Council Executive meeting this morning ... not a huge number of actual 'Children and Families' reports, but the Department did have a joint-role in several that were approved throughout the morning. Four students from Tynecastle High were in the public gallery (swelling the numbers by at leasy 100%) as part of their 'shadowing' of me ... I know, I've felt sorry for them as well ;-)
They attended a press briefing we did last week, and have now followed it through to the relevant reports actually being approved by the Council Executive. This afternoon, I'm returning the experience and am going to 'shadow' them for a spell at the High School, in their 'Pupil Council' roles. I've a horrible feeling the Pupil Council may be a lot more interesting than the Council Executive ;-((
As well as the 'shadowing' at the High School, I'm also visiting the school management team (separately) as Tynecastle are part of the second-round of school buildings programme. Think that will thereafter mean I've visited all of the Primary and Secondary Schools involved in the second-round of building.
After the High School, also going to visit the Tynecastle Nursery School to discuss a variety of local issues. Will feel slightly odd, as the last time I was in the building was probably dropping off my own son who was there (about 5 or 6 years ago) as a Nursery Pupil ;-)
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Monday, October 09, 2006
Some 'blog' training and local Community Council this evening
Actually attended a brief (but good!) training course on how to keep a 'blog' this morning - made me realise that I should make more effort to publicise my existing "blog/diary" ;-))
Weekly surgery this evening quite busy - combination of housing and planning issues; two of the most common concerns that are raised with me.
Talking of concerns - at the local Community Council meeting this evening still plenty of anxiety (quite rightly) about the ongoing youth disorder issues in the local area. The meeting a couple of weeks ago seems to have eased some worries that not enough was being done - but it's clear to me that this now needs to be followed through into action on the ground.
Weekly surgery this evening quite busy - combination of housing and planning issues; two of the most common concerns that are raised with me.
Talking of concerns - at the local Community Council meeting this evening still plenty of anxiety (quite rightly) about the ongoing youth disorder issues in the local area. The meeting a couple of weeks ago seems to have eased some worries that not enough was being done - but it's clear to me that this now needs to be followed through into action on the ground.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Local Radio Show & first Civil Partnership!
Saturday morning, local radio show yesterday seemed to go well - always difficult to tell when you're at the receiving end of the questions etc.; but I enjoyed the discussion, which is always a good sign. I generally find with these events, if you feel uncomfortable then something is certainly going wrong ;-(
Anyhow, that wasn't the case yesterday morning - so here's hoping for some positive feedback during the coming week from those who may have been listening??
Yesterday evening, the family all shot over to Glasgow (having dropped our son at his grandparents near Airdrie) to attend our first ever Civil Partnership event! Was a really enjoyable evening - atmosphere made all the better by Scotland beating France 1-0 at football just before the reception started, which seemed to send Glasgow into a frenzy of excitement ;-))
Can't help but comment on the general 'feel' of the whole evening - first off we had a few pints in a pub in Partick (not the most salubrious part of the city) and other guests from the North West of England were in the bar ... the atmosphere was great; England playing badly against Macedonia, Scotland practically 'claiming' the 2006 World Cup having beaten France, Scots and English having a really good laugh at it all in the pub, no smoking allowed inside, English smokers being told they are not down South now and can't freely pollute other drinkers lungs (this is in Partick remember!). Then the Civil partnership just round the corner still in Partick, same-sex couple tying a legal bond for life, lovely atmosphere, friendly, loads of diversity in the wedding party ... this paragraph (and yesterday evening) would just not have been possible - or even thought possible - 10 years ago.
Whether one agrees with the direction of change - yesterday reminded me that Governments DO unquestionably change society. For me, it was a wonderful example of the power of politics to create a 'good society' ... not perfect, just a bit better for many.
Anyhow, that wasn't the case yesterday morning - so here's hoping for some positive feedback during the coming week from those who may have been listening??
Yesterday evening, the family all shot over to Glasgow (having dropped our son at his grandparents near Airdrie) to attend our first ever Civil Partnership event! Was a really enjoyable evening - atmosphere made all the better by Scotland beating France 1-0 at football just before the reception started, which seemed to send Glasgow into a frenzy of excitement ;-))
Can't help but comment on the general 'feel' of the whole evening - first off we had a few pints in a pub in Partick (not the most salubrious part of the city) and other guests from the North West of England were in the bar ... the atmosphere was great; England playing badly against Macedonia, Scotland practically 'claiming' the 2006 World Cup having beaten France, Scots and English having a really good laugh at it all in the pub, no smoking allowed inside, English smokers being told they are not down South now and can't freely pollute other drinkers lungs (this is in Partick remember!). Then the Civil partnership just round the corner still in Partick, same-sex couple tying a legal bond for life, lovely atmosphere, friendly, loads of diversity in the wedding party ... this paragraph (and yesterday evening) would just not have been possible - or even thought possible - 10 years ago.
Whether one agrees with the direction of change - yesterday reminded me that Governments DO unquestionably change society. For me, it was a wonderful example of the power of politics to create a 'good society' ... not perfect, just a bit better for many.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Director's Meeting, catch up, and evening off!
Weekly Director's Meeting first thing this morning - focused on links with Kenya, and departmental budget issues. Quite a contrast in tone and content!
A huge general catch up this afternoon - bit of mail backlog, but all successfully cleared.
... and an evening off tonight - thank goodness, it's been a frantic week but looking forward to the weekend and a bit of a rest! That said, have to do a local radio show tomorrow (Saturday) morning ... I do usually enjoy these events and hoping that tomorrow will be no different ;-)
A huge general catch up this afternoon - bit of mail backlog, but all successfully cleared.
... and an evening off tonight - thank goodness, it's been a frantic week but looking forward to the weekend and a bit of a rest! That said, have to do a local radio show tomorrow (Saturday) morning ... I do usually enjoy these events and hoping that tomorrow will be no different ;-)
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Visits to three schools today!
Busy 'visiting-day' today ... all schools that are involved in the second round of the schools building programme.
Bonaly Primary first this morning - well, actually at the old "Darroch" site in Tollcross, as they are decanted there for a while, until the new school built. Thought the school were coping magnificently with what must be a pretty demanding set of circumstances.
Forrester High School next and very differerent issues - no decant involved, but new school will be built in the grounds, so still difficult challenges to overcome throughout the upcoming building programme.
St. Augustine's High School last, which is right next door to Forrester's, had similar issues and also some specific concerns about detail.
It has to be said that, in the main, the management teams at the schools are showing remarkable patience - and organisation! - in coping with all that is either going on and/or about to happen to their school communities.
Bonaly Primary first this morning - well, actually at the old "Darroch" site in Tollcross, as they are decanted there for a while, until the new school built. Thought the school were coping magnificently with what must be a pretty demanding set of circumstances.
Forrester High School next and very differerent issues - no decant involved, but new school will be built in the grounds, so still difficult challenges to overcome throughout the upcoming building programme.
St. Augustine's High School last, which is right next door to Forrester's, had similar issues and also some specific concerns about detail.
It has to be said that, in the main, the management teams at the schools are showing remarkable patience - and organisation! - in coping with all that is either going on and/or about to happen to their school communities.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Portobello last night; St. John's tonight
Two, large public meetings over the last couple of days.
Portobello High School meeting, held last night, had 200+ people in attendance, but was remarkably civilised and I was hugely impressed by the calm, rational arguments being put forward by the vast majority of people present.
St. John's Primary School meeting, tonight, had close on 100 members of the public present ... and again, very calm and rational arguments being put forward.
Subject matter has been the potential replacement of both schools with new facilities - badly needed in both cases - but with the possibility of some of the moves being on to local green space.
Another, wider public meeting next Wednesday in Portobello Town Hall - before the formal consultation ends on 30th October.
Portobello High School meeting, held last night, had 200+ people in attendance, but was remarkably civilised and I was hugely impressed by the calm, rational arguments being put forward by the vast majority of people present.
St. John's Primary School meeting, tonight, had close on 100 members of the public present ... and again, very calm and rational arguments being put forward.
Subject matter has been the potential replacement of both schools with new facilities - badly needed in both cases - but with the possibility of some of the moves being on to local green space.
Another, wider public meeting next Wednesday in Portobello Town Hall - before the formal consultation ends on 30th October.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Children 1st AGM and Weekly Surgery
Children 1st AGM late this afternoon, with a big attendance in the City Chambers. Only had a few minutes at the actual annual general meeting as it near enough clashed with my weekly surgery at 6pm. Was, consequently, all a bit hurried unfortunately.
Anyhow, dahsed out to do the Weekly Surgery thereafter. As is nearly always the case, a few constituents present with several issues to raise with me.
Anyhow, dahsed out to do the Weekly Surgery thereafter. As is nearly always the case, a few constituents present with several issues to raise with me.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Anti Social Behaviour
Large, local meeting last night at Carrickvale Community Centre, organised by Sarah Boyack. Cathy Jamieson and Sheila Gilmore were also speakers. Main topic of debate was anti-social behaviour, which has been a big issue in the Hutchison and Stenhouse areas recently - with a very small minority causing real problems for the large majority.
It was pretty obvious at the meeting that most people do actually recognise there has been significant support, in terms of legislation, on these issues from the government. They also know that the Police are working as hard as they can to help. But it was also equally clear that a lot more co-ordination needs to happen between the various agencies - Council, Police and others.
A lot of people in attendance and passions running quite high.
It was pretty obvious at the meeting that most people do actually recognise there has been significant support, in terms of legislation, on these issues from the government. They also know that the Police are working as hard as they can to help. But it was also equally clear that a lot more co-ordination needs to happen between the various agencies - Council, Police and others.
A lot of people in attendance and passions running quite high.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Consultative Committee with Parents
First 'chairing' of the consultative committee with parents this evening. Very 'big' round-table meeting - did wonder if there were too many individuals to make if effective to be honest.
But despite that concern, plenty of good debate on several important issues ... with the most heated (and interesting) deabte on the major risk factors that primarily affect young people in Edinburgh. Point of argument wasn't about what the factors were - drugs, alcohol, lack of parenting - but more about how much emphasis we should all put on problems that affect the minority?
But despite that concern, plenty of good debate on several important issues ... with the most heated (and interesting) deabte on the major risk factors that primarily affect young people in Edinburgh. Point of argument wasn't about what the factors were - drugs, alcohol, lack of parenting - but more about how much emphasis we should all put on problems that affect the minority?
Monday, September 25, 2006
Visit to Portobello High School this afternoon
Out to Portobello High School this afternoon. Good to visit the school, and meet several of the Management Team, before we get to next week's public meetings. Everyone seems pretty keen to see a decision made and real progress with a replacement school ...
As well as the public meetings over the next couple of weeks, the consultation report is going to the relevant Scrutiny Panel this coming Thursday.
As well as the public meetings over the next couple of weeks, the consultation report is going to the relevant Scrutiny Panel this coming Thursday.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Shelving, shelving, shelving ...
Completely re-shelving a whole section of the living room today - I just love DIY ;-((Only just got started really, spending far too long buying all the materials etc. Anyhow, all such in place and just need to assemble now! Can't wait.
Big job - as you can now see ...
Friday, September 22, 2006
Endless meetings with officials and a night off!
All day, back-to-back meetings with officials today. Brain was a bit frazzled by the end ... head is spinning with endless, new information.
On the up-side, a night off this evening - first one this week - so out for a curry at a local restaurant ... very good!
On the up-side, a night off this evening - first one this week - so out for a curry at a local restaurant ... very good!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Full Council Meeting
Full Council Meeting today - totally dominated (just for a change) by transport issues. I have to say, was a bit of a pleasure not be in the firing-line for once ;-))
Not one single Council Question and/or debate on anything to do with education ... what a contrast!
Not one single Council Question and/or debate on anything to do with education ... what a contrast!
Saturday, September 16, 2006
One Wedding and a Christening
Wedding in Salsburgh (my home village in Lanarkshire) this afternoon and then on to Airdrie for reception.
Ricky and Tracy - the Happy Couple!
Really enjoyable, family occasion with all the usual ridiculous stories, reminiscing, beer and cigars --- excellent!
Had to make it back to Edinburgh this evening, as we need to get down to London tomorrow for a Christening on the other side of the family ... not going to get much sleep.
Not looking too bad in South London (on the way to the Christening) the morning after the night before!
Ricky and Tracy - the Happy Couple!
Really enjoyable, family occasion with all the usual ridiculous stories, reminiscing, beer and cigars --- excellent!
Just before the cigars ;-)
Had to make it back to Edinburgh this evening, as we need to get down to London tomorrow for a Christening on the other side of the family ... not going to get much sleep.
Not looking too bad in South London (on the way to the Christening) the morning after the night before!
Friday, September 15, 2006
ERS Scotland Planning Day
Planning day for the new ERS office in Scotland!
I've spent years campaigning for electoral reform ... just can't justify the outcomes that first-past-the-post throws up as a democrat ... so absolutely delighted to be involved in a planning event for the establishment of an Electoral Reform Society (ERS) office here in Edinburgh.
Main goal is to help ensure the successful use of STV-PR for the local government elections here in Scotland next May. Two members of staff in place, and probably at least two more to come.
I've spent years campaigning for electoral reform ... just can't justify the outcomes that first-past-the-post throws up as a democrat ... so absolutely delighted to be involved in a planning event for the establishment of an Electoral Reform Society (ERS) office here in Edinburgh.
Main goal is to help ensure the successful use of STV-PR for the local government elections here in Scotland next May. Two members of staff in place, and probably at least two more to come.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Portobello, PPP2 and Leith
Council Executive (cabinet) meeting this morning. Four deputations concerning the proposals for the re-building of Portobello High School and St. John's Primary. Excellent contributions from all. Difficult decision coming up on this, but first ... a few weeks of public consultation, then back to the Full Council meeting in December.
This afternoon, visited the 'Education PPP2' team at their HQ ... given a very thorough briefing on all that's going on. Again, some very big decisions on the horizon.
And off to Leith this evening for a presentation ceremony at a local community Resource Centre ... enjoyable event and very friendly people.
This afternoon, visited the 'Education PPP2' team at their HQ ... given a very thorough briefing on all that's going on. Again, some very big decisions on the horizon.
And off to Leith this evening for a presentation ceremony at a local community Resource Centre ... enjoyable event and very friendly people.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Change in job!
Well, finally I have a change in job as from a few days ago - no longer the Councillor responsible for Transport in Edinburgh, but have moved to "Children and Families".
I am genuinely sorry to be moving on, especially having put absolutely everything into the last 5 years, but new Department is the biggest in the Council and I do see it as a good move.
So, next few months are going to be exceptionally busy getting to know the new brief, but I'm thoroughly looking forward to getting to grips with a whole set of new challenges.
I am genuinely sorry to be moving on, especially having put absolutely everything into the last 5 years, but new Department is the biggest in the Council and I do see it as a good move.
So, next few months are going to be exceptionally busy getting to know the new brief, but I'm thoroughly looking forward to getting to grips with a whole set of new challenges.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
I think I will keep an on-line diary ...
I know I registered this site several years ago - and subsequently did nothing with it (have been rather busy!) - but I reckon the time is as good as any to have a go at keeping a really, very simple on-line diary.Apart from anything else, numerous Ward constituents keep asking what I actually do all day (damn good question actually!) and several have said, "why not keep an on-line diary and then we'll know"...
So, I'm going to give it a go over the next few weeks and see what happens?
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