Five things you need to know today
About making a Big Noise in Wester Hailes and reducing the speed limits to 30mph in Edinburgh
Big Noise Wester Hailes
Two Edinburgh councillors have visited Sistema Scotland's Big Noise project in Wester Hailes. The Culture and Communities Convener, Margaret Graham and the Education Convener James Dalgleish are both relatively new in post and went to the music and social change programme to see for themselves what it does.
The duo met with those taking part in the Big Noise and members of staff including Vicky Williams the charity's Chief Executive and head of centre Stewart Wilson.
The Big Noise Summer Holiday Club is more than just an orchestra. Children and young people who take part are involved in singing, games and non-musical activities. They are also served a free healthy breakfast and lunch. Big Noise Wester Hailes is the latest centre established by Sistema Scotland and reaches more than 650 children a week working at Clovenstone, Canal View and Sighthill primary schools.
Big Noise teaches children how to play an instrument after school and then creates a symphony orchestra with them helping the young people to gain skills such as confidence and aspiration.
Cllr James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener said: “Music has a unique ability to unite and inspire, and it was incredible to visit the Big Noise project in Wester Hailes and see, and hear, for myself the impact that music making and creativity is having on the next generation in the area.
“It is positive to see Big Noise supporting our efforts across Edinburgh, in our schools and beyond, to make music accessible and inclusive for all. Encouraging creativity and offering broader access to music education to children and young people is hugely beneficial and supports the development of a range of skills, as well as helping to build confidence, resilience and improve well-being.”
Cllr Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convenor said: “This is a fantastic initiative, and I really enjoyed meeting some of the young people who will benefit so much from it. There is no doubt that music can have a positive impact on children’s development and this, paired with individual support, is what makes Big Noise so special.
“Through nurture and creative learning, Big Noise is helping children to realise their full potential from a young age, which is wonderful to see.”
Friends of Dalry Community Park
Jacob Assarsson of Friends of Dalry Community Park has been doing a stellar job tidying up the litter and debris in the park over recent weeks. But he has now reached the end of his tether. He has asked the council several times to put in a bin - even one at each end - but they say they are unable to "as they cannot access the park with a vehicle. "for health and safety reasons".
But Jacob has now asked the council to undertake their statutory duties and clear up the litter. If you are in the park please send us any photos.
At Portobello Library
On 22 July there is to be an author event featuring Lisa Baptie who will take about her new book The Busy-Bodies by the Misses Corbett. This is a recently resurfaced period piece originally written in 1872 by the Misses Corbett and edited by Lisa for the modern reader.
The Event takes place at 6.30pm at Portobello Library. Doors open at 6.15pm. Tickets are free from the library.
Food and activities for families during the school holidays
If you are looking for free activities to help entertain the children during the school holidays - and these are often linked to a family meal then look no further than Edinburgh Community Food here.
Reduced speed limits on some roads
The council has reduced the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph on these roads:
Biggar Road
Calder Road
Frogston Brae
Glasgow Road (East section)
Glasgow Road (West section) and Old Liston Road
Gogar Station Road
Hawes Brae and Bankhead Road
Hillhouse Road
Lang Loan (section at the junction with Lasswade Road)
Lasswade Road
Milton Road, Milton Road East and Milton Link
Queensferry Road
Riccarton Mains Road
Sir Harry Lauder Road
Seafield Road
South Gyle Broadway
Straiton Road
West Approach Road
Wester Hailes Road.
These are mapped by the council here.
