Delighted to see this pass!
Vital connection that we need to find the quickest & most effective way of reopening. https://twitter.com/cllrchasbooth/status/1577960908789350400
All three #Leith ward councillors are today asking #edincouncil Transport Ctte to press pause on demolition of @ThePrideBridge and fully investigate options to retain the bridge.
@KatrinaFaccenda
@adamrmcvey
Thanks to @FinlayMcF for again putting down SNP amendment on how we can move some of the bin hub locations that are causing local issues to better locally-identified alternatives. Glad it passed, next report will hopefully help up reach resolution… ♻️🤞
📢 BREAKING: The Scottish Parliament has passed legislation freezing rents and banning evictions until at least March 2023.
🤝 While the UK Tories crash the economy, we’re delivering real action on the cost-of-living crisis.
A reminder that I have my monthly 'Drop-in Help & Advice Surgeries' tomorrow. From 9.30am-10.30am at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, then 11am-12pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre and then 3.30pm-4.30pm at Leith Community Centre. Please do not attend if you are unwell. #HereToHelpThis Friday, 7 October, I will be holding my regular ‘Drop-in Help & Advice Surgeries’ in Edinburgh Northern and Leith. Do not attend if you are unwell. Please find the details below. #HereToHelp
9:30am – 10:30am at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre (11 Pilton Drive North, Edinburgh, EH5 1NF).
11:00am – 12:00noon at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre (19 West Pilton Grove, Edinburgh, EH4 4BY).
3:30pm – 4:30pm at Leith Community Centre (12A Newkirkgate, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6AD).
If you can’t come this Friday, and you need assistance from me as your local MSP, you can also contact my office via phone on 0131 600 0134 or email me at ben.macpherson.msp@parliament.scot.
Today I visited Community Renewal Trust and Citizens Advice Edinburgh on Pennywell Road, and caught up with them about the important work they do to provide support in North Edinburgh.
Together, we discussed how we can encourage people to see if they're entitled to social security benefits. You can find out if you are eligible at: costofliving.campaign.gov.scot/.
As Minister for Social Security, I am urging people to spread the word, speak to others about benefits and to raise awareness about what support is available at this challenging time. www.gov.scot/news/families-urged-to-talk-about-social-security-payments/.
You can contact Citizens Advice Scotland's dedicated 'Money Talk Team' on 0800 028 1456, more information is available here: moneytalkteam.org.uk/.
You can also call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222, more information is available here: www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/.
#ChallengePoverty #turnthetide
This Friday, 7 October, I will be holding my regular ‘Drop-in Help & Advice Surgeries’ in Edinburgh Northern and Leith. Do not attend if you are unwell. Please find the details below. #HereToHelp
9:30am – 10:30am at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre (11 Pilton Drive North, Edinburgh, EH5 1NF).
11:00am – 12:00noon at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre (19 West Pilton Grove, Edinburgh, EH4 4BY).
3:30pm – 4:30pm at Leith Community Centre (12A Newkirkgate, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6AD).
If you can’t come this Friday, and you need assistance from me as your local MSP, you can also contact my office via phone on 0131 600 0134 or email me at ben.macpherson.msp@parliament.scot.
We’re bringing in emergency legislation to support tenants during the cost of living crisis.
It aims to give tenants:
🔵 Stability in their homes
🔵 Confidence about their housing costs
If approved, the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Bill will:
🔵 Protect tenants from rent increases
🔵 Stop evictions being carried out in most cases
🔵 Increase damages for unlawful evictions to a maximum of 36 months’ worth of rent
Learn more at bit.ly/emergency-legislation-overview
Such sad news that Mary Moriarty has passed away - a sparkling, wonderful, caring & wise force for good in our community, rightly known as the ‘Queen of Leith’. A genuine legend who will be much missed by many in Leith & beyond. My condolences to all those closest to her. RIP.❤️
Very sorry to hear this. A wonderful lady. Had the good fortune to meet her a few times.
What a wonderful lady ,once spent a week in Majorca with her and other publicans ( courtesy of the brewery) .she was a star ⭐️
Will miss her a lot. Loved bumping into her around Leith.
Absolute legend. The end of an era.
Healing comfort and strength sent with much love to all who loved her.x
She owned The Port of Leith for years
Please check if you’re eligible for any of Social Security Scotland’s benefits, raise awareness through your networks about what support is available, and apply for assistance that you’re entitled to.
📢 Update from the Office of Ben Macpherson MSP 📢
The Scottish Government has launched a ‘one-stop shop’ to help people struggling with the cost of living crisis. The new website provides details on a wide range of advice and financial support, including help to meet energy, housing and childcare costs, as well as social security payments that are not available anywhere else in the UK.
You can find out what support you may be entitled to at costofliving.campaign.gov.scotWe’ve launched a new website to help with the cost of living crisis.
The website has a range of information on support available for households facing rising energy, housing and other costs.
Find information on support available at gov.scot/costoflivingsupport
Congratulations 🎉 - there are many brilliant hospitality businesses in Edinburgh Northern and Leith and it’s great to see Pierino's getting this recognition! #SaltAndSauceEverytime
Well-loved Edinburgh chippy win best fish and chip shop in Scotland
www.edinburghlive.co.uk
The long time Leith favourite has brought home two huge awards for their family run fish and chip shop that has been pleasing locals for decades.Do you do Gluten Free fish and chips too
Good to catch up with Evie, CEO of Earth in Common, earlier this month. Leith Community Croft has many initiatives running already and it was great to see how the building renovations are progressing, funded by The Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund. When complete it will provide a community café, two meeting rooms for community members, a workshop space, an office and an outbuilding 🍃🌻
Well done evie x
Looking good!
Joanna Hartga
Last week, I was grateful to attend the Spartan’s charity fundraiser. It is really inspiring to work with The Spartans Community Football Academy, & I’m uplifted so often by all that the whole team do to help. #HereForGood 💙
Thank you to everyone who has supported their work in recent years, & for the extraordinary generosity of donations on Thursday - making a real difference! ❤️
Take a look at their video below, which shows some of the work they do to help in North Edinburgh. 👇
📣 Today the First Minister set out The Scottish Government’s Programme for Government 2022/2023. Here are some of the key measures and announcements:
🏴❤️ From 14 November the Scottish Child Payment will rise to £25 per week, per eligible child and be extended to children under 16. This is the most significant anti-poverty measure in the UK.
🏡 Immediate action to protect tenants in private and social rented sectors, which includes measures delivering a rent freeze.
🚝 Freezing Scotrail fares until at least March 2023.
🧳 Introduction of a Local Visitor Levy Bill which will give local authorities, such as City of Edinburgh Council, additional flexibility to introduce a Tourist Tax.
The Scottish Government will continue to do all it can, with its limited powers and resources, to help families and households through the cost of living crisis. We need the UK government to do much more using their significant fiscal powers and controls over the energy markets.
Further information about the Programme for Government 2022/2023 can be found here: www.gov.scot/programme-for-government/.
Excellent and well done
Adult Disability Payment is now open for new applications from across Scotland: www.mygov.scot/browse/benefits/adult-disability-payment.
People already receiving DWP’s PIP and DLA do not need to apply. These existing awards will transfer automatically.
Please read more: www.gov.scot/news/adult-disability-payment-opens-for-applications-nationwide/.
Follow Social Security Scotland.
Welcome the next Derek Mackay how many of these are in this vile party
We have engaged significantly with people with lived experience throughout creating our new, better Scottish social security system.
We want people to get benefits they are entitled to!
We will always start from a position of trust.
Dignity | Fairness | Respect
Adult Disability Payment available for new applications nationwide from 29 August.
People can apply online & get support locally to complete forms. Also, independent advocacy is available from VoiceAbility (funded by The Scottish Government).
People on PIP & DLA will have their awards transferred automatically to Social Security Scotland.
Find out more: www.mygov.scot/browse/benefits.
Thank you BBC Scotland News for reporting on the changes.
I suffer from severe COPD and despite having all the necessary proof ie, x rays and full medical reports ect,the DWP refused my application twice it was on my third application l was awarded pip at the Basic rate this is how the Tory government looks after you.
Thank you for introducing what promises to be a more compassionate and fairer system. What will happen to those already in receipt of PIP who are going through the process of a PIP renewal if that renewal process is incomplete by 29th of August? Also, if someone's renewal is turned down, who will they appeal to? Will it still be the DWP or Social Security Scotland?
Melanie Finch Beth Finch
You are obviously joking! there is virtually no media paper or broadcast that supports the SNP or independence. Fact!!! How on earth can you explain the numerous censuring of the BBC for actively bias reporting against Scottish independence! You Unionist have no sense of proportionality. If it not you view then it is bias. Sorry you need to get out more and wonder why the SNP are so popular in Scotland. They do a good job not perfect at governing Scotland. I can get my head around folk who have no confidence in governing their own country. I find it bizarre. I also find it bizarre that Scotland has virtually no media!!! What other country allows a foreign media to dominate its news.
My intelligence matches most I doubt you could say that!
More bullshit
Good to catch up with National Galleries of Scotland about The Art Works in Granton, which will make more of Scotland’s art more accessible as well as creating a brilliant, modern destination in North Edinburgh for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.
More information: www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/features/art-works.
Good to hear it's gonna be in a passivhaus style building
This Friday, 5 August, I will be holding my regular ‘Drop-in Help & Advice Surgeries’ in Edinburgh Northern and Leith. Do not attend if you are unwell. Please note, there has been a slight change in venues and you can find the updated details below. #HereToHelp
9:30am – 10:30am at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre (11 Pilton Drive North, Edinburgh, EH5 1NF).
11:00am – 12:00noon at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre (19 West Pilton Grove, Edinburgh, EH4 4BY).
3:30pm – 4:30pm at Leith Community Centre (12A Newkirkgate, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6AD).
If you can’t come this Friday, and you need assistance from me as your local MSP, you can also contact my office via phone on 0131 600 0134 or email me at ben.macpherson.msp@parliament.scot.
As a constituency MSP, after being part of an Edinburgh SNP team who have pushed for action on this for some time, I’m pleased that today it has been confirmed by The Scottish Government that Edinburgh will become Scotland’s first designated Short-Term Let Control Area.
Planning permission will be required for Edinburgh’s short-term let conversions. This measure will help maintain the availability of long-term residential housing in Edinburgh.
More ➡️ bit.ly/ShortTerMLets.
At last. This needs to be rolled out across the country.
Good result. Hope law will also apply to the premises which wee 'not' a conversion eg tenement stairs.
Excellent news, not before time.
Complete ban on shared stair flats? That was the main one for me when this was first tables but can’t see it in any of the recent discussion
Brilliant news!
I’m glad you raised this Ben Macpherson MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith. I currently live in a Housing Association property in Newhaven. I took what they offered, without realising that the property was rather seriously substandard. There are a number of issues. I’d be happy to talk with you if you’re available, along with my plans for The Shore Festival. I’m going to bring money to Leith, raise awareness of the community and it’ll be fun. Plus, I have Mary Moriarty on my side…
Well done Ben
Well done Ben Macpherson 👏 a very positive move which will help many people
Congratulations Ben Macpherson
Go Ben. ! Good result
Long term or short term there isn’t much difference. Edinburgh city centre is so transient. As for the planning dept more red tape and costs and delays. Councils just want to control everything and end up making a mess.
There were too many air b&bs popping up everywhere and the hideous key boxes on the walls.
Fantastic news
Excellent news.
📢 Message from the Office of Ben Macpherson MSP 📢
Did you know that 5 parks in our constituency have been nominated for the Fields In Trust UK’s Favourite Parks award? 🌳🎉
These include Inverleith Park, Leith Links, Montgomery Street Park, Pilrig Park and Starbank Park.
Voting is now open will close at noon on Thursday 18 August 2022 and you can vote online here: www.fieldsintrust.org/favourite-parks/nominations.
Vote now for UK's Favourite Parks 2022
www.fieldsintrust.org
Cast your vote today and help a park special to you be named amongst the UK's favourites.It’s a wonderful place on an incredible journey of restoration - happy 90th birthday Leith Theatre!🎸A pleasure to have worked with you over the last 6+ of those, & look forward to continuing to do what I can to support you - persevere.⚓️Enjoy celebrating & thanks for the cake!🧁
Clairty Maria
Happening tomorrow in the east of the constituency.🇺🇦🏴
This content isn't available at the moment
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people or changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.I was glad to vote for this new legislation last week, taken forward in government by my colleague Ash Regan MSP for Edinburgh Eastern. We have experienced some very bad incidents of firework misuse in our area recent years, and this new law will make a meaningful difference toward improving the situation going forward.
Holyrood passes legislation restricting sale and use of fireworks
news.stv.tv
Being in possession of a firework in a public place, without reasonable excuse will become an offence.This is good news !
A reminder that I have my monthly 'Drop-in Help & Advice Surgeries' tomorrow. From 9.30am-10.30am at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, then 11am-12pm at Prentice Centre and then 3.30pm-4.30pm at Leith Community Centre. Please do not attend if you are unwell. #HereToHelpThis Friday, 1 July , I will be holding my regular ‘Drop-in Help & Advice Surgeries’ in Edinburgh Northern and Leith. Do not attend if you are unwell. Please find the details below. #HereToHelp
9:30am – 10:30am at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre (11 Pilton Drive North, Edinburgh EH5 1NF).
11:00am – 12:00noon at Prentice Centre (1 Granton Mains Ave, Edinburgh EH4 4GA).
3:30pm – 4:30pm at Leith Community Centre (12A Newkirkgate, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6AD).
If you can’t come this Friday, and you need assistance from me as your local MSP, you can also contact my office via phone on 0131 600 0134 or email me at ben.macpherson.msp@parliament.scot.
🏴 I can announce that the Scottish Government is proposing that the independence referendum be held on the 19th October 2023. #indyref2 #indyref2023
👉 Join over half a million people and pledge your support for Scottish independence at www.yes.scot/signup/
Site is busy - but there are 477 days to sign up
Shocking.
🏴 Nicola Sturgeon is about to set out the roadmap to Scotland's independence referendum.
🗳️ Scotland's future is up to the people who live in Scotland, not Boris Johnson and Westminster governments.
⏰ Tune in at 2:20pm today on www.scottishparliament.tv.
She deserves to be first minster and politician as she has lend Scotland though Covid
This Friday, 1 July , I will be holding my regular ‘Drop-in Help & Advice Surgeries’ in Edinburgh Northern and Leith. Do not attend if you are unwell. Please find the details below. #HereToHelp
9:30am – 10:30am at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre (11 Pilton Drive North, Edinburgh EH5 1NF).
11:00am – 12:00noon at Prentice Centre (1 Granton Mains Ave, Edinburgh EH4 4GA).
3:30pm – 4:30pm at Leith Community Centre (12A Newkirkgate, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6AD).
If you can’t come this Friday, and you need assistance from me as your local MSP, you can also contact my office via phone on 0131 600 0134 or email me at ben.macpherson.msp@parliament.scot.
Leith Festival starts tomorrow 🎉STAGE TIMES & MORE INFO for SATURDAY 11TH JUNE
Pageant gathers from 11am @ Bowling Green & Tennis Courts
MAIN STAGE
12:00 - 12:30 The Phoenix Choir
12:45 - 13:15 Kaz Ali
13:30 - 14:00 SheBeat
14:15 - 14:45 Stephen McLaren
15:00 - 15:30 Katherine Aly
15:45 - 16:15 Colt Luger
16:30 - 17:00 Micro Band
OTHER STAGE
12:00 - 12:30 Lily Mentiplay
12:45 - 13:15 Elloquent MC
13:30 - 14:00 Cat John Cranston
14:30 - 15:00 Susy K
15:00 - 17:00 SKETCHY BEATS TAKE OVER
PLUS
12:00 - 16:00 Street Soccer: kickabout & training sessions
12:00 - 17:00 Safer By Sound Stage
* Paint & Pot workshops with The Leith Collective
* THINK CIRCUS will be onsite delivering workshops and are also providing some exciting roaming circus performers too.
* HOUSE OF JACK and EDINBURGH FESTIVAL CARNIVAL are also joining us on site for Gala Day
* MOVING MUSIC will be with us providing Rhythm Stories for Children and Drum Circles for all.
*Writer, broadcaster (host of BBC Radio Scotland’s Time Travels) and comedian SUSAN MORRISON will be roaming around the links, telling local historical tales with hilarious insights - audience interaction will be encouraged throughout.
* Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home will be on site all day with activities from 1pm including ‘Crack the Crate’ (human competition) & ‘Temptation Alley’ (dog competition) AND their Dog Show from 2.30pm with categories 1) Most Like Owner 2) Best Trick 3) Perfect Rescue. They will also have their pet food bank onsite accepting donations plus a water station for doggies.
* Local Schools Dancing & Poster Competition Winners will be announced.
EDIT: there is so much happening I forgot to mention Messenger Sound System … on-site 12-5
Low Income Winter Heating Assistance: The Scottish Government’s £20 million annual investment will be a significant increase in support to around 400,000 households – compared with only £325,000 and 11,000 payments made by the UK Government in Cold Weather Payments in Scotland in winter 21-22.
Read more: www.gov.scot/news/new-benefit-to-help-with-winter-fuel-bills/.
That result is surely the worst of all worlds for the Tories. But much more importantly: at a time of huge challenge, it saddles the UK with an utterly lame duck Prime Minister.
And for Scotland, it just underlines the democratic deficit - only 2 of 🏴 59 MPs have confidence in Boris Johnson.
On this long weekend 🎷🎶The 2022 Leith Jazz & Blues Festival programme is now live 🎷
Kindly sponsored by cinch, bringing you four days of free music to Leith 💜
Can't wait to it's over!
Recently I updated The Scottish Parliament on the delivery of #SocialSecurity by The Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland.
Now we are providing 12 benefits - 7 of which are new and only available in Scotland.
13 - in winter 2022-23 we will introduce Low Income Winter Heating Assistance.
14 - we will begin to roll out Scottish Carers Assistance by end of 2023.
Over the last few years, a quiet revolution has been taking place in Scotland in the world of social security. The Scottish Parliament unanimously passed the Social Security Act in 2018 and we have wasted no time in putting these powers to good use…
www.scotsman.com
Over the last few years, a quiet revolution has been taking place in Scotland in the world of social security.Income thresholds for Best Start Foods will be removed for all qualifying benefits.
This will mean an extra 30,000 people will benefit if they are pregnant or have a child under 3, providing more help with cost of living pressures.
Read more ➡️ bit.ly/BestStartFoods.
Follow Social Security Scotland.
This will help a lot of people. Is the government thinking on providing more help for working families, that need to send their children to school or nursery, in top of the 30 h free from the council. Some extra help for after school classes will be very welcome, especially if we want people to return to work 5 days a week. Thanks
Really looking forward to North Edinburgh Community Festival today - hope to see you there! 🥳
This Friday, 6 May, I will be holding my regular ‘Drop-in Help & Advice Surgeries’ in Edinburgh Northern and Leith. Do not attend if you are unwell. Please find the details below. #HereToHelp
9:30am – 10:30am at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre (11 Pilton Drive North, Edinburgh EH5 1NF).
11:00am – 12:00noon at Prentice Centre (1 Granton Mains Ave, Edinburgh EH4 4GA).
3:30pm – 4:30pm at Leith Community Centre (12A Newkirkgate, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6AD).
If you can’t come this Friday, and you need assistance from me as your local MSP, you can also contact my office via phone on 0131 600 0134 or email me at ben.macpherson.msp@parliament.scot.