Low income families will now be able to apply for a new £10 a week payment for every child aged 0-6 next year. As part of measures to lift 30,000 children out of poverty, the Scottish Child Payment, which was due to launch in 2021, will now open for applications in autumn 2020, with the first payments reaching families by Christmas.
Speaking on a visit earlier in the week to Stepping Stones, an Edinburgh charity which provides support services to young parent families and pregnant women, Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:“Scotland is facing a spike in child poverty as a result of welfare cuts imposed by the UK Government, but this new payment is a game changer for families on low incomes. It will mean more families are able to make ends meet and there is no cap in the number of eligible children per family.
“I am delighted that as part of the Programme for Government we have been able to confirm that the payment for under 6s can now be introduced even earlier than planned. This will ensure we are able to get more money into the pockets of low income families sooner than we originally intended.
“The families I’ve met in Pilton this morning have told me the payment will make a massive difference to them – it will help them get by each month, enabling them to buy necessities.”
The Scottish Child Payment will give more immediate support to eligible families who need it most, as almost 60% of all children in poverty live in a family with a child under the age of six.
It will be rolled out in full to eligible families by the end of 2022, benefiting 410,000 children – over a third of all children in Scotland – and backed by £180 million of investment. It will put £500 a year, for each child, in the pockets of families and it will lift 30,000 children out of poverty.
Minister speaks out on EU citizens and ‘No Deal’
The Scottish Government responded earlier in the week to a Home Office announcement which details new arrangements for EU citizens arriving after Brexit in a no deal scenario.
Migration Minister Ben Macpherson said:“This announcement by the UK Government, on the rights of EU citizens in a no-deal scenario, significantly fails to provide the necessary reassurances EU citizens are so desperately seeking.
“Time and again the Scottish Government has highlighted the folly of the UK Government’s proposed three-year ‘Temporary Leave to Remain’ scheme, which won’t work for students in Scotland or Scotland as a whole. Unfortunately, the UK Government continues to ignore the concerns of Scottish higher education institutions.
“Scotland wants, welcomes and needs EU citizens to come here to live, work, study and settle. But because of the UK Government’s immigration policies, EU citizens arriving after Brexit look set to face more uncertainty and confusion. Under the UK Government’s plans, people will be expected to put their trust in an undefined immigration system with no guarantee whatsoever that they will be able to stay beyond December 2023.
“These ill-thought-out proposals are yet further evidence that the UK Government is incapable of delivering effective immigration policies which reflect Scotland’s values, circumstances or interests. It is time for Scotland to have the powers to deliver tailored immigration solutions to meet Scotland’s needs and aspirations.
“This comes as the Scottish Government has published a summary of our current migration policy paper. We will publish a further policy paper on migration later this year, as outlined in our Programme for Government.”
Ben Macpherson MSP
Government set to limit use of B&Bs for homeless
New legislation will reduce time spent in B&Bs and hostels.
Anyone facing homelessness will spend no longer than a week in unsuitable accommodation like bed and breakfasts under new legislation.
The seven day limit on unsuitable temporary accommodation which currently covers families with children and pregnant women will now be extended to protect everyone at risk of homelessness.
Announcing the changes, which will come into effect by May 2021, Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said:“We know that people living in these unsuitable environments can for too long often lack cooking or washing facilities, and some have reported that they cannot have visits from family or friends. These experiences have a detrimental effect on people’s physical and mental wellbeing, preventing them from rebuilding their lives.
“While temporary accommodation can offer an important emergency safety net for anyone who finds themselves homeless, such as those fleeing domestic violence, it should be a purely temporary measure.
“In Scotland we are already world-leading in tackling homelessness, and now this new legislation, which is a UK first, will make sure that the time anyone spends in unsuitable temporary accommodation is as short as possible before moving to a more appropriate, permanent home.
“We recognise the importance of a settled home in supporting people to live their life with good health, wellbeing and a sense of community and belonging.“That’s why we’re investing £32.5 million, which includes more than half of our £50 million Ending Homelessness Together Fund, to support local authorities to prioritise settled accommodation for all.”
Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of homeless charity Crisis, said:“We strongly welcome the announcement that the Scottish Government will change the law so that people will no longer have to live in the most unsuitable forms of temporary accommodation for longer than seven days. This marks a major achievement for our Life in Limbo campaign, a three year project which has sought to put an end to lengthy and dehumanising stays in unsupported hostels, hotels and B&Bs.
“This decision is a recognition of the resolve of our clients to shine a light on the inhumane conditions they were experiencing and the determination to ensure no one else was subjected to these prolonged stays.
“Making sure that everyone has a home where they can begin to rebuild their lives benefits all of us. Once again Scotland has shown it is a world leader in tackling homelessness and this commitment is a major step forward towards it being the first nation in Great Britain to end homelessness for good.”
Former Edinburgh Monarchs rider Jye Ethridge came back to haunt his former paymasters.
The Aussie powered to 14 points thanks to four wins and a second place as Berwick Bandits mugged their near neighbours 60-30.
The defeat ended Monarchs in their bid to claim a place in the end-of-season play-offs.
Sam Masters top scored with 12 points for the visitors and skipper Ricky Wells scored seven points.
And the writing was on the wall after eight heats as Monarchs were 35-13 behind and Bandits kept up the pressure with back-to-back 5-1 heat wins in races 11 and 12.
Meanwhile, Dany Gappmaier (pictured) powered to ten points and Jye Ethridge nine points as Berwick put a major spoke in Glasgow Tigers’ SGB Championship bid.
Craig Cook, Glasgow’s No 1, responded with 14 points and former Bandits star Claus Vissing scored 12, but the West of Scotland club were mugged 48-41.
Earlier, Glasgow led 18-17 after six races but back-to-back 5-1 scorelines in Heat Seven and Eight did real damage, moving Bandits 27-20 ahead.
And another 5-1 from Berwick in the second last race put Bandits 45-38 in front and close the door on Tigers.
Glasgow Clan bounced back from two Challenge cup defeats to Dundee Stars to edge Fife Flyers 3-2 at Kirkcaldy.
Zach Fitzgerald’s men led 2-0 at the second break and 3-0 after 43 minutes thanks to goals from Mathieu Roy, Chad Rau and Scott Tanski.
Fife hit back with two goals in 1min 23sec deep into the final session from Danick Gauthier and debutant Tim Crowder, both on the power play.
But the Fifers were unable to add to their total as they slipped to a disappointing home defeat.
E
lsewhere, Elgin Pearce, the Elite League Player of the Week, scored Dundee Stars’ consolation was the Tayside team were edged 3-1 at Manchester Storm in their opening Elite League clash.
A double from Tyson Fawcett and a single from Cameron Critchlow did the damage.
Bert celebrates his 90th birthday today
He might play in goals but Bert Cunningham is pretty fit for his years. He will be celebrating his 90th birthday today and has a range of parties before his weekly game at World of Football at Chesser again next week.
Last Thursday when we met him he was playing in the goals for Edinburgh City Walking Football Club. Bert lives at Duddingston and makes his way to Chesser each week for a game, often by bus. He told us he has never supported either Hearts or Hibs, but he did go to both teams’ matches when they played at home.
He has had a very active life sprinkled with cycling, trampolining coaching and now Walking Football. It certainly makes him a poster boy for keeping fit.
Happy Birthday Bert Cunningham who is 90 today! He is a poster boy for keeping fit at all ages and plays in goal for @edinburghcityfc walking football team. pic.twitter.com/tO4ovgADSk
Bert had an interesting mix of jobs during his career culminating with 24 years of service at Ferranti. His mum was in service and his dad was an engineer with Brown Brothers. While he wanted to be an engineer his dad talked him out of it.
He began his working life at Leith Provident as a grocer and is pretty scathing about the grocers of today. He said : “I was a grocer to trade – better than what they are now. They’re not grocers now. They’re just shopkeepers.”
He then went on to work at Andrew White’s bookbinders and from there went to Ferranti where he worked for just under 25 years. When the Americans took over he decided to leave and went back to his part time job of coaching trampolining.
He thinks that the biggest change he has seen in his lifetime is the amount of travel people do. He said : “I think people must have more money because there’s an awful lot more people going abroad than when I was younger I never saw so many people going abroad years ago.”
Many happy returns Bert! And if you would like to join a Walking Football club then find a local club here.
Old Town restaurant changes hands
Mexican themed restaurant, Pancho Villa’s, in Edinburgh’s bustling Old Town, has been sold through specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co to an experienced local operator.
The previous owners had run the authentic Mexican restaurant for over 30 years, building up an excellent reputation for providing high quality food and drink with a lively atmosphere. They decided to sell the lease for the popular restaurant in order to retire.
Pancho Villa’s
New owner Ruori Stewart, who also owns The Apartment restaurant at Barclay Place, purchased the new lease and plans to trade the restaurant as the apartment pop-up until the property undergoes refurbishment to prepare for a new and unique concept.
Tony Spence, Business Agent at Christie & Co’s Edinburgh office who handled the sale comments, “Pancho Villa’s generated a good amount of interest from the outset and an experienced tenant was secured after a quick closing date was set.
“The market remains interesting with commercial properties continuing to attract interest from investors, experienced multiple operators and first-time buyers.”
Pancho Villa’s sold for over the asking price of £100,000 for the leasehold going concern.
Scotland’s Women Stand – for positive change
The Scotland’s Women Stand event is on at the Scottish Parliament today, Saturday 7 September 2019.
Deputy Presiding Officer Linda Fabiani MSP welcomes guests during the Scotland’s Women Stand event. 07 September 2019. Pic – Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament
The event aims to bring together women of all ages, backgrounds, political affiliations and none, to a day full of inspiration, information and motivation, to explore their political purpose and path.
It is part of positive change towards the goal of gender equal political representation, and is a key event as part of the Parliament’s 20th Anniversary programme.
There will be also be a local element to the event, with four regional hubs watching the Chamber session and taking part in a Parliament Project workshop.
The event aims to build opportunities for women to meet each other and for organisations to engage with women in order to support their democratic ambitions.
L-R Alison Johnstone MSP, Catie Dundas MSYP, Deputy Presiding Officer Linda Fabiani,pictured during the Scotland’s Women Stand event. 07 September 2019. Pic – Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament
Roadworks and diversions around Edinburgh
The City of Edinburgh Council’s control room staff compile a list of all the diversions and roadworks which are planned in the city.
Fundraiser for a defibrillator or two – get along to Colinton Inn tomorrow
This Sunday 8 September 2019 at the Colinton Inn they are holding the second half of a defibrillator fundraiser.
There will be music from Muckle Flugga, a Q&A with Heart of Midlothian FC, a CPR demonstration and a BBQ, Raffle and auction.
If you have any items to donate as prizes for the raffle then you can hand them into the bar.
This is the second half as the response for the first fundraiser was so overwhelming. A customer, Andy Arnot, sadly took ill at the Colinton Inn and died in December 2016. The fundraising for a defibrillator began not long after he died. Locals at the pub encouraged the pub to start a fund. The landlords Craig McLaren and Amy Buchanan took on the challenge.
The life saving equipment will be placed outside and registered with the Scottish Ambulance Service.
Eric Liddell Centre Fashion Show is on this week
As New York Fashion Week begins to wind down this year, the Eric Liddell Centre is teaming up with Andiamo to bring a touch of glamour to South Edinburgh as they host their second ever fundraising fashion show.
With support from George Watson’s College, the Bruntsfield based clothes shop will preview their latest collection in support of the dementia care charity and community hub on Thursday 12th September at the school.
Volunteers from the Eric Liddell Centre and pupils from George Watson’s will act as models for Andiamo’s clothing and accessories. Items from Beria will also be showcased.
Chief Executive of the Centre, John MacMillan said: “This exciting fundraising event brings together both the private and charity sectors, collaborating with one of our local schools, along with many volunteers who want to support the caring services of the Eric Liddell Centre.
I am so pleased to be able to work with Andiamo and George Watson’s College as we continue to make a difference to the lives of the people we serve.”
Linda Maxwell from Andiamo said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Eric Liddell Centre. Andiamo will be showing their new Autumn/Winter collection. Our ethos is something for everybody, all sizes, and all eventualities. Come along to help support your local independent store.”
Melvyn Roffe, Principal of George Watson’s College, said: “We’re proud to work with the Eric Liddell Centre as one of our Community Partners. I am sure that this event will be enjoyable for our pupils and everyone involved – as well as raising funds for the ELC. This is just one of the ways in which we encourage our pupils make a contribution to their community.”
Scotch Malt Whisky Society celebrate with The Gathering
Founder of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Pip Hills, is photographed outside The Vaults, with the 1937 Lagonda classic car he used to transport the first-ever cask of SMWS whisky.
This week the historic building in Leith, Edinburgh welcomes whisky-loving SMWS members from all over the world to celebrate ‘The Gathering’.
Founder of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Pip Hills, outside The Vaults, with a 1937 Lagonda, the car he used to transport the first-ever cask of SMWS whisky. This week the historic building in Leith, Edinburgh welcomes whisky-loving SMWS members from all over the world to celebrate ‘The Gathering’. Pip is pictured holding bottle 1.1 from the first ever Scotch Malt Whisky Society cask.Pic – Greg Macvean
Pip is pictured holding bottle 1.1 from the first-ever Scotch Malt Whisky Society cask. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is hosting ‘The Gathering’, a week-long celebration of its Leith origins that will bring members together to discover and share wonderful whisky experiences.
The festival is taking place until Sunday 8 September at The Vaults and other iconic Leith venues.
‘The Gathering’ encapsulates what it means to be a member of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, with a jam-packed week of fun-filled whisky-themed events. Festivities include a fascinating walking tour of Leith’s illustrious whisky history, an exclusive whisky and Leith food pairing, tasting and film screenings at renowned Leith venues, as well as member events in the courtyard of the spiritual home of the Society, The Vaults.
Pic – Greg Macvean – 06/09/19 – 07971 826 457 – Free first use pics
Founder of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Pip Hills, outside The Vaults, with a 1937 Lagonda, the car he used to transport the first-ever cask of SMWS whisky. This week the historic building in Leith, Edinburgh welcomes whisky-loving SMWS members from all over the world to celebrate ‘The Gathering’. Pip is pictured holding bottle 1.1 from the first ever Scotch Malt Whisky Society cask.
Going to the Solheim Cup? There are more trains to Gleneagles
The Solheim Cup begins on Monday at Gleneagles and includes three practice days, an opening ceremony and three days of competitive play. ScotRail has added more services to help golf fans get to the Solheim Cup at the Gleneagles’ PGA Centenary Course.
In the 16th edition of the biennial team competition, the best women professional golfers from Europe and the United States go head-to-head in match play format over three days.
Catriona Matthew’s Team Europe will be looking to reclaim the coveted trophy as it returns to Scotland, the ‘Home of Golf’, for the first time since 2000.
Every ScotRail train passing through Gleneagles on Friday 13, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September will call at the station to allow the thousands of spectators to travel to and from the event.
Additionally, the train operator is running special trains from Perth, Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh Waverley on competition days.
The Centenary course is a short walk from Gleneagles station following a temporary footbridge over the A9. ScotRail will have extra staff on hand to direct customers.
ScotRail Head of Customer Operations Phil Campbell said: “Gleneagles station will be a key transport gateway for golf fans during the Solheim Cup, and we’ve done everything we can to enhance the wider transport plan for this world class event.
“As official travel partners, we’re adding special services to help spectators travel on competitions days, and with the golf course just a short walk from Gleneagles station, it makes rail the ideal option to get to the event.”
Transport Scotland Head of Operations Stewart Leggett said:“The eyes of the world will once again be on Perthshire when the Solheim Cup gets underway next week. We’ve been working with our partners to ensure transport plays its part in delivering a successful event and that we maintain our impressive track record of hosting major sporting events in Scotland.
“Through a combination of park and ride facilities at Stirling and Perth and enhanced rail services to Gleneagles, we hope to give spectators as smooth a travel experience as possible.
“We also have a dedicated section with up to date event and travel information at the Traffic Scotland website, and will provide regular updates via social media throughout the tournament.”
ScotRail Queen Street Station staff Janet, Val and Marta with the Solheim Cup.
Family events in Holyrood Park today
Parkaeology, a new event run by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), takes place this weekend Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September in Holyrood Park.
This is part of the Scottish Archaeology Month celebrations when families can learn more about archaeology.
Holyrood Park is home to nationally important archaeological sites dating back thousands of years. Children will meet some of the archaeologists responsible for looking after these precious and fragile archaeological remains, hear first-hand about exciting research projects and take a walk around the park to visit a real dig taking place.
There will also be a mock archaeology dig and clay pot making.
Images of school children in historical costumes promoting the event Parkeology to be held at Holyrood Park, Edinburgh. Jude Stewart (farmer/hunter), Harrison Stewart (Roman soldier)
Champions’ League football returns to Easter Road on Wednesday
On Wednesday, the UEFA Women’s Champions League Round of 32
showdown between Hibernian Ladies and SK Slavia Praha will take place at Easter
Road.
While Grant Scott and his squad are fully focused on Sunday’s SWPL game against Spartans, there’s real excitement ahead of the glamour game under the lights.
Captain Joelle Murray, is hoping that Hibernian supporters
will pack out the stadium for the first leg
She told Hibernian TV: “The squad are all thoroughly looking
forward to it. We know it’ll be a tough contest. Slavia Praha are sixth seeds
in the competition, but I think it’s a test that we’re more than up to.
“I get goose bumps every time I come here, (to Easter Road) even
if it’s just to watch the men’s team on a Saturday. To be able to walk out of
that tunnel, it means to much to me and my family. They’re all proud Hibs fans
so I’m sure they’ll be delighted to see me walk out of the tunnel on Wednesday
evening.
“I think they’ll be a
really tough, physical team who will be hard to break down. We’ve seen some
footage and they’re pacey in the transition from defence to attack. The
flip-side is that there are certain areas that we can exploit with our
strengths.
“There are areas where we can take the game to them and
they’re certainly not unbeatable. On our day we’re more than capable of scoring
against anyone and that threat comes from all over the pitch. Hopefully we’ll
see that on Wednesday.
“I’d say ‘come along’. If you’ve been along to one of our
games then you’ll have seen that the quality is there. It’s a Champions League
game under the lights at Easter Road, so whether you’re a Hibs fan or not,
you’ll want to come along and experience that.
The game kicks off at 7.45pm and tickets are available now,
priced at £10 for adults and £3 for concessions.
Hilton restores historic frontage
In the last six months the façade at the Doubletree by Hilton on Bread Street has been restored in a six-figure project.
The A listed building is run as a hotel by RBH who spent £330,000 on the restoration project. The building is known for its large copper dome and the V-shaped block it is part of. It also has a fabulous rooftop suite with outdoor area used as the Sky Bar each month.
The sandstone was cleaned using non-chemical cleaning materials to remove moss, the timber windows were repaired and secondary glazing installed. The large curved polished ashlar lintels were replaced – and these weigh up to two tonnes.
Liam Shearsby, Project Manager at RBH who has led the works, said: “The historic façade of DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre is a recognisable site within the capital, and this investment has really brought it back to life.
“Given the significance of the building, we have been exceptionally careful and considerate with our approach to the restoration and refurbishment work, using skilled, expert tradespeople to ensure the end result stays true to the original façade. We’re delighted to see the results of the investment revealed.”
Marcello Ventisei, General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre, said: “We’re lucky enough to be housed in an absolutely stunning historic building which stands proudly at the outskirts of the Old Town – and which never fails to impress our guests.
“The team undertaking the restoration work have been fantastic in keeping any disruption to our guests to an absolute minimum – and we thank our visitors for their understanding throughout the works. We are proud to unveil the final results of such a significant investment and complex project.”
Police target uninsured vehicles in week long campaign
Police
Road Policing teams across Scotland will undertake
‘Operation Drive Insured’ on 7-13 September, in a week of enhanced operations
to seize uninsured drivers’ vehicles and improve road safety.
The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), a not-for-profit
organisation that compensates victims of uninsured driving and works with the
Police to tackle the issue, estimates that 26,000 people are injured each year
in the UK in collisions caused by an uninsured or untraced driver.
In addition to the human impact, the economic cost of
providing services to compensate victims amounts to around £400 million
annually, which is ultimately funded through higher insurance premiums from
law-abiding motorists.
One contributing factor behind the concerning rate of motor
collisions caused by uninsured drivers is that unlike insured drivers,
offenders aren’t motivated to display safer behaviour and meet the basic legal
requirements designed to keep policy costs down.
Further danger is brought by links to wider crime. Each year
MIB sees a large volume of uninsured drivers stopped by the police who are also
found to be driving while disqualified or without a valid driving licence. A
number are also caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
There are currently estimated to be around 40,000 uninsured
motorists in Scotland, with the worst affected area being Glasgow. Other
hotspots for uninsured driving can be found in Aberdeen, Falkirk, Inverness, Paisley,
Kilmarnock and Edinburgh.
MIB is working in partnership with Police Scotland during
Operation Drive Insured to help reduce these levels. Using the Motor Insurance
Database (MID), a central record of all active UK motor insurance policies,
roadside Officers can easily check if a vehicle appears to be uninsured. If a
driver denies being uninsured, MIB can quickly liaise with insurers to confirm
if valid insurance exists.
Paul Bennett, National Police Liaison Officer at MIB said: “Each month we support enforcement by
investigating the insurance status of up to 1,000 vehicles in Scotland and
insight shows us just how dangerous uninsured drivers are. It comes as no
surprise Police Scotland are making proactive efforts to protect innocent road
users.
“Those who drive without insurance must realise it isn’t
worth the risk; they will get caught and if the case goes to court, they will
gain a criminal conviction which can have a severe impact on their independence
and livelihood. The message is simple – always drive insured.”
When a driver is exposed for not having insurance, they can
have their vehicle seized and potentially crushed, along with a £300 fixed
penalty notice and six licence points. If the case goes to court offenders can
receive an unlimited fine and a driving ban. Uninsured driving convictions will
also show on basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
Last year, 7,127 uninsured vehicles were seized across
Scotland.
If a member of the public wants to check if their vehicle is
appearing as insured on the MID, they can do so for free on www.askMID.com.
Superintendent Louise Blakelock, Deputy Head of Road
Policing at Police Scotland added: “Operation Drive Insured will be delivered
through a combination of mobile and static road checks, involving Road Policing
Officers across Scotland with support from divisional colleagues.
“Officers will target uninsured drivers and in doing
this we hope to minimise the inconvenience caused to the general public and
contribute to the overall safety of our roads. Ultimately, the honest motorist
is penalised by having to pay higher premiums as a result of claims arising
from uninsured losses.
“We are committed to achieving the Scottish Government’s
2020 casualty reduction targets. Many thousands of people are injured each year
by uninsured drivers, therefore Police Scotland will continue to target these
individuals as they present an unnecessary risk to other road users.
Lion cubs born at Edinburgh Zoo
A litter of endangered Asiatic lion cubs was born at Edinburgh Zoo recently. Now just three-weeks old, the cubs are still being nursed by mum Roberta although they are not yet on view to the public.
Zoo staff were delighted by the news but say the coming months are crucial. Roberta originally gave birth to five cubs, with three surviving.
Alison MacLean, the zoo’s head of carnivores, said, “Mum and cubs are doing well and we are thrilled, though we remain cautious as this is still a very delicate stage, with two of the litter sadly not having survived.
“Public viewing is therefore closed at the moment to give the family lots of peace and quiet.
“The three cubs will be weighed and sexed during their first health check in the coming weeks. We will also name them shortly after.
“Their dad Jayendra is being very affectionate and will stay with Roberta and her youngsters.”
Jayendra arrived in Edinburgh from Bristol Zoo in 2012, with Roberta following from Magdeburg Zoo in Germany two years later.
“Asiatic lions previously existed across southwest Asia but are now only found in Gir Forest in India,” said Alison.
“The wild population is estimated to be only 350, with threats including poaching, habitat destruction, conflict with humans and a declining number of prey animals.
“Roberta and Jayendra are part of the European endangered species programme, with every birth being a potential lifeline and increasing the possibility of future generations being reintroduced into the wild.”
Find out aboutt the latest viewing information here
Art Walk Porty 2019 begins today
Art Walk Porty begins today and runs till next weekend. We were in Portobello yesterday for a special look inside the Kilns just behind the Prom. This building will form an integral part of one of the walks which you can join, or you can create your own walks.
There are so many events it is difficult to do any justice to the programme here but all roads lead to Portobello this weekend. And the best place to start is on the website or at Bellfield where they will give you lots of information about what is on and what you can see.
We met Rosy with Tommy Sheppard MP and some of the organisers outside the Portobello Kilns which are being opened to the public.
We spoke with Rosy Naylor about what you can see in Portobello over the next week and how to find out about the events. We then walked on the Prom with Jenny Pope who explained her installation and what it means. Just round the corner we met Rhona Taylor whose work Eponymous is on the outside walls of the pubilc toilets – and you would never guess what that is all about!
Listen to our podcast here while perusing the programme for this year’s events, talks and art. There was a surprise guest too as Tommy Sheppard MP was on a visit to meet with the organisers and we met him just as he emerged from Portobello Kilns into the sunlight.
Rhona Taylor explained to us that she was commissioned to create an installation which is based on shipping navigation lines, some of which are the shipping lines from the Firth of Forth on Friday. She was watching the ships on the internet and able to actually see a couple of them on the horizon while she created the artwork. She also explained that Portobello Edinburgh takes its name from Portobello Panama. There will be an information board, but she agreed it was not immediately obvious what the art is about!
Artist, Jenny Pope, begins her residency with a sculptural installation around the old site of Portobello’s industries. The industries around the Figgate Burn contain an infamous past, the Prussian blue works were involved in a court case about pollution in 1800. Jenny will construct sculptures reflecting the rich but deadly local colours: Prussian blue, blood red, mustard and white lead, and highlighting continued human environmental impact. The wind forms are now flying high from lampposts around the Figgate Burn, Westbank and the Prom.
Saturday 7 September, 3.00pm, Artist talk, Portobello Kilns – A rare chance to see inside one of Portobello’s remaining kilns, to hear about the processes of working the kilns, and to find out more about Jenny’s residency. The kiln will be open to the public: Sat 7th Sept 1-4pm & Sun 8th Sept 11am-4pm.
Fishing – local pair contest major British event
Local anglers Mike Connet and Jock Kettles are in the Scierra Pairs final, one of Britain’s biggest fly fishing events, this weekend.
The pair motored south earlier this week to practice and Mike side: “We’re hoping to build knowledge on lines, retrieve, places to fish and what flies are working. Hopefully, this will all come together.”
They qualified at Glencorse Reservoir (pictured) and owner Bill Taylor is now taking bookings for the 2020 season with an opening day of March 7 which is already fully booked. Enquires to glencorse1@outlook.com.
Now to sea fishing and Barry McEwan won the Bass Rock Sea Angling League’s Summer Series, but he was pushed to the wire.
The Port Seton-based angler led by six points going into the final round at Belhaven Beach near Dunbar.
But local fisherman Chris Empson, who was lying second, mounted a real charge on an ideal night with a fresh breeze but little swell.
He landed 19 fish for 391cm to win the final round with McEwan third with 15 fish for 337cm. McEwan earned 52 points overall and he squeezed home but if he had finished fourth then the title would have been decided on countback.
The winter league starts on September 18 with further dates on October 2, 9, 30. Venues to be confirmed.
The Amble Open, one of Europe’s biggest events is on January 12 and 2020 Mull of Galloway Sea Angling Festival is on June 19 to 21. The organisers upped the boat limit from 40 to 50 but they still sold-out in seven days. They now have a reserve list.
Speedway – Masters top scores in welcome Monarchs win
Sam Masters top scored with 12 points as Edinburgh Monarchs gained revenge over Somerset Rebels to keep their slender play-off hopes alive.
Cameron Heeps, just back after injury, was next best with 11 points and Auchterarder-based William Lawson powered to nine points, one of his best points scores of the season.
Nick Morris and Nicolas Covattti scored 12 points each for Somerset in the 57-32 defeat with ex-Glasgow Tigers racer Chris Harris next best on seven.
The other three riders scored only one point for injury-hit Rebels who were minus No 1 Rory Schlein.
Edinburgh, beaten 55-35 at Somerset on Wednesday, cruised to a 31-16 lead after eight races at Armadale.
Two 5-1 scorelines in three heats proved decisive and Monarchs also recorded 5-1 wins in heats nine and 11.
Meanwhile, Glasgow Tigers were forced to postpone their home SGB Championship clash with Berwick Bandits due on Friday.
A spokesman said: “A lot more rain fell than was forecast and the track has been waterlogged. We hope to have news of the rearranged fixture soon.”
Edinburgh Monarchs travel to Berwick on Saturday (tapes-up 6.30pm) and it’s a double-header in the Borders as Glasgow Tigers are due there at around 8pm.
Get dancing with Edinburgh Leisure
Get dancing – Edinburgh Leisure offering free pre-school and junior dance class tasters
Edinburgh Leisure, a charity dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone to lead more active, healthy lives, is offering free pre-school and junior dance class tasters this autumn
Dance-Mix, a new dance class designed to provide a variety of styles, from ballet to jazz to hip-hop, will introduce children to a range of fundamental techniques in a friendly and exciting atmosphere. And as well as having fun and making friends, participating in dance can improve coordination and fitness, and boost children’s confidence.
The Dance-Mix sessions will run on Friday afternoons for four weeks on 20th, 27th September, and 4th and 11th October and are free. If enough interest is shown, it is hoped that they will be timetabled permanently after the October break.
To book one of the new Dance-Mix classes contact Drumbrae Leisure Centre on 0131 312 7957. Children can attend for one, two, three or the full four weeks. For more information: www.edinburghleisure.co.uk
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Photograph by Phil Wilkinson
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EDINBURGH LEISURE
CHILDRENS ACTIVITIES
HOLIDAY CLUB PHOTOSHOOT.
APRIL 2017
Winner is announced at the 2019 #SAY Award
Tonight at Assembly Rooms there was a great buzz as Vic Galloway and Nicola Meighan announced the 2019 award was going to Auntie Flo. Sadly, Brian d’Souza was on Skye tonight playing a gig at the Skye Live Festival and was not there in person to get his award.
Announcing the winner. Kayus Bankole from Young Fathers. Photo: Martin P. McAdam www.martinmcadam.com
Andrew Wastlyk. Photo: Martin P. McAdam www.martinmcadam.com
Kathryn Joseph SAY Award. Photo: Martin P. McAdam www.martinmcadam.com
Karine Polwart with Steve Polwart and Inge Thomson. Photo: Martin P. McAdam www.martinmcadam.com
Robert Kilpatrick, General Manager of the Scottish Music Industry Association said: “A huge congratulations to Auntie Flo for winning 2019’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award for the incredible ’Radio Highlife’. This was chosen from 293 eligible albums submitted.
“This year’s campaign saw 293 eligible albums submitted, the highest number of any SAY Award campaign to date. Not only does this highlight the fact that Scotland’s recorded output is in great health, but it also shows that in spite of being in the age of algorithm-driven playlists, the album as a format still deeply matters to both artists and music fans.
“Albums remain the best delivery mechanism for artists to truly showcase their creative output and artistic identity. I’m incredibly proud that year-on-year, The SAY Award continues to go from strength to strength, showcasing the undeniable talent and diversity of Scottish artists and illuminating our music scene with the ambition, credibility and commitment it so richly deserves.
“A huge congratulations to each of this year’s Shortlisted artists on outstanding album releases, and thank you for playing such an important part in Scotland’s ever-evolving and inspiring cultural identity as a nation.” His tour manager and driver Phil Connor read from a napkin of words written by Brian. He said : “It’s been a privilege to document 7 years of adventuring around the globe in this record. It has taken me everywhere from Cuba to South Africa to East Asia. Thank you to everyone who made that happen over the years.”
Mastersystem’s ‘Dance Music’ was chosen by music fans via this year’s online public vote.
Grant Hutchison from Mastersystem. SAY Award 2019. Photo: Martin P. McAdam www.martinmcadam.com
There was a packed house to listen to some lovely music throughout the evening from some of the nominees and also from other bands like Cucina Povera, Heir of the Cursed, LYLO and Man of Moon. The audience of artists and industry along with music fans will party the night away in the Ballroom where there are DJ sets to keep them entertained.
Cucina Povera SAY Award. Photo: Martin P. McAdam www.martinmcadam.com
Heir of the Cursed. SAY Award. Photo: Martin P. McAdam www.martinmcadam.com
LYLO. SAY Award. Photo: Martin P. McAdam www.martinmcadam.com
Man Of Moon, SAY Award. Photo: Martin P. McAdam www.martinmcadam.com
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said: “‘Radio Highlife’ is absolute proof that Scotland’s music travels a two-way street with the rest of the world. Brian d’Souza as brought the sunshine of Africa into The SAY Award and gives us a worthy winner. Congratulations to him and to all of the Shortlisted nominees.”
The winner’s prize is £20,000, but the runners up all got £1,000 and they all received a commemorate award curated by Local Heroes. They commissioned Edinburgh artist Emma McDowall who created the totems based on inspiration from Salisbury Crags.
Emma McDowell SAY Award Designer along with her friend Tracey White. Photo: Martin P. McAdam www.martinmcadam.com
The SAY Award Shortlist for 2019, in alphabetical order –
Aidan Moffat and RM Hubbert – Here Lies The Body
Andrew Wasylyk – The Paralian
Auntie Flo – Radio Highlife
C Duncan – Health
Carla J. Easton – Impossible Stuff
Fergus McCreadie Trio – Turas
Free Love – Luxury Hits
Karine Polwart with Steven Polwart & Inge Thomson – Laws of Motion
A new year-round service to the Italian city of Verona will take off this December as easyJet expands its destination choice at Edinburgh Airport.
The inaugural flight will depart Scotland’s busiest airport for Verona on 7 December, perfect for those looking for ski options this winter. It will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays on an A320 aircraft.
It’s the airline’s 40th route from Edinburgh and comes just a few months after it reached the 50 million passenger milestone at Scotland’s busiest airport.
Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said:“It’s great to see easyJet continue to grow at Edinburgh Airport by adding another new destination to its already extensive list, something that increases choice and flexibility for passengers.
“We know there’s a desire to travel and take in the sights and culture of other cities across the world and we are always working to build and grow our destinations list. We also look forward to welcoming people from Verona to Scotland and showcasing what our fantastic country has to offer.”
Neil Slaven, easyJet’s UK Country Director said:”We are really excited to have announced Scotland’s only direct winter connection from Edinburgh to Verona which will commence this December.
“We remain committed to expanding our network from Scotland and this is a particularly exciting addition to our base at Edinburgh. We are confident it will provide a popular addition to easyJet’s network.
“In total easyJet now serves 40 destinations from Edinburgh spanning the UK and Europe and this new route will complement our existing network of leisure and business flights.”
Historic Environment Scotland run Parkaeology event at Holyrood Park
Pictured: Jude Stewart and Harrison Stewart, Primary five pupils from Murrayburn Primary School
Parkaeology, a new event run by Historic Environment
Scotland (HES), takes place this weekend (Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September) at
Holyrood Park.
Part of the Scottish Archaeology Month celebrations,
families can get hands-on with archaeology in Edinburgh’s ancient park.
Holyrood Park is home to nationally important archaeological
sites dating back thousands of years. Kids can meet some of the archaeologists
responsible for looking after these precious and fragile archaeological
remains, hear first-hand about exciting research projects and take a walk
around the park to visit a real dig taking place.
Families will also get the chance to get hands on with
activities such as a mock archaeology dig, handling boxes, trying on Roman
armour, and clay pot making.
Hibs charity planning open evening to unveil Lawrie Reilly medals
The Hibernian Historic Trust is planning to host an open evening at Easter Road Stadium to thank the Hibs’ fans who donated money to enable the charity to purchase medals won by the late Lawrie Reilly.
Lawrie Reilly and Tom Wright
The medals which date from the club’s last top-flight title
wins in 1951 and 1952, will be displayed alongside other artefacts from
Reilly’s decorated career including match worn Hibernian and Scotland strips
and his boots.
The nine carat gold medals, originally valued at between £1,000 and £2,000, eventually sold for £12,000 after a flurry of offers from anonymous bidders at the Thomson Roddick auction in Edinburgh on Thursday 22 August 2019.
Club historian and trust curator Tom Wright said: “The final
price was more than we were expecting, but it was worth it in the end.
“We knew going in that the valuation was always likely to be
much lower than the actual price, but we never expected it to go that high but
I am delighted that the medals will return ‘home’ to Easter Road and I’d like
to thank everyone who donated to the cause.”
The centre-forward, who died in 2013 aged 84, scored 238
goals in 333 games for Hibs and won 38 caps for his country, netting 22 times.
Man charged following sex attack in alleyway off Royal Mile
A man has been arrested in connection with a serious sexual assault on a 45-year-old woman which took place in Carrubbers Close at 3.15am on Friday.
The alleyway has been
cordoned off while an forensic examination of the scene takes place.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in Edinburgh
are investigating a report of serious sexual assault on a 45-year-old woman.
“The incident happened around 3.15am on Friday 6th
September in Carrubbers Close.
“A man has been arrested in connection with this
investigation and inquiries are continuing.”
Chimps and bees happytogether in Cramond
Little Monkeys Nursery in Cramond, Edinburgh is now the proud “keeper” of a Webster Honey beehive containing 60,000 bees, which has just been housed on the Nursey Roof!
The Nursery initially enjoyed a day workshop session with Webster Honey’s Observational Hive, brought along by beekeeper Meik Molitor.
With a proven learning programme that goes directly into nurseries and schools, Webster Honey explains all about the importance of honeybees to the eco system. The nurseries and schools can be supplied with actual beehives to tend and look after, with Meik coming in over a ten week timescale to check on the hives, and complete the learning programme. The one day course is also available, with the observational hive being brought into the schools to start off the process. Often this one day course can led to the school or nursery signing up for the full ten week lesson plan, as is the case with Little Monkeys who now plan to look after the hive for a whole year!
An empty plain white hive was given to the Nursery at the beginning of August which the children – known as The Chimps – decorated. Meik then came in to place the 60,000 bees into their new home. It was then decided that the safest place for the hives was up on the roof.
Ruth Veitch from the Nursery said: “We’re thrilled to have our own hive of bees now and think they will be very safe and happy up on the easy access roof with Meik coming in to check on them. The children loved observing the hive that Meik first brought in, and found the whole topic fascinating. It made sense for us to say we would have a hive on a longer term basis.”
“We think the educational programme is a great idea, and would recommend it to any school or nursery,” she added.
With hives all over Scotland, Webster Honey sells its products, which also include candles, alongside many types of set, runny and flavoured honey, in farm shops and delis all over Scotland.
Webster Honey has opened a custom designed log cabin housing a special Bee-Keeping Centre at Scotlandwell in Kinross-shire, the first for the area, which trains and educates people hoping to keep their own bees.
It offers day courses initially, with residential stays a strong possibility in the future.
A man and a woman have been charged after £18,000 worth of
heroin and a stun gun was seized after officers executed two warrants in
Saughton Mains Terrace on Thursday.
A 34-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman were arrested and
charged in connection with the incident and were due to appear at Edinburgh
Sheriff Court today.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Local officers
executed two warrants in Saughton Mains Terrace yesterday.
“Heroin, with maximum street value of £18,000, was
seized. What appeared to be a stun gun, or similar device, was also recovered
during the search.
“A 34-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman were
arrested and charged in connection with this and are due to appear at Edinburgh
Sheriff Court today.”
Anyone with concerns about drug crime in their community
should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
City Centre Transformation to move forward to the next stage
There will be more consultations to come on specific elements of the City Centre Transformation Project (CCT), but the council will examine the Finalised Strategy at their Transport and Environment Committee next Thursday. If approved then the project moves to the next phase, although it will be a while before many of the specifics are fleshed out.
If the plans are approved by the T & E Committee next week then there will be a formal launch of the project in the autumn and plans for what will actually be done along with costings and funding will be available in December 2019. The work will follow in three phases beginning in 2020. As the working group which has been in charge of this project is an all-party group it is not expected that there will be so much in the way of opposition, but of course there is every opportunity at the meeting for discussion.
One aspect which will be actioned is the closure of certain streets in the city centre like Bank Street, Candlemaker Row, Cockburn Street, Forrest Road, High Street between North Bridge and St Mary’s Street, Victoria Street and Waverley Bridge. Some of these will remain open to buses and taxis only.
The areas which will be concentrated upon will be Lothian Road which is destined to become a multi-modal boulevard and Waverley Bridge which could be pedestrianised. Following these pieces of the jigsaw the council will turn its attention to traffic and parking, bus and coach management, allocation of taxi ranks, electric vehicle charging, waste collection and delivery of freight
They also plan for example to stop left turns for traffic from North Bridge the council hopes they might be able to create a high quality public space incorporating General Register House.
According to the report, one of the benefits of making alterations to how everyone gets around the city centre would be financial. The council’s research shows that the strategy has potential to generate £420million of quantifiable benefits based on an investment of £314.6million.
CCT will take ten years to deliver, and what will be discussed by councillors next week is only the result of 18 months of work. It is a huge piece of work which is interwoven with over council plans such as the Low Emission Zone strategy,the City Mobility Plan and it also falls within the city’s vision of what it will be like by 2030. One part of that is that the city must become carbon neutral. This project is about people and place and we were told quite forcibly that includes people who live here and not just visitors.
There is also provision in the strategy for six monthly reports to the council as a means of oversight.
The proposed pedestrian zone on Waverley Bridge
Examples of the areas included in the plans for change are Waverley Bridge and Lothian Road. We were told that the work being done in the Meadows to George Street consultation has also highlighted to them other areas of concern in the city centre and just beyond it.
A visual of what Victoria Street might look like
The Edinburgh Urban Design Panel have called the strategy an ‘exciting, ambitious vision for the city centre with significant potential to deliver long overdue change’. Not everyone is 100% happy as the bus company Lothian has pointed out that they regard integration with Waverley Station and the Edinburgh Bus Station as crucial, but that closure of some streets might lead to congestion elsewhere. They have asserted that the strategy overlooks many of the actions in their own business plan for 2017-19.
John Lauder, Deputy CEO of Sustrans, said: “The City Centre Transformation is a bold, forward-looking step to reduce emissions, improve air quality and deliver a more liveable city for visitors and residents alike. We’re pleased to have supported the development of the City Centre Transformation, and look forward to continuing to work with the City of Edinburgh Council to make George Street and the New Town a place for everyone.”
The council was told by the Fruitmarket Gallery in their submissions that the taxi rank in Market Street is very problematic and that deliveries for businesses in the street are compromised by station drop-offs. The answers to all of these detailed points will only be found after further consultation and discussion.
A key aim of the work is to bring the city centre back to the people who live here. The council is keen to look at the outcomes based on solid research. They have for example looked at other European cities and are using statistics like the possible growth in population over the next while and are trying to manage the evolution of the city centre. It is estimated that the population in the capital will climb to 600,000 by 2041.
It will take a lot of investment to fulfil the promises made, and all of this is being undertaken by the council with a good deal of caution flung in. Funding will be provided by developer contributions through the planning regime, capital spending from the council’s own resources and applications to the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland and Sustrans and any other grant funding bodies.
Sustrans has awarded £0.520m from their Places for Everyone grant scheme to support the creation of a pedestrian priority zone in the Old and New Towns. There will be trials before the plans are finalised but traditional traffic modelling will play its part.
The council is very proud of this particular consultation which is being held up as a gold standard. It managed to pull together many policies into one conversation with the public and Cllr Macinnes said this now gives them a strong platform to start from. She said : “We feel as if the consultation fired the starting gun and now we know that we have permission to proceed with these ambitious plans.”
The council states that they will have to increase traffic enforcement at the same time as looking at the loss of revenue from reducing car parking spaces.
3,056 people responded to the consultation on the Council website with a further 28 responses. But crucially 78.7% of those who did reply agreed that this would be transformational chance, with 56.7% agreeing strongly and 22.7% agreeing slightly. A separate young people’s survey was answered by 150 young people.
The Convener was buoyed up by the consultation results which showed that people like the ideas of city hopper buses, pedestrian priority zones and vehicle free streets.
She said : “This is the next exciting stage of the City Centre Transformation project. We have been out to consultation over the summer with a phenomenally good response in terms of volume and the content. We have reached the stage now where we have tested the drive in the city for change, we can tell people the programme delivery plan and funding strategy for the next ten years.
“We are building in a degree of flexibility in that, but right now we need to know what direction we are going in, what are the main key interventions sought and what outcomes that we are looking at. But the means of delivery and the funding will change a bit and will have to be flexible in the next ten years. But right now we can go back out and say this is where we are, where we want to go and how we will get there.
“This is a big complex multi layered bit of thinking and we are not able to dwell on specifics at present. The time for all that detailed work will come during later consultations as we work closely with external organisations such as Lothian and others.”
A period of trialling will also be part of the scheme and the Convener held up the Open Streets strategy as a great way to do just that. The next Open Streets is at the beginning of October. The council closes some streets in the Old Town to cars and other vehicles, allowing those walking or on bikes to enjoy the streets for other purposes.
Victoria Street closed to traffic in July 2019 Photo: Martin McAdam
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