This is a follow on conversation with Euan Winton who we first met in Episode 19 talking about the 12 Closes Project and we touched briefly on his work involving dementia and design with Alzheimer Scotland. In today’s podcast, Ruth explores the topic with him in more depth. Euan talks through some of the remarkable work he has done with various project groups and outlines the research. It’s both inspiring and thought provoking. For more details, the ‘designed with dementia’ website has plenty of information.

If you haven’t heard about this group,  Anna Matthews of the Older Persons Team and our own David Grant tell us a little bit about the Retirement and Amenity Tenants Forum. This group of Castle Rock Edinvar tenants will be meeting virtually at 10.30am on Wednesday 9 September and would like to see you there! 

For joining instructions - just RSVP by telling your Service Coordinator, Concierge , or Tenancy Advisor or emailing [email protected]

What should you never feed bees? How many bees are in a hive? Why are there different colours of honey? Luckily, we have Keith Anderson on hand to tell us all about bees and honey. Keith has just retired and, as a recent graduate of the Bee Academy, was keen to share his enthusiasm and considerable knowledge. There are some amazing facts about these helpful little insects in this podcast.

If you would like to find out more information then a good place to start is the Edinburgh and Midlothian Beekeepers’ Association’s website.

What does it mean to live in the Southside, Pilton and Craigmillar? Aaron Sheridan is a student researching the history of these three areas for Castle Rock Edinvar. This vital work will, in turn, help us all to understand what ‘place making’ means for present and future residents.

In this episode David explores with Aaron the extent of his research to date and when we can expect to see the results. In the course of the discussion, Aaron makes an appeal for contributions from the wider community. If you would like to share your memories, stories and thoughts about growing up and or living in the Southside, Pilton or Craigmillar then you can email Aaron directly at [email protected]

Ghost fishing,nano plastics and pingers. These are just some of marine mysteries unraveled by Charlotte Foster, the Marine Engagement Officer at the Scottish Seabird Centre. Charlotte tells us a little bit about her journey into marine conservation. She also highlights some of the current challenges facing us all as we try to reduce our use of plastics. There are a number of very practical steps we can all take and a wealth of resources to support us.

If you liked the ‘Blue Planet’ TV  series, then this is the podcast for you. Professor John Baxter talks through global warming from a marine perspective. He explains why there is a single ocean, what ‘dead zones’ are and lots of other fascinating scientific facts. John explains it all in an easy to understand way and points out things we can do to help the planet.

There is more information about Marine Protected Areas here in the UK.

In this week’s podcast, Karen Bartke explains; why Officer Karen is called ‘Karen’, how an archaeology degree leads to playing a seagull and the dangers of muttering Shakespeare to yourself. On the way, she talks about her acting career and passes on tips about accents and auditions. It’s a fascinating and funny look behind the scenes with one of Scotland’s favourite actors. Lots of stories and laughs, this podcast is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

 Eugene Mullan is the founder, director and architect at Smith Scott Mullan. He was one of the team who developed the award winning scheme at Fortune Place. 

In this podcast, Eugene explains what ‘dementia friendly’ means in terms of planning homes for older people - it’s full of challenges and as Ruth finds out, some surprises. If you would like more information about Eugene’s work at Fortune Place - it’s here.

If you would like to know more housing design - The Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation - the HAPPI report is here.

Part of the plan for renewing the Twelve Closes off the High Street in Edinburgh is improved innovative lighting. One of the consulted communities said, “make it more disco”. Euan Winton has been a big part of the design team from Edinburgh Napier University involved from the very start and can reveal all.  He joined us in the pod to explain the key elements of the design which we touched on in Episode 16.  It was an interesting perspective on a project we can all go and see as the nights draw in. You can find out more about the Twelve Closes project here.

The lockdown is easing and we got the news about reopening plans directly from people we recently interviewed.  Max Coleman of the Botanics, Jess Wise of Edinburgh Zoo, Susan of the Scottish Seabird Centre and Alison of the Red Bus Bistro sent through wee messages explaining how they were opening up to the public again. You will agree they all sound very excited and very prepared to welcome us all. Now it’s over to us.

For more details – check out their websites.

Edinburgh Zoo

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Scottish Seabird Centre

The Red Bus Bistro