Scottish Land Commission – Transparency of Ownership and Land Use Decision-Making

(adapted from an email from Edinburgh Council. See also this blog post)

Owners and managers are being encouraged to provide simple details that will greatly improve people’s understanding of who owns land in Scotland and what it is used for, under the Scottish Land Commission’s latest protocol.

The protocol on ‘Transparency of Ownership and Land Use Decision-Making’ was published this week and it is the second in the good practice series issued by the Commission to support the practical implementation of the Scottish Government’s land rights and responsibilities statement (LRRS).

The land rights and responsibilities statement is working to create a Scotland with a strong and dynamic relationship between its land and people and where all land contributes to a modern and successful country, but a lack of transparency about land ownership and land use decision-making still remains as a barrier to progress.

This protocol focuses particularly on Principle 5 of the statement: “There should be improved transparency of information about the ownership, use and management of land, and this should be publicly available, clear and contain relevant detail” and supports the upcoming Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land. Continue reading →

Minor injuries assessment – via video-link

(from a tweet by NHS Lothian)

We have launched our groundbreaking new minor injuries service, Call MIA, where you are assessed in your own home by video call. There’s no need to wait in a queue – you get an appointment and experts will assess your injury, provide advice or treatment in a matter of minutes.

Video from tweet is available here: https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/1245617013860364294/pu/vid/1280×720/8ylzu3AhdFzc90Qi.mp4?tag=10

Parks and Greenspace update (31 March)

(adapted from an email sent to LCCC on 31 March 2020)

Here are a couple of briefing notes that have been issued regarding the measures the Parks and Greenspace Service are putting in to place to help contain the spread of Coronavirus.

  • The first one details the general approach for all our parks and greenspaces across the city
  • The second regards those details specific to the Pentland Hills Regional Park.

All events that were scheduled to take place in April and May in a park have been either postponed or cancelled. CEC will keep you informed when any guidance is issued for those booked in June, July and August.

Obviously as time goes on litter/bins and things relating to health and safety in some parks may become issue’s. Can those who are not in self-isolation and who are taking their daily exercise in parks please keep their eyes out for any problems and report them via https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/report

There are still some Parks Officers, Rangers, Forestry, and others from Greenspace along with the Waste teams, still on the ground and inspecting parks and emptying bins. However, with so many areas for them to monitor, it’s taking a little longer than usual. So if we can alert them to serious problems in specific areas these can be prioritised appropriately.

Please just let me know if you need any further information.

Sarah Murphy
Senior Programmes Officer
Parks, Greenspace and Cemeteries
Level 3.1, Waverley Court
4 East Market Street
Edinburgh, EH8 8BG
Tel: 0131 529 7955
Sarah.Murphy@edinburgh.gov.uk

Council resilience centres

(copied from an email sent by CEC on behalf of Cllr Adam McVey)

Council resilience centres are based in

  • Wester Hailes – South West Locality Office, 10 Westside Plaza, EH14 2SP
  • West Pilton Gardens – North West Locality Office, 8 West Pilton Gdns, EH4 4DP
  • Captain’s Road – South East Locality Office, 40 Captain’s Rd, EH17 8QF
  • Craigmillar – North East Locality Office, 101 Niddrie Mains Road, EH16 4DS
  • Leith – Criminal Justice/ Social Work Centre, Newkirkgate Shopping Centre Units C&D, Newkirkgate Shopping Centre, Edinburgh EH6 6AD

They provide a base for our teams to provide welfare, housing and household support by phone and email. Customers are asked to attend in-person only if it is critical, for example if you are

  • are experiencing homelessness
  • are experiencing threats to your wellbeing
  • need urgent cash payments.

This will help us to prioritise support for residents who face financial hardship. All the centres operate 10am to 4pm, with the exception of Craigmillar which operates 8.30am to 5pm Mon-Thurs and 10am to 4pm Friday.”

The latest information can be found on the following link: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/contactus .

Kind regards

[sent on behalf of} Cllr Adam McVey, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council and Councillor for Leith Ward