Flooding risk on east coast – Council to spend money on improving schools – Capital Concert Band – Films at the National Gallery – Friday Fun
Following yesterday’s stormy weather, Environment and Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse said:-“We have seen some areas of localised flooding across Scotland as a result of the severe weather experienced.
“The Scottish Government is continuing to work with SEPA, local authorities and the emergency services to coordinate a multi-agency response and ensure that people and businesses are fully prepared for possible flooding later on Thursday night and into the early hours of Friday morning, with a particular risk associated of a high tide of up to 4.5 metres on eastern coastal areas between 3:30AM and 5:00AM. The previous record for such a tide was 4.47m in 1959.
“Specifically we are concerned for areas already affected on the Firth of Forth. People are advised to stay away from coastal paths and sea defences around high tide tomorrow morning, particularly in areas such as Eyemouth and the Berwickshire coast, Musselburgh and the East Neuk of Fife where we know there have already been coastal flooding impacts on Thursday afternoon, when the tide reached an estimated 4.1 metres.
“I would encourage everyone to refer to the SEPA website which is updated regularly with the latest information on flood risk across Scotland and to listen for updates on local radio and through local resilience teams.”
Yesterday a lorry driver died after his vehicle turned on its side in West Lothian, landing on two cars. Trains were cancelled across Scotland yesterday, and over 100,000 homes across the country were without power.
Council staff were out working hard to keep schools open. Bins had been blown over and we caught sight of a large sign outside the Jaguar garage on the Glasgow Road which had blown over onto one of the cars displayed on the forecourt.
The temperature was expected to fall during the night and some roads may be gritted. But do take care!
Planned gritting 5/6 Dec – overnight patrols, treating as required; priority roads & footways treated from 5pm tonight #edintravel
— EdinburghTravelNews (@edintravel) December 5, 2013
How is it where you are? Is there any flooding or damage? Do let us know…..
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A proposal to invest £30m upgrading schools, nurseries and other buildings in Edinburgh is being considered by the City of Edinburgh Council next week, with a commitment to upgrade all schools currently identified as in ‘poor’ condition.
A report is going to the City of Edinburgh Council’s Education, Children and Families Committee on Tuesday, 10 December outlining the current condition of the buildings in the Children and Families estate.
The Capital Asset Management Programme Priorities 2014-2019 report highlights a number of buildings that need work carried out over the next five years following the recent completion of condition surveys.
The surveys identified that 92% of schools were in a satisfactory or good condition which is better than the Scottish average of 81% and compared favourably to other local authorities such as Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee.
However 15 buildings were found to be in a poor condition and a further seven buildings were identified as needing significant levels of investment to keep them in a satisfactory condition.
The Committee will now consider a priority programme of investment including major works to these buildings, alongside substantial Health and Safety and wind and watertight improvements to establishments across the estate. Major works include roofing, replacement windows improved lighting, ventilation and heating.
Councillor Paul Godzik, Convener for the Education, Children and Families Committee, said: “A huge amount of work has been done to ensure that we have up to date information on the condition of the buildings in the Children and Families estate. It has given us a clear and comprehensive picture of what repairs and improvement works are needed.
“For too long the Council’s maintenance and repair has been largely reactive, and this new information will allow us to plan and prioritise effectively. Given declining budgets it is absolutely vital that we target funding where it is needed most. The programme announced today provides us with an investment programme which does exactly this, with an aim to ensure that every school is rated A or B by the Scottish Government.
“Our estate is in a considerably better condition than other areas of Scotland, at the moment 92% of our buildings are rated satisfactory or good. However we need to ensure that all our buildings are in a suitable condition to ensure every child in Edinburgh is given the best start in life.”
Council Leader Andrew Burns said: “The Capital Coalition is committed to raising the condition of our schools as shown by this pledge to invest £30m over five years. It is a priority issue for us but more financial help is needed to ensure all our schools are of a suitable standard. I am eager to look closely for additional revenue funding to achieve this.”
Full details of which schools and buildings have been identified for upgrade work in the Children and Families estate can be accessed here.
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The Capital Concert Band’s Christmas deal – 8 December 2013 at St Serfs ChurchInverleith EH5 3NP, at 19:30. Tickets £5, £8-£20 on the door.
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National Gallery is the place to be to get out of the cold tomorrow!
“Escape the cold weather this Christmas and join us at the Scottish National Gallery to enjoy classic Christmas movies both new and old in the comfort of our own cinema! With family favourites including Elf, The Polar Express, A Christmas carol and more, this is the perfect way to keep the kids entertained throughout the festive period! We have movie showings each Saturday and Sunday from the 7th December at 10.30am and 2pm each day, so you can see all your favourites.”
More information here.
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And just because it’s Friday we thought you might like to have a look at the Shetland Ponies reworked for Christmas…..
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
