3
Splash the cash
Hub@531 holds it’s official opening party
SNP leadership candidate Ash Regan backs a Scottish currency
By STAFF REPORTER
ASH REGAN, MSP, one of three SNP leadership
candidates, says that if she becomes SNP
leader she will back the party moving to a
Scottish currency as fast as is practicable
on independence.
She does not support setting tests before
a currency is introduced and, if she becomes
First Minister, commits herself to explore
immediately what steps can be taken within
the powers of The Scottish Parliament to
begin to build the infrastructure of a new
currency immediately.
Ash said: “If I become the leader of the SNP
I will certainly encourage the Party to look
again at its position on currency. I don't believe
a country can be truly independent if it is using
another currency but has no say over how that
currency is managed.
"It is not for me to dictate to the Party what
our final position on this should be, but I will
make clear that I think the best option for
Scotland is for us to move as quickly as is
practicable to our own currency. I also believe
that if we prepare properly before we have a
vote on independence then the timescale for
implementing a currency can be short.
"That is why I also promise, that if I become
First Minister, I will explore what steps can
be taken now under the powers of the Scottish
Parliament to start to build the infrastructure
of a new currency. If we are to be serious
about independence then we need to get our
preparations right, and I believe we can start
to build the outline of an independent
country now."My view of this isn't only informed by
the economics, though I think the economics
make clear that it is a foolhardy country
which thinks it can prosper in the global
economy without the backing of a powerful
central bank, it is also informed by my belief
that if we want the public to have the courage
to choose independence then they must see us
having the courage to do what it takes to make
a successful nation. I don't believe that
continually deliberating about when we will
get round to introducing our own currency
shows that courage.”
Ash Regan consulted with economist
Dr Tim Rideout B.A.(Economics) of the
Scottish Currency Group, who is also a
member of the SNP.
After the discussion Ash said: "It's all about
getting the brightest and best in the room - a
lot of the ground work has been done, this is
the power of our movement, that I what I set
out to do.”
Dr Tim Rideout added: "I attended the
launch of Ash Regan’s campaign. I think
the SNP membership and the Scottish
Currency Group will love her currency
policy. It will be just what is needed to get
the Indy case moving forward."PENTLAND COMMUNITY
SPACE have opened the new
space for everyone at 531
Lanark Road in Juniper Green.
The process began in 2020 with
an application to make a
community asset transfer of the
former toilet block. After formal
approval in 2020 building work
began to convert the buildinginto a community space with a
one bedroom flat above.
Pentland Community Space is
a charitable organisation formed
by members of Juniper Green
and Baberton Mains Community
Council, who already had a track
record of successful events such
as the Pentlands Book Festival
and the Farmer’s Market.The premises had been closed
since 2015, and the group
bought the buildng for £23,
from the council. This was
£7,000 less than the market
value but the reduced price
reflected the added benefits
that a hub like this would bring.
The building has been partly
demolished and, with additionalfunding, turned into to a
community space for everyone
to use.
The development was not
without its issues but planning
permission already existed
for the conversion and the
letting of the flat will help to
make the Hub and its activities
more sustainable.By PHYLLIS STEPHENTHE KING’S Theatre makeover has been
saved with additional funding allocated
by The City of Edinburgh Council and by
The Scottish Government.
The renovation can now begin as the
necessary funding has been topped up
by £3 million from The City of Edinburgh
Council in the budget passed on
Thursday, and an additional £3.85 million
from The Scottish Government.
This funding added to the £26.
million already raised, with additional
monies pledged since January, amounts
to £7.2 million. This is the majority of the
£8.9 million considered necessary to
proceed. Although there is still a shortfall
it is sufficient to allow the board of
Capital Theatres to proceed on the basis
that more fundraising will be done
during the lifetime of the project.GENEROUS INVESTMENT
Fiona Gibson CEO of Capital Theatres
which runs the King’s Theatre said: “We
are absolutely thrilled by the generous
additional investment of City of
Edinburgh Council and Scottish
Government in the redevelopment of the
King’s at a level which makes it possible
for us to begin construction works as
planned. We are immensely grateful to
the many people who have supported us
on this challenging journey – we could
not have come this far without you.
“Our major funders alongside the many
trusts and foundations and corporate
sponsors and individual donors will
make the transformation of the King’s
possible and save this beloved theatre
for Tollcross, Edinburgh, Scotland and
preserve it for future generations.
Long Live the King’s!”
Dame Joan Stringer, Chair of Capital
Theatres Board, said: “We are delighted
that after so much hard work from
our organisation, so much support
from our partners and so much good
faith from our audiences, we are now
at the point where we can start this
vital redevelopment.”Renovation of
King’s Theatre
to begin soon
Ash Regan
MSPLord Provost Robert Aldridge cuts the ribbon with
Professor Cliff Beevers and Anthea Grierson, former
headteacher Juniper Green Prmary School