Today’s jobs market is a tough one. It has never been more important to stand out from the crowd when seeking a new role.

I work mainly with large blue-chip organisations, helping them recruit senior personnel. But my tips for making sure your CV is picked out apply equally to all career moves – senior, junior or in-between.

There is always a temptation to focus on telling potential employers all about your experience. This can be useful, to an extent, but what they really want to know, is what strengths you have that match those required for the job.

My advice is to write a template CV and adapt the content to highlight your suitability for each different post applied for. The reason this is important is that CVs are usually read by someone looking for key words that match their hiring criteria.

It is worth bearing in mind too, that a CV is only scanned on the first read, so if your key strengths stand out and are easily found, this can increase its chances of further consideration.

Another useful tip is to provide a little bit of information about the company you work for, because the recruiter may not know of them. So, include a line or two about the sector they operate in, how many employees they have and provide a short description of what they do. This helps put your experience and strengths into context.

It is also vital to list your key responsibilities within your current role – in other words, what you were employed to do. Then list what you have achieved within this role. This gives a clear indication of your ability to do the job and where you have exceeded expectations. Repeat this format for your previous roles too.

Keep your CV concise, but not too short, as limiting the volume of content could potentially undersell you. It is a fine line, but a recruiter would rather have a little more information than too little.

After you have written your CV, test it out by giving it to your partner or a friend to read, for an objective and helpful opinion.

In more than 20 years of recruiting, I have never yet met anyone who enjoys writing their CV. But there is no escaping the fact that a good CV is a must, to gain access to a face to face meeting, where you have the opportunity to shine in person – and get the job.

Cath Strachan is managing director of MSK Search (www.msksearch.com), which specialises in executive search and selection across a wide range of sectors, including pharmaceutical, engineering, oil and gas, sales and medical. MSK Search works with companies in the UK, Scandinavia, the US, Africa, Azerbaijan, Dubai and Singapore.

Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for witnesses following two break-ins at supermarkets in the East of Edinburgh.

The first incident happened in the very early hours of Wednesday 26 December 2012 at the Sainsbury’s store in the Meadowbank Retail Park.

Those responsible entered the store via the roof before making off with £3,000 worth of cigarettes.

A short time later, at around 3.30am, the Morrisons supermarket in Piersfield Terrace was also entered by its roof. However, on this occasion nothing was stolen.

Police are now investigating whether these incidents are linked and are urging businesses to ensure they have appropriate security measures in place to deter would-be thieves.

Sergeant Laura Brunton said: “In both incidents, the suspects climbed onto the supermarkets’ flat roofs and broke in.

“Officers believe that those who carried out these break-ins would have had to be carrying large holdalls for their equipment and to carry the stolen items.

“As such, anyone who remembers seeing anyone with a holdall acting suspiciously around either of these stores on Wednesday morning is asked to contact police immediately.

“We will be engaging with local businesses to offer a range of crime prevention advice and guidance on the steps, which can be taken to protect your premises from criminals.

“A number of measures including anti-climb paint, CCTV and security alarms are readily available and companies are strongly advised to have these installed if not already in place.

“Other simple steps, such as ensuring rooftop areas are not easily accessible and keeping high-value items suitably locked away will help make your premises an unattractive target for criminals.

“Anyone looking for more advice on crime prevention can contact their local policing team or visit the Lothian and Borders Police website at www.lbp.police.uk.”

Those with information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

As the big night approaches, organisers of Edinburgh’s world famous street party are urging revellers to be warm, to stay safe and to enjoy all that Edinburgh has to offer this Hogmanay.

The City of Edinburgh Council, Lothian and Borders Police, NHS Lothian, G4S Events and the Met Office today offered advice to help revellers bring in the New Year safely.

Councillor Steve Cardownie, Festival and Events Champion, said:-

“To make sure you and your friends have the best possible time seeing in the bells at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party, take some simple steps to look after yourself: dress for the weather, bring your New Year cheer in plastic bottles, and use your common sense. It’s also a good idea to heed the advice from police and stewards, who will be working extremely hard on the night to make sure everyone enjoys themselves safely, and to establish a pre-arranged meeting point in the event you become separated from your group. Look after yourself and your friends and help us welcome 2013 in style.”

Looking ahead to the weather forecast for Hogmanay, Graeme Forrester, Public Weather Service Advisor for the Met Office, said:

“After a wet and very windy period on Friday and into Saturday, things are currently looking better for the Hogmanay event. There will be a fresh to strong west to North West wind with rain affecting the Edinburgh area on Monday morning clearing away to give generally dry weather with lighter winds over the bells and temperatures staying above freezing at 2 or 3C. As always revellers should dress for the conditions and wrap up warm.”

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party organisers are offering a few extra tips for revellers to bear in mind:

• Follow the instructions on the Hogmanay Street Party tickets
• Dress for the weather
• Look after each other and arrange a meeting point
• Think about how to get home
• Police and stewards are on duty to look after everyone’s safety – bags may be searched on entry
• Revellers are encouraged not to bring under 16s to Street Party on 31 December.
• People under the influence of too much alcohol may be refused entry
• No one will get in unless they have an Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party ticket
• Don’t bring glass into the arena
• Pay bars and food outlets are located within the Street Party Arena.

The three day extravaganza begins in style with the annual Torchlight Procession on Sunday 30 December.

However, the biggest draw to the programme is undoubtedly Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party on Monday 31 December. Now in its 20th year, the world famous Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party welcomes 75,000 revellers from around the world to the ‘Home of Hogmanay’. With a total of five live music stages featuring headliners The Maccabees, Reverend and the Maker, Admiral Fallow and Shooglenifty.  Throw in one of the world’s largest New Year fireworks displays and you have the ultimate Edinburgh’s Hogmanay experience.

On the same night, Concert in the Gardens headliners Simple Minds will be having their own party beneath Edinburgh castle and are joined by special guests, The View.  The Concert in the Gardens is opened by local Edinburgh band Bwani Junction.

If you like a bit more birl with the bells, then The Keilidh is the place to be. Dance the night away on the outdoor ceilidh dance floor on Mound Precinct to the very best in traditional music with Hugh McDiarmid’s Haircut, Ceilidhdonia and The Brechin City Rollers.

The fun continues on Tuesday 1 January with the Loony Dook, the annual dip in the River Forth at South Queensferry at 1.30pm.  Revellers are also invited to come and join in Your Lucky Day.  Atmospheric theatre, spoken word, unique musical performances and even a lucky tearoom will be hidden in destinations around the city from the Greyfriars Kirk to The City Art Centre, The Roxy Hall to The Hub.  Revellers will be invited to start at Destination 1, the National Museum of Scotland, and to throw a dice to decide their first destination.  They allow the dice to decide their route around the Old Town for the rest of the afternoon.

Lucky participants might join in the dancing at the Highland Ceilidh or the Hogmanay Hoedown, enjoy inspiring music from young Scottish singer-songwriter Rachel Sermanni or shiver at the folk song ghost story Crows Bones.  They might immerse themselves in Duncan Chisholm’s Kin, a beautifully crafted journey into the past using music, narrative and film, try The Luck Factor with Professor Richard Wiseman or enjoy a Scottish afternoon tea with a difference in The Lucky Tearoom.  Audiences are expected to visit a number of performance destinations during the afternoon.

Your Lucky Day will culminate at Destination 13 in a spectacular street theatre show by French company Plasticiens Volants who have been commissioned to stage Big Bang, their stunning animation of the history of the world from the present back to that lucky day, around 13 billion years ago, when by current scientific consensus the universe was created.

MR Q – A YEAR IN THE LIFE: ROVING REPORTER PUBLISHES EXTRACTS OF HIS MEMOIRS

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT’S TOP DOG RECALLS THE BEST ‘BYTES’ OF 2012

When Mr Q set up a Twitter account a little over a year ago, his boss Dennis Robertson MSP had no doubts that his four legged friend’s nose for news would be an instant success.

It’s not easy always tweeting with paws, but Mr Q has racked-up nearly 500 followers and made new friends along the way.

Now – as a special Christmas treat – the roving reporter is kindly sharing extracts from his memoirs with us. They give a unique insight not only into the work of a guide dog, but also into the work of an MSP.

Commenting, Dennis Robertson – MSP for Aberdeenshire West – said:-“Mr Q may love the attention he gets around Parliament, but he really is an excellent guide dog – the best I’ve ever worked with.

“He’s been a little bit shattered recently – he is after all six-years-old which is a fair age for a working dog. But rest assured, he’ll get a good rest over the Christmas holidays.

“As these extracts from his diaries show, Mr Q has a unique insight on life in the Parliament, and I’m sure that when he leaves Parliament, his memoirs will become an instant bestseller.”

Mr Q added:-“What a year 2012 has been for the most handsome dog working at Scottish Parliament. I have selected some of my tweets to give you an insight into my busy life guiding my best friend, Dennis Robertson MSP.”

January

I’ve got the old harness back on today – I’m back at work in the Scottish Parliament. But to be honest it is nice to see my pals and get spoilt!

I’ve had 1000s of paw-mails to get through.

On Monday Dennis and I visited Old Rayne Primary – I could hardly move for attention!

I was in Ballater this morning anticipating cold paws, but was pleased that it was a toasty 8 degrees.

Just back from a fantastic Energy forum. Youngsters presented their view of the Energy industry to high powered audience.

On our way home I was forced to leave the pavement – due to a van being parked on it!

Going to a book launch tomorrow in Deeside: Man, Dog, Stroke, Musings of a Deeside Whippet (Hamish) and His Master (Eric)… looks good, eh?!

If Dennis would remember to put the light on I’d know who’s coming into the office.

Exciting day in the Parliament. I listened to the historic Your Scotland Your Referendum speech… Also, I’ve been busy working on my new signature. I love working for Dennis but independence is good, even for dogs.

February

Would you believe, the other day, on the train down from Stonehaven someone dropped their smart phone, right on my nose. Oooch… I noticed hundreds of apps on his phone, but none about dogs. However, I did see that he had fewer followers on Twitter than I do!

Looking forward to Linda Fabiani MSP’s debate tomorrow on cutting VAT on food for working dogs. Linda is working to help us get a better meal deal.

Now off to get Dennis on the train home. A dog’s work is never done.

So proud of Dennis Today. He’s my best friend

Dog tired today. Dennis had me out past midnight. He says thanks for all your kind support.

My master’s voice is on the Call Kaye phone-in BBC Radio Scotland this morning from 8.50am I’ll be listening.

Scottish Police Authority – The Queen’s Speech – Films – Hogmanay fireworks – Loads of rubbish

Chief Superintendent Malcolm Graham who is currently Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, has been named as one of the six Assistant Chief Constables appointed for Police Scotland, and from 1 April 2013 he will be in charge of Serious Crime and Public Protection across the new single police force. Read more here.

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Nothing unexpected in the Queen’s Christmas Day Speech, but maybe that is what it is meant to be, reassuringly the same. In case you were snoozing after your Christmas lunch here it is again. And closer to home our own Lord Provost Donald Wilson has left you a Christmas message here.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZ0A9BKKmzs]

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Today the cinemas are not open but tomorrow at The Filmhouse you can go and see Lawrence of Arabia in all its redigitised glory. More details of all the other films here.

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The City of Edinburgh Council and Unique Events today announced that the world famous Midnight Moment Fireworks, the climax of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, will be set to music for the first time this year. The five minute display, which will lift from Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill, will be choreographed to a mix of four contemporary Scottish music tracks which will be broadcast through the Street Party, Keilidh and Concert in the Gardens for the enjoyment of all 75,000 revellers. The music tracks are by four of Scotland’s biggest artists who have all performed at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay over the 20 years of the event, but the artists and songs will remain a closely guarded secret until midnight on the 31st.

The midnight firework display, which will be preceded by countdown teaser fireworks at 9.00pm, 10.00pm and 11.00pm, involves 2,240 firework cues, triggering 17,153 shots from 45 locations spread around Edinburgh Castle and West Princes Street Gardens. Over 20 tonnes of equipment and 12 kilometres of control cables and wires take a team of 14 people from UK fireworks company Kimbolton six days to set up on site. The Castle is cleared within three hours after the display so that it can open to the general public on New Year’s Day as if nothing had happened.

Pete Irvine, Artistic Director of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, said:- “Every year we offer something new and exciting to our guests at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and I am thrilled that for the first time our spectacular midnight fireworks will be set to music. What a great way to welcome 2013.”

Councillor Steve Cardownie, Festivals and Events Champion for The City of Edinburgh Council, said:-“Set to the soundtrack of two decades of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, our world famous fireworks display will provide a fitting and dramatic finale to 2012 – for the thousands partying in the street and the millions watching on TV across the globe.”

Two lucky winners of a competition to launch the world famous Edinburgh’s Hogmanay fireworks, put together by the organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and Scotland’s national tourism organisation, VisitScotland, will be travelling to Edinburgh from Italy, having won a once in a lifetime opportunity to kick off 2013 in style.

Alice Zitella & Alessandro Bongiorni from Rome will start the countdown to midnight on stage at the Concert in the Gardens, launching the fireworks in front of thousands at one of the planet’s biggest New Year parties. The prize also includes travel to and from Edinburgh and an exclusive three-night stay in a five-star hotel in the city centre. The competition was open to residents of the USA, Canada, Sweden, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands and VisitScotland received over 90,000 entries.

Alice Zitella said: “To visit Scotland has always been my dream. The land of fantastic writers, like Walter Scott and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, has always fascinated me. Today thanks to VisitScotland, I can finally experience Scottish culture. I didn’t expect to win the competition at all and the prize is even more special as we will arrive on the day of my birthday! Thank you so much!”

Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland said:- “I’d like to congratulate Alice and Alessandro on winning this money-can’t-buy prize – it truly is the experience of a lifetime. With more than 90,000 entrants, the competition showed that Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations continue to charm the world.”

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay promises to kick off 2013 in some style. The three day Festival starts with a cast of thousands enjoying the Torchlight Procession on Sunday 30 December, and the celebrations continue with the World Famous Street Party and Concert in the Gardens on Monday 31 December where revellers will enjoy the very best in live music, from Simple Minds, The View, The Maccabees, Reverend and the Makers, Admiral Fallow and Lau, together with REW1ND3R – the biggest party . . . in years which will turn Princes Street into the world’s largest dancefloor. The evening culminates in the spectacular Midnight Fireworks from the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill and the world’s largest rendition of Auld Lang Syne. Tickets are still available for Concert in the Gardens and The Street Party from www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Other events on New Year’s Day include the Loony Dook at South Queensferry, the return of the popular Edinburgh’s Dogmanay and the New Year’s Day Triathlon, both in Holyrood Park and Your Lucky Day – a whole festival in one afternoon which takes place in venues across the Old Town.

The event last year welcomed over 150,000 visitors from over 60 different countries and is a key part of Scotland’s tourism calendar. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay was worth more than £30 million to the Scottish economy in 2011/2012.

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The six Assistant Chief Constables for Police Scotland, the new service which will take on Scotland-wide responsibilities from 1 April next year, have been announced by the Scottish Police Authority, including Chief Superintendent Malcolm Graham who is currently Divisional Commander for Edinburgh.

The Reporter spoke to Malcolm Graham in September in one of our TERLive! sessions with Lothian and Borders Police which we have conducted throughout 2012.

The six who have been appointed are:

• Assistant Chief Constable, Local Policing East – Mike McCormick
• Assistant Chief Constable, Local Policing North – Derek Penman
• Assistant Chief Constable, Local Policing West – Wayne Mawson
• Assistant Chief Constable, Serious Crime and Public Protection  – Malcolm Graham
• Assistant Chief Constable, Crime, Serious Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism – Ruaraidh Nicolson; and
• Assistant Chief Constable, Operational Support – Bernie Higgins.

They are expected to take up their new roles shortly. All will be based in the interim headquarters for Police Scotland at Tulliallan Castle – although the Local Policing Assistant Chief Constables in particular will spend a significant amount of time in communities.

Vic Emery, Chair of the SPA, said:- “Our focus as an Authority is to ensure that the new police service is ready operationally, legally and financially for day 1. Appointing a command team to provide the Chief Constable with the support he needs has been a top priority.

“The new team is taking shape, and the appointment of the Assistant Chief Constables marks another big step forward. Each of them will play a major role in working with us to ensure the people of Scotland continue to get the best possible police service within the resources available.”

Chief Constable Stephen House said:

“The six Assistant Chief Constables who have been appointed will play critical roles in the future of policing in Scotland. The team will now drive forward local policing, deliver operationally on organised crime, major incidents, counter terrorism, public protection and operational support.

“They will work closely with the Deputy Chief Constables to shape the best possible service for communities to keep people safe.”

Background

All six posts will share the same core responsibilities of supporting the Chief Constable in the achievement of the stated aims of police reform and in upholding the principles of Police Scotland.

Mike McCormick has been appointed Assistant Chief Constable, Local Policing East. He is Local Policing lead in the National Police Reform Team, and was previously Deputy Chief Constable in Dumfries and Galloway.

Derek Penman has been appointed Assistant Chief Constable, Local Policing North. He is acting Chief Constable of Central Scotland, and ICT lead in the National Police Reform Team.

Wayne Mawson has been appointed Assistant Chief Constable, Local Policing West. He is a Chief Superintendent in Strathclyde, where is currently Divisional Commander and is responsible for local policing strategy in Glasgow North East and East Dunbartonshire.

Malcolm Graham has been appointed Assistant Chief Constable, Serious Crime and Public Protection. He is a Chief Superintendent in Lothian and Borders, where he is currently Divisional Commander for Edinburgh.

Ruaraidh Nicolson has been appointed Assistant Chief Constable, Crime, Serious Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism. He is temporary Deputy Chief Constable in Strathclyde.

Bernie Higgins has been appointed Assistant Chief Constable, Operational Support. He is Assistant Chief Constable in Strathclyde.

Police reform provides a unique opportunity to improve services. The new service will eliminate duplication by working more effectively and efficiently, saving £1.4 billion over 15 years and supporting a single Chief Constable and one senior management team. At the end of year five, we expect estimated savings of £106m.

In police there are currently eight Chiefs, nine DCCs and 13 ACCs costing around £4.8 million a year. The new service will have a much slimmer command structure of one Chief, four DCCs and six ACCs – costing less than £2 million a year.

All Assistant Chief Constables have been appointed on a permanent basis. The salary will be between £90,726 and £105,849, subject to experience.

We wish you all a very Happy Christmas. We will be publishing the odd story during the holidays!

//storify.com/edinreporter/christmas-trees-all-over-edinburgh.js[View the story “Christmas Trees all over Edinburgh!” on Storify]

After the usual overindulgence  on Christmas pudding, turkey and mince pies, what better way to relax and really enjoy Christmas than snuggling down on the sofa to watch TV, perhaps in the glow of your Christmas tree lights. To make your life easier , we have compiled a list of The Reporter’s top five TV shows to watch this Christmas season.

Downtown Abbey Christmas Special (25 December, 20:45,  ITV 1)

ITV’s Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning drama returns with a special episode in which the Crawleys are off to the Scottish Highlands for their annual summer holiday. With the family away, Carson will try to retain some form of order ensuring that the servants behave as one would expect…

Watch the trailer here:-

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNWhbE5R7G0]

Downtown Abbey will return to ITV 1 in autumn 2013 for a fourth season of eight new episodes  of the Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning drama. Click here for more Downtown news.

Doctor Who Christmas Special: “The Snowmen” (25 December, 17:15,  BBC 1 / 26 December, 20:00, BBC 3)

This year’s festive Doctor Who promises fun, frights and adventure. After the highly-emotional departure of Amy and Rory in Manhattan, this festive episode will take a step away from the previous light-hearted ones to show the Doctor’s poor state of mind.  Being determined to give up on his adventures, he doesn’t hesitate to change his mind after meeting his new companion: Clara (Jenna-Louise Coleman). Will this chapter bring any light to the Clara/Oswin mystery?

The Snowmen is on BBC One this Christmas but if you can’t wait for it,  you can see a prequel for the episode and watch an exclusive trailer here now!

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

A Christmas Carol (24 December, 18:45, BBC One / 26 December, 21:00, BBC Three)

Rating: PG / 96 min / 2009 / Animation, Comedy, Drama.

An animated adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens’ story of the same name. The film tells the well-known story of a bitter and greedy man who receives a visit from three ghosts on Christmas Eve. They confront him with the potential consequences of his bad ways to convince him to change his life. The film stars Jim Carrey in a variety of roles, including Ebenezer Scrooge across all his age-ranges and the three ghosts who haunt him.

To watch the trailer, click here.

Call the Midwife: Christmas Special (25 December, 19.30pm, BBC One)

Created and written by Heidi Thomas and based on the best-selling memoirs of the Jennifer Worth, Call The Midwife returns for a one-off Christmas Special in December 2012 leading up to a second season starting early next year.

It is Christmas 1957, the nuns and midwives of Nonnatus House are busier than ever and an abandoned baby is found on the steps of the convent. Everyone rallies round to tray and trace his mother while still dealing with the show’s usual plots.

After being one of the most watched dramas BBC One has ever produced, the second series –leaded off by this festive episode– promises to be a cracker!

Heidi Thomas said:- “When asked to bring the curtain up on a new series with a Christmas special, we jumped at the chance.” and added:- “At its heart, Christmas has always been about love, hope, and generosity of spirit – all qualities we celebrate in Call the Midwife.”

For more information, click here.

The Girl (26 December, 21:00, BBC Two)

TV Movie / 91 min / 2012 / Drama.

There has been plenty of hype over this BBC-HBO drama since it started being promoted in BBC Two adverts in September 2012. Having been finally set to be broadcasted over the festive period, this choice is the perfect one for you if you are looking for non-Christmas themed TV content with added doses of drama

The Girl tells the full tragic story of Alfred Hitchcock’s obsessive relationship with Tippi Hedren, the fashion model he chose to star in his most ambitious film, The Birds. Starring Toby Jones and Sienna Miller as main characters, the film shows how Hitchcock and Hedren’s careers were ruined by his failure to get love from her.

Screenwriter Gwyneth Hughes had the privilege to interview Tippi Hedren and surviving members of Hitchcock’s crew in order to bring light to the most tragic story ever told about the life of Britain’s most successful and visionary filmmaker. When asked about Tippi Hedren, Gwyneth Hughes states: “At the time, in the early 1960s, the American star suffered in silence. But now, at the age of 81, her wisdom and insights have helped me to put her real life ordeal on to the screen.” More info.

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Dame Elizabeth Blackadder – Child bitten by dog – Tonight at the Queen’s Hall – Portobello High School – Cycling improvements 

Dame Elizabeth Blackadder has been nominated for the prestigious Edinburgh Award. Read more here.

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Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for information following an incident where a dog bit a child in Craigmillar on Thursday 20 December.

The two-year-old child had just been picked up from nursery at around 4pm by her mother and taken to the playpark at Castlepark Green.

As they left, they were approached by the dog which wasn’t on a lead and had no owner immediately present.

Without provocation the dog bit the little girl, causing facial injuries.

A man who was walking in the area ran to the assistance of the child, forced the dog off the child and the dog ran off.

The child was taken to Craigmillar Medical Practice where she was treated for a facial cut and scratches.

Now, officers are trying to trace the dog responsible, which is described as being a brown Staffordshire Bull Terrier with black spots and a heavy build.

They are also looking to trace the person who came forward to help the family.

Inspector Roddy Hardy said: “This was a traumatic incident for the child and we are grateful that there was a member of the public available to help them.

“The dog responsible had no owner that the mother could see, and ran off in an unknown direction. As such, we are keen to trace the animal as a matter of urgency to ensure no further incidents occur.

“Similarly, we are keen to trace the good Samaritan who came to the aid of the little girl to see if they have any further information to help with our enquiries.”

Anyone with any information that can assist our enquiries should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers, where information can be reported anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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Tonight at the Queen’s Hall there is The Christmas Songwriters Club starting at 7:00pm and starring local groups like Withered Hand and our own favourites, The Machine Room. Tickets are £10 here.

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People in Portobello are still campaigning both for and against a new High School being built in the park. Both sides agree that a new school is necessary, but one side wants to preserve Portobello Park and the other wants the school built there saying that it is the best option.

Here is the latest in a string of videos on the subject:-

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f98pQg5JK0U]

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One of Scotland’s most popular artists is to receive the much-coveted Edinburgh Award.

Elizabeth Blackadder, who is the Queen’s Painter in Scotland, will be presented with an engraved Loving Cup at a ceremony in early 2013.

She will also have a mould of her handprints taken, which will be engraved – and immortalised – on a flagstone in the City Chambers quadrangle.

Lord Provost Donald Wilson said: “The Edinburgh Award enables the people of Edinburgh to pay a lasting tribute to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the city through their work or achievements.

“I am delighted to present this year’s award to Elizabeth Blackadder who has devoted her life to education and the creation of wonderful pictures that bring pleasure to all who view them.

“She has enriched the lives of Edinburgh’s citizens and those of countless visitors to this city and is a deserved winner of one of our most prestigious civic awards.”

The first woman to hold the post of Queen’s Painter and Limner in Scotland, Mrs Blackadder is also a Dame of the British Empire. She was honoured last year by the National Galleries of Scotland with a career retrospective exhibition of her work.

Following her education at Edinburgh College of Art and the University of Edinburgh, she spent her working life in Edinburgh while exhibiting widely with major shows in London, Florence, Berlin and Tokyo, greatly enhancing her reputation and that of the City of Edinburgh.

The Award decision was taken by a judging panel chaired by the Lord Provost, with representatives from all political groups on the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

First launched in 2007, the Award is a way for Edinburgh citizens to pay a lasting tribute to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the city through their achievements.

Elizabeth Blackadder biography in brief
1931 Born in Falkirk, Scotland
1936–1943  Strone Village School & Dunoon Grammar School
1943–1949  Falkirk High School
1949–1954  Joint fine art degree, 1st class hons, Edinburgh University & ECA
1954  Andrew Grant Post Graduate Scholarship
1955–1956  Travelling Scholarship – Travelled in Italy
1956  Married John Houston
1958  Librarian, Fine Art Department, Edinburgh University
1962  Full time teacher, ECA

Awards
1963   ARSA
1971   ARA
1972   RSA
1976   RA
1982   OBE
1988   D.Litt, Heriot Watt University
1990   Hon Doctorate, University of Edinburgh
1992   Hon Member, RSW
1994   Hon Fellow, Royal Society of Edinburgh
1997   Hon Doctorate, Aberdeen University. Further Hon Doctorates: Glasgow, St Andrews, Stirling and Strathclyde Universities
2003   Dame

Lothian and Borders Police have released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with their enquiries into a theft from a car park in Edinburgh.

The incident happened between 1.30pm and 2.10pm on Saturday, October 20, at the NCP car park in Greenside Place.

A car was broken into and a number of items were stolen. A number of similar incidents have taken place in recent months at car parks across the city centre.

The image shows the man who police wish to trace at the NCP car park in Greenside Place, carrying an orange bag.

He is described as white, 65 to 75-years-old, 6ft tall, slim build, grey hair, and wearing glasses. He is wearing a dark coloured baseball cap, a white shirt with dark tie, and black jacket and trousers.

Inspector Gary Dickson, from Lothian and Borders Police, said: “A number of items were stolen in this most recent incident, and we are keen to speak to the man in the CCTV image as part of our enquiries.

“Anyone who recognises him, or can provide any information regarding his present whereabouts, should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or contact the charity Crimestoppers, where information can be passed on anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

RNLI rescue a Christmas tree – Happy Christmas from Lothian Buses – Free Football in Gorgie and Dalry – My Place Awards – Reminder about your bin collection

In Anstruther the RNLI were called out to save the day when the town’s Christmas tree toppled into the sea! Watch the rescue here:-

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELmrvTLG0Sg]

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Lovely video Christmas card here from Lothian Buses!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKR-6ED3Yik]

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Tomorrow morning Saturday 22nd December at Dalry Park from 10am-2pm

If you’re aged 8-18 and live in the Gorgie/Dalry Area, come and have a game! As part of Operation Cipher Lothian and Borders Police and Dunedin Canmore are holding free football sessions through December and the New Year. Girls and boys welcome, just bring comfortable clothes and trainers, and an emergency contact name and telephone number.

Christmas is the time of year for the whole family and the latest partnership project with the Police, the Council’s South West Neighbourhood Team, the Fire Service, Dunedin Canmore Housing and Castlerock Edinvar are keen to include all age groups in their events too.

Based in Gorgie, Dalry and Fountainbridge, Operation Cipher 2 follows on from the recent success of the first Operation Cipher, which was based in the Calders area of the city. The aim of the project is to speak with local people and encourage them to work with the different agencies involved to improve the area. Since this project started in November the teams have been dealing with antisocial behaviour issues in the area such as dog fouling, fly tipping, smoking related litter, graffiti and noisy neighbours. However, what really marks out this project though are the different methods by which the teams are engaging all sections of the community.

From hosting games of football with local teens on a mobile pitch to meeting with older reading groups in the local library the teams have been working hard to make sure that they engage as wide a range of residents as possible.

“What we want to do is speak to as many local residents as possible. We want them to tell us where the problems are in the area and how they want to see us deal with them. All the agencies involved are professionals at what they do but what we’re looking for are local residents to give us their local knowledge of what’s going on in the area. Rather than waiting for people to come to us we’re going out into the community, to local supermarkets, local youth clubs and the local library to make it as easy as possible for people give us their thoughts.”

If you live or work in Gorgie, Dalry or Fountainbridge and want to get involved in this project contact the South West Neighbourhood Office on 0131 527 3800 or email  southwestteam@edinburgh.gov.uk

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The Scottish Civic Trust is inviting entries and nominations for their My Place Awards. Community based group including civic societies, amenity groups, history and heritage societies, preservation trusts, community councils, development trusts, and other local voluntary groups can enter. The winner in 2012 was the Maryhill Burgh Halls in Glasgow.

For the past few months, The Edinburgh Reporter has highlighted the activities of many incredible people who have given their time and effort to raise money for worthy causes. People such as Andrew Dickson, who cycled across Australia on behalf of the Craig Gowans Memorial Fund and Radio Lollipop, Gordon Smith who cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats for the Marie Curie Centre and Shona Pryde who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for FACE (Fighting Against Cancer Edinburgh), to name but a few.

On Sunday I had the privilege to see at first-hand how some of the money raised by all these efforts was spent, when I was invited to accompany volunteers from FACE along with children, teenagers and adults who have been touched by cancer, in one way or another, to visit Santa Claus in his home in Lapland. This year, sadly, a number of the youngsters had experienced the death of a parent within the last three months, and this trip meant that, at least for one day, they could turn their minds to some happier thoughts.

The trip is an annual event, paid for by the efforts of many fundraisers, and I was delighted to take up their generous offer.

Throughout the year FACE Convenor, John Macaulay MBE, who is also involved with Radio Lollipop at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, meets with medical staff who identify suitable patients from both hospitals.

Our group included 18 children, teenagers and adults aged from two to forty six who have experienced illness or grief. The party also included many volunteers, who act as helpers for the children throughout the day.

Arriving at Edinburgh Airport at 5.45am, there were a few bleary eyes among the adults as we boarded the three hour flight to Kittila Airport in the North of Finland.

Alarmingly, the plane was too heavy to take off, and the Captain asked us to all flap our arms up and down, which eventually did the trick. The time passed quickly as volunteers Liam and Martin organised a sing-a-long of Christmas carols, including ‘Jingle Bells’, ‘Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer,’  ‘Away in a Manger’ and ‘When Santa got stuck up the Chimney.’

After running out of volunteers, Martin suggested a singing contest between the left side and the right side of the plane, and whilst the right side were louder, without being biased, we on the left were more in tune. When the songs eventually dried up, a number of young budding Christmas Cracker joke writers kept us entertained with a steady supply of jokes and  riddles such as  ‘What is an Ig?’ and ‘Why does a golfer wear two pairs of trousers?’

With about half an hour left on the flight there was a scare when the worsening weather conditions meant that the captain could not see through the thick fog, so an emergency call was put through to Lapland Air Traffic Control.  Santa immediately scrambled Dasher, Dancer, Prancer,  Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen to locate our plane and guide us through the fog. Thankfully Rudolph was available to lead the reindeers and they quickly tracked us down before hooking onto the aircraft and guiding us to the airport, as Lapland Aviation rules forbid fights landing at the village as it disturbs the elves who are busy making toys.  Santa unhooked the sleigh just as we were descending and waved us off with a cheery goodbye.

When we touched down, the snow had just started and the temperature was minus 11 degrees, although it eventually warmed up to a balmy minus 10.

Thankfully, we were taken to a warehouse and given warm clothes, including fur lined boots with extra thick socks, a padded one piece suit, padded gloves and a balaclava. Outside we were given a crash helmet and directed to a ‘Skidoo’ and eight-seater sledge.

Each compartment of the sledge contained a blanket which came in handy during the 35 minute sleigh ride through the forest to Santa’s Village where we were greeted by some of his Special Elves, including Tricky Dicky who (mistakenly) thought it would be funny to pelt us with snowballs.

In an effort to thaw out, I headed straight to a log cabin advertising hot drinks, and an Elf named Asta (or Pasta without the P as she explained) supplied mugs of berry juice. I had three before discovering that there was no alcohol in it, and then decided to explore the village along with the children.

First stop was another sledge ride, but this time we were pulled by a team of enthusiastic huskies instead of the skidoo. Next was a visit to the souvenir shop and a wander round the reindeer enclosure. Dozens of everyone’s favourite Christmas songs, (and also Cliff’s ‘Saviour’s Day’) continually blared out from a cabin in the village, and some more of Santa’s Special Elves, namely Noisy Nod and Steely Sam were on hand to entertain the adults and kids.

After some more hot berry juice and a peaceful 10 minutes in a wigwam with a roaring fire, it was back on the sledge, but this time we were pulled by Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and the rest of the gang who had thankfully arrived back safely.

The highlight of the day for everybody was without doubt meeting Santa, and his personal assistant ‘Snowy Bowy.’ Unbeknown to me, Santa is a big supporter of FACE, and even attended their Christmas Ball last month. When he was there, he happened to mention that in his spare time, after a hard day making toys, he liked to put his feet up and read about Detective Inspector Rebus’s latest adventures. When Ian Rankin, who is also a great supporter of the charity, found out, he handed over a copy of his latest book ‘Standing on another man’s Grave’ with a personalised message inside, so the guests witnessed the unusual sight of Santa receiving a present from John Macaulay.

All too quickly, time was up and we all headed back to the Airport, although, to my relief, instead of the skidoo and sledge, a warm bus was waiting. There were a few tired faces on the flight back, and I suspect that one or two schools would be missing the odd pupil on Monday morning, although John Macaulay was in Foresters High School at 7.20am.

All in all it was a fantastic day I would like to pay a personal tribute to everyone involved, including the volunteers, Liam, Martin, Fiona, Anne. Jim B, Jim P, Kat and Rachel. the medical team, Doctor Trevor, June, Fiona B and Barbara, and Alex the photographer. One volunteer who deserves a special mention on her first Lapland trip was sixteen year old Lizzie Arnot. This was the culmination of an unforgettable year for the Corstorphine teenager who made her debut for Hibs Ladies in a 19-1 victory over Kilmarnock, became the Edinburgh Sports Academy ‘Athlete of the Year,’ and carried the Olympic Torch in Bread Street.

Every single one of them has my utmost respect and admiration, and it was a tremendous honour and thrill to witness their efforts during a long and tiring day.

The bravery of the children, teenagers and adults was humbling, and there was many a tear shed. Several times my own thoughts turned to my beautiful niece Dawn who lost her brave fight with leukaemia over 25 years ago. Such trips were not available at that time, but I know she would have loved every minute of the day, and when I closed my eyes, I could picture her happy smiling face amongst the revellers.

FACE was founded in 1990 and originally stood for Fighting Against Cancer in Edinburgh but has now come to represent the activities of a group of people working throughout the South East of Scotland.

The charity is based in the Western General Hospital and raises money to improve the facilities for the benefit of patients there and the peripheral clinics in Fife, Edinburgh and the Lothians, the Borders and Dumfries. It differs from other cancer charities such as Cancer Research UK,   which provides money for major enhancements in cancer care in the form of new Buildings and Research.

Throughout the year FACE undertakes many projects at both the Western and also at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh, where they continue to provide Aromatherapy sessions for patients within the wards of the hospitals.

The highlight of the year for many is the Lapland trip, but the costs increase every year, and such days are only possible with the generosity of the public, and the hard work of dedicated fundraisers. The trip costs in the region of £20,000, and fundraising is an on-going necessity. Last month, the first charity ball at the Balmoral Hotel, sponsored by Tickets Scotland, raised nearly £8000 and the Christmas Fair held at the Western General raised another £11,000.

Back in the relative warmth of Edinburgh, John Macaulay MBE thanked the many volunteers who helped make the day an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. He told the Edinburgh Reporter: “I am indebted to volunteers who are associated with the charity, who give up their time in travelling to make simple journey more magical. We have friends who have experienced cancer to nurses and doctors who are involved at both hospitals and are keen to help the travellers. Our aims are to make and support friends and families affected by cancer in a positive way.

“We have received many e mails of thanks to the FACE team ranging from comments like “Thank you John and the team for making the Impossible Trip Possible “to a mother of two young children who comments what a fantastic experience our little girl had a wonderful time and I would love to help in your fundraising thank you.

“This is my 19th year in taking that journey north to see our special Santa in his Arctic Home in Kittila in Lapland high up in the Arctic Circle in Finland.   We have had some wonderful memories and at times some sad stories but seeing the smiles on everyone’s face as they arrive home to their families, this is truly SPECIAL and I suppose that why I do it.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so at the website www.facescotland.org.uk or to the Edinburgh Cancer Centre at the Western General Hospital.

PS An ‘Ig’ is an eskimo’s house without a toilet, and a golfer wears two pairs of trousers in case he gets a hole in one!

In a world of urgency, music that has been brewed over time has the power to stop you in your tracks.

After spending the last year and a half honing their sound and gigging across the country, the Edinburgh four-piece’s third single comes with more than just promise. Fully formed with Fender’s firing on all cylinders, ‘Gezellig’ is the cherry on top of the charming catchiness of their first two releases.

Straight to business with from the very first chord, lead singer Raff Eragona’s velvet voice sits seamlessly with the band’s upbeat indie. Continually complementing each other, ’Gezellig’ is the perfect blend of highs and lows.

Chris Finn’s solos never linger longer than is needed whilst drummer Jordan Harvey’s backing is driving but never overbearing. The song’s peak comes in a few fleeting seconds of calm mid-way through, when Eragona’s voice rises above this temporary lull to assert the chorus of  “Darling I was a sorry state when you found me/You shook me up and you spun me round/I will always remember that”. Perfectly in control before launching back into their freewheeling riffs – it builds not only momentum but anticipation for more.

Alas, but in just over three minutes The OK Social Club manage to throw out the kind of aerodynamic, adrenalin-fuelled sunshine rock that most bands flounder about on a whole album trying to achieve. Crucially ‘Gezellig’ has an all-important intangibility about it – combining Beach Boys vocals with Dave Davies guitars to create something completely alluring.

With debut album Nothing in Common out early next year and a prestigious spot at this year’s Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations, The OK Social Club are doing more than just alright.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krz2GHPUjaI]

£10,000 worth of drugs were  recovered following a joint operation between Lothian and Borders Police and British Transport Police in Edinburgh yesterday.

The activity took place at Waverley Train Station and Edinburgh Bus Station and is part of Operation Astrodome, the festive anti-crime initiative in the city centre. Specialist officers and police search dogs conducted a number of searches of people and property throughout the day.

At one point during the activity, a man who was carrying two bags spotted officers and made off from the station, leaving the two bags behind. Around £10,000 worth of herbal cannabis was found within the bags, and further enquiry is now ongoing to trace the man who made off. He is described as being a black male aged between 20 to 30 wearing tan/ fawn coloured shoes and a dark jacket and trousers.

Inspector Gill Geany from Lothian and Borders police said: “This operation was put in place to ensure people coming into Edinburgh can enjoy all that the city has to offer safely.

“Partnership working with colleagues from the British Transport Police was crucial to its’ success and the recovery of the drugs found. This is a great result and I hope that, with the public’s help, we will trace the suspect who these drugs belong to. Operation Astrodome is now in its 5th year and is so far proving successful in tackling crime in the city centre.

“We will continue to carry out high-visibility patrols, while also using CCTV and other crime detection and prevention techniques in order to deter criminality and ensure members of the public are kept safe.

Anyone who recognises the description of the suspect should contact Lothian and Borders Police immediately on 0131 311 3131 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A 26-year-old man has today been found guilty of murdering a Polish man in his own flat in Edinburgh.

Maciej Ciania (34) picture above, was found dead in the address in Dickson Street on 14th January 2012. He had suffered multiple stab wounds during an attack by his former friend. At the High Court in Edinburgh today, Grzegorz Gamla, also a Polish national was found guilty of his murder.

Following the discovery of the body of Mr Ciania a murder enquiry was launched, and over 60 officers from across the Force worked with communities across Edinburgh to find the person responsible. In particular, officers worked with Eastern European communities in the city as well as Polish authorities both in the UK and in Poland.

Grzegorz Gamla was also found guilty of assault to severe injury in relation to a previous assault on Mr Ciania.

Detective Inspector Stuart Houston from Lothian and Borders Police said: “Maciej Ciania’s family have lost a much-loved son and brother and experienced a truly terrible and life-changing ordeal. I am extremely grateful to the Polish authorities who, along with Lothian and Borders Police and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, assisted in securing the timely arrest of Gregorz Gamla in Poland. The investigation involved a great deal of partnership working with Scottish police and other law enforcement agencies across Europe and I have no doubt that this went a long way to securing Mr Gamla’s swift return to Scotland.

“The support provided to the Force from the Polish community in Edinburgh, particularly from local churches and Polish support organizations, was crucial in our investigation and I would like to thank them publicly today.”

Maciej Ciania’s sister, Aleksandra Poprawska, said:- “Maciej lived in Edinburgh for ten years and from the very beginning he regarded the city as his second home. We would like to thank wholeheartedly all those who have been helping us since my brother’s tragic death, including the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service – they were like a light in the darkness surrounding us and did everything they could to ease our pain.

“We would also like to thank Lothian and Borders Police. From the very start of the enquiry we were impressed by the way they combined the highest standards of professionalism with a warm, personal approach – like a perfect mechanism with a heart.

“Nothing will bring Maciej back but we are relieved to know that the person who committed this terrible crime will probably never hurt anyone again and no other family will suffer like we do.”

The Traverse Theatre has announced highlights from its 50th anniversary season, which includes two new productions produced by the Traverse, and an ambitious year-long project that brings together 50 international playwrights.

The Traverse Fifty were selected after entering a playwriting competition held by the Edinburgh new-writing theatre in September 2012 called 500-word Plays for Edinburgh. Writers from across the globe submitted 630 scripts, and the 50 winning writers come from Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, Croatia and Australia.

The winning 50 short plays will be performed together on 26 January, and the Traverse Fifty project will culminate in a new-writing festival at the theatre in the autumn.

The first of the two new plays produced by the Traverse is Found at Sea, adapted by David Greig from a sequence of poems by the novelist and poet Andrew Greig. It tells the tale an odyssey to Orkney by two old friends, and will star Tam Dean Burn and Lewis Howden (19-23 February).

In the second Traverse production, Rob Drummond makes his main-stage debut with Quiz Show, following huge critical acclaim for his 2012 Fringe show Bullet Catch. Drummond’s new play runs from 2 to 20 April.

The Traverse also hosts the sixth annual Manipulate visual theatre festival, which presents its biggest programme of puppetry, physical theatre and film to date (3-16 February). And the highly successful A Play, A Pie and a Pint series returns, also for its sixth season (19 February-23 March).

Among many productions from visiting companies are Mull Theatre’s My Name is Rachel Corrie (2 March), Firebrand’s production of White Rose by Peter Arnott (13-16 March), Lyceum Youth Theatre in What Are They Like? by Lucinda Coxon (14-16 March), and Jenna Watt’s Fringe First-winning Flâneurs (23-24 May). Ireland’s Gare St Lazare returns to the theatre with an adaptation of Samuel Beckett’s First Love (23-25 May).

Speaking about the anniversary, artistic director Orla O’Loughlin and executive director Linda Crooks said: ‘We are honoured to be at the helm as the Traverse embarks on its 50th year. The Traverse was conceived in 1963 with a desire to present world-class new work to the people of Edinburgh and beyond, and this still holds true today. This year our passion for new writing and commitment to presenting new work is as strong as ever, and we are delighted to launch a spring season jam packed with the very best theatre around. We are especially thrilled to be investing in 50 brand new theatrical voices with our Traverse Fifty project.’

Read more details at the Traverse Theatre‘s website.

Oaklands Special School – Last minute Christmas presents – Have a WHALE of a Christmas – Traffic Free Holyrood Park for Christmas -Videos

Staff and pupils at Oaklands Special School on Ferry Road were celebrating this week when they were awarded the MOVE quality mark and a lovely flag to show off the fact! Read more here.

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There is always something to be bought at the last minute. Even in the days of tightening belts chocolate always goes down a treat…. Read our advertorial here for inspiration! (and news of a shop which is open on Christmas Day!)

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WHALE Arts in Wester Hailes is a community arts organisation which really does make a difference. And here they wish you a Happy Christmas in their own unique way!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVUvr0pZ7P4]

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Visitors to Holyrood Park in Edinburgh will be able to enjoy a safe, traffic-free environment during four days of road closures over the festive season.

There will be road closures on December 25th, December 26th 2012, January 1st and January 2nd 2013.

There will also be additional road closures on Saturday January 5th and Sunday January 6th for the International Cross Country races and 5 Km public races.

The closures, which operate from 8am till 4pm on the 25th and 26th and 8am till 5pm on the 1st and 2nd, will be put in place at Queen’s Drive and Duddingston Low Road.

Martin Gray, Ranger and Visitors Services Manager for Historic Scotland at Holyrood Park, said : “These closures follow on from the success of previous years closures, encouraging people to use the Park in a safer, traffic-free environment and to take their new bikes and other Christmas presents outside for the first time.

“The closures will also allow us to welcome back several popular events as part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations including Dogmanay and the Tri-athlon. In addition we are also closing the Park over the weekend of Saturday 5th January to accommodate the International Cross Country and public 5km race.

“We would like to thank drivers for their understanding, particularly during the festive season when the Park is so busy.”

The High Road loop will remain open to cars on the 25th, 26th and 2nd, weather permitting, and drivers can leave their vehicles as usual at the Park’s Holyrood Palace, Meadowbank and Duddingston car parks which are free of charge on these dates.

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The Reporter has been having a bit of a video fest over the last week or so and in particular yesterday when we were out at Gogar watching the tram being put through its paces. We have also just found this rather long but very interesting video on YouTube of Edinburgh trams in the 1950s. Scroll to about 54minutes and you will see a tram on Princes Street. It will be 2014 before the tram is on Princes Street again.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9nMwT_aYgM]

If you have a story that you think would be best told on video then get in touch with us and we will happily film it for you. You can see our other videos on our YouTube channel but here is a short one of the Galloping Horses to keep things festive.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaYSWsKcKNY?list=UUpyjaNvEF_ryiKTJ6QxCkIA]

And Edinburgh’s Queen Margaret University lecturer, Walid Salhab, has published his lovely time lapse video of Edinburgh on Vimeo by way of a Christmas card to everyone in Edinburgh. How lovely this is!

[vimeo 55841951 w=500 h=281]

Kinetic Edinburgh II from walid salhab on Vimeo.

Oaklands Special School welcomed VIPs this week to help them celebrate the coveted MOVE (Movement for Learning Life) quality mark which has been awarded to them.  Jim Anderson OBE unveiled the flag which signifies this award.

Nigel Carter, CEO of The MOVE Partnership was extremely impressed with the results of the assessment of Oaklands School and how it has developed and integrated the MOVE programme as well as the impact it has had on the pupils.  He said “Oaklands School showed the best evidence of good practice I have ever seen”.
The assessment took place on 18 September this year, to assess the implementation and quality of the MOVE programme in the school.  It is an inclusive award that recognises good practice and progress in the MOVE principles. Consequently, Oaklands was awarded the MOVE Quality Mark and invited to become a MOVE Regional Centre of Excellence, the 18^th in Europe and 3^rd in Scotland.

Councillor Paul Godzik, Education, Children and Families Convener said, “This really is an outstanding achievement for Oaklands and I would to congratulate everyone involved for this and all the hard work put in by pupils, staff and parents.  To be the first in Edinburgh to receive this award is a fantastic achievement I and hope other schools will look to follow in their foot steps.”

Nigel Carter, CEO of The MOVE Partnership said, “When we visited here to assess the school in September I was really impressed; Oaklands School showed the best evidence of good practice I have ever seen.  We have awarded them the quality mark to recognise this and I would like to commend them for their efforts as we look forward to working together further in the future.”

Jim Anderson, former paralympian swimmer was on hand to help with the unveiling of the MOVE flag today and spent some time speaking with pupils and staff after the event.

MOVE (Movement for Learning and Life) helps children who have complex disabilities to:

• Acquire and maintain increased independence in sitting, standing, walking and transferring,
• Learn, gain and maintain more mobility through transference of skills and
• Experience better health, enhanced personal dignity, improved communication skills and access to education.

Increased abilities in sitting, standing and walking decrease the burden of care for families and care providers. These increased abilities also bring new opportunities for greater participation and involvement in family life and for inclusion into the wider community.

MOVE is a programme shown to improve functional mobility skills and empower children and adults who have complex physical and learning disabilities to better direct their own lives. The MOVE Programme uses a family/person centred approach to develop functional mobility, based on current theory and research in education, therapy, biomechanics and motor science.

The weather no longer prevents pupils at Prospect Bank Special School in Edinburgh from going outside, as a recent funding boost has enabled the purchase of waterproof clothing. The school was awarded £350 from the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) Learning Outdoors Fund to increase participation in outdoor learning and natural play, regardless of the weather conditions.

Supported by Forestry Commission Scotland, the CSGN Learning Outdoors Fund promotes learning and play outdoors and healthier lifestyles amongst the education community.

Susan McLaren, Principal Teacher at Prospect Bank Special School, said: “We are extremely grateful for this much needed financial support from the CSGN Learning Outdoors Fund, which has allowed us to buy a full class set of good quality waterproofs which should last us for many years to come.

“A trip to the woods on a rainy day last year was a great success – the children loved the sensory experience of splashing in the puddles and squelching in mud, but with no waterproofs we had some very soggy children to bring back to school. It’s great that we can now continue with our outdoor trips, whatever the weather.”

Schools and nurseries across Central Scotland are invited to apply for a grant of between £200 and £350 to develop the outdoor educational space within their grounds and beyond, or to purchase equipment to use for learning and play outside. Funding is also available to support training or other educational resources to enable staff to lead outdoor learning and natural play.

An audit tool, developed in partnership with Grounds for Learning, enables schools and nurseries to identify potential gaps in their provision of learning outdoors so they can prioritise areas of improvement.

Keith Geddes, Chair of the Central Scotland Green Network Partnership Board, said: “Our Learning Outdoors Fund seeks to promote healthy lifestyles by facilitating the improvement of outdoor education spaces, thereby enabling children and teaching staff to spend more time outside.

“Prospect Bank Special School is a fantastic example of how some support can really transform the learning experience for children by allowing them to enjoy the outdoors in all weather conditions.”

Karen Boyd, Education Officer at Forestry Commission Scotland, explains: “Learning outdoors is such an enriching experience for children and can make a real difference to their development. When children learn outside they naturally use their senses to pick up new concepts, and, of course, this energy of being outdoors comes back into the classroom with them and helps concentration.

”The funding can be used for outdoor equipment, like wet weather gear to make sure that weather isn’t a barrier to getting outside, and can take place within school grounds or at local woodlands nearby.

“It can also be used to support training or other educational resources to enable staff to lead outdoor learning. Once you’ve witnessed a group of teachers enthusiastically taking part in an outdoor training session – doing den making and symmetry work – in cold, wet November, you become a firm believer about the positive benefits this type of learning has on children!”

For further information on the CSGN Learning Outdoors Fund, please visit http://www.centralscotlandgreennetwork.org/Funding/csgn-learning-outdoors-fund

Submitted by Central Scotland Green Network

WHO ARE YOU AND WHERE DID YOU COME FROM

My name is Clemens Hoss d’Estenfeld, owner of The Mulroy restaurant on William Street, which we launched last September.  This is my first venture as a restaurateur, although I have many years’ experience in managing country house hotels.  The Mulroy specialises in high quality dining, at affordable prices and I have been delighted by the response we have had from both local diners and visitors from further afield.

WHAT IS THE BUSINESS BOOK YOU RECOMMEND THAT EVERYONE SHOULD READ

It’s not a book as such, but I believe that the most important reading material for a business owner is their business plan.  Reviewing it regularly helps ensure you continue to achieve your goals.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE YOUR BUSINESS STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

One of my strengths is that I always focus first and foremost on the customer – I want to make sure that The Mulroy not just meets but exceeds their expectations, wherever possible.  I am not sure it is a weakness, but I find it hard to switch off, as running a restaurant means there is always something to think about.

WHAT WAS THE DEFINING MOMENT ON YOUR CAREER PATH THAT HAS GOT YOU WHERE YOU ARE NOW

Sadly it was a family bereavement.  It made me realise that life is short and that I should pursue my long-standing ambition of opening my own restaurant as soon as possible.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR SPARE TIME

I don’t have much spare time, as the hours can be very long, when you are running a busy and successful restaurant.  When I am not working, I like to spend my spare time with my wife, who is an interior designer.   I also enjoy writing and am currently writing a novel, which is semi-autobiographical – it helps me unwind from the pressures of the day.

DO YOU THINK YOU ACHIEVE A GOOD WORK/LIFE BALANCE

It is not easy to achieve a good work/life balance as a restaurateur, especially in the first few years, but I am trying and ensure I have at least one day off per week now that The Mulroy is up and running.  When you are passionate about your business, it can take up more of your time than you planned, but I am lucky that my wife is very supportive and involved.

WHAT MAKES EDINBURGH THE BEST LOCATION FOR YOU TO LIVE AND/OR WORK IN

Edinburgh offers a quality of life that is hard to find in other cities.  It’s big enough to offer everything you would expect to find in a capital city, but small enough to retain its unique personality.

WHAT IS YOUR SPECIAL AREA OF EDINBURGH OR SPECIAL PLACE IN EDINBURGH AND WHY

My favourite area of Edinburgh is the West End, for its village atmosphere.  It has a selection of great restaurants, shops and cafes for both visitors and residents and deserves to be even more popular than it is already.  I would like to see a farmer’s market in this part of town, similar to the one in Stockbridge – I think it would be a big attraction here too.

WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER THE PINNACLE OF YOUR CAREER

After many years of dreaming of having my own restaurant, seeing it become a reality and being fully booked on a regular basis has been the pinnacle of my career so far.

IF YOU HAVE A MENTOR, TELL US WHO THAT IS AND ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP

I have a wide range of mentors – some are in business and some are not, but what they all have in common is the ability to give good advice, that I value and trust.

WHICH NETWORKING GROUPS IN EDINBURGH HAVE YOU FOUND PARTICULARLY USEFUL

I have not yet had the chance to join any networking groups.  I have already met lots of people through the restaurant and contacts within the trade, but you can never have too many good contacts.

WHO ARE YOUR BUSINESS HEROES

I believe that anyone who runs a small business is a hero – it is one of the most challenging things you can do.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE NEXT YEAR

I have lots of exciting plans for next year, some of which are already being implemented.  The launch of the Mulroy Club has attracted a lot of interest – it’s an offshoot of the restaurant and provides special offers and events, exclusively to members.

DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL DAY FOR US

My typical day is around 12-14 hours long, so it is just as well that I don’t need a lot of sleep!

BEST JOB ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED

Be flexible and take risks – providing that what you are taking a risk on is something that you believe in passionately.

The Mulroy restaurant (www.themulroy.co.uk) is at 11a-13a William St, Edinburgh (0131 225 6061)

The Reporter braved the cold this morning to meet up with the Transport Minister,Keith Brown MSP and Edinburgh Council Transport convener Councillor Lesley Hinds to witness one of Edinburgh’s trams being tested at full speed. First of all it crept past us a couple of times to get warmed up and then hurtled past at full speed of just over 40 mph as you can see in our video.

The test took place out at Gogar on the section of the tram route which has been electrified. The tram runs and system tests are the final part the development of this section of the route. The 2.8km stretch will be handed over by contractors to the Council in March following testing and commissioning. It has to be said that the tram was fairly quiet as it passed us by.

The contractors are now taking a break from the end of this week until 7 January 2013. Over Christmas and New Year there are plans to reduce the congestion from road works. Access at the West End has been changed and crossing points for pedestrians improved. The site fencing is being moved so that pedestrians have as much room on the pavement to pass by as they can.

The council say that the tram project remains in line with the revised budget (£776m) approved by the Council in September 2011, with work either ahead of schedule or in line with the revised timescale reported in December 2011.

Passenger services are expected to run by summer 2014 and it is anticipated that full route tram testing will take place from Edinburgh Airport to York Place in late Spring 2014.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFeafS-7akE&w=560&h=315]

Trams Trams Trams – Blondie & Kenny Rogers – Sunday Post closing Edinburgh office – Bogus callers -Labour MP worried about benefit cuts

The Reporter is off to catch a tram this morning in the company of the Transport Secretary, Keith Brown and the council’s Transport Convener, Lesley Hinds, and is looking forward to telling you all about it when she gets back! The overhead power lines between the Gogar depot and the airport are now live and hopefully a wee hurl on the tram will be on offer…..

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Both Blondie and Kenny Rogers are playing The Usher Hall next year and tickets go on sale here at 9:00am. So you may have to be quick!

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Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for information following two bogus workmen incidents in Edinburgh on Monday.

A group of men called at an address in Campbell Park Crescent about 2.30pm and told the elderly resident that they were there to carry out an inspection of work they had done on the roof some time ago. After carrying out two inspections, and claiming further work would have to be done, they made off after the man handed over around £1500.

Then, around 4:00pm, two men called at an address in Caiystane Terrace claiming to have spotted a loose roof tile, and offering to go into her loft to inspect it. After examining the loft they claimed the repair would cost £900. The homeowner queried this cost, and immediately became suspicious as they claimed she would have to go to the bank to get the money immediately. They left when she said she would call the police.

Inquiries are ongoing into both incidents, and police believe they may be linked as the descriptions of the men involved are similar.

The first man is white, 40-50-years-old, squat build and was wearing a woollen hat/dark baseball cap, blue heavy duty jacket and said his name was Mr Stewart.

The other two men are both described as being white, in their early 20s, 5ft 7ins tall. One of them was wearing a white jacket, the other was wearing a dark waterproof jacket.

Detective Sergeant Ben Leathes said: “These men have preyed upon elderly homeowners in both incidents, and in the first case taken a significant amount of money from the homeowner.

“Door to door inquiries have been carried out in the local area, and CCTV opportunities are being explored.

“We would remind people to always ask for formal identification from any cold callers, and to follow it up with a phone call to their workplace – genuine workers will be happy to provide their details, and this is often enough to deter bogus workmen.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have also been approached by these men yesterday, or who may recognise the description of the men involved, to contact us on 0131 311 3131. We would also be keen to hear from anyone who was aware of people acting suspiciously, or saw a suspicious vehicle in the areas involved.

“Anyone seeking further information or advice on how to deal with cold callers should contact us and ask to speak to their local crime prevention officer, or check the personal safety section of our website (www.lbp.police.uk).”

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

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It appears that The Sunday Post is to close its Edinburgh office which might have opened here as long ago as the 1920s. The newspaper will continue to have an office in Glasgow working on news analysis according to AllMediaScotland.

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Over 5,000 working families in Edinburgh North and Leith are being squeezed between rising prices and cuts in Government support according to local Labour MP, Mark Lazarowicz, who claims that over 5,000 working families in Edinburgh North and Leith will be hit by the Chancellor’s decision to increase working age benefits by only 1% for the next three years – equivalent to a cut in real terms.

That’s because the latest inflation figures out this week show it remains above the Government’s target of 2% as it has been every month since December 2009 and according to independent forecasts commissioned by the Government it is likely to stay there as far ahead as 2018.

Mark Lazarowicz said:-“In his Autumn Statement the Chancellor tried to pit hard working families against those who have opted for a life on benefits. The reality is very different. Help for working families such as maternity pay and working tax credits will not keep pace with inflation. At the same time they are being squeezed by rocketing fuel bills, rising housing costs and high food prices. The Chancellor’s priority should have been to support them, not a tax cut for people earning over £150,000 a year.

The inflation figures for November show CPI at 2.7% and the forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility – whose work the Chancellor referred to throughout his Autumn Statement – show it failing to fall below 2% before at least 2018 – 19. The Government has said that it wants to make sure it always pays to work but basic working tax credits which aim to make up for any loss of income as people move off benefits into work will be frozen next year – 2013-14. They will rise by 1% in the two years after that but that’s half the rate of inflation forecast by the OBR in 2014-15 and 2015-16.

Of course, it is still better if people are in work but many families on low income depend on working tax credits to help meet basic bills.”

The organisers describe the music venue at 42 Royal Park Terrace on their Posterous blog as a secret venue. But that is the problem. The secret is out, and more musicians have wanted to play there in 2012 than ever before.

The council has now served an enforcement notice in terms of Town and Country Planning Legislation demanding that owner, Douglas Robertson, seeks a partial change of use for the house to allow the concerts to continue. This would trigger other constraints such as a public entertainment licence which might also be required, and the venue would have to comply with fire regulations, even though it is not run as a commercial enterprise. Robertson has said to The Reporter that he will not be applying for such consents. The council say that the notice has been served in response to a complaint made about the venue which they were duty bound to investigate.

Graeme Stephen and Fraser Fifield will appear at what may be the last concert at the House @42 tonight.

The house was formed from a supermarket some 10 years ago. Douglas and his partner live there, but have chosen to open their doors to musicians who need somewhere to perform. Robertson admits that they are probably a victim of their own success as the gigs are now a sellout almost every time.

The musicians who have performed at the house concerts appear to love the acoustics and the atmosphere there. Corran Raa said on their Facebook page advertising their May gig earlier this year that this is an ‘awesome venue’.

Robertson has not made any money from these concerts. Instead, all of the money collected by way of donations from those attending, has been given straight to the bands and musicians who have performed. Alcohol may be consumed but it is not sold there. You have to bring your own.  Douglas claims that the concerts are not a nuisance to the majority of his neighbours who more often attend the concerts as guests, and that there has not been one direct complaint from any local resident, but admits that the council’s planning department say they have had a complaint from a member of the public.

The recent visit from council officials has resulted in the council’s planning department deciding that the house concerts must  stop by the end of the year. The council have offered to assist in finding alternative premises for the musical evenings, including a proposal that Robertson might use the Trinity Apse, formerly the Brass Rubbing Centre, as a stop gap venue, although Douglas Robertson has yet to decide what he might do in the future.

Robertson wrote an article for The Edinburgh Evening News  in which he explained that it was the loss of so many of Edinburgh’s small music venues that resulted in his house being opened up to many bands and singers over recent times.

He speaks to The Reporter in our video here to explain his side of the story:-

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHf74Y4hHnw?hl=en_US&list=UUpyjaNvEF_ryiKTJ6QxCkIA]

He has vowed to find a new venue for these musicians to perform and get the public exposure they need. He has decided that it will be called Sound House, but it is as yet an unfunded and fledgling organisation although A new website has been set up in anticipation. None of this should imply that Robertson is a novice in the musical field. It was he who set up the Wee Red Bar at Edinburgh College of Art some years back, and that venue still goes strong today, but he chooses not to run the concerts as a commercial venture.

Councillor Richard Lewis who is the council’s convener for Culture and Sport said:-“Of course, we want to support those, like Douglas, whose enormous passion for live music already contributes greatly to the scene in Edinburgh – and has the potential to contribute a whole lot more – but this cannot be at the expense of the relevant planning legislation.

“Our planning officials have invited Douglas to get in touch so that they can explain and discuss their concerns and this offer still stands. Separately, myself and colleagues have reached out to him in the hope of finding an alternative venue for Sound House and held a productive meeting last week. We made a number of suggestions and await Douglas’ feedback.”

The Reporter first happened on the House @42 last year when Editor of The Broughton Spurtle, Alan McIntosh, wrote for us about his visit to 42 Royal Park Terrace for a concert in this article here. He expressed the view at that time that the organisers were steering a course designed to keep the venue well below the administrative radar.

Alan wrote then:-“The problem is that house concerts on this scale and at this regularity are probably unsustainable. They’ve had no complaints yet. They’ve broken no laws. But something will inevitably give eventually. If nothing else, the patience of neighbours must surely, finally wear thin. The challenge, then, is to find an ‘equally homely’ alternative, a venue which retains the original ethos and quirky charm, but can do so without constantly looking over its shoulder.”

You can still watch some of the concerts from the House on YouTube here. We particularly like Dean Owens version of Walk The Line :-

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smA42fFNvIw]

Douglas Robertson also runs a professional photography business from his home.

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information after an elderly woman was assaulted as she walked home near the city centre last night. The incident happened at around 11.20pm outside the Rhema Church on Dean Bridge, opposite the junction of Eton Terrace.

The 78-year-old victim was walking with home from a function with her husband when they noticed the suspect, who was wearing a flashing Santa hat, sitting on the steps at the church door with another male, who was also wearing a Santa hat.

The couple passed them, and a few seconds later the woman was pushed from behind by the suspect, who then tried to grab her bag.

There was a struggle before the suspect ran off empty-handed, however the victim hit her head as she fell and has sustained a significant head injury.

She was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for her injuries and was later released from hospital.

The second man wasn’t present during the assault.

Both men are described as being in their late teens, and the suspect is described as wearing a bomber jacket.

Detective Sergeant Richard Creanor, who is leading the enquiry, said:-“This was an opportunistic and entirely unprovoked assault which has left an elderly woman injured and shaken.

“Both men were wearing distinctive festive hats and this key detail might jog someone’s memory who has vital information about their identity.

“I would appeal to anyone who might recognise the description of the men, or who thinks they might know who they are, to get in touch immediately.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

After the on/off/change venue/off again saga of this match over the weekend, it was quickly rescheduled for Monday night at Myreside under the lights.

The rain started along with the players coming out onto the pitch, so another miserable night watching a game of ‘drop the ball’ was anticipated. But, it wasn’t to be. For the first ten minutes the match was fairly even with just a penalty from either side to have the score standing at 3-3. Then it all seemed to go awry for Watsonians. Having their stand-off yellow carded for tripping, one he denied (and given that rugby players tend to accept the ref’s decision without the hystrionics that footballer resort to, he was probably justified), Watsonians appeared to fall apart.

The rest of the half – as the rain got heavier – was dominated by Accies, with Watsonians only popping into the equation to score a try, before Accies closed them down again and scored their fourth try of the half.

Their first three had all come in a five minute period following the yellow card. The first was a forward’s rumble over from a line-out (pictured), the second from open play and the third, under the posts, from ball passed inside after a ruck on the line. The four tries, plus a combination of kicks, put Accies ahead 30-10 when the referee blew up for half time.

The rain, if anything, got heavier as the second half opened. Whatever was said at half-time to Watsonians in the changing room worked wonders and they got stuck in right from the off. It didn’t take too long, however for the superior fire-power of the visitors to, once again, come to the fore.

Again they forced themselves upfield, but the defence held out and stopped the attacks on their line – literally on a couple of occasions. It was, however Watsonians who were to score the only points of the half. A penalty from their scrum-half after 20-odd minutes was added to late on by a duplicate of Accies first try. A kick over the defence saw the full back bundled into touch five metres out and from there the forwards weren’t leaving without the try. With the conversion going over, the home side were within ten points of the visitors. They couldn’t close the gap, though, so the match ended, under slightly lighter rain, 30-20 to Edinburgh Accies.

So another soggy match under lights ended with the expected, but not guaranteed, result for Accies. With three of their four tries being scored when Watsonians were down a, fairly influential, player, it might not have been such an ‘easy’ first half if Watsonians had ‘…kept their head when all about them, etc…’. And as Accies appeared to run out of a bit of steam as the second half progressed, maybe ‘Sonians could have taken the match. Maybe…

Report and photos – John Preece
Web – http://www.photoboxgallery.com/jlp-photography

Council Budget consultation –  Craighouse deadline looms – Tram bye-laws – HMS Edinburgh – Today at the Cameo

Remember to have your say on the council budget process. Here is a helpful video starring Councillors Rankin and Cook who are in charge of the Finance committee. A sub-committee of the Finance and Budget Committee is meeting this morning at the City Chambers. You can read the papers for the meeting here.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4y0d_D3RVY]

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You have until 21 December if you wish to object to the planning proposal for the former Edinburgh Napier University site at Craighouse. There is some information here on the Friends of Craighouse website explaining how to do it.

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You can add your own suggestions to the council consultation on tram bye-laws here.… Much has been made of the rules and regulations but really do you want to hear someone else’s iPod blasting in your ear? Have your say before 21 January.

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We have been on board HMS Edinburgh when she was last here in Leith and we quite like their Christmas video here…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEz0dfCrqaI]

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Today Great Expectations is your Christmas movie at The Cameo at 13:00. Book here.

“We say any increase is TOO much!”

Over the weekend many tenants of Muirhouse Housing Association MHA received a letter which they did not want just days before Christmas. MHA is asking tenants what they think about their proposed rent increase. Tenants contacted the association Tenants and Residents in Muirhouse TRIM highlighting concerns they had and TRIM immediately started to act upon it.

MHA Time table of increases over the past 5 years

2008 – 4.75%

2009 – 3.0%

2010 – 2.5% 2011 – 4.6%

2012 – 4.5%

This year MHA is proposing a maximum increase of 5%

TRIM has written to the board of MHA asking them to consider many factors when deciding what might be an appropriate increase:-

Homelessness – Poverty – High Fuel Bills – High Interest Rates – Salary Freeze

Whilst we fully understand that MHA have to cover costs, We feel that any increase should be kept to a minimum if at all. It is hoped that MHA will not increase their rent charges at all.

With benefit reform looming, many residents will be forced deeper in to a poverty stricken state. We suspect that many residents affected by the ”Bedroom tax” will struggle to pay the difference between their benefit and actual rent. We feel that MHA should do all they can to support their tenants and freeze their rent charges.

Reproduced below is the letter TRIM has sent to the board of Muirhouse Housing Association

”Dear Board Members,

TRIM has been contacted by a few of your tenants regarding the proposed rent increase and they are concerned about the detrimental affects that a high increase will have on their finances and their ability to pay.

Before you make a final decision TRIM would like you to take the time to consider the following points that your tenants have raised and that we, as a Tenant’s Group are concerned about.

As you know in this area we have a high proportion of residents who are in fuel poverty, have increased food bills, have a low wage with little or no pay increase and now we have the Welfare Reform starting to take affect for the people who are on partial or full benefits. We understand that Muirhouse Housing Association is not to blame for these financial decisions but feel that the real and unavoidable financial constraints on your tenants income should be a factor in any decisions that you make.

We are concerned and would like your response regarding the proposed rent increases in view of the lack of understanding regarding the impact that Welfare Reform will have on all your tenants regarding rent increases and how you are budgeting to cover the extra expenses through rent payments.

Will the Welfare Reform lead to higher than previous rent increases to cover the bad debt and increased housing management costs arising from arrears and how will this be taken forward as you plan your next budget and rent increases.

ŸHow will the poorer financial stability of your tenants affect your long term business plan and will this lead to even higher more rent increases in the future .

ŸHave you considered the impact that the proposed higher rent increase will have on the families that have partial or no housing benefit and how that will increase the child poverty and deprivation in the community as the gap between income and expenditure widens.

ŸTenants who have had no rent arrears are worried that they will have problems paying the increases as they have absolutely no disposable/spare income or savings to pay it – and have no option of making up the shortfall. One commented that they couldn’t just conjure up money out of nothing and doesn’t know how they will cope.

TRIM are concerned that a high increase in rent will adversely affect all your tenants – especially the ones who are on partial/no housing benefit and lead them into poverty and reliance on loans and credit to keep them going. This is a situation that must not be allowed to happen to a community that is already struggling with the impact of financial decisions that are not of their making.

We also realise that a higher rent increase will not in itself impact on your tenants who claim full housing benefit but the Welfare Reform changes will – from rental payments and Universal Credits to passport benefits – so we will be working with other Tenants Organisations in order that all tenants and residents in Muirhouse will know how it affects them and to get the relevant information to everybody – not just people who claim benefits.

We do understand that the rental payments is the main income for the Housing Association and that in order to provide it’s services it needs to be realistic in its rental charges – but we would ask you in this hard financial climate for the sake of all your tenants to keep your increase as low as possible. Your tenants are suffering – it will get worst as the Governments spending cuts come into full force and it is up to your Board to take care of your tenants the best as you can and help keep them in their homes. Can you have a look at all your services and participation budgets – is there anything that could be cut to lower the rental increase – is there anything you are doing that doesn’t need to be done?”

TRIM will update their site and Facebook page with any response, In the meantime they are going to contact Forth Councillors, their MSP and MP for the area asking for their backing in this matter.

Submitted by Robert Pearson

The council’s new waste collection arrangements have not gone unnoticed across the city, but in particular residents of West Pilton know all about the changes.

Traci Gaven lives in West Pilton Avenue, and on Bonfire Night the communal green bin which serves six houses including hers went missing. The lid had already disappeared a day or two before meaning that birds had free access to the rubbish which was being scattered around the street, but it appears that the bin may have been stolen and set on fire that night.

So Traci asked the council for a new bin, and she is STILL WAITING! The council apparently advised that the waiting time is 21-28 days for a normal wheelie bin but it would be quicker to get a replacement communal green bin. This has proved not to be the case. Even though Traci and her neighbours have been told they are top of the list they have not been given a delivery date yet.

As well as the missing green bin, there are other aspects of the changes to this rubbish story which have affected the West Pilton residents. It appears that the new teams simply don’t know where to collect the rubbish from.

Where Traci lives the flats can be accessed from two streets, and often their rubbish is simply missed from the fortnightly collections. Traci said:-“Although our green bin is collected from the car park at the back of the property, our red and blue recycling boxes along with food waste collections are taken from the front of the houses.

There are also communal purple bins for mixed glass out the back which are full to bursting. The recycling lorries come to the front and these bins simply don’t get emptied. Now that the purple bins are full they attract youngsters who have been seen and heard taking bottles out and throwing them at each other and at cars.

This is now really frustrating.”

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds, has replied to Traci by Twitter that she will organise a collection of the glass “as soon as possible”.

According to the council’s website this morning all of their collections are up to date. If you have any problems with your own collection then this is the advice given on the council website:-

“If your bin has been missed but it is not mentioned above, please report it to waste@edinburgh.gov.uk  or call 0131 529 3030 or use our online form.

You can check your collection calendar on the online directory. Bins should be out on the kerbside by 6am, please leave them out until 10pm.”

The council have a Zero Waste strategy and want to reduce what is sent to landfill as they believe this costs too much both financially and for the environment. You can read more about the council’s plan to reduce waste and increase recycling here on their website.