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”

Making and breaking bread (without Bake Off)

How to make bread? Here’s a long overdue Friday food story to share a basic recipe which produces good tasty loaves. But first a confession: Continue reading “Making and breaking bread (without Bake Off)”

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”

Five open questions for Edinburgh North and Leith candidates

Dear Deidre Brock, Gordon Munro, Iain McGill, Lorna Slater and Martin Veart. We would be delighted if you would take part in our friendly online local hustings. Continue reading “Five open questions for Edinburgh North and Leith candidates”

Welcome to Leith: how to create a sense of belonging?

We want to break down stereotypes and challenge prejudices.  We want a society that welcomes difference and diversity Multicultural Family Base

Picture the scene: children laughing with pleasure as they learn how to canoe; adults smiling and chatting round a cafe table. To the onlooker there may seem nothing unusual in such simple social pleasures. But let’s take a closer look at the latest stories on the Wall of Success.  Continue reading “Welcome to Leith: how to create a sense of belonging?”