A day of two halves

Yesterday was a day of two extremes. First, the Council meeting (you can see the agenda here) ran for 8 hours as the administration struggled to find anything resembling as sense of direction. The biggest laugh came when they said with a straight face over the sports strategy that the “council couldn't afford to procrastinate” and then proposed a motion asking for another report in three months.

We were accused of “flip flopping” on the issue by the SNP but given that they are led by some-one who has shown more flip flops than an episode of “Home and Away” we were little troubled by that smokescreen of an allegation.

We had a plan (I talked about it here), that was costed and delivered more and better sports facilities for Edinburgh. It was controversial however and the administration said they could do better. They have singularly failed to do so. You can see our motion here and their offering here. Make your own mind up.

The day improved immeasurably however, with the Leith Academy Christmas Concert. I've been involved in Leith Academy since 1991 and I have always been inspired by the quality of the musical events but last nights was in the top three. The tightness of the ensembles, the quality and breadth of the singing, the high level in inclusion of ability and age were just some of the highlights. It was the perfect antidote to the Council meeting and I am grateful to everyone who helped make it happen.

The only sad note was that it was the last day for the head teacher Sandy McAulay who has led the school with passion, vision and wholehearted dedication for 13 years. He has changed lives again and again and the City and Leith in particular has much to be grateful to him for. I wish him and his family well.