Elizabeth Maginnis

No use complaining

2008-09-03T18:27:00.002Z

Tonight it was the turn of Royston/Wardieburn Community Centre management committee and more depressing news that the rebuild project is stalled for another interminable internal Council reflection...I remain hopeful the project will proceed but have agreed to put a question down at Council for a 'state of play' update. Like me, the management committee are fed up with the palaver.

Surgery was busy today. The numbers of enquiries rise exponentially and eat into my (very) scarce time. I share a secretary with 3 other councillors and I get a quarter of her time. This is not a lot of help for a ward 4 times the size...no use complaining though...nobody would listen anyway.

In search of the sun

2008-09-02T19:25:00.003Z

Another day, another AGM...

Last night it was Muirhouse Housing Association; tonight West Pilton & West Granton Community Council...unusually, not the same faces two nights in a row ...and both meetings interesting, well conducted and well attended.

In a couple of days I am off in search of the sun...it can't come soon enough.

Labour - the party of choice

2008-09-01T15:05:00.004Z

Chasing up a constituent's enquiry today, I make an astonishing discovery: her 4 year old has been denied a place in Davidson's Mains and even though she is 1st on the non catchment list there are already 3 more children in the primary 1 intake than there technically should be. To avoid an overcrowding problem further up the school the authority is hoping that 3 children will leave by 'natural wastage' by the end of Primary 2. A long shot, I should think, since D. Mains primary is very popular and once there, most children are assured a place at the Royal High. I had to tell my constituent it was unlikely her daughter would get in.
'A victim of the cuts then?' she asks.
Sadly, yes, since in this case her two older sisters already attend the school - it is now a family educationally divided...nothing astonishing about that, though.

However, In the course of my enquiry I discover that this is the first time in 30 years that Edinburgh Education Department has refused more P1 out of catchment placements than it has granted. In 1980, Alex Fletcher, Tory MP for Central Edinburgh persuaded Thatcher to legislate for 'parental choice' on the basis of his experience that in Edinburgh, parents wanted more choice in their children's school.

For a decade, Labour fought its effects then accepted - in the face of overwhelming evidence - the conventional wisdom that choice was important to parents. Nobody would really argue with that now.

Today, the Lib/SNP coalition, as a result of budget cuts, an artificial class size ceiling in years 1 & 2 and - if I may say so, a director and convenor who plainly don't know enough about Edinburgh's education history, have managed (in less than 15 months) to set the city back 30 years. And this is before the ratchet effect of further school closures. It won't be long before parents waken up to the fact that education choice in Edinburgh almost certainly means back to the sterile 'private' or 'public' debate.

History has truly turned on its head - the risk of a city again divided by what school your child goes to ...and Labour now the party arguing for choice...

when funding arrangements leave kids at risk...

2008-08-29T19:40:00.003Z

A parent from a local PPP school visits to tell me parents are up in arms. The grounds are not being maintained, the grass is long and local junkies are discarding their paraphernalia in the grounds. Children go there to play and are at risk from the hidden danger.

I phone the school: the headteacher confirms the facts: indeed one child has been pricked and sent for urgent treatment: the school, following procedures, has reported (several times) to both Amey (PPP company) and C+F department requesting urgent action...without success.

I phone Mike Rosendale who understands the implications immediately, kicks arses and the grass is cut this morning along with a series of other management actions... the picture is complicated though: the grass is Amey's responsibility, the shrubbery is the school's and I imagine there will be future arguments as to who is responsible for what...I'm not in principle against PPP schools but when a convenient funding arrangement leaves kids at risk then serious questions have to be asked...

The Gala

2008-08-29T08:59:00.002Z

A full house at last night's West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre's AGM and everyone very supportive of guest speaker, John Loughton, who aims to spearhead a Community Gala for all 5 North Edinburgh neighbourhoods.

We discover that the orginal wooden throne of the Gala Queen is still in existence...and is to be resurrected. Could this be the very same throne a very young Eleanor McLaughlin once occupied when she was Queen of the Gala?

Congratulations too, to Angela Cusack who won the West Pilton Rose Bowl for her contribution to Children Inc. and to the community in general. She seemed genuinely overcome.

Not funny at all

2008-08-28T07:11:00.002Z

Yesterday I visited Colin Hunter at Waterfront Edinburgh who provided a full briefing on the current situation and his future plans - Colin, I suspect, was a boy who knew how to turn bad news into good, able to see the silver lining in any dark cloud...in other words he is a good lateral thinker with an optimistic outlook. If his new vision comes to pass he will have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat and will have done Granton and Edinburgh a very good turn indeed.

On the very same day I am learning of new ideas to rescue Granton' s Waterfront, Forth Ports application for renewal of the docklands is heard at the Planning Committee. I am told my Liberal Ward colleague Elaine Morris (widely gossiped as the wannabe chair of planning) asked many (negative) questions and prolonged proceedings to such an extent that Cllr Cameron Rose eventually lost patience and asked that 'the question be put' . I am pleased to say the outline application was passed unanimously.

Later she is heard to berate him for disrespect in truncating the debate which is, if I may be so bold, a bit rich coming from the chair of the political group which brought 'traffic lights' to the Council Chambers!

Then, even later, I am a guest of the Chamber of Commerce at the Mela Dinner where my other ward colleague Steve Cardownie is host for the evening. Mine host's duties include announcing the winners of a very extensive raffle draw. He invites various sponsors to draw envelopes from the box. Nathan Thompson, on behalf of principal sponsor, Forth Ports, takes an envelope from Steve who quips, 'This is a first...Nathan taking an envelope from a councillor...usually it's the other way round...'
Not funny, especially on the day Forth Ports gets its planning permission - not funny at all.
Cardownie should watch his mouth.

Idle hands

2008-08-26T19:05:00.002Z

Missed the C+F committee today as a) still without my car and travelling quickly about town not easy and b) had a special PEP Board meeting to attend...staff hours being cut as a result of dismal, uncertain financial situation ...however most staff seem phlegmatic if not exactly upbeat. I am not exempt from the hours/salary cut so I will have more time on my hands. Just think of the mischief I can get up to...idle hands and all that...

Diligence and commitment to public duty

2008-08-25T19:00:00.003Z

Today, a meeting with other Forth councillors about the location of recycling bins in a local street - and disagreement over the solution. Apparently the protocol is we go with the majority vote...we try valiantly to find some common ground aware, that for 1 constituent, this has become an issue of overwhelming importance but to resolve in her favour, most probably means upsetting all the rest. We edge towards a solution that involves monitoring, trials and an attempt to change a whole street's recycling behaviour in order to reduce the number of on street receptacles.

The officer explains this exercise will involve her visiting the street every day for 4 months (even if only briefly) and instinctively I want to back pedal on the solution - it seems a helluva lot of extra pressure on a busy, senior officer's time just to find a solution to 1 singularly persistent complaint.

She is adamant, though. If she can crack this problem then it can be applied elsewhere in the city and she can only be certain of the evidence if she sees it for herself.

I have to applaud her diligence and commitment to duty and I hope, in the end, we are able to satisfy the constituent...nonetheless, it seems a very expensive way to serve the public.

A swim by jumping over the wall

2008-08-25T12:53:00.003Z

Saturday's Gala at the new park in Waterfront was busy - many people there and I am sure the organisers will be well pleased. Whether it will lead to an increase in Church membership is another thing altogether.

The park itself is nicely laid out with a good spread of interesting water features and well designed, well planted borders - maybe a wee bit short on benches for folk to have a seat and take in the view - but nevertheless an undeniable improvement on what preceded it. I predict that, once opened, the viewing platform which overhangs the pond will become a favourite spot for local kids to dive from - and once they realise they can take a swim by merely jumping over the wall and fence from West Granton Road....

An old joke...

2008-08-23T06:44:00.002Z

You know the old joke about how many electricians does it take to change a light bulb? How many councillors does it take to send a letter?

Weeks ago, 15th July to be precise, my secretary organised a public meeting for folks in Dudley to tell their councillors how we'd got it wrong with the bus route for Newhaven Road. Then, there was a meeting with the new director of transport and a solution of sorts was found. Then we meet to agree to send out a letter signed by all 4 Forth Ward councillors to tell our constituents the proposed changes ...much flaffing about and only 6 weeks since the saga began is the letter finally being posted...this business of working together to get things sorted ain't quick or very efficient...

The house is falling down

2008-08-21T20:34:00.002Z

Council meeting went off smoothly enough today though there were some odd rulings by the Lord Provost which were certainly not impartial (and I don't mean the two castings votes)...however, I'm sure they would be able to point to some similar prejudice when we were in power so no use making a meal of it...

It's been a busy few days with constituents' complaints - easily 20 - which is a high number for a 72 hours period and all coming in by phone or email...strangest complaint is easily the one where it is alleged somebody on the ground floor knocked down a wall causing serious problems for those upstairs - cracked walls, unstable balconies, floors subsided and ceilings falling down...I've asked the housing department to get on to it tout de suite...I will keep you posted!

Caveat Emptor

2008-08-20T18:44:00.005Z

Today was strike day and so I found myself nowhere near the Council and barred from my surgery - I was half hoping 1 of the 4 UNISON members (of which I am one) at PEP might decide to mount an official picket at No.3 West Pilton Park...not this time, though.

So tonight I have no official business to report only local gossip...of which there is plenty. North Edinburgh is jumping with red hot kind of stuff - about the Unfairer Scotland Fund and how it is allegedly all the fault of the Labour Party!!!

[Just for the record, it's not Labour who agreed the formula that scythes the size of the grant to North Edinburgh. It's not Labour who is trying to force bona fide, long standing community reps off the funding panel. It's not Labour who is listening to and repeating endless, false tittle tattle about community organisations. It's not Labour who is trying to stop community organisations meet and it's definitely not Labour who is collaborating in the oldest trick in the book...create a diversion, send a false hare running, try to split the opposition and use any trompe l'oeil to divide and rule.]

Across the country political opponents of the Labour Party scent blood. That's politics with a capital P. The rules of politics with a capital P mean criticism is attributable so issues are debated openly and people get a chance to respond.

However, in North Edinburgh the Labour Party's enemies sneak around anonymously (with at least 1 politician with a capital P aiding and abetting, presumably in the delusion it gives some political advantage) stoking up a 'looking at the world through the wrong end of a telescope' view of the world.

Meantime, the interests of the community are being damaged.

Like the rest of the Forth Ward, I am still waiting for either or both of the Administration councillors to make any kind of statement that acknowledges there are risks to their constituents as a result of the funding agreement. Indeed, I am still waiting for either to acknowledge there is any crisis at all. I think it's called turning a blind eye...or maybe they genuinely don't really care...

I've been around long enough to know the wisdom of the old adage: you can fool all of the people some of the time, some of the people all of the time but you can't fool all of the people all of the time.

Caveat emptor.

Homeward to think again

2008-08-19T19:13:00.006Z

Another busy day capped by my wee faithful Fiesta blowing up on me at George Street. A long delay waiting for the vehicle recovery only to be told, 'There's nothing wrong with it, hen. Just put the heating fan on full blast and get it checked at your garage tomorrow.'

S-C-R-E-A-M

So all tonight's meetings went kaput and here I am, on the laptop instead.

I enjoyed this morning's Economic Development Committee. It is obvious the new officers are already making a difference even if the Convener needs to brush up on Citrine's Rule Book, not to mention standing orders, which mean that council officers don't take part once the political debate has started, and that the amendment is moved after the motion, not the other way round. These little hiccups notwithstanding, there was a lot of good stuff on the agenda. Most pleasing was the unanimous agreement that responsibility for the Inspiring Capital brand needs to come under the curtilage of Econ Dev.

Most depressing was the situation WEL finds itself in - it looks certain there will need to be some considerable restructuring both financially and organisationally which will inevitably mean prolonging the regeneration project.

Back at PEP, I was surprised to find a photo in tonight's Evening News - I couldn't even remember when it was taken and my hair was a mess (vanity I know, but when you hate getting your photo taken as much as I do, these things matter) but since the story was about a real mess too, maybe there was a bit of clever, subliminal editing going on.

Anybody who thinks Edinburgh's distribution of the Fairer Scotland Fund is fair needs to go homeward to think again.

Joined up thinking

2008-08-18T19:59:00.002Z

Gawd, it's been a long day - just in (9pm) and been on the go since 7.45am - decided it would be too easy just to not bother with the blog but this is where my steely discipline kicks in...

PEP's AGM today: nearly 40 people there and Malcolm as the guest speaker. He speaks well -even if we do not always see eye to eye there is no question that on his day he can put the words together: he is also locally popular.

Then on to the Council for meeting after meeting after meeting - all of which went well: tomorrow is the Economic Development Committee and I think there may be fireworks about the Newbridge issue: if ever there was a case of bureaucratic stonewalling then it is this.

Depressing news though about the Waterfront company - the price of land is dropping like a stone, the cost of remedial infrastrucure is rising and is now beyond the investment value of the private developer - this is bad for North Edinburgh. An already very elongated development schedule is about to be stretched into infinity if we are not careful. You would think the Council would want to take advantage of low land values and invest in some affordable housing for which the city is crying out; it would help kickstart the construction industry too but I suppose this is joined up thinking - not something we are particlarly famous for.

A total guddle

2008-08-16T07:25:00.004Z

I'd like to say that the reason for my recent disappearance from your screen was anything to do with holidays or Festival....sadly, not. I have turned into a very boring workaholic ...at the moment there is no such thing as a work/life balance for me. That does not mean to say I have not had some interesting encounters, just not the time to relate them.

In anticipation of decisions, all North Edinburgh local organisations in receipt of Fairer Scotland Fund monies have been asked to submit a questionnaire providing details of their service, how they fit the new criteria (employability, early intervention and health inequalities) etc. Interestingly, we have also been asked for postcode data of service users as well as the number of local people (i.e. those who live in the Forth Ward) employed in each project.

The postcode data I can understand: historically, North Edinburgh included Drylaw (now in Inverleith) and obviously projects will be delivering to people in Inverleith as well as in Forth so it is not unfair to ask Inverleith to continue to part fund some of those projects.

However, I can't think of any rule that dictates local employment in FSF funded projects. As it happens, in PEP we have 12 out of 15 staff members who live in the Forth Ward, but there will be many projects where this isn't the case and there isn't a law in the land which could make it otherwise. It will be interesting to know how the Panel intends to use that information.

I have been doing a bit of digging into the Edinburgh distribution arrangements for FSF.

Previously, this fund was distributed on the basis of the national index of deprivation which used 'datazones' of 800 people to identify the communities which needed most help. In Edinburgh though, it has been decided to use a new system called the Edinburgh Index which uses census data (last collected in 2001) to drill down to very much smaller groups of 50 - 60 people.

Remember, nobody knows who these 50-60 people are: they are not identifiable on an individual basis - but on the evidence of these very small numbers, all Neighbourhood Partnerships have been awarded a share of the FSF money. So the unedifying results are:

money is redistributed away from poor areas to wealthier areas
wealthier areas have money to help the small number of poor people living among them but have no idea of who or where they are
identified poor people living in poor areas are seeing important community supports, that help improve their personal circumstances, eroded
all areas, rich or poor, have to meet criteria set by those on high
the criteria may not be relevant (take Almond, for example: it is thought their 'poor' are mostly frail elderly people - how do criteria for employability, early intervention or addressing health inequalities fit their needs?)
the 'employability' criteria is given equal weighting (32%) with 'income' in deciding the formula for distribution of the FSF grant with education (15%) , health (15%) & crime (5%) - yet employment strategy is almost entirely (very well) funded by DWP, as is income
The city has just won a £5 million grant from Europe to address employability issues at a strategic level and have matched funded it by top slicing £1 million from FSF - so why the insistence on employability as a key criteria at local level too?
the 2 areas where local authorities and local projects working together could actually make a difference i.e. education & health are ranked low and community safety doesn't even get a mention

To me - this reeks of muddled thinking:

on the one hand they want to identify individuals living in deprived circumstances and have created a distribution formula to meet that objective...
...but have failed come up with a formula that identifies the individuals
they have moved resources away from large groups of identified individuals living in deprived circumstances
and imposed a set of city wide criteria that may not be locally relevant for any area, large group or individual
worst of all - they are in a complete guddle between 'area/geographic allocation', 'thematic allocation' and helping 'individuals who don't live in recognised areas of deprivation'

I worry when so-called 'experts' don't actually know what they are trying to achieve - looking at this debacle, you can understand why.

Open Prisons

2008-08-07T13:22:00.002Z

The story about open prisons to be found on the front page of today's Scotsman made interesting reading.

Two years ago PEP inherited the services of the former Muirhouse Six Circle. One such service was to provide a 'training for freedom' placement for John Bowden, then held in HMP Saughton.
We worked with John for about 18 months (without much trouble) during which period he qualified to teach adult literacy and was a 'hit' with his students.

After he left, we took another trainee but he was withdrawn when the programme was 'pulled' from Edinburgh and relocated to Shotts.

It was an interesting experiencence working with John and Alex. They had to follow a strict regime 'outside'. They had to make sure they traveled on the same bus morning and evening. They weren't allowed to talk to people on the bus as the authorities could be observing them without their knowledge and, if caught, their prospect of freedom would be compromised.

They couldn't vary their routes, weren't allowed to take anything into the prison (presumably in case they tried to smuggle in drugs or weapons) - I didn't fancy the regime myself: anybody who thought they had it 'easy' were fooling themselves but I didn't have much sympathy either - they were on the final stages towards release after what must have been serious crimes (we weren't told the details, only that they had both murdered) and it seemed important to me that they could handle these comparitively small constraints without 'losing' it.

What was also interesting was different people's reactions: one female member of staff, in particular, was horrified at working with either man: she asked for a lot of training in working with difficult people and self defence (which she got) but others seemed to sympathise with them as victims...some were just plain watchful, others showed no difference in their attitudes...

One thing was for absolutely sure though: both were heavily institutionalised and irrespective of any training for freedom they did it was unlikely either would find 'freedom' easy or threat-free even though both apparently longed for it.

So today's conclusion that 'open' prisons aren't working isn't much of a surprise - the whole concept is an oxymoron. On my (admittedly) limited experience, once somebody has spent a very long time in jail then (unless they are exceptional individuals) it's not very likely they will ever be free mentally, emotionally or empathetically again.
And that seems as bad a punishment as could ever be dreamed up by Man.

A community divided

2008-08-06T18:58:00.002Z

I referred in yesterday's blog to subterranean rumblings but today they burst out in full view. The front page of the NEN makes for dismal reading ... a wee history lesson first...

in the mid 90's local government reorganisation meant that the regional and district councils merged to form a single tier of local government. At that time I was appointed chair of the Pilton Partnership, the organisation tasked with local community regeneration. My first decision was to try to bring together the 5 neighbourhoods which comprised 'Greater Pilton' as a single entity, to eradicate the divisive tribalism of Muirhouse, West Pilton, Granton and so forth. Henceforth the area was to be known collectively as 'North Edinburgh' not Greater Pilton, and activitists were encouraged to think beyond their local loyalty while budgets were used on an area -wide, as opposed to small neighbourhood, basis. It took a lot of time, energy and commitment from many, many people - mostly experienced activists who saw the benefits - to create a united approach but largely, we succeeded.

It didn't prevent local disagreements (Lesley, Billy and I were as guilty as anybody of falling out about priorities but we were forced to come together because our committed activists were telling us what they wanted). Always, community interests came first. It's easy to say that this approach was possible because all 3 local councillors were Labour but anyone will tell you that a politican's bitterest critics are always from within your own Party. What we never did was allow our personal differences become the subject of community division - we always left the community to make up its own mind.

One year on from the elections, with a new electoral system that has given North Edinburgh representatives from 4 different Parties, we are looking at an entirely different landscape: not because the majority of activists think any differently - they are all still interested in their community and doing their best for it - but entirely because two or three malcontents (people who make trouble in an empty room) now have the ear of Politicans who think their Party Political interests are served by listening and acting on ill informed gossip.

Naturally, people have the right to take contrary points of view - that's what makes for democracy, and I personally have no problem arguing with folk who make their view known candidly and openly. I respect those folk even if I don't agree with them.

What I can't be bothered with is the wee group of chatterati who don't know enough, deliberately distort the little they do know and then point the finger at everybody else when predictably things come crashing about their ears.

It is a very sad day when the NEN carries a headline 'A Community Divided'. Cuts in the Fairer Scotland Fund may have been the catalyst but the actions of a tiny few (both activist and politician) have accelerated the process. I fear that North Edinburgh divided may mean North Edinburgh defeated.

My job as a North Edinburgh politican is to try to get the best deal for the community I represent - I sincerely trust that is the reaction of my 3 ward colleagues too.

Life 2

2008-08-05T19:22:00.003Z

I just noticed it's a week since I last wrote anything on the blog - a sure sign I have been very busy or there's not much going on ...

I certainly have been busy but it's more PEP been keeping me occupied - this is the time of the year when funders start wanting end of year reports etc - it's tedious work but somebody has to do it...

Locally there seems to be a fair bit of subterranean activity going on with darkest fears and mutterings and mumblings...all around the Fairer Scotland Fund et al. Tomorrow there is a meeting to discuss it, which I bet will reach no conclusions but you never know...

This weekend my better half and I celebrated (if that is the word) 35 years of marriage...it was a time to reflect on how many people who attended our wedding are no longer with us and how full our family is of people who were not then even a twinkle in anyone's eye. It gave us both pause for thought...

Phone's been ring a ding dinging

2008-07-30T19:26:00.004Z

Phone's been ring a ding dinging since the Evening News report today on weeds - from all across the city - seems it's a city wide problem ... well hopefully it will be resolved now those at the top are sitting up and taking notice ...don't thank me, though...thank the power of the Press...

And pleased to hear that Lorna S and Keith G's new son has arrived a wee bit early but all doing well...see - there is life after politics!

Safe Crossing

2008-07-29T15:41:00.002Z

A funny old day today -

Started with a visit to the Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Committee to plead my case with the powers that be for a signalised crossing to allow pedestrians to cross the road safely when travelling east over Granton Road at its junction with Ferry Road. Only 36th on the list, not too bad then except for the fact that they can only afford 3 a year so we're looking at a 10 years waiting list.

I made my case...Perry Mason would have been proud...why are we spending money improving bus routes that nobody wants into the Waterfront (Newhaven Road) when we can't afford much wanted improvements to pedestrian routes? They, after all, experience just the same problems as cars when traffic levels increase...

Collective head scratching, then Dave Anderson rides to the rescue: maybe we could review the guidelines, especially since pedestrian accidents viewed after the fact, are pretty difficult to fix, and yes, there is a problem with increasing traffic as a result of the Waterfront.

In 2 terms he has promised a report so my issue was continued till then...maybe, just maybe, we might get a safe crossing at the top of Granton Road after all.

Then back off to PEP where I continue to wrestle with a budget which through no fault of mine is not yet fixed and we're now 5 months into the financial year - until we know the FSF grant and the total SLA reduction I am goosed...as is PEP...this is definitely not very satisfactory...

Labour's Dream

2008-07-28T19:03:00.003Z

I have spent my few days holiday reading Anthony Seldon's 'Blair Unbound' which examines Blair's leadership from his second general election victory until his departure after the third.

It is bloody: and if there is even half a truth in it then Ed Balls, as Brown's rottweiler, comes out very badly indeed. The only thing that comes out worse is the Press which is portrayed intentionally or otherwise as a voracious, slavering beast intent on bringing Blair down - the fact that it was so (apparently) ably helped by people who let their own ambition run ahead of them - is what makes it all so tragic.

The constant thread running through the narrative is an inference that Blair represents the 'right' and Brown the 'left' while, in truth, it often seems to this reader anyway, that there was only ever nuances between them and the fight was really always just about who was Number 1.

I have both witnessed and endured similar behaviour even at our daft wee Council level where briefing and counter briefing became, for a while and for some people, the norm. One thing which always surprises me is why people give 'anonymous' briefings - what kind of vanity is it to see your opinion repeated in newsprint but not attributed? [and anyway it's never too difficult to work out who's behind it - for example, I only ever heard 1 person use the phrase 'threw the toys out the pram,' or 'it's a hot potato' etc. Words, like handwriting, give people away every time]

Politics thrive on huge egos married too frequently to low self esteem, vaulting ambition and inferior ability: it is fiercely competitive, often ugly and too many people come into it for all the wrong reasons yet still, it remains a noble profession which when done well, has remarkable transformative powers.

All of which brings me to the current Scottish leadership competition where we definitely need a competition, don't need more of the same or an exercise in who can be the most anodyne either.

What we do need is to question why we continue to fight the Nats on the one territory we can never beat them on.

Labour is an international party who can't ever be more Scottish than the Nationalists. Their whole raison d'etre is based on an accident of birth and some imagined paradise where only Scottish angels flutter.

What we also need is to ask is if the leadership campaign should concentrate on bread and butter issues. Frankly, who really cares what Labour in Scotland has to say right at this moment in time about law and order, anti social behaviour or about anything else domestic?

Labour isn't in charge inScotland anymore or even near to influencing the agenda and there's no use pretending otherwise. Instead, we should be using our considerable talents and energy, searching for a way to revitalise our vision of social justice and equality and fairness.

Scratch every person and the blood beneath the skin is red: not blue or white, not yellow, black or green - just red. Common humanity, a common sense of fairness, the shared human need to leave things better for those who follow us, the very human yearning to aspire to a greater cause than ourselves is what we need to be thinking about - how do we express that in ways that resonate for the 3rd millennium?

The centre ground in politics is crowded and over-populated; there's scarcely anything to choose between any of the mainstream parties (though the social policies of both SNP and Tories converge more than people think and this will become increasingly apparent as the minority government progresses) so more than ever, the 'vision thing' is what counts.

The Nationalists have their wee dream of a free Scotland (free from what, though?), the Tories are dreaming of Camelot mark 3 (Kennedy, Blair, Cameron) and the Liberals bless them, long for the day they can come up with a coherent policy that gives different things to different families living in the same street.

What is Labour's dream?

I, for one, am looking to our candidates in this leadership campaign to answer that question.

Traffic Complaints

2008-07-26T13:19:00.002Z

Occasionally I buy pieces of art (usually with the help of a scheme funded by the English Arts Council which encourages people to buy original art by offering a 10 months interest free purchase scheme). Last year I bought a very pleasing pair of lurchers - two really fine pieces - from 'the Leith gallery' based at 65 The Shore (www.the-leith-gallery.co.uk) and as a result am invited to their 'private views'. This month it's the Festival show: Treasure Islands. They have invited a fine selection of Scottish artists to submit work inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson, his life and his work. I am particularly interested in a piece by Willie Fulton called 'Mr Stevenson Dreaming,' but was amused by the gallery owners invitation, ' Despite Edinburgh City Council's efforts to cut Leith off from the rest of Edinburgh, we are still accessible and look forward to seeing you here.'
Just like old times... complaints about the traffic...only they can't blame Labour ...oh, but they will...

Today, passing through Musselburgh, we were stopped to allow the Musselbugh Festival Ride-out go by: I counted more than 100 horses ridden by people of all ages, wearing their colours with pageantry and pride, delighted to be maintaining an important community tradition...

We don't know what we are doing...

2008-07-25T07:47:00.003Z

The 4 Forth Ward councillors have been working together on the problems raised by a very large public meeting in the Dudleys, principally around parking issues connected to the introduction of the guided busway system.

We have jointly written to the Marshall Poulton to formally request that the proposal to lay a yellow line and consequent parking restrictions in Newhaven Road parallel to Victoria Park be suspended. We meet with him next week to discuss this.

I am amazed, therefore, to be told that despite the imminence of a change (or halt) in the proposal, that signs, announcing said parking restrictions, are being erected as we speak. It is a red rag to a bull and serves only to inflame the local people who clearly believe we (i.e. the Council) don't know what we are doing and aren't listening to people either.

Sometimes I wonder if they aren't right....

Hitch the chin a little higher

2008-07-25T07:37:00.002Z

Not a good day for Labour: the SNP victory in Glasgow East was on the cards but it is a hard swallow.

I, for one, can't stand another bumptious interview from our grinning First Minister and this victory will certainly bring out the Cheshire cat. Fair do's - it was a stunning win but what goes around, comes around. The day will come as sure as God made little apples when the smile will be wiped clean off his face.

Meanwhile, I have a lot of sympathy for Margaret Curran. She stood up to the plate when others were posted missing. Poor woman will be feeling bad this morning.

For Labour supporters, there is nothing else to do but to hitch the chin a little higher and keep going forward. There will be a lot of planning and analysing going on - how to win the next General Election - now there's a challenge...

weeds, weeds and more weeds

2008-07-25T07:28:00.002Z

I have been going on about weed spraying not just in my blog but also to council officers and senior politicians. Last week I sent a pretty irritated email to Robert Aldridge and Mark Turley to convey my real annoyance at the situation in Granton.

Below is the response I received yesterday. I think it is a weak explanation, basically blaming everything and everyone including the rain, the weeds themselves, the chemicals and the equipment: everything in fact, except poor planning: I am particularly struck that they have managed to weed spray the city centre and are about to start the second spray there while Granton hasn't yet had its first treatment. Clearly one law for the rich and visitors and quite another for the local population.

'You may be aware that the problems associated with weed control have increased in recent years due to a change in the law affecting the chemicals we can use and our weather (which affects weed growth and efficacy of our treatments). We no longer use chemicals with a residual effect and the current control method requires weeds to be present for the chemical to work. I am also sure you can appreciate that the process of weed control is labour intensive and requires a co-ordinated approach of using trained staff with sprayers and machine mounted spraying equipment to be most effective.

In the north we started a programme working from the City Centre out to Leith then east to west and west to east. At present, we have completed the first treatment in Leith Walk and Leith wards, worked through Forth westward and the Wardieburn area should be completed by the end of this week (using a tractor sprayer) and most of Inverleith is complete apart from Drylaw. It will likely be completed in a few weeks before we then look to work out the start of the next spray treatment. This was started but as problems with weed growth increased the programmed approach was stretched to become more reactive before returning back to a programmed approach. We have also had staff involved in treating invasive species such as Giant Hogweed along the paths and waterways. Although we wanted to be able to flexible to react to complaints it may have hindered our programme.

A number of grounds staff and street cleansing staff are involved and staff from all neighbourhoods are involved in the treatment of the City Centre. The City Centre is currently being programmed for its second spray to be undertaken in the next couple of weeks.

This year there were discussions around budgets at a crucial time relative to the timing of the first weed treatment of the year (referred to by Peter and me in our conversations with Cllr Maginnis and others). This did affect the start of the programme because it affected the ability to balance operational costs across involving weed control within existing routine work and overtime working. Above this were some operational concerns, relating to availability of staff and equipment and faults of new tractor mounted sprayers, which have affected our ability to get areas treated not just quickly but effectively and safely. Changes will be required and will be ascertained once this first treatment is complete.

This does not excuse some of the streets and areas that have been referred to being heavy with weed growth and improvements can and need to be made to address this. Each neighbourhood gets two weed treatments per year with the City Centre receiving three treatments, which may also need to be reviewed both in terms of frequency and timing. I know there will be lessons learnt from the weed control programme undertaken thus far that will assist in making improvements next time and I hope the changes we make will make a difference.'

Wardieburn

2008-07-24T08:30:00.003Z

Very disappointed to learn of the fatal stabbing incident in Wardieburn.

This takes us backward. Less than three years ago the area was rife with gang turf wars as locals fought it out in a series of escalating tit for tat incidents: the weapons escalated in their potential for danger, too...rising from knives to guns pretty damned quickly.

I sincerely hope this is a tragic 'one-off' - we shall wait and see.

Wardieburn is the forgotten area: since the tenants' rejection at the ballot nobody has any idea how to regenerate the area and those plans we had have been quietly buried by the current Administration...no new school now...no new housing...a very late community centre...the worse health and education situation in the city...it is grim.

My family has lived in Wardieburn for generations but the Wardieburn I grew up in is a very different place from now. Then, there were local jobs at the factories and a real sense of community. Now, too many people move in then move out again just as quickly. And the area looks dreadful...several constituents have spoken to me recently to say the area has never looked so bad.

I agree, yet letters and emails to the leading politicans have so far yielded no action...this then, is the Lib/SNP's Brave New World...estates that look like prairies ...it is nothing to be proud of.

Can I last the pace?

2008-07-22T08:41:00.003Z

On holiday this week and have so far managed to fill every minute.

As a favour, we are looking after grand-daughter numero uno, so it has been action packed adventure so far: keeping a 14 years old and her boyfried entertained is not easy.

BBQ's; picnics; cinema; Safari Park; pedicures; manicures and today off to visit Gosford Park in Longniddry- she goes home tomorrow...can I last the pace?

The people are not happy

2008-07-15T19:29:00.002Z

Tonight it was off to Dudley Bowling Club for a packed meeting (easily 60 people there) on the vexatious subject of the Council's plans to introduce a guided bus corridor in Newhaven Road. The people were not happy: not happy with the previous consultation; not happy with the scheme; not happy with the plans to paint a yellow line alongside Victoria Park...

Requested by Trinity Community Council to help set up the meeting I was disappointed I couldn't stay for the whole event (important family duty) but it was my view the scheme needs to be temporarily put on hold -even if only for a couple of weeks - till some amendments to make the scheme more palatable can be worked out. I understand that the four local councillors are to met in the next couple of days to try to reach a solution.

Tomorrow is another public meeting about road safety in Granton Road. I guess it will be a busy event too...no rest for the elected members in Forth...

Bastille Day

2008-07-14T21:48:00.002Z

An interesting day - Bastille Day and of course the only acceptable beverage is champagne - it's just a pity I was driving and had to refuse. Soda water and lime for me ugh...no comparison.

A goodly number of local meetings all shedding more heat than light on the hot topic of the moment - the FSF cut in North Edinburgh which is building a head of steam. There's no doubt North Edinburgh's 40% cut is swingeing and the Administration's local councillors should be making a special plea now for some flexibility and leniency (extra cash) to offset the impact. Undoubtedly there will be room for some 'efficiencies' but not the whole sum, that's for sure.

Finally, I tripped the light fantastic through the beautiful wild meadows of Granton today...across the pavements and through the grass verges...I kid you not...

The cost of a pee

2008-07-12T10:52:00.002Z

Kathy Will...now there's a name to conjure with.

Kathy is a woman of many parts: doting grandmother: head cleaner at the City Chambers; landlady at the White Horse inn at the Canongate; active member at St Patrick's Church...she has many tales to tell and all of them worth listening to.

The other day she shared a little anecdote that set me pondering: her pub, not the usual tourist trap, is pretty much the working man's local and is suffering badly from the smoking ban. She claims many of her older customers, ex-servicemen from Whitefoord House, don't come to the pub anymore and instead, sit in their wee rooms having a nip and fag (what does that do for social inclusion, I wonder?). As a result, her takings have dropped.

Bad enough, but made worse by the fact that tourists keep popping in to use her toilets. Each pee, she tells me, costs her money when they flush the loo, wash their hands and then dry them with the electric dryer....and none buy so much as even a half pint shandy.

So she is about to ban the use of her loo by anyone except paying customers...it never occurred to me that business can stand or fall on such small courtesies.

In Glasgow yesterday, I went to use the toilet at Queen Street Station and turned away disappointed since I didn't have a 20p coin and all the adjacent signs said 'no change given'.

It made me think of Kathy...

prelude to a summer holiday

2008-07-12T10:42:00.002Z

It is my weekend for entertaining.

Multitudinous numbers of family members have signalled their intent to descend: you see no smile on my face, though.

Everyone will bring a) dogs b) children c) mess... and it is raining so I cannot put them outside...

Once fed, watered and entertained the caravan will move on leaving me to clean up after...as a prelude to my summer holiday it has little to recommend it.

As yet, we have nothing fixed for the 10 days we have planned....maybe I can repay the compliment and visit all and sundry with my dog in tow. It can't come soon enough!!!

Gas Tower

2008-07-10T20:25:00.005Z

Well, I see my wee piece on the gas tower provoked a teacup sized storm but am glad the majority of respondents seemed to favour its retention...just for the record, I don't want it to just stand there...it needs to be adapted to be used as something interesting that will bring visitors to the area...as I said, other cities have found really exciting new uses for old industrial structures...with a bit of imagination we can do the same

One thing, though, do you notice how many folk operate on the basis that if they disagree with your opinion it allows them carte blanche for personal insult? Cannae get my head round that one...

Clean, green and safe? I think not

2008-07-09T21:17:00.002Z

A last minute reprieve when tonight's scheduled meeting was cancelled...naively I thought, get my surgery done then home to put the feet up...you know what thought did? Thought wrong!

Only daughter (ergo, favourite daughter) turned up with 3 children in tow looking for food which trailed into bathtime and then stories...and just as she left, up turned number 1 son with dog, looking for food and use of the internet...so night with feet up was just an illusion...

A busy surgery...yes, you guessed it...grass verges and tales of 1 elderly lady's daughter pulling out the weeds on the large forecourt area (public space, used by kids for football) in front of the pensioner's house for fear her mother would slip on the wet grass and hurt herself...weeks after first reporting it we are no further forward: clean, green and safe is just a bad joke!

Sprouting suites

2008-07-08T20:11:00.003Z

Tonight was the West Pilton & Granton Community Council - well attended and full of ire about estate maintenance and the Fairer Scotland Fund.

Everybody thinks the estates are looking more neglected than ever: the streets and pavements are sprouting furniture which the Community Council attributes to private landlords dumping whenever tenants leave and also to decisions about charging for second special uplifts. At the corner of West Pilton Park (where I work daytime) the corner has seen 4 different suites dumped in as many weeks and the picture is the same across the area.

Along with sprouting suites are invasive weeds in every corner, flagstone, edge and verge. It was reported tonight that 6 workmen were spotted spraying the verges along Inverleith parallel to the Botanics...nary a sign of any weedspraying yet in Granton, Pilton or Muirhouse. Soon they'll need to take the strimmer to it...

Fairer Scotland Fund is a beezer...£700,000 out of North Edinburgh alone:Community Learning & Development cut by £800,000 for the entire city and a huge whack of that out of North Edinburgh...the voluntary sector in the North is being hammered. There is to be a meeting on Wednesday 23 July to try to gather information on the overall impact...it will be towsy, no doubt about that.

Adam Smith

2008-07-05T09:55:00.002Z

I missed the unveiling of the Adam Smith statue yesterday - much to my chagrin. Other duties forced a late cancellation but I heard all about it from my colleague Mr Milligan who was at pains to inform me I had missed a fantastic affair, extremely well managed with some very interesting people in attendance.

I was particularly miffed to have missed out on catching up with Michael Forsyth who, though it was popular to despise him when he was in office, was always unfailingly pleasant and thoughtful in his business with me. Fiercely intelligent, he knew what he stood for but respected the alternative view. I liked him...a lot, and when it comes down to the fight for the Union, as it surely will, I'll be glad we're on the same side.

A bloody disgrace

2008-07-03T19:51:00.003Z

Staff and Board members were today delighted with Dr Ray Harris' mention of PEP's buses as one of his top 5 Edinburgh icons in the Evening News 'High Five' slot: he intended it as a positive reflection on the role of the voluntary sector in our great city - but he has no idea how many people he made very happy this afternoon. The phones haven't stopped ringing...

Small voluntary sector projects feel under assault right now with budget cuts and bureaucratic over regulation and PEP is no different...so any praise is gratefully received. Today, we had 6 volunteers out cutting grass, generally improving the local environment. Ranging in age from 15 - 65 years they were a happy gang: each man has his own problems, some really quite serious, but it is a joy to watch them working hard together for their own community when previously they were isolated and very alone. It is a win win situation: they learn new skills, learn to work together as a team, gain in confidence and the local community looks much the better for their efforts.

Services for Communities could learn a few lessons from them: take a drive round Granton, Boswall, East Pilton, West Pilton, Muirhouse ...have a look at the public verges and edges: weeds knee high, grass growing where it shouldn't be possible for grass to grow, thistledown blowing in the breeze...it looks like the set for Will Smith's blockbuster 'I am Legend' but this is no futuristic city abandonned to the zombies: it is Edinburgh 2008 and it is a bloody disgrace.

Knights of the Thistle

2008-07-03T11:27:00.002Z

I have said before that being a councillor allows you access to unusual events and yesterday's was one of those: I was invited to attend the 'ceremonial to be observed on the occasion of the installation of the Rt Hon The Lord Cullen of Whiteside,KT,PC and Sir Garth Morrison, KT, CBE as Knights of the most ancient and most noble order of the Thistle'...a lot of words used to describe a considerable display of State power and theatre. The Queen and Prince Philip, HRH, The Princess Royal and so on and so on were all in attendance. St Giles was packed with very well dressed ladies and gentlemen. Like Ian Rankin, many were bedecked with their 'honours' or were garbed in archaic costume following equally archaic ritual: yet the whole thing had a kind of dignity and timelessness...

...and some of the ladies' hats were to die for...

Opacity

2008-07-03T07:08:00.005Z

Thanks to the help of a self confessed nosey colleague you can read for yourself the latest escapades of Steven Izatt and co. at http://www.thisisjersey.com/2008/06/24/jeb-a-plan-too-far/

I must admit it all seems an overly complicated scheme and when something is as opaque as this then people will worry. Comments in the report regarding 'vagueness, financial risk and the shortcomings of WEB (Waterfront Enterprise Board) ' had a worryingly familiar ring...

The Jersey Evening Post

2008-07-01T19:37:00.005Z

Tonight I attended my first meeting as a Board member at North Edinburgh Arts. It was interesting in so much as they are slowly but steadily pulling themselves out of the hole they had fallen into. I was mightily impressed by Kate Wimpress, seconded to manage the organisation from Capital City Partnership. She has a cool head and an open manner and has done well.

Today, too, I heard a whisper that things are not going well at the Jersey Waterfront. My source has promised me a copy of a recent Jersey Evening Post which outlines the issues...I have an understandable interest and am curious to read of Mr Izatt's latest problems.

Disproportionate response...

2008-06-30T21:03:00.004Z

Sadly, Saturday's good gardening intentions went awry because of the rain and Sunday was full of grandchildren so neither house nor garden received any attention. Grrr...it means trying to catch up with the cleaning before I go out to work and the gardening when I get back...it ain't necessarily fun...

Unsurprised by Wendy's decision to go...the SNP hyenas had sunk their teeth and drawn blood and were never likely to let go soon. In truth, I didn't think leadership was her forte. Super nova clever, she certainly is, gleaming personal integrity also, but her political judgement seems a bit random to me...however, her departure leaves Labour and the Scottish Parliament in the soup.

Labour, because we are leaderless again without a ravishingly obvious candidate to replace her...

...The Scottish Parliament, because it demonstrates once again it is not 'big' or grown up enough to deal with minor infractions. Grown up parliaments know how, in the greater interest of the institution's well being and reputation, to admonish and move on. In the Scottish Parliament it is one punishment for every crime - a completely disproportionate response: partisanship can go too far and when it does it looks just like the situation Wendy has found herself in - vicious, nasty and immature.

Tired and jaded

2008-06-28T07:07:00.002Z

Last words on Thursday's Council meeting:
Jenny Dawe's remarks concerning Ewan's leadership were a poor show: ungracious and I daresay extremely grudging. She has been leader of the Council for a longer period than Ewan ever held the post: magnaminity is a leadership quality which seems to have escaped her.

Secondly, it was amazing to watch the body language of the Administration's front bench. First, Marilyne was being given a very wide berth by everyone. Even Phil Wheeler, a perfect gentleman who sits immediately to her right, was straining as far away as possible. For the rest, not one rose to defend her and they each sat hunched, chins down: it is amazing how quickly they have begun to look tired and jaded. The only one with any spring in his step, Paul Edie, was left crestfallen when the Lord Provost, not noted for firm leadership, refused a clumsy bid to foreclose the debate on the Single Outcome Agreement....I bet there were some hard words said about that later!

Enough of that, though.

Today, the sun is shining and the garden beckons: hedges and grass have to be cut thankfully not by me. Mr Maginnis will require regular cups of tea and sweet encouragement...I have my work cut out!

The wicked witch of the west

2008-06-26T21:57:00.003Z

Council went well today: along with the Tories and Greens we forced 5 issues to the casting vote of the Provost: a record!

Funniest moment has to be when Marilyne Maclaren was speaking and the windows of the Chamber (huge plate glass affairs) blew open and nearly swept her away...we didn't know if it was hot air or the wicked witch of the west coming for her: either way, it was a moment of hilarity...poor Marilyne: another bad day for her and to make matters worse the SNP (Coalition partners remember) were overheard in the corridors, sniggering at her expense - I think I feel sorry for her.

Best speech of the day definitely goes to Eric who blew the administration away castigating their position on the Single Outcome Agreement. When Cardownie gets twitchy and tries to rule 'time out' you can be sure he isn't liking what he is hearing.

I think Andrew will be well pleased with his first Council meeting as leader.

No time for navel gazing

2008-06-25T07:06:00.004Z

Andrew's selection as leader went smoothly last night - he spoke well at the Group and has our full endorsement - critically, the easy transition means we do not falter in our opposition or become focussed on internal navel gazing.

The administration has flopped in education and with a £5million overspend in health & social care (for which they are entirely responsible) and proposals to embark on a radical revamp of home care services in order to save £6 million then we have much to do as the Official Opposition.

Fairer Scotland Fund

2008-06-23T19:52:00.003Z

A simply hellish day which began with news that the Forth ward's Fairer Scotland Fund has taken a total doing...dropping from £1.7m to £1.06m meaning Christ knows what for voluntary projects across North Edinburgh including PEP...

Employability is one of the key targets but they need to think again about this set of proposals. It is bound to lead to job losses in the area... for example, last year PEP employed 17 people of whom 15 lived locally. At the beginning of the financial year we made 2 people redundant because grants did not keep up with inflation and rising costs...this latest news can only mean one thing...more job losses across the voluntary sector...

So much for a left wing SNP government or a caring Liberal council - and all these so called 'activists' who have pilloried Labour for years need to take a long hard look at themselves...is this really what they want for local communities who are already on the ropes? I think not.

Nanny state gone mad...

2008-06-22T15:26:00.002Z

I read the front of the Scotland on Sunday with a vague sense of horror: the three main headlines were as follows
'Smoking's hidden death toll revealed'
'Scots told to work on their weight'
'Drinking 'like child porn'

More State inspired guilt trips about the way we individually live our lives - I don't know about you, but I'm fed up to the back teeth with a nanny state gone mad...

Three cheers for the emergency services

2008-06-21T10:07:00.005Z

People over for food and drinks last night and though they left at a very reasonable hour, by the time we had cleared up, walked the dog and, of course, had a 'nightcap' it was late to bed. This morning's headache is undoubtedly due to too little sleep...

Today, I have set myself the mission of cleaning my car. It is 6 months since it went through a car wash ( a Christmas present from my husband - the car wash, that is) and a year since it was valeted...I know...manky...but cleaning the car is way, way down on any right thinking person's priority list...

Someone has just phoned with an intriguing, but disturbing little story...her elderly parents (constituents of mine) phoned her last Monday at 5am - their house was flooding with mains water (apparently an internal pipe had loosened, though this wasn't immediately apparent) and they were unable to stop the flow: on their behalf she phoned Scottish Water...'if it's inside, it's not our problem. Phone the Council,'....

...phoned the Council's emergency number....,'it's not a council house, get an emergency plumber,'....

....phoned umpteen emergency plumbers....nobody answered:

by this time the house is 3 inches deep in water and the elderly couple (both in their 80's) are becoming very distressed. In desperation she phoned the Fire Service who, making an exception because of the couple's age, sent a fire engine [diverted from South Queensferry because Telford's vehicles were all in attendance at Seafield's emergency] to turn the water off.

Three cheers for the emergency services but what a disgrace from Scottish Water and the Council: I will be raising this with them both.

I wish Andrew luck

2008-06-19T11:43:00.002Z

Last night's Film Festival premiere was a glamorous affair and I liked the film too. Sienna Miller and Kiera Knightley are both tremendously talented actresses and I was much impressed too by Cillian Murphy's performance as Captain Killick - he was a stick-out star. I recommend the film.

And: barring a terrible accident, Andrew is to be our new leader. He will do well, I'm sure. He is thorough and consensual and extremely intelligent. I wish him luck and success.

Forth Neighbourhood Partnership

2008-06-18T07:17:00.003Z

Forth Neighbourhood Partnership last night...now that was a waste of public money, that was...

9 members of the public, 12 people at the top table of whom 5 were council officers and 3 others to take the names...I ask you...

An icon

2008-06-17T07:28:00.002Z

A meeting yesterday with National Grid confirms they are to seek approval to demolish the Granton gas tower. They claim it will cost £5.2 million to repair and a further £2.2m to clean the contaminated land (though they will have to pay this anyway). In its place they are willing to erect a circular iconic building (for either public use or as private housing) and to use the steel lattice work in some other appropriate way on site. I understand their difficulties but I am deeply unhappy.

There are 3 landmark buildings on the Granton waterfront: Caroline Park House, the Lighthouse and the Gas Tower. All 3 need to be retained since they are all critical icons of the area's past. I think National Grid should be campaigning for public monies to keep the tower (where else is there such a vivid visual reminder of Edinburgh's industrial heritage?) and to think of imaginative ways to keep it...£10 million is not too much to secure such an important piece of Granton's history.

Granton Primary

2008-06-14T09:46:00.003Z

A positive meeting yesterday with the Director of Education and the parents from Granton School. Whether it will translate into into extra resources will become clearer later. The parents had prepared their case well and spoke with conviction, making a strong case for recognition of the high levels of behavioural problems in the school and the need for more help. The problem is, of course, not helped by the absence of a permanent headteacher (the temporary secondment leaves at the beginning of the holidays) - I was shocked to learn that P3 pupils haven't received a report card this year...this isn't acceptable and I certainly hope that this will be rectified before the end of term. The Department has promised to respond to parents before then...

You are the weakest link

2008-06-12T19:23:00.002Z

Lots of interest from constituents in who will succeed Ewan as leader. Inevitably, much centres on my intentions.
Circumstances have changed since I stood in the race for leader in 2006, not least with my family and at PEP. Both now require a great deal more of my attention and time so I am ruling myself out of this competition. I say, though, that whoever gets the post will be very privileged...

Today, I shepherded a group of local folk round the City Chambers. For most, this was their first visit and I think they enjoyed it. By coincidence we bumped into George Grubb, the Lord Provost , who gave them a few moments and impressed them mightily. Sometimes, it is easy to be blase, especially when you have been in public life as long as I, but their reaction puts it all into perspective. People are impressed by our Chambers and the regalia of office. It is important to acknowledge the citizen's pride in their Capital city.

I am intrigued by Marilyne's latest decision to expel the parent rep from her school closure forum. I expect her 'irrefutable evidence' was the same as her total conviction the problem at Portobello was vandalism when it really wasn't. Every single call is the wrong one. How long before the Coalition says: Marilyne: you are the weakest link.

A lucky woman

2008-06-11T19:09:00.002Z

It's one of those weeks where feet don't touch ground: many, many constituency demands in the last few days, all requiring attention and as ever, PEP is extremely demanding.

Pleased to say Gillian Tee has responded quickly to my request for a meeting about Granton PS. Six parents wish to attend so my wee office will be crammed on Friday. I will report on any progress...or not, as the case may be.

A disturbing wee complaint today from a disabled constituent who requires a walking frame for independence. His frame got stuck in a hole in the pavement meaning he fell into a single lane of traffic - fortunately, he wasn't seriously hurt but the ramifications could have been much worse. I have drawn the case to the attention of the relevant officers.

Last night, I attended the Board of Granton Youth Centre which was interesting. Many moons ago I was instrumental in securing the funding to establish the Centre. After a rocky start it now has a really effective manager and is going places. What was really impressive was a report from one of the Centre's young volunteers (he tells me he will be 18 later this month - oh man...that made me feel old...) who has trained as a peer educator...he is a really good role model and that's what young people need.

Today, a very enjoyable session with Helen May who organises Common Purpose. I think she is a star. Extremely intelligent, inquisitive, empathetic...anyhow she has invited me to be a contributor as one of a range of leaders to the next generation of leaders to discuss 'Leading beyond authority'. It will be interesting too...

As I write this, I reflect on what a lucky woman I am...at least life is seldom boring!

It wisnae me

2008-06-09T19:34:00.002Z

Ewan's announcement to stand down as Leader has caught us all on the hop. No doubt we all wish him well in his new position and thank him, too, for his work over the last 2 years for Edinburgh Labour. There will be a competition to replace him. I hope it will be conducted with goodwill and camaraderie. Labour has found its stride as Opposition...we must not falter now.

I read the weekend press with some disbelief. Cardownie has a brass neck: for a man who doesn't send his own child to a local authority school it takes a bit of believing that he even cares what the kids get to eat, let alone whether it is served hot or cold. Then to say he was duped by the Liberals about its nutritional quality!!! I ask you...if I was called Jenny Dawe I'd be pretty peeved at the constant SNP whine of 'it wisnae me' ... The real culprit here is the Boy David...or maybe we should be calling him the Scarlet Pimpernel...we seek him here, we seek him there...obviously he doesn't understand what his officials tell him, nods a cut through and then when it blows up in his face he dives for cover, blaming everybody but himself. This laddie Beckett takes responsibility money precisely to do that...to take responsibility...and if he could fit it in, occasionally he could try turning up for meetings too.

Tonight's Granton School Parents Council was a prime example of how far education has fallen as a priority for the Administration...I will be brief: 9 classes (two of them to be taught by probationer teachers i.e. apprentices), class sizes of 24 up to 30 in one of the highest area of deprivation in the city ( no SNP 18 here), 20 new children identified as having behavioural problems requiring extra support - all denied by the Department, 18 formal exclusions - 1 of them permanent, 4 children receiving 'working together' support and 5 more on a waiting list...and no extra support at all.

What makes it tragic is that postcode EH51 has among the worst educational attainment in Scotland and on current evidence there will not be a scintilla of change for the better.

This is a failure of crisis proportions and it is time McLaren and her cronies recognised how far they have let things fall. I will be seeking an immediate meeting with the Director. The parents need some answers and so do I.

Stop gap is no strategy

2008-06-05T18:17:00.003Z

Such a lot has happened since the last post I hardly know where to start: immensely disappointed Hillary didn't do it...if she is feeling half as gutted as I am for her then she won't be feeling good. Obviously I want Obama to win the Presidential election but he is up against a tough opponent. McCain plainly has many high moral qualities but his age is against him. However, I am not yet convinced the USA is ready for a mixed race president. I sincerely hope so, but it would be foolish to discount both the race and experience issues. If I was a floating US voter there would be a lot of thinking to do now.

Yesterday I had a good session with local officials on the issues affecting Granton Road. Many constituents have raised their concerns about road safety here and with a local primary school, a rugby club, a community centre, recycle bins, shops and many, many houses where parking is a problem, there is the recipe for problems. I am hoping to have a public meeting soon with the other ward councillors and local residents to thrash out some of the problems. It is clear we must find some solutions.

Tuesday's C+F committee was a laid back affair with the only real meat being the a poorly thought out proposal to address the SNP minority government's demand for class sizes of 18.
The real problem is, of course, there is no new money on the table to fund the manifesto pledge.

Basically, the Lib Dem Edinburgh solution is to use 30 probationer teachers we get for nothing to free up experienced classroom teachers who will then be put in to team teach classes of 30 in P1-P3.

This is a one year stop gap: not a strategy: it makes no pretence to be for every child and it will fall down around Lib Dem ears . Parents will smell the duplicity in this cheating charade and it will surely lead to more composite classes and lots more confusion for children and parents...

The convenor earnestly assured us that the funding for year 2 would be the subject of debate at budget time...but I wouldn't hold my breath...the Lib Dems have nailed their political priorities to the mast of older & vulnerable people [no complaints about that], roads and pavements and fiscal prudence aka building up bank balances at the expense of services.

Schools and children's education are lower on the political priority list than they have been for 20 years due in part to a weak convenor and to a right wing perspective.

Three cheers

2008-06-02T20:00:00.004Z

Tonight's blog is all about success...PEP's success.

Recently, PEP underwent a review by the Children & Families Quality Review team which looked at the impact PEP has on participants, on the local community, how we go about planning our work and how we evaluate it too.

The top rating, seldom awarded, is 'excellent' which means outstanding practice: PEP got an excellent for impact on participants and and excellent for progression in learning: 'very good' means major strengths and PEP was rated 'very good' in every other aspect of our work: for our work with the elderly in day care, for our literacy, art, for our work with people who have mental health issues, for our volunteering service...for leadership, governance, team working, recording and measuring our work...for everything, really.

Today we went to the Standards sub committee to be congratulated on our efforts and it felt a bit strange to be on the other side of the table.

Three cheers to the team... to the volunteers and to the Board. You're a great crew!

More of that kind of thinking please...

2008-05-31T13:18:00.003Z

Yesterday, Labour had an away day to plan tactics for the next 6 months ... everyone is in good heart...(Dunkirk spirit and all that)... and enough intelligence to know it isn't easy. I'm keeping silent on the outcomes but it will be interesting to look back at Christmas and judge whether we've had any success.

One thing is becoming very clear though: Dave Anderson was a good appointment for the city. He's even managing to make this lot look creative...the city room enacted at the Quadrangle was effective...and let's have more of that kind of thinking please.

Big fat zero

2008-05-29T21:43:00.003Z

The day started with a 9am Labour Group meeting where quip of the morning went to Ricky Henderson. Learning that the Lib/SNP Coalition plans a new lighting system (temporarily scrapped because of the negative blogger reaction to the Evening News story), Ricky says, 'So the Council Chamber is going to be a red light zone.'

Throughout the day the SNP corner periodically flagged up a red flag...they wish...

Andrew Burns scored palpable hits twice... catching Marilyne out in yet another big lie, this time about school catering, and knocking the Administration onto the ropes over a school building programme that's just not going to happen in the next 3 years - Labour has initiated or built 34 major school refurbishment or rebuilding in the last 8 years - for the Lib Dem/SNP it looks like a big fat zero during its lifetime. 34-0: a rugby score!

An 8.30pm finish is a joke - an hour and half given over to a presentation from Terry Farrell was an hour too long...and if we hadn't had that then we wouldn't have had an hour long evening adjournment either. But I bet you, Labour gets the blame.

hundreds of years of political independence neutered

2008-05-28T16:22:00.002Z

At Monday's Group meeting we had a laugh about the proposed new 'traffic light' system designed to keep politicians' speeches to time. One wag was heard to quip, 'Does it do bells too?' Our new Lord Provost has a habit of nodding off if speeches go on too long and an alarm bell as well as a red light would help keep him on his toes.
Mind you, I can't blame him - some speeches are murder and if I could switch off enough I'd fall asleep too.

Seriously, though...the Lib Dem/SNP Coalition has brought Edinburgh Council to a sorry pass: we don't set our own tax levels any more, we let national government dictate our strategy and let officers write our single outcome agreement i.e. local political priorities for the next 4 years and now we are letting officers time-keep our speeches...they have neutered hundreds of years of local political independence within 12 months...not bad going eh?

Edinburgh has little clout at COSLA

2008-05-27T16:57:00.003Z

Busy morning at the Council where the new Economic Development team are strutting their stuff - both Dave Anderson and Greg Ward are now in place and I hope this is the start of some good things to come.
We start with a discussion on a vision for Edinburgh - it's all very well being at the heart of a city/region plan but we need to know where we want Edinburgh to be in 5 years time. I am pleased the committee accepted my request to hold an away-day where, in a more informal setting, we might be able to lay 'party' considerations aside to debate the next step change for our great capital.
Then on to a discussion about the divi-up of Scottish Enterprise's national community regeneration budget following its restructuring ordered by the Scottish Government. I am frankly horrified to discover Edinburgh has so little clout at COSLA that we have let a £25 million budget be grabbed almost lock, stock and barrel for 4 regeneration companies and streetscape work in Glasgow, leaving a miniscule £2 m to be spilt between the rest of Scotland.

Tom Buchanan tried hard to rescue the Administration from the reality of this incredible failure by asking for a strategic report on streetscape work for Edinburgh and how we can persuade the Scottish Government to fund it...but if it's anything like schools we've a dog's chance and none.

Tea at the palace

2008-05-27T08:30:00.003Z

More on Eric at the Palace...in conversation, a Palace official jokes with him on being snapped drinking tea at the Garden Party said,'But they'll never know what we put in your tea, Eric.'

Drinking a cup of tea - an ex Lord Provost twice removed

2008-05-26T11:53:00.004Z

My invitation to the Queen's Royal Garden Party at Holyrood House fell through the door at the weekend.
On opening I find a colourful insert promoting a new service - you can buy your very own video of your day at the Palace.

Inside very fetching photographs of the Queen and Prince William - both very famous faces...imagine my surprise on discovering the only other person featured with a photograph to himself is my mate Mr Milligan...drinking a cup of tea. Now it is a very long time since Eric ever drank a cup of tea in my presence...usually a pint of extra cold Guiness or a slug of buckfast! Just goes to show the latter did him no harm with the folk at the Palace either.

I understand 5000 invitations go out across Scotland for the Garden Party. Not bad for an ex- Lord Provost twice removed

Lost the plot

2008-05-23T19:49:00.002Z

Time for Marilyne Maclaren to go, I think. I watched her on TV last night...lying through her teeth, I thought. As my very assiduous colleague Andrew Burns has outlined - cuts in kitchens have never been before a committee then last night I listened to drivel about how 'I urged my officers to go out there and promote school meals to keep the kitchens open and so they did and now I am delighted to be able to save the kitchens'...this is all fantasy...she should go for her own well-being. She has lost the plot.

Routine problems

2008-05-21T21:19:00.003Z

Muirhouse/Salveson Community Council and rakes of local issues to follow up today ranging from the continuing difficulties with the Redrow entrance path (council have put a path in big enough for a motorway and caused all sorts of problems): vandal proof street bins - yes you guessed it - vandalised: bolisha beacons and lamp-posts not working: 5 tenements without replacement front doors when everyone else has: at least a dozen letters to do and the problem is this is all day to day maintenance which should be picked up routinely.

An interesting email too from National Grid which highlights the effect of Saturday's fire on their land on Saturday - mostly affordable housing gone up in smoke. Not good news for local priorities.

Political raison d'etre

2008-05-19T08:27:00.002Z

Yesterday's report of Ron Gould's comments on the veracity of the Scottish parliamentary elections should give pause for thought to anyone interested in democratic politics.

The media has been full of stories of rigged ballots in Zimbabwe and, though our poll certainly can't be compared to the violent process there, if people can't have confidence that their vote is counted and properly influences the result then we're in trouble.

Put together the terrible scenes in Manchester where some Scots went completely feral (drunk or otherwise) allegedly over losing a football match, a dodgy election result where thousands and thousands of votes were discounted and you get the sense of a third world country teetering on the brink ...add that to recent horror stories of a nation whose children are sodden in alcohol and our largest city officially recognised as the murder capital of the world...I don't see how that sits with media acclamation for a minority government relaxed and comfortable with itself...maybe it's time for the Scottish media to wake up and smell the coffee and for the Labour Party to start behaving like the real political opposition it should be.

Then I read that the First Minister is about to give way on Muslim demands for separate schools ...I won't pretend that I can't see the initial allure and facile logic of such a proposal...after all we have perpetuated faith schools through legislation and public finance and we've promoted Gaelic schools too. However, there is a significant difference which requires to be fully debated.

The truth is, like it or not, that the Muslim faith is seen to belong to other nations...and it's also clear that the majority of Sots struggle to understand the role of the Muslim faith in Scotland and see it as very different to Scotland's quasi secular ecumenicalism...

My view is we don't need any more 'built in' faith divisions...events referred to earlier make it clear we're a small nation already struggling with our differences...we should be trying to build on what binds us, not what divides...

If I were a Nationalist I'd say the point of unification was being Scottish...as I'm a Socialist I say it's common humanity. It's too damned easy to interpret a separate schooling system for Muslims as giving way to another kind of nationalism...but why should I be surprised?

Salmond is a nationalist who understands intuitively the need for people to divide themselves on the basis of that greatest accident of birth, cultural identity. It's his political raison d'etre.

it is good not to be at the centre of a storm

2008-05-16T19:06:00.002Z

I sit helplessly watching the horror which is China' s earthquake unfold on the TV screen. A donation to the Red Cross appeal doesn't seem enough but it is all I can do...

...then I watch the brutality of some Rangers' fans humiliating us all and and am shocked...

...I am saddened by the news of Tommy Burns' death. I met him only once and it is true he was a gentleman...

then I read the Council Leader's interview in today's evening paper which makes me smile...

today is a day for reacting to other people's stories...sometimes it is good not to be at the centre of a storm of activity but, instead, to have peace and time to reflect

Job done

2008-05-15T19:27:00.002Z

Another busy day ...two hours of my life lost in a planning committee waiting for item 13 to be taken. Worth the wait, though.

Under discussion was the planning brief for City Park.

I have received scores of objections to the plans and was happy to lead the charge on density, walk/cycleway and traffic...swiftly followed by two of my ward colleagues...the committee agreed to go for a lower density, scrap the walkway through the estate and carry out a full traffic imapct study...job done.

An unexpected blow

2008-05-14T19:26:00.003Z

It gets worse...tonight I toddle off to Trinity Academy for the Parents' Council only to be told by the jannie 'that was on Monday'. I ask the Chair of the Council (he is a neighbour) and he tells me kindly (in that way people talk to the confused elderly), 'No. It's the primary school council tonight.' Oh man! I will have to manage my diary a whole lot better.

This afternoon (at a meeting I did get to) we are advised that it is unlikely the NEN will be eligible for Fairer Scotland funding against the new criteria. This is an unexpected blow and will not be popular locally. In response to community demand, the community newspapers were undoubtedly a Labour creation, though at least in the case of NEN, no mouthpiece [my disagreements with the paper are the stuff of legend]. It is no accident, now that Labour is no longer in power, they are under seige. This will test the mettle of both community and Coalition councillors.

early onset dementia

2008-05-14T17:09:00.004Z

A really pleasant afternoon: met up late with a group of friends to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Frank Sinatra's death: Nolan, Fallon, Milligan and Maginnis - the gang of 4, they used to call us... it was great to catch up with long standing pals who have stood together through thick and thin, who can talk in shorthand, know all the references and can all spin a good yarn...

Eric is besotted with Sinatra and can make a pretty irresistible dialectical case for his contribution to 20th century left wing politics. And there's not much Paul and Brian don't know about 20th century international politics of the left either, so between us, we had a barnstorming tour of European and American politics since the first world war...magic.

I left to go to my surgery...on the way there were traffic jams and two calls on the mobbie which I stopped to take. Somehow - God help me- I forgot to go to Royston/Wardieburn Community centre and went home instead. At 5.45pm only 45 minutes late I remembered where I was supposed to be...too late...everybody gone away...this is the second time this week I have missed an appointment...is this early onset dementia, stress or what?

when it's really broke don't waste time trying to fix it

2008-05-13T20:34:00.008Z

7.30 am start this morning and some concentrated work on a funding application I am currently putting together. There are many hoops to go through and the process certainly forces you to focus clearly on your outcomes...I know it is sad but I really enjoy writing reports, filling in applications...I like the act of thinking, analysing, reviewing, researching ...it's a good job I do, since too much of being a manager in the voluntary sector is about form filling and trying to pull money in...

This afternoon I attended the Corporate Parenting Member Officer Working Group which was interesting...it has a long way to go but I think it is an honest attempt to try to improve things for our most vulnerable children.

Apparently the number of 'looked after' children has risen in one year by over 100 to 1300+ and the number keeps going north.

So too, babies being put up for adoption have soared - 40, this year and for the first time that I can remember the numbers of looked after kids on supervision orders at home almost equals the numbers being adopted or fostered.

Throw into the equation the numbers on 'kinship orders' i.e. being looked after by friends or family plus those in residential care and there is a clear trend emerging to remove children from their families - despite the stated preference to keep them at home.

No bad thing, I say.

I think it's correct children do best in a family setting. Families take many forms but the basic construct is a caring adult able to look out for, and preferably love, the child. When the basics aren't there, there's nothing else to do but try to recreate those constructs elsewhere. When it's really broke, don't waste time trying to fix it...instead, find an alternative.

Then tonight, the West Pilton Community Council, which was fun...yes...I said FUN...people who know each other well in a good humour though lots of important issues raised: problems with private landlords, problems of parking on West Granton Road and concerns about youth provision in the area...important matters indeed.

too bad for you

2008-05-12T20:38:00.004Z

Blimey...a 7.45am start and it's been busy yet this afternoon, in order to create some space, I skip going to a Labour Group meeting and the Children & Families Sub on Quality Standards. Pressure of work and I hate not being able to meet all commitments...

PEP was hectic...no more, no less than hectic. Maybe as many as 40 + people passing through the doors of our open office- all wanting help or answers...and the first day too of a new homecare service which seems to have gone well...

Surgery was full, surprisingly since Monday's are usually slow...usual stuff, nothing out of the ordinary but all important to the individuals involved.

PYCP Board, a very busy agenda complicated (as so many voluntary organisation meetings are at the moment) by anxieties about budgets and the resignation of the manager who is moving on to new challenges

Granton School Parent Partnership - a full house and all concerned about the failure to appoint a new headteacher and the Council's decision not to include cash in the capital budget for the school's refurbishment or replacement. Also news that Granton, too, will have a P1/2 composite class plus very high class numbers in the upper years...32 in P5... a return to the bad old days...

I'm afraid at 8.20pm I faltered and decided to finish the day as I started by skipping whatever remained of Trinity Community Council...the lure of a perfectly grilled steak waiting for me at home...we are down to eating red meat only once per fortnight...I savoured every mouthful but I fear steaks, along with too much booze, salt, saturated fats, complex carbohydrates etc. will soon join the 'too bad for you' list ...sometimes we make life very boring

Gloomy poll ratings

2008-05-10T10:22:00.002Z

PEP later this morning...as a 7 days per week service there is always something to do: today 18 older people who are extremely isolated especially at weekends come in for a day's activities, social interaction and support.

What is always amazing to me is the number of staff who are not supposed to be at work over the weekend who manage to find a reason to drop in...it seems they just can't stay away!

Had a chat with Malcolm Chisholm this morning...a gloomy conversation...looking at Labour's current poll ratings I guess that was inevitable!

7 weeks school holiday instead of the usual 6

2008-05-10T08:38:00.002Z

Yesterday saw all 4 Forth councillors sit down together with local police officers to discuss the perennial problem of youth disorder. Already, all 4 have received repeated complaints of large numbers of youths gathering and causing nuisance in different parts of the ward, and it is not yet high summer.

The local inspector offered us comfort: the numbers of reported incidents have fallen and the solvent rate is up and he intends to develop and implement a strategy for the long summer months. 7 weeks school holiday this year instead of the usual 6 - it promises to be a rare old time...

A bit of lateral thinking by the cop saves the day

2008-05-08T18:42:00.005Z

One part of our job at PEP is to divert people who have long term mental health issues away from the criminal justice system. For example one older client who suffers from extreme paranoia, worried about the possibility of being attacked, mentions he might start to carry a knife in self defence. Our task is to dissuade him, point out the possible repercussions so, among other things, we invite the local community safety police officer along to chat to the group.

Yesterday, another older client - who is completely without family - is visited by the police for non-payment of a fine. He doesn't have the £10 needed to clear the debt so the police have no option but to cart him off to the cells. Fortunately, he is recognised by the same police officer who previously visited and he delays lifting the client, comes along to PEP to see if we can help. £10 paid, client free as a bird...thank the Lord for a bit of lateral thinking by the cop...and just how much would it have cost to bang said client up in the cells? Much, much more than a tenner methinks.

composite classes

2008-05-07T20:47:00.003Z

Emails are beginning to trickle in about a possible composite primary 1/2 class at Trinity PS. In general, I don't share parental worries about composite classes but I do worry about them in the first year of school. That sets the tone for a whole educational experience.

Many, many years ago, my own son - with basic reading and writing before he went to school - was in a p1/p2 composite. His was not a good experience. He struggled with the social aspect of half a class of kids who knew the routines, were confident about being away from mum, about, I suppose, not feeling equal to the older kids...his first year at primary ended up a pretty dismal experience which I would not wish on any child.

I hope there is still time for this proposal, if it is a proposal, to be reconsidered.

Over development and traffic issues

2008-05-07T20:34:00.002Z

The letters of objection to the City Park development keep rolling in - most concerns centre on over- development and traffic issues.

I share their worries:

Until the Strada, development on the north side of Ferry Road was largely suburban in design: town houses and relatively low rise flats. Strada, on the other hand, is densely urban and, because of the site topography, much higher. Plans to develop City Park ape the Strada and do not take their character from all other surrounding development. Add to this a bottle neck traffic egress and entrance on Pilton Drive and there are all the ingredients of an over -developed site.

I do not support the current proposals.

No sod dug until January

2008-05-07T20:19:00.004Z

Tonight is the continuing saga of Royston/Wardieburn Community Centre and its replacement. A senior official arrives to inform the committee that the budget means another 400 metres squared are to be knocked off the building so bang goes the community hall...take it or leave it...

No sight of a member of the Administration to offer an explanation...I tell you, if this is the Coalition's idea of proper consultation they have a lot to learn.

So, a community centre which should have been opening its doors in September loses its function hall (to be replaced with a space half its size) gets chipped at metre by metre and no chance of a sod being dug until January 09.

Til the nationalists get what they want they will keep on asking the question

2008-05-06T19:15:00.004Z

I have deliberately let a day go by before reacting to Wendy's latest, fearful that my first reaction might be superficial.

In Quebec the independence referendum never goes away...why would it? Till the nationalists get the answer they want they will keep on asking the question. And so it will be in Scotland.

The question Wendy should be addressing right now is how to renew the appeal of the Labour Party. It certainly won't be achieved by allowing the SNP, new darlings of the media, to play on its own ground, to its own strengths - especially when, lying behind the stratagem is an apparently unspoken acknowledgement, that Labour is weakened and may only do worse in a General Election.

This is very risky territory: I, for one, am totally opposed to the idea of Scotland as a separate State. I am yet to be persuaded this tactic can maintain a United Kingdom.

The Force is strong...

2008-05-04T20:39:00.003Z

When my daughter married she entered the reception hall to the Emperor's music from Star Wars...'Da da da, da da, da da da...'
Her first son was born on 4th May - May the fourth be with you. Mercifully she did not call him Skywalker or Hans. Had he been a girl she was to be called Leah.

Today he is five.

'What would you like for your birthday?'

'A Darth Vader light sabre, Granny...'

'Right...'

'It's red, Granny...and it zzzzmmmzzz'. He rotates double clenched fists as if wielding the weapon.

'Right...'

Hand raised, palm facing me, he intones, 'The Force is strong in this one.'

I tell you, you could not make this up - he got his red light sabre: one very happy five year old.

A drubbing

2008-05-03T10:29:00.004Z

Well that was a drubbing that was...and helluva difficult to see anything to cheer about, if you're Labour that is...times they are a' changing...

What follows for Labour will be difficult: how to avoid the internal blame game and to keep pointing forward.

There is no doubt proportional representation meaning Labour has gone into one coalition or another with a hitherto minority party has made it dead easy for those in Wales or Scotland to put their vote somewhere else. In England it is a clear reaction against rising prices and worries about financial instability. After a decade of never having it so good, Middle Englanders aren't enjoying the financial pinch. In truth, neither too, are Middle Scotlanders ...

My brother and sister in law who are both loyal Labour voters and have young children told me last November they were shocked at the cost of the weekly shop...when working people with decent jobs start to worry about affording the cost of feeding their bairns then the government is in trouble. If Labour wants to win the general election the Chancellor has to find a way to bring down fuel costs sharpish - high fuel costs have an insidious but direct impact on the family budget that no amount of worthy statements about the environment or whatever will contradict.

Most importantly, though, our front bench politicans have to be just that: good politicans, not capable administrators - leave the civil service to do that. Brown et al have an election to win and now, more than ever, is the time for them to start thinking like politicians... and to remember that money is tight for the folk whose votes we need...

Labour Day

2008-05-01T19:24:00.002Z

Despite trying, it was too late for the carnations - but Gilleasbuig MacMillan, minister of the High Kirk, reminded us in opening prayers, today was Labour Day...as ever, his contribution was measured...which was the last measured thing I heard ...the rest was excruciating.

The Liberal front bench spokespeople begin to show the assurance of well briefed politicians but it is clear tensions exist between the Management Team and political executive. Today there are at least 2 small minded... spiteful even... amendments where the Coalition choose to delete positive commentary on officers' performance from the record and then speak disparagingly - knowing their words will not make the official minutes - about the officers.

It seems there is a lingering mistrust about the officers' agenda...a year on, you would imagine this should be resolved already; that it isn't means the Coalition trusts nobody, not even themselves. And if there is an Iago at work, accomplished at playing two ends against the middle with well judged gossip designed to foster suspicion while strengthening his own position, then this mistrust will simply grow.

I knew only one other politican who was so insecure he was suspicious of everybody to the point he saw enemies everywhere. It, along with his willingness to listen and believe malicious gossip, did for him in the end.

Y viva la Socialiste...

2008-04-30T20:09:00.007Z

Just back from Rome where the presidential election last week produced a substantial victory for the centre right and for Berlusconi's candidate in Rome too (53% to 47% for the centre left).

Late today, I phone Ewan to remind him tomorrow's Council (small beer, I grant you in the context of international politics) falls on 1 May - and maybe we should be wearing a red flower in solidarity with socialists the length and breadth of Europe - after all, Labour did win the popular vote last May in Edinburgh and I, for one, remain proud of our many achievements. Perhaps, I have left it too late to arrange...I hope not..and if so I will still cheerfully sing

'Avanti popolo a la rescosa
Bandiera rosa, bandiera rosa
Avanti popolo a la rescosa
Bandiera rosa, bandiera rosa

Bandiera rosa la trionfera
Bandiera rosa la trionfera
Bandiera rosa la trionfera
Y viva la Socialiste,
la bella liberta'

The people’s on the march,
This road they’re treading
It leads to freedom
It leads to freedom
The people’s on the march,
This road they’re treading
It leads to freedom and liberty

From farm and factory,
From school and college
With force of suffering
And source of knowledge
Our leaders leading, our banners waving
Victory proceeding, towards liberty

We’ll wave the scarlet banner triumphantly
We’ll raise the scarlet banner triumphantly
We’ll wave the scarlet banner triumphantly
Y viva la Socialiste, la bella liberta

It fair makes me want to smile and it's definitely not New Labour but we should never forget where we come from.

Billy is jinxed

2008-04-30T19:01:00.002Z

Invited by my eldest son and new wife for dinner tonight and very nice it was too.

Our departure, nicely timed so Mike can watch Chelsea v Liverpool, coincides with Billy Fitzpatrick's arrival at his son's house - serendipity means they live within 4 houses of each other (no worries about the Labour vote there, then) - and I learn he has chosen the health service job...and has started already.

The job involves working with new technology. Bad news.

Billy is jinxed where new technology is concerned.

I remember one occasion where he is bewailing the fact he has lost his mobile and broken his specs and it has cost him a fortune to replace both in the same week.

We hail a taxi and break into a (very slow) jog across Ferry Road to get into it. Out pops his new specs (not in their case) from his top pocket, quickly followed by his mobile phone. He stands on the specs and the phone smashes into a hundred pieces...as I say, he is jinxed.

God help the Western General!

La dolce vita

2008-04-30T13:28:00.002Z

Well folks - that's me back: a whirlwind 5 days in Rome with me old mum and husband and that's all the holidays now for several months...

While I was away only two phone calls about Council business, none about PEP (both on strict instruction not to bother me!!) so it was by normal standards, care-free. The sun shone and I got sun- burned and spent all my dosh...la dolce vita

Council meeting tomorrow ...not so dolce I'm afraid.

an equal and opposite reaction

2008-04-23T11:13:00.004Z

I thought Barak Obama seemed a little subdued this morning, perhaps understandably given the 10% lead Mrs Clinton enjoyed in last night's primaries. This race, it seems, will go all the way and though the statistics seem to be all on his side I am not holding my breath just yet. She is a very determined customer and will not yield easily.

Most dismaying for America must be the clear fault lines of race upon which the democrat race is dividing...black people, it seems, are voting in their droves for Obama with Clinton winning less than 25% of their vote - for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction: it looks like this race might yet end by exposing a racial rift people would prefer to pretend does not exist...

consensus about budget strategy? Never!

2008-04-22T17:40:00.003Z

Labour group executive today and a discussion about changes to the budget making process arising from a motion from the Greens ...questions raised about whether this is the most efficient use of politican and officer time, complaints that debate centres on the margins (i.e. growth and cuts) but ignores the large wodge in the middle...weighty matters to be sure. Personally, I'm not sure there is much room for change...unless there is consensus about budget strategy... and it's a fool who thinks the current Coalition is ever going to want consensus with Labour - their raison d'etre for the next 4 years is to create as big a gap as possible between us and them.

For all we keep on about 'new politics' it seems the game the Coalition is playing is the nearest approximation to 'old politics' that I ever did see.

Allotments

2008-04-21T21:41:00.002Z

Maybe I am just prescient - did you notice the piece in yesterday's Scotland on Sunday about allotments?

My motion is down to Council asking for a review of allocation policy based on whether you already have a garden or not...how will plans for LIT fit with this, I wonder...

Mark my words

2008-04-21T21:26:00.003Z

Being a Labour Party member is not easy at the moment - we have a ridiculous spat going on about a tax change that makes the poorest poorer - this should not be happening and I hope and trust both Alistair and Gordon are listening - no matter that 90% of people will be better off - if Labour doesn't stand up for the poorest then we are nothing.

Also, a fuel spat - without petrol/diesel we are screwed and this dispute will be resolved - there can be no doubt, but it is a case of who will blink first...don't you get tired of testosterone?

And finally, the SNP conference? It sets my teeth on edge. It's amazing how quickly the mood changes...at the moment it's all Alex Salmond...but the wheel will turn again...mark my words...

A busy couple of days

2008-04-18T19:07:00.002Z

Been a busy couple of days ...last night's meeting at the Dudley Bowling Club was interesting...lots of local issues, apparently small but important to local people. Allan (Jackson) and I have a pile of stuff to get on with. He is to organise a meeting with the developers at Victoria Park/Ferry Road and I, a meeting with the Council and the local residents on how to upgrade the park. Interesting stuff...

Then a meeting about Lower Granton Road where we learn that in answer to local pressure there will be 2 sets of pedestrian controlled crossings installed, flashing speed signs, reconstructed pavements etc etc. It has taken a while and it falls well short of local aspiration but it is at least progress.

PEP receives a summary of its recent independent review by Children + Families Department - extremely good: I am proud of my staff who have done really well - the full details will be published shortly...and today a very successful AGM of the OPEN Forum where our proposals for a local, volunteer-delivered home care service are very well received both by local people and by the Health & Social Care Department.

Then on to the Labour Group AGM where everything runs pretty much according to plan. ..a long weekend to look forward to and plenty grandchildren sitting...

a day in the life...

2008-04-16T18:59:00.002Z

Last night's Royston/Wardieburn Community Council went well. Joan was in good form in the chair and there was plenty meat for the activists to get their teeth into. I am pleased that they have at long last managed to secure some agreement about the bus route from Leith Community Treatment Centre to the Pennywell Health Centre. The Community Council has campaigned long and hard for a review of the 37 bus route and it looks like their perseverance has paid off.

Today I popped in to see Colin Hunter at WEL for a briefing on developments. His news was good and I am sure the new Board will be pleased, as I am, by some of the imminent projects. Colin is a good man, capable, not excitable and with his feet definitely on the ground. He is an asset and the company does well to have him at the helm.

Surgery was busy too.

A grizzle today

2008-04-15T21:22:00.002Z

Gawd! I was a grizzle today at Children + Families. My only excuse...I was provoked.

The Convenor has an unfortunate habit of opening her mouth and letting her belly rumble (excuse the inelegant prose but her lack of wisdom irritates me)

Today, she insulted a parent's deputation...snappishly, 'Quit while you're ahead: you're getting the money,'... insulted our dedicated staff by saying standards in our schools 'are poor,' dismissing years of achievement and progress, and yet again weighed into previous education convenors by saying we'd done nothing, achieved nothing and left her with nothing but problems.

She needs to get some balance...she has the torch for a short while and she needs to use it to make a difference, not keep whining about the weight of responsibility. So far, I have seen not a scintilla of evidence that she is capable of visionary policy making, leadership or even has a view of what education is for.

Visit to the podiatry clinic was an eye-opener! Did you know that the equivalent of just over 1 month of staff members' time was wasted last year as a result of missed appointments? That's a lot of money - your's and mine!

Life is surely busy

2008-04-14T20:37:00.003Z

Interested to read the Evening News' editorial tonight which reflects views not too dissimilar to those expressed in yesterday's blog. There is no easy answer to alcohol misuse by young people...

Today has been busy - most of the day has been absorbed by PEP: our away day (in Granton!) with 40 people in attendance [a very good turn out of staff, Board and volunteers] looked at next year's business plan and several new developments in the offing.

Then on to the Council for a joint meeting of Forth ward councillors and a meeting with Labour colleagues on a whole series of issues. Life is surely busy!

Tomorrow I visit the podiatric clinic (flat feet are murder!) then, in the afternoon, the Children + Families Committee which will, I think, be argumentative. Thereafter, it is a reception to say farewell to Ian Wall of EDI fame. I read today too, that Roy Jobson has left his post. I assume it is politically inspired. In the absence of any other evidence it is difficult to conclude otherwise.

Mass class use of addictive substances are nothing new

2008-04-13T08:38:00.003Z

Yesterday the Forth Neighbourhood Partnership hosted a 'health summit' to agree priorities for local action on health issues for the next few years. A very acceptable turnout, maybe 50 people and several new faces, and general agreement, I think, on the key issues namely, mental health and stress, access to and information about services, and many, many anxieties about young people and alcohol.

Several people there shared our Justice Minister's view that access to alcohol should be made more difficult - it is an intuitive view that on the face of it, makes perfect sense but I don't think 'prohibition lite' will work.

Making the shopkeeper or publican the gatekeeper for young people, or pushing the price too high will just create another market for 'dealers'. Illegal drugs are easy to secure despite all the energy and money that are thrown at preventing it: what makes anybody think it won't be the same for booze?

The answer lies in a whole number of strategies: not associating alcohol with 'cool', encouraging self esteem, providing other options for young people to get involved in, punishing parents or other adults who buy and supply the stuff for those under-age, holding your breath and keeping your nerve to understand that for the majority learning to use alcohol sensibly is a process of maturity and... most of all, to understand that when people, young or old, are living in what they consider a hopeless situation, they are easy prey to addictive substances that numb the edge of reality - the gin parlours of Victorian Britain, the opium dens of 19th century China, North America and France. Mass class use of addictive substances are nothing new.

What we have failed to acknowledge is that for a significant minority in 3rd millenia Scotland, the situation feels as hopeless as it ever did. Add to that a general disenchantment with religion which makes the possibility of a new temperance movement unlikely: the same disenchantment with politics which means nobody believes a word that politicians have to say: and a cult of celebrity where role models are seldom 'clean or sober' then it is very clear our young folk in deprived neighbourhoods are up against it...it takes a very special kind of young person to say no... but they are out there and they must be where we start.

Weasel words

2008-04-11T19:18:00.002Z

Off to Duddingston House this evening for the Oyster Club - the House is amazing. Built in the 18th century for Lord Abercorn and allowed over the centuries to fall into rack and ruin, it was bought over 15 years ago by Bruce Hare, eminent architect and arch critic, not without reason, of Edinburgh City planners. He has done a fantastic job restoring the mansion and giving it a chic, ultra modern twist. I recommend if you ever have the opportunity to visit, grab it with both hands.

Tonight's speakers were Bruce himself and (Lord) Jamie Sempil whom we met in New York last week. His ambition is to create the largest Highland Games ever, in Edinburgh in July next year and the largest gathering of the clans ever seen. It will be an exciting, unforgettable occasion, I am sure. Tonight's occasion was, as ever, very well attended, a stimulating mix of people from every part of Edinburgh's society.

Before I left for the evening I spent an hour reading the papers for Tuesday's Children & Families Committee. I am dubious.

On the one hand we have a paper spelling out the enormous disparity in achievement between children in rich and poor areas of the city and lots of weasel words about having to do better: then we have a departmental reorganisation that removes some of the key posts precisely intended to support those intervention measures...no logic there and precious little commitment...Tuesday promises to be an interesting afternoon.

Billy Fitz

2008-04-10T16:47:00.003Z

Put in a few hours at the Council today catching up on reading and correspondence ...as well as the gossip. Political gossip is always one to watch. It is seldom precisely accurate but if you're smart enough at reading the chicken bones then it's pretty easy to discern the way the wind is blowing. There's always a nugget of truth buried somewhere in the ephemera...

Bumped into my pal Billy Fitz today who tells me he has been offered not one but two jobs which, after all the pre-employment training he's been doing lately, he jolly well should have! Whichever one he chooses I say good luck to him. It's been nearly a year since last May's elections and that's a long time for someone like Billy who likes both criach and company to be out of a job and out of the swim of things. I am told he has joined the Board of a couple of local voluntary organisations and is making strong and positive contributions. That's good news. He has a lot of experience to offer. And Billy was always good at keeping his ear to the ground where political gossip was concerned...he could sniff a good story at 50 yards...

T5

2008-04-09T17:36:00.004Z

First case home, just like a homing pigeon, was Mike's kilt then a full 24 hours later mine's follows suit. I understand the company delivering the late luggage receives £37 per suitcase. They'll be making a fortune just now.

Terminal 5 was something else...definitely faults in its planning and conception...too few security screening points meaning large queues, security points located too close to the top of a very high escalator meaning the queues back up dangerously on to it, so of course passengers are allowed only in a rota up the escalator...long queues at the booking desks and a disproportionate number of desks given over to Club passengers meaning Economy goes very slowly...not good, I'm afraid. Obviously, I didn't see what was happening with the luggage but the delays in its return tell its own story. I imagine there is some very hard thinking going on right now and I wouldn't be surprised if more money isn't needed to get it right second time round.

Some very sad wee stories at surgery tonight which puts most of my trivial concerns into perspective...I'm away to deal with them right now...

A confused numbering system

2008-04-08T16:59:00.002Z

Back to PEP today and to catching up with hundreds of emails from the Council.

Away 5 days only yet it is a daunting task to wade through too much junk mail advertising sleaze and viagra (how the hell is it not filtered out CEC's system?) then to start on the replies to many, many constituents' enquiries...if anything the numbers are on the increase. Inevitably some are directed to all 4 Forth elected members - but I seem to be getting a fair whack personally. I am not complaining. It is the best way to find out what the issues really are in the area.

Latest, include the usual batch of housing worries, road & pavement repairs, a sizable commentary opposing the plans for City Park and interestingly, a very long running saga about the numbering system in tenemental properties. A confused numbering system where people used to be, for example, 16/4 but are now called 16 (f3) means too much mail goes astray...or even worse a neighbour gets a letter intended for next door...this causes mayhem when (as has happened at least twice to my knowledge) the letter has been a complaint about next door!

I have been pursuing this for a while and at last have an agreement for one stair only (where the complaint has been most persistent) to have the stair renumbered. I wonder what it would cost to do it throughout the city...

And finally, I learn today you can buy postage stamps online, delivered in less than 24 hours ...no wonder post offices have a limited shelf life.

Tartan Week

2008-04-07T16:40:00.007Z

Back from New York later than expected...delayed flights, long queues and luggage gone walkabout...it all adds spice to life.

I have had an absolutely fantastic time. Helen, Pat, Eric, Janis, Norma, Mike and Bobette made the last 5 days go with a bang.

Bobette Orr is worth a blog to herself: the first female US consul general to Scotland, great, great niece to Ulysess S Grant whose handshake with Robert Lee meant victory for the Unionists and defeat for the Confederacy and the start of peace following a bitter Civil War, female consul to Egypt and a deeply committed Christian...she is an amazing woman who is fiercely proud of her Scottish roots. She (and her husband, Bill) has remained a constant friend following her time in Edinburgh. Her life is experience rich and her conversation always interesting . Elegant in Black Watch skirt, plaid, matching jacket and tammy she strode down 6th Avenue, her immaculate tartan couture putting all us Scots lassies to shame.

On the way home (we had plenty time - see first sentence) we counted the number of events we squashed in over the short break. In total we counted 9:

the service at the Memorial Garden to remember those British people who lost their lives in 9/11, followed by a reception at India House...the Red Hot Chilli Pipers wow the crowd and get everybody jumping
the St Andrew's Society reception held in the Tennis and Racquet Club [worth going to just for the building itself - palatially decorated in hunting green and gold with fabulous marble fireplaces]. We meet John Smeaton and his New York pal Kirsty as well as many familiar friends
then on to a supper hosted by retiring chairman of the American Scottish Foundation, Alan Bain who fetes Edinburgh's contribution (and most particularly Eric's as their Ambassador in Scotland). We share Alan's excellent company with Alisdair Hutton's (voice of the tattoo and the leader of Borders Council) and Mike Povey who is responsible for organising the Scottish international Model T Ford rally in May. Sitting next to me is Angus McCormack one time EIS leader and sparring partner at COSLA...we share reminiscences and I get to meet his lovely daughter Ayleth who is performing at several official events
On Saturday we're off to Church for the Kirking of the Tartan; then the parade itself where there was a stushie when our First Minister - allocated a marching place behind the Parade's organisers, pushes himself to the front and causes offence. The parade itself was brilliant and the sun shone! Norma, who is experiencing her first Tartan Day, sums it up for us all...'there aren't the words to describe it'
Then on to another event at Scotland House, followed by the Foundation's post parade celebration at Stouts on West 33rd Street....think Hogmanay ...at $40 a shout you get 2 bands including the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and as much beer, whisky or vodka as you can drink for 3 hours...you get the picture
Then finally on Sunday 6 April, just a couple of hours before we leave for home, we attend the Foundation's event at The Arsenal in Central Park in honour of Tartan Day's 10th Anniversary. The Arsenal itself is a great building owned by New York City's Parks & Recreation Department (it fair puts the Ross Bandstand in the shade) and we get to meet a couple of the new Mayor's commissionars. Eric is invited to address the gathering to reflect on 10 years and makes a brilliant speech. Quote of the day, 'It is 75 years since Franklin Delano Roosevelt abolished Prohibition (loud cheer from the audience) with the slogan, 'Happy Days are here Again' and US citizens were able, once again, to enjoy a glass of Scotch without running away from the police. Kenny McCaskill, are you listening?'

Sadly, he wasn't.

What can I say?

Spent a fortune, loved every minute, be back again next year...

The demon drink

2008-04-01T17:23:00.002Z

Fell into a conversation today with a mate about McAskill's Temperance Campaign...he was pretty annoyed with the latest wheeze to force supermarkets to artificially raise prices, punishing, he said, all the folk that drink sensibly. 'It's almost,' he said, 'like the man is on a moral crusade, preaching fire and brimstone against the last legal drug.' [There's a thought - next step, prohibition?]

For me, I think it's much simpler...there is nothing so nauseous than the righteousness of the reformed sinner. Most of us can manage to go to a football match and not end up charged and convicted for drunk, disorderly and breach of the peace.
But we have a Justice Minister who couldn't.
The demon drink is the culprit and if it can make a fool of him it can make a fool of us all. He's protecting us from ourselves...and judging us all the same...as him...not a good way to make policy!

April Fool

2008-04-01T07:53:00.004Z

April Fool's Day and already the victim of a prank...everybody knows I am utterly handless with anything mechanical - anything that works with an engine, has cogs, nuts, bolts or moving parts and I am mystified. A flat tyre is my idea of a Rocky Horror Show...'Elizabeth, see your front tyre is flat. Cannae drive on it either... You'll need to change it.'

I dash out to have a look and everybody creases up. I hope that's the least of my troubles today.

Allotments

2008-03-29T09:58:00.002Z

Next week we are off to New York to enjoy Tartan Week for a few days holiday. First, we have to negotiate Terminal 5...I am hoping the situation is much exaggerated.

This weekend, we need to tackle the garden which is looking pretty sorry for itself.

This brings to mind the constituent who is needled by our Council's allotment allocation. He stays in a flat and has no access to his own garden space. Why, he asks, is there no policy in place which takes account of whether applicants currently have their own garden space or not. On the face of it, it seems a reasonable question. I am minded to put a motion down to Council asking for a report on whether the current 'first come, first served' policy can be reviewed. ..not a big issue, I grant you, but important to some.