Juniper Green Celebrates

Juniper Green's Eco King and Queen and their entourage board their horse drawn carriage for the parade around the village this morning at the end of a week of events to celebrate the centenary of Bloomiehall Park becoming a local public asset. A cast of thousands, a pipe band leading the procession, followed by the "royal" party, children from Juniper Green Primary and the local scout troups made for a great spectacle and real community feel. Also timed to coincide with the school fair where stalls aplenty of everything from Fair Trade to home baking were on offer.

Managed to make the final of the Bloomiehall Cup last night in the park where local team Bloomiehall Bairns beat another local team from the Royal Bank 3-0 in a competitive contest that was not as one-sided as the score would suggest. The trophy was presented by Juniper Green native Paul Hegarty of Scotland and Dundee Utd and the man of the match award selected by Kevin Hegarty who played for Hearts in the early 70s.

Meanwhile, in other news, after another seriously busy week I'm not quite as adrift as I thought I would be in getting to grips with the new role. And manged my first public / media engagement at the Brake the Cycle launch which is an excellent project getting young offenders on Community Payback sentences to refurbish bikes that are then gifted back to local communities.

Cultivating

Not enough days in this week but I suspect I might be saying that for a wee while. Was successfully appointed as the new Convenor for Health, Social Care and Housing at yesterday's full Council meeting. Now getting to grips with some of the very real issues and expecting to be handed a chunky list of commitments to deliver from the recently signed coalition partnership agreement. Was also nominated yesterday as the Council's representative on NHS Lothian's board. Not a role I had anticipated up until a few days ago but given the obvious cross over between many of the Council's care services and the NHS it makes sense. Apparently my appointment has to be ratified by the Cabinet Secretary for Health so better not make any definite plans until official say so has been received.

Productive afternoon, following a constituent visit in Balerno I headed to Ratho Library for a coffee and a chat with some of the local staff and mums while youngsters played computer games and pulled long balloons into embarrassing shapes. Then on to the Bridge Inn where Cala Homes are showing an exhibition of their plans to replace the previously agreed care home with 14 houses at the Freelands Road site. There is a rationale for this but I suspect there will be a little unease locally at the loss of such an important element in the development.

Remember the blog post I did in February after planting two apple trees in the garden ? Well the photo above is the rather impressive progress being made following a somewhat mixed few months of weather. Not expecting a bumper harvest any time soon but am delighted to see that they seem to be healthy and developing well.

Getting Real

Another eventful week. Our new Administration is beginning to feel real, office moves are underway, new support staff have been allocated, our new Councillors have been provided with phones, desks, computers and email addresses so that they can get cracking. And, to cap it all at Thursday's full Council meeting Andrew Burns was appointed as Council Leader and our new Labour Lord Provost, Donald Wilson took the chain of office and made a contribution that was dignified, humourous and moving. He will be an excellent LP.

On Wednesday night I was delighted to accept an invitation to be guest chair of the Wester Hailes Community Council AGM. Pleased to report it was well attended and all four office bearer posts were successfully filled and an additional 7 people volunteered to become members of the CC. A positive start to the year ahead and its certainly time that Wester Hailes found its community voice again. Since the demise of the Rep Council WH has struggled a little to raise and pursue issues with same effectiveness as was once the case.

Now, just the small matter of the biggest ever Scottish Cup Final to deal with. I hadn't really felt very nervous this week about the game. Until now.

A Big Job

The Labour Group tonight has nominated me as Convenor of Health, Social Care and Housing which is a massive responsibility (as well as a long job title !) and one that I will take extremely seriously. Covering everything from care homes to home helps, criminal justice social work, help for adults with disabilties, direct payments, adaptations, housing and all its facets and challenges, I reckon my diary will be fairly full for the foreseeable future. Also a great honour that my colleagues have the faith in me to be reasonably competent with such an important group of services. Really pleased too that the Labour Group have nominated Cllr Cammy Day as vice-Convenor. Cammy's got good skills and a significant amount of experience in these areas so I'm convinced we'll be a pretty effective team. All this of course has to be endorsed by the full Council meeting on 24th May but I'm keen to get started and can't help thinking about what lies ahead. The Partnership Agreement that underpins our Labour/SNP coalition contains no fewer than 50 commitments for the city, many of which are related to the Health, Social Care and Housing brief so we'll certainly have a clear agenda to work to. Now, off to Balerno to hopefully catch the end of the Balerno Village Trust AGM.

The Longest Week

The longest week, beginning with the closing few days of the election campaign leading to Polling Day itself and then the Count, followed by three days of intense negotiation that resulted in our Labour/SNP coalition, finally concluded last night with a visit to Frank Boyle's exhibition launch at the Scottish Story Telling Centre on the High Street. Frank has moved on from the football cartoon show a few weeks back to his political work, appropriate given the timing. As said before his work is superb and you can see more of it at http://www.boylecartoon.co.uk/ Live entertainment was provided by the Sensational Alex Salmond Gastric Band, (left) satirical Scottish songwriting at its best. You can get more info on facebook here .

Outwith the City Chambers Thursday night saw a visit to the management committee meeting of Juniper Green Village Hall. They're still pursuing the disabled access and toilets provision and I'm pretty sure we can see this through to a successful conclusion.

This morning the Balerno Farmers Market was in full swing, spent a small fortune on sausages and cakes ! Should have been golfing this afternoon but the course is closed after all the rain. Oh well, the garage really does need to be tidied out. Joy.....

A New Dawn ?

20 seats

Well, an agreement has been reached to work with the SNP Group to run the Council. Andrew Burns will be an excellent Council Leader and we shall also nominate the Lord Provost.

After extensive and exhaustive talks over many hours on Saturday, Sunday and Monday our attempt to create an "Administration of all the talents" as per our manifesto, failed to progress because most of the other parties were unable to commit to the proposals we put forward. To cut a long story short that left only one realistic, viable option, a Labour/SNP coalition. Unusual ? Yes, but not unique and although we are normally sworn enemies, there does a come a time after the votes have been counted and the dust settled, to work with others in the interests of the very people who put us where we are. I'm pretty confident we can do that and look forward to the hard work ahead.

One important and optimistic footnote to this tale is that at last night's meeting of the five party negotiating teams, although agreement couldn't be reached on a cross party alliance, virtually all commented that they'd welcomed the dialogue and believed there was an opportunity for more joint working and openness going forward. Don't worry, that doesn't mean an "all-party love-in" with everyone agreeing with each other all the time. Of course there will be division and robust political debate, but perhaps there was a feeling that we could and should work harder at involving each other in our policy and decision meeting process.

The picture above shows a trial set up in the Council Chambers for full Council meetings and the 20 seats that will be occupied by Labour bums on Thursday 17th May.

The Count

I'm absolutely delighted and very proud to have been re-elected and able to represent the Pentland Hills ward again for another 5 years. Also chuffed to bits to increase our share of the vote by a massive 9% ! Details of the full result can be found here .

Many, many thanks are due to the small but perfectly formed and energetic band of activists who worked so hard for the last few months delivering material and knocking doors. Also thanks to the hundreds of local residents who took a few minutes to talk to me, raise issues, debate and sometimes argue about the main issues in their area. And thanks too to the 2293 who voted me as number 1 and the many others who gave me other preferences. It really is most appreciated.

A final, and most important thanks to my wonderful agent who steered us through the campaign and applied a firm hand when it was needed and coaxed and cajoled when necessary...

Looking forward to working with my new colleagues, Bill Henderson (no relation) and Dominic Heslop. I'm sure we'll work well together.

Special mention too to Mike "Professor Pongoo" Ferrigan. He polled a very respectable 444 votes and has a great deal to offer the local community. I hope his skills and commitment to the area are tapped into in some way.

We're now the biggest party on the Council with 20 seats so that obviously gives us some authority in discussing future arrangements with others but we have to be conscious that all groups have their own priorities for the future and I'm sure talks over the next few days will be conducted sensibly and maturely with any and all that have Edinburgh's best interests at heart.

Polling Day

Polling Day has arrived ! Out early this morning with the A boards and did a stint at Ratho, Balerno and Gibson Craig Halls polling stations. Not a huge turn out yet but certainly a steady trickle of people throughout. Good banter with the other parties and was pleased to bump into Mike "Professor Pongoo" Ferrigan. Disappointed that he wasn't in costume but he may be persuaded later in the day. Right, time to get back out there. 

See you at the Count !

Let's Get Out And Do It People !

SAMH Redhall Walled Garden

Managed a brief door knocking session last night and a visit to a constituent before heading for the Ratho Primary Parent Council meeting. 

This morning was a fantastic (and slightly humbling) visit to Redhall Walled Garden, run by SAMH , which helps people who are dealing with mental health problems rebuild their confidence and self esteem through working in the garden and associated IT suite. It's a wonderful facility and they undertake a vast range of tasks which help people to look forward to the future and take responsibility for their own lives after periods of illness. After an extensive tour of the garden we adjourned to the meeting room for a cuppa and a scone and a chat with several volunteers and staff members. On a very simple level SAMH support people to hopefully build a better future for themselves but lying behind each individual is often a complex history of illness and issues, sometimes homelessness, alcohol or drug porblems, dismissal from employment and woven through each tale is a constant battle to try and find the most appropriate support and advice which is often necessary before even considering taking on the tangled web that we call the Benefits System.

It was very very clear that much more needs to be done. Services have been cut just at the time when more people are likely to need them and ultimately this will be false economy as increased numbers experience more severe problems with a greater impact on the lives of themselves and their families as well as wider society. The Welfare Reform Act won't be much help either. In fact, it may make the situation much worse. 

I don't like to strike a negative note as there were so many positive personal stories but obviously there are still some major challenges ahead. If I'm still a Councillor this time next week I've offered to meet again to see if we can progress some of the more local issues.

I believe that all Councillors and candidates were invited to today's event but only myself, from the Labour Group and the Greens were represented. I'm sure the other parties do care about these services but must have been too busy today to get one person each to attend.

PS - Redhall Walled Garden's next Open Day (with plant sales and cream teas) is on Sunday 20th May (12-5pm), See you there !

Promises, Promises.

Last Council meeting on Thursday would have been relatively uneventful if it wasn't for the (hopefully) final decision on Portobello High School. Three deputations, all of whom spoke passionately and honestly, and a debate which saw the unfortunate Greens on the wrong end of Marilyne MacLaren mauling. Marilyne doesn't take any prisoners at the best of times and she wasn't going to let the warm fuzzy feeling of the final Council meeting in a five term get in the way of a good old fashioned, full frontal, political assault.

Last night was Edinburgh Labour's fundraising Race Night and a good night was had by all. I was MC for the event and it probably prevented me from losing more than I did. Grateful for small mercies I suppose.

Juniper Green Farmers Market today, followed by campaigning in Balerno.

Interesting blog piece by Peter Maxwell about the 5 main manifestos in the Edinburgh Council elections. I don't know Peter but you have to admire someone who's prepared to read 5 political manifestos and then share his conclusions with the rest of us. Probably won't come as surprise to learn I wholeheartedly agree with his analysis.

'Tis the Season of Hustings

Things are a bit of a blur just now. Incredibly busy over the past few days.

Last Thursday was the Active Citizenship Group's Hustings at the City Chambers, which I was happy to attend on behalf of the Labour Group. Lively debate and a good turn out.

Friday was Regulatory Committee where the most important piece of business on the Agenda, my motion on Commercial Dog Walking, was duly agreed. Then nipped out to Currie where PETRA (Pentlands Edge Tenants & Residents Association) had spent the day planting in and around the grass area at Bryce Road next to the shops and Weavers Knowe Pub. They did a grand job and there should be a nice splash of colour and heather there in the future.

Saturday - Campaigning in Currie with Alistair Darling MP and then in the evening made my debut as an after dinner speaker having been invited to address the 65th anniversary dinner of Moray House Rugby Club at the Royal Britsh. Great night, even though as a petrified first timer I had to wait as the last speaker of six and didn't get to my feet until around 11pm. Loved it though and my lame gags seemed to be well received. 

Sunday - More campaigning, this time in Balerno where the sun truly shone on the righteous, and I managed to catch some rays too ! Then in the evening the grand Edinburgh Labour Gala Dinner with Andrew Burns, Alistair Darling, Johann Lamont, Anas Sarwar and Special Guest Alastair Campbell (with his brother Donald the Piper). Excellent evening, raised a few bob for the campaign and I auctioned a couple of Hibs and Hearts tops. In return for a modest donation I'm prepared to reveal which was most valuable. AC then busked on the pipes in return for a bucket collection which boosted the night's takings even further. Good night.

Monday - Last night was our local hustings for the Pentland Hills ward at Balerno Parish Church, excellently chaired by Prof Cliff Beevers and very well attended by around 170 local souls. Good natured debate and all the candidates were on good form.

Councillor takes lead on dog walking

Pretty pleased that today's Evening News took an interest in my motion to Friday's Regulatory Committee asking for a report on what measures could be considered in relation to introducing a licensing regime for Commercial Dog Walking companies. These businesses appear to be expanding, which is fine, but I've received a few concerns from local residents about multiple dogs not completely under control and a few nasty incidents as result. The suggestion seems to have been well received and I'm hopeful that colleagues on Regulatory will agree to the request for a report.

Excellent door knocking session tonight in Currie. Only two weeks to go !!!

City Budget Committee & other stuff

Well, what a weekend that was ! As expected, lost my shirt at the Poker Night but bounced back on Sunday to enjoy the second best ever day at Hampden. So far. I suspect this debate is already dead in the water but I would much prefer to see the Scottish Cup Final on 19th May played at Murrayfield. It would be brilliant for the city, both clubs and Hearts and Hibs fans. Probably too many vested interests at play though for common sense to prevail on this occasion.

Anyway, back to business, with a massively busy week ahead. Surgeries and Ratho Community Council last night and a full day today starting at the opening of the new community cafe in the refurbished St Joseph's Centre at Balerno Church. Followed by a walkabout in Wester Hailes and I've got a few issues I want to raise. A Regulatory Committee briefing at 2pm and a WEGARAH meeting this evening.

Pleased to have had a couple of articles posted on the Edinburgh Labour website today and yesterday. A City Budget Committee to open up the Council's budget setting process and a gentle reminder that Council debt levels have increased to worrying levels in the last 5 years and could be unsustainable in the current climate.

Cartoon Head still on the Campaign Trail

Really enjoyed the launch of Frank Boyle's football cartoon exhibition last night at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on the High Street. Some excellent football and political banter washed down with a wee glass of red. Frank even let slip what team he really supports, but the secret's safe with me. His work is fairly legendary now with the only low point of his career being a cartoon featuring me (the only one to the best of my knowledge). You can access his work and buy his books at his website . It's all good stuff.

Balerno Farmers Market today, followed by a spot of leafleting and door knocking at the top end of Balerno. Went well. Tonight, against my better judgement I will be participating in a Labour fundraising Poker Night. I can't even make a half decent job of a fixed odds so I'll probably be completely out of my depth with serious gambling.

Early night, though, tomorrow I'm Hampden bound for the Scottish Cup Semi Final. I may be in a minority but I think an all Edinburgh Cup Final would be fantastic for both clubs and the city. I'm not confident its going to happen mind, but you never know.... 'Mon the Hearts !

Military Manoeuvres

Currie Community Council on Monday night. Not a bad turn out considering it was a public holiday. A number of local issues raised and discussed and in particular still no definitive feedback on the outcome of the bidding process for the old Curriehill School site or the Engine Shed site. Bureaucracy and legal niceties responsible for the delay I suspect. Also reported that the MOD have abandoned their plans to create a new Army base at Kirknewton. This has since been dismissed by the MOD as rumour and speculation. They're still sticking to their plans as announced last July by former Defence Secretary Liam Fox apparently. We shall see. Does the left hand know what the right hand is doing one wonders ?

Last night was an Election Briefing at the City Chambers hosted by the Election Returning Officer and her team, basically to explain the processes and procedures to be followed on Election Day itself (3rd May obviously) and at the Count the following morning at Meadowbank. I may be becoming more of a political anorak than I would have wished but actually found the session very interesting. If you want me to explain the intricacies of the Single Transferable Vote system, just ask ! I'd be happy to oblige ! Seeing the ballot box in the flesh, so to speak, brought me out in a cold sweat !

"a bit of an embarrassment"

Yesterday was particularly productive with a fantastic turn out of Good Friday campaign workers. We delivered well over 2000 leaflets and had a couple of teams door knocking. Very satisfying and a good reaction on the doorsteps. As promised, I bought the leafleting foot soldiers a beer in the Grey Horse, then the Malleny Arms, then the Riccarton Arms, then the Woodhall. Oh dear !.... Hic.... Back out again today, leaflet delivery in the Muirwood area of Currie and I went door knocking in the Cherry Trees part of Balerno. Some good banter with local residents and the rain just about stayed off.

Interesting piece in yesterday's Scotsman by Joyce McMillan. Ostensibly about elected Mayors she squarely sets out her stall by concluding that Edinburgh's SNP/LibDem Council Administration has become "a bit of an embarrassment". Can't argue with you there Joyce.

Good Friday, Grey Horse

Always confuses me this, a holiday for some but not others. Anyway, making the most of it by planning an Easter Weekend of Campaign Activity, starting this afternoon in Currie. Have promised to take the team to the Grey Horse later for some well earned refreshment.

Balerno Community Council was as busy as ever last night. They're leading on the arrangements for a local hustings on Monday 23rd in Balerno Parish Church, more details here . The poor state of local roads was also discussed at length and it was agreed that the local Roads Manager should be invited to a future meeting to discuss policy and practice when it comes to fixing the roads. Should be an interesting discussion.

Wester Hailes Community Council on Wednesday was as lively as anticipated with the underpass and associated housing development next to the Health Living Centre thoroughly debated. There will be a joint Neighbourhood Partnership public meeting (after the election unfortunately) to discuss all the associated issues and I get a sense that local residents may be finding their voice again. They'll need to if we are to get the best outcome for this site and the wider community. 

Wester Hailes CC

Last night's gig went exceptionally well I thought. Could hardly call myself an expert but a good venue with a good atmosphere and good bands added up to a successful evening all round. Tonight it's the Wester Hailes Community Council monthly meeting. Hoping for a decent turn out, the small band of activists that have kept the light burning certainly deserve some support. I suspect the issue of access to the new Healthy Living Centre from the shopping centre side of the railway line may be raised again. A solution of sorts has been agreed between the NHS/Council consortium and the leaseholders of the shopping centre but its far from ideal and could be so much better. You would think that an area that needs to regain the regeneration momentum it once had deserved a bit more effort wouldn't you ?

Roads and Roadies

Very productive weekend spent door knocking in sun drenched Juniper Green. And took possession of 10,000 Election Address leaflets. Just got to deliver them now. All volunteers most welcome !

Earlier this evening I met a few of the residents of Bonnington Village, beyond Ratho (more a hamlet really) to discuss their ongoing  concerns about site traffic accessing the nearby art attraction thundering past their cottages on a daily basis. Understandably, they're pretty upset and we need to set about finding solutions.

After that had to head into town to help my youngest, whose college course in Music Business Management involves putting on gigs and tonight's rock n roll mecca is at the Voodoo Rooms (£3 at the door). Three bands, all of whom are destined to be stars of the future will take to the stage, although none of them, apparently, has a drum kit. Hence Dad becomes Roadie for the night and duly delivers drum kit to the venue. Unfortunately I've got to collect it again at the end, which will be well past my bed time ! Not a happy bunny....