{"NewsItems":[{"headline":"Teachers seeing \u2018Distress and dysregulated behaviour\u2019 in pupils","excerpt":"","featuredImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-Council-Fairfield-House-Main1.webp","content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-Council-Fairfield-House-Main1.webp\" alt=\"Midlothian-Council-Fairfield-House-Main1\"><\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp<\/b><br><br>\n<p>Educators need to win the \u2018hearts and minds\u2019 of young people to bring them back into classrooms, a councillor has said.<\/p>\n<p>Attendance rates at primary and secondary schools across Midlothian have fallen post Covid with more than one in ten secondary pupils not in class.<\/p>\n<p>And a meeting of Midlothian Council\u2019s cabinet was told incidents of \u2018distress and dysregulated behaviour\u2019 had made the last year challenging for teachers and staff.<\/p>\n<p>Dysregulated behaviour is described as when a child or young person is unable to regulate their emotional response leading to them becoming overwhelmed and having an outburst or shutting down.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Michelle Strong, the council\u2019s education chief operating officer, said the impact of missing school was recognised as serious and a priority for the service.<\/p>\n<p>And she added the issues which were being seen in the county were also being seen across Scotland.<\/p>\n<p>She told the meeting: \u201cSome of our young people have been absent for a long time and the impact of that is on life chance so we are absolutely committed to try and bring about an improvement in relation to that.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have not shied away from the fact this year has been challenging in many of our schools. The level of distress and dysregulated behaviours is a national picture we are also seeing locally.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is about working with schools and wider partners to establish how we can better serve our learners, what is it that is causing the distress or dysregulated behaviour and then trying to address that.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>The meeting had been given a report which showed attendance in primary schools for the last year had fluctuated between 92 percent and 93 percent. In secondary schools it had fallen to 87 percent.<\/p>\n<p>Councillor Ellen Scott, cabinet member for education, said: \u201cAttendances and absences are a great concern to everyone.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFrom conversations I\u2019ve had with headteachers Covid allowed like-minded children to be together and this meant coming back to school for some groups of children was not going to be easy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere appears to be a marked disengagement from some of the learning and social activities but I think there has been a noticeable increase in anxiety and mental health concerns even in primary schools.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAlthough Covid is a couple of years down the line we are finding in primary three and primary four some of these traumas are just coming out now for the children.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere seems to be increased illness among children which is unexplained and unexpected and we are obviously seeing some difficult behaviours in schools.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have got to find a way to win the hearts and minds of our young people and convince them that education is the key to a better future.\u201d<br \/>\nand I know our education officers are working hard to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Ms Strong said a strong focus had been placed on attendance with headteachers now having access to weekly dashboards which kept track of absences and drilled down into the information.<\/p>\n<p>And she said work was going on with partners including child services to address issues with children who are not in school adding: \u201cWe recognise schools cannot tackle this alone.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","postId":19056},{"headline":"Local MSP calls for support for Midlothian high streets","excerpt":"","featuredImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Craig-Hoy-Conservative-MSP.webp","content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Craig-Hoy-Conservative-MSP.webp\" alt=\"Craig-Hoy-Conservative-MSP\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:80%\">Craig Hoy, Conservative MSP for South Scotland.<\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson<\/b><br><br>\n<p>Craig Hoy, Conservative MSP for South Scotland, has recently called on the Scottish Government to pass on the 75% business rates relief to hospitality and retail businesses in Midlothian as an incentive for them to grow and invest, using Penicuik as an example of a town that would benefit from rates relief during Portfolio Questions in the Scottish Parliament.<\/p>\n<p>This follows a call from the Scottish Retail Consortium for the Scottish Government to match the 75% business rates relief available in England and Wales, with a failure to match the rate being blamed for \u201cdamaging perceptions\u201d of the Scotland\u2019s economic competitiveness.<\/p>\n<p>Hoy also asked the Scottish Government\u2019s Minister for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy at Portfolio Questions to \u201cexplain in what way the imposition of this government\u2019s disastrous Deposit Return Scheme on cafes, pubs and restaurants is in any way sensible rule making.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/owenthompson.scot?referral=MidlothianView\"  onclick=\"trackOutboundLink('http:\/\/owenthompson.scot?referral=MidlothianView'); return false;\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Owen-Thompson-Midlothian-MP-Jan-2023.jpg\" alt=\"owenthompson.scot?referral=MidlothianView\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>The South Scotland MSP commented: \u201cI raised the issue of the Deposit Return Scheme and need for business rates relief in Scotland to the Minister for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy because a thriving local high street is vital to the wellbeing of communities in towns such as Penicuik, Gorebridge and Newtongrange.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Scottish Government need to acknowledge the difficulties being faced by towns in Midlothian during the ongoing cost of living crisis, particularly given the associated costs for products and labour in Midlothian.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","postId":19053},{"headline":"From the Hunter and Lass to Penicuik in the Park","excerpt":"","featuredImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/CG-with-Blood-Bikes-Scotland-27.05.23.webp","content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/CG-with-Blood-Bikes-Scotland-27.05.23.webp\" alt=\"CG with Blood Bikes Scotland 27.05.23\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:80%\">Christine Grahame visited the Blood Bikes Scotland stall at Penicuik in the Park.<\/p>\n<br><b>Christine Grahame MSP writes her monthly column for Midlothian View<\/b><br><br>\n<p>Thursday and Penicuik installation of the Hunter and his Lass was as usual a great success. <\/p>\n<p>This was the culmination of a lovely evening with charming and skilled dancing, and the jokes of Damien from Sacred Heart who won the talent competition. These were delivered with confidence and aplomb so move over Kevin Bridges. <\/p>\n<p>We were all still indoors at the Town Hall and I hope some time when finances allow we can have an external platform, although the new steps to the Town Hall are very posh and grand. <\/p>\n<p>Friday I was back doing my regular Penicuik TESCO surgery which always has constituents at the ready and on Saturday back again to Penicuik in the Park. <\/p>\n<p>The weather, which has had its ups and downs over the years was just fine, and I didn\u2019t mind the stiff breeze though guy ropes were being really tested. <\/p>\n<p>I stopped by many a stall but in particular at the Blood Bikes Scotland stall. This was their first visit to Penicuik in the Park and I am arranging I hope to have them bring their motor bikes to the Parliament. What they do is what it says they do, completely free of charge, transporting blood and other test samples from wards to laboratories. <\/p>\n<p>They also deliver medication to patient\u2019s homes and support GPs, District Nurses, Care Homes and Community Hospitals with the transport of small urgent items. Speed can be of the essence and the motorbikes can manoeuvre through heavy traffic but they also save the NHS being free. Good stuff all round. I look forward to seeing them one day soon at Parliament as I am sure my colleagues will learn a lot from them.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","postId":19046},{"headline":"Edinburgh council apprenticeship recruitment","excerpt":"","featuredImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Graduate-apprentice-surveyors-with-the-council-.webp","content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Graduate-apprentice-surveyors-with-the-council-.webp\" alt=\"Graduate apprentice surveyors with the council\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:80%\">From left to right: Graduate apprentice surveyors with the council Liam Bol, Adam Wright, Alice Hargest and Ross Hannah.<\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson<\/b><br><br>\n<p>The City of Edinburgh Council is searching for apprentices and experienced tradespeople as part of a recruitment drive.<\/p>\n<p>Adverts are now live for over 30 jobs and apprenticeships across a variety of roles as part of the council\u2019s plan to hire over 80 recruits in the housing service in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n<p>Designed to boost inhouse capacity to maintain, improve and repair tenants&#8217; homes, the raft of positions will cover everything from plastering, painting and plumbing to carrying out emergency repairs. Opportunities are available to develop skills in joinery, gas engineering and to join the capital investment team.<\/p>\n<p>Craft apprenticeships are available which will provide budding tradespeople with the opportunity to earn a qualification and learn new skills while being paid. Every role forms part of a team with lots of support and mentoring and a college place to become fully qualified.<\/p>\n<p>Graduate apprenticeships have also been created which will involve working within the council&#8217;s surveying team and attending university to gain a BSc (Hons) in Construction and the Built Environment. Successful applicants will learn design skills, contract and risk management and financial costings. <\/p>\n<p>Further posts will be advertised soon, with details of all positions to be found on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.myjobscotland.gov.uk\/councils\/city-edinburgh-council\/jobs\">Myjobscotland<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/owenthompson.scot?referral=MidlothianView\"  onclick=\"trackOutboundLink('http:\/\/owenthompson.scot?referral=MidlothianView'); return false;\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Owen-Thompson-Midlothian-MP-Jan-2023.jpg\" alt=\"owenthompson.scot?referral=MidlothianView\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>Kerr Williamson, Empty Homes Team Leader at the City of Edinburgh Council and a former apprentice, said:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Sending in my apprenticeship application was the greatest thing I ever did. Nine years on, I&#8217;ve progressed to become an empty homes team leader. I worked as an apprentice for four years, worked on the tools then shadowed my boss to gain the knowledge I needed to do the job I&#8217;m in now. Working for the council&#8217;s housing service means working as part of a team where we are all trying to provide a good standard of work, repair homes quickly and see tenants able to move back in to them.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The perks are building good relationships with a team of people, a guaranteed monthly wage and being able to arrange jobs in advance so that you can plan your day and your week. There is a good holiday allowance, sick pay and discount scheme available. Plus, there is room for progression.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;With over 80 in-house roles being advertised in the coming weeks, this is one of the biggest recruitment drives we&#8217;ve ever carried out within the council&#8217;s housing service.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It comes at a time of big challenges with demand for affordable and energy efficient housing in Edinburgh at an all time high. Our stock of council homes is aging and we are in the process of investing millions of pounds into improving older homes. We are cracking down on issues like damp and by boosting our workforce we&#8217;ll be able to increase our ability to carry out repairs to tenants&#8217; homes and do this quickly. We also have a big housebuilding programme which means recruits can develop skills and expertise in-house to maintain people\u2019s homes with solar panels and new technology.  <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;With apprentices forming such a valuable part of our workforce I&#8217;m pleased that we&#8217;re able to offer a variety of posts to support young people and graduates into careers. We&#8217;re committed to be being a fair Living Wage employer with a diverse workforce and these are excellent paid opportunities to learn new skills and gain qualifications.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","postId":19039},{"headline":"Roll-out of new process to help trace missing children","excerpt":"","featuredImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Police-Van-Midlothian-750x500-1.webp","content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Police-Van-Midlothian-750x500-1.webp\" alt=\"Police-Van-Midlothian-750x500\"><\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson<\/b><br><br>\n<p>Police Scotland is rolling out an award-winning scheme aimed at ensuring officers are better equipped to find children and young people earlier whenever they are reported missing.<\/p>\n<p>The Philomena Protocol, which is named after the patron saint of babies, infants and youths, was the first of its kind in the UK after being introduced by Durham Constabulary in January 2019.<\/p>\n<p>The protocol is primarily targeted towards children and young people living in care facilities and foster encourages carers, staff, families and friends to compile a standardised form of useful information which could be used in the event of a young person going missing.<\/p>\n<p>The type of information on the form will include interests, places of significance, friends and trusted people. These details will be used to ensure that police can establish the whereabouts of a missing child more speedily.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/support?referral=MidlothianView\"  onclick=\"trackOutboundLink('http:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/support?referral=MidlothianView'); return false;\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-View-Support-Us.jpg\" alt=\"www.midlothianview.com\/support?referral=MidlothianView\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>The Philomena Protocol has been developed following the success and learning from the Herbert Protocol, an initiative to support adults who are at risk of going missing.<\/p>\n<p>From today Police Scotland\u2019s 13 territorial divisions will begin utilising the Philomena Protocol.<\/p>\n<p>Inspector Alasdair Paterson from Police Scotland\u2019s Partnerships, Preventions and Community Wellbeing Unit, said: <\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhenever a child or young person is reported missing, time is of the essence when trying to find them and often the first part of an investigation is spent obtaining a variety of pertinent information.<\/p>\n<p>As part of the Philomena Protocol, this information will now be readily available within the standardised form and this may prove vital in quickly locating any youth subject to a missing person investigation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhile there is an onus on parents, guardians and carers of children to ensure this information is accurate and up to date, the young person whom the form relates to can and should also contribute. This may help them understand how important their safety is and the level of police resource that is used whenever they are reported missing, not to mention the distress it can cause for their loved ones and care givers.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","postId":19036},{"headline":"The top three common mistakes dog owners make","excerpt":"","featuredImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dog-Trainer-Esk-valley-Dog-Trainer.webp","content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dog-Trainer-Esk-valley-Dog-Trainer.webp\" alt=\"Dog-Trainer-Esk-valley-Dog-Trainer\"><br \/>\n<strong>This View has been written by Midlothian Dog Trainer Nick McMechan.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s been on my mind a lot in recent weeks. I&#8217;ve kind of went down the Rabbit Hole with the Dog Bite problem in the UK right now. There&#8217;s an All-Party Parliamentary Group working on the problem with regular meetings (APDAWG). It seems that, almost every day in the News I&#8217;m reading headlines about Dog on Human attacks, with the people involved sadly being maimed or sometimes killed. It feels like the issue is worsening and any data I can find backs up my feeling. There needs to be effective and enforceable legislation change. The issue is as straightforward as its complex in some regards. I&#8217;ll explain more in a future article. <\/p>\n<p>I read some jaw dropping statistics recently. Dog Ownership in the UK has increased in the last ten years from almost 8 million Dog to almost 13 million. That means there are almost as many Dogs living in the UK there are Children. Almost 13% of Dog Owners don&#8217;t think they ever need to train their Dog. That&#8217;s almost 1 in 8 Owners who think they don&#8217;t need to train their Dog &#8211; not good!<\/p>\n<p>But, for the time being.<\/p>\n<p>It can all be avoided. <\/p>\n<p>Here are three mistakes every Dog Owner can avoid<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\"  onclick=\"trackOutboundLink('http:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise'); return false;\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-View-Advertise-May-2023.webp\" alt=\"www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p><strong>1. Allowing your Dog to approach strange Dogs. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Stop your Dog approaching strange Dogs &#8211; today! That&#8217;s going be an unpopular opinion, I know. I was introduced to this concept many years ago. At first I didn&#8217;t like it admittedly. I had a romantic notion of taking my dog to the park and having its own doggy pals to play with. I loved this idea. Over the years my opinion and stance on this has gradually and firmly changed. <\/p>\n<p>The more I work with Dogs, the more I realise the importance of this, and the problems this mistake can cause. <\/p>\n<p>So, first, what happens when your dog runs up to an off leash dog. <\/p>\n<p>When this happens, both endorphins and oxytocin are released as the play ensues. These are pleasure chemicals released in the brain. However, similar to Humans, they are addictive. Your dog becomes addicted to things that are not you. This may start with other dogs, and can become other things, such as rabbits, squirrels, deer, chasing children on scooters, chasing other moving vehicles. Very soon you can have an out of control dog. You can help prevent this by stopping your Dog approaching strange dogs<\/p>\n<p>I&#8217;m a Dog Reactivity Specialist. I specialise in dogs who present fear based reactivity (and &#8216;frustrated greeters&#8217; and aggression). One of the most common triggers of fear based reactivity is interactions with strange Dogs. Often there will be a negative interaction at some point, sometimes there are no obvious signs (to humans) and the dogs stress levels build around strange dogs. Then reactivity develops. This is when I usually help to reduce the dogs reactivity in kind and (very) effective ways. But it&#8217;s difficult to live with. You can prevent this by stopping your dog approaching strange dogs, particularly when the other dog is on leash  &#8211; that is a massive No No!<\/p>\n<p>If you can&#8217;t stop your dog running up to other dogs, use a long training line to prevent the interactions off leash, and of course, a leash for safety in other areas, such as roadsides. It&#8217;s vitally important your dog still gets free running exercise as this is a fundamental aspect of the needs of your dogs, so use the long training line for that<\/p>\n<p>But, please, for the greater good of all dog owners, stop your dog approaching strange dogs. You may inadvertently cause reactivity in the other dog or your own.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.colinbeattiemsp.org\"  onclick=\"trackOutboundLink('http:\/\/www.colinbeattiemsp.org'); return false;\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Colin-Beattie-Midlothian-View-Ad-2023.jpg\" alt=\"www.colinbeattiemsp.org\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>2. Stopping Training your Dog<\/p>\n<p>Dog Training shouldn&#8217;t be a one off intervention. Whatever you have learnt from your Dog Trainer, use it on an ongoing basis. Dog Training is a lifelong event, particularly Recall work.<\/p>\n<p>I could write a book about the benefits of this and how to do it. But stopping at each leg of your regular dog walk and performing a quick training exercise has massive benefits you are likely unaware of. Vitally, your dog becomes more engaged in you on your walks and not on other things (see above!). The things you do on these walks can be as simple as Sit, Down, Stand or anything else you have learnt to do with your dog. The benefits are enormous. Trust in Nick, do this on at least one walk per day<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p><strong>3. Incorrect Socialistation <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In my experience, many dog owners think dog socialisation is about dogs learning through dog to dog interactions and play. Whilst there is truth in that, most of your dog&#8217;s social skills with other dogs was learnt in the Litter. <\/p>\n<p>If you are reading this and about to get a Puppy, please DO get your puppy out and about during the &#8220;critical socialisation period&#8221; of 8 to 10.5 weeks of age. Do it safely using a puppy stroller and have pet safe antiseptic to hand just in case you need to let puppy out of the stroller to do the toilet &#8211; my recommendation is a product called Leucillin. <\/p>\n<p>Socialisation is mostly about your dog being calm when presented with all the things that the environment throws at them. From all different sorts of people, to all different noises, sounds, sights, etc. If your dog is calm and happy around everything it will be a pleasure to live with. If your dog shows any arousal at anything the perceive as unusual calmly move your dog way and reward your dog for engaging with you afterwards. <\/p>\n<p>To the point above, about lifelong training with your dog, on your walks, you are continually imprinting on your Dog throughout its life, that everything is good in the world. You, as the owner are more important and more fun than other things. Please, keep your phone in your pocket and pay attention to your dog. Enjoy your walks and have fun with your dog!<\/p>\n<p>So, here&#8217;s my advice<\/p>\n<p>Allow your dog free running at least once per day every day. Active dogs will need an hour or more. Use a long training line to prevent problems if you can&#8217;t stop your dog approaching other dogs <\/p>\n<p>Train your dog at least once per day, performing training exercises on your regular walk, at least once per day. Intelligent, active breeds will need more training<\/p>\n<p>Make it all about you, not about other dogs. Play with your dog, have fun with your dog and enjoy your dog. <\/p>\n<p><em>Nick specialises in Loose Leash Walking and Reactivity as well as everything you would expect from a great Dog Trainer. You can find out more here:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/eskvalleydogtraining.co.uk\/\">eskvalleydogtraining.co.uk<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","postId":19030},{"headline":"Over four million gardeners putting their hearing at risk says Tinnitus UK","excerpt":"","featuredImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tinnitus-Garden-Ear-Protection.webp","content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tinnitus-Garden-Ear-Protection.webp\" alt=\"Tinnitus Garden Ear Protection\"><\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson<\/b><br><br>\n<p>Following the Chelsea Flower Show marking the start of the peak gardening season, Tinnitus UK is calling for gardeners to protect their ears when mowing the lawn, trimming hedges or using power tools in their patch, as new data shows only a quarter \u201cregularly\u201d or \u201csometimes\u201d use hearing protection. This means that over 4 million gardeners in the UK are putting themselves at risk of hearing loss and tinnitus, both of which can be permanent.<\/p>\n<p>One in seven adults are affected by tinnitus &#8211; which is a condition that causes the perception of noise when there is no external source. There is currently no cure for the condition.<\/p>\n<p>Noise becomes a risk to hearing health at levels of 80dB or above. Lawn mower sound levels vary, but they can be as high as 95dB for petrol driven models, and even higher for ride-on models. Pressure washers \u2013 a popular way of cleaning paths and patios \u2013 can reach 94dB. Hedge trimmers are even more problematic as they can be as loud as 103dB. At this level, hearing damage can occur in under 8 minutes.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Caroline Savage, CEO of Tinnitus UK said: \u201cNoise exposure is the single biggest preventable cause of tinnitus, and it is clear from our research that people appear to be unaware of the risks. Even if you\u2019re only giving your hedge a quick trim or the patio a spruce up, use hearing protection. When it\u2019s loud\u2026 Plug\u2019em is our very clear message.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She added \u201cWe want to make sure that people are able to enjoy their garden to the fullest, and to be able to revel in the bird song and natural sounds in their outdoor space. We know gardening to be beneficial for people\u2019s physical and mental wellbeing, and we\u2019d hate for people to put that at risk. People protect their cherished plants from frost and slugs &#8211; we want protecting your ears to be second nature. There should be no stigma around using ear plugs \u2013 we only have one pair of ears, and damage to our hearing is irreversible.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>More information about noise exposure and hearing protection can be found at <a href=\"http:\/\/tinnitus.org.uk\/join-the-cause\/plugem\">tinnitus.org.uk\/join-the-cause\/plugem<\/a>. Tinnitus UK\u2019s team of trained advisers are able to offer help and support on 0800 018 0527 or via live webchat at tinnitus.org.uk<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","postId":19025},{"headline":"Mary\u2019s Meals is appealing for locals to give their time in Volunteers\u2019 Week","excerpt":"","featuredImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marys-Meals-June-2023.webp","content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marys-Meals-June-2023.webp\" alt=\"Marys-Meals-June-2023\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:80%\">The work of Mary\u2019s Meals depends on volunteers in the UK and in the countries where it provides a daily meal in school to hungry children like seven-year-old Sam.<\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson<\/b><br><br>\n<p>Locals in Midlothian can help to feed hungry children around the world by giving their time to the school feeding charity Mary\u2019s Meals. <\/p>\n<p>The charity provides a daily school meal to more than 2.4 million hungry children in some of the world\u2019s poorest countries, attracting them into the classroom where they can gain an education and hope of a brighter future. <\/p>\n<p>Mary&#8217;s Meals is highlighting the impact Midlothian residents can make by donating their time and skills, this Volunteers\u2019 Week (June 1-7). <\/p>\n<p>The charity\u2019s work is only made possible by the dedication of volunteers across the globe, including people in the UK who raise awareness by organising fundraising events, helping with bucket collections or by distributing promotional materials and giving talks in local communities. <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/3N6aJIk\"  onclick=\"trackOutboundLink('http:\/\/amzn.to\/3N6aJIk'); return false;\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Advert-Oh-How-Loved-You-Are-A-Journey-to-Adoption.jpg\" alt=\"amzn.to\/3N6aJIk\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>Morven Macgillivray, supporter engagement manager at Mary\u2019s Meals, says: \u201cOur work simply wouldn\u2019t be possible without our wonderful volunteers. From the people here in the UK who raise awareness of our mission, to those in the countries where we work who cook and serve our school meals \u2013 our volunteers are the bedrock of everything we do to feed hungry children in some of the world\u2019s poorest communities. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cRising food and fuel prices, conflict and natural disaster have made it an incredibly challenging time for us and the vulnerable children we feed. However, in difficult moments, we are given energy and hope by our fantastic family of volunteers who give their precious time and skills to support us.  <\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe would love to welcome more volunteers from Midlothian to help us reach the next child waiting for Mary\u2019s Meals.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>It costs Mary\u2019s Meals just \u00a319.15 to feed a hungry child for an entire school year. <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>The charity is bringing hope to children like seven-year-old Sam, who goes to school in Zambia, one of the poorest countries in the world. <\/p>\n<p>Despite immense challenges, he is determined to keep attending classes thanks to the promise of a daily school meal. <\/p>\n<p>He says: \u201cThe first time I eat is at school when we have porridge. I like the porridge. It\u2019s nice because I get a full cup.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>For more information about volunteering opportunities with Mary\u2019s Meals please visit <a href=\"http:\/\/marysmeals.org.uk\/volunteer\">marysmeals.org.uk\/volunteer<\/a>.   <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","postId":19022},{"headline":"Edinburgh councillors decide against drug testing for staff","excerpt":"","featuredImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Edinburgh-City-Chambers.webp","content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Edinburgh-City-Chambers.webp\" alt=\"Edinburgh-City-Chambers\"><\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Donald Turvill<\/b><br><br>\n<p>Edinburgh Council has decided against introducing drug testing for staff, as a councillor dismissed the practice as \u201cinvasive\u201d and \u201cunnecessary\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>A review of the council\u2019s alcohol and drug policy was carried out following recommendations arising from an independent inquiry into organisational culture.<\/p>\n<p>Councillors previously considered the implementation of testing the workforce in 2017 but did not proceed \u2013 and the same decision was taken again this week as the new policy was presented for approval.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>A report to the policy and sustainability committee on Tuesday said: \u201cThis Policy is aimed at promoting a culture where the approach is preventative, where open and honest conversations are encouraged so that the signs can be identified, and dependency problems can be effectively mitigated against as much as possible.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe also considered the introduction of testing of all colleagues in the workplace.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The report said this could include \u2018with cause\u2019 and random drug tests on staff.<\/p>\n<p>However it added testing for substances \u201cat this stage may be too premature\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRather focus should first be on providing additional guidance and training to support managers in having these types of conversations with colleagues and managing these situations in the first instance from a well-being perspective.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs a result, we are recommending the status quo at this stage and to review the introduction of testing again at the appropriate time.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt should also be noted that any proposal to introduce a testing regime is unlikely to be supported by trade unions at this stage.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>The Greens tabled an addendum calling for the drug and alcohol testing policy to only return to councillors if they requested it.<\/p>\n<p>Green city councillor Alex Staniforth said: \u201cDrug and alcohol testing at work is invasive. There are several different types of drug and alcohol testing, but I don\u2019t think there is any that could be considered entirely uninvasive.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s also unnecessary, managers should be able to tell if their employees are capable of continuing doing their job on a given day or not.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe unions also dislike the idea of drug and alcohol testing for this exact reason.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI really think that given that in 2017 we said we didn\u2019t want this to happen I don\u2019t feel the council has changed enough in its political make-up that we\u2019re suddenly going to turn round and say we do want this to happen.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>However, Conservative group leader Iain Whyte said the Greens\u2019 addendum was \u201centirely unnecessary\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>He said: \u201cThere\u2019s not any push to be doing anything right now, there\u2019s just an opportunity left open.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think we should be taking our officers\u2019 advice around some of this. And I can think of situations where some testing might be appropriate. I know, for example, that Scotrail regularly tests drivers of trains, I know Lothian Buses has policies on this and it and it may well be that we have people that are in driving situations and the like where it might become useful and necessary at some point in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Conservative councillor Jo Mowat added: \u201cI\u2019m always wary when you remove potential tools from toolboxes, and then the remedy is at some point if there\u2019s a problem we\u2019ve got to move a motion to council, convince everyone that we need that \u2013 and that is almost certainly going to be at a time that would be extremely difficult and would become a massive issue.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI would have concerns if we took this out.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Conservatives moved the report as presented without the Greens\u2019 additions and were defeated 15 votes to 2 upon going to a vote.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","postId":19020},{"headline":"Plans approved for former Scottish Widows headquarters","excerpt":"","featuredImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Scottish-Widows-Headquarters.webp","content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Scottish-Widows-Headquarters.webp\" alt=\"Scottish Widows Headquarters\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:80%\">Design Plans. Image: Morgan Architects.<\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Donald Turvill<\/b><br><br>\n<p>One of Edinburgh\u2019s most iconic buildings will be partially demolished to undergo a major renovation after sitting empty for three years.<\/p>\n<p>The former Scottish Widows headquarters by Holyrood Park is to shrink in size by about a third, losing five of its distinctive hexagonal modules. The remaining seven will form a new \u2018business hub\u2019, caf\u00e9 and cr\u00e8che.<\/p>\n<p>Five residential blocks will also be built on site including 57 affordable flats.<\/p>\n<p>The plans were given the go-ahead by councillors this week despite a range of objections relating to the height of the new apartments, loss of trees, lack of affordable homes for families \u2013 and fears the part-demolition of the Sir Basil Spence-designed landmark would lead to its A-listed status being revoked.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>The planning sub-committee were widely supportive of the application as it came before them on Wednesday. Members welcomed efforts made to retain some of the structure whilst delivering much-needed housing near to the city centre.<\/p>\n<p>One local councillor who praised developers\u2019 \u201cvaliant effort\u201d said redevelopment of the site \u201ccould well have been student housing\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Originally constructed in the 1970s, the current building is said to be home to the largest open plan office in Scotland with a total floor area of 26,800 square meters. But it has been completely empty since previous tenants, Lloyds Banking Group, vacated in 2020 and the redevelopment plans were lodged last year.<\/p>\n<p>Planners said at the meeting that the \u201cessential appearance of the office\u201d will not change from the view of the main entrance on Dalkeith Road as the five modules being demolished are at the rear of the site. <\/p>\n<p>However, they added the building\u2019s glass fa\u00e7ade will be replaced as it contains \u201csignificant amounts of asbestos\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, three of the five apartment buildings will be six-sided to match the design of the existing structure with the remaining two L-shaped. Altogether they will contain 174 flats.<\/p>\n<p>It was also highlighted that 47 out of 71 trees on the site would need to be cut down to make way for the residential blocks, but would be replaced with 81 new plantings.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/support?referral=MidlothianView\"  onclick=\"trackOutboundLink('http:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/support?referral=MidlothianView'); return false;\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-View-Support-Us.jpg\" alt=\"www.midlothianview.com\/support?referral=MidlothianView\"><\/a><hr><\/div>","postId":19011},{"headline":"North Berwick holiday let gets go ahead despite objection","excerpt":"","featuredImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/springfield-gardens-north-berwick.webp","content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/springfield-gardens-north-berwick.webp\" alt=\"springfield gardens north berwick\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:80%\">Flat in Springfield Gardens, North Berwick, is a holiday let. Photo credit Google.<\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp<\/b><br><br>\n<p>Objectors to a seaside town flat being used as a holiday let complained guests did not use recycling bins properly, causing \u2018disruption\u2019 to shared bin services.<\/p>\n<p>The owner of the flat in North Berwick applied for retrospective permission to change its use to holiday accommodation from East Lothian Council planners.<\/p>\n<p>Planners said the property on Springfield Gardens had been operating as a holiday home for seven years with no complaints.<\/p>\n<p>However they received three objections to the change of use, including claims the bins were not used properly, the loss of long term accommodation in the town and concerns about disturbance caused by holiday lets.<\/p>\n<p>And they said they received an additional representation about the bins stating \u201cthere is an ongoing issue with guests not using the bins and recycling boxes correctly\u2026 this has resulted in the refuse collection supervisor advising that bins\/recycling boxed will not be collected if this matter is not addressed.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Planners said the self-contained flat had its own private entrance and was managed by North Berwick Holiday Homes.<\/p>\n<p>They said the separate entrance and use of services such as waste and recycling meant use of the flat would not be \u2018evidentially different\u2019 to if it had a long term resident.<\/p>\n<p>Protesters also argued that the influx of short term lets in North Berwick was creating problems saying: \u201cthe perceived economic benefits of tourism to the locality do not, in practice, outweigh the wider issues that have been caused by the proliferation of short term lets in the central area of North Berwick.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>However planners said: \u201cOn balance, the local economic benefits associated with the use of the applicant\u2019s flat operating as a short term self catering holiday let accommodation outweighs the loss of residential accommodation.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The change of use was approved.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","postId":19017},{"headline":"Music festival gets green light despite complaints","excerpt":"","featuredImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cockenzie-house.webp","content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cockenzie-house.webp\" alt=\"cockenzie-house\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:80%\">Cockenzie House and Gardens pic Wikimedia credit Tom Parnell<\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp<\/b><br><br>\n<p>A music festival which generated complaints about noise, drug use and foul language has been given the green light to go ahead this summer after reducing its hours.<\/p>\n<p>EH32 Live is a free public event which takes place in the grounds of Cockenzie House, in East Lothian, every weekend over the summer.<\/p>\n<p>A meeting of East Lothian Licensing Board, however, heard last year\u2019s event had brought complaints from nearby residents who reported excessive noise, cannabis use and swearing.<\/p>\n<p>One neighbour, who is a music teacher, recorded one band\u2019s expletives which accompanied their version of Beatles classic \u2018Hey Jude\u2019 at the end of one performance and said the festival had ruined his \u2018peace and tranquility\u2019.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>The board\u2019s licensing standards officer Karen Harling said, in a report to members, that the band in question had been taken off the bill.<\/p>\n<p>She said: \u201cThe band that used the offensive language were removed from the event and all subsequent performances were cancelled.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>And she said of other complaints: \u201cGuidance was given for them to employ stewards for the event and for them to be vigilant in relation to drug taking and licensing offences and to monitor the noise levels from the event.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Organiser Craig Hodgson acknowledged the issues and said stewards had been brought in to oversee this year\u2019s festival which runs each weekend between June and September.<\/p>\n<p>He said: \u201cWe do understand there were a few complaints last year about the noise and we have purchased a noise barrier system which can go around the tent the acts perform in that will reduce the noise.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Board members asked for a condition of the licence to restrict the event to weekends and reduce its hours.<\/p>\n<p>Mr Hodgson accepted restrictions by the board which would see them stop serving alcohol at 7.30pm and bring musical performance to an end by 8pm instead of 8.30pm as previously requested.<\/p>\n<p>The board unanimously approved the licences for this summer\u2019s weekend events to continue.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","postId":19008},{"headline":"Work underway on new access road to Destination Hillend","excerpt":"","featuredImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Colin-Cassidy-Kelly-Parry-Destination-Hillend.webp","content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Colin-Cassidy-Kelly-Parry-Destination-Hillend.webp\" alt=\"Colin-Cassidy-Kelly-Parry-Destination-Hillend\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:80%\">Midlothian's Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Colin Cassidy and Council Leader Councillor Kelly Parry.<\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson<\/b><br><br>\n<p>Work is underway on a new access road, car park and landscaping as part of Midlothian Council\u2019s ambitious Destination Hillend project.<\/p>\n<p>Council Leader Councillor Kelly Parry and the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Colin Cassidy visited the site recently to hear more about progress on transforming Midlothian Snowsports Centre into a multi-activity, year-round leisure attraction.<\/p>\n<p>Councillor Parry said: \u201cSeeing the bulldozers on site working on all the required civil engineering is so exciting and really brings it home that Destination Hillend is on track to be fully open by 2025.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re confident the breadth and quality of the activities and the unique location will increase visitor figures from around 139,000 a year to an estimated 485,000.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re looking forward to welcoming people from across the UK and beyond, putting Destination Hillend firmly on the map while generating more than \u00a31 million of income annually to spend on council services.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.colinbeattiemsp.org\"  onclick=\"trackOutboundLink('http:\/\/www.colinbeattiemsp.org'); return false;\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Colin-Beattie-Midlothian-View-Ad-2023.jpg\" alt=\"www.colinbeattiemsp.org\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>Once completed, the centre will have one of the UK\u2019s fastest zip wires, reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometres an hour.<\/p>\n<p>Tenders have also been invited for Scotland\u2019s first Alpine Coaster, which could be taking its first passengers by early 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Destination Hillend will offer indoor soft play and climbing, shops and a high-quality food court, all housed in a modern, energy-efficient building, which will be fully accessible by bus.<\/p>\n<p>The planning application for the building has been submitted and is likely to be determined in late June.<\/p>\n<p>The council also plans to attract a glamping operator to the development.<\/p>\n<p>Councillor Colin Cassidy said: \u201cThe centre is known for having the longest and fastest dry ski slope in the UK and the only one with a chairlift along with a well-used new funslope and other attractions like tubing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHowever, the building itself is no longer fit for purpose so we need to breathe new life into what has potential to be one of the most exciting leisure destinations in the UK.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>It is estimated 150 full-time equivalent jobs will be created during construction and up to 157 full-time equivalent jobs from when the facility is finished.<\/p>\n<p>A new junction will provide enabling infrastructure for a new hotel and Pentland Bike Trail centre on neighbouring sites, while the updated road will allow coaches and buses to drop people off right outside the main entrance.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile an expanded and improved car park will have spaces for more than 400 vehicles.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","postId":18997},{"headline":"Plea not to \u2018break ties\u2019 with Midlothian amid Parliamentary boundary change proposal","excerpt":"","featuredImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Scottish-Borders-Council.webp","content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Scottish-Borders-Council.webp\" alt=\"Scottish-Borders-Council\"><\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly<\/b><br><br>\n<p>A planned Parliamentary boundary change would damage the historic and geographical links between the Scottish Borders and Midlothian, councillors have been warned.<\/p>\n<p>Boundaries Scotland has published its provisional proposals for new constituency boundaries for the Scottish Parliament and opened a one month public consultation, running until Saturday, June 17.<\/p>\n<p>One proposal is to replace the Midlothian South, Tweeddale &#038; Lauderdale County Constituency with a Clyde Valley &#038; Tweeddale County Constituency, comprising of wards within Scottish Borders Council and South Lanarkshire Council.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a move which alarms Galashiels &#038; District councillor Fay Sinclair who put a motion before a meeting of Scottish Borders Council yesterday calling on members to agree to formally object to the move.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>She said: \u201cThe current Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale constituency is linked through numerous public transport routes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBorders buses operate up the A7, A68 and A72, linking the Borders to Midlothian. Even travelling by car, options are limited across the proposed new constituency.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe current MSP\u2019s constituency office is sited in central Galashiels, which has extensive transport links to the different parts of the constituency, whereas the current MSP for Clydesdale has an office in Lanark where travel to Galashiels would require three separate buses and a journey time well over two hours, therefore limiting constituents access to their MSP.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe proposed new constituency covers a huge geographical area, meaning connections are more difficult and travel time by MSPs to various parts of the constituency would be greatly increased and people therefore less well represented.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNHS services co-ordinate and co-operate across Scottish Borders and Lothian, as do other bodies, including City Deal, SESTran, South East Improvement Collaborative.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAn alternative proposal would be to move part of ward 5 (Oxton, Lauder, Blainslie and Earlston polling districts) into th Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire constituency,  bringing the total electorate closer to the quota of 59,902 at a revised total of 59,676 electors.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis would leave the rest of the Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale constituency with a reduction from 65,033 to 60,4888. This would maintain the historic and geographical, connectivity and other benefits and connections between the Scottish Borders and Midlothian and create constituencies with broadly the same number of electors\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Councillor Sinclair accepted to an amendment to her motion, from Leaderdale &#038; Melrose councillor David Parker.<\/p>\n<p>It agreed that instead of making an immediate objection to the proposal, SBC \u201cagrees to delegate authority to the council\u2019s chief executive to make a submission to Boundaries Scotland, in consultation with the members Sounding Board, where all issues and options will be discussed.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","postId":19002},{"headline":"Bonnyrigg piercing studio gets go ahead after appeal","excerpt":"","featuredImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/high-street-body-piercing-studio-bonnyrigg-500x333-1.webp","content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/high-street-body-piercing-studio-bonnyrigg-500x333-1.webp\" alt=\"high-street-body-piercing-studio-bonnyrigg-500x333\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:80%\">The proposed piercing studio off Bonnyrigg High Street.<\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp<\/b><br><br>\n<p>A decision to reject plans for a body piercing studio off Bonnyrigg High Street because it shared a vennel with neighbours has been overturned on appeal.<\/p>\n<p>Midlothian planners refused permission for the change of use of a disused workshop in the town into the studio after a complaint that it would lead to more footfall on the vennel.<\/p>\n<p>However the decision was branded \u2018unreasonable\u2019 by the workshop owner and he appealed to the council\u2019s Local Review Body.<\/p>\n<p>This week they granted the appeal but told the operator to install obscure glass in two windows in the west of the building which overlook a communal garden area.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Agents for the owner of the building had compared the path to the workshop entrance to the many historic vennels found in Edinburgh Old Town.<\/p>\n<p>They said planning officers had come to the \u2018unreasonable conclusion\u2019 that the path gave the impression of being more a private access than public.<\/p>\n<p>They said: \u201cWe would make the comparison to Edinburgh Old Town, where similar vennels are found in abundance and provide access to a whole plethora of differing commercial and residential uses which all work in harmony.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Owner of the workshop Matin Khan had earlier told Midlothian planners the building had been used as a pet shop in the past and the vennel, which allowed access to it, was already used by neighbouring commercial properties for deliveries as well as residents of flats above the businesses.<\/p>\n<p>However the claims were challenged by one neighbour who insisted the building had only ever been used as a storage space for the pet shop and no customers ever came down it while it was open.<\/p>\n<p>Following a site visit to the studio, councillors on the Local Review Body, upheld the appeal and granted planning permission but added the condition that the windows would be obscured to \u201csafeguard the amenity of neighbouring residential properties\u201d.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","postId":19000},{"headline":"Scottish Ministers intervene in East Lothian hedge row","excerpt":"","featuredImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/hedgehigh.webp","content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/hedgehigh.webp\" alt=\"hedgehigh\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:80%\">Photograph highlighting the high hedges at the centre of the dispute between Aberlady neighbours.<\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp<\/b><br><br>\n<p>Claims a high hedge was blocking light from a garden have been dismissed on appeal after it was ruled it would have to be nine metres high to have a detrimental impact.<\/p>\n<p>Scottish Ministers were asked to intervene after East Lothian Council refused to step into the row between neighbours over the hedge in Aberlady.<\/p>\n<p>Applicant Alan Armitage, who lives in Whinny View, Aberlady, asked the council to serve a High Hedge order on the owners of a neighbouring house after he said writing to them failed to bring any action.<\/p>\n<p>But when planning officers visited the garden, on neighbouring Mair End in the village, they failed to find a problem.<\/p>\n<p>And they argued that the fact Mr Armitage had put decking in his garden creating a raised seating area meant the hedges were needed to protect his neighbour\u2019s privacy.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Mr Armitage appealed to Scottish Ministers disputing the officers decision to treat the complained about hedging as two separate hedges because there is a small gap between them.<\/p>\n<p>He also pointed to two trees at either end of the hedging which were seven metres high and had not been included in the calculations by the council.<\/p>\n<p>However the Scottish Government Reporter has thrown out the appeal despite agreeing with Mr Armitage that the shrubs should be treated as one hedge.<\/p>\n<p>Rejecting his appeal, the Reporter says that the hedging, which is around 4.5 metres high, would have to be double that to have a detrimental impact on the neighbouring garden.<\/p>\n<p>And he said even if the seven-metre high trees were included as part of the hedging they would still be acceptable.<\/p>\n<p>He said: \u201cI do not consider that the appellant\u2019s reasonable enjoyment of the dwelling house or garden would be affected to a significant extent by the hedge at its current height.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn addition there is also scope for significant further growth of the hedge before it reaches the actionable height that could potentially justify the issue of a certificate.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/3N6aJIk\"  onclick=\"trackOutboundLink('http:\/\/amzn.to\/3N6aJIk'); return false;\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Advert-Oh-How-Loved-You-Are-A-Journey-to-Adoption.jpg\" alt=\"amzn.to\/3N6aJIk\"><\/a><hr><\/div>","postId":18991},{"headline":"Majority of Scottish dog owners would support licencing","excerpt":"","featuredImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dog-on-beach.webp","content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dog-on-beach.webp\" alt=\"Dog-on-beach\"><\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson<\/b><br><br>\n<p>In a recent survey by leading animal healthcare brand Johnson\u2019s Veterinary Products into the purchasing habits of pet owners, a surprising 65% of pet owners in Scotland said they would be willing to pay for a dog licence if they were reintroduced by the Government.<\/p>\n<p>These regional statistics reveal overwhelming support with a further 50% feeling the reintroduction of licences would deter unsuitable dog owners, and 26% believing it would encourage better standards and training, which would hopefully protect the public from irresponsible owners and unpredictable pets.<\/p>\n<p>The survey, which sought to identify the factors that influence buying decisions when owners seek healthcare products for their pets, comes at an interesting time following calls for greater safeguarding surrounding dog ownership in the aftermath of recent serious dog-related injuries to owners and members of the public.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>The decision to reintroduce dog licences would not be without its critics at a time of economic uncertainty, but it will undoubtedly pique the interest of those in both central and local government.<\/p>\n<p>Paul Gwynn, Managing Director of Johnsons Veterinary Products, commented: \u201cThis willingness to pay for a dog licence was a surprising response, but perhaps signals that recent high-profile dog attacks have changed the thinking of the majority of responsible dog owners.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhilst serious incidents involving dog attacks remain rare, each one is a tragedy and it feels like more could be done to reduce the risks. Dog owners understand the need to train and socialize their dogs, but a willingness to buy a licence in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, whilst a surprise, readily demonstrates the importance they place on regulation of dog ownership. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe findings of the survey make interesting reading for those with the best interests of \u2018man\u2019s best friend\u2019 to heart, with those polled believing the reintroduction of licences would deliver significant safety and regulatory benefits, albeit at a cost of more than \u00a331 per dog, per year.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAlthough not an issue discussed at the highest levels, it is likely the Government will see this as an opportunity to raise significant funds that can be redistributed to address high-profile issues, not all of which will necessarily be dog related.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWith there being an estimated 13 million pet dogs in the UK as of 2021, given that nationally, 71% of those questioned would be willing to pay an average of \u00a338 per animal, the reintroduction of dog licences could raise more than \u00a3475M.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","postId":18987},{"headline":"Fears Edinburgh council will renege on care home consultation scope","excerpt":"","featuredImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Edinburgh-City-Chambers.webp","content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Edinburgh-City-Chambers.webp\" alt=\"Edinburgh-City-Chambers\"><\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Donald Turvill<\/b><br><br>\n<p>The scope of a consultation on the future of four Edinburgh care homes could be reduced to \u201cwhen and how\u201d to close them with no focus on what they would be replaced with, a councillor has warned.<\/p>\n<p>Independent councillor Ross McKenzie also claimed he was aware of proposals to shut one of them down before the consultation is launched.<\/p>\n<p>The claims come despite a promise that there would be engagement with the public on the future of care homes and the support available for elderly and frail people in the city more widely.<\/p>\n<p>Health and social care bosses said there would still be a \u201cfull and democratic consultation on the future of care homes in Edinburgh,\u201d adding they would ensure there is \u201csufficient capacity to meet future demand\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Edinburgh Council\u2019s chief executive has been urged to step in over the matter, which was to be discussed by councillors yesterday.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Proposals to close four council-owned care homes at Ford\u2019s Road, Clovenstone, Jewel House and Ferrylee were announced in 2021, with the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership (EHSCP) saying the buildings were no longer fit for purpose.<\/p>\n<p>The Partnership said in December that as a result of their condition the care homes \u201cneed to be very selective about the residents they are able to accommodate and cannot accept people with complex care needs\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Their decommissioning will have a \u201csystem wide impact\u201d and residents would have to be moved to alternative accommodation, it said, whilst noting that capacity elsewhere \u201cis limited\u201d. It added there were no replacement care homes identified at that stage.<\/p>\n<p>Drumbrae care home was set to be decommissioned as well until plans emerged for it to be taken over by the NHS as a complex care centre. These have since been scrapped due to the cost of refurbishments however, and the lease was never signed by NHS Lothian.<\/p>\n<p>The fiasco has meant the 60-bed home has now been empty for over a year. City councillor, who have grown increasingly frustrated at the situation, unanimously called for it to be brought back into use at a meeting in February.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/3N6aJIk\"  onclick=\"trackOutboundLink('http:\/\/amzn.to\/3N6aJIk'); return false;\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Advert-Oh-How-Loved-You-Are-A-Journey-to-Adoption.jpg\" alt=\"amzn.to\/3N6aJIk\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>A final decision on the other four threatened with closure, which have 151 beds altogether, was delayed so a public consultation could be held, after campaigners hit back at a lack of engagement by the council over the highly controversial plans.<\/p>\n<p>It was said the consultation would \u201cfocus on the broad future provision of care and support for older people in Edinburgh\u201d in a report to the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board, which oversees the running of EHSCP, in December.<\/p>\n<p>However it is now feared the council is to \u201crenege\u201d on that pledge and not give the public a say on the replacement of care provision which would be lost through the planned closures.<\/p>\n<p>Councillor McKenzie, who resigned from Labour earlier this year and now sits as an independent, told the LDRS: \u201cIt\u2019s my understanding that the public consultation on the future of social care that the IJB agreed to undertake will now be limited to a consultation on when and how to close four council-run care homes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAny discussion about the re-provisioning of care will be considered beyond the scope of the consultation. I\u2019m also aware of a proposal to close one of the homes in advance of the consultation taking place.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Cllr McKenzie said this approach \u201clooks at balance sheets before it looks at people\u2019s needs\u201d and \u201cstores up problems for the future, causing further reliance on an unstable private care sector\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>He pointed out that a motion passed in March agreed the authority\u2019s role as a care provider \u2018is best met through council owned and operated care homes\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>He added: \u201cThe IJB has already taken 60 council-run beds out of circulation with the farcical closure of Drum Brae care home, which continues to sit empty while the council pays for non-domestic rates and maintenance.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow they are proposing to take away another 151 beds across these four homes. The argument that the IJB makes is that these homes are not able to provide the level of care that is currently in demand. Even if you accept that argument, the answer is to adapt the service to meet people\u2019s needs, not to take the service away altogether.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m requesting that the chief executive steps in to advocate for council policy and to prevent further destruction of our capacity to deliver social care.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Councillor McKenzie was due to table a motion at the policy and sustainability committee yesterday in a bid to get council CEO Andrew Kerr to intervene. He will also call for a report to be brought forward on \u201coptions for expanding council provision of long term care, including upgrading existing care homes, building new care homes and acquiring care homes from private providers\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>A Spokesperson for Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership said: \u201cWe are committed to full and democratic consultation on the future of care homes in Edinburgh including Castlegreen and North Merchiston which have recently returned to Local Authority management.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was first identified in 2008 that four older care homes would not meet modern requirements, with  buildings that are not offering the best environment for people that are frail and have high levels of need .<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur priority is to provide high-quality, person centred care for all residents and the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board has tasked us with consulting to ensure that this level of care can be assured in the four older care homes identified. We are committed to ensuring sufficient capacity to meet future demand and we will keep residents, relatives and staff updated.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Pete Carnell, from the pressure group Another Edinburgh is Possible which has fought against the care home closures, said: \u201cIt\u2019s now almost two years since staff in five Edinburgh care homes, Fords Road, Clovenstone, Jewel House, Ferrylee and Drumbrae were informed that the homes were to be closed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAlong with the council unions and the Edinburgh Trades Council we campaigned for the homes to remain open.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDrumbrae was closed and the promised change of use has not happened. The other homes are still open.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Integrated Joint Board had not consulted publicly about the closures and finally in 2022  it agreed to do so.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt now seems to be trying to renege on that promise.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cResidents and their families have been left in limbo for two years. These homes represent a big proportion of the publicly run care provision in Edinburgh.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEdinburgh\u2019s care system is in chaos. The city has the highest proportion of outsourced private care in Scotland.  We believe there should be no role for profit in the provision of care.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","postId":18985},{"headline":"Drivers warned of deer collision risk","excerpt":"","featuredImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Deer-Risk.webp","content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Deer-Risk.webp\" alt=\"Deer-Risk\"><\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson<\/b><br><br>\n<p>A campaign has been launched warning drivers to look out for deer along Scotland\u2019s trunk road network, including at key locations in the central belt.<\/p>\n<p>NatureScot is working with Transport Scotland and Traffic Scotland to display warning messages on electronic variable message signs (VMS) in the areas of the highest risk between May 24 and June 14.<\/p>\n<p>In recent decades, deer populations in Scotland have both increased in number and spread in range, particularly in urban areas and the central belt.<\/p>\n<p>Alongside growth in road traffic this has inevitably led to an increased risk of collisions between deer and vehicles, with almost 24,000 recorded since 2003.<\/p>\n<p>May and June are the peak months for collisions as young roe deer disperse to look for their own territories, with dusk the period of highest risk.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>The data show that almost all of the top 10 areas where the highest number of collisions have been recorded are located in the central belt. As part of the campaign, electronic signs along roads in these areas will display warning messages to remind drivers of the risk. Similar messaging will also be used in other locations across the country where collisions are a concern, including around Perth, Aberdeen and Inverness. <\/p>\n<p>Dominic Sargent, NatureScot Deer Policy Officer, said: \u201cPublic safety is a really important part of our wider work with partners to reduce deer impacts across Scotland, particularly in the areas where we know those impacts are highest.<\/p>\n<p> \u201cOn the road network, the key collision locations appear to be mainly around junctions that have small areas of woodland nearby. We think that a combination of deer using the woodland as daytime refuges, a lack of continuous traffic on slip roads and reduced visibility on curved slip roads could be factors at play.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs we enter the peak period for collisions, this campaign will remind drivers always to be \u2018deer aware\u2019, slow down and stay alert to help reduce the likelihood of collisions.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Angus Corby, Transport Scotland Landscape and Biodiversity Manager, said: \u201cTransport Scotland is pleased to continue our partnership with NatureScot to tackle the challenge of reducing the risk of deer-vehicle-collisions across Scotland\u2019s Trunk Road Network.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe two organisations are working to establish and maintain a picture of the areas across the country where such risk appears highest, for a number of reasons, so that mitigation efforts can be focussed and more effective, both for the welfare of the deer as well as road-user safety.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","postId":18981},{"headline":"Work underway to build new Easthouses primary School","excerpt":"","featuredImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Easthouses-Primary-Work-underway-on-site.webp","content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Easthouses-Primary-Work-underway-on-site.webp\" alt=\"Easthouses-Primary-Work-underway-on-site\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:80%\">Cllr Ellen Scott is pictured at the Easthouses site with Paul McGirk, Hub South East\u2019s Chief Executive on the left and David Ewing, the Managing Director for Morrison Construction Building Central.<\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson<\/b><br><br>\n<p>Work is underway to build the new Easthouses Primary School. The new primary, on the site of the old Newbattle High School, will be able to accommodate 459 children. There will be 16 places to support children with Additional Support Needs (ASN) from across Midlothian, and 80 pre-school places.<\/p>\n<p>The primary school will be in a two-storey block at the northern side of the building with the early years&#8217; and ASN spaces in a single storey block at the southern side.<\/p>\n<p>The two wings will be linked by a shared space with dining facilities, a multi-purpose hall, an arts\/movement space, offices and support facilities.<\/p>\n<p>The two storey wing and the single storey Additional Support Needs space will face each other across a three-sided courtyard with a sunken garden.<\/p>\n<p>Local people will be able to book the external multi-use games area with synthetic surface outside.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.parliament.scot\/msps\/current-and-previous-msps\/lorna-slater\"  onclick=\"trackOutboundLink('http:\/\/www.parliament.scot\/msps\/current-and-previous-msps\/lorna-slater'); return false;\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lorna-Slater-Green-MSP-Scotland-Midlothian-View.jpg\" alt=\"www.parliament.scot\/msps\/current-and-previous-msps\/lorna-slater\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>Midlothian Council\u2019s Cabinet Member with responsibility for education, Councillor Ellen Scott said: \u201cI am delighted to see this new, state of the art, primary school going ahead.  It symbolises everything Midlothian Council wants to provide to our communities \u2013 high-quality education, that not only supports our young people\u2019s learning, but also the health and wellbeing of both the children and the wider community.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am sure, like me, everyone can\u2019t wait to see it being built and ready to welcome its pupils.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Jmarchitects, appointed through development partner Hub South East, designed the school, which will be built by contractor, Morrison Construction.<\/p>\n<p>Paul McGirk, Hub South East\u2019s Chief Executive said: \u201c\u201cA great deal of work has gone into the development and design of this project in the background, so starting work on site is a significant milestone in making the new primary school for Easthouses a reality. The designs ensure that pupils and staff will not only enjoy a modern new learning space, including significantly enhanced provision for children with additional support needs, but the local community will benefit from the wider use of the building itself. We look forward to working in partnership with Midlothian Council as the project progresses.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>David Ewing, the Managing Director for Morrison Construction Building Central, commented: \u201cWe are delighted to be getting work underway at Easthouses. We look forward to working in partnership with Midlothian Council to deliver not only a high-quality school and inspiring learning space, but also investment in the local community through our comprehensive social value plans.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Phil Zoechbauer, Project Director with jmarchitects added: \u201cWe are delighted to be working with Midlothian Council and Hub South East on this project. Importantly, this project is supported by the ambition of our clients which is to provide both a high-quality learning environment as well as a new asset for both the existing and emerging communities in the Easthouses area.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In June 2022, councillors noted improvements to the design of the two stream primary school and approved the \u00a322.044 million overall costs from the capital budget. The school is due to open in August 2024.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.colinbeattiemsp.org\"  onclick=\"trackOutboundLink('http:\/\/www.colinbeattiemsp.org'); return false;\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Colin-Beattie-Midlothian-View-Ad-2023.jpg\" alt=\"www.colinbeattiemsp.org\"><\/a><hr><\/div>","postId":18978}]}