Social media users can shine their support for World Autism Awareness Day by turning one of Edinburgh’s most iconic monuments blue.

Melville Monument in St Andrew Square will change to the condition’s symbolic colour if people tweet #blue to the City of Edinburgh Council’s Twitter account @Edinburgh_CC to mark the awareness day tomorrow night on Thursday April 2nd

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time will be the topic of a special Giant Book Group, while a Dance Back to the Future club night and a free concert are also amongst the events taking place this week to mark the international day in the capital.

Autism affects around 5,000 people in Edinburgh and is a lifelong developmental disorder which can affect people with or without a learning disability – sometimes known as Aspergers Syndrome. It affects both children and adults, and can have a profound effect on the way a person understands and interacts with the world around them.

The Council runs a number of services and offers support to those with the condition and their families through its Autism Edinburgh campaign and its autism plan. Support includes trained autism champions; Aspire, which helps young people move on from school and college into further education or work; family support through Positive Pathways, and a specialised online training programme.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon will be discussed at the Giant Book Group in the Central Library from 6.30pm tomorrow, in advance of the stage adaptation at the Festival Theatre later this month. A panel consisting of Health, Social Care and Housing Convener, Councillor Ricky Henderson, Cerin Richardson from Edinburgh Theatres, Matthew Day from Autism Initiatives and parent Amanda Wilson will launch the event, at which members of the public will form groups to talk about the book.

Clubbers will celebrate the day at Dance Back to the Future at Electric Circus from 10pm on the same night, while a live music event featuring Pet, the Just Joans and The Fast Girls is being held tonight at Upward Mobility in St Margaret’s House on London Road from 7pm.

Cllr Henderson said: “World Autism Awareness Day is a fantastic opportunity to consider how some of us struggle every day through no fault of our own, and reminds us to show compassion and understanding.“The Council is committed to supporting those in need to reach their full potential and to lead happy and independent lives.”

On Sunday 19th of April (12 noon – 4.30 pm), Winton House near Pencaitland in East Lothian is inviting visitors to its annual Family Spring Open Day, with funds being raised for The Bethany Christian Trust, the Scottish charity for the homeless, and Scotland’s Gardens which supports Maggie’s, the cancer care charity.

James Maynard, Winton’s General Manager, describes what’s on:

“Elite Falconry are bringing their birds of prey, and they’ll be putting on one of their dramatic falconry displays at about 2.30pm. They hope to bring up to five of their beautiful birds of prey: a Harris Hawk, an Indian Eagle Owl, a Tawny Owl, a Golden Eagle and a Striated Caracara (from the Falkland Islands).”

Roxanne Peggie from Elite Falconry says: “There are lovely open grounds in Winton’s gardens with trees at the edges and no power lines or roads. This makes for a perfect setting, trees for the Harris Hawks to fly from and a beautiful backdrop for photos.”

“There will be lots of family entertainment at the Open Day: face painting, a bouncy castle with slides, trampolines, archery, ‘have-a-go’ Highland games and an opportunity to go through the grounds on our new segways,” adds James Maynard.

Picnickers are also welcome and garden enthusiasts will enjoy walking through the gardens. Head Gardener, Toby Subiotto, adds: “Visitors will be able to see Winton’s famous wild daffodils in full bloom. Early flowering cherries, shrubs, hellebores, cyclamen and early bulbs should also be on display.”

Entrance to the Open Day is free for children and £4 per adult.

There is plenty of parking near the house. More information at www.wintonhouse.co.uk

When You Wish Upon a Star are celebrating 25 years of magical wishes and would like to invite entries for our Golf Tournament at the outstanding venue of Archerfield Links.

Less than hours drive from the Lothian’s and Fife this breathtaking course is an ideal setting for a corporate day of golf or for supporters who would like the opportunity to play at this premier venue.

Registration for entries is now open for both Chamber Members and Non Members and we are offering an early bird discounted rate of £520 (normally £600) for a team of 4 players if you register your team before the 31^st July 2015.

The format of the day will be a shotgun start with bacon rolls for breakfast and a late lunch with prize giving.

All proceeds from the day will be used to grant ‘Wishes’ for children in Scotland with a life threatening illnesses.

For further information please contact scotland@whenyouwish.org.uk or call the Scotland Regional Office on 01357 529950 or 07850 772271

FarrPoint, one of Scotland’s fastest growing technology and telecoms consultancies has appointed Alan Pritchard as Principal Consultant.

Alan Pritchard has over 25 years’ experience in the information and computer technology industry, primarily in Scotland but also New Zealand and Australia. Prior to joining FarrPoint, Alan held a number of key roles with other leading IT and Telecoms organisations, most prominently he was a Solutions Architect for BT Global Services working with Scottish Government outsourced IT contracts.

Alan has built up a strong reputation across the industry for his thought leadership and innovative approach to consulting, planning and network strategies, helping customers realise the business benefits of Information and Communications Technology within their organisations. In his new role, he will help reinforce FarrPoint’s leading position in technical consultancy and will spearhead the company’s drive into new technology and market sectors.

Andrew Muir, Chief Executive of FarrPoint said: “FarrPoint continues to be an ambitious company, with clear plans to grow our capability through increasing our team of top consultants and expanding our markets. We’re delighted to welcome Alan to the team. He brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise from the technology industry and will be a fantastic asset to the organisation.”

Alan Pritchard, Principal Consultant at FarrPoint said: “I am delighted to have joined FarrPoint to contribute to building on its existing strengths in the technology and telecoms sector and be part of its already talented team of experts with an impressive reputation.”

IME Property Ltd is fast emerging as a key player in the commercial property market in Edinburgh’s historic New Town having already concluded a flurry of deals in 2015.

Edinburgh’s newest independent commercial property firm is building a growing reputation as a ‘go-to’ agency for businesses looking for prime property in the centre of the Capital.

Since January IME has concluded office and retail deals on Northumberland Street and Dundas Street with Securicorps Security Management and Archipelago Artisan Bakery respectively.

Following these successes, IME has been instructed to market the former offices of the London-based auctioneers Sotheby’s at 7 Howe Street on behalf of the landlord.  The accommodation is in Edinburgh’s ‘Golden Rectangle’ – one of the city’s recognised offices areas known for its prestigious addresses and Georgian architecture.

Iain Mercer is managing director of IME Property and he believes his firm’s effective marketing is proving attractive to landlords and tenants alike:

“Both lettings in the New Town were concluded in under a month from our marketing board first going up and we then proactively engaged with professionals on all sides of the deal.”

In addition to the New Town offices, IME has also brought to the market the former Shilla Korean Restaurant at the top of Dundas Street. Extensive preservation works have recently been completed by the landlord to create a shell unit ready for occupier fit-out.

“With its natural stone work, basement cellars and proximity to Edinburgh’s main retail thoroughfares, this is a great opportunity for either a high-end restaurant operator or bar,” added Mercer.

Asia Scotland Institute has signed an agreement with Asia House in Denmark – the first of what we hope will be a string of strategic partnerships with like-minded organisations across Europe.

The new initiative with our friends in Copenhagen allows us to share ideas, cross-promote events and work together to highlight the opportunities open to all in this Century of Asia.

Together we also hope to explore ways to engage better with young people – those under 25 – and to design programmes that appeal to them.

Carsten Nielsen, Deputy Chairman of Asia House, said, ““During Roddy Gow’s recent visit to Asia House in Copenhagen it transpired that our aspirations and future goals are very much in line.

“We have high hopes that our agreement shall be meaningful and of mutual benefit.  We are looking forward to share our programmes with our friends in Scotland with the ambition, at an appropriate time, to invite Scottish participation at seminars focusing on young entrepreneurs with a strong appetite to engage in the abundant opportunities in the Far East.”

Roddy Gow, Chairman of Asia Scotland Institute, said, “I am delighted that we have finalised an agreement with the Asia House in Copenhagen to start a process of collaboration and partnership.

“Scotland and Denmark have for centuries shared common characteristics as great maritime nations, trading extensively with the Asian markets and settling in the principal centres of the East.

“I am really enthusiastic about the first of what we both hope may prove to be a number of links within Europe through which we can share ideas, events and initiatives.”

Scotland’s ties to Denmark go back centuries. It was through King James III’s marriage to Margaret of Denmark in 1469 that Orkney and Shetland became Scottish.

 

Carsten Nielsen, Deputy Chairman of Asia House & Roddy Gow, Chairman of Asia Scotland Institute

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, was named Director of the Year for businesses with turnover of more than £35 million at the IoD Scotland Awards in Glasgow last night.

Chosen for his motivational leadership, focus on customer service and commitment to enhancing Edinburgh Airport, Gordon took home the top award following a record-breaking year for Scotland’s busiest airport.

In addition to the top award, Gordon was also took home the Edinburgh, Lothians & the Borders Regional Director Award.

With 2014 seeing the airport’s busiest year ever in terms of passenger numbers, new business and investment, Gordon’s leadership, influence and expertise has continued to steer the airport to achieve unprecedented success, with long-haul passenger traffic up almost 90% last year.

Gordon was instrumental in securing a £150 million investment from the airport’s owners and Board to underpin a five-year investment programme. In the last 12 months, he has empowered teams across the airport to deliver ground-breaking, industry-leading investment projects with customer service placed firmly at the centre.

From new X-ray systems in security to new self-service technology to speed up the passenger check-in process, Gordon is heavily involved in developing all aspects of airport operations.

Congratulating Gordon on his achievement, Sir John Elvidge, Chairman of Edinburgh Airport, said: “After celebrating the busiest, most successful year ever for a Scottish airport, to be recognised with not one but two awards is fantastic validation of Gordon’s hard work and dedication.

“Having recently been named Director of the Year at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, it’s fantastic he is being recognised for his hard work to improve Scotland’s connectivity with the rest of the world.

“Gordon’s commitment and passion for his role is clear to see. He motivates and inspires teams across the airport to achieve success every day and we’re extremely proud to call him our Chief Executive.”

 

The Edinburgh Trams service has received a 95% overall satisfaction rating from its passengers in a major independent survey. 70% of those surveyed said they were ‘very satisfied’ –  the joint highest percentage of tram operators surveyed.

In the research by Passenger Focus, some of the top factors driving positive reviews were:

• Punctuality – 94% overall satisfaction
• Journey time – 86% overall satisfaction
• Safety of driving – 94% overall satisfaction
• Distance of tram stop from start of journey – 82% overall satisfaction
• Space – 82% overall satisfaction
• Value for money – 83% overall satisfaction
• Information provided at the stop – 87% overall satisfaction

 Tom Norris, Director and General Manager of Edinburgh Trams, welcomed the results:

This feedback is a great reward for all the staff who have put in so much effort to make the trams an excellent way of getting around the city. We always listen to our passengers and try to learn what we can do better, and this first large-scale independent study will help us to do that even more.

While I’m obviously delighted, we’ll continue to work hard to make every journey as safe, reliable and enjoyable as possible. We’ll look very closely at all aspects of this reports as there’s always room to improve.  We’re still a new service and I’m confident, that with a focus on continuous improvement, that we can be even better.

Lesley Hinds, Chair of Transport for Edinburgh, said:

This is an excellent response and demonstrates just what Edinburgh Trams means to the public as a safe and efficient method of transport. Providing the best possible service for passengers is central for Transport for Edinburgh, and since launching in May the trams have clearly made a positive impact on customers.

With similarly high levels of customer satisfaction for Lothian Buses, we are clearly on our way to achieving a seamlessly integrated transport offering for the city.

The Edinburgh fieldwork was carried out from 10 September to 27 November 2014.  596 interviews were carried out for journeys on all days of the week from 6am to 10pm. The survey also questioned tram passengers in Blackpool, Manchester, Birmingham/Wolverhampton, Nottingham and Sheffield.

A recent study into bus satisfaction found that 94% of Lothian Buses passengers continued to be satisfied with the overall service, whist achieving 83% value for money score – the best in the country.

Transport for Edinburgh, the parent company of Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, attracted an extra six million passenger journeys in 2014, with buses up three million on 2013 and the trams generating three million passengers in its first seven months of operation.

Of those surveyed 11% were travelling with a concessionary pass.  This chimes closely with overall usage which is in line with budget at 10%.

Small to medium sized businesses in Edinburgh are to be given another year to apply for vouchers, which could connect them to superfast broadband. The scheme has helped 370 businesses in Edinburgh with superfast connections so far..

Funding for the project is part of the UK Government’s £150 million super connected cities programme being delivered locally through Business Gateway.

Vouchers will be awarded to businesses to help cover the installation costs of connecting to superfast broadband services up to the value of £3,000. Businesses will pay the VAT costs and the ongoing subscription. To qualify for a voucher, applicants should be small to medium sized or be a third sector organisation located in the City of Edinburgh Council area, have fewer than 250 employees and a turnover of less than £40m. Further information and an application form can be found here.

Cllr Frank Ross, Convener of the Economy Committee, said: “The vouchers will provide much needed financial assistance to small to medium sized businesses in the city who don’t already have a fast connection. We have worked hard to secure this opportunity for local businesses and I would strongly recommend those without a fast connection apply for a voucher as high grade broadband is more reliable, faster and it will make your business more efficient and competitive.”

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said:”I’m delighted that Edinburgh has taken up the challenge to become one of the UK’s Superconnected Cities as part of the Government programme. It’s vital that our cities have the digital infrastructure like superfast broadband and wifi in place to deal with the demands of the digital age. Our investment in Edinburgh has delivered a welcome boost to Edinburgh’s economy, and is all part of our long term economic plan.”

Emma Finnie, Property Manager of Kingsford Estates, who have already benefitted from broadband vouchers, said: “We found this financial support really beneficial to help us get connected to superfast broadband. In our business we rely on super fast internet speeds for all of our clients in our serviced offices in Edinburgh. The process from start to finish was very simple and we only wish we had done it sooner. I would really recommend that other businesses who are looking to upgrade their connections apply.”

Further information

• The voucher scheme is part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s Connected Capital Programme,which aims to improve Edinburgh’s broadband connectivity. Follow on Twitter @connectedinburg.
• In the vast majority of cases the voucher should cover the total cost but where it doesn’t, businesses will have to cover the difference themselves.
• Edinburgh’s Connected Capital Programme is part of the £150m Super Connected Cities Programme which is being delivered through Broadband Delivery UK, which is part of the UK Government’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Other projects which are planned to be part of the Connected Capital Programme are an outdoor wireless network delivered though a service concession contract, wireless hotspots in a number of public buildings, wi-fi on the tram and buses is already in place and other innovative connectivity projects.
• Superfast broadband is defined as speed of, or over 30 Megabytes per Second (Mbps), Ultrafast is defined 80 to 100+ Mbps.

Residents and visitors in Edinburgh are to benefit from free wif-fi in 70 public buildings across the city as part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s Connected Capital Programme.

Attractions such as the majority of Edinburgh Leisure centres and the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Zoo and Dynamic Earth, will be live in time for Easter and the rest will come on line in the coming weeks and months.

Those travelling on Edinburgh’s trams and Lothian Buses are already benefitting from free wi-fi as part of project being rolled out

Edinburgh is one of 22 cities across the UK benefiting from the Government’s SuperConnected Cities £150m Programme, which is being delivered through Broadband Delivery UK.

Councillor Frank Ross, Economy Convener, said: “This is great news as the new service will mean that everyone will be able to get free access to the latest information on their favourite apps and websites while out and about and when going to the gym, taking in some art or when taking their children to one of Edinburgh’s many museums. It is also great timing as some of the attractions gearing up for Easter crowds already have public wi-fi installed.

“This project is central to the Council’s plans for growing the city economy, and encouraging residents and visitors to stay longer and increase their spend.”

Edinburgh Leisure, ICT Manager Stuart Fairbairn, said: “Edinburgh Leisure is delighted to offer free wi-fi in 13 of its venues thanks to this funding from the UK Government via our partners at The City of Edinburgh Council.  It will allow us to provide our busy customers with a great opportunity to stay connected while working out or relaxing in these venues, giving them yet another reason to stay healthy and active with Edinburgh Leisure.”

Hugh Wallace, Head of Digital Media, National Museum of Scotland, said: “We’re already seeing a healthy level of uptake, and people connecting to the service are then linking to museum-based material on our website (what’s on information, downloadable apps, e-newsletter sign-up). When we fully promote the service we will encourage the sharing of content, engagement with the museum’s collections, and offer further downloadable options – something we hope will provide a real step change for our visitors.”

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said: “I’m delighted Edinburgh took up the challenge to become one of the UK’s Superconnected Cities as part of the Government programme. It’s vital that our cities have the digital infrastructure like superfast broadband and wifi in place to deal with the demands of the digital age. Our investment in Edinburgh has delivered a welcome boost to the local economy, and is all part of our long term economic plan.” 

Further information

Buildings that currently have free wi-fi

• Edinburgh Zoo
• National Museum of Scotland
• Dynamic Earth
• All Edinburgh Leisure centres with the exception of Warrender Swim Centre and the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA)

Buildings which will go live at some point in the next few months

• Queen’s Hall
• Nelson Monument
• People’s Story Museum
• The Lyceum
• Festival Theatre
• King’s Theatre
• City Art Centre
• Edinburgh Festival Fringe
• Scottish Poetry Library
• Out of Blue Drill Hall
• Museum of Edinburgh
• Museum of Childhood
• The Writers’ Museum
• Museum Collections Centre
• Lauriston Castle
• Old City Observatory and the Dome
• Trinity Apse
• The Church Hill Theatre
• Usher Hall
• Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
• Traverse Theatre
• Warrender Swim Centre and the EICA (EICA)

Free wi-fi is also being installed in a number of the Council’s community centres, care homes and young people’s accommodation.