Visa Controls Westside Plaza Revamp Impact Festival

£400,000 has been allocated by City of Edinburgh Council towards Phase Gordon led a debate in Parliament Two of regeneration works at the Westside Plaza in . The on the UK Government’s hostile funding is from the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund. environment and the “truly The works will include the delivery of a community green and devastating” impact it is having on educational garden containing semi-mature seasonal trees and planting, the ability to attract international children’s play facilities, street furniture, improved lighting, resolution of guests to Edinburgh’s festivals. change in levels across the site, revamping of existing columns with art Since the Tory government and signage, and the creation of a local market space. introduced hard-line visa controls, Gordon welcomed the news by saying, “This is great news for the performers have been hit by community and is well-deserved after all the effort put in.” refusals and delays, with some acclaimed writers, actors, and In 2018, the Scottish Government allocated £20,000 to enable musicians forced to cancel visits. development of a master plan for the civic square. Speaking in his debate, Gordon Gordon continued, “We asked local residents to offer their views on the said “The Edinburgh Festival Fringe current civic square as part of Wester Hailes Community Trust’s Making is the world’s largest arts festival, Places: Westside Plaza project. Community drop in sessions were also and the city is well recognised for held at the Community Centre and WHALE Arts Centre. its world-leading festival scene. “Now the plans developed by this community-led design process, where Artists are facing a humiliating local people worked with architects, planners, and others to create a application process. Their visas Local Place Plan for the future of the Plaza, are being funded and built.” are being refused. The festivals rely on the seamless flow of artists The Plaza is now intended to become a focal point for the community from across the world and it’s time where activities and events can take place. for the UK Government to listen.”

Representing: , , Blinkbonny, , Broomhouse, Buckstone, Calders, , Colinton Mains, , Dreghorn, , , Hermiston, , , Longstone, , Parkhead, , Redhall, Mains, Sighthill, Spylaw, Stenhouse, Swanston, Wester Hailes and Whitson. Out and About... Traditional Homes for The BIG Building Skills Social Rent Project

Gordon attended a demonstration Edinburgh Council have received Gordon attended a performance of of traditional building skills at the the remainder of the 32 new a short play from BIG Drama of the Scottish Parliament. homes for social rent at Hailesland BIG Project on the theme of The Scottish Traditional Building Place and are currently handing “getting older”. Forum delivered a presentation them over to their first tenants. The performance, held at St where school children from Gordon has welcomed the news, David’s Church Hall in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Falkirk and saying, “There is great need for Broomhouse, featured a selection Fife were able to experience a social housing and this of original and cover songs. hands on mini-masterclass in roof demonstrates the commitment of Gordon said, “I was thoroughly slating, stonemasonry, painting the Council and Scottish impressed by the ability of the and decorating, and joinery. The Government. young people who composed and mini-masterclasses were given by The 10 houses and 22 flats are high performed in the play. apprentices from Edinburgh -quality and were delivered as part “It is great to see that the BIG College, Glasgow College, Dundee of the Council’s Small Sites & Angus College, the University of Project are able to nurture and Affordable Homes programme. encourage local young talent. I Edinburgh, and the National The energy-efficient homes have Federation of Roofing Contractors. expect many will go on to bigger roof-mounted solar PV panels. things in future.” Gordon said, “It was an interesting experience trying my hand at some Contact Details of the trades, which shows the By email [email protected] quality of our modern Home visit Available for those who cannot travel apprenticeships. I discussed the By phone 0131 443 0595 routes into employment and their By letter The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP training with the apprentices”. Gordon Macdonald MSP @GMacdonaldMSP The Scottish Traditional Building Monthly Surgeries — No appointment needed Forum works to raise the profile of 1st Monday of the month, 6.30pm Wester Hailes Library specific issues relating to 2nd Monday of the month, 6.30pm Carrickvale Community Centre traditional buildings and building 3rd Monday of the month, 6.30pm Currie Library practices, in particular the need to 4th Monday of the month, 6.30pm Oxgangs Library (Not 24 Dec) address the condition of ’s 5th Monday of the month, 6.30pm Ratho Com. Centre (Not 31 Dec) traditional buildings. NB: NO SURGERIES DURING PUBLIC AND BANK HOLIDAYS Working for Edinburgh Pentlands Published by Gordon Macdonald MSP, 9 Kingsknowe Park, Edinburgh, EH14 2JQ. The SPCB is not responsible for the content of external websites.