinburgh Reporter to receive a once daily update of our articles by completing the subscribe details at the top right hand side of any page.

Augmented Reality – We have been introducing you to our use of Aurasma over recent weeks. For those of you who have not read our earlier articles about this then here is what you need to know about our use of augmented reality

Download the Aurasma Lite app  which is available for iPhone or Android.

Follow The Edinburgh Reporter channel by using the search facility in the app.

Find our trigger images and use your phone to watch our added content automatically.

We have set up an Aura based on the green and white logo on the Starbucks cup. What will you see when you use your phone to trigger it…? This is not seen as any endorsement of Starbucks, but simply a way of using a fairly widely available image to trigger our augmented reality content….You should also be able to use the photo below….

The National Youth Orchestra of Scotland (NYOS) are hosting a series of Spring and Summer concerts over the coming months, taking in places such as Glasgow, Gateshead, Aberdeen and they will be appearing in Edinburgh on 9 April 2013 at 3:00pm at Greyfriars’ Kirk, Edinburgh

Joan Gibson, Chief Executive of NYOS, said:-

“The National Youth Orchestras of Scotland presents the debut concert of its new orchestra for aspiring musicians aged between 12 and 18. The concert will be conducted by James Lowe, whose renowned work with youth orchestras included his direction of the Hallé Harmony Youth Orchestra as featured in the Channel 4 documentary series ‘Orchestra United’. ”

NYOS Senior Orchestra

9th April 2013 at 3pm

Greyfriars’ Kirk, Edinburgh

Conductor: James Lowe

Repertoire:

Dvorak: Noon Witch

Purcell arr Britten: Chacone

Britten: Gloriana Courtly Dances

Borodin: Symphony No 3

Tickets: Adult £10 | All concessions £5 * Credit card charges apply

Box Office: 0131-668 2019 or visit www.thequeenshall.net

Tense, terse and tight, Lesley Hart’s 3 Seconds makes a powerful and sometimes unsettling start to the Traverse Theatre’s spring season of A Play, a Pie and a Pint lunchtime shows.

The set-up is familiar enough: a stranger arrives in a family home, and by the end, uncomfortable truths are dragged out into the light of day. In this case it’s the bedraggled, dripping-wet Mary who has braved the Moray floods to climb to the the ultra-clean, clingfilm-wrapped highrise flat of Diane. A tragedy has occurred; there has been retaliation; and Mary is there to make amends – and, maybe, reveal the truth.

It’s the economy of Hart’s language that lends the show its particular strength, and her slow dripfeed of details about the event that has led to the play’s central confrontation. The final revelations – before a somewhat brusque conclusion – may not quite live up to the lengthy build-up, but even in a short piece, Hart expertly positions plot twists and turns to make us challenge our judgements and question our moral perspectives.

Cara Kelly is compelling and entirely convincing as a weary Mary, at once regretful of the past yet quietly determined to uncover the truth. Claire Knight stays just the right side of obsessiveness as the ever-scrubbing, grieving mother Diane, and Helen Mackay is suitably mouthy as her belligerent teenage daughter Christine.

Director Hamish Pirie keep things moving briskly while still allowing the tensions to pile up, and his ear for the ebb and flow of conversation, as well as for what’s left unsaid, is impressive. 3 Seconds might only last 40 minutes, but it still packs quite a punch.

3 Seconds continues at the Traverse Theatre until Saturday 23 February. Next week’s show in the A Play, A Pie and a Pint season is Douglas Maxwell’s A Respectable Widow Takes to Vulgarity (26 Feb-2 Mar). The season continues until 23 March.

Image by Leslie Black

An annual survey of Edinburgh residents has shown record levels of satisfaction with local services, which the council say shows a steady upward trend over the last five years. The most improved services include recycling, street cleaning, parks, pavement maintenance and community safety. However, the results also highlight areas for further work, including refuse collection, dog fouling and public engagement.

Overall, the report says that 86% of Edinburgh residents are satisfied with the way the Council is managing neighbourhoods, which is a 19% rise on 2008. At a local level, improvements can be seen in all neighbourhoods, particularly the South West, Forth, Leith and Portobello and Craigmillar. But the areas of Forth and Pentlands generally fall below the city average, although they have seen a significant increase in satisfaction since the previous survey.

The Reporter met up with the Council Leader and Deputy Leader to hear their reaction to the new survey:-

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrHfjYqqwPs]

The survey also shows that satisfaction with how the Council manages the city overall has increased to 72% from a low of 35% in 2009. Commenting on the figure,

Councillor Burns added: “This measure has varied a lot in the last five years and the most recent change is so large we should be cautious about drawing conclusions based on this year’s result alone. It may be that the progress with the tram project is a factor. Our strong leadership and commitment to listening could equally have helped. Either way, it’s something we need to understand better.

“Overall, while the results are encouraging there can be no room for complacency. We are ambitious for the city and there is much work yet to be done, so we simply need to continue delivering the pledges we made to Edinburgh residents and look for that to be reflected in future surveys.”

The public’s top five priorities for improvement included road improvements and safety, street cleaning and refuse collection, activities for children/young people, tackling dog fouling, and more shopping facilities and entertainment.

Deputy Council Leader Councillor Steve Cardownie said: “Our recent budget clearly shows we have listened to residents, with an extra £12m going into doubling the budget for fixing potholes and pavements, as well as investment in other facilities and services that the public value. The continued improvements also underline the fact that we have been responding to concerns, but we will make sure that we also tackle the areas where the survey shows we need to do more. That’s essential for the people who live and work here, but also for maintaining our reputation as a world-class capital city.”

Other findings in the Edinburgh Peoples Survey 2012 include:

• Improved performance of the whole Council compared to previous years. As well as overall management of the city, there were increases in delivering value for money and displaying sound financial management.
• Edinburgh continues to be highly regarded as a place to live with 97% expressing satisfaction, continuing a year-on-year increase since 2010. Satisfaction with neighbourhoods as place to live has also stayed very high at 94%, up by 8% since 2008.
• High levels of satisfaction with nursery, primary and secondary schools (excluding those who stated ‘don’t know’).
• Improved satisfaction with the way the Council communicates with customers and “puts customers first”.
• Satisfaction has reduced in refuse collection (to 78%) and dog fouling (to 48%).
• Road maintenance continues to have a lower satisfaction score than other services (56%), staying about the same over the five year period.
• Reduced feeling of ability to have a say on local issues and services.

More detailed analysis will be carried out to understand the reasons underlying the changes in satisfaction. The research will also be used by managers and staff to develop action plans for maintaining high performance and addressing areas for improvement.

Dalkeith Country Estate, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, is set to mark a new phase in its 300 year history with plans for a series of upgrades and improvements in the coming months.

The 500 acre country estate, located just five miles from Edinburgh city centre and owned by the Duke of Buccleuch, has made a name for itself over the last four decades as family destination popular for its woodland walks, historic courtyard, café and adventure playground.

The Estate is finalising plans to submit to authorities for approval for the new-look Dalkeith Country Estate that will include replacing and relocating the popular adventure playground within the grounds to cater for increased demand for the facility as well as new retail, food and interactive activities for all the family to enjoy.

Dalkeith Country Estate will remain open for visitors from 10am -5pm daily while work is being carried out.

The management team has also secured a number of high profile events for the Country Estate in 2013, which are expected to draw significant numbers of visitors to the area later in the year.

Iain Herbert, Visitor Services Manager for Dalkeith Country Estate commented: “We are very excited about our plans for Dalkeith Country Estate.

“Our adventure playground has been a family favourite for generations and our plans for a new facility will offer a bigger and better experience for our visitors for generations to come. We are pressing ahead with the development of the estate and the first signs our visitors will see is the dismantling of the current playground set to take place in the next couple of weeks.

“It marks a new era for the estate which we believe will really put it on the map as a must-visit tourist destination; we look forward to unveiling more of our exciting developments once approval from the relevant bodies has been granted.”

Rugby travel – Caltongate – Funding for Leith – Marchmont and Sciennes Community Council meeting – Spring Fling

Anyone travelling to and from the rugby this weekend will be glad to know that Scotrail have decided to add more carriages to each train to help fans travel more comfortably. More news here

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Caltongate is back on the agenda at this morning’s Development Management Committee meeting. The report produced for the meeting explains that a pre-planning public exhibition will be held on site in the form of a drop-in session on Thursday 14th March 2013 at the Canongate Venture, New Street, Edinburgh, so if you are interested in what shape the development might take you should note the date in your diary now.  The planning papers for Caltongate can be found on the council planning portal here.

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A Leith community project has been awarded almost £43,000 of funding. Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) secured funds for Saheliya from the Scottish Government’s Community Fund.

The organisation will receive £42,482.00 over the next two years. The funds will provide learning activities to improve language and communications skills to over 90 ethnic minority women living in the North Edinburgh area. A number of PoLHA’s tenants use the service.

Mary Hastie Business Development Co-ordinator at Saheliya, said:-“This funding is vitally important and allows us to reach out to women and young girls who are disengaged and feel disempowered and give them a voice.

“This money will allow us to provide vulnerable women with the confidence and skills needed to access additional services to support and encourage integration within the wider community.

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive at PoLHA, said:-“We are committed to supporting communities and creating a sense of purpose and belonging for our tenants. Saheliya is a fantastic initiative and I am delighted we have been able to support them through access to the Scottish Government’s Community Fund.”

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Next week’s Marchmont and Sciennes Community Council meeting will take place at St Catherine of Argyle Church 61 – 63 Grange Road. EH9 1TY. The whole meeting will be on one subject, the rising school rolls for primary schools in South Edinburgh. More information on the community council website.

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(And yes today’s photo is of Edinburgh – Morningside…)

News from Cliff Beevers, Chair of Juniper Green Community Council

The Juniper Green Community Market continues this weekend: 23 February 2013 from 9am-1pm in the car park of the dental surgery on Lanark Road opposite Juniper Avenue.

The usual range of stalls will be present with bread, meat, cheese, veg and sweets to delight.  In addition, the stallholder selling venison, pheasant, duck etc is back for a second month.  Soap and Doggie treats are sharing a stall and as I write several other stalls are expected including a return for the really Good Fudge Company.

The community stall this month has been taken by the Juniper Green Tennis Club.  Look out for Eoin Swan, coach at the club, and have a chat about lessons, joining the club and other events planned over the Spring and Summer.

Market goers can enjoy too the music of the Blue Moon Ensemble.  Come and sing along until you are hoarse!  Trot along to this month’s market, the going will be firm and we are all under starter’s orders.  Seriously, do quiz the stallholders on their supply chain.

Councillor Ricky Henderson will be on duty from midday, ready to answer any tricky questions about the fine service offered by your City of Edinburgh Council.

PC Martin Redden will also be present so any queries about safety, concerns about traffic or questions about the law can be directed at Martin.

If you are a parent at the Juniper Green Primary School and you have comments about the new pavement and turning circle at the top of Baberton Avenue please make your views known to one of the community councilors on duty on Saturday, they are the ones in the tee shirts!

At the next meeting of JGCC we are expecting a representative from LRT to attend to address some of the issues raised by residents about the present 33, 44 and 45 bus services.  If you have ideas on how to improve the service let us know.

 Currie CC and Juniper Green CC are collaborating on the response to the appeal by Taylor-Wimpey that their plans for building on the Muir Wood field have been refused by CEC.  Again, if you have opinions on this proposed development let your CC members know.

The “Clovenstone triangle” or more properly “Curriemuirend Park” is also being considered for development at the moment and a workshop to find out the views of the community will take place in Juniper Green Village Hall on 5 March 2013, between 5pm and 7pm in two one-hour sessions.  Hope you can make one or other of the sessions.

Scotrail has said it will be providing more seats than ever before for a 6 Nations game – and will have 50 extra staff on the ground to assist customers.

But it advised that services will still be busy – particularly if most spectators head for Haymarket immediately after the final whistle.

ScotRail also highlighted that Network Rail engineering works are taking place that day. Customers travelling to the capital from Stirling, Dunblane will travel by bus to Falkirk Grahamston to connect with train services. And the reverse will apply for the return journey. Customers from Perth can choose whether to catch trains via Fife or use the bus connection service.

Queuing systems will be in place at Glasgow Queen Street before the game, and at Haymarket after, to help safely guide customers to next available trains.

ScotRail urged fans to help their journeys run smoothly by:
– Buying tickets in advance
– Allowing extra time for travel
– Noting that drinking or carrying alcohol is banned on rugby trains, to help everyone safely enjoy the day.

It also asked fans to consider postponing their journeys home – with post-match entertainment available at Murrayfield stadium.

ScotRail has worked with partners including the Scottish Rugby Union, City of Edinburgh Council and police to help fans enjoy the day.

A ScotRail spokeswoman said: “We are pleased to be able to provide so many extra seats while also meeting demand in other areas of the rail network.

“Fans can play their part by buying tickets in advance and, if they are able to travel home an hour or so later, they will have more chance of getting a seat too.”

Customers are reminded that there are three routes from Glasgow to Edinburgh – two out of Queen Street High and Low Levels, and one from Glasgow Central.

The spokeswoman added, “We will aim to keep some room on trains from Glasgow Queen Street so that more customers can board on route.  People who live in the Falkirk area are recommended to use Falkirk Grahamston instead of Falkirk High”.

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