East Lothian Council

PAGE 3
PAGE 16
Saltire 2016
Popular winter festival
programme unveiled
Fresh, tasty and healthy
Our schools receive prestigious bronze
award for their nutritious meals
PAGE 3
Investing in our
communities
Multi-million pound
programme will boost
skills, innovation
and infrastructure
SUMMER 2016
Living
East Lothian
www.eastlothian.gov.uk
PAGE 13
Book your
place
New mobile
library service
NEWS FROM YOUR COUNCIL
Building a
bright future
M
ORE than 80 East
Lothian senior
school pupils will
be embarking
on an exciting new course after
the summer break when the
Construction and Technology
Centre welcomes its first intake.
Located in a former council
office in Musselburgh, which was
also previously used as a Job
Centre, the facility is an East
Lothian Partnership initiative, set
up to help address a skills
shortage in the construction
sector.
It will also maintain East
Lothian’s position of having a
higher than average number of
residents working in the industry.
East Lothian, Edinburgh and the
South East region are set to
experience further significant
growth in new housing along
with investment in other major
construction projects, providing
opportunities for those already
working in construction or those
considering their options in terms
of future career choice.
The new centre
will address a skills
shortage in the
construction sector
Introductory construction
trades courses and the new
Foundations Apprenticeship in
civil engineering will be delivered
by Edinburgh College, with direct
input from the construction
industry to ensure courses are
relevant and likely to lead directly
to employment for the students.
It’s hoped the centre will be
able to offer up to 160 places in
future years.
Colin Macdonald, Managing
Director at Hart Builders, said:
“The new centre presents a
unique opportunity to grow
our local talent and is
something that Hart Builders
wholeheartedly supports.
“Harts, as a local company,
already employs a large number
of its workforce from the East
L o th i a n a r e a a n d o f f e r s
regular work experience and
placement opportunities.
“We are keen to do even more
to help promote this initiative.”
The Dunbar Grammar
pupils pictured have secured
p l a c e s a t th e C e n t r e
through the well-established
and successful partnership
arrangements facilitated by
the council’s employability hub,
East Lothian Works.
FOR MORE information
on the Construction and
Technology Centre, email
[email protected]
Tel 01620 827262
INSIDE: Superfast broadband • Affordable housing • What’s on • Work experience • Internship success
2
News
Living East Lothian
Summer 2016
Pupils look forward
to new classrooms
PUPILS returning to Prestonpans
Infants School for the new term
will enjoy extra classrooms
provided as part of a £400,000
extension being delivered by the
council’s development partner,
Hub South East Scotland Ltd, with
GRAHAM Construction the main
contractor. .
The two-storey extension will
provide two additional classrooms
for the growing school and will be
used by P2 pupils.
Council Leader, Willie Innes,
said: “Prestonpans is experiencing
CONTACT
Living East Lothian,
Communications and
Marketing, John Muir House,
Haddington EH41 3HA
Tel: 01620 827743
E-mail: living@
eastlothian.gov.uk
Web: www.eastlothian.gov.uk
Editor: Jill Mackay
Contributors:
Pauline Bristow
Fiona Dawson
Rachel Dixon
Jane Ogden-Smith
Main photography:
Mark Jackson
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© East Lothian Council 2016
a major population boom with
new housing developments
across the town.
“The council aims to
balance this growth with
an associated expansion of
our services, including our
school estate.
“Prestonpans Infants has
already been extended and this
new work completes the second
phase of major extensions.
“I know it is something that has
been welcomed by local parents
and school staff.”
Council Leader Willie Innes and some of the
youngsters check out progress on the classrooms
Council prioritises the installation of superfast broadband in East Lothian
Connecting our
communities
A
CCESS to a reliable
broadband service is a
key issue affecting
rural communities in
East Lothian.
Last year, a survey undertaken by
the council about the demand for
superfast broadband and the
impact this issue has on the
residents of East Lothian identified
that 75 per cent of respondents
were dissatisfied with their internet
connection and that the
instability of the connection
impacted on both their professional
and social lives.
Four of the six Area Partnerships
in East Lothian have identified the
need for superfast broadband in
rural areas as being a key element
of their Area Plans and the
Haddington and Lammermuir
Area Partnership is taking the lead
role in finding and delivering
a solution.
Discussions with Community
Broadband Scotland, who provide
funding and support for
community-led bro adband
solutions, confirmed that the gaps
in coverage across East Lothian
would mean a county-wide project
could be established.
A public meeting was held earlier
this year to discuss bringing
superfast broadband to the areas of
East Lothian that are not going to
and detailed the next stages of
the project, which aims to
improve internet connectivity
across the county.
To take this forward, it is
envisaged that a community group
will be set up to manage the
funding and delivery of the
superfast broadband project in
East Lothian.
“Improving community broadband
in East Lothian is a top priority for
the council. I want this project to be
another step towards ensuring all
properties in East Lothian have
access to superfast broadband”
be served by any of the existing
broadband programmes.
Presentations from Digital
Scotland Superfast Broadband,
Community Broadband Scotland
and Atkins-Farrpoint highlighted
the work already under way
Anyone interested in becoming
involved in the community group
should contact the Area Partnership
on areapartnership@eastlothian.
gov.uk Economic Development and
Tourism spokesman, Councillor
John McMillan, said: “Improving
community broadband in
East Lothian is a top priority for
the council.
“I want this project to be another
step towards ensuring all properties
in East Lothian have access to
superfast broadband.
“There is still more work to be
done with the Scottish
Government, BT and other agencies
to ensure that we do achieve
superfast coverage in the county.”
Stuart Gibb, Area Manager for
Haddington and Lammermuir
Area Partnership, said: “All
presentations and notes from the
public event have been made
available on the East Lothian
Council website for those who
were unable to attend, alongside
links to relevant websites and
further information on the
community group.
“We want to make sure that
anyone with a vested interest in
this project is able to get involved.”
Web: www.eastlothian.gov.uk E-mail: [email protected] Twitter: @ELCouncil Tel: 01620 827827
Living East Lothian
Summer 2016
News
3
Ambitious plans for City
Region Deal are outlined
E
AST Lothian Council is one
of six local authorities that
make up the Edinburgh
and South East
Scotland City region, working
collectively on a bid to the UK and
Scottish Governments for a City
Region Deal.
The deal is a mechanism for
accelerating growth by pulling
in significant government
investment.
By investing this funding in
infrastructure, skills and innovation
the region’s economic performance
will be significantly improved,
which will not only generate funds
to pay back this initial investment,
but will also draw in significant
additional funding from the
private sector.
It is also about greater autonomy
Multi-million investment will boost
skills, innovation and infrastructure
and decision-making powers
for the region to help us
deliver public services more
effectively and to tackle inequality
and deprivation.
At the June full council meeting,
East Lothian councillors heard
more detail on the focus, scope and
scale of the proposed Edinburgh
and South East Scotland City
Region Deal.
Priorities for the deal were agreed,
along with approval to form a joint
committee to take forward the
programme.
Chief Executive Angela Leitch has
been authorised to negotiate the
council’s financial contribution
towards the deal.
The proposals have been shaped
around four interconnected
programmes:
●● innovation hubs
●● infrastructure investment
●● a regional housing programme
●● a c u l t u r e a n d t o u r i s m
programme.
Innovation hubs will be based
around low-carbon initiatives, data
technology, life sciences, food and
drink and textiles – connecting up
the world-leading research and
innovation being driven by our
universities and colleges.
Infrastructure refers to both
transport networks and digital
technology. A regional housing
programme would aim to address
the urgent need for affordable
housing across the City Region Deal
area of Edinburgh, East Lothian,
West Lothian, Midlothian, Fife and
the Scottish Borders. A culture and
tourism programme would build
on the estimated 3.8 million visitors
a year to the region.
The deal aims to create a step
change in the economic
performance while tackling
deprivation and is hoped to attract
a £2 billion investment from the
Scottish and UK Governments, with
a potential further £5 million from
the private sector.
Council Leader Willie Innes said:
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance
School meals are more than tasty!
EAST Lothian Council’s school
meal service has retained the
prestigious Soil Association’s
bronze Food for Life Catering Mark
for serving fresh and healthy meals
in their primary schools.
The Food for Life Catering Mark
brings together many issues that
people care about – health, climate
change and animal welfare. It
recognises caterers and restaurants
who serve fresh food that is free
from controversial additives and
better for animal welfare.
More and more, people want to
know where their food comes from
and how it was produced.
The Food for Life Catering Mark
offers a guarantee that fresh food
you can trust is always on the menu
so customers can tuck in with a
clear conscience.
The Catering Mark is open to all
food producers. The bronze, silver
and gold tiers recognise caterers
who serve more locally produced,
healthy and organic food.
Caterers with the bronze Catering
Mark serve seasonal meals that are
freshly prepared and free from
undesirable additives including
monosodium glutamate, tartrazine
and aspartame. No genetically
Staff at Cockenzie
Primary School are
proud to have
contributed to the
Food for Life award
modified ingredients are used and
all eggs are from cage-free hens.
Councillor Shamin Akhtar,
Cabinet Member for Education and
Children’s services, said: “We’re
delighted that we’ve retained the
bronze Food for Life Catering Mark
in recognition of our commitment
to serving freshly prepared,
seasonal meals that are free from
controversial additives.
“In recent years, there has been a
wealth of research evidence that
shows the strong correlation
between children’s health,
educational achievement and diet.
“Our primary school meals
provide a nutritional foundation
e n j oye d b y p u p i l s a c r o ss
the county.”
The council’s catering team has
worked hard to ensure the 3800
meals they provide each school day
meet the bronze Catering Mark
standards, with fresh, seasonal,
healthier menus and meat that can
be traced back to the farm.
for East Lothian to be part
of a massive investment to deliver
projects that will have a real impact
on the lives of our residents
of all ages – and build a solid
future for young people and
communities.
“The potential scale of the
investment, plus the issues we’re
looking to tackle, are hugely
significant. I’m very pleased we are
moving forward with this deal.”
Councillor John McMillan,
Cabinet Spokesperson
for Economic Development
a n d To u r i s m , s a i d : “ T h i s
is potentially a huge investment
for the whole region that will
help to tackle the issues that
are very much at the heart of
growing our economies and
tackling inequality.”
New business
units for rent
in Haddington
NEW business units for rent
have been created in
Haddington, responding to
demand for small business
premises in East Lothian.
The units are in Brewery
Park, opposite East Lothian
Council’s HQ, and have been
developed by East Lothian
Land Ltd, the not-for-profit
company that developed
Macmerry Business Park.
The building is a former
council office, which has
become vacant due to
departmental restructuring
and the introduction of more
flexible working.
Each of the 10 units
features high-speed
broadband and secure
individual access.
ANYONE INTERESTED
in finding out more
about the new business
space should contact
estates@eastlothian.
gov.uk
4
News
Living East Lothian
Summer 2016
East Coast Buses are
connecting communities
EAST Lothian’s previously
threatened bus service provision
continues with the introduction
of East Coast Buses Ltd, a wholly
owned subsidiary of Lothian
Buses Ltd.
Earlier this year, First Scotland
East Ltd announced it was to
close operations and withdraw
services from the county.
An agreement was reached
that sees East Coast Buses
Ltd operate newly liveried
vehicles to provide a clean,
efficient and reliable service
across the two main routes
connecting North Berwick and
Dunbar to Haddington,
Musselburgh and Edinburgh.
Richard Hall, Managing
Director of Lothian Buses, said:
“This deal will protect key bus
services and jobs, but the
benefits go much further than
that. The residents, workers
and businesses of East Lothian
rely on buses for their daily
lives and wellbeing.
“We are pleased to be in
a position to take on and
continue providing these vital
services and be part of the
local economy.”
Councillor Michael Veitch,
Transport spokesman, added:
“This should not only secure the
future of the Dunbar and North
Berwick corridors currently
served by First, but will go
further in creating an entirely
new operation dedicated to
serving our county.
“This is a hugely significant
development for East Lothian
and secures vastly improved
public transport provision for
local people in the future.”
For up-to-date information on
routes, timetables and fares,
please visit www.eastlothian
buses.co.uk
There is the additional option
to sign up to the “community”
mailing list, which ensures
members receive all the latest
information and offers first hand.
Young people try
the world of work
Project gives
hands-on work
experience
S
INCE February, East
L o th i a n Wo rk s, th e
council’s employability
hub, has supported 12
young people to gain six months
paid work experience in the
Infrastructure Division of
the council.
Ray Montgomery, Head of
Infrastructure, was eager to offer
young people the opportunity to
participate in the Paid Work
Experience programme in
departments such as Amenity
Services, Kinwegar Waste Services,
Property Maintenance and
Facilities Management.
East Lothian Works and
Infrastructure are providing the
placements and each has made a
50 per cent financial commitment
to fund the positions.
As well as work experience, the
participants take part in learning
delivered by East Lothian Works
staff. This is identified by
assessing the young person’s
needs and can be in the form of
literacy and numeracy support,
employability skills and the
The Paid Work Experience
scheme is giving young
people vital work skills
SQA qualification Certificate of
Work Readiness.
All 12 participants have
committed to the Certificate of
Work Readiness qualification,
either the full award which is
made up of five SQA units, or part
award completing individual
u n i t s. S u b j e c t s s u c h a s
responsibilities as an employee,
dealing with difficult situations
at work and skills for customer
care are all included in the award.
The qualification is designed
specifically for young people who
are ready for their first experience
of the world of work and need
some guided support. Included
within the award is a unique
employer-assessed work
experience placement, providing
a meaningful qualification at a
credible standard employers can
recognise and trust.
Successful completion of this
qualification gives the young
p e r s o n ev i d e n c e o f th e i r
employability, which they can use
when applying for jobs.
East Lothian Works is now
in discussions with other
council departments to create
similar opportunities.
TO FIND out more contact:
East Lothian Works
[email protected]
Tel 01620 827262
Help when you need it most
IF you own your home and are in
danger of having it repossessed
due to financial difficulties, you
may be eligible for help.
The Scottish Government
operates the Mortgage to Rent
scheme and the Mortgage to
Shared Equity scheme as part of
the Home Owners’ Support Fund
to help owners who have
difficulty paying loans secured
against their property.
Under Mortgage to Rent, a
social landlord such as a housing
association or council could buy
your home and arrange for you
to continue to live there as a
tenant. The Mortgage to Shared
Equity scheme involves the
Scottish Government taking up to
a 30 per cent financial stake in
your home. You will still own it
and continue to have
responsibility for maintaining
and insuring it, but will be able to
reduce the amount you have to
pay to your lender every month.
HOW DO I KNOW IF ONE OF
THESE SCHEMES IS FOR ME?
If you are experiencing difficulty
in paying loans secured against
your home, tell your lender(s)
immediately. You may be able to
come to an arrangement with
them. If not, seek independent
advice. You must obtain
independent advice about your
financial situation before
applying to take part in the
Mortgage to Rent or Mortgage to
Shared Equity schemes.
Your application will not be
considered unless you have
taken advice from an approved
Money Adviser such as a Citizens
Advice Bureau (CAB), or Money
Advice outlet. Contact details can
be obtained from:
●● Haddington CAB, 46 Court
Street, Haddington, tel: 01620
824 471; Musselburgh CAB, 141
High Street, Musselburgh, tel:
0131 653 2748/2544.
●● Money Advice Scotland:
0141 572 0237; www.
moneyadvicescotland.org.uk
Living East Lothian
Summer 2016
News
5
Dog Watch cracks down on irresponsible pet owners
FROM April this year, the fixed
penalty for dog fouling doubled to
£80. East Lothian community
wardens have launched a campaign
to advise dog owners of their
responsibilities when exercising
their pets in public.
Councillor Norman Hampshire,
cabinet member for Environment,
explained: “Dog fouling is a concern
expressed by residents across all
our communities. It’s not only
unpleasant, but can also pose
significant health risks to people
and particularly children.
“Hopefully, the increased fine will
act as a deterrent to the minority of
dog owners who fail to clean up
after their pet.”
The community wardens set up
a month-long dog fouling
campaign prior to the new charges.
T h e wa r d e n s c o n d u c t e d
numerous patrols throughout
East Lothian, advising both dog
owners and professional dog
walkers of their responsibilities
when exercising dogs in
public areas.
New signage advising of the £80
fixed penalty has been erected in
popular dog walking areas,
including parks, near schools,
sports pitches and beaches.
Councillor Hampshire added:
“Our community wardens have
issued a number of warnings and
fixed penalties for dog fouling and
we continue to get reports from
residents about problem areas.
“We can take direct action
d e p e n d i n g o n h ow m u c h
information is provided. If a resident
can provide a description of the dog,
location and time of the incident,
and details of the owner, we may be
able to visit and issue a warning.”
The community wardens
continue to monitor many areas
through early morning and
evening patrols and see the vast
majority of dog owners do pick up
after their dog.
If you witness an offence of
dog fouling, you can pass on the
relevant information to the
council on 01875 824305 or at
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/dogwatch
99 Objects – a Coastal
Businesses help
Communities Exhibition to develop our
T
HE Scottish seaside
holiday can be too much
of a good thing. If you
are looking for a bolthole
from the beach this summer,
when the cool sea breezes
conspire to reduce the pleasure of
paddling and take away the fun of
building sand castles, an
excellent alternative is a visit to
the 99 Objects Exhibition at the
Coastal Communities Museum in
School Road, North Berwick. It’s
a stone’s throw from the East Bay.
Here you will find, among a
treasure trove of exhibits, an
authentic beach hut dating from
the Edwardian era.
In those days, modesty prevailed
and genteel folks needed a degree
of privacy to change in and out of
their bathing costumes.
When the weather turned, they
could sit and eat their picnic in
relative comfort inside the six foot
square (2m2) hut.
Gaily painted beach huts were a
regular feature of summer
holidays in North Berwick and
along the coast at Gullane.
The bright yellow beach hut on
display in the museum was crafted
by local cabinet-maker William
Auld & Sons, in the early 1900s.
The huts were hired out for the
season, then dismantled and
stored until the following year.
This one lay untouched at the
back of Auld’s workshop for
decades until resurrected for the
current exhibition.
The objects on display reflect
many aspects of the history of the
co astal communities, from
Aberlady to Whitekirk.
There’s a set of 18th-century
stocks used to punish petty
c r i m i n a l s – a h u m i l i at i n g
alternative to prison!
Peden’s mask, pictured left,
is a scary reminder that you
could end up incarcerated on the
Bass Rock, for years, for your
religious beliefs!
There is plenty to absorb
young visitors – the “magic ball”,
a feature on Victorian schooldays,
the “Object Observer” quiz and
the spectacular Stevenson
lighthouse optics.
Visit over, you can follow the
specially designed trail, across the
coastal ward, which will take you
to the site of some little-known
historic gems, each with a link to
one of the exhibition’s 99 objects.
Or you could head to the
Museum Café and enjoy a
break, before you return to the
beach and bask in the North
Berwick sun.
The e xhibition is at the
Coastal Communities Museum,
School Road, North Berwick
EH39 4JU, and is open every
Wednesday to Sunday, plus
bank holidays. From Sunday
4 September, the exhibition is
open on weekends only.
The exhibition closes on Sunday
27 November 2016. The Museum
Café serves hot and cold drinks,
home baking and lunches.
young workforce
EAST Lothian has six secondary
schools and approximately
1000 school leavers each
year, all with individual talents
and ambitions of what their
future holds.
Scotland’s youth employment
strategy, Developing the Young
Workforce, identifies that
employers, parents, carers and
teachers play a vital role in the
shaping of youth talent.
A regional Developing the
Young Workforce team has
been established and is
working closely with East
Lothian Works, Skills
Development Scotland and
Edinburgh College to encourage
and support businesses to
become more involved.
There is already some great
work going on in East Lothian.
Kevin Sutherland, Head of
Sales for Canon UK Ltd,
highlights the benefits of the
work this company is doing in
partnership with Knox
Academy, Haddington.
“Giving young people the
opportunity to visit our
business and see what we
are about is a benefit on
both sides: young people get
sight of what a real workplace
is like and start to understand
our industry, and we get to
inspire young minds to think
about coming to work for us
in the future.”
One of the areas of
development for the regional
Developing Scotland’s Young
Workforce team has been
the creation of ‘Marketplace’,
an online digital platform
that aims to improve
engagement between
employers and education
Graham Blaikie, owner at
the Mercat Grill, Whitecraig, is
urging local businesses to get
more involved in school
activity by getting on board
with the region’s Marketplace.
Graham said: “Marketplace
is going to give me an easier
route into schools and to meet
with pupils.
“When you are giving up
your time to engage with
schools, it’s important to be
able to plan ahead.
Marketplace will allow me to
do this to fit better with my
busy schedule.
“With schools being able
to book my offers posted on
Marketplace in advance, I
will hopefully get an audience
of kids who are keen,
enthusiastic and want to hear
what I have to say about the
hospitality industry.”
IF YOU would like to
find out more or are
interested in being
involved, please contact:
East Lothian Works
[email protected]
Tel 01620 827262
6
News
Living East Lothian
Summer 2016
Help to live
at home
THE council is supporting
the East Lothian Health and
Social Care Partnership
(ELHSCP) proposals to
develop specialist support
and care at home services.
ELHSCP is seeking to
develop new ways of
delivering services, mainly
focusing on adults with
specialist support needs as
part of their commitment to
improving the quality of
services. Through
consultation with local
communities, the ELHSCP is
aiming to plan and deliver
appropriate services for
those requiring them.
The project team is
meeting with providers,
carers, service-users and
advocacy groups to decide
how to best develop new
contract arrangements that
will be able to deliver
services to all service-users.
The project is being
supported by a number of
national bodies, including
NHS National Services
Scotland, the Scottish
Commission for Learning
Disability and the Care
Inspectorate.
Social workers will be
carrying out social work
assessments for adults with
specialist support needs to
see how a more community
and outcome-focused
framework can be
developed. They will also be
working with Housing to
assess housing need for
adults with specialist
support needs and how best
to align these needs in the
community to inform future
housing strategy.
East Lothian Integration
Joint Board Chairperson
Councillor Donald Grant said:
“We will be helping people
achieve much more personcentred services that really
meet their needs.
“I know people sometimes
feel apprehensive about
change but we will keep
people engaged and
informed every step of
the way. It won’t all
happen overnight and it
will deliver much better
outcomes for people who
use specialist and help to
live at home services.”
Provost Ludovic Broun-Lindsay and East
Lothian Council Chief Executive Angela
Leitch join East Lothian Food and Drink
producers at the Highland Show
Food and drink businesses vote ‘yes’!
EAST Lothian is set to be the
world’s first food and drink
Business Improvement District
(BID) after local businesses voted
to set up this innovative scheme.
The BID will involve the
creation of a limited company,
with a board of directors and a
manager, to deliver projects that
will help East Lothian’s food and
drink producers to grow and
market their businesses on a
national and international scale.
Councillor John McMillan,
Cabinet Spokesperson for
Economic Development and
Tourism, said: “I’m absolutely
delighted our forward-thinking,
innovative businesses in this
sector have taken this
opportunity to collaborate on a
whole new level, harnessing that
collaborative power to help their
businesses grow even further.”
A soft launch of the BID took
place at the Royal Highland
Show. For details, visit www.
foodanddrinkeastlothian.com
A shining example of
young people’s skills
T
HE Duke of Edinburgh’s
Award (DofE), founded by
HRH The Duke of
Edinburgh in 1956, is
celebrating its Diamond
Anniversary this year.
At 60 years young, the DofE has
never been more relevant for young
people aged 14-24 in Scotland,
providing a framework of activities
through which participants gain
vital skills for life and work.
Within East Lothian, more than
300 young people start the DofE
programmes each year, supported
by about 40 volunteer leaders from
schools and community based
groups. Last year, just over 200
awards were achieved.
There are three levels – Bronze,
Silver & Gold – each one demanding
more time and effort. Bronze takes
a minimum of six months to
complete, while Gold often takes
about 18 months.
Bronze and Silver have four
sections:
●● Volunteering – undertaking
service to individuals or the
community
●● Physical – improving in an area
Celebrating young people’s
achievements in the 60th
year of the awards
of sport, dance or fitness activities
●● Skills – developing practical and
social skills and personal interests
●● Expedition – planning, training
for and completion of an
adventurous journey.
At Gold level, participants also
take part in these four sections,
plus a Residential, which involves
staying and working away from
home doing a shared activity e.g.
attending a cook school, taking part
in an outdoor sports programme or
helping on a children’s camp.
The ethos of DofE is to enable
every young person, no matter
what background or ability, to take
part and succeed, regardless of
barriers.
Mark Sandford, Katie Meikle,
Gavin Sandford, Charlie Riddell and
Leon Doig from a DofE youth group
in Haddington are nearing the end
of their Gold award. The group
didn’t know each other well at the
start, but Katie said: “We are all
good friends now. We’ve all learned
how to get on with a variety of
different people and managed to
support and motivate each other.”
Mark added: “DofE has been a
good way to get me doing
something I wouldn’t normally
have done. If I hadn’t done the
award I don’t think I would have
done certain activities.”
During parts of a strenuous
expedition when the weather was
challenging, Gavin mentioned that:
“At times when I was struggling I
just powered through. I’ve learned
how to get myself motivated and
how to actually keep going.”
Charlie said: “At the end of the
day, when you’re soaking wet but
you’ve got a smile on your face, you
know something’s going well.”
Community Learning &
Development Services at the
council, who train and support
DofE Leaders, would like to
thank them all for their valuable
work guiding young people
through the award.
IF YOU would be interested
in volunteering to help
run DofE activities in East
Lothian, please get in touch.
Email cldmusselburgh@
eastlothian.gov.uk or
telephone 0131 653 4060.
Living East Lothian
Summer 2016
QMU duo celebrates
internship success
T
WO communications
graduates from Queen
Margaret University
(QMU) are celebrating
after securing a 12-month graduate
internship with the council.
Rachel Dixon (23) from Dunbar ,
graduated from QMU in 2014 with a
BA (Hons) Marketing &
Management. Fiona Dawson (23)
from Dunfermline, graduated from
QMU in 2015 with a BA (Hons)
Public Relations & Marketing.
Both graduates made successful
applications to the new graduate
internship scheme, fully funded by
East Lothian Council.
Rachel and Fiona were keen to
find paid work experience in the
local area that would allow them to
build on the knowledge and skills
they had acquired while studying at
QMU. The new scheme offered by
the council has meant that they are
now getting a valuable insight into
their chosen career.
Rachel is a graduate marketing
assistant and is working with the
Economic Development team,
which includes tourism initiatives,
the Invest in East Lothian
campaign, and East Lothian
Works, the council’s employability
Fiona and Rachel are
enjoying their internships
with the council
service. So far, she has been
developing her creative marketing
skills, including print production,
social media management and
press release writing.
Rachel said: “I am working on
various projects that are exciting
and ensure that each day is
different.
“Right from the start, we were
offered training and coaching
opportunities and I have already
attended a number of seminars and
exhibitions. These have vastly
improved my communication
skills and enhanced my knowledge
and personal development in the
short time I’ve been working with
the council.”
Fiona is an assistant
communications and community
engagement officer working in the
Corporate Policy and Improvement
team. Her role involves engaging
with local community groups,
project co-ordination and website
design and editing.
Fiona has also been working with
Community Broadband Scotland
on a project to improve broadband
connectivity in rural and remote
areas of East Lothian.
She said: “In my role, I work with
a wide range of people on a variety
of different projects. I am gaining
invaluable experience not only in
communications and community
planning, but also in web design
and project management.
“I am now leading my own
projects, developing my press
relations and writing skills,
helping to plan and run public
engagement activities and creating
and managing social media and
enews channels. No two days are
the same.”
The council is promoting
Investors in Young People, and
Fiona and Rachel have both
become Investors in Young People
Champions.
In this role, they are undertaking
a ‘health check’ on the status of the
council’s investment in young
people from an employer’s
perspective.
This involves setting up
interviews and focus groups with
young people aged 16-24 employed
by the council. They will find out
their views to help guide any areas
for future development.
Citizens have their say on local services
EAST Lothian’s Citizens’ Panel has
been gathering the views of local
people for a number of years. Panel
members receive a questionnaire
twice a year asking their views on
a wide range of topics and the
information gathered is used to
help plan and improve public
services in East Lothian.
We’ve decided the time is right
to make a few changes to how we
run the panel to keep it interesting
and engaging for members and to
attract new members.
We’ll be contacting members
slightly more often, but with
shorter sets of questions on new
and varied topics.
We’ll also be using the panel
as a sounding board for ideas
and will invite members to get
involved in focus groups and
engagement events.
We sent out our fourth East
Lothian Citizens’ Panel Survey
earlier this year. Here are some of
the findings.
Panel members were asked what
they thought of their local town
centre:
●● 36 per cent rated the range of
shops in their local town centre as
very good or good and 43 per cent
rated the range of places to eat and
drink as very good or good
●● 42 per cent rated cleanliness as
very good or good
●● 12 per cent rated traffic levels
as very good or good and 11 per
cent rated car parking as very good
or good.
Although levels of satisfaction
varied between town centres, the
feedback pointed to some key
areas for improvement and will be
fed into discussions about how we
can work with communities to
improve and develop town centres.
We asked panel members where
they look for information about
what’s on across East Lothian:
●● 64 per cent said they got what’s
on information from a local
newspaper and 32 per cent said
from Living newspaper
●● 64 per cent said they found out
by word of mouth and 25 per cent
from social media
●● 46 per cent picked up leaflets or
looked at posters in local venues
●● 7 per cent used the Council
website, 6 per cent used the Visit
East Lothian website and 3 per cent
used other websites to find what’s
on information.
We were interested in finding out
about panel members’ perceptions
of poverty:
●● 26 per cent strongly agreed and
41 per cent agreed that poverty is a
real issue across Scotland
●● when asked specifically about
East Lothian, 12 per cent strongly
agreed and 36 per cent agreed that
poverty is a real issue.
This information is of interest
to the East Lothian Poverty
Commission, which was set up to
look at the issue of poverty in
East Lothian. The Commission has
been gathering evidence from a
wide range of sources and its
report will identify a number of
key actions for tackling and
preventing poverty in East Lothian.
IF YOU would like to sign up
as a Citizens’ Panel member
email consultations@
eastlothian.gov.uk or phone
01620 827270.
News
Justice
services
changes
THE Scottish Government
has introduced a new
model to improve the
way that community
justice services are
delivered in Scotland.
The changes are
intended to make the best
use of the £100 million
allocated by the Scottish
Government each year to
deliver community
sentences, support the
rehabilitation of offenders,
and reduce reoffending.
A key change will
see the transfer of
responsibility for the
planning and delivery
of community justice
services from Scotland’s
eight Community Justice
Authorities to the 32
Community Planning
Partnerships.
East Lothian Partnership
will provide strong links
between criminal justice
social workers with
colleagues in the council
and also the opportunity
to develop closer working
relationships with other
local partners in health,
housing and social care
to improve how they
work together to tackle
reoffending.
Willie Innes, Chair
of East Lothian
Partnership, said: “While
recorded crime levels in
East Lothian are well
below the national
average, and continuing
to fall, it is clear that a
localised approach to
support offenders and
reduce reoffending will
draw upon the relevant
factors applicable to East
Lothian.
“This will improve
collaborative working at
a local level and tackle
the causes of offending
within our communities.”
A number of local
consultation events are
currently being planned.
To register an interest
in the new Community
Justice model, please email
[email protected]
7
8
News
Living East Lothian
Summer 2016
Your view
counts
POLICE Scotland consults
with the public every year on
what its priorities are.
We want you to help us
focus on the priorities that
will help communities most.
This is the first time Police
Scotland’s public consultation
is being hosted on a digital
platform. This allows us to
reach a much wider audience
than before. The online consultation is
open all year, which allows
you to take part when it suits
you but also gives the
flexibility of being able to
re-submit the consultation if
your priorities change.
It’s a very simple process
that should only take a
few moments. We will
keep you updated on our
quarterly results.
Delivering aff
housing in Eas
THE SURVEY can be
accessed at www.survey
monkey.co.uk/r/8LMB9WX
Advice for
planning
public events
ARE you planning an event in
East Lothian?
The council can provide
you with advice and guidance
to point you in the right
direction in delivering a
successful event.
The information will help
local businesses, community
groups and other organisations
through the initial planning
stage and provide key factors
to be considered to ensure
your event runs smoothly.
Advice includes the
following common topics:
●● event planning
●● risk assessment
●● insurance
●● licensing
●● traffic management
●● planning consent
●● food safety
●● funding for your event
●● marketing your event.
FOR MORE information
visit www.eastlothian.gov.
uk/PlanningPublicEvents
North Berwick
The council has been working in partnership with a range of partners to
provide new homes at sites across the county, many at discounted prices
T
HE Council and its
partners have been busy
d e l ive r i n g a m i x o f
affordable tenures across
East Lothian in recent years.
We have seen completions in
all seven wards: Musselburgh,
Whitecraig, Tranent, Prestonpans,
Haddington, Dunbar and
North Berwick.
We have also seen some smaller
developments complete in our
rural areas in East Linton and
East Saltoun.
East Lothian Council has also
wo r ke d w i th th e S c o tt i s h
Government and secured funding
for both council and registered
social landlords partners
contributing towards the success of
our delivery programme.
Since April 2013, the council
has delivered new-build units at
G o o s e g r e e n , M u ss e l b u r g h ,
Lochbridge Ro ad in North
Berwick, the site next to Lidl in
Prestonpans and about 70 units at
Pinkie in partnership with the
private developer, Taylor Wimpey.
Our Housing Association
partners have delivered amenity
units at Eskmills, Musselburgh next
to Tesco, 13 units at Orchardfield,
East Linton, in partnership with the
private developer Miller Homes, as
well as some smaller developments
at Dirleton Court, North Berwick
and East Saltoun.
Housing spokesman Councillor
Norman Hampshire said: “The
council’s priority is to deliver as
many affordable units as it can and
both the council and its partners are
continuing to work hard with the
private sector to explore and secure
new opportunities.
“We are also working closely with
the Scottish Government to
maximise funding opportunities to
facilitate this delivery programme.
“As well as delivering the
subsidised units for rent, the council
has been exploring further
opportunities to provide more
choice in our affordable housing by
delivering other affordable tenures.
Living East Lothian
Summer 2016
fordable
st Lothian
“Our Housing Association
partners can deliver shared equity
and a mid-market rent model and
have in recent years done so in
Tranent and Prestonpans.
“We have recently seen 12 units
delivered at the Pinkie Mains site
t h r o u g h a j o i n t S c o tt i s h
Government and private
investment initiative, the Local
Affordable Rented Housing Trust,
which offers a mid-market rent in
perpetuity. The council is also
delivering a new discounted sale
model through the private
developers, which was approved
earlier this year.
Housing spokesman,
Cllr Norman Hampshire
welcomes new tenant
COMING SOON
This year, East Lothian has already
seen a further 12 completions at
Pinkie Mains, Musselburgh, and is
on site at Hallhill, Dunbar, with 70
units forecast for completion
between now and the end of
M a r c h 20 17. O u r H o u s i n g
Association Partner Castlerock
Edinvar is also delivering a further
60 units on the same site, 24 of
which are social rent, 24 midmarket and 12 Shared Equity.
Both the mid-market and shared
equity are currently being
marketed. Castlerock has also
recently started on site at Mingulay
Court, Haddington to deliver eight
units for social rent.
East Lothian Housing
Association is on site to deliver 18
units for social rent at Bayswell
Road, Dunbar, with a further 35
units for social rent at Inglis
Farm, Cockenzie.
Dunedin Canmore Housing
Association is on site at Mains
Farm, North Berwick to deliver a
mix of social rent and mid-market
rent, all of which should complete
by the end of March 2017.
As part of the affordable housing
requirement on this site, Cruden
Homes are delivering some
three-bedroom terraced housing
for discounted sale, for which
marketing will begin towards the
Musselburgh
end of the month. More
information will be in the
local media.
In addition to this the council
has secured properties for sale at
discount prices with a number of
developers. These are in the
following areas and are on
sale currently:
Homes. They have a mix of twobed terraced houses and three-bed
semi-detached properties for sale.
The two-bed properties are
£112,892 and the three-bed
properties are for sale at £124,875.
Avant Homes can be contacted on
08442 578520 or by visiting the
marketing suite on site.
HADDINGTON
WALLYFORD
Saxon Field, Gateside developed
by Persimmon Homes. They have
two-bed terraced houses for sale at
£112,892. Persimmon Homes can
be contacted on 01620 670206 or
email saxonfields.esco@persimmon
homes.com
Burnell Park, Aberlady Road,
Haddington developed by Avant
Dovecot Wynd, Salters Road,
Wa l ly f o r d d e v e l o p e d b y
Persimmon Homes. They have
two-bed terraced houses for sale
at £109,000.
Persimmon Homes can be
contacted on or email
dovecotwynd.esco@persimmon
homes.com
News
9
Local flood risk
management plans
TO HELP us manage flood risk and
reduce the impacts of flooding on
our communities, economy and
environment, Scotland has
developed its first Flood Risk
Management Strategies, published
by SEPA in December 2015, and
Local Flood Risk Management
Plans, published by local
authorities in June 2016.
Scotland has 14 Local Plan
Districts (LPDs) based on river
catchments and cross
administrative and institutional
boundaries.
A Flood Risk Management
Strategy is available for each LPD
and, taken together, they set the
national direction for future flood
risk management and co-ordinate
the efforts of all organisations that
tackle flooding.
Within each LPD, there is a lead
local authority responsible for the
co-ordination and publication of
their Local Flood Risk Management
Plan, which takes forward the
objectives and actions to translate
them into a local plan.
The City of Edinburgh Council
leads on the Forth Estuary Local
Plan, which includes East Lothian
and can be viewed at: www.
edinburgh.gov.uk/flooding
Paper copies are also available
to view at Main Reception, John
Muir House, Haddington and The
Brunton, Musselburgh.
Can we help reduce
your Council Tax bill?
THE Council Tax Reduction Scheme is
available if you are out of work or
on a low income and can help reduce
your Council Tax payments. To
qualify, you must:
●● be on a low income
●● be the person responsible for
paying the Council Tax.
The amount of reduction you will
get depends on the amount of
Council Tax you have to pay, the
amount of money you have coming
in and the number of people living
in your household.
You may not be entitled to Council
Tax Reduction if:
●● you’ve come to live in the UK
from abroad
●● you’re a full-time student
●● you live in residential care or a
nursing home
●● you have savings over £16,000.
Apply online at www.eastlothian.
gov.uk/claimctr or call into your local
council area office and pick up an
application form.
For more information about
the scheme, call 01620 827730
(council tenants) or 01620 827729
(private tenants / owner occupiers),
or you can email benefits@
eastlothian.gov.uk
Paying via eBills is fast,
safe and convenient
TIRED of paper cluttering up your
home or business? Then switch
to eBills.
●● it’s completely secure
●● it’s faster – you receive your bill
as soon as a change is made to
your account
●● it’s accessible – you can view
your bill on your smartphone,
tablet or pc
●● it’s secure
●● it’s free of charge
●● it will help us to reduce printing
and postage costs, making savings
to the council’s budget and helping
protect services.
To receive your Council Tax or
Business Rates bill by email,
contact [email protected].
uk with your account number,
name and address.
FOR ADDED CONVENIENCE, WHY
NOT PAY YOUR BILLS ONLINE?
Like many banks and utility
companies, you can visit the
council website and pay your
Council Tax or Business Rates. It’s
simple, quick and costs nothing.
You will also receive a receipt
for your payment. Visit www.east
lothian.gov.uk/payforit
10
News
Living East Lothian
Summer 2016
Enjoy a new
opportunity
EAST Lothian Works is looking
to recruit people for the next
NOEL (New Opportunities
East Lothian) course, starting
in September.
NOEL is an employability and
personal development course
aimed at people who are ready
to progress into employment
or further learning.
It will run twice weekly
from September to December
focusing on personal
development, confidence
building, identifying existing
skills and goal setting.
From January to March,
participants will complete
an SQA unit in Employability,
carry out a work placement
and have the opportunity to
gain certificates in Elementary
Food Hygiene and Emergency
First Aid.
FOR FURTHER
information call East
Lothian Works on
01620 827262 or email
[email protected]
Jane McMinn, left,
and Lesley Scott
with a mature lobster
for breeding
Helping to hatch
business ideas
FOR MORE information, visit www.firthofforthlobsterhatchery.org.uk
Business Gateway offices are at East Lothian Works, Lodge Street, Haddington, and Queen Margaret
University, Musselburgh www.eastlothian.gov.uk
B
USINESS Gateway
provides access to free
b u s i n e ss s u p p o r t
services and advisers
give assistance and impartial
advice to people starting or
growing their business.
Steve Newlin had an unusual
encounter when he met Jane
McMinn to discuss expanding her
business. Jane operates the
environmental charity the Firth of
Forth Lobster Hatchery based at
North Berwick harbour. The charity
rears and protects lobsters in their
first stages of their life cycle before
returning them to the sea.
Steve explained: “I have met a
wide range of clients over the
years and advised at the start-up
of a new business, but at the
hatchery, I am literally seeing the
birth of these fascinating creatures
whose population sadly has been
declining in recent years.”
Jane added: “We are aiming
to produce 10,000 juvenile lobsters
to be released annually. This
will benefit the fishing
communities, strengthen the
local marine ecosystem and
ensure a sustained population.”
Visitors are welcome to visit the
hatchery and discover more.
Thinking of
investing in
East Lothian?
INVEST in East Lothian is an
initiative designed to attract
and support inward
investment into East Lothian
and has been supported by a
range of business partners and
stakeholders.
Via a specially designed web
page, businesses can find all
information they need when
making their investment
location decision. Look out too
for our branding and
messaging in key locations and
where businesses congregate.
We are delighted to have
Queen Margaret University on
board, who are promoting the
county to their graduates and
supporters.
If you are a business located
in East Lothian and are seeking
to expand, or wish to share our
materials with your key
partners, please contact:
economicdevelopment@
eastlothian.gov.uk or visit:
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/
invest
Living East Lothian
Summer 2016
Giving you
confidence to
learn new skills
DO you have the confidence and
qualifications you need to:
●● get the job you want?
●● apply for an apprenticeship?
●● go to college?
●● help your children with their
homework?
If the answer is no, why not talk
to East Lothian Works and take
that first step back into learning
with everyday reading, writing
and maths?
Free help and advice is available
to adults (16+) who may have
missed out on their own education,
or who find they now need new
and different skills for life today.
You can:
●● gain or upgrade SQA qualifications
in core skills (communication,
numeracy, IT and
employability)
●● improve
your spelling
and writing
skills
●● increase
your confidence
reading for work,
college and pleasure
●● update your
everyday maths
knowledge.
Short courses on
offer include:
●● preparing for
Interviews
●● application forms and CVs
●● preparation for driving test theory
●● get ready for college.
eastlothian.gov.uk or phone 01620 827262
Adult
Learning
Programme
Autumn 2016
from Monday 1 August
Access our Adult Learning
Programme and enrol onto
your chosen class via our
online booking system:
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/
AdultLearningOnline
You can also call
our enrolment enquiry line:
01620 827627
Or in person at: East Lothian
Works, 9 – 11 Lodge Street,
Haddington EH41 3DX
Both services available
Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm
If you require support to
access information or enrol
online you can also visit
your local library where staff
can assist you.
ESOL
courses for
all levels
ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF
OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL)
HADDINGTON, MUSSELBURGH,
NORTH BERWICK, DUNBAR
AND PRESTONPANS
English for Speakers of Other
Languages courses are offered at
a variety of levels and venues to
suit the abilities of all learners.
In addition to improving your
skills in the use of English, you
will have the opportunity to
prepare for SQA qualifications
and to progress to a higher class
as your skills develop.
ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF
OTHER LANGUAGES
INTERMEDIATE 2
MUSSELBURGH
The Intermediate 2 English for
Speakers of Other Languages
(ESOL) course is for candidates
whose first language is not
English. It assesses the four skills
of speaking, writing, listening
and reading.
George’s story
George has enjoyed having
one of his stories included
in national publication
PLEASE CONTACT EL Works for more information: elworks@
The topics and tasks covered
are relevant to learners and are
related to everyday work, study,
community and social situations.
It also offers people an
introduction to various aspects
of everyday life in the UK.
The qualification is made up of
one set unit – Everyday
Communication – and one of two
possible units – Work or Study
Related Contexts.
ESOLWITHUS
MUSSELBURGH
The ESOLwithus group provides
an opportunity for ESOL learners
to meet new people, make
friends and learn about the
services and facilities that East
Lothian has to offer.
In addition, the group looks
after our ESOL website
www.esolwithus.org.uk
regularly updating it with
news and competitions.
FOR INFORMATION,
please contact Andy Stuckey
on 01620 827262 or
[email protected]
News
11
GEORGE started 1:1 sessions
with an Adult Literacy Tutor as
he had no confidence learning in
a group. With the support of the
tutor, he joined the local library
and read a Quick Read book,
which are short stories written
for emerging readers. George
soon started reading a much
wider range of books and began
visiting the library on his own.
When he felt ready, George joined
a group where he worked on his
reading and writing. He sent a
story to the Scottish Book Trust as
part their annual campaign to get
Scotland writing and his story was
chosen to be published in their
book last year.
“When I first started, I was
really shy and had no confidence
at all. I couldn’t come into the
group at first and I couldn’t talk,
now I am a lot more confident. I was pleased when I heard that
my story had been chosen to go
into the Book Trust book. I am
looking forward to reading and
writing with my grandchildren.”
Skills for work Find out more…
SKILLS FOR WORK – EARLY
EDUCATION & CHILDCARE AND
INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH &
SOCIAL CARE
East Lothian Works and
Edinburgh College are offering
community based introductory
courses in Early Education
& Childcare and Health &
Social Care.
Both courses will run on a
Monday morning starting on
Monday 29 August in
Musselburgh East Community
Learning Centre. Free crèche
(max age 4) and transports
costs will be available.
The course is designed to
support and encourage
participants to access and
sustain learning within their
local community and provides
opportunities to enter further
education or employment.
In addition to the SQA units
specific to Early Education &
Childcare and Introduction to
Health & Social Care, learners
have the opportunity to
participate in the following
additional courses:
●● Emergency First Aid
●● Elementary Food Hygiene
●● Child Protection
Awareness Raising
●● Adult Protection
Awareness Raising
●● Introduction to Crèche Work.
LIP READING
Lip reading groups are
available for people who are
hard of hearing.
The groups provide an
opportunity for you to learn to
see and recognise some of the
speech you cannot hear; boost
your confidence; share tips with
others that may help you to
cope, and find out about alerting
and listening devices around
your home, communication
tactics and hearing aids.
There are groups available
in Dunbar, Haddington,
Musselburgh and North Berwick.
FOR FURTHER information
please contact East Lothian
Works on 01620 827262 or
[email protected]
12
News
Living East Lothian
Summer 2016
Home care
goes digital
A
S the world of digital
technology moves on,
so does the council’s
vital Telecare Service.
Adapting and reacting to the
innovations in technology is
crucial for the team that oversees
growing numbers of tenants who
need support to maintain an
independent lifestyle.
From young people and adults
with physical or learning difficulties
to a recent call-out to a 103-year-old
te n a n t wh o n e e d e d s o m e
assistance to continue living
independently in her home, there
are about 3,000 people in East
Lothian with various needs relying
on alarms from the council’s
Telecare service.
A definition of Telecare is the
remote and continual monitoring
of a person’s safety and wellbeing
with the provision of assistance
when a need is detected.
Support offered by the Telecare
Service for many is a basic
community alarm which is
connected through a telephone
line. The individual can summon
help by pressing a button, which
enables them to speak directly
to staff in the alarm receiving
centre (ARC), who are available 24
hours a day.
For others, enhanced Telecare
consists of various sensors placed
around the home. If any of the
sensors detect something unusual,
it will trigger an alarm and send an
emergency call to the ARC or
directly to a carer.
Environmental sensors such as
gas, smoke, carbon monoxide and
heat sensitive detectors can also be
fitted, which link directly with the
ARC to identify exactly where the
Telecare Service
technology gives
at-risk residents
peace of mind
issue is and contact the emergency
services if necessary without
the need for the individual to
press any button.
There have been instances where
this has saved lives in East Lothian
by ensuring emergency services
were informed in advance where,
for example, a fire started.
M a i r i M o r r i s, Te l e c a r e
development officer at East Lothian
Council, said: “It’s important that
we move with the times. It is
anticipated that traditional
telephone lines will move from
analogue to digital connections by
2025 and we need to ensure our
equipment is suitable. Technology
should be an integral part of
people’s care, not seen as an
add on.”
The Telecare service has
purchased a number of GPS
locating devices for people to trial
(similar to satellite navigation) to
identify their whereabouts if there
are concerns.
Such devices can allow people to
carry on their interests outwith the
home with the reassurance for
them and their carers that they can
be assisted if necessary.
I f yo u wo u l d l i ke m o r e
information about the Telecare
service, please contact the
Community access team on 01875
824309 or email communityaccess@
eastlothian.gov.uk
Comments on the service:
●● “This is a wonderful service,
which enables me to stay in my
own home.”
●● “Just knowing they are there is
very comforting that I can get
help if needed, thank you all.”
●● “Thank you for suggesting
an epimat and for supplying
one. It really came into its own
today.” – carer
●● “Many thanks for your
invaluable work that supports so
many of our families.” – Children’s
Services social worker
●● “Pass on how pleased we are
with the system that has been
installed.”
●● Technicians “knowledgeable &
friendly. The work was carried out
quickly and efficiently.” – carer.
Keith makes a clean sweep!
CONGRATULATIONS to Dunbar-based Amenity Services worker, Keith McShane who received Dunbar
Community Council’s Award 2016 for the “exceptional contribution” he has made to the local
community.
Keith has worked to keep Dunbar’s streets and pavements clean and litter free for nearly 30 years.
Working first with barrow and brush and then with a motorised sweeper, Keith also does daily rounds
to empty public waste bins.
Stephen Bunyan, chair of Dunbar Community Council, said: “Keith is a publicly quiet, reliable and
diligent man who has become known to, and well liked by, the people of Dunbar whom he has served
so well. This award was made in recognition and gratitude for the outstanding contribution that he
has made to care for Dunbar’s environment.”
Do you have a council community champion working in your area? We’d love to hear your
nominations of any member of council staff you feel has gone that extra mile. Email: Living@
eastlothian.gov.uk
New food waste bags on the way
IT has been just over a year since
we introduced your weekly food
waste collection service.
Many of you have told us that
the bio bags were difficult to use,
they ripped too easily and were
awkward to remove. As a result, we have worked
with the food waste treatment
plant to alter the process and
once the current supply of bio
bags is finished, we will supply
specialist clear polythene bags
that are stronger and
have handles to
make them easier
to lift and tie. The food waste
treatment plant
has designed a
way to strip these
out of the process at
no extra charge and the
material will be recovered
and used in an “energy from
waste” process.
Please continue to only use
the bags we supply – more
bags can be ordered by
attaching the yellow tag
to the handle of your
outdoor caddy.
As a result of the
changes made to the way
we collect your waste our
recycling rate in East Lothian
is now above 55 per cent.
Well done and thank you all
so much!
Living East Lothian
Summer 2016
New mobile library
services welcomed
T
HE return of a mobile
library service to rural,
outlying areas of
East Lothian has
been achieved thanks to an
innovative approach involving
neighbouring councils.
The new service is being delivered
to the communities of
Oldhamstocks and Innerwick by
Live Borders – part of Scottish
Borders Council – and to
Whitecraig, Pencaitland, Humbie,
Macmerry, East Saltoun and Gifford
by Midlothian Council’s mobile
library service.
Councillor Tim Day, Cabinet
Member for Community Wellbeing,
said: “I am delighted with this
outcome from our discussions with
neighbouring councils. The mobile
library service is used and enjoyed
by individuals and families who
can have problems accessing
branch libraries on a regular basis.
“A difficult decision was taken at
the end of 2015 to stop our mobile
library service as the van required
replacement and the purchase and
ongoing costs for a vehicle could
not be met within current budget.
“The Library Service carried out
Councillor Tim Day meets
an enthusiastic young
library member
an extensive consultation exercise
with our mobile library users and
the high volume of responses gave
us a clear understanding of both
current and future use. As a result
of detailed discussions between the
service managers of East Lothian,
Midlothian and Scottish Borders
councils, we are now able to offer a
continued service.”
The new service has already
received favourable comments:
●● “I’m so delighted that this
service is back.”
●● “The van is much bigger and
better than the old one.”
●● “We’ve really missed the van.
It means a lot round here.”
The full timetable information is
available on the council’s website
and from local branch libraries.
News
13
Universal
Credit
UNIVERSAL Credit aims to
make the welfare system
simpler by replacing six
benefits and tax credits with
a single monthly payment.
Universal Credit replaces:
●● Housing Benefit
●● Income support
●● Income-based Job
Seekers Allowance
●● Income-related
Employment and
Support Allowance
●● Child Tax Credits
●● Working Tax Credits.
HOW TO CLAIM
Set up your online account
and claim Universal Credit
at: www.gov.uk/universalcredit Remember to include
details of your rent when
you claim Universal Credit
so that your housing costs
are included in your claim.
If you’re going to struggle
financially while waiting for
your first payment, you may
be entitled to an advance
payment from the
Department of Work and
Pensions while your claim is
being assessed. This will be
recovered from your future
monthly payments.
Contact your Work Coach
at Musselburgh Job Centre
on 0345 604 3719.
Adding life to your years – and years to your life
AS we age, we all want to be as fit
and healthy as possible, able to get
out and about and socialise with
our friends.
The Ageing Well project has been
set up to help older adults in East
Lothian be as active as possible
while having a laugh with friends
and even learning something new.
Whether you’d like to be out in
the fresh air on a walk, shimmying
on the dance floor or chatting over
sporting memories, there is
something for everyone to try.
Being more physically active
helps to keeps your heart, lungs,
bones and brain healthy. This
makes everyday tasks a little
easier, improves your mood and
helps reduce stress.
While being active, you can meet
new friends and stay connected to
your local community, maintaining
your mobility and independence.
Ageing Well tries to make its
activities as welcoming and
supportive as possible with the
help of dedicated volunteers and
instructors.
The Ageing Well project is happy
to hear from you if you would like
to find out more information on
volunteering opportunities. These
are a great opportunity to learn
new skills and make new friends.
Also, if you are part of a group
that would like some support to get
new participants or you have some
skills you would like to share in
your community we would love to
hear from you.
For more information about
what is happening in your
area, or if you would like to
know more about the volunteer
opportunities available, contact
the Ageing Well co-ordinator
on 01620 827240 or by email
at ageingwell@eastlothian.
gov.uk
‘Life has totally changed – I was very isolated before the classes’
●● “I’ve been coming along for
three years. I have arthritis in my
spine and am in constant pain and
I was depressed. The class helps
me to keep moving. I have made
new friends and a spin-off from
this is that my social circle has
increased and I am going out to
other things like coffee, lunch and
cinema. My walking is limited, so
seated exercise is ideal, as is
swimming. I have lost two stones.
The class helps me keep going.”
●● “After retiring, I was just sitting
around the house getting under
my wife’s feet. She saw the advert
and told me I should go along. I
love sport and it’s great to share
my memories with the other guys.
It gives me something to look
forward to and my wife a break.”
●● “I came to my first class after
being housebound for more than
four years, really stuck in just my
bedroom. I had cancer and two
back operations. The first time I
came I could only do the exercises
seated. I cried during the first
class as I couldn’t stand and
do the exercises – I can now
do the routine standing. I met my
best friend at the class and we
call each other regularly. Life has
totally changed; I was very
isolated and depressed before
attending the classes.”
14
News
Living East Lothian
Summer 2016
Blooming marvellous effort!
RESIDENTS and visitors alike
admire and appreciate the
splashes of colour provided
by the active In Bloom gardening
volunteers in East Lothian
this summer.
North Berwick in Bloom,
Dunbar in Bloom and Blooming
Haddington have been
planning, planting and
preening displays hoping
to catch the eyes of the
judges in the national
Beautiful Scotland and Britain
In Bloom awards.
The Cockenzie and Port
Seton and East Linton In
Bloom groups, while electing not
to enter the national competitions,
have continued to raise
funds and provide attractive
floral arrangements, but are
keen to attract extra volunteers
and sponsorship.
Councillor John McMillan,
Economic Development
and Tourism spokesman,
said: “The In Bloom groups
are community initiatives
driven by local residents
seeking to make their areas
more attractive places to live
and visit.
“They rely heavily on
volunteers to deliver these
improvements and those
who contribute find it a great
way to keep fit, learn new skills,
make new friends and help create
a beautiful place to live, work
and visit.”
IF YOU would like to find
out more about these groups
and become involved or help
sponsor their projects contact
[email protected]
ELSIE celebrates being named
NHS Lothian Team of the Year
E
The ELSIE team were named Team of the Year
in NHS Lothian’s Celebrating Success Awards
AST Lothian’s ELSIE
specialist health and care
team has been voted Team
o f th e Ye a r i n N H S
Lothian’s annual Celebrating
Success Awards, which recognises
staff achievements, dedication
and commitment.
The ELSIE (East Lothian Service
for Integrated Care for the Elderly)
project is based at Roodlands
Hospital, Haddington.
The multi-disciplinary teams
that make up ELSIE include the
hospital at home and hospital to
home teams, as well as discharge
to assess and care home teams.
The integrated service is led by
a medical consultant and a range
of staff including a GP, nurses,
advanced nurse practitioners, social
workers, occupational therapists,
physiotherapists, and care workers.
The team liaises closely with
GPs and district nurses as well as
acute hospitals.
East Lothian Health and Social
Care Partnership director of health
and social care David Small said:
“ELSIE has come on in leaps
and bounds since it was set up early
in 2014.
“It now revolves around several
teams who work together in close
partnership to prevent unnecessary
hospital admissions, reduce the
need for patients to be in hospital
when they no longer need to be
and provide more care in our local
communities.
“They are a fantastic team,
drawn from a variety of social
care and health disciplines. They
really epitomise what the ELHSCP
is all about – putting the service
user at the centre and working
together to support people at home
or in their own communities.
“I’m really proud of our ELSIE
team and would like to say both
very well done and huge thanks for
all you have achieved so far.”
Living East Lothian
Summer 2016
Museums bring
history to life
V
ibrant new exhibitions
are being unveiled this
summer in the county’s
museums. The Dunbar Town House
Museum and Gallery on Dunbar’s
High Street has opened Castle
Conflict and Community: Delving
into Dunbar’s Military History,
running until late September.
Poignant personal accounts from
soldiers, business owners and
townspeople and new research
explore the town’s involvement in
wars fought both in Dunbar and
further afield. Fascinating objects span more
than three centuries. These include
a fragile document dating from
1650 recording the names of Dunbar
people who claimed for loss of
property in the aftermath of the
Battle of Dunbar.
A red yeomanry cavalry undress
uniform from the late 1800s is a
striking addition to the display,
as is a large World War Two
communications receiver donated
by a local collector. St Anne’s Episcopal Church has
kindly loaned two items including
a poignant memorial on which the
names of local soldiers were
recorded as they fell on the
battlefields of the First World War. Dunbar Primary School has
contributed artwork in response to
tours of the Castle with the Dunbar
and District History Society, while
pupils from Dunbar Grammar
School have contributed reflective
work completed on their return
from tours of WW1 battlefield sites. There are lots of hands-on
activities for families, including a
coded message challenge, dressing
up, colouring in and a chance to
design your own heraldic shield.
Seven days a week, 1pm to 5pm, until
Friday 3 September Dunbar Town House
News
An East Lothian Yeomanry
Cavalry undress felt tunic
worn by Thomas Hume
Junior, farmer, factor and
town councillor, between
1860 and 1888
Museum and Gallery, High Street,
Dunbar, East Lothian EH42 1ER. 01368
866030, www.eastlothianmuseums.org
or [email protected]
The Garden of Scotland: East
Lothian’s Community Gardening
Heritage has just opened at the
John Gray Centre Museum,
Haddington.
New research highlights the
history of gardening in the county
tracing its development as a centre
for excellence in market gardening
and reflecting on the factors that
inspired the gardeners of the past.
East Lothian pioneers who made
a l a s t i n g c o n t r i b u t i o n to
horticultural science are showcased
alongside inspiring photographs
a n d a cc o u n t s f r o m t h r e e
contemporary community gardens
currently working in East Lothian. The display includes a wonderful
range of objects including fragile
costume created for the Ancient
Fraternity of Free Gardeners of East
Lothian, historic gardening tools
and a display of natural history. There are lots of hands on activities
for families including a gardening
games, a shed to explore and a
fuzzy felt flower garden. Gardeners
are encourage to share top tips and
get involved in their local
community garden.
Saturday 13 August to Tuesday 10
January 2017, seven days a week, August
and September; closed Wednesdays
and Thursdays from October. John Gray
Centre Museum, 15 Lodge Street,
Haddington, East Lothian EH41 3DX,
01620 820690, [email protected]
Friends of John Muir’s Birthplace
in Dunbar have been working hard
on John Muir & America’s Best
Idea: Celebrating the Centenary
of the US National Park Service.
Find out how Muir fought
passionately for the creation of
Yosemite, Sequoia, Mount Rainier
and Grand Canyon National Parks
and others, and how he has come
to be regarded as the Father of
America’s National Parks. Friday 5 August to Friday 30
September, Monday to Saturday 10am
to 5pm, Su nday 1pm to 5pm.
Admission free. John Muir’s Birthplace,
126 High Street, Dunbar EH42 1JJ.
01368 865899.
Dig deep into our heritage
THE annual Archaeology and
Local History Fortnight will be
back again in September, and
this year’s programme is packed
with events all about the
heritage of East Lothian.
Taking place from 3 to 19
September, there will be events
throughout the county.
The fortnight launches with
the annual day of talks provided
by East Lothian Antiquarian and
Field Naturalists’ Society at St
Mary’s Church, Haddington, on
Saturday 3 September.
Entitled “Union, Rebellion then
Enlightenment”, the day explores
the historic events of the 18th
century and its effects on East
Lothian.
This year, we are celebrating
the Year of Innovation,
Architecture and Design 2016,
with events looking at historic
buildings, designed landscapes
and innovations of the
Enlightenment and Agricultural
Revolution.
There will be a rare chance to
explore the historic designed
Balgone Windmill
near North Berwick
landscape at Saltoun Hall on a
guided tour provided by the
Gardens Trust, as well as an
opportunity to see inside
Loretto School and see the
historic interior of Pinkie House
and Chapel.
A guided walk from North
Berwick Law to the Balgone
Estate will take in the history
and changing architecture of this
quiet corner of East Lothian.
Medieval matters are on the
agenda on a guided walk around
Morham, discovering the hidden
history of this picturesque
village, and at a talk given by
15
Haddington and District Amenity
Society about how a medieval
palace once stood on Sidegate
in Haddington.
There will be guided walks in
Musselburgh, East Linton and
Gullane, as well as the chance to
visit an excavation in Dirleton.
The Battle of Pinkie Cleugh
will be commemorated on 10
September, with a guided walk
and the annual commemoration
at the memorial stone.
Family History Day is a key
event of the fortnight, with
activities for the whole family
provided at the John Gray
Centre by the Archives and Local
History Team.
TO FIND out more about
all the events happening
in the fortnight organised
by East Lothian Council’s
Archaeology Service, go to:
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/
archaeology or pick up a
programme in libraries and
museums throughout East
Lothian.
3-19 September 2016
16
News
Living East Lothian
Summer 2016
Tourism landmarks will be lit up to celebrate East Lothian’s fantastic Saltire Festival
Winter blues
T
HE Saltire Festival is back
for 2016 to celebrate St
Andrew’s Day and the
Home of the Flag. The
festival brings together people
from all over the world to
celebrate Scotland’s fascinating
heritage, wonderful culture,
delicious food and drink
traditions, best of Scottish
music, arts, food and drink,
innovation and entertainment.
This year’s Saltire Festival is set
to light up East Lothian and bring
some welcome “winter blues”.
Celebrating the Year of Innovation,
Architecture and Design 2016, a
number of East Lothian’s key
tourism landmarks will be lit in
blue to highlight both the county’s
great attractions and also its
architecture and design history.
A visiting equine attraction will
also be bathed in blue – the Kelpie
Maquettes (small versions of the
massive Kelpie sculptures which
are permanently based at Helix
Park in Falkirk) will be hosted at
Musselburgh Racecourse
throughout Saltire week.
Here’s a taster of some of
the great events featuring in
2016’s lineup:
THURSDAY 24 NOVEMBER
Saltire Raceday – enjoy a day of
racing at Musselburgh Racecourse
Scotland on Film – a showing of
the movie ‘Trainspotting’ at The
Brunton, Musselburgh
FRIDAY 25 NOVEMBER
The Saltire Whisky Dinner at the
Macdonald Marine Hotel, North
Berwick – an evening of delicious,
locally sourced food, accompanied
by Scotland’s national drink
The Saltire Ceilidh at Archerfield
Walled Garden – traditional fun
Scottish ceilidh
The Saltire Concert at The
Brunton, Musselburgh –
featuring key Scottish acts
SATURDAY 26 NOVEMBER
The Epicurean Adventure at the
Corn Exchange, Haddington – a
celebration of East Lothian
and Scotland’s local produce
hosted by Haddington Wines
& Whiskies
WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER
The St Andrew’s Day Concert at
St Mary’s Church, Haddington –
featuring choral and classical
performances
Book Week Scotland will also
feature as part of the festival,
bringing the world of books to life
through a varied programme for
all ages, including author events
at East Lothian libraries.
Book Week Scotland takes
place from 21 -27 November.
FOR FURTHER details, visit saltirefestival.com or
http://scottishbooktrust.com/book-week-scotland
Enjoy Edinburgh Fringe in East Lothian
THE Brunton is your Edinburgh
Fringe Festival venue by the coast,
with 17 amazing shows for the
whole family! Come and watch a
little theatre or catch a concert,
take a stroll on the beach, soak up
the sun, enjoy the fresh salty air
and relax with an ice cream.
Prestonpans singer Alex
Hodgson makes a welcome return
to The Brunton with another
extravaganza showcasing old, new
and traditional songs and stories
(Saturday 27 August).
Islands in the Stream – The
Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers
Story celebrates the Queen and
King of Country Music in a show
packed with hits (Thursday 25
August), while The Magic of The
Beatles takes a musical tour
(Saturday 20 August).
There’s more music with An
Evening with The Dreamers,
(Friday 19 August), and four of
Scotland’s most experienced folk
singers and musicians – Ian
Bruce, Gregor Lowrey, Pete Clark
Enjoy the music of
country legends
Dolly Parton and
Kenny Rogers
and Fraser Bruce – come together
as Auld Hat, New Heids, to
perform Scottish folk songs such
as Jock Hawk and Up Wi’ the
Bonnets of Bonny Dundee
(Wednesday 24 August).
Also on the bill are Fringe
favourites MacFloyd with their
new show On the Horizon, a
journey through a catalogue of
Pink Floyd classics, all against
a backdrop of fantastic lights and
lasers (Thursday 18 August).
Nostalgia, romance and showbiz
abound in The Ivor Novello Story,
musical theatre that brings the
story of the famous musical
composer and Hollywood
screenwriter to life with an actor,
two singers and a pianist (Friday
19 August).
Giles Shenton’s Old Herbaceous
(Saturday 20 August), is a
charming one-man play about
Herbert Pinnegar, his journey
from orphan boy to legendary
head gardener and his friendship
with the lady of the house, Mrs
Charteris Sown with seeds of
gardening wisdom, this is a
humorous portrayal of a singleminded yet gentle man with a
passion for plants, and a character
as outsized and unforgettable
as P G Wodehouse’s immortal
servant Jeeves!
The whole family can enjoy
enchanting outdoor theatre with
Quantum Theatre at Inveresk
Lodge Garden, a beautiful
National Trust for Scotland
property, where they perform
Once Upon a Time There Were
Four Little Rabbits and
Shakespeare’s magical play of love
and sorcery, The Tempest
(Saturday 27 August).
This summer, seize the chance
to hear the classical stars of
tomorrow in the Pianos at One
lunchtime concert series, a
showcase of the finest piano
and chamber music from Royal
Conservatoire of Scotland and St
Mary’s Music School students.
Escape the hustle and bustle
and treat yourself to lunch in the
upstairs bar (from noon) before
enjoying a delightful hour of
classical music in the intimate
and informal surroundings of
venue 2 (1pm).
Programmes feature classics
from the piano repertoire
alongside a few surprises to
discover along the way.
TICKETS FOR Edinburgh
Fringe Festival events at
The Brunton and Inveresk
Lodge Garden are available
now from the box office
on 0131 665 2240 or
online at edfringe.com
The full programme can
be downloaded from
thebrunton.co.uk