Five things you need to know today
Fancy a new job? The Cockburn is hiring. EIJB is threatening cuts and Dalry Swim Centre is 130 years old but still a major player in the swimming world
Dalry Swim Centre - 130 not out!
On Monday Dalry Swim Centre was celebrating its 130th birthday with cake and balloons.
Dalry Swim Centre, with its elegant 7-bay Italianate façade and sunlit 25-yard pool, has been a community cornerstone since 1895. In 2010, it was saved from closure thanks to a passionate local campaign backed by 3,500 petitioners, MSP Sarah Boyack, and Councillor Donald Wilson. A major refurbishment in 2018–2019 modernised the facility while preserving its historic charm.
Dalry is one of five stunning Victorian pools operated by Edinburgh Leisure, alongside Warrender, Leith Victoria, Glenogle, and Portobello. These venues blend timeless architecture with modern amenities - including upgraded changing rooms, energy-efficient systems, and warm, welcoming spaces.
https://youtube.com/shorts/akMqJI0sM8w?si=qZEUrcLaCdF6jKoy
It's raining again...
It's lovely weather for the ducks in Inverleith Park. See more photos here.
EIJB cuts just over the horizon
The Edinburgh Integration Joint Board will meet on 17 August to discuss or decide which third sector funding to cut from its £900 million budget.
One of those at risk is the Stafford Centre which offers mental health services costing relatively little but with a huge impact.
Miles Briggs MSP went to visit the centre recently to offer them support.
Dunedin International Folk Dance Festival
This week there is an opportunity to forge cultural links through Scottish, French and Hungarian music and dance.
The Dunedin International Folk Dance Festival returns in its 27th edition, taking place from 17-20 July, with indoor and outdoor performances both in Edinburgh and Stirling.
The Festival’s Gala Opening Performance & Ceilidh at the Mary Erskine School in Edinburgh is billed as one of the highlights, with folk dance and music performances from Les Pierrots de la Vallée – from Normandy, France and Csata Táncegyüttes from Isaszeg, near Budapest, Hungary.
These visiting groups will perform alongside two Edinburgh dance groups, Dunedin Dancers and New Scotland, featuring the range of Scottish dance – country dancing, highland, hard shoe stepdance and ceilidh with live music.
Festival Chair, Seonaid Scott, said: “The Festival Opening Performance and other performances will be fabulous opportunities to hear the different musical traditions and see the various different dance styles and costumes. We are so pleased that we are once again able to bring this experience to audiences in Edinburgh and Stirling.”
The opening showcase, and only scheduled indoor performance, takes place on the evening of Thursday 17 July in the Mary Erskine School Hall, Ravelston Dykes EH4 3NT. Tickets are £22 full price; £17 concession and £5 for under 18s. You can book tickets through the EventBrite link on Dunedin Dancers website www.dunedindancers.org.uk or at the door on the night (if not sold out).
There will be a performance outside The Scottish Parliament on Friday 18 July and in St Andrew Square on Saturday 19 July which are both free. All details are below.
The 27th Dunedin International Folk Dance Festival is organised on a voluntary basis by Dunedin Dancers in association with Edinburgh University New Scotland Country Dance Society (EUNSCDS).
Thursday 17 July: EDINBURGH
Gala Opening Performance + Ceilidh 7.30pm
Mary Erskine School Hall, Ravelston Dykes EH4 3NT
Scotland, France & Hungary will be dancing in this indoor event. The concert will run 7.30-9.45pm then we’ll enjoy some ceilidh/social dancing until 11pm! Bar & snacks will be available. Tickets: £22 full price; £17 concession & £5 for under 18s—book through the Eventbrite link on the Festival page on Dunedin Dancers website. You can turn up on the day though if we are fully booked we may not be able to grant admission.
Friday 18 July: EDINBURGH
Performance 2.30-4pm
The Scottish Parliament*
Scotland, France & Hungary will be performing outside the
Scottish Parliament. FREE – donations welcome.
*Wet Weather Venue: French Institute/Institut Français d’Écosse, West Parliament Square, EH1 1RN
Saturday 19 July: EDINBURGH
Performance 2.30-4pm
St Andrews Square*
Scotland, France & Hungary will be performing at St Andrews Square in Edinburgh’s New Town. FREE – donations welcome.
*Wet Weather Venue: Edinburgh New Town Church, 13 George Street, EH2 2PA
Cockburn Association is hiring
The Cockburn Association is hiring a new Director. Founded in 1875, the Cockburn Association is Edinburgh’s Civic Trust although it has evolved over the years to have a say in more areas than when it was first established.
"The Director holds full executive responsibility for developing, implementing and monitoring the Cockburn Council’s strategies, objectives, policies and decisions, enabling the Association to fulfil its charitable purposes. The job priorities are focused on ensuring financial sustainability, membership growth, and enhanced organisation profile, working closely with the Chair, Trustees, and President. While a keen interest in Edinburgh and the quality of its environment, and commitment to the principle of citizen participation are expected, specialist skills or experience in planning, architecture, conservation or design are not a requirement. At this stage of the Association’s history, we are seeking a Director with management and business skills who will implement a change programme for our long-term sustainability."
