Tracy Gilbert MP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith has launched a new Community Artwork Competition, and local residents are encouraged to get involved.
The prize? The winning artwork will be selected to feature in Tracy Gilbert’s constituency office, giving one local artist the chance to have their work displayed in a public space.
Whether entrants paint, draw, or design, the competition offers a great opportunity to have creative talent recognised.
Deadline: Thursday 20 November
Ms Gilbert and Kate Wimpress from North Edinburgh Arts will personally choose the winning entry.
How to enter:
Artists should send a high-quality image of their original artwork to
[email protected], including: their name and a short description of the work (maximum 150 words) along with their contact details.
Fireworks
There were fireworks going off after 11pm on Monday night in or near Saughton Park – which is usually illegal due to the late hour, and more so if it was in the park itself rather than in someone’s garden close by. On 5 November however the time is extended to midnight and on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali (which it was on Monday) the time limit is extended to 1am. Little comfort now perhaps but a warning that there may be fireworks late at night on 5 November which may be perfectly legal.
The council has taken steps to control the position on fireworks as far as it can ahead of Halloween and Guy Fawkes night. It is not possible for the council to ban the sale of fireworks as that is a matter for the UK Government, but the council can – and has – put Firework Control Zones (FCZs) in place.
There are now nine FCZs in place from 31 October to 9 November to help reduce noise, stress and antisocial behaviour. The areas are:
- Balerno
- Calton Hill
- Corstorphine
- Gracemount
- Longstone
- Moredun
- Niddrie
- Seafield
- Sighthill
Local MP Ian Murray wrote to all the supermarkets in his constituency and says they have all agreed to stop selling fireworks. It is in any case illegal to sell or give fireworks to anyone under the age of 18.
Police Scotland may instruct dispersal zones in certain areas of the city.
Mr Murray said: “Last year, many got in touch with me after the shocking scenes of fireworks disorder in our community. Homes and businesses were attacked, people were left frightened in their own neighbourhoods, and our emergency services were put in danger. This is why I welcome the decision by supermarkets to refrain from selling fireworks this year.
However, there is still more to do, and I will keep pressing for action from supermarkets, from The Scottish Government, from the Police, and the Council, so that we can stop a repeat of last year’s shocking disorder. I hope that this year we can make sure Bonfire Night is a safe and enjoyable time for everyone.”
Letter from Ian Murray
End Polio Day
Rotary International have made it their mission to end polio and have done a great deal towards that goal all over the world. End Polio day is 24 October and buildings in Edinburgh may be lit purple to mark it.
Together We Read
The UK book club Together We Read is now reading or listening to The Persians by Sanam Mahloudji until 4 November. Billed as a funny life affirming novel it follows five women from a once prosperous family in Iran on a journey through revolutions personal and political. the book was shortlisted for the 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction.
The book club is a way of joining a book club but accessing the reader’s guide and discussion online. More information here www.togetherweread.com/uk on how to join in. And the book is available from Libby at the City of Edinburgh Libraries.
Robin Ince – tonight!
Comedian Robin Ince will be chatting about writing and stuff this evening at Edinburgh Community Bookshop on Great Junction Street in Leith.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
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