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Wishing you a very Happy Christmas

Christmas message from the Lord Provost

Enter our glamping competition!

Barrett donate to foodbank

Get along to the Christmas Day Football Party

We wish you a very Happy Christmas today however you choose to spend it and wherever you are and whoever you spend it with.

We would also like to thank you for reading throughout the year and hope that we fill a little gap in your lives!

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provost2A Christmas message from the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh:

There can be few places as magical as the Capital at Christmas time. Thanks to the festive attractions and lights, Edinburgh at Christmas sparkles.

 

But of course, with the nights darker and the weather colder at this time of year, our thoughts turn to those who aren’t lucky enough to have friends and family and around them this Christmas. Now is the time for everyone to show their true community spirit by helping vulnerable neighbours who may be facing difficulties.

 

Recently, the people of Edinburgh’s thoughts and prayers have been with our neighbouring city and everyone that has been affected by Glasgow’s George Square tragedy. One of the victims has now been named as an Edinburgh local, Gillian Ewing, and my heart reaches out to everyone that knew her.

 

This has been the year that marked 100 years since the First World War, yet conflict is not yet a thing of the past. Suffering continues in all corners of the world, which is why the Council has joined forces with the Global humanitarian organisation Mercy Corps this Christmas to offer support and funding for families who are on the run from war. Together let’s help 2015 to be a brighter year for them.

 

The Christmas card I’ve posted this year features an image of ‘The Christmas Truce’, which I find to be a fitting reminder of Christmas as a time for neighbours to set aside differences in faith and politics and to forge friendships. I feel lucky to call this city home and I hope you get a chance to experience Edinburgh at this time of year.

 

Merry Christmas.

 

Donald Wilson

 

The RT Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh

 

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Just in case Santa did not bring you everything your heart desired why not enter our competition to win a break for up to four people to go glamping for two nights?

Enter here.

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Barratt Homes has donated 80kg worth of food to an Edinburgh foodbank, following a month long collection at their regional head office in the capital.

Since the start of November Barratt employees, friends and families have generously donated urgently needed goods like coffee, UHT milk, custard, tinned meat and chocolate.

The donations have now been collected by Edinburgh North West and Central foodbanks, which are part of The Trussell Trust Network, who will deliver the food packs to people who are in crisis.

Alison Condie, managing director Barratt East Scotland said; “We are delighted to be able to make this donation to the Edinburgh North West and Central Foodbanks. At this time of year we felt it was important to give something to those in need and we hope our donation makes a small difference to someone’s Christmas.”

Ewan Walker, operations manager, Edinburgh Food Project, added; “We need to receive over 4,000kg of food each month in order to meet demand and this increases by 50% in the run up to Christmas when we give out extras such as mince pies and selection boxes. We really appreciate large companies like Barratt making donations.  Not only does it boost food donations, but it raises awareness of our cause with employees.

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Get along to The Meadows for a game of football if you are free. Street Soccer Scotland is organising a football match from 11am till 2pm. There is also lunch after the match!

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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.