A new tail grows in Leith

This is life in Leith, dear reader, so be prepared for full frontal honesty, sweary words and raw humour. The Darting Salamander, Leith’s first anthology, is not afraid to probe some of the darker corners of Edinburgh’s ‘coolest’ part.

Much against his will, Mossman peered over the edge. Below him was nothing but a three hundred foot drop to a really bad hair day. 

Haikus and Heavy: Ali Rutherford  (p27)

What happens next? There are bleak beginnings, unexpected middles – and even some happy endings. 

Continue reading “A new tail grows in Leith”

Rapid response: social enterprise shows the way

Nurses and doctors working flat out in intensive care units do not have time to plan or cook healthy meals.  They barely have time to eat.

It’s one of the startling facts galvanising an extraordinary social enterprise. National governments could learn from grassroots innovation. At local community levels there is a rapid response to the urgent needs not just created but also exposed by Covid19. 

Continue reading “Rapid response: social enterprise shows the way”

Leith is many places, whose voice is unheard?

The place is packed. The hall is fairly humming with that unmistakeable sound of people getting properly engaged. All ages. Busy tackling the big issues of local life. So why are we worried about who is not here?

The place is packed. The hall is fairly humming with that unmistakeable sound of people getting properly engaged. All ages. Busy tackling the big issues of local life. So why are we worried about who is not here?

Continue reading “Leith is many places, whose voice is unheard?”

World Kitchen in Leith discovers Granton’s secret garden

One eye in the rear view mirror, one on the road, we set out one chilly evening in search of an ancient walled garden. Behind us, modern towers of Edinburgh’s waterfront recede into grey skies. Ahead glimmers a pale setting sun. But where exactly are we going?  Continue reading “World Kitchen in Leith discovers Granton’s secret garden”

The Forgotten Pioneers: Disability History Month 2017

The marchers were blind men from sheltered workshops and trade union councils. They wanted pensions and workers’ rights; “Justice not charity” was their motto.

Justice not charity…the words ring with significance in our troubled time.  With their characteristic pioneering energy, Disability History Scotland invite us to discover and celebrate the Scots involved in The Forgotten Peoples March, on Saturday 2 December. Over to DHS to explain the background to this timely event for Disability History Month 2017.  Continue reading “The Forgotten Pioneers: Disability History Month 2017”

You see something wrong, you want to fix it: Martin Veart

People are not pawns to be traded in some game. Our young people should have the same opportunities to work, study and travel abroad as I, and many others, have enjoyed.

Martin Veart, Liberal Democrat candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith, identifies housing, health and education, as local priorities in his answers to the Leith Open Space #onlinehustings: five questions for our five candidates. Continue reading “You see something wrong, you want to fix it: Martin Veart”

There’s a bucketful of work to be done: Deidre Brock

My daughters were and are a big influence – I want them to inherit a better world and a better country and I want young people to have every chance to enjoy life and do amazing things.

Deidre Brock, Scottish National Party candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith, highlights austerity, foodbanks, immigration and investing in young and old among her responses to Leith Open Space #onlinehustings: five questions for our five candidates.

Continue reading “There’s a bucketful of work to be done: Deidre Brock”

A youthful desire to make a difference: Lorna Slater

I would fight to abolish the bedroom tax and reform our chaotic welfare system. Social security should make people feel secure and hopeful, not terrified.

Lorna Slater, Scottish Green Party candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith, identifies priorities for housing, social welfare, green spaces, and a universal basic income, in her answers to Leith Open Space #onlinehustings: five questions for our five candidates.  Continue reading “A youthful desire to make a difference: Lorna Slater”

For rights, responsibilities and rewards: Gordon Munro

The most important issue is poverty. We have 42,100 people in work in poverty in this city. We have pensioner poverty, we have fuel poverty, we have nurses using food banks and 21% of all children in this city are growing up in poverty.

Gordon Munro, Scottish Labour candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith, outlines his priorities for tackling inequality – and pays tribute to Joe Strummer – as he answers Leith Open Space #onlinehustings: five questions for our five candidates. Continue reading “For rights, responsibilities and rewards: Gordon Munro”

Politics, homelessness and scuba diving: Iain McGill

I thought to myself if I’m so hacked off about the decisions they make affecting people’s lives, it might be easier and more productive to kick them out and become the MP myself…

Iain McGill, Scottish Conservative candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith explains why he’s standing for election on 8 June. Welcome to Leith Open Space #onlinehustings: five questions for five candidates.  Continue reading “Politics, homelessness and scuba diving: Iain McGill”