MARK McLAUGHLIN
Edinburgh Evening News
3 March 2010
IN ANY battle there is always collateral damage and the current row between The Lloyds TSB Foundation and the banking behemoth that shares its name is no different.
While the Foundation goes head-to-head with Lloyds Banking Group over a bid to force the Foundation to accept a 50 per cent cut in its funding stream and greater corporate oversight, hundreds of charities stand to lose vital cash which currently funds jobs and provides support to some of the region's most vulnerable people.
The foundation has provided more than £2 million to Lothians charities in the last five years alone, and while the continuation of existing awards has been assured, all new grant applications have been suspended pending a resolution of the dispute.
At the core of the problem is Lloyds Banking Group's decision to end a legal requirement to pay the foundation 1 per cent of its pre-tax profits - established 25 years ago when TSB demutualised to appease savers for the loss of their bank.
The argument could not have come at a worse time for the region's voluntary sector, which is already facing cuts from all four local authorities dealing with funding crises of their own.
The future of Penicuik YMCA is already uncertain as it waits to find out if it will be one of the victims of Midlothian Council's £3.5m cuts this year. It now stands to lose one of its youth workers, whose salary is funded by a £24,000 foundation grant.
Director Keith McIntosh said: "Midlothian Council is our core funder, providing us with around £45,000, and while the foundation funding is an add-on it doesn't mean we take the loss of this funding stream lightly.
"It could result in the end of one of our projects or the closure of a building."
The Lloyds TSB Foundation specialises in funding individual projects, rather than core funding, so charities do not rely upon foundation money to keep their operations afloat. But in some cases these individual projects have the potential to influence hundreds of lives, such as the £12,500 provided to Carers of East Lothian to pay the salary of a carer support worker.
Centre manager Tony Segall said: "Our support workers offer help and advice to those caring for sick or elderly relatives, and often provide respite when they need some time away. The foundation has been paying for one of our nine support workers.
"The woman who currently occupies this post is understandably very worried about her job, but it's not just about her. Over the course of the year she's provided support for maybe up to 100 carers, who will have to go without that support if we can't find alternative funding to fill this role."
Jobs are also under threat at Loanhead Community Learning Centre - a home for more than a dozen organisations such as disability groups, school groups, mother-and-baby groups and leisure facilities such as dance classes.
Centre manager Irene Hogg said: "We have an award of £32,100 over three years to help pay for our development worker, who helps the organisations that use the centre reach their full potential and brings other organisations to the centre.
"We had hoped to apply to the foundation for more funding to keep this position going.
"The foundation is well known for funding salaries, so there is a worry that losing their money may mean jobs are lost in the voluntary sector, and with them the ability to deliver services people rely on."
Epilepsy Scotland faces the loss of its national epilepsy link officer, who arranges public information events throughout the country, including Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Communications manager Allana Parker said: "Epilepsy Scotland will now have to look at other trust and foundations for a grant for this post. Many are giving reduced amounts or nothing at all to charities this year, so it will be difficult to raise this shortfall in the current economic climate.
"It's hard times when charity fundraising has to subsidise much-needed services to vulnerable people with epilepsy."
Edinburgh Cyrenians was the recipient of the one of the largest single grants in the last five years - £186,000 towards the salaries and running costs of a West Lothian drug outreach project.
Despite the loss of funding, CEO Des Ryan supported the Foundation's stance.
He said: "The foundation is not and should not be allowed to become simply an outlet for the 'corporate social responsibility' of the banking group.
"The immediate loss of income will hurt many small to medium charities in Scotland who had been looking to the foundation - including my own - but I fully support their stand against writing off their independence."
Despite posting a £6.3 billion loss last week, Lloyds Banking Group said potential future profits of the newly merged operation are now too large to allow them to siphon off 1 per cent to charity.
It offered the Foundation 0.5 per cent of the group's profits and demanded a greater say in the foundation's affairs.
Sister foundations in England and Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands accepted the deal, but the Scottish foundation said no.
The bank has now given the foundation nine years' notice of the cancellation of this covenant - effectively cutting all ties between the two - but the foundation's shrewd chief executive, Mary E Craig, maintains it has nothing to lose by going it alone.
Ms Craig said: "At the end of the day we will still receive a full 1 per cent of the profits when Lloyds Banking Group starts making money again, which for an organisation of that size should be well within the nine-year notice period.
"That will be double the amount the other foundations will be receiving in that time.
"In addition, the Foundation also owns 15.7m limited voting shares that will become ordinary shares when the covenant ends. We will be able to sell those shares to give us a large pot of cash at the end of the nine years to keep us going for the foreseeable future.
"But most importantly, we will keep our independence. Even if we accepted the LBG deal there's no guarantee that we would be able to keep funding many of the charities we've helped in the past, as the deal includes a clause which says all donations must fit in with LBG's 'corporate objectives'.
"These objectives will include charities that offer financial literacy or budgeting advice - something we already do through our funding of Citizens Advice Bureaux and Money Advice Centres - but probably won't include a Lothians community centre running a daily lunch club."
Lucy McTernan, deputy chief executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, called LBG's severing of ties with the foundation "a shameful decision".
She added: "Voluntary organisations in Edinburgh and the Lothians are facing really tough times at the moment.
"Demand for the services they provide, such as homelessness support and getting people back to work, have been rising rapidly for the last year, yet income has fallen significantly.
"The recession means that grant funding from trusts is drying up and local authorities are looking to the voluntary sector as an easy target for cuts."
WORTHY CAUSES
IN the last five years, the Lloyds TSB Foundation has paid out £2,290,550 to voluntary organisations in the Lothians.
This has ranged from £197,571 awarded to Midlothian Young People's Advice Service in 2005 to support the running costs of the SMART project, working to support young people and their communities in relation to drug and alcohol issues, to £724 to purchase a digital camcorder for the Bonnyrigg & Lasswade Seniors Forum.
Children's charity Children 1st has received the largest share of Foundation grants over the last five years - more than £200,000 in all.
Most of the grants have been awarded to fund the salaries of voluntary workers but they have also gone to fund lunch club meals, adventure holidays for the disabled, trips for at-risk and disadvantaged youths, special needs tricycles, a riding pony for the disabled, IT equipment and church hall refurbishments, among other worthy causes.
CORRECTION: * IN A feature on Wednesday, we reported claims that the Lloyds Banking Group had insisted that "all" future donations from the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland must "fit in with LBG's corporate objectives". We have been asked to make it clear that LBG only asked for a minority of funded projects to be aligned to its broad objectives such as matched giving by staff.
Saturday, 13 March 2010
NEWS: Every Dog Has It's Day...
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Edinburgh Evening News
2 March 2010
City launches pilot scheme to allow tenants to keep pets
IF THEY'D arrived a day earlier they could have ended up in the dog house - but seven pups were born just in time for the lifting of a council ban on animals in a pair of Niddrie highrises.
When Katie the one-year-old Staffordshire terrier-boxer cross became pregnant at her home in Greendykes House she wasn't even supposed to be living there.
Edinburgh Council maintained a ban on pets in its council houses until last Friday, when it launched a pilot scheme allowing pet owners who live in highrise flats to keep their animals.
It wasn't a moment too soon for Katie. Owner Dave Parry said: "She's a bit young to be having pups but she had a bit of a run in with another dog I was looking after, a Staffordshire terrier called Casper.
"A friend of mine was looking for a new home for Casper and I agreed to take him temporarily until we could find something permanent, and then nature took its course.
"I tried to keep Casper and Katie apart but you know dogs, they've got a mind of their own.
"I decided not to keep them both on because there's no room in the flat for two dogs, but now I've ended up with another seven."
Mr Parry, 47, who cares for his disabled wife Lorraine, also 47, has already found homes for most of the pups - largely amongst his neighbours at Greendykes House who are keen to adopt pets under the newly liberalised animal regime.
Edinburgh City Council has been working with the Scottish SPCA on a new scheme to encourage better animal ownership in highrise flats.
If the pilot is successful it may lead to the council rolling out the scheme to allow tenants across the capital to keep pets in highrises - as long as they are responsible pet owners and keep the needs of their neighbours as well as their pets in mind.
Alex Robertson, 55, a self-employed painter who lives with his partner Sandra Stacey, 63, in Greendykes House, regularly cares for Ms Stacey's granddaughter's springer spaniel Flynt.
He said: "We've been looking after Flynt for about four years now, thanks largely to the concierge who has turned a blind eye to us keeping him all these years.
"We still had to put up with the odd neighbour moaning that we weren't supposed to have pets in the block, but that's all going to change now. To be honest, you couldn't really blame the neighbours because many of them had to give up their pets to take on the flats because of the animal ban.
"Most of us just signed the missive and brought the pets anyway, but if the council ever decided to enforce the ban then we'd probably have to move. The dog is like part of the family."
The project will also see the Scottish SPCA give essential advice on how to care for dogs and other pets in highrise blocks.
Scottish SPCA Inspector Jenni Surgeon, said: "While some dogs are suitable to live in a flat, others simply will not enjoy this environment, which can result in problems not only for the owner, but for neighbours and the local community. We hope that local dog owners will find this scheme helpful and informative."
Edinburgh Evening News
2 March 2010
City launches pilot scheme to allow tenants to keep pets
IF THEY'D arrived a day earlier they could have ended up in the dog house - but seven pups were born just in time for the lifting of a council ban on animals in a pair of Niddrie highrises.
When Katie the one-year-old Staffordshire terrier-boxer cross became pregnant at her home in Greendykes House she wasn't even supposed to be living there.
Edinburgh Council maintained a ban on pets in its council houses until last Friday, when it launched a pilot scheme allowing pet owners who live in highrise flats to keep their animals.
It wasn't a moment too soon for Katie. Owner Dave Parry said: "She's a bit young to be having pups but she had a bit of a run in with another dog I was looking after, a Staffordshire terrier called Casper.
"A friend of mine was looking for a new home for Casper and I agreed to take him temporarily until we could find something permanent, and then nature took its course.
"I tried to keep Casper and Katie apart but you know dogs, they've got a mind of their own.
"I decided not to keep them both on because there's no room in the flat for two dogs, but now I've ended up with another seven."
Mr Parry, 47, who cares for his disabled wife Lorraine, also 47, has already found homes for most of the pups - largely amongst his neighbours at Greendykes House who are keen to adopt pets under the newly liberalised animal regime.
Edinburgh City Council has been working with the Scottish SPCA on a new scheme to encourage better animal ownership in highrise flats.
If the pilot is successful it may lead to the council rolling out the scheme to allow tenants across the capital to keep pets in highrises - as long as they are responsible pet owners and keep the needs of their neighbours as well as their pets in mind.
Alex Robertson, 55, a self-employed painter who lives with his partner Sandra Stacey, 63, in Greendykes House, regularly cares for Ms Stacey's granddaughter's springer spaniel Flynt.
He said: "We've been looking after Flynt for about four years now, thanks largely to the concierge who has turned a blind eye to us keeping him all these years.
"We still had to put up with the odd neighbour moaning that we weren't supposed to have pets in the block, but that's all going to change now. To be honest, you couldn't really blame the neighbours because many of them had to give up their pets to take on the flats because of the animal ban.
"Most of us just signed the missive and brought the pets anyway, but if the council ever decided to enforce the ban then we'd probably have to move. The dog is like part of the family."
The project will also see the Scottish SPCA give essential advice on how to care for dogs and other pets in highrise blocks.
Scottish SPCA Inspector Jenni Surgeon, said: "While some dogs are suitable to live in a flat, others simply will not enjoy this environment, which can result in problems not only for the owner, but for neighbours and the local community. We hope that local dog owners will find this scheme helpful and informative."
NEWS: Happy News from Chile
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Edinburgh Evening News
2 March 2010
'Crank' website claim surfers had been killed is disproved
THE family of a former Heriot's rugby captain missing in Chile's earthquake zone today spoke of their relief after hearing he was safe and well.
Dave Sandercock and his girlfriend Kirsty Duff, both 25, had not been seen or heard from since the massive earthquake struck the surfing resort where they were staying on Saturday.
A message posted on a website even claimed Mr Sandercock was dead.
But last night the pair rang home after reaching Chile's capital, Santiago.
Mr Sandercock's sister Ellie revealed the news on the Twitter website, which she had been using to appeal for information about the couple.
She wrote: "Thrilled to announce Dave Sandercock & Kirsty Duff are safe in Santiago. Massive relief all round. Sandercock family really grateful for all messages of support."
Earlier, Miss Sandercock had dismissed a claim that her brother was dead on the Chile Person Finder website, as "a crank message".
Stirling University graduate Mr Sandercock, who lives in Trinity, and Miss Duff, from Stonehaven, arrived in the Chilean surf resort of Pichilemu three weeks ago.
Pichilemu was hit by a nine-foot-high wave. The latest reports from Pichilemu are yet to confirm any deaths, but suggest electricity supplies have been severed, communication lines are down and that roads are badly damaged.
Mr Sandercock was described as a talented sportsman and "a legend" by those who knew him at George Heriot's, where he captained the school rugby team. His family in Edinburgh is understood to include a twin brother Robert.
Former Heriot's teammate Phil Nurse, 24, who works in security, said: "He's very much into his sports and is pretty well remembered by everyone at school as a bit of a legend."
The Sandercock and Duff families issued a joint statement saying: "We have been in direct contact with Kirsty and Dave and can confirm they are safe and well.
"We wish to thank all of those who have offered support and assistance during this difficult time, We hope that all other families find their loved ones soon.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown sent a message of sympathy to Chilean president Michelle Bachelet as millions of pounds worth of aid was announced for the stricken country.
Around 1.5 million Chileans were affected by the tremors, which caused buildings and roads to collapse and left 500,000 homes severely damaged.
Edinburgh Evening News
2 March 2010
'Crank' website claim surfers had been killed is disproved
THE family of a former Heriot's rugby captain missing in Chile's earthquake zone today spoke of their relief after hearing he was safe and well.
Dave Sandercock and his girlfriend Kirsty Duff, both 25, had not been seen or heard from since the massive earthquake struck the surfing resort where they were staying on Saturday.
A message posted on a website even claimed Mr Sandercock was dead.
But last night the pair rang home after reaching Chile's capital, Santiago.
Mr Sandercock's sister Ellie revealed the news on the Twitter website, which she had been using to appeal for information about the couple.
She wrote: "Thrilled to announce Dave Sandercock & Kirsty Duff are safe in Santiago. Massive relief all round. Sandercock family really grateful for all messages of support."
Earlier, Miss Sandercock had dismissed a claim that her brother was dead on the Chile Person Finder website, as "a crank message".
Stirling University graduate Mr Sandercock, who lives in Trinity, and Miss Duff, from Stonehaven, arrived in the Chilean surf resort of Pichilemu three weeks ago.
Pichilemu was hit by a nine-foot-high wave. The latest reports from Pichilemu are yet to confirm any deaths, but suggest electricity supplies have been severed, communication lines are down and that roads are badly damaged.
Mr Sandercock was described as a talented sportsman and "a legend" by those who knew him at George Heriot's, where he captained the school rugby team. His family in Edinburgh is understood to include a twin brother Robert.
Former Heriot's teammate Phil Nurse, 24, who works in security, said: "He's very much into his sports and is pretty well remembered by everyone at school as a bit of a legend."
The Sandercock and Duff families issued a joint statement saying: "We have been in direct contact with Kirsty and Dave and can confirm they are safe and well.
"We wish to thank all of those who have offered support and assistance during this difficult time, We hope that all other families find their loved ones soon.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown sent a message of sympathy to Chilean president Michelle Bachelet as millions of pounds worth of aid was announced for the stricken country.
Around 1.5 million Chileans were affected by the tremors, which caused buildings and roads to collapse and left 500,000 homes severely damaged.
SPORT: Alan Gordon RIP - Respects From Hibees, Jambos...and Fish
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Edinburgh Evening News
27 February 2010
Last respects paid to Hibs and Hearts legend Alan Gordon
HE was a city footballing legend - in both green and maroon.
And yesterday famous faces from music and politics joined former players to pay tribute to a man described as a "true citizen of Edinburgh".
More than 200 mourners bid farewell to Alan Gordon, the only man to cross the footballing divide in both Edinburgh and Dundee, at a service at Warriston Crematorium.
Gordon, who died earlier this month aged 65 after a long battle with cancer, played for Hearts, Hibs, Dundee United and Dundee in a career that endeared him to players and fans of all colours.
The pews were like a Who's Who of city footballing lore with legendary Hibee Eddie Turnbull joining his 'Famous Five' teammate Lawrie Reilly to pay their respects.
Gordon would become one of Turnbull's star players in his 'Turnbull's Tornados' team of the 1970s alongside Jimmy O'Rourke and Alex Cropley, who were also at yesterday's service.
Former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan returned to Scotland from his current position at Middlesbrough for the funeral.
Other notable faces included Hibs chairman Rod Petrie, Peter Cormack and Ralph Challachan who shared Gordon's distinction of playing for both Capital clubs, and Hibs heroes Paul Kane and Keith Wright.
Famous fans from outside football included Marillion singer and lifelong Hibs fan Fish.
He said: "I would never be so bold as to say that he was a friend but he was a player that I greatly admired as a teenager. Being six foot five myself, it was good to see a big tall guy knocking in the goals, and I used to wish that I could play that way. I was lucky to have met him a few times. He was a charming, intelligent man and very different from your stereotypical footballer. I wish I had known him better.
"One of my greatest memories was watching him play in the 7-0 game."
Standing in the opposite terraces that day was Gorgie councillor and Hearts fan Eric Milligan, who had known Gordon since he was a boy at Murrayburn Primary.
He said: "I remember the day I heard that Alan had turned down Rangers to play for Hearts, which was fantastic for me as I got to watch him train under my hero Willie Bauld.
"Bauld took him under his wing and I was mesmerised watching them practice together, and I followed Alan's career from that day forward.
"Despite his great Hibs career he was always part of the Hearts fold, and in later years I would still tease him about scoring two goals against us in that 7-0 game.
"He said I could console myself in the fact that he put far more goals past Hibs than he ever scored for them.
"But all that aside, he was immensely proud that he had played for both city teams. He was a true citizen of Edinburgh."
Yesterday's service was led by Ailsa Maclean, chaplain at Gordon's former school George Heriots. Friends and family retired to Goldenacre Rugby Club for drinks.
Edinburgh Evening News
27 February 2010
Last respects paid to Hibs and Hearts legend Alan Gordon
HE was a city footballing legend - in both green and maroon.
And yesterday famous faces from music and politics joined former players to pay tribute to a man described as a "true citizen of Edinburgh".
More than 200 mourners bid farewell to Alan Gordon, the only man to cross the footballing divide in both Edinburgh and Dundee, at a service at Warriston Crematorium.
Gordon, who died earlier this month aged 65 after a long battle with cancer, played for Hearts, Hibs, Dundee United and Dundee in a career that endeared him to players and fans of all colours.
The pews were like a Who's Who of city footballing lore with legendary Hibee Eddie Turnbull joining his 'Famous Five' teammate Lawrie Reilly to pay their respects.
Gordon would become one of Turnbull's star players in his 'Turnbull's Tornados' team of the 1970s alongside Jimmy O'Rourke and Alex Cropley, who were also at yesterday's service.
Former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan returned to Scotland from his current position at Middlesbrough for the funeral.
Other notable faces included Hibs chairman Rod Petrie, Peter Cormack and Ralph Challachan who shared Gordon's distinction of playing for both Capital clubs, and Hibs heroes Paul Kane and Keith Wright.
Famous fans from outside football included Marillion singer and lifelong Hibs fan Fish.
He said: "I would never be so bold as to say that he was a friend but he was a player that I greatly admired as a teenager. Being six foot five myself, it was good to see a big tall guy knocking in the goals, and I used to wish that I could play that way. I was lucky to have met him a few times. He was a charming, intelligent man and very different from your stereotypical footballer. I wish I had known him better.
"One of my greatest memories was watching him play in the 7-0 game."
Standing in the opposite terraces that day was Gorgie councillor and Hearts fan Eric Milligan, who had known Gordon since he was a boy at Murrayburn Primary.
He said: "I remember the day I heard that Alan had turned down Rangers to play for Hearts, which was fantastic for me as I got to watch him train under my hero Willie Bauld.
"Bauld took him under his wing and I was mesmerised watching them practice together, and I followed Alan's career from that day forward.
"Despite his great Hibs career he was always part of the Hearts fold, and in later years I would still tease him about scoring two goals against us in that 7-0 game.
"He said I could console myself in the fact that he put far more goals past Hibs than he ever scored for them.
"But all that aside, he was immensely proud that he had played for both city teams. He was a true citizen of Edinburgh."
Yesterday's service was led by Ailsa Maclean, chaplain at Gordon's former school George Heriots. Friends and family retired to Goldenacre Rugby Club for drinks.
NEWS: Toxic Gas Hospitalises Four
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Edinburgh Evening News
26 February 2010
A TOXIC gas escape left four people hospitalised in the third chemical incident to occur at a city swimming pool this week.
The Omni Centre, on Greenside Row, was evacuated yesterday when chemicals were released next to the swimming pool in Virgin Active gym at around 2pm. Around 200 people were rushed from the building, many of them still in their swimwear, while a major chemical response team of police, fire and ambulance crews attempted to contain the leak and tended to those affected.
The incident comes just two days after a chemical spill at Drumsheugh Baths Club, in the New Town, hospitalised a member of staff. He was left "struggling for breath" following exposure to chemical chlorine spilt on the floor of a maintenance cupboard.
Two days earlier, swimmers at Leith Waterworld had to leave the water after complaining of stinging eyes and reddened skin following an apparent over-use of chlorine in the water.
The latest incident at Virgin Active was caused by incorrectly mixed chemicals in a maintenance cupboard close to the pool.
Hotelier John Campbell, 42, who was left shivering outside the gym in his shorts, said: "The fumes were coming from the swimming pool and I, completely obliviously, was having a boxing session next door. All of a sudden there was this blaring klaxon and the lights went off and everyone was running around like headless chickens.
"They evacuated everyone pretty quickly and I feel lucky I'm not one of the people in an ambulance."
Evacuees were given shelter in the Calton Square building.
Group manager (operations) David Blair, of Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue, said: "There was a small chemical leak within Virgin Active caused by a mix of chemicals which produced a small amount of chlorine gas.
"The gas is toxic so, as a precaution, the building was evacuated. However, following scientific advice we have discovered the amount of gas was not enough to cause widespread harm, although some members of staff who were directly exposed to the gas suffered some discomfort.
"Basically, this incident was caused by staff putting two chemicals together that aren't supposed to go together."
Once the gas escape was analysed, two firemen wearing bright green hazmat (hazardous materials) suits entered the building to contain the chemicals.
Police cordoned off the outside lane of the busy Picardy Place roundabout junction for several hours to accommodate the dozens of emergency service vehicles on standby outside.
A Virgin Active spokesman said : "Senior Virgin Active personnel are now conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the incident and until this is complete we will not be in a position to provide further details.
"Currently the pool and spa area are closed as a precaution, with the remainder of the club having been reopened after consultation with the authorities."
Edinburgh Evening News
26 February 2010
A TOXIC gas escape left four people hospitalised in the third chemical incident to occur at a city swimming pool this week.
The Omni Centre, on Greenside Row, was evacuated yesterday when chemicals were released next to the swimming pool in Virgin Active gym at around 2pm. Around 200 people were rushed from the building, many of them still in their swimwear, while a major chemical response team of police, fire and ambulance crews attempted to contain the leak and tended to those affected.
The incident comes just two days after a chemical spill at Drumsheugh Baths Club, in the New Town, hospitalised a member of staff. He was left "struggling for breath" following exposure to chemical chlorine spilt on the floor of a maintenance cupboard.
Two days earlier, swimmers at Leith Waterworld had to leave the water after complaining of stinging eyes and reddened skin following an apparent over-use of chlorine in the water.
The latest incident at Virgin Active was caused by incorrectly mixed chemicals in a maintenance cupboard close to the pool.
Hotelier John Campbell, 42, who was left shivering outside the gym in his shorts, said: "The fumes were coming from the swimming pool and I, completely obliviously, was having a boxing session next door. All of a sudden there was this blaring klaxon and the lights went off and everyone was running around like headless chickens.
"They evacuated everyone pretty quickly and I feel lucky I'm not one of the people in an ambulance."
Evacuees were given shelter in the Calton Square building.
Group manager (operations) David Blair, of Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue, said: "There was a small chemical leak within Virgin Active caused by a mix of chemicals which produced a small amount of chlorine gas.
"The gas is toxic so, as a precaution, the building was evacuated. However, following scientific advice we have discovered the amount of gas was not enough to cause widespread harm, although some members of staff who were directly exposed to the gas suffered some discomfort.
"Basically, this incident was caused by staff putting two chemicals together that aren't supposed to go together."
Once the gas escape was analysed, two firemen wearing bright green hazmat (hazardous materials) suits entered the building to contain the chemicals.
Police cordoned off the outside lane of the busy Picardy Place roundabout junction for several hours to accommodate the dozens of emergency service vehicles on standby outside.
A Virgin Active spokesman said : "Senior Virgin Active personnel are now conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the incident and until this is complete we will not be in a position to provide further details.
"Currently the pool and spa area are closed as a precaution, with the remainder of the club having been reopened after consultation with the authorities."
NEWS: A Window to the Soul
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Edinburgh Evening News
18 February 2010
A CHURCH is to install a new stained glass window in memory of a popular minister who served the community for almost 40 years.
The congregation of Queensferry Parish Church has raised £16,000 in memory of the late Rev John Carrie, who died at the age of 64 in 2008, just months before he was due to retire.
As well as being much loved, Rev Carrie also founded an annual charity crossing of the Forth Road Bridge which has so far raised more than GBP 1 million.
The majority of the £16,000 has been used to fund the window, and the rest will go towards other tributes, including a special plaque and a third-world teaching bursary. A street may also be named after him.
The church has secured planning permission for the memorial window, featuring an image of the good shepherd, in his honour.
Current minister Rev Sean Swindells said: "It was felt that this particular choice reflected John's ministry and the congregation would identify with the symbolism."
After discussions with the committee and Rev Carrie's family, the church decided to employ Perthshire-based specialists Roland Mitton to design the window.
The plaque will overlook the Forth Road Bridge, where Rev Carrie held his annual Christian Aid Bridge Cross for nearly 40 years. Rev Swindells said: "It was not permissible to have a plaque attached to the Bridge, so we had one placed on a bench in the viewing area, which has been temporarily removed for the winter.
"The plaque reads: 'In Memory of Rev. John G. Carrie, Minister of Queensferry Parish Church from 1971 to 2008. The inspiration behind the Annual Christian Aid Forth Bridge Cross'."
Some of the remaining money will be used to support teacher training in Kenya. David Mbae, an old friend of Queensferry Parish Church, singled out a young woman called Kananu Njagi for the first bursary, and she is now training at the Kericho Teachers Training College, Kenya.
Rev Swindells added: "We are delighted to report that the public appeal has raised GBP 16,120, a magnificent sum in a time of recession, and a sign of the respect and affection in which John was held ."
The church has approached the city council to put Rev Currie forward to have a street named after him.
Edinburgh Evening News
18 February 2010
A CHURCH is to install a new stained glass window in memory of a popular minister who served the community for almost 40 years.
The congregation of Queensferry Parish Church has raised £16,000 in memory of the late Rev John Carrie, who died at the age of 64 in 2008, just months before he was due to retire.
As well as being much loved, Rev Carrie also founded an annual charity crossing of the Forth Road Bridge which has so far raised more than GBP 1 million.
The majority of the £16,000 has been used to fund the window, and the rest will go towards other tributes, including a special plaque and a third-world teaching bursary. A street may also be named after him.
The church has secured planning permission for the memorial window, featuring an image of the good shepherd, in his honour.
Current minister Rev Sean Swindells said: "It was felt that this particular choice reflected John's ministry and the congregation would identify with the symbolism."
After discussions with the committee and Rev Carrie's family, the church decided to employ Perthshire-based specialists Roland Mitton to design the window.
The plaque will overlook the Forth Road Bridge, where Rev Carrie held his annual Christian Aid Bridge Cross for nearly 40 years. Rev Swindells said: "It was not permissible to have a plaque attached to the Bridge, so we had one placed on a bench in the viewing area, which has been temporarily removed for the winter.
"The plaque reads: 'In Memory of Rev. John G. Carrie, Minister of Queensferry Parish Church from 1971 to 2008. The inspiration behind the Annual Christian Aid Forth Bridge Cross'."
Some of the remaining money will be used to support teacher training in Kenya. David Mbae, an old friend of Queensferry Parish Church, singled out a young woman called Kananu Njagi for the first bursary, and she is now training at the Kericho Teachers Training College, Kenya.
Rev Swindells added: "We are delighted to report that the public appeal has raised GBP 16,120, a magnificent sum in a time of recession, and a sign of the respect and affection in which John was held ."
The church has approached the city council to put Rev Currie forward to have a street named after him.
NEWS: Islam in Edinburgh
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Edinburgh Evening News
15 February 2010
THE trustees of an Islamic teaching centre in Polwarth have lodged plans to expand the centre.
The Idara Centre on Temple Park Crescent - commonly known as the Polwarth Mosque - has applied for planning permission to change the former Al-Hilal grocers at the junction of Yeaman Place into an extension of the existing centre to create a new computer lab and reference library.
Owners The Idara Taleem-Ul Qur'an Trust say their ultimate aim is to turn the spacious corner unit into an Islamic exhibition centre to "engage with the non-Muslim local community and help to remove barriers".
Chairman Amjed Hussain said: "We hope to enlarge our reference library and provide computer facilities for our younger generation, where they can spend most of their free time positively under supervision, thus resulting in good citizens who in turn will enhance the general community."
The centre has been steadily expanding since its foundation at 8 Temple Park Crescent in 1986, when it catered for around 20 students. Within ten years its roll had expanded to around 200 students and the trust purchased two neighbouring units to accommodate its growing numbers.
Mr Hussain hopes the expansion plans will give them scope for more classes and allow them to attract a younger generation.
He added: "There should most probably be some increase in the number of people attending the centre.
"As soon as we can provide better facilities the better chance we have at attracting all generations to attend, including youngsters who are our main targets. The centre believes the largest investment of our time, effort and wealth must be in educating for our future and our children.
"We recently attended a meeting with justice secretary Kenny MacAskill where the need for more learning opportunities for youth was highlighted.
"Discussion also included a special project for rehabilitation and moral development of teenagers that have gone off track at some point."
Idara was rocked in 2008 by the conviction of former teacher Mahmood Qadri, 63, who was found guilty of sexually abusing two young girls at the centre ten years previously.
Since then they have installed CCTV and employed more female teachers, and Mr Hussein
said: "We understand the events that occurred in 1998 were horrific and very unfortunate but we hope that with our new measures in place and with our fresh new approach towards educating the centre attendees, we hope that this can be put behind us.
"Parents' minds can also be put at ease knowing that we have both male and female tutors teaching boys and girls and we also have CCTV in operation."
The trustees also successfully contested a coup attempt in 1999 by a faction who objected to their support of a controversial Pakistani charity and the alleged mistreatment of Imams at the centre - claims which were later rejected in court by Judge Lord Nimmo Smith.
Edinburgh Evening News
15 February 2010
THE trustees of an Islamic teaching centre in Polwarth have lodged plans to expand the centre.
The Idara Centre on Temple Park Crescent - commonly known as the Polwarth Mosque - has applied for planning permission to change the former Al-Hilal grocers at the junction of Yeaman Place into an extension of the existing centre to create a new computer lab and reference library.
Owners The Idara Taleem-Ul Qur'an Trust say their ultimate aim is to turn the spacious corner unit into an Islamic exhibition centre to "engage with the non-Muslim local community and help to remove barriers".
Chairman Amjed Hussain said: "We hope to enlarge our reference library and provide computer facilities for our younger generation, where they can spend most of their free time positively under supervision, thus resulting in good citizens who in turn will enhance the general community."
The centre has been steadily expanding since its foundation at 8 Temple Park Crescent in 1986, when it catered for around 20 students. Within ten years its roll had expanded to around 200 students and the trust purchased two neighbouring units to accommodate its growing numbers.
Mr Hussain hopes the expansion plans will give them scope for more classes and allow them to attract a younger generation.
He added: "There should most probably be some increase in the number of people attending the centre.
"As soon as we can provide better facilities the better chance we have at attracting all generations to attend, including youngsters who are our main targets. The centre believes the largest investment of our time, effort and wealth must be in educating for our future and our children.
"We recently attended a meeting with justice secretary Kenny MacAskill where the need for more learning opportunities for youth was highlighted.
"Discussion also included a special project for rehabilitation and moral development of teenagers that have gone off track at some point."
Idara was rocked in 2008 by the conviction of former teacher Mahmood Qadri, 63, who was found guilty of sexually abusing two young girls at the centre ten years previously.
Since then they have installed CCTV and employed more female teachers, and Mr Hussein
said: "We understand the events that occurred in 1998 were horrific and very unfortunate but we hope that with our new measures in place and with our fresh new approach towards educating the centre attendees, we hope that this can be put behind us.
"Parents' minds can also be put at ease knowing that we have both male and female tutors teaching boys and girls and we also have CCTV in operation."
The trustees also successfully contested a coup attempt in 1999 by a faction who objected to their support of a controversial Pakistani charity and the alleged mistreatment of Imams at the centre - claims which were later rejected in court by Judge Lord Nimmo Smith.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)