+ GD I N BVRG H+ THE CITY OF COUNCIL Leader’s Report

City of Edinburgh Council 15 September 2005 LEADER’S REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2005

I. Councillor Jim Gilchrist

1.I The tragic death of Jim Gilchrist is an extremely sad loss for his family, the Council and, coming so soon after the loss of his close friend Councillor Brian Meek, particularly for the Conservative Party. Councillor Gilchrist was one of the longest serving elected members on the Council and was a thoroughly decent man as well as a combative opponent. Jim was perhaps my most vociferous critic in Council meetings and, when he rose to ask questions, I was always on edge not knowing what verbal torpedo was to be landed in my direction. I will miss his interventions and challenges. He would have been proud of the role played in the service by his children who displayed courage and dignity in giving tributes to their father. It was a particularly moving funeral service at Mortonhall. All our thoughts and condolences go to June, his wife of 40 years, and all of the family.

I.2 In addition to his role in the Council, Jim played a major role in EDI, where he chaired the audit committee. When I chaired the company I always welcomed his counsel and I know present chair Ian Perry also relied heavily on Jim’s advice. The Lord Provost will lead the tributes at the Full Meeting of Council. The Council Executive held a minute’s silence and it is intended to do similarly at the Full Meeting of Council.

2. Schools PPP2 Contract

2.1 The Chief Executive is providing a report to Council on an irregularity which has arisen in the tendering process for the PPP2 schools contract. This is the action of a rogue individual who was sacked within 48 hours of the problem being brought to the Council’s attention. It is understood that a third party approached Balfour Beatty, was engaged by them, and that person approached our member of staff. Police enquiries continue and we will work closely with the police to have the matter cleared up. We remain committed to building new shools and will strive to minimise the problems caused to pupils, parents and staff by this reckless act. 3. Education in Edinburgh given first class follow up HMle report

3.1 It is ironic that as we recover from the shock of the PPP tendering irregularities we have just received a very positive HMle report. That Edinburgh Council demonstrates continuous improvement and provides high quality educational experiences for pupils in Edinburgh is the key outcome of the former Education Department’s follow-up inspection. The Department received an excellent HMle report in March 2003. This follow-up is a very positive endorsement and places the new Children and Families Department in a strong position to continue to strengthen and enhance all services to all children and young people in the City of Edinburgh.

3.2 I take great exception to the comments of Councillor Dixon who has stated that there is a drift towards the private sector. Evidence from our school figures show that historically 25% of Edinburgh’s secondary school population were educated in the private sector. The current position is that this figure has come down to 23%. Given the unprecedented wealth in the city, it is remarkable that we are more than holding our own and that there is no drift to the private sector. From my own perspective, I see no merit in causing conflict between state and private education in the city. We have a strong mixed economy of education in the city. I would strongly resist any attempt to cause any divisions or conflicts.

3.3 HMle considers the overall progress made as very good. Particular areas which are highly commended are:

The strong strategic lead and commitment to improvement by the Director of Children and Families, Heads of Service, and the Executive Member for Children and Families.

The Council’s continuing and strong commitment to supporting and scrutinising education in the authority.

The strong commitment of officers in the department in supporting service improvements and in extending educational and support opportunities, coupled with their strong commitment to quality.

0 The structural changes which have successfully increased the effectiveness of management and operational arrangements leading to greater challenge and increased levels of attainment for all children and young people. Good progress has been made in improving education attainment in numeracy levels in primary schools and SI/S2, and in literacy for SI/S2 pupils and in the overall performance of lower attaining pupils in secondary schools. A closing of the gap between lower and high attaining pupils is now evident.

The development of strong partnerships with a broad range of agencies and organisations, particularly in Early Years and Working Together, which has further enhanced educational opportunities and the quality of services for pupils in Edinburgh. Very good progress is being made in developing the quality of the education estate and in providing effective learning environments.

The wide-range of high-quality provision provided which continues to promote the wider achievement of children and young people, including education for work, citizenship, enterprise in education, and the provision of a flexible curriculum to better meet the needs of individuals.

4. Commonwealth Games

4.1 Council will recall that the Commonwealth Games Council for last year selected Glasgow as Scotland’s nominated host for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. We wholeheartedly support Scotland’s bid and will collaborate with Glasgow and offer every practical assistance and support.

4.2 The Council has recently been approached by sportscotland who advised that the detailed feasibility study into the prospect of bringing the 2014 Games to Glasgow demonstrated that the city’s bid would be strengthened were the velodrome located in relatively close proximity to the other major sports facilities to be used. The Commonwealth Games Federation, following the lead of the International Olympic Committee, increasingly favours the approach of clustering facilities in this way, to reduce the travel time from the athletes’ village to Games venues. 4.3 Edinburgh has a proud association with Scottish cycling and has long provided our national velodrome and supported our medal winning cyclists. Edinburgh’s commitment to cycling was reaffirmed by our being the only Scottish city to bid, as part of the National and Regional Sports Facilities Strategy, for the redevelopment of a new velodrome. A covered velodrome is a central component of our ambitions for Hunters Hall Park. Sportscotland, has, however, contacted the Council to ascertain whether we might be prepared to withdraw our current application. The possibility of a new open air velodrome has been raised with me and the council. I will be submitting a motion to the council meeting to call for a study into the provision of such a facility in Edinburgh and we shall seek the support of sportscotland and the Scottish Executive for continued cycling provision in Edinburgh. It would be ironic if we had a new velodrome for the Commonwealth Games but no cyclists competing for medals due to the loss of cycling facilities.

5. Adventure Centre, Ratho

The fortunes of the world class Ratho Adventure Centre are due to be revived, thanks to the Council’s plans to buy the facility for f3.5 million. The Council will need to invest a further f4.5 million to complete the centre. The Scottish Executive has indicated that, in principle, they would be willing to consider making a contribution to the costs of acquiring and completing the Adventure Centre. Not only is it a world class climbing and recreation facility, with its position near the , the centre also has tremendous possibilities to develop tourism and leisure in the area.

5.1 With over 110,000 square foot of floor space, it is the largest indoor public space in East Scotland and houses the largest climbing arena in the world. Since opening, the centre has hosted four world championship climbing competitions. It also offers conference and event space, retail and office accommodation, state of the art leisure club facilities and accommodation for 90 people.

5.2 I would like to place on record my appreciation for the co-operation of HBOS in securing this deal. In particular the support received from James Crosby and Ian Robertson. Without their efforts the centre would have closed long ago.

6. Major Increase in Road Maintenance Projects

6.1 The Council allocated f21.7 million for road maintenance works in the Budget for 2005/6, an increase of approximately f12m. A further increase of f 1.5m has, however, now been implemented to undertake approximately 240 additional road and pavement schemes across the city. Of these, about 50 schemes have been completed or are in progress. Amongst the major schemes in the programme that I am most pleased about are the reconstruction of pavements in the Canongate and those on South Bridge between the Tron Kirk and Nicolso n Sq ua re.

6.2 An intensive inspection regime of the roads and pavements across the city has also been put in place. So far, 75% of the network (about 1060 kilometres) has been fully inspected. Twelve repair squads are operating throughout the city. They are treating defects reported either by the inspectors or by means of the Clarence free phone system. The use of Clarence is a particularly effective means for the public to directly report road and footway defects to the Council. All Clarence reports are investigated and the dedicated repair squads aim to carry out defect repairs within 24 working hours of the report being made.

7. Edinburgh Visitor Survey 2004/5

7.1 The 2004/05 Edinburgh Visitor Survey has revealed that visitors to the capital have given the city an 8.7 rating out of a possible 10 - its highest score since the survey began in 1991. This is an independent study, undertaken by Lynn Jones Research, and the findings have been purchased by Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian and VisitScotland to assist organisations in offering an excellent tourism experience. Edinburgh scored highly with visitors because of its cleanliness, its public places, its safety and because it is a walkable city. Local people were also praised in the survey with tourists giving customer service an overall rating of 8.4 while 42% of people also said that the friendly and helpful nature of local people was one of the things that had impressed them most about the city.

7.2 These findings confirm that Edinburgh is a beautiful cosmopolitan city that is clearly a big hit with visitors from near and far. A recent survey found that more than 9 out of 10 Edinburgh residents think the city is a great place to live and it is fantastic that our visitors agree with us. This survey is another boost for the city which is already the UKs second tourism destination and the proud bearer of a cabinet full of 'Best UK City' tourism awards.

8. Conde Nast Traveller Awards

8.1 Edinburgh has in recent years enjoyed considerable success in the prestigious Conde Nast Traveller Awards and has also scooped an impressive haul of Best UK City Awards. Edinburgh has this year placed third in the Conde Nast Best UK City Award behind London and Glasgow. Both are both great world-class cities and a bit of healthy competition does no harm. I wholeheartedly congratulate both cities. This is fantastic news for London given the setbacks over the summer and a great achievement for Scotland to have our two world-class cities voted in the top 3 by Conde Nast readers and further confirms our position as a world-class tourism destination.

9. Tourism in Edinburgh and Lothians 9.1 VisitScotland announced figures which show that the numbers of visitors to Edinburgh & Lothians for the first 8 months of 2005 are up and that the tourism industry is showing strong signs of growth. Accommodation occupancy in hotels and self catering are up on last year; with Self Catering properties seeing a significant rise in their unit occupancy up by 14% to 63%. Arrivals at are up by 10% and heading for a record year. Our internationally renowned festivals and events have undoubtedly contributed to this success. Tourism accounts for nearly 10% of all employment in Edinburgh and the Lothians and it is encouraging that the industry is performing so well.

IO. VisitScotlandlTourism Partnership Agreement

10.1 I am pleased to have completed two full terms on the Scottish Tourist BoardNisitScotland. This has been a formidable challenge, particularly during the change from STB to VisitScotland. I would like to place on record my appreciation for the leadership that the Chair, Peter Lederer, and Vice-Chairl Mike Cantlay, have provided during a period of massive change. I have also enjoyed working alongside outstanding tourism professionals on the Board.

10.2 I know that there has been controversy and criticism of VisitScotland of late. I would urge everyone to support VisitScotland. The VisitScotland glass is much more than half-full (nearer two-thirds I would argue). VisitScotland is a well managed organisation and has led the development of tourism in the UK. The quality of marketing has improved each year and Malcolm Roughhead has played a superb role in improving and innovating the marketing of Scotland.

10.3 It is though a frustration that the work is not yet complete. Strong vision and direction from the non-executive directors on the board is not of itself enough. I am still left with the impression that amongst part of the executive the success in tourism of our world-class cities is seen as more of an embarrassment than a source of pride. In my time on the board there has never been full support from the executive of VisitScotland for helping Edinburgh to secure its tourism potential. Too often the city seemed to be regarded with disdain and indifference. If we are to achieve an increase in Scotland’s tourism business from f4-6 billion, Edinburgh and Glasgow will have a key role to play. We have a wealth of world class areas and facilities and I see no conflict in promoting equally strongly our world class cities and countryside.

10.4 We have within the last week secured agreement with VisitScotland that will release the council’s fl million tourism grant. This should not be regarded as a great success. It has taken too long, and the document is too legalistic to be the basis for genuine partnership. The work begins now to secure a more appropriate partnership between the city and VisitScotland in which we can work to a genuinely shared agenda. 10.5 I remain convinced that the new structure can work better for Edinburgh and Scotland. I fully believe that in VisitScotland there is the potential to be a world beating tourism agency and that there is a wealth of talented staff. For Edinburgh to continue to succeed, Scotland must also succeed. However, there must be a realisation that a successful Scotland can only be achieved alongside a successful Edi n bu rgh .

11. Success of the Summer Festivals

11.1 The Edinburgh International Festival has attracted much positive critical attention this year for its investment in major new productions exclusive to Edinburgh, and for a strong multi-cultural vein in its programming. The EIF's own productions of David Harrower's Blackbird, Nuts CocoNuts, and Curlew River all received excellent reviews and saw large audiences. I was delighted to learn that the stars of Nuts CocoNuts complimented the city for its friendliness at the Lord Provost's civic reception.

11.2 Recent events in London have made the programming of two other EIF-produced events, John Adams' opera The Death of Klinghoffer, and The Prayer Room by' Scots-Asian playwright Shan Khan particularly relevant. The critical consensus is that the drama and dance programmes are particularly strong; and this is reflected in large increases in ticket sales for these artforms - up 71% and 53% respectively compared with last year. Ticket sales overall are strong - up 13% on 2004 - and a new scheme, the Royal Bank f5 Youth Tickets, aimed at 16 - 26 year olds - is proving particularly popular.

11.3 The Fringe Society announced a record 1,335,000 ticket sales - a 7% increase on last year. This is the 3rd successive year that the festival has smashed through the million-ticket barrier. Contributing 45,000 ticket sales to the overall figure was new Fringe initiative, the Metro Fringe Half-Price Hut, selling half-price tickets for shows on the day, and the e-ticket tent, where the public can use one of 40 PCs to book Fringe tickets online, both were situated on Princes Mall.

11.4 The Film Festival reported box office sales up by 12% on 2004. One of the strongest line-ups of British film and screen talent saw 14 British films including the Opening Night Film, Richard E Grant's directorial debut Wah-Wah and Closing Night Film, Nick Love's The Business. There were 98 premieres of which 12 were world premieres including Serenity, the sci-fi blockbuster from the creators of Buffy. A major retrospective was programmed to celebrate the work of Michael Powell. Guests in the Reel Life programme included Thelma Schoonmaker, the two-time Oscar winning editor and Martin Scorsese collaborator; screenwriter Paul Schrader; director Anthony Minghella and documentary filmmaker Albert Maysles. Lord of the Rings star Elijah Wood was also in town for the premiere of Green Street. Chatting at Cineworld to a starstruck Eilidh Munro, daughter of Councillor Gordon Munro, Elijah mentioned what a beautiful city Edinburgh is. 11.5 The documentary ‘Arts: The Catalyst, The Craigmillar Story’ won the prestigious 2005 The Saltire Society short documentary competition, supported by Baillie Gifford. The documentary developed out of a hugely successful at the City Arts centre last year and highlights the creativity of the people of Craigmillar and the catalyst that the arts can provide for the regeneration of the area.

II .6 The 2005 Edinburgh International Book Festival has been a resounding success and has once again broken all previous records, with attendance figures up by over 10% from last year. Over 220,000 people visited Charlotte Square Gardens between the 13 and 29 August - with almost 30,000 on the opening weekend alone. 50% of all events were complete sellouts, including Andrew Marr who sold out on the first day. This year’s Festival was the fastest selling ever with more events selling out even faster than in previous years and web traffic up by 50% compared to 2004.

11.7 The Starbucks Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival 2005 reported success in terms of attendances, programming and financial results with 21,000 ticket sales. Many programme highlights were critically acclaimed such as the Afro-Celt Jazz Ensemble and an eight-concert showcase of Jazz from Sweden. Both the week-long Festival education courses were sold out in advance. The Festival are reporting increased sponsorship interest and hope to attract greater support in 2006.

11.8 As reported previously, this year‘s Edinburgh Tattoo sold-out on March 31st marking the 56th military showpiece as the most successful ever staged.

11.9 The annual Bank of Scotland fireworks concert to mark the end of the Edinburgh International Festival was a fantastic spectacle, with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra particularly impressive in co-ordinating their music with the fireworks. Over 225,000 tourists and local people gathered safely to watch the event throughout the city. Tom Halpin, Assistant Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police, has thanked “everyone who attended for their co-operation and patience as police carried out their duties, ensuring that a safe and happy event was enjoyed by all.”

12. BAA Edinburgh Airport -New routes

12.1 Last month I noted the Airport’s success in attracting two new routes, to Warsaw and Helsinki. I am delighted to report that easyJet recently announced that, from December, it would commence operating daily services to Geneva, offering yet more choice to business and leisure trave Ilers.

12.2 The new service is a result of investment from the Scottish Executive, in the form of the route development fund. This is a scheme introduced to support new direct air links, which will bring economic benefit to Scotland. The airline expects the route to be popular with Scots taking the opportunity to travel on business and on holiday to this major Swiss destination. The catchment area for Geneva airport extends well into SouthEast France and easyJet also expects to generate business from Swiss and French tourists wishing to visit Edinburgh and Scotland.

13. Dr Bob Smailes - Edinburgh Research and Innovation Limited, The University of Edin bu rg h

13.1 The University of Edinburgh has had a long and successful history of not only attracting high quality research but also exploiting the results of the research base for public and economic benefit. Dr Bob Smailes was recruited in 1997 to further enhance this activity and the performance has been very strong with research awards doubling to a high of f116 million. Under his leadership an integrated company development initiative was developed - not only to create more companies based on University patents but also to help students engage in entrepreneurial activity, optimise the growth, survival and retention of companies in the Edinburgh region. Private investment funding for the University Science Park was secured and a second Biomedical Science Park is under construction in partnership with SEEL.

13.2 I would like to thank Dr Smailes for the significant contribution that he has made to Edinburgh’s economy and to wish him all the best for his new role as Director of Research and Innovation Services at the University of Leiden, his wife’s home city.

14. SELEX Sensors and Airborne Systems Limited - United States Coast Guard E-SCAN Radar System

14.1 SELEX Sensors and Airborne Systems Limited has secured a contract from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for its radar upgrade programme. The SEASPRAY radar system will meet the USCG’s challenging requirement for a sensor system able to detect small targets at sea in severe weather conditions, harmful oil spills, track ice flows, and provide en route weather avoidance with precise ground mapping capabilities in a highly integrated airborne mission package.

14.2 It is a considerable achievement and greatly encouraging that Edinburgh employees will be able to contribute their technology and production capabilities on this important contract which is valued at US $67 million and is scheduled to run over the next seven years. Around 1,800are employed by SELEX S&AS Ltd at its Edinburgh operations. 15. HBOS - Centre for Economics and Business Research

15.1 The recently published Centre for Economics and Business Research study into the contribution that HBOS plc makes to Scotland demonstrates that HBOS contributed f2.3 billion to the Scottish

economv, in 2004. which eauated to IIiust under 3% of Scotland’s GDP. HBOS is second only to Tesco as the largest private sector employer in Scotland and around 6,000 people in Edinburgh form part of its workforce. HBOS also accounted for roughly 6% of Edinburgh's estimated output in 2004. The continuing commitment of HBOS to both Edinburgh and Scotland is greatly appreciated and has helped Edinburgh to become the strongest city economy in the UK, after London, and a major international financial centre.

16. Scottish Labour Market

16.1 The Bank of Scotland Labour Market Report, found Edinburgh to be the best performing Scottish city for jobs in July. In contrast to the generally downbeat tone from the remainder of the UK, the Scottish market continues to perform relatively strongly with demand for staff rising at a record pace. Recruitment growth in July was strongest in Edinburgh for permanent and temporary staff. However, the survey also shows that the availability of both permanent and temporary staff fell. This is further indication of "tightness" in the labour market a vindication of our policy of striving to attract people to Edinburgh, thereby keeping the economy buoyant.

17. Information for retailers

17.1 An "Information for Local Retailers" booklet has just been published and launched by Councillor Perry, Executive Member for Economic Development and Social Inclusion. We have created this publication to provide retailers with a valuable source of information and advice. The guide provides information on issues such as regulation, training, business development, customer care and marketing. We hope that, as local retailers strive to grow and strengthen their businesses, this guide will act as a useful reference point saving retailers the time it can take to find the information they need. A copy will be provided to every Councillor.

18. Licensed Trade Advice Pack

18.1 The Retail Monitoring section of the Trading Standards Service has produced a Licensed Trade Advice pack, aimed at helping licencees to comply with the law and to reduce the number of short measure offences that have been consistently uncovered in the past.

18.2 A series of undercover test purchases carried out last year showed that 20% of licensed premises visited by Trading Standards Officers had served short measure spirits and as a result were facing prosecution or warnings. These statistics mirrored results from test purchase programmes in the city in previous years. The Licensed Trade Advice Pack will be sent to every business in the city that applies to the Council for a licence to sell alcohol, and includes information on: how to comply with Trading Standards requirements; how to comply with weights and measures legislation; the Trading Standards offences that can be committed in licensed premises; and how to get further assistance on compliance (such as training on best practice and advice on legal issues) from Trading Standards.

19. Anti Counterfeiting Award

19.1 Edinburgh Trading Standards have been Highly Commended for their strategic and holistic approach to anti-counterfeiting in 2004. The award came from the Anti Counterfeiting Group one of the UKs leading campaign groups on the subject. By far the biggest element of this was Operation Parthenon an Intelligence led operation targeting major criminals who were controlling the supply of counterfeit DVD's music CD's and Computer Games at lngliston Sunday Market. As a result counterfeiting has been eradicated at the market and millions of pounds worth of counterfeit goods removed from sale, protecting legitimate business in the City.

20. Better Homes for Edinburgh

20.1 Better Homes for Edinburgh is the Council's ambitious plan to transform social housing in the city over the next 10 years. We believe that the best way to achieve this is to transfer our 24,000 homes to a purpose built housing association - City of Edinburgh Housing Association. This will unlock a E2 billion investment for the city to build 10,000 new affordable homes, bring all former Council homes which have a long-term future up to the Edinburgh Standard quickly, create safer, cleaner neighbourhoods, and keep rents down. Transfer will only happen if tenants vote for it in a ballot.

20.2 City of Edinburgh Housing Association (CEHA) has launched its website -www.ceha.orQ.uk, giving people across the city the opportunity to find out more about housing transfer online. The website contains the latest news and events relating to housing transfer, including up to date information on Roadshow venues and the ballot. Visitors to the site can also access a range of publications about housing transfer and are provided with information about the Board of CEHA, as well as frequently asked questions and links to various other housing related organisations. The website conforms to the latest guidelines on accessibility and is easy to use. Tenants will be encouraged to visit this site through the monthly Better Homes for Edinburgh newsletter, as well as through leaflets and posters in local housing offices.

21. HQ Construction Update

21.1 I reported progress on the construction of the new HQ building in June. I am now pleased to be able to report that the highest floorslab at East Market Street is in place giving us, for the first time, an indication of the scale of the building.

21.2 I also referred to our commitment to sustainability and I am pleased to say that the Rainwater Harvesting facility has also been constructed. Beneath the North East corner of the building, there is an 11,000-litre tank. This will collect rainwater from the roof and any local groundwater. This water will be pumped into an outlet in the loading bay. From there, it will be available for collection by operational vehicles engaged in street washing activities.

22. Investors in People Scotland

22.1 The Council is determined to build on its success of becoming an Investor in People. Working in partnership with Investors in People Scotland, the Children and Families Department is to take part in a pilot programme tailored specifically for schools. The pilot will involve two neighbourhood-based school clusters and the process of identifying these clusters is underway. Based on evaluation of the pilot programme, it is anticipated that this initiative will be developed into a three year rolling programme of development, assessment and recognition for schools across the city.

23. Child Protection Register Online Project: CPR-Online

23.1 Government Division has a small project team working in collaboration with NHS and Midlothian, and West Lothian Councils to provide NHS and Social Work staff with secure, electronic access to part of the Edinburgh and the Lothians Child Protection Register information. Authorised practitioners can search CPR-Online to find out if a child is registered and view basic information.

23.2 It does not replace professional clinical judgement, nor does it replace existing services provided by the Edinburgh and the Lothians Child Protection Office, but aims to address some of the problems highlighted in recent child protection inquiries and audits in relation to sharing information about registered children. Research has also shown the need to widen access to the Register, for example to health professionals in A&E Departments.

23.3 CPR-Online enables practitioners to make informed decisions about children known to be at risk and to improve communication between the different agencies that are invovled. The key benefit to the public is better protection and tracking for children known to be at risk. Benefits to practitioners through this joined-up approach include better informed decision-making, timely and efficient access to registration information and improved interagency communication.

23.4 The project represents a real example of the Council ‘working in partnership’ across Lothian. Currently, CPR-Online is being piloted by staff in selected hospitals and social work centres across Lothian and has been very well received.

24. Museum of Childhood 24.1 Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Museum of Childhood continues to be one of Scotland's favourite museums. Research commissioned by the Scottish Museums Council recently published the top ten most visited museums in Scotland. The Museum of Childhood is listed as the 7th most popular museum, attracting over 230,000 visitors and more popular than the Burrell Collection in Glasgow which comes in at number 9 with just over 215,000. Described as 'the noisiest museum in the world', the Museum of Childhood is a favourite with adults and children alike. It is a treasure house, crammed full of objects telling of childhood, past and present.

25.

I nd ust ria I Act ion

25.1 The 2-year deal offer p it to the drivers in a ballot on the 18 A igust was accepted putting an end to the 4 weeks of disruption on Lothian Buses. The Company are currently processing compensation payments to holders of Ridacard travel cards that were valid during the strike action. The service improvements which were scheduled for introduction on 17 July will now be implemented on the 11 September together with the opening of the two new park + ride sites at lngliston and Hermiston plus the introduction of buses to the new Royal Bank of Scotland headquarters at Gogar as well as service improvements linked to Scottish Executive Bus Route Development Grant funding that was awarded to the City earlier in the year. Household survey

25.2 A recent survey published by the Scottish Executive showed Edinburgh adult residents are more likely to travel to work or education by bus than any other Scottish town or city. The survey showed that 27% of Edinburgh adults use buses to get to work, university or college where Aberdeen by comparison has 16% bus use, Dundee 19% and Glasgow 23%.

New buses

25.3 The first of Lothian’s f 1Om order for 60 new buses has been delivered and will soon enter service. All 60 buses will arrive in the City before the end of the year. 55 low-floor double deck buses plus 5 low-floor single deck buses will be added to the Lothian Buses fleet bringing their total number of buses in the City to 640 and their average fleet age down to 5.7 years - well ahead of the Government target of 8 years by 2010. 24 of the new buses will have special route branding for the service 44, 21 will have service 3 route branding, 5 will be spread across the main service fleet and the remaining 5 will operate on the Airlink, airport to City Centre service. The 5 single deck buses will enter service on the 22 route which means the frequency of this service can be increased from every 5 minutes to every 4 minutes. I joined representatives of Lothian Buses and the bus manufactures to inspect the first of the new buses and I was impressed by the high level of comfort and accessibility they offer. These new buses will be a major step forward in the ongoing modernisation of Lothian Buses’ fleet as they rapidly move towards their objective of having a fully accessible fleet within 5 years.

Free Park + Ride Buses

25.4 To encourage car drivers to park their cars at the edge of the City and use the bus for the trip into town, Lothian Buses are set to offer free travel on all X48 buses operating out of the new lngliston park + ride site which opens on Sunday 11 September. Between 11 September and 17 September persons boarding at lngliston park + ride site will enjoy free return travel (tickets for return journeys must be picked up at the ticket centre at ). The new X48 service operates every 15 minutes during the day with increased frequencies at peak times. The promotion marks the opening of two new park + ride sites for Edinburgh at lngliston and Hermiston and leads into European Mobility Week, which commences on the 16 September. 26. First ScotRail

Rolling stock for

26.1 First ScotRail have announced that the Class 322 electric trains which operated the North Berwick route during 2002-4 are now returning there after a sojourn in the south. As well as providing a more appropriate and reliable service than the locohauled trains that have recently worked the route, they will benefit from a f3 million refurbishment over the next twelve months to increase the number of seats and provide a more comfortable environment.

Ten-iournev flexipasses for Brunstane and Newcraighall

26.2 Flexipass tickets allowing travellers to make ten separate single journey s on a selected route - on any day, at any time and in any direction, within a one-month period from date of issue - are now available from Glasgow Queen Street, Dunblane, Bathgate, Fauldhouse, Fife Circle, Markinch and North Berwick line stations into Edinburgh, and from 25 September will be extended to Newcraighall and Brunstane at respectively f 14.40 and €17.10. These multitrip tickets offer a convenient, flexible and cost-effective option for regular travellers who may not want to make the journey every day, saving time and money, and are available from any staffed station or selected rail-appointed travel agents.

27. Beslan

Just over a year ago, over 330 children and adults were massacred in the siege at Number One School in Beslan. Following an invitation to Duncan MacAulay to meet with colleagues in Moscow who were working with the survivors of the tragedy, this Council has helped to support their work. We have hosted a visit to the city for Russian Social Workers eager to learn how we deal with emergencies. We have also sent two members of staff to Moscow to train Russian colleagues in a variety of techniques for supporting bereaved families. Further support is also being considered for the future. Many messages of appreciation have been received from our Russian colleagues for the support provided by the Council, together with a direct thank you from a survivor.

27.1 Fundraising has also been undertaken with over €20,000 raised through CoSLA, in association with primary schools across Scotland, and f6,000 raised through a benefit concert organised by Duncan MacAulay, and compered by his brother, comedian Fred MacAulay, at The Usher Hall.

28. Common Purpose programme

28.1 The City Chambers recently played host to the Common Purpose programme. Common Purpose is a leadership development organisation that brings together leaders from diverse backgrounds and sectors. The programme, which has been running in Edinburgh for 14 years, helps to encourage cross sector collaboration and the generation of new ideas to help move organisations and society forward.

28.2 The focus for this particular day was the relationship between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Common Purpose participants from Edinburgh were joined by their counterparts in Glasgow to look at how the cities might collaborate to generate social and economic benefits for each other and for Scotland. The day involved fact finding visits in both Edinburgh and Glasgow, expert briefings, panel sessions, group work and a question and answer session at the Edinburgh City Chambers with Councillor Stephen Purcell, Leader of Glasgow City Council, and myself. Further information about Common Purpose activities can be found at www.cornmonPurpose.org or by contacting Common Purpose Edinburgh Programme Director, Don Williamson on 0131 455 3530.

29. Successes in the Pentlands

29.1 The Pentland Beacon reports on matters relating to the Pentland Hills Regional Park and the work of the Pentland Hills Ranger Service. The Summer Issue highlights the busy programme of wildlife surveys carried out by the Ranger Service and many trained volunteers as well as the work of Conservation Volunteer Groups. This year the good weather has meant ideal conditions for butterfly surveys. Counts have proved that fencing off areas in 2002 and 2003 to provide more suitable habitat for the regionally rare Green Hairstreak have been successful. A survey for newts also showed favourable conditions as 730 Smooth and Palmate newts were found at one site during the breeding season in May. Copies of the Beacon can be picked up from Flotterstone or Harlaw Visitor Centres, or, for a small fee to cover postage you can be added to the mailing list. For further details phone the Regional Park Office on 0131 445 3383.