It was very good to catch up with the team at Multi-Cultural Family Base this week, at their office in Leith. They are a remarkable organisation and assist a lot of New Scots across the city, and I’ve always been grateful to collaborate with them - to help people in my constituency and beyond.
Thank you 🙏 Ben Macpherson MSP
Worked with the MCFB on many occasions during my career , a wonderful organisation
Sincere congratulations to Tracy Gilbert MP & Chris Murray for Edinburgh East & Musselburgh MP on their elections &, now that they’ve been sworn in at the UK Parliament, I look forward to working constructively & collaboratively with them & their teams to serve & represent local people, organisations & businesses.
Photos from Deidre Brock for Edinburgh North and Leith's post
Commiserations. I hope that you can help your party learn. If they are in listening mood, perhaps they will have answered more if their voters concerns in time to retain seats in the Scottish Parliament.
Just a reminder that my monthly 'Drop-in Help & Advice Surgeries' are taking place as usual on the first Friday of the month, with the next one being this Friday, 5 July.
A welcome recent update from The Scottish Government and I was pleased to see part of this funding going to the Spartans Community Foundation and Hibernian Community Foundation, who make such a positive impact in our communities.
Football activity club funding doubles to £4 million
www.gov.scot
Support to help families on low incomes with childcare.🗳️Vote Scottish National Party (SNP) on 4 July.
⬅️ West of Easter Road: Deidre Brock for Edinburgh North and Leith.
➡️ East of Easter Road: Tommy Sheppard MP.
🏴 Strong, effective, experienced voices for our communities, social justice and Scotland.
A happy moment for #Leith on Saturday when Daniel from Citadel Youth Centre reopened the Victoria swing bridge, having been refurbished & made safe by Forth Ports Community. A welcome & appreciated investment, for the common good of our area.👏🏻
Thanks to them & to Friends of the Water of Leith Basin (FOWL.b), SOSLeith, Leith Harbour & Newhaven Community Council & others who have helped to make the case for this to happen over the years.⚓️
Leith's historic Victoria Swing Bridge officially opened after refurbishment
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com
Pleasure to be at The Out of the Blue Drill for the organisation’s 30th year anniversary - brilliant & remarkable story of facilitating so much creativity, community engagement, social good & entrepreneurialism. Thank you.
Pleased to also submit a The Scottish Parliament motion: www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S6M-13380
Thank you so much!
All parliamentary business officially came to an end last night for the general election. There are now no MPs and I'm the SNP candidate seeking re-election in Edinburgh North and Leith.
Contact me at deidre@edinburghsnp.org
📢 Message from the Office of Ben Macpherson MSP 📢
Fischy Music has been shortlisted as a finalist for the ‘Small Charity of the Year’ category at the Scottish Charity Awards and is also eligible for the ‘People’s Choice Award’ which is voted on by the public.
If you would like to help them win, make sure you cast your vote before 5pm on Friday 24 May when voting closes at the link here: scvo.scot/scottish-charity-awards/vote/2024/charity-of-the-year-less-than-500k/fischy-music
Best of luck to Fischy Music and all finalists!
scvo.scot
Vote now for the Scottish Charity Awards People’s Choice Award sponsored by HSF Health PlanHelp & Advice Surgeries on Friday 3 May.
*Mr. Neil Lal Defends Kate Forbes Amidst Criticism, Highlights Her Integrity and Service* link.medium.com/wmrN7IzxiJb
A pleasure to join our Sikh community for #Vaisakhi celebrations - walking together through the local area & then gathering at the Edinburgh Gurdwara in #Leith.
Congrats to the organisers & thank you for the kind invitation. Cheers also to Police Scotland Edinburgh.
Together, #WeAreScotland. 🏴🧡
Heard you all as you passed the end of my road!
Great to see Deidre Brock MP and Amy McNeese-Mechan SNP at the event today.
Cari amici Europei, diffidate da questi due nelle foto .
Good to catch up with Fresh Start this week - proud to be working together to support their remarkable work, including the R2 collaborative and www.freshstartweb.org.uk/what-we-do/nessie.
Lei si dovrebbe dimettere ed anche con urgenza. You should resign Lei ha omesso di fare controllare il sistema di messaggistico automatico del centro di Brunton Place nel 2020 che ha continuato ad essere utilizzato fino al 2022 e speriamo che non abbia creato altri problemi ad altri pazienti. Lei o la sua segretaria mi avete risposto di dover contattare il mio consolato dimostrando una forte e completa ignoranza nella gestione di un qualcosa che doveva essere di vostra competenza. Lei si deve dimettere perché sono mesi che non risponde chiaramente alla mie email. La verità che a Leith, noi Europei, siamo buoni solo sotto elezioni. You failed to have the Brunton Place centre's automated messaging system checked in 2020 which continued to be used until 2022 and hopefully did not create any more problems for other patients. You or your secretary replied to me that you should contact my consulate demonstrating a strong and complete ignorance in handling something that should have been your responsibility. You must resign because you have not responded clearly to my emails for months. The truth is that in Leith, we Europeans are only good in elections.
The Community Grants Fund returns! Apply for up to £5,000 for your community project until the 20 May deadline 💷
Find out more about the scheme and how to apply www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/13952/funding-available-for-community-focussed-projects-in-edin...
It is frustrating that my constituency office has been vandalised in this way. These sorts of acts achieve nothing meaningful and just waste taxpayers’ money cleaning them up. It is concerning that politicians from different political parties have had their offices vandalised over recent years - we are all democratically elected and work hard with our teams to serve the public. My team and I continue to work today, to help local people, and will not be deterred.
Sorry to see this Ben. Hopefully you reported it to the police. There must be lots of CCTV in the area .
I’m sorry to see this Ben. I hope you and your staff are fine.
Sorry to hear this Ben - completely pointless and senseless. I hope you and your team are doing okay!
Sorry to see this Ben. Such useless and thoughtless actions that achieve nothing but waste. Very frustrating!
So sorry to hear that! You are doing amazing work, such a shame some people don’t respect that.
Azioni del genere vanno sempre condannate. Massima solidarietà.
You have 2 cameras up Ben Macpherson. Nothing caught on them?x
Sorry to see this, Ben. Senseless- and intimidating to your hard working staff
Keep fighting the good fight Ben, you and your team are on the right side of history 👍
Sorry to hear about this Ben. Solidarity with you and your team. 💪
Shocking behaviour
Might be something to do with the new law your party has introduced!
Well said Ben!
You're doing a good job for Leith, Ben. Such vandalism doesn't reflect what true Leithers feel.
Moronic, useless vandalism. Such a shame.
This content isn't available at the moment
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, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.📢 Message from the Office of Ben Macpherson MSP 📢
Warmer Homes Scotland, The Scottish Government's national fuel poverty scheme, has supported 4,212 homes in the Lothian area since it was launched in 2015.
The Warmer Homes Scotland scheme provides a step-by-step service to identify where energy efficiency improvements can be made in the home and arranges for this work to be carried out. The scheme offers new central heating systems, including renewable heating technologies such as air source heat pumps, in all property types and in all regions of Scotland.
You can check if you are eligible now for the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme by getting in touch with Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282.
Parliament is considering how to create a more circular economy with more reuse, repair, refurbishment and recycling. As well as making some suggestions, I was proud to highlight the work of The Edinburgh Remakery, The Edinburgh Tool Library and Weigh To Go Edinburgh.
📢 News! Due to high demand, Citizens Advice Edinburgh is opening an additional drop-in session in Dundas St bureau on Thursdays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm! No appointment needed. Here's our full list of drop-in sessions at 9:30am across Edinburgh:
📍 Leith, 23 Dalmeny St: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
📍 Portobello, 8a Bath St: Monday - Thursday
📍 Muirhouse, 31 Pennywell Rd: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
📍 Dundas St, 58 Dundas St: Thursday - Friday
Remember, our drop-in operates on a "first-come, first-served" basis. We'll do our best to assist as many as we can, but please note that immediate assistance may depend on available resources. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to supporting you! #citizensadviceedinburgh #edinburgh #CommunitySupport #citizensadvicescotland 🌟
#CitizensAdvice #Edinburgh #DropInSession
Officers are continuing enquiries following the murder of 65-year-old Nashir Ahmed on Sunday, 10 March, 2024.
Mr Ahmed was standing with a 48-year-old man at a bus stop on Ferry Road, Edinburgh, near to its junction with Great Junction Street and Coburg Street, around 8.30pm when they were approached by another man who then attacked them.
Emergency services attended and both men were taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Mr Ahmed later died in hospital on Friday, 15 March, 2024.
Mr Ahmed’s family has said of him: “Nashir was a loving husband and father. He was a big part of our family and we are devastated at losing him. He was heavily involved in Edinburgh’s Bangladeshi community and will be greatly missed. He loved life and cared for all his family and friends. We will always remember his warmth and his kindness.”
His attacker is described as black, around 30-years of age, with short, dark hair. He was wearing a red tartan scarf and a long, black jacket with a hood.
Detective Chief Inspector George Calder said: “A family has been left feeling bereft as they come to terms with losing someone so integral to their lives. The circumstances are heart breaking, and I can’t possibly imagine the pain they are feeling during these difficult times.
“We continue to follow up several lines of inquiry and I would reiterate my appeal to anyone who has any information about this crime or the person responsible to contact us. Any small piece of information could be crucial in our ongoing investigation, so please do pass it on.
“Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting reference 2805 of 10 March. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
Such a terrible tragedy . condolences to all his family and friends x
📢 Message from the Office of Ben Macpherson MSP 📢
Citizens Rights Project are running a FREE workshop on working rights, specifically designed for Spanish-speaking workers in Edinburgh.
Event details:
• Date: March 23, 2024
• Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
• Location: Melting Pot, 15 Calton Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8DL
• Registration: bit.ly/3wrbXb0
In the session, they will address a variety of important topics, including:
✅ Working rights from the first day of employment to two years of employment.
✅ Employment contracts.
✅ Discussion of real cases.
The event will be conducted in English with a Spanish interpreter. All course materials will be in Spanish.
My thoughts remain with constituents affected by the ongoing situation at Breadalbane Street. Today I raised the situation in The Scottish Parliament, with the First Minister. I also appreciated meeting some of those affected at Leith Community Centre, who are receiving pro-active support from the Council and regular updates from the emergency services. I am grateful to all those working to assist and support during this difficult time. My team and I will continue to closely monitor the situation, and we are here if we can be of assistance.
Any update about when residents are likely to be able to return to homes ?
Then why is the Scottish and UK government trying to cut the numbers in the fire service,, I feel for these people losing possessions etc but coulda been alot worse,, but begs the question when after grenfeld which is a few years passed why it's taking so long to rectify these problems with the cladding,, but the bigger problem to , and I'd get this checked as soon as possible to is the sick kids , the new royal has this cladding, has this been checked
My thoughts are with all constituents affected by this worrying situation.
I am grateful to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and other emergency services for their ongoing response.
My team & I will continue to monitor the situation.
Please contact me if I can be of assistance to anyone affected.
Edinburgh fire latest - BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk
Residents have been evacuated after a fire broke out at flats in Leith in the early hours of the morning.Some of my brilliant team are moving on to new opportunities, and so I’m recruiting:
Constituency & Parliamentary Assistant: careers.parliament.scot/vacancies/640/constituency-and-parliamentary-assistant-for-ben-macpherson....
Caseworker: careers.parliament.scot/vacancies/639/caseworker-for-ben-macpherson-msp.html.
Please also share with anyone you know who could be interested.
Population growth is the overarching challenge in Edinburgh Northern and Leith, whether it relates to provision of housing, healthcare, policing or education. I will keep making the case for more action and resources to meet the needs of all those in and moving to our area - because it's a great place to live, with many employment and social opportunities.
Question to The Scottish Government on population growth.
On Friday, I visited Dales Marine Services along with Skills Development Scotland as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week. It was good to talk to the apprentices about how employers can raise awareness of the opportunities available for young people in the constituency and beyond. #ScotAppWeek24
Happy International Women’s Day from the Office of Ben Macpherson MSP 💐📢 This International Women's Day, we're excited to share guest blogs with you from women across Scotland who are making meaningful steps towards women's equality.
The theme of IWD this year is #InspireInclusion & we asked our bloggers to talk about the communities & campaigns happening across the country. Head to the link in our website here to see what they had to say: www.engender.org.uk/blogs/blog/
In true #IWD24 style, we encourage you, yes you reading, to enjoy their words & if moved to do so, share this post - on social, with your pals, or DM that special someone who openly ponders, ‘Why is there no International Men’s day..?’*
Join the chat, support women, help us work towards a more equal Scotland & boost #IWD2024.
*PS It's the 19th of November.
Last week it was good to join one of Street Soccer Scotland's community football sessions at Leith Community Centre. I enjoyed speaking with the young people about what matters most to them and answering their questions about Leith and on politics more generally. When asked if I played football they challenged me to take a penalty… Pressure was on! Thanks to everyone for having me. Look forward to continuing to work together to make football more accessible for all and I will continue to try to support Street Soccer Scotland. If you are interested in getting involved in one of their sessions please let them know.
A reminder that my surgeries are taking place tomorrow, Friday 1 March, from:
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).
More details in the post below.👇This Friday, 1 March, I will be holding my regular ‘Drop-in Help & Advice Surgeries’ in Edinburgh Northern and Leith. 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).
Please do not attend if you are experiencing covid or flu symptoms.
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 took the opportunity to highlight the importance of having a police station in Leith.
I have also written to the Justice Secretary and the Edinburgh Police Commander to suggest the possibility of relocating Leith Police Station to a new modern station at Victoria Quay.
A public consultation will be launched soon regarding the future of the current Leith Police Station, which I will share on my channels when it goes live. What do you think should happen regarding Leith Police Station?
This Friday, 1 March, I will be holding my regular ‘Drop-in Help & Advice Surgeries’ in Edinburgh Northern and Leith. 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).
Please do not attend if you are experiencing covid or flu symptoms.
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
Congratulations to Dreadnought Leith for being shortlisted in the PubAid's Community Pub Hero Awards. Many locals and people from around the city will be rooting for you - all the best! 🎉We're up for an award!
While, notionally, it's the pub that's up for the award, I don't know why I'm in the promo photo. I've done diddly squat.
The nomination is in recognition of the commitment and dynamism that Róisín has put into the Pride Bridge campaign. While she's had significant help from others along the way, (for which we're extremely grateful), she's spent long hours on her own, emailing, phoning, generally mithering politicians and officials, preparing documents, presenting to parliamentary groups, (and she HATES any form of public speaking), researching, raising awareness, and a small amount of fundraising.
I mention the fundraising because, unbeknown to probably everyone but me, she has also funded everything almost entirely herself (printing costs, QR code hosting, travel etc). She frequently attends meetings at which she's the only person present who isn't getting paid to be there, and it all takes up a lot of her time and energy.
Thankfully, it's all been very much worth it, and she'll be sharing some big news on the Pride Bridge Instagram page tomorrow (@thepridebridge). So keep an eye out.
All the detail about the award itself, should you be interested, is here:
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/business/leith-pub-in-national-pub-awards-final-4526202
We're not expecting to win the award, (for various reasons, which I won't go into here 😁), but we're in the final five so who knows, and we're very grateful to our local MSP, Ben Macpherson, for the nomination. We're heading down to the House of Commons in a couple of weeks' time for the ceremony, and we'll make a day of it.
I'm planning to treat Róisín to a small house white in The George in Shadwell, a pickled egg in The Cock in Hackney, and the nastiest tequila in the Bird's Nest in Deptford. If you wish to donate towards an upgrade on any of those, I'll stick a wee tin on the bar for coppers and unwanted foreign coins.
Oh, and on the whole community pub thing, some big news coming there, too...
Cheers 🙂
Toby
Brilliant!👍
Slàinte mhath 🥃👍👏
Good luck. We are all rooting for you.