PAGE 2 PAGES 8 & 9 It’s a deal! Are you ready for winter? £1.3bn investment will boost Handy guide on how you can the economy in city region stay safe in severe weather

PAGE 5 PAGE 13 Building HOW SAFE IS communities YOUR MONEY? We’re delivering affordable housing Campaign to where it’s needed most prevent financial scams www.eastlothian.gov.uk WINTER 2018 NEWS FROM YOUR COUNCIL

Watch out Jack, your mum’s dressed to impress!

Queen Margaret University students have helped make the costumes for panto Dame, Mither Mandy Moo Moo, starring in Jack and the Beanstalk at The Brunton. Read the full story on page 16. Groundworks under way for new town REPARATORY First step in council’s ambitious plan to create exciting economically – to their groundworks are taking surroundings and which promote place on a large area of new community fit for the 21st century and beyond healthy lifestyles, wellbeing and land at the former physical activity. I believe this can PBlindwells site, where the It is also one of seven major improvements to roads. “It means we need to need to be achieved sustainably and council has plans to create a sites considered to be Councillor Norman Hampshire, think now and plan to deliver the using new, innovative approaches. vibrant new East Lothian strategically significant within Cabinet Spokesperson for the community we ultimately want “There is a lot of work to do and community for the 21st century the Edinburgh and South East Environment, said: “Many people to see – one that helps us to it requires ambitious, quality and beyond. Scotland City Region Deal. – whether they are local residents, address the challenges of placemaking that will stand the Blindwells is a 540-hectare site, The council’s vision is to see visitors or people travelling inequality while achieving test of time.” to the north of Tranent and close land at Blindwells transformed through East Lothian – will inclusive, sustainable economic Expectations are that detailed to the A1 and East Coast Main Line. into an exemplar community have noticed groundworks taking growth; one in which plans for housing and other parts Part of the area had been with future opportunities for place at the Blindwells site in employment opportunities are of the approved development allocated for development in the homes, jobs, retail and leisure, recent months. provided locally for the people will be brought forward to the 2008 East Lothian Local Plan and including affordable homes, all in “This is just the start of an who live there and on sites that council for determination in the now has planning permission in a vibrant landscape setting. It exciting, once-in-a-lifetime are economically significant months ahead. principle for 1,600 homes, school presents major opportunities for opportunity to create a fantastic nearby – such as the former Ultimately, there is potential and other community facilities inward investment and job new community fit for the 21st Cockenzie Power Station site or to deliver more than 6,000 and employment and commercial creation and for significant century and beyond. While most the new Innovation Park at new homes on the larger uses. The larger site is identified improvements to local of our towns in East Lothian have Queen Margaret University. Blindwells site. in the newly adopted East Lothian infrastructure, which includes developed and grown organically “We want to see a community We will be starting the process Local Development Plan, which is providing more choices for over hundreds of years, the new with affordable homes for the to consider a new name for the the key document for future walking, cycling and travelling by community at Blindwells is likely future that are connected – community – look out for more development across the county. public transport and to be created in just a few decades. physically, digitally, culturally and information on this in due course.

INSIDE: Schools investment • Climate change • Council performance • What’s on 2 Living East Lothian News Winter 2018

SchoolPay Chances for young to broaden career horizons SCHOOLPAY is a new secure THERE is an exciting and then have a range of progressive and Business and Finance, with skills they are gaining in the online payments system for growing menu of qualification options including paid Modern the support of local businesses, context of the world of work. parents/carers to pay for opportunities in East Lothian’s and Graduate Apprenticeships, universities and colleges. East Lothian Works Team school-related items for their schools. as well as Further, Higher and Rocket Science, a data analysis Leader Alison Hood said: child(ren) online, including Foundation Apprenticeships employment options. company looked at the benefits “We’re proud of the new career school meals. help young people in S4-S5 to Foundation Apprenticeships of work-based learning. They pathways we’re creating for SchoolPay offers a host of gain skills and experience in a combine taught learning and concluded that “pupils who have young people in East Lothian easy-to-use features. The real-life working environment practical experience, based with four quality employer that are leading to an increase fully secure online system while studying a portfolio of employers. Three courses are engagements, while still at in positive destinations. also benefits the school as other qualifications at school. currently available; Social school, enjoy higher career-long “Research proves the benefits reduced administration and This work-based Services Children and Young salaries and raised attainment of this approach. Foundation banking costs means more apprenticeship route upskills People, Financial Services and across their other Apprenticeships are a great for school funds. SchoolPay pupils, in a particular shortage Scientific Technologies. Next qualifications”. option if you are a hands-on also means no more industry, to be work-ready by session we hope to expand the Pupils learn better when they learner or ready for a work scrabbling about for loose the time they leave school. They offer to include Adult Social Care can see the relevance of the based challenge.” change on Sunday evenings! To find out more, contact your child’s school or on the council website www. Innovation park and food sector to benefit from massive investment eastlothian.gov.uk/SchoolPay

CONTACT Deal to spark decades Living East Lothian, Communications and Marketing, John Muir House, Haddington of regional growth EH41 3HA RIME Minister Theresa economy and supporting local Tel: 01620 827743 May and Scotland’s First Edinburgh Innovation jobs is one of our top priorities as Park will benefit from E-mail: living@ Minister Nicola a council. That’s why we’re a £30m investment eastlothian.gov.uk Sturgeon signed the delighted with the signing of the Web: www.eastlothian.gov.uk PEdinburgh and South East City Region Deal. Scotland City Region Deal in “The Food and Drink Innovation Main photography: August – securing a £1.3 billion Campus at Queen Margaret Mark Jackson investment for the economy University will support innovation of the region, including and quality in the food and drink Living is designed by East Lothian. industry. A project of this nature Connect Publications, The £1.3bn will come from is highly appropriate in Studio 2001, £600m from the UK and Scottish Scotland’s food and drink county, Mile End, Governments and contributions and we look forward to Paisley from partners including local continuing to work closely with PA1 1JS. authorities: East Lothian, City of the university in taking the Web: www.connect Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, Fife, proposal, and we will continue to 1,500 housing units (including 375 wider development forward. communications.co.uk West Lothian and Midlothian. work together in a joint venture to affordable units) and a primary “As well as improving East Lothian Council and Queen deliver the innovation hub and school. The full development is employment prospects and Printed by DC Thomson Margaret University have the subsequent development of expected to leverage almost transport infrastructure, the deal on behalf of East Lothian particularly welcomed the the wider innovation park. £400m of private-sector funding will help to reduce inequalities Council confirmation of £30m, which will This will play a major part in the over a period of about 20 years. across our communities. It will contribute towards the delivery of the two strategic Other elements of the deal contribute to building a highly This publication is available development of the joint project, goals set out in the council’s benefiting East Lothian include a skilled workforce and will help in Braille, large print, audio Edinburgh Innovation Park, on Economic Development Strategy, focus on developing skills and reduce barriers to employment. and community languages on land next to the university campus. that is, to increase the number reducing barriers to employment. “Complementing the deal, a The innovation hub will of businesses in East Lothian Support for an expanded Regional Employability and Skills request. Tel: 01620 827199 support an expansion of the with growth potential and affordable housing programme, Programme will deliver better university’s existing Scottish to increase the proportion of with a specific focus on Blindwells, outcomes for all the region and Centre for Food Development & East Lothian residents working will allow more young people particularly those people facing Innovation and will also provide in and contributing to East to continue to live and work in significant disadvantages to flexible commercial space for Lothian’s economy. East Lothian. The deal also securing high-quality employment.” small and medium-sized The innovation park will signals improvements to the Please remember to recycle businesses in the food and form part of a wider development, Edinburgh City Bypass and FOR MORE information, go your copy of Living drink sector. which will include a retail, Sheriffhall roundabout. to www.acceleratinggrowth. © East Lothian Council 2018 The council has worked closely leisure, and food and beverage Council Leader Willie Innes org.uk with the university to develop the Commercial Zone, as well as up to said: “Growing the East Lothian

Web: www.eastlothian.gov.uk E-mail: [email protected] Twitter: @ELCouncil Tel: 01620 827827 Living East Lothian 3 Winter 2018 News

North Berwick school is transformed by investment in the future East Lothian’s road ahead

THE key document for future development in East Lothian has been cleared Bright, airy, modern by Scottish Ministers and adopted by East Lothian Council, paving the way for plans to grow the local economy and further and fun – it’s the Law! enhance local communities. The East Lothian Local ETURNING to school library best. I go there Development Plan (LDP) this year was extra at lunchtime.” 2018 will be used by the exciting for pupils and Developing a fun, creative play council to help determine staff at North space with opportunities for all planning applications RBerwick’s Law Primary School. outdoor learning has also been put forward. It sets out They returned to find their on the agenda for pupils at where certain types of school and playground Wallyford Primary School. development will completely transformed after the The pupil council met with the generally be acceptable completion of an £8.5 million landscape architect to offer their and where others will refurbishment. ideas and priorities for the new not be supported. The project was complex and outdoor space on the £19.1m The LDP allocates a involved intensive consultation school. Pupils and staff have supply of land to provide with the school, its pupils, been heavily involved in the for the 10,050 new homes families and the wider design of the new building, required in the LDP. community. which is due for completion in It also allocates some The teams were tasked with early 2019. 200 hectares of providing new facilities and Discussing the landscaping of employment land for classrooms, integrating them the site was the next fun step job creation. with an existing building and for the pupil council team. A transport strategy realigning the road to create a Cabinet Member for provides for network larger school site. Education, Councillor Shamin capacity improvements Working safely across several Akhtar, said: “As East Lothian’s including new rail stations, fronts in an operational school population continues to grow, platform lengthening required careful planning. The it’s vital that we ensure essential at existing stations and council’s design team, school community facilities such as new and improved team and contractor Hadden schools are built or expanded strategic road junctions. Construction met weekly to to meet the needs of our towns A community infrastructure share programmes and The mini Law is a and villages. package includes new and minimise the impacts on big hit with pupils “I have been privileged expanded schools, as well pupils’ learning. to hear directly from head as community, healthcare “You’ve got to be flexible and teachers, pupils and parents and recreation facilities. look for solutions,” said Law school day and at lunch, when the children to choose from. about the positive experiences There are policies Primary School’s Head Teacher staff take turns to run the library A mini North Berwick Law was they have had working with protecting green belt land, Jill Wareham. over the break. created in the grounds, rooting our property team and special landscape areas “However, we’re delighted The outdoor space has also the school within its community. developers to plan and provide and countryside around with the results. It’s fit for been transformed. Previously Speaking to the pupils, it modern, adaptable education towns as well as our wider 21st-century education with the playground encompassed a is obvious that the changes facilities. diverse cultural and natural bright, clean spaces. Children large area of hardstanding have been a big hit. Ted “I look forward to the opening heritage assets. can focus on their learning with a grassy bank. Moving the enjoys the basketball hoop of the new Wallyford Primary The plan also supports with space for group and road opened up the space, while Priya thinks the mini early next year and the our transition to a low collaborative working.” offering more green areas and Law is her favourite part. P3 continuation of our investment carbon economy, enhanced The result is a school more dedicated play spaces for pupil Flora said: “I like the in the school estate.” digital connectivity and suited to modern educational sustainable waste standards. A new wing joins management. the old and new parts of the Councillor Norman school, offering a light-filled How schools are being transformed Hampshire, Cabinet link between the spaces. Break- THE council has committed to expand the current building. new primary school at Letham Spokesperson for the out and incidental spaces have £263m over five years for ●● Dunbar Grammar School in Haddington is currently out Environment, said: “We’re been created to enable new or expanded schools, has entered its final phase to tender. Work is due to start very pleased that Ministers independent learning. improvements to community of construction. An extension at on the site in February 2019. have backed the LDP, A large games hall has facilities and local Dunbar Grammar will be fully ●● Work has started on a which supports East bleacher-style seating that stacks infrastructure. operational in November 2018, new Community Centre for Lothian Council’s ambitions away easily when not in use and Here is a snapshot of some with some internal alteration Whitecraig. The £1.5m facility for an even more is big enough to accommodate of the current projects: works to form new science labs will include a multi-purpose prosperous, safe and whole school assemblies. ●● Two new classrooms due for completion in hall, meetings rooms, crèche, sustainable county. Two libraries provide inspiring have been provided at December 2018. community café, kitchen, toilets “I’d like to thank everyone spaces for pupils to develop a Haddington Infant School ●● The contract to construct a and changing rooms. who has contributed to love of reading both during the this process.” 4 Living East Lothian News Winter 2018

on continuous improvement mean Keep damp we are well positioned to handle the challenges and opportunities at bay faced in the years ahead.” Positive report The Commission’s findings If you have condensation reinforce our own assessment of in your home, don’t ignore performance, recognising that we it as it could lead to mould are well under way in implementing and damage. on performance the changes and improvements Good ways of reducing identified. The report identifies condensation are keeping some of the work already being your house heated East Lothian Council compares “This is a very positive report taken to deliver improvements regularly and ventilating from the Accounts Commission, against recommendations. rooms, especially after well to other local authorities which highlights significant Meanwhile, our recent Annual cooking or having a bath achievement across the council. Public Performance Report or shower. AST Lothian Council has embracing new technologies is “Performance compares showed that the vast majority of Mould is very likely to improved significantly being co-ordinated through our favourably to other councils in the performance indicators were on grow in these areas, in the last 11 years, with Transformation Programme majority of service areas and or near target in 2017/18. particularly on external performance comparing ●● financial management is continues to improve. The report highlighted a further walls and ceilings. It can Efavourably to other councils in effective, with a budget-setting “It recognises we are a self-aware increase in the recycling of be treated in a number the majority of service areas. process focused on the council’s council on a journey of continuous household waste above the of ways, including mould A recent report – published by priorities – growing our economy, improvement, with clear plans in national average, as well as remover and by using a the Accounts Commission, growing our people, growing place to address the areas where improvements in carrying out special paint to stop it Scotland’s local government our communities and growing improvements are required. repairs to council homes. reoccurring. spending watchdog – highlights our capacity “My thanks to all council Other highlights include: The council has produced that governance arrangements, ●● strong links are in place with employees for their ongoing work ●● providing almost 22,000 hours an advice leaflet explaining decision-making processes, partners and the council works in securing this outcome and of care at home each week to all of this in more detail. leadership and scrutiny well and engages effectively with their commitment to delivering vulnerable adults and older Pick up a copy from your have improved since the last Best local communities our 2017-22 Council Plan, which people, and looking after almost library or local council Value Report on East Lothian ●● most local residents are happy supports the vision for an even 600 people over 65 in care homes office or download it from Council in 2007. with services provided by the more prosperous, safe and ●● collecting 6.7m bins from East the council website at Other key points include: council, with high overall sustainable East Lothian. Lothian households and recycling www.eastlothian.gov.uk ●● the council has delivered and satisfaction “Like all local authorities, we face more than 53 per cent of domestic If you are a council planned for further local ●● the council is achieving or significant financial challenges waste so that only 23,732 tonnes tenant, you can contact population growth, with a well- exceeding its targets for most and here in East Lothian, we of waste has gone to landfill the repairs team on supported vision and indicators. provide services in Scotland’s ●● fitting 452 new bathrooms 01875 824311. improvement framework. Angela Leitch, Chief Executive fastest-growing council area. and 482 new kitchens in our Improvement activity and of East Lothian Council, said: “Our clear objectives and focus council houses.

Cycling with confidence The Grimebusters EAST Lothian Council has a carry out their work in empty THE council’s Outdoor Learning Health Week, and Campie dedicated Special Clean team who buildings, emptying old Service has been supporting Primary in Musselburgh has are tasked with house clearances furniture and belongings left by schools, teaching staff, parent and sessions on cycle route planning. and cleaning recently vacated tenants and then thoroughly community volunteers to deliver If you would like to get council houses and homeless sprucing up the house ready Bikeability sessions across the involved, contact Outdoor housing ready for new tenants to for new tenants moving in. county. Bikeability teaches basic Learning who can offer training move in. They also provide “However, they also offer cycling skills and how to stay safe on delivering Bikeability specialist deep cleaning when support to those who may be while cycling on roads. sessions and provide training required at schools, community experiencing some temporary Education spokesperson, materials. facilities and care homes. difficulties and unable to cope. Councillor Shamin Akhtar, said: Young cyclists are The service also offer training Facilities Management “The team can clear “Bikeability provides learning how to stay safe for adults new to cycling who Service Manager Vanessa Sanal hoarded materials or opportunities for young people would like to develop their skills. said: “In many ways, our unwanted belongings and to learn about road safety and At the other end of the age Special Clean team is a carry out house clearances appropriate cycling behaviour. closely with volunteers. spectrum, they are developing a ‘Cinderella’ service. They mostly for bereaved families.” “The sessions couldn’t happen Elphinstone and Longniddry Play on Pedals programme with without committed instructors Primary Schools have wider the Early Learning and Childcare and our schools are always partnerships involving Team. Play on Pedals programme looking for more volunteers Community Wardens, is funded by Cycling Scotland who can help deliver the Community Learning and giving children a chance to learn programme.” Development, parents and staff. to ride pedal bikes before P1. Gullane Primary is one of a Some programmes also number of schools where parent deliver broader cycling volunteers are leading the way opportunities, such as Whitecraig FOR MORE information, in arranging Bikeability Primary 7s doing a 16-mile contact outdoorlearning@ sessions. Others like Whitecraig sponsored bike ride raising elcschool.org.uk Tel: 0131 653 5217 and Yester Primary Schools funds for their P7 camp; have great partnership Longniddry Primary running www.cycling.scot/ The Special Clean team can bikeability-scotland help with house clearances programmes where staff work cycling activities during their Living East Lothian 5 Winter 2018 News

Councillor Jim Goodfellow (right) welcomes investment in housing modernisation, Electricity discount including new bathrooms DO you qualify for a £140 ●● Does the new supplier offer discount off your electricity bill? the scheme? Changeworks’ Affordable ●● Is the window for new Warmth Advisor Ceri Smalridge applications at the new supplier explains that the Warm Home still open? Discount is a Government ●● Will you qualify with the new scheme regulated by Ofgem in supplier? which some energy providers ●● If you switch, does the new offer a £140 rebate on your supplier require that you have winter fuel bills. This is usually been their customer for a set paid into your electricity period of time or from a certain accounts by March for each date before you can access their year that you apply. scheme? You may need to reapply ●● Be aware: while some supplier each year. tariffs may be much cheaper The discount schemes are than others, they may not offer only open for applications for the discount. Likewise, some a short period of time each who offer the discount may have An investment in year. Most of the schemes are higher tariffs. Check that you will now open, so it’s best to act not be worse off on higher quickly. tariffs, even though you may get The fastest way to find out if the discount at the new supplier. our communities you qualify is to contact your When you call, write down energy supplier directly and the name of the person you ask them if you qualify. They are speaking to and take a note EMAND for Dunbar; Aberlady and Letham units per annum, although in may be able to help you apply. of what they say to you. affordable housing Mains Farm, Haddington. This some years, due to various If you missed the deadline If you need a hand, get in in East Lothian will help us achieve the council’s factors including construction with your current energy touch with Changeworks to continues to grow vision of enabling people to timetables, this figure may be supplier and want to switch to book an appointment with an Dand the council has put a flourish in a prosperous, safe more or less. The LHS also aims another who offers the Affordable Warmth Advisor. number of measures in place to and sustainable East Lothian. to achieve a set of six outcomes: scheme, here are some things Call 0131 555 4010 or email ensure we are addressing the Councillor Jim Goodfellow, ●● sustainable and vibrant to check before you switch: [email protected] increasing pressures. the council’s spokesperson for communities are created and Since 2007, more than 1,500 Housing and Community maintained new affordable homes have Wellbeing, said: “As well as ●● the supply of housing is been delivered, of which more making sure we’re investing in increased and access to housing than 700 are new council homes. much-needed new homes, the improved across all tenures Seven hundred have been council is making continuous ●● homelessness is prevented as delivered through our Housing improvements to our existing far as possible, with appropriate Association partners, with a housing stock. support in place to promote Over 50? further 130 intermediate tenures positive health outcomes and No excuses – it’s never too late! such as discounted sale and “The council is tenancy sustainment mid-market rent delivered continuing to ●● a wider range of specialist As we age, we all want to be as fit and healthy as possible, able to get through other financial models. housing is provided to enable out and about and socialise with our friends. Our new council houses are modernise and independent living where The Ageing Well project has been set up to spread across East Lothian: extend existing appropriate help older adults in East Lothian be as active ●● 240 in the Musselburgh area ●● the condition, energy as possible while having a laugh with friends ●● 64 in Prestonpans properties” efficiency and where appropriate and sometimes even learning something new. ●● 27 in Haddington the management of existing Being more physically active helps to keep ●● 172 in the Tranent area “We have installed about 1,000 stock is improved your heart, lungs, bones and brain healthy. ●● 174 in Dunbar kitchens and bathrooms and are ●● fuel poverty is reduced and This makes everyday tasks a little easier, ●● 78 in North Berwick. looking into a trial programme climate change targets exceeded improves your mood and helps reduce stress. While being active, you Our Draft Strategic Housing of installing solar panels to We will also promote options can meet new friends and stay connected to your local community, Investment Plan sets out an improve energy efficiency. We’re for lower-cost home ownership, maintaining your mobility and independence. ambition to deliver a further also looking into using more including The LIFT Open Market Ageing Well tries to make its activities as welcoming and supportive 1,000 new affordable homes. innovative heating systems in Shared Equity scheme, which as possible with the help of dedicated volunteers and instructors. We These will be delivered through new properties. can provide people on low to would love to hear from you if you would like to find out more the Scottish Government’s “The council is continuing to moderate incomes with up to information on volunteering opportunities. Housing Supply Programme modernise and extend existing 40 per cent funding from the including the council’s new- properties, with almost £60m of Scottish Government towards a If you want to know more about what is happening in your area, or build programme, the housing investment planned between home on the open market. if you would like to know more about the volunteer opportunities association’s programme and 2018 and 2023. In the same If you need to discuss your available, contact the Ageing Well Co-ordinator on 01620 827240 or other financial models, over the period, we are investing almost social housing options in East email [email protected] next five years. £93m in new affordable council Lothian or would like to talk to Sites starting in this financial housing.” someone about options for Walk group member: year include Fenton Gait East, Our Local Housing Strategy lower-cost home ownership, “If I did not have this activity, I wouldn’t leave my house at all. I have Gullane; Dolphinstone Farm, sets out a housing supply target visit the website www. gained confidence from joining this group. Since attending I feel happier, Prestonpans; Osborne Terrace, that translates to an affordable eastlothian.gov.uk or call us on healthier and able to sleep better. I have made new friends, lost weight Cockenzie; Bowmont Terrace, housing supply target of 189 01620 827827. and been able to leave the house. I would be lost without it.” 6 Living East Lothian News Winter 2018

School in Tranent. On top of this recognition, they have again addressed the First Minister and Volunteers making a Scottish Cabinet on issues they feel are important to children. Finally, the children took part in Children as Human Rights Defenders project. They created real local difference five large shields representing the views of the 200 children about Dunbar and East Linton Area 12.30pm until mid-afternoon at human rights they feel need to be Area Partnerships working hard Partnership recently provided Haddington Bowling Club. defended in Scotland. funding of £15,000 to The Ridge People are invited to make a They also created shields to enhance their communities (Scotland). This will support contribution of £3.50 or more for representing human rights that delivery of the Backlands Garden a three-course meal and a lot of were displayed at the United Work Experience project, which is chat and laughter. Nations on the Day of General run in partnership with Dunbar Elaine Gale set up the kitchen Discussion on the Rights of a Child. Grammar School. This project originally as an intergenerational Two of the children, Hannah offers supported work experience project. She said: “It’s a lovely, and Cameron, were global one day a week to pupils in really inclusive group – there are advisors to the UN and played a Backlands Garden, which is no criteria for coming along. significant part in the day, as did located just behind Dunbar High “Our diners include older 10 other children who gave tours Street. The initiative aims to equip people, those with dementia or of their work to senior UN officials participants with new skills and life-long conditions, carers, single and Maree Todd MSP, Minister for experiences as part of their wider mums, bereaved people – anyone Childcare and Early Years. personal curriculum plans. The who’s feeling a bit lonely and objective is to help them move wants to share a meal and a laugh.” MUSSELBURGH onto positive destinations after Elaine hopes to secure funding Do you want to help reduce HE six Area Partnerships, to achievement and attainment. leaving school. to operate on more days. She is inequalities in the Musselburgh led by community The partnership funds a mental immensely grateful to the Area area including Wallyford, volunteers, receive health youth worker to deliver HADDINGTON AND Partnership and community Whitecraig and Oldcraighall? funding from East local programmes and work with LAMMERMUIR council for their funding and Do you have an idea to tackle TLothian Council to deliver young people on an individual Set up to reduce social isolation in general support. poverty and inequalities that will priorities for each community and group basis. More than 600 the Haddington and Lammermuir She hopes that GPs will make a real difference to those area. They have been busy children and young people have area, Our Community Kitchen consider the kitchen for social who need it most? We’re looking developing area plans capturing benefited from the project. There caters for about 30 people who prescribing and that they can also for local people and groups to get local priorities to tackle has been significant improvement drop in every Tuesday from extend their activities to things involved with this year’s inequalities. Their budgets will in the health and wellbeing of like cookery lessons. participatory budgeting initiative, be targeted to meet these locally young people and the referral rate Find out more about the Your Voice Your Choice 2. agreed priorities. Area to mental health services has community kitchen on Facebook. Musselburgh Area Partnership Partnership meetings are open to dropped. For more information, – with support from East Lothian the public. In this article we take go to [email protected] FA’SIDE Council and Community Choices a look at examples of recent work. Fa’side Area Partnership is funding – will invite applications DUNBAR extremely proud of its children and fund projects developed by PRESTON SETON GOSFORD George Robertson, a former RAF and young people, in the Year of community groups and local The Area Partnership has brought pilot and airline training captain, Young People. The StreetsAhead people and voted on by locals. together a local steering group, has succeeded Pippa Swan Tranent children and their mural The aim is to stand up to poverty including representatives from as Chair of the Dunbar and project were finalists in the and inequalities and make a community councils, to oversee East Linton Area Partnership. COSLA and Scottish Awards in difference to people’s lives. the Heritage Connections Project, He will be supported by Jacqui Quality Planning. It follows the success of a similar which was awarded funding of Bell from Dunbar Community George presents Pippa The mural, depicting the past, participatory budgeting exercise £249,000 from the Heritage Lottery Council and Barry Craighead with a gift in recognition of present and future aspirations of last year, which won praised from Great Place Scheme. from Dunpender Community her hard work as Chair the children, is permanently Aileen Campbell, Cabinet The group works in partnership Council as joint Vice Chairs. displayed outside Ross High Secretary for Communities and with East Lothian Council and Local Government. aims to appoint a development The Minister recently visited worker to bring the heritage “Jo spoke very highly of her Musselburgh to meet some of groups together and consider how Dunbar welcomes Helen experiences here. I look those involved and announce best to develop heritage activities HELEN Harper has just taken forward to getting to know the allocations for this year’s and events to promote economic up the Community Learning area and the people of Dunbar Community Choices Fund. and tourism growth in the area. and Development post at in the coming months. See our website for more The group is planning a launch Bleachingfield, succeeding “Please feel free to pop into information. event in the spring to bring Jo McNamara. Bleachingfield and see all the everyone together. The aim is to Helen will work with local wonderful things that happen establish a heritage network and volunteers to support Area the prospect of a move to here. If you have ideas of TO FIND out more make the most of the rich cultural Partnership priorities. sunny Dunbar and the new other things you might like to about your local and industrial heritage. Helen, who worked as a opportunities it has to offer. develop, let me know and I Area Partnership go Community Development Jo’s shoes will not be easy to will get back to you.” to www.eastlothian. gov.uk/info/210567/ NORTH BERWICK COASTAL Officer for East Lothian Council fill. What a wonderful place! Contact Helen Tel 01620 your_community/12397/ The Area Partnership identified for 23 years, said: “When the People have been very good 820634 or hharper@ area_partnerships_in_east_ young people’s mental health as a post came up, I was excited at at making me feel welcome. eastlothian.gov.uk lothian/1 local priority. This was a key barrier Living East Lothian 7 Winter 2018 News

Families across East Lothian are benefiting from the Care for Share the Care scheme carers

CARERS have new rights under the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016, designed to support their health and wellbeing. Carers now have the right to a carer support plan and information on, among other things, emergency and future care planning, advocacy, income maximisation and carers’ rights. East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership has been working closely with carers’ organisations to make sure that this is being done. One of our key partners is Carers of East Lothian. It supports all adults in a caring situation in East Lothian to get information and services to help their individual caring role, You can Share the Care! enhance their own wellbeing, and strengthen their collective voice to improve services. HARE the Care is East We have 19 Share the Carers in into Edinburgh as the young ●● a named supervising social Lothian Council’s East Lothian who are supporting person likes to play in the worker to support you “We can help family-based respite 26 young people with disabilities arcades and sometimes visit throughout service for children by providing short breaks. Fort Kinnaird. ●● a carer payment, mileage and you to fight the Swith physical and/or learning The Share the Carer pictured Share the Carers encourage expenses. isolation that disabilities. has been supporting the young young people to have positive We need Share the Carers This service provides essential person for four-and-half years. experiences and practise skills of from all walks of life who can carers often feel” support to children and their This carer works full-time and independence, while also provide a range of support, families by offering regular has adult children. She provides building relationships with including two hours a week Andrew Tweedy, Director of breaks in the carer’s home, the four hours Share the Care each others in their local community. daytime support, weekend Carers of East Lothian, said: child’s home or the local fortnight. East Lothian Council provides support, overnight support or “Carers provide help and community. They both enjoy their Share support to our Share the Carers school holiday support. support to a friend, neighbour This gives the child the the Care time together, usually through: or relative who could not opportunity to take part in popping into the carer’s home ●● a preparation group before GO FOR IT! manage otherwise because they activities and make new friends, for a snack after school then you begin Check out our website at are frail, have a long-term as well as giving the parents the going for a walk around East ●● out-of-hours telephone www.eastlothian.gov.uk/ illness or disability. opportunity to spend time with Lothian’s beautiful forests support sharethecare, give us a call 01875 “That describes an awful lot of others in the family or just to and trails. ●● learning and development 824309 or email Childrenand people across East Lothian, recharge their batteries. Sometimes they also venture opportunities [email protected] many of whom soldier on alone and don’t get the help and support they need. “Carers of East Lothian is here to help. We can help you to fight The new face of fostering in East Lothian fostering service for parents and the isolation that carers often their babies for the Dean and feel, make sure you get TANYA Gray has a wonderful close to their friends, schools Cauvin Trust. everything you are due and, job – she’s spearheading and communities. She said: “Foster carer more important than all of that, East Lothian’s ongoing fostering Tanya has been a children and recruitment has been a central listen to you. campaign. families social worker since part of my roles and is an area “You can talk to one of our This means that she gets to 2000 and been in fostering and I really enjoy as I get to meet workers or take part in our work with foster carers, new and adoption since 2005. lots of great people and watch social events, where you can established, and is at the end of She started out in Plymouth them blossom into offering share your worries and a phone for anyone thinking of before moving to Scotland, fantastic family experiences to experiences with other carers taking the plunge and starting where she joined Midlothian’s our young people.” over a cup of tea. Tanya Gray out on this wonderfully fostering team, which won a “If you’re a carer, please get in rewarding career. CIPA gold award for their FIND OUT more about touch. We can help.” It’s a great time to think of than other fostering agencies fostering recruitment campaign. fostering with East Lothian. fostering in East Lothian because recruiting in East Lothian. Plus, In 2014, she moved to Phone 01620 827643, email FOR INFORMATION about our financial rewards are you are keeping it local and specialise in teenage fostering [email protected]. Carers of East Lothian, phone extremely competitive and our helping our children and young with Action for Children and uk or visit www.eastlothian. 0131 665 0135, email terms and conditions are better people to stay in East Lothian, then set up a brand new teenage gov.uk/fostering [email protected] or visit www.coel.org.uk 8 Living East Lothian News Winter 2018

Resilience

IN recent times, East Lothian has experienced severe winter weather, flooding, utility failure and travel disruption. East Lothian faces additional risks such as those associated with animal disease and oil pollution. The consequences from those events and risks can impact greatly on the public, and particularly those most vulnerable. As a result, the council has worked throughout the year on a Resilient Communities initiative and to ensure good working relationships with council resilience staff are maintained. The council has, and will continue to, encourage Resilient Communities to: Are you ready ●● Identify assets and resources within communities that could be used to assist local people during an unexpected event. ●● Gather and maintain the details of appropriate for winter? volunteers willing to help, particularly at short notice, S the weather starts to in your community who may need subject to data protection get colder it is help if severe weather strikes – legislation. important that East have their phone numbers to hand ●● Identify vulnerable people, Lothian residents get and offer to help them prepare. within their community, who Aprepared now rather than waiting ●● Make a household plan and may struggle as a result of the until extreme conditions affect collect together items that will be consequences of a particular them and others in the important to you and your family unexpected emergency. community. in an emergency. ●● Create their own Scottish weather is unpredictable. ●● Pack a few essential items in Emergency Response plans It can cause a range of problems, but your car such as an ice scraper and or asset registers. everyone can get ready by taking de-icer, a torch and spare batteries, ●● Appoint a Resilient action now. When it comes to severe a shovel for snow, warm clothes, Community Single Point of weather, it is important to stay boots and a blanket, and some Contact (SPoC) and deputy to informed (register for alerts with the food and a warm drink in a flask. remain the primary contacts Met Office and Floodline or listen ●● Whether you’re self-employed, of each community to work to local news reports), be prepared manage a small team or run a large with the ELC Emergency and think if there are others you business, ensure your workplace on 0345 988 1188. thinking and advance planning Planning staff to both prepare can help. has severe weather contingencies There are many simple actions could make all the difference. for and respond to any Some practical tips to get you in place. we can all take to get ready. It’s unexpected emergency. started: ●● If you live in an area at risk of easy, doesn’t take long and isn’t FOR MORE information visit www.readyscotland.org ●● Identify family or neighbours flooding, register with Floodline expensive, but some smart

minor routes, such as those in footways within housing areas Please note that: Getting ready for winter housing estates, during normal being treated as resources allow. ●● Grit bins will only be provided THE council is responsible for OUR PRIORITIES working hours. The A1 road is maintained by on sites with difficult conditions. providing a winter maintenance Where possible, we treat major We also deal with footways on AMEY Scotland on behalf of the ●● Grit bins will only be located service on adopted roads roads and important bus routes a priority basis. Given our limited Scottish Government. where they can be filled from throughout East Lothian. Our aim before ice forms. When it snows, resources, footways are not a lorry. is to provide an effective and these important routes are normally pre-gritted. In ice and GRIT BINS ●● Generally, grit bins will not be efficient service to allow treated first. We operate snow, footways leading to Grit bins are provided for use by provided to service a road which pedestrians and vehicles to move this service over 24 hours schools, hospitals, health centres local residents at a limited is already a primary gritting route. safely, depending on weather if necessary. and shopping areas are treated number of locations where there ●● Grit bins cannot be placed conditions. In severe weather, we Once these main, or primary, first, along with those where a lot are particular problems with where they obstruct pedestrians. treat up to 600km of roads and routes have been completed, we of people walk. Main routes to snow and ice – such as steps, ●● Only written requests for bins about 300km of footways. treat secondary routes and finally residential areas follow, with steep roads and paths, etc. will be considered. These must be Living East Lothian 9 Winter 2018 News

Meeting the challenge

IT continues to be a challenging DIGITAL PROJECTS way that’s responsible, but exciting time in local A number of changes are being consistent with our values government. East Lothian Council introduced to make it easier and generates income which is dealing with significant and more convenient for local helps to offset the cost of financial pressures arising from residents to access council delivering services. national policy obligations, services. This includes making Another possibility being increased inflationary costs and it possible for residents to explored is the launch of increased demand for local do more online or over the a community lottery for services in one of Scotland’s phone instead of having to East Lothian. fastest-growing areas. come into a local office – for The council has a large Seasonal waste and recycling Meanwhile, funding from example paying for services number of buildings across central government – which or reporting service issues East Lothian and we are looking arrangements for 2018/19 provides more than 72 per cent to us online. at how we could potentially of the council’s income – has As well as being easier for reduce some of the overhead FOOD WASTE, RECYCLING AND recycling centre or presenting fallen in real terms. you, it enables the council to costs associated with these or NON-RECYCLABLE WASTE them beside your brown bin on Taken together, this resulted work in different ways, meaning raise income. COLLECTIONS garden waste collection dates in the council being required to we can better target our ●● Tuesday 25 December in January. make savings of £5m in resources on providing the ENERGY GENERATION AND collections will take place on 2018/19. It’s expected that frontline services which matter EFFICIENCY Saturday 22 December. RECYCLING CENTRES further savings of at least most to you. There are already a number of ●● Wednesday 26 December Our recycling centres are usually £7.5m will be required across Projects already delivered or council properties with solar collections will take place on open seven days a week, from the next two years. Depending under way include: panels, which produce electricity. Sunday 23 December. 8.30am to 4.15pm over the on emerging budgetary We are exploring the possibility ●● Tuesday 1 January collections winter months. However, they pressures, there is the ●● New council website: our of reducing bills and generating will take place on Saturday will not be open on 25 and possibility of additional relaunched website is part of a more renewable energy. We are 29 December. 26 December and 1 and savings being needed. package of digital projects that looking at the possibility of ●● Wednesday 2 January 2 January, and will close at This means it has become contribute to being more efficient installing more panels on collections will take place on the earlier time of 2pm on increasingly important to look and making it easier for residents appropriate buildings, as well as Sunday 30 December. Christmas Eve and Hogmanay. at innovative new ways of and visitors to engage with and the potential of creating an delivering services. access council services at a time, affordable tariff for East Lothian Please remember, we will SEVERE WEATHER As a local resident, you can place and manner of their and becoming more energy only collect materials presented Should we have to suspend play your part by, for example, convenience. The new website is efficient as a council, reducing in the recycling and waste services due to severe weather, using the council website to more user-friendly – it is easier to costs and our carbon footprint. containers provided by please find daily updates at: access and pay for council view on mobile phones and East Lothian Council. www.eastlothian.gov.uk services. This is an alternative tablets. You can find information, WORKING MORE EFFICIENTLY to paying for services over the make enquiries or report issues to There are also a number of GARDEN WASTE COLLECTIONS Please remember to present all counter, enabling us to work in the council such as road repairs projects taking place within the There will be no garden waste containers at the kerbside by a smarter way, reduce banking and faulty street lights. council, such as developing a collections between 22 7am on the day of collection. charges and invest more of new HR and Payroll System and December and 6 January your money in frontline ●● Online payments: you can now a new online customer portal. inclusive. Please check your Visit: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/ services. pay online for a wider range of These help to make us more collection calendar for your next wasteservices council services – including rent, efficient internally and create collection date in January. DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY council tax and other services. additional capacity to focus Call our contact centre on: Across the council we This is a safe, secure and easy way on and improve front-line services. You can check all your collection 01875 824 305 constantly challenge ourselves to make payments and helps to The scale of work under way dates at www.collectiondates. to be increasingly innovative reduce bank charges levied on the across the council is significant eastlothian.gov.uk Email us: wasteservices@ and efficient. We have a team council – helping us to protect and already producing positive eastlothian.gov.uk that works to support spending as much as possible on results. The projects taking place CHRISTMAS TREES services in accelerating the services we provide in local are all aligned with the Real Christmas trees can be Food Caddies & Recycling Boxes pace of transformation. communities. A new customer objectives of our Council Plan. composted by taking them to a (Biffa): 0131 665 3874 Council services are portal will make it easier for This work will ensure the spearheading a number of customers to carry out council – our people, our change projects. A programme transactions. We have also services and our partners – are launched two years ago is launched a new online payments even better positioned to supported by local residents and taking into account any additional helping us continue the system for schools. deliver on our overarching aim will be considered after a full requests from local residents. journey towards an even of reducing inequalities within assessment has been carried out. more prosperous, safe and GENERATING INCOME AND and across our communities, ●● Grit bins will be left in position USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS: sustainable East Lothian. BECOMING MORE COMMERCIAL despite financial challenges. in the summer months unless they Requests for new grit bins or In the last two years, the We’re looking at opening up Follow us on Facebook, are causing a public nuisance. refills, general comments / programme has made savings advertising opportunities – Twitter or look at the news ●● These bins are provided for use information on services: of £1m, contributing to the perhaps through the website or section of our website to find on public roads only and are not 01620 827946; evenings and overall savings required on assets like roundabouts, out more about the work under for use on private roads or weekends 01875 612818. across the council. buildings and vehicles – in a way in the months ahead. driveways. Any abuse of this can lead to them being removed. For A1 Trunk Road: AMEY We will shortly be launching a public consultation on the council’s 2019/20 budget. This is an ●● A review of locations for grit Scotland 24-hour contact opportunity for you to have your say on our spending priorities. Look out for more details on bins is carried out each year, number 0800 042 0188. the council website and social media. 10 Living East Lothian News Winter 2018

What is 1,140 hours? Tackling climate change

THE Scottish Government COTLAND has world- As the strategy is developed, is committed to increasing leading climate change there will be further opportunity the funded entitlement to legislation, with for people to get involved and early learning and childcare ambitious targets to give their views. for all three-to-four-year- Sreduce the greenhouse gas Many local groups and olds and eligible two-year- emissions that cause global organisations are already making olds by August 2020 to warming. As a public body, a difference in our communities, 1,140 hours. East Lothian Council is and we can all achieve more by determined to lead by example working together on this WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE in reducing carbon emissions important agenda. IN EAST LOTHIAN? and acting sustainably. future effects of climate change. plus an online survey, enabled This expansion of hours The council is developing an A series of climate change people around the county to requires a range of planning East Lothian Climate Change events were held around East feed into the development of the FOR INFORMATION email climatechange@ with local authority and Mitigation and Adaptation Lothian recently to coincide with Strategy. More than 150 people eastlothian.gov.uk or school teams as well as Strategy, which will set out a Climate Week 2018. These public took part and gave their views phone 01620 827194 partnership providers to co-ordinated approach and drop-in consultation events, and ideas. meet the needs of children action plan to contribute to a and families and legislation. reduction in carbon emissions. Introducing trials in a ●● Climate Change Mitigation is variety of locations and the actions we can all take to What is the council already doing? provision types in our reduce our carbon emissions, communities allows a which will help to reduce global THE council is already Government grant funding on Sustrans Community Links, to manageable phased warming and the serious effects reducing its carbon emissions installing more than 6,000 encourage people to walk and approach to change. In our this will have on the environment, year on year, due to many energy efficiency measures to cycle rather than using the car. local authority nurseries, society and the economy. initiatives that are already homes throughout East Lothian As well as reducing carbon some models will mirror the ●● Climate Change Adaptation is under way. We are working from 2011 to 2018, including emissions, this improves school asymmetric week, how our communities can adapt in partnership with loft insulation, boiler physical activity, health while others will offer to extreme weather events and a communities, local groups upgrading, external wall and wellbeing. extended days during 38 or climate that is already changing and national bodies to look insulation and solar PV panels. ●● The council is building new 50 weeks of the year. as a result of global warming. after our natural ●● Transport Services are council housing, which is energy Children taking up the This will help to reduce environment, improve actively engaged in developing efficient and includes renewable extended hours will also inequalities, and enable our sustainability and encourage ultra-low emissions vehicle generation to exceed the receive a funded lunch. communities to be more a low-carbon lifestyle. Here (ULEV) options across the requirements of the building resilient for the future. are a few examples: council, including full EV and regulations in these areas. IS THE TRIAL ONLY The strategy will raise ●● In 2017, the council’s hybrid technology for pool ●● Countryside Services set AVAILABLE IN SCHOOL awareness of climate change household recycling rate cars and operational vehicles. up a network of countryside NURSERIES? challenges and opportunities in increased to 53.1 per cent, This is providing staff with the volunteers, who gave 9,322 We are working with our East Lothian and set out actions saving 11,581 equivalent latest vehicle technology, with hours of voluntary work in partnership centres and for the council, and the wider tonnes of carbon dioxide associated fuel savings, 2017/18, helping us to childminders so that parents East Lothian community (figure calculated using reducing our carbon footprint. conserve hundreds of can use hours with them, (including local communities, Zero Waste Scotland’s ●● The council is continuing to protected species and look either solely or within a groups, businesses and Carbon Metric). develop a connected network after our 348km of core paths “blended model” that uses individuals), to reduce our ●● The council has spent of active travel routes around and 31 countryside sites more than one provider. carbon emissions, be more more than £5m of Scottish the county in conjunction with around the county. These will be introduced sustainable and prepare for the from January 2019 with some local authority nurseries and a number of partner nurseries and childminders. Blow bubbles, not balloons

DO I HAVE TO TAKE PART? PUPILS at Longniddry Primary consequences of plastic on the You don’t have to take part School have been running a environment and particularly in the trial and you will have campaign encouraging people to animals, who may chew on the option to stay with your blow bubbles as an alternative material once it has fallen to the 600 hours. You can take up to releasing balloons at events. ground. The children have as much or as little of the After participating in a One demonstrated great initiative hours you wish, within the Planet One Future project and with their Bubbles Beat Balloons model framework. Feedback watching the BBC’s Blue Planet campaign. It’s caught people’s from families who are programme, which highlighted attention and we hope will help accessing the increased the devastating impact of encourage more people to hours is positive and plastic on wildlife and nature, consider this as a suitable highlights many benefits. the pupils decided to take alternative to releasing balloons.” action. Teacher Yvonne Hart The initiative has won said: “While releasing balloons backing from the Marine FOR INFORMATION can be good fun and looks Conservation Society as well as Tel: 01620 827587 colourful, the children were East Lothian’s Countryside very struck by the harmful Ranger Service. Living East Lothian 11 Winter 2018 News

West Lothian and East Lothian Councils combine expertise to tackle air pollution A solid foundation

WHEN entering a secondary their regular studies. However, school it’s usual to hear Jodie said: “It’ll be worth it chatter and laughter from when I get the qualification.” children. It’s less expected All three are keen to that the children involved progress a career working could be under five and part with children although they of a commitment to offering have different aspirations on pupils the chance to learn what form this could take. about a career in childcare. Jodie hopes to work with A number of opportunities children with additional exist across East Lothian’s support needs while Nicole schools to let young people has her sights set on a career discover more about a career in social work. in early learning and childcare. “I wanted to do the Tots and Teens playgroups apprenticeship so I would run in four schools, bringing have a broad CV and a range together enthusiastic S3 of options for the future,” pupils with children aged Nicole said. “I thought it 2-5 to gain hands-on would be good experience experience in a childcare and also give me an environment alongside understanding of working qualified staff. The groups, with children”. which have proven popular Jodie added: “I hope to with the tots’ parents, have a placement that will encourage team working, give me experience of increase pupils’ confidence working with children with and support them in additional support needs”. developing valuable life skills. Hannah said: “I hope I Pupils at S4-S5 can choose could be kept on to gain more to undertake a Foundation qualifications to help me in a Apprenticeship, a combination career as a nursery teacher.” of taught and practical The council’s education and Mosses filter work-based learning with early years teams developed employers. This equips them their own programme based with two nationally on their professional recognised vocational experience and knowledge qualifications plus a Higher. of what was required for traffic fumes Although the Foundation East Lothian. Apprenticeship in Social “The expansion of early Services, Children and years hours provision will N innovative East Central Scotland Vehicle “A number of measures Young People runs at Ross provide opportunities for installation of mosses, Emissions Partnership have been outlined in the High School, pupils travel people hoping to train in, that can help combat (comprising East Lothian, Musselburgh Air Quality Action from other schools to retrain or return to this air pollution has West Lothian, Falkirk and Plan to tackle poor air quality participate. rewarding profession,” said Abeen installed in Musselburgh Midlothian Councils) and has including introducing The scheme combines Cabinet Member for Education, High Street. been installed in the designated new technology, aiming to reduce learning and assessment Councillor Shamin Akhtar. Known as the ‘CityTree’, the Air Quality Management Area vehicle emissions and with practical experience, “We’re developing tailored structure uses a combination of Musselburgh High Street for encouraging sustainable and will also include regular pathways to employment that of moss cultures that are an initial four-month pilot period. travel options. placements. will develop highly-skilled cultivated to thrive in urban areas “Whether as an individual, At Ross High School, S5 professionals who are as and which, it is claimed, have the “It was particularly business or school, we can all pupils Jodie, Hannah and committed as we are to capability to remove air pollutants play a part in taking action to Nicole admit it requires careful offering quality care to from the atmosphere, offering appropriate that improve our environment and planning to combine it with children in our area.” the environmental benefits of up we installed this I hope the CityTree will act as to 275 urban trees, on a surface a focus for future ideas.” area of only 3.5m². CityTree at the start The installation powers CityTree has been developed of Climate Week itself via solar panels, and by German green technology firm, rainwater is collected and Green City Solutions, who Scotland 2018” automatically redistributed using report the combination of mosses a built-in irrigation system. act as a sponge and can filter Councillor Norman Hampshire, This provides ideal conditions pollutants including nitrogen Cabinet Member for Environment for the mosses to grow in an dioxide and particulate matter said: “It was particularly urban environment. East from the surrounding air by up to appropriate that we installed Lothian is the second local 30 per cent. this CityTree at the start authority in Scotland to have a Derek Oliver, Service Manager of Climate Week Scotland 2018 CityTree, following Glasgow Jodie, Hannah and Nicole – Protective Services, said: and it will be interesting to see City Council. are hoping to pursue “The East Lothian CityTree has what impact it will have on More information about the careers in childcare been fully funded by the Scottish air pollution in Musselburgh Vehicle Emissions Partnership Government through the High Street. http://switchoffandbreathe.org 12 Living East Lothian News Winter 2018

What I want for Looking to the future my life OLDING a national raised awareness of the realities people are committed to creating be more physically active. Local Year of Young of life for the group and how to lasting change.” business and sporting mentors WE want to ensure service- People (YoYP) sent a support young people in this role. The points raised are being will help young people develop users, carers, staff and powerful message Caroline pointed to the taken forward to shape council leadership skills and make the providers are fully involved Habout the contribution of young Children and Youth Summit as policy to better reflect young most of their opportunities. in developing and improving people to society as well as an example of work that will peoples’ lives and priorities. To find out more visit: www. community support services outlining their hopes for the continue beyond the official However, it’s not just council activeeastlothian.co.uk/news/ for adults with complex future. Different themes were YoYP. “The summit brought policy that will be shaped. The the-futures-project-2127 or www. needs. The first stage of this developed to guide activities, services together with young Futures Project is an initiative to activeeastlothian.co.uk/news/ project involved asking: crossing over sport, the arts, people to look at what we can do help young people develop the-futures-project-mentoring- • What aspects of the education and the workplace. to improve our area. Young projects to help their community opportunities-2128 services do you enjoy? In East Lothian, we focused on • What could be improved? highlighting the many positive • What opportunities would impacts young people make in you like to see offered? the county. We also found out Young Provost speaks up We recently held eight what they are passionate about, events with service users, helped them develop their voice PASSIONATE, articulate and It’s a subject Louise is and ‘awkward inbetweeners’.” carers and representatives and learned how we can make a interested in the world around passionate about: “I’m a She feels the YoYP has from the third sector and positive difference in their lives. her – what more could you diabetic, female, rugby-playing helped promote a more providers to look at these “Young people contribute to want from a Young Provost? nerd, so I don’t really fit in positive view of young people. questions. We have also East Lothian in so many rich and When Knox Academy pupil anywhere,” she Her role as Young Provost been receiving feedback varied ways,” explained Dialogue Louise Allan saw a competition laughed. “It’s has given her the and ideas from staff. Youth co-ordinator Caroline to appoint two Provosts to hard to be opportunity to Rachel King, leading the Davis. “They’re keen to develop represent young people in the categorised. promote the ‘what do I want for my life’ and learn, tackling issues like county she wrote about a For someone achievements of project, said: “Lots of people mental health with empathy. subject close to her heart. to say: ‘this young people in felt very positive about the Their involvement is crucial as Her entry combined a is your East Lothian. project and gave us great they are the next generation and graphic novel strip, Thinking box’. It can She described feedback. Although there will shape our society.” Outside The Box, and a letter be hard to the changes were lots of things people The initiatives have been varied outlining policies that would get out of happening in the liked, they could see there in terms of subject and scale and make a difference to the lives that mindset.” area: a LGBTQ+ club was scope for doing things funding has gone towards of young people. The entry Her entry also run by pupils, a girls’ differently and better.” reducing plastic waste, a global stood out with its clear highlighted the school of rugby and We will soon be holding youth group and the Mind your message about recognising importance of cross- greater youth involvement in five more workshops looking Head app, developed by pupils at and nurturing uniqueness. generational links to help faculty reviews and planning. at the vision for community North Berwick High School. She wrote: “Schools have young people become However, she recognises support services with a focus The Champions Board, a group always taught us it is a involved in their area. “It’s assistance is crucial. “Having on how it can be delivered. of care-experienced young positive thing to stand out important to have a space for that support system is key. It’s • 20 November (10.30- people, created videos looking at and be yourself. Individualism teenagers in the community, a chain and there are many 12.30), Maitlandfield House education and housing impacts, is a key part of society”. so it’s not just children, adults people involved,” says Louise. Hotel. Vision Group for and the Young Carers Festival people with disabilities and sensory impairments • 20 November (13:30- 15:30), Maitlandfield House Hotel. Vision Group for makes Christmas shopping easy mental health Gift card • 27 November (10:30- 12:30), Fisherrow THE East Lothian Gift Card is here it works as a pre-paid credit card so Community Centre. Vision – and hopefully dropping into a can be used exactly as a normal group for children and Christmas stocking near you! card payment in shops and young people But it’s not just for Christmas, businesses. For the retailer, it also • 27 November (13:30- the East Lothian Gift Card initiative means no paperwork and they can 15:30) – Fisherrow is here to stay as it will be available sign up as long as they have the Community Centre. Vision and valid to use all year round facility to take card payments. group for people with making them not just the perfect There are currently more than learning disabilities Christmas gift but great for 100 businesses taking part, • 4 December (13:30- birthdays, celebrations, wedding including hotels, restaurants, shops 15:30), Fisherrow and corporate gifts. and service providers and we expect Community Centre. Vision For the past few years, the more to come on board – there’s no group for adults with ASD. council’s Economic Development limit to how many people can get For more information or team has run the highly successful natural progression as a residents and visitors to spend involved in the gift card scheme. to book a place at the Vision Christmas Shop Local scheme. replacement for the popular locally – but it’s now expanded to a All participating businesses Events, please phone: 01620 Spokesperson for Economic Christmas initiative as it continues year-round scheme, which is will be listed on the gift 827 755 or email: elhscp@ Development and Tourism, to meet our aims of growing East managed and purchased online.” card website. The East Lothian eastlothian.gov.uk Councillor John McMillan, said: Lothian’s economy, supporting The Gift Card is more convenient Gift Card is available from “The East Lothian Gift Card is a town centres and encouraging for both customers and retailers as www.eastlothiangiftcard.com Living East Lothian 13 Winter 2018 News

Restart your learning journey with EL Works

Whether you’re looking to College, East Lothian Works • Study at a time that fits in improve your skills to move up offers you a supportive start with the rest of your week the career ladder, returning to with Early Education & Childcare • Learn in a supportive, work after a period of not and Introduction to Health & community-based environment working or after leaving Social Care courses starting in • Benefit from a range of education – or if you’re an February 2019. services and support offered by employer looking to hire staff Introduction to Health & Social East Lothian Works. with the right skills – East Care is an ideal place to start if With a free crèche and help Lothian (EL) Works can help. you have an interest in working with travel costs for East Covering the whole of East with people. This could be your Lothian residents, it’s a Lothian, EL Works brings first step towards making a real great opportunity if you’re together council departments difference in a wide range of considering studying for a and partner agencies to help careers, from working with career, volunteering, or you grow East Lothian’s workforce families, children and young just want to learn or try skills and support business people, to vulnerable groups in Skills for Work Learners celebrated something new. growth. Contact us on 01620 the community. their achievements earlier this year Earlier this year, learners 827 262 or elworks@eastlothian. Early Education & Childcare celebrated their learning gov.uk for more information. introduces you to the care, journey at our end-of-term Are you thinking about going learning and development of introduction at a time of real learners the opportunity to: event. In 2019, it could be you! to college? Or would you like to children aged 0-12 years. If you growth in Early Years careers. • Achieve SQA units in a get back into learning by building are interested in exploring work Classes run on Monday relevant subject, with your skills and confidence in a with children in a range of mornings during term time at progression routes on offer TO FIND out more, contact 01620 827 262 or email topic that you’re interested in? settings, Early Education & Musselburgh East Community • Register as an Edinburgh [email protected] In partnership with Edinburgh Childcare offers the perfect Learning Centre, offering College student

Education How safe is your money? Maintenance

AST and Midlothian ARE you aged between Public Protection 16 and 19 and in full time Committee (EMPPC) is education or undertaking an launching a campaign to Activity Agreement? If so, Eraise awareness of financial harm. you may be entitled to an Elderly people, or those with Education Maintenance learning disabilities or mental Allowance (EMA). health issues, are particularly EMAs are a means-tested vulnerable to fraudsters and the award of financial support to exploitation, misuse or 16-to-19 year olds who want misappropriation of their money, to continue learning. possessions, benefits and Students whose 16th property. It is quite easy to birthday fell on, or after, become the target of bogus 1 October 2018 can now workmen, cold callers, theft, apply. To backdate payments embezzlement, scam mail and to the start of the January online scams. Perpetrators of term, we must receive the financial harm can be skilled in The majority of victims of financial harm form by 28 February 2019. exerting undue influence on are targeted within their own homes Applications received after their victims, effectively this cannot be backdated. grooming them, resulting in Payments will be made from their judgement being and minimise the risk posed to We will be running an awareness social care, health and Scottish the date the application is compromised. adults at risk of financial harm. campaign at regular intervals Fire and Rescue Service will received. The cut-off date for Local statistics indicate that Denice Lilley, lead officer for throughout 2018-19. be there with first-class the 2018/2019 school year financial harm is the main type adult protection at the East and “We are also holding an event in information and advice on the is 31 March 2019 – any of harm reported in East Lothian Midlothian Public Protection 2019 on 19 and 20 February at many forms of financial harm out application received after and Midlothian under the Office, said: “This is a particularly venues in East and Midlothian there and will provide information this will not receive an EMA. Adult Protection legislation. heinous and heartless where people can find out more of how and who to report For applications forms and The majority of adults harmed exploitation of very vulnerable about financial abuse and how to should you suspect or know further information, visit are targeted within their people and we want people at to protect themselves and their someone who is maybe www.eastlothian.gov.uk/ own homes. risk, their families, carers and the loved ones from it. The police, being harmed. emas, email: emas@east EMPPC, which includes the wider community to be vigilant. banks, trading standards, “We are opening a waiting list lothian.gov.uk or call 01620 police, NHS Lothian, East for the event now, so if you want 827581. For information on and Midlothian Councils, Health “This is a particularly heartless more information and a place at Activity Agreements, call and Social Care Partnerships and one of the events, please phone East Lothian Works on the third sector, is committed to exploitation of very vulnerable people us on 0131 653 5150 or email us at 01620 827262. working together to prevent and we want people to be vigilant” [email protected].” 14 Living East Lothian News Winter 2018

Boardmaker Collections Volunteer Pat Gawler checking now available for woodworm at local libraries

BOARDMAKER Picture Communication Software has now been provided at four libraries across East Lothian with plans to make it available at further branches in the near future. Boardmaker provides symbols to create alternative means of communication to anyone who may need additional support. They can be used with children and adults with autistic spectrum disorders, people with English as an additional language and anyone with a disability or impairment that affects communication or memory. Behind the scenes Symbols can be used to create visual schedules or reminders, instruction sheets or social stories, or to support PECS (Picture Exchange at our museums Communication System). Community groups and charitable organisations may AST Lothian has six Lothian Council collection on the also wish to make use of the museums run or How a dedicated team cares for East Lothian Council website. software and the library supported by East and curates our treasure trove The Museums Service receives service would be delighted to Lothian Council items by donation, in bequests, explore ways in which they EMuseums Service, which are via the Treasure Trove system, can help with this. all free. borrowed by schools and Information about hundreds via purchases and on loan for The software is now By late summer, the staff and community groups. of other objects are available specific exhibitions. All items are available to use in Dunbar, volunteers are well under way The Collections Officer, Dr online at Scran (www.scran. handled with professional care Haddington, Musselburgh with planning for the exhibitions Claire Pannell, co-ordinates the ac.uk) and Flickr (www.flickr. while in our custody (whether on and Tranent libraries and and events for the following year, loans needed for upcoming com), and you can search the display or in transit) and loans those wishing to use it and activity moves from delivery exhibitions and events and is collections through the John are returned promptly and safely. should simply call the library to the planning and preparation supported by the volunteers. Gray Centre website. There is also The Museums team also to book. A small resource kit needed for the year ahead. When future exhibitions are a gallery of paintings in the East provides professional advice with examples of visual The Museum Collection is a planned, careful thought is given about the protection of art works schedules and other resources real treasure trove of objects from to opportunities that will allow on display in a wide variety of is also available for use. Use East Lothian’s past. objects that have never or rarely council buildings. If you would of the software is free and There are all sorts of useful, been seen by the public to be like to find out more or have an the usual library charges for beautiful and wonderful things, displayed. Some of the treasures object you might be interested in printing and laminating apply. including fine and decorative art, of the collection are on display at donating, please contact us. Boardmaker was provided archaeology, ceramics, textiles our museums. The Collections Development thanks to funding from the and costumes, natural history Policy sets out the collecting Edinburgh and Lothians specimens, items illustrating remit and sets guidelines for Health Foundation, and the domestic, working and recording, conserving and East Lothian Library Service community life and much, securing the collections. This are grateful to have been much more! document forms part of a suite supported by the foundation Behind the scenes, a team of of documents kept up to date as to make such a useful keen volunteers help maintain part of the Museums resource far more accessible the collection. Items not on Accreditation. to families and carers. display are held in our secure, In October, John Gray Centre environmentally controlled Museum received confirmation FOR MORE information store at the Museums Service that accreditation had been about the Foundation Headquarters in Haddington. renewed for another five years. visit www.elhf.co.uk Volunteers work on If you have an enquiry for the research projects Museums Service team or would relating to specific like to get involved, contact them collections, assist on [email protected]. For with documenting, Collections Volunteer museums news and information cataloguing, storage and Craig Archibald why not follow us on Twitter (@ the inventory and examining a reel ELMuseumService) or Facebook development of themed of film for decay or read our blog (www. loan boxes, which can be johngraycentre.org/connect). Living East Lothian 15 Winter 2018 News The Saltire Festival is back with a bang! A stellar line-up of performers and events will help celebrate our national day and flag

Visit saltirefestival.com for full details. Events include music, food, sports, horse racing and even a battlefield tour, so there’s something to suit a wide range of ages, tastes and interests. The festival this year concludes with a concert ITH St Andrew’s featuring the talented Siobhan Day fast Miller in the beautiful setting of approaching, it’s St Mary’s Church in time to move Haddington. quicklyW and get your tickets for Regarded as one of the the Saltire Festival 2018 from foremost vocalists in Scotland, Tide Lines 24 November to 6 December. Siobhan Miller has won the The Brunton and the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best council’s Arts Service are once Traditional Act, while also again partnering the festival nominated for Folk Singer of and have signed up a number the Year. of leading Scottish traditional The concert marks the closing music performers and award- of the Haddington 700 winning artists to perform. festivities, a year-long Big names include John celebration of events marking McCusker and Heidi Talbot, the anniversary of Robert the who will perform at the Bruce’s charter to the town. The beautiful Chalmers Memorial date of the concert is being held Church in Port Seton, Tide on the exact date the charter Lines and Karen Matheson and was presented to the town Band, who perform at The in 1318. Brunton in Musselburgh. The Saltire Festival marks Tickets are available from The both St Andrew’s Day and East Brunton and are selling fast, so Lothian’s unique position as Heidi Talbot and John McCusker Karen Matheson make sure you don’t miss out. the birthplace of the Saltire flag.

new procedures to recover joining activities at your by East Lothian Library Support your library more than £58,000 worth of local library. Services and Midlothian items that borrowers have not Library Service. DID you know that the Library The borrowing of eResources, returned to their library in BOOK GROUPS All our writing groups are Service costs around £1.6m to such as eBooks, eAudio books, recent years. That’s roughly There are several Book Groups linked to this umbrella group, operate within East Lothian? eMagazines and eNewspapers, 4,600 items of stock. We have meeting throughout East who also run reading events. Much of the costs are for now accounts for about 20 per recently completed a full audit Lothian. They usually get Further details of the staffing, but around 10.5 per cent of all our library issues. across the libraries, so we together about once a month, services they provide cent or £168,000 was spent on Unfortunately, an amount of know what stock we should in the library or private home. are available on the website: stock for the service last year. stock borrowed has not been have and where it is. New members are always very http://tyneandeskwriters.org.uk This may sound like a lot of returned. Not only does this Help us to maintain our welcome and if there isn’t an Five writing groups meet money, but it needs to cover mean that we need to spend stock levels. If you have existing group near you, we can regularly in East Lothian in the stocking of 12 branch time and money trying to any outstanding items, consider starting up a new one. Musselburgh, Port Seton, libraries, project boxes for recover stock, but also that please return them to your Haddington, North Berwick secondary, primary and these items are not available local library! WRITING GROUPS and Dunbar. nursery schools and all our for anyone else to borrow. In addition to borrowing Tyne & Esk Writers is a working Check at your local library eResources. The libraries are introducing items you can also enjoy partnership which is supported for more details. 16 Living East Lothian News Winter 2018

Showcase your talents THE East Lothian Youth Research, published in Theatre (ELYT) was set up in the prestigious Journal of 1994 and has steadily grown Educational Psychology, from two groups to now found students who having more than 20 classes participate in dance, drama, all over East Lothian and music and visual arts more than 200 participants. showed more positive ELYT’s remit is to provide academic and personal the opportunity for every wellbeing outcomes than young person in East Lothian students who were not as to experience performing involved in the arts. and top quality, professional ELYT has working links drama workshops at an with Queen Margaret affordable, inclusive rate. University (QMU) which Participants can also includes drama students Get in the panto spirit this Christmas with perform on stage at The helping out tutors during Jack and the Beanstalk at The Brunton Brunton Theatre in the placements as well as annual showcase event, providing volunteer giving young people the opportunities to ex- chance to demonstrate their members. The Brunton is the place talents. Each year the One of ELYT’s newest standard of the showcase tutors started out as a youth at The Brunton continues to member, discovered her love to be for festive family fun rise – it’s definitely a night to for drama and ended up look out for. volunteering with ELYT for REAT yourself to some Wendy Seager plays the Giant’s the Musselburgh coastline. Then, Drama and participation in three years while completing festive fun at The wife and the show-stealing Daisy for those wishing to see in 2019, The the arts is as an excellent a degree at QMU. Brunton with traditional the Cow is played by Hayley Brunton hosts Hogmania! a family- tool for confidence building, Because everyone needs pantomime Jack and the Keating and Sean O’Brien. Twenty friendly party with live band, piper, communication, increasing some drama in their lives. TBeanstalk. four young performers from East Hogmanay snacks and more. self-esteem, skill sharing and Writer and Director John Binnie Lothian join the professional cast Ticketed activities and events capacity building as well as has created this new panto as the very talented chorus. run from 11am–6.30pm. The free simply being a lot of fun. FOR INFORMATION especially for East Lothian Jack and the Beanstalk runs evening event starts at 6.30pm as Academic research is email: theatreadmin@ eastlothian.gov.uk or check audiences. East Lothian Council’s from 27 November to 5 January,. people gather at The Brunton for providing growing evidence out our Facebook page Dance Artist, Stephanie McAulay The Brunton is the place to be on the Lantern Parade, which sets off about the positive role of at www.facebook.com/ joins the creative team as 31 December for a fun-packed at 7pm led by the Edinburgh arts and culture in the lives eastlothianyouththeatre choreographer and costume Family Hogmanay In The Honest Samba Band and street performers of young people. designer Robin Mitchell is Toun, part of Scotland’s Winter Apus walkabout, illuminated birds working with students studying Festivals. The day-long event and Jacks of Frost. This leads to for their BA (Hons) Costume includes performances, workshops Fisherrow Links for a spectacular Design and Construction at and events to be booked in Scottish fireworks display from Queen Margaret University, in advance: two daytime ceilidhs, 7.30pm to 8pm. making the costumes. lantern making, drumming Audience feedback from 2017: Graham Crammond joins the workshops, storytelling and n “As always it’s brilliant and we cast in the role of panto dame, puppetry with It’s In The Bag love this being on our doorstep!” Mither Mandy Moo Moo. Graham and Clydebuilt Puppets. Arts and n “The atmosphere is always so was a familiar face in The Brunton crafts, face painting and nice. Will definitely be back.” panto in the early 2000s and is balloon modelling can be paid n “Fantastic event. Amazing much loved for his superb comic for on the day. fireworks display.” Drama can be beneficial for both your timing. Eilidh Weir plays Jill with The day culminates in a stunning For the full Family Hogmanay academic and personal development Ross Donnachie as Jack and Ewan lantern parade and firework programme, please visit: Petrie as Prince Designer Labels. display lighting up the sky along www.thebrunton.co.uk

Musselburgh Races is THE PLACE TO BE ON NEW YEAR’S DAY!

Start 2019 in style at Musselburgh Racecourse’s New Year’s Day race meeting. The day will be filled with great racing with £100,000 prize money, live music, a thrilling DJ set from the Funkwagen, two cosy marquees, our winter fashion competition with fantastic prizes, the New Year Sprint (most historic athletic event in the world) and plenty of festive food and drink. Fun for everyone no matter what age!

H GREAT ATMOSPHERE H COSY MARQUEES H WINTER FASHION H FESTIVE FOOD & DRINK H LIVE MUSIC & DJ H BUSES AVAILABLE Book in advance and SAVE!