Art college to merge with Edinburgh Uni?

From earlier this month here is news that the Edinburgh College of Art and Edinburgh University are in merger talks.

New Pyjamas details

The Evening News continues to pick over information obtained under the Freedom of Information Act about the New Pyjamas charity enquiry. The Sick Kids Friends Foundation oversees the charity which is charged with raising £15m for the new Sick Kids to be built at Little France. Details here.

"I did nothing wrong" - Charity boss

Suspended director of the Sick Kids New Pyjamas charity has made her case as the enquiry continues. The account is on the BBC here.

Man arrested outside Potterrow mosque

52 year old David Parslow from Edinburgh admitted a breach of the peace outside the central mosque in Potterrow on Saturday. He was one of 3 people who appeared before Edinburgh Sheriff Court earlier today in connection with threatened march on Saturday. More details of the arrests from the BBC here.

Electing an MP for Edinburgh South

Here are the runners and riders for the upcoming general election for Edinburgh South

Neil Hudson (Conservative)

Fred Mackintosh (Lib Dems)

Sandy Howat (SNP)

Steve Burgess (Green)

Labour have yet to select a candidate following Nigel Griffiths' announcement that he will not stand.

So here are links to more information:

• A map of the constituency
• Results in 2005 and 2001
• Wikipedia's review of the seat and prospects for 2010 election
• Times report on an opinion poll earlier this week

March has heavy police presence

Around 1500 people marched past the mosque in Potterrow this afternoon protesting against the threatened presence of the 'Scottish Defence League'(SDL). There was no sign of the SDL (though note this account of a skirmish earlier in the day).

However the 'official' Unite Against Racism march did itself contain a number of extremists who were intent on breaking away and staging a confrontation. The huge police presence seems to have prevented that during and at the end of the march - which gathered in Princes Street Gardens and concluded in the Meadows.

The Edinburgh Antifacist League was one of a number of groups which had the declared intent of staging a confrontation. They and a number of other left wing groups made extremely uncomfortable company for those citizens (and some politicians) who simply wanted to demonstrate against the unpleasant SDL organisation.

In general, the good people of Edinburgh kept well away. Earlier posts here and here. The Police press release is here, estimating the numbers a bit higher than I did.

Cameron Toll Travelodge opening April

The hotel at 43 Craigmillar Park is set to open on 27th April. Details here. Work began in June 2009.

Observatory Road closure

To allow for resurfacing work, Observatory Road near to Blackford Avenue will be closed at various times next week from Monday (22nd) onwards.

Fountainhall Road closure

A major renewal of gas mains is scheduled to take place from 1st March lasting for up to three months. The part of Fountainhall Road to be closed is from the Mayfield Road/Ratcliffe Terrace junction westwards beyond Findhorn place to outside 28 Fountainhall Road.

Another investigation - at New Pyjamas

The Sick Kids Friends Foundation (SKFF), which set up the New Pyjamas Campaign to raise £15m for the replacement hospital has appointed a 'leading independent law firm' to conduct an enquiry into the running of the New Pyjamas campaign and to provide a detailed report.

They (SKFF) have committed to accept and implement any recommendations. SKFF have also been in touch with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).

The local paper also has an article on the situation and a previous post on this newsblog can be found here.

Climate Enquiry: Boycott over local prof?

Scientists who exposed doubts about the climate science of the IPCC and the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) are now considering a boycott of the Review led by Sir Muir Russell over the inclusion of a King's Buildings scientist.

Professor Geoffrey Boulton has failed to inspire confidence in those who exposed the concerns about CRU, as mistakes have been unearthed in statements made by the Review team which appear to minimise his involvement with the IPCC and CRU at the University of East Anglia.

Initially, the Review biography of Professor Boulton omitted his previous term at the University of East Anglia. The clarification by Professor Boulton failed to mention that his period there apparently overlapped with Professor Phil Jones for around ten years and extended 6 years beyond the period he admitted.

The Review specifically denied Professor Boulton had any connection with the IPCC or had any prejudicial interest in climate change of climate science. It has now become apparent that a published CV for him claims he has advised various governments on climate change and the IPCC.

Now Douglas Keenan who made specific allegations of malpractice at CRU initiated discussions on whether or not submissions should be made to the Russell Review.

For further more detailed discussion see links here and here. The Review website is here and back posts can be found here and here.

Kaya's recovery continues

This newsblog last reported in early 2008 the remarkable recovery of Kaya MacInnes following an horrific car crash on the A9 near Inverness.

Here is a link to an article in today's Evening News which continues the story of her remarkable recovery.

Kaya was treated at the Sick Kids Hospital and was a pupil at James Gillespies. She is currently working to improve her maths skills at The Number Shop in Pleasance.

Community Councils update

The Grange/Prestonfield Community Council meets on Wednesday evening at the Community Centre in Prestonfield Avenue. You can find the agenda on their website here. The community council boundaries can be found here.

Marchmont and Sciennes held its monthly meeting last week and its website is here.

The Southside Community Council also held its meeting last week. Its website is here.

Sick Kids 150th anniversary

One hundred and fifty years ago yesterday the Royal Hospital for Sick Children opened its doors for the first timer and this week sees the beginning of a series of events to mark the 150 years.

See the Lothian Health Board press releaseNational issues here.

Bag snatch - Nicolson Street

Around 10pm on Sunday evening a man snatched a handbag from a woman outside Tescos near Haddon's Court. The suspect is described as white, late 20s, approximately 6' tall with a slim build and shaved head. He was wearing a grey hooded top and white jogging bottoms.

Anyone with information should contact the police at 0131 311 3131. Here is the policed press release requesting witnesses.

The Empire Strikes Back

The Russell review into the climate change emails is making heavy weather.

Claimed to be an 'independent' review, allegations of bias have been thrown up thick and fast against Review panel member Professor Geoffrey Boulton, local to this parish. Another panel member has already resigned following allegations that he was not independent.

But the Russell review has struck back with this defence (15th February entry) of Professor Boulton.

The defence has in turn been dissected by Steve McIntyre, who also points out that the outlined issues which the enquiry will address appear to have been written by - the controversial Professor Boulton.

Technical and complex though many of the arguments in these links are, we are clearly witnessing a crucial skirmish in the latest round of the climate wars.

A plague on both their houses (again)

I abhor the actions and views that have been expressed by the Scottish Defence League. The recent posts (here and here) expressing concern about the counter demonstration have led to a response from a representative of the Unite against Facism group in the form of a letter to the Edinburgh Evening News.

Luke Henderson writes of me: ". . .For him to suggest that UAF posters had a "polarising influence" is amusing as I fail to see how any decent person could not be polarised by a group who shout racist slogans and whose members did "Sieg Heil" salutes at their previous protest in Glasgow. It is more disturbing for him to suggest that there should be no protest against the SDL. . . "

Leaving aside the matter that I did not say what I am alleged to have said and that the United against Facism march has been approved and a route agreed, let me draw attention to information on one of the anti-facist websites.

"Once our scouts have determined the location of the “Scottish” Defence League, we will march to their location to prevent them from spreading bigotry and divisive hatred through the streets of Edinburgh, by blocking their path."

I repeat, any illegal march or demonstration is a matter for the police. The comments above are part of the problem. A plague on both their houses.

It might be of assistance to Luke to know that I have not called for the counter demonstration to be banned. I believe in free speech within the law. But that does not mean it is wise.

Local scientists under sustained pressure

Following this post describing pressure on Professor Geoffrey Boulton to resign from the Russell Review into the climate change emails, Professor Boulton has responded publicly in this article in the Times (scroll to end of article).

Pressure continues on Professor Boulton, including this withering critique of his independence and suitability by Steve McIntyre who has been a pivotal contributor to the global warming debate. A further critique from Bishop Hill can be found here.

There is more. Local scientists Professor Gabi Heygerl and her some time co-author (and husband) Professor Tom Crowley are subject to a similarly robust critique, again by McIntyre (and very detailed), of their lack of transparency in producing data to back up their work, and of their procedures. Both have offices at the King's Buildings.

A tale of two marches (continued)

At the end of January this newblog reported on the expectation of two events in Edinburgh; the threatened visit by the Scottish Defence League which seems to be a ragged mix of anti-islamists, BNP and football casuals, and a counter demonstration by Unite Against Fascism. The latter, I suggested, is part of the problem.

Unite Against Fascism have applied for and been granted permission to march. No such application has been made by the SDL. The Evening News have picked up my comments in an article a couple of days ago.

At least there has been little additional flyposting since the last post. Such is one advantage of Facebook and other online organising tools!

Local scientist under pressure to resign

Professor Geoffrey Boulton is an eminent scientist who is General Secretary of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. He is a local resident in the ward and was headhunted by Sir Muir Russell, the former Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Office who was appointed by the University of East Anglia to head an enquiry. Sir Muir's appointment was to conduct an independent Review into the conduct of Professor Phil Jones and other scientists at the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) at the University of East Anglia (the emails affair which has been dubbed Climategate). Professor Boulton was one of 5 eminent experts selected by Sir Muir to assist with that Review. So far so good.

On Thursday, Sir Muir held a press conference to kick off the review and introduce those selected to assist. He underlined that it was an independent Review and that the members of the research team did not 'have a predetermined view on climate change and climate science'.

Later the same day one of the selected members of the Review was forced to resign when it was shown he had already made a defence of the CRU team under investigation.

Now pressure is building up on Professor Boulton to resign for similar reasons. His public position on climate change issues is said to be at odds with the statements by Sir Muir Russell. A list of concerns about his independence can be found in this post on the Bishop Hill blog which also identified the information leading to the earlier resignation.

Another member of the Review team Professor Peter Clarke is also a local resident.

Update 13.2.10: The Scotsman has developed this story here. Further comments from an influential blog can be found here, here and here.

Correction 15.2.10: Professor Peter Clarke is Professor of Physics at the University of Edinburgh. The Department web page shows him as having an office at the King's Buildings which is within the ward. It is not known where he is resident.

Website for local road repairs

Here is a website which shows the location of road repairs current or expected in the Southside & Newington ward. Please note that road repairs are funded from both revenue and capital sources - this site is restricted to Capital works which tend to be longer term works.

In addition, there is further resurfacing work due to start soon on Sciennes Road between Argyle Place and Gladstone Terrace.

Resurfacing Mayfield Gardens

Resurfacing of parts of the roadway in Mayfield Gardens is scheduled to take place over a period of 2-3 days next week. This affects particularly the area outside numbers 11- 17. Operations should not take place during rush hours.

More on Sick Kids New Pyjamas enquiry

Today the Evening News runs another story about the suspended head of the New Pyjamas campaign - charged with raising £15m towards fitting out the new Sick Kids hospital at little France. This time Elaine McGonigle as said to have worked as a fundraiser for the Roslin Chapel charity before having her contract terminated.

David Cameron visits King's Buildings

David Cameron visited the King's Buildings today along with Neil Hudson the local Conservative candidate for the forthcoming Westmister election. They met Timothy O'Shea, the University principal - before the leader of the Conservative party headed to Glasgow for a lunch with the media and then to Perth for the Scottish Conference.

Craigmillar Park crossing upgrade

The Puffin Crossing in Craigmillar Park at Suffolk Road is to be upgraded. Work will start later this month and is in conjunction with the introduction of a part time (school hours) 20 mph speed limit.

Local house link in SNP crisis

The Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wrote a letter to a court appealing for a non custodial sentence for a constituent who defrauded £80,000 of taxpayers money from the Department of Work & Pensions. This followed an 1996 court case when the convicted man, Abdul Rauf was given a four year sentence for a theft of pension and benefits payments. The constituency is in Glasgow but the (now again convicted) constituent made his claim without declaring ownership of a house in Dalkeith Road. Most of the papers have details. The BBC report is here.

Sick Kids: The Future

This evening Marchmont and Sciennes Community Counicl hosted a visit from Colin Briggs, Service Manager with Lothian Health on the future of the Sick Kids. Here are some bullet points from his talk and the discussion.

• The Sick Kids will be celebrating of 150 years of existence next Monday. (Not all of that has been on the current site.)
• It is a 150 acute bed hospital taking children up to approximately 14 years old
• There are 1200-1500 staff
• It has 40,000 Accident and Emergency admissions each year (compared to the Royal Infirmary which has 120,000). It admits 7,000 patients every year.
• It is scheduled to move to Little France in early 2013. The new hospital is to cost £150m. This will be part funded by the sale of the current site.
• It is likely current houses in Millerfield Place (west side), Rillbank and the frontages onto the Meadows will be returned to private housing. There are various options for the remaining ground and the main building though housing is considered to be a prominent option.
• The main building is listed and this will constrain the use to which it is put.

Quarter of students 'sample cocaine'

Edinburgh University Student magazine makes the above claim following a survey. Read more here.

Montague Street robbery arrests

Police are reporting that a 22 year old woman and a 39 year old man have been arrested in connection with the incident on 31st January when a 20 year old student was robbed.

Empty shops in Clerk Street

A constituent's enquiry led me to a spot of analysis of Clerk Street, part of the Newington Road/Nicolson Street corridor. The route is recognised as in need of something to restore the area's vitality. Certainly it is a densely populated area but the shopping experience and appearance lacks dynamism.

So today I did a count of the premises in Clerk Street and noted that of the total of 50 there are 8 (16%) which are not in use. That raises the question of whether the wide range of controls and conditions on proprietors are restrictions too far.

It was a long and laborious procedure to unravel the wholly inappropriate rules which meant that new coffee shops were not allowed to open beyond 8pm. Coffee shops have become hugely popular and the council rules were restricting them.

And amongst the unoccupied premises is the former Odeon Cinema. That we are still waiting for a decision from the Scottish Government on whether the planning approval for the latest approval for the project is to be overturned is astonishing. Whatever view is held about the current proposal, the delay in taking the decision is a scandal. And planning blight.

City car club spaces in Savile

Proposals for two City Car Club spaces to be marked off in West Savile Terrace between West Savile Gardens and 27 West Savile Terrace are out for consultation.

Persons wishing to object can send comments to the following address citing the reasons for their objections. Such comments must be submitted by 15th February

City Development (Transport)
Waverley Court,
Edinburgh EH8 8BG

9 year old knocked down in Prestonfield

A vehicle was in collision with a 9 year old boy in Prestonfield Avenue last night. He has been detained in the Sick Kids Hospital overninght and is not considered to be in a serious condition. Police are appealing for witnesses. More details here.

New Pyjamas face charity regulator

Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) are now investigating the New Pyjamas appeal to raise £15m for the new Sick Kids Hospital.

New Pyjamas charity in crisis

Yesterday this post drew attention to the resignation of the Chair of the Sick Kids New Pyjamas Charity organisation. A statement has been released by the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, based beside the hospital in Sciennes, about the New Pyjamas Appeal. Further details and revelations suggesting the fundraising charity is in crisis are in print here and here. There is a BBC report here.

Early morning flasher in Grange, Sciennes

After a number of reports of a male exposing himself in the Grange and Sciennes areas police have issued a description and are appealing for witnesses. The police press release here contains more details.

Sick Kids charity in trouble

Charged with raising £15m for equipment at the new Sick Kids which will soon move from Sciennes to Little France, the New Pyjamas Campaign has run into trouble. According to this article the chair of the Sick Kids Friends Foundation has resigned and the director Elaine McGonigle has been suspended.

Montague Street robbery on Sunday

Alison Hastings, a 20 year old student, was approached by a woman with a screwdriver, threatened and robbed about 5:50 on Sunday evening. More details from the police press release here.

Local MP quits

Nigel Griffiths, MP has announced he is standing down at the forthcoming election.

His resignation was announced to his constituency party yesterday and here are some of the reports reviewing his term in office and considering the consequences.

• Telegraph
• Scotsman
• Caledonian Mercury
• BBC