Scottish Votepods.com

Photos of everything

Over at our associate Scottish Votepods Unplugged there are photos of all of the Debates.

If you want to see images form the events then please take a look. Indeed, if you have a better shot that you would like to share then please send it to us for consideration.

Yours aye.

The Big Neighbourhood Debate - Leith

Ocean Terminal, a symbol of the ongoing regeneration of Leith, was the venue for the Big Neighbourhood Debate. The issues under discussion affect many similar parts of Scotland and included affordable housing, regeneration of communities, youth unemployment and training.

As usual, we have broken the debate down into managable sections that you can listen and view directly on this page. You can also view videos on the Scottish VotePod Channel on You Tube, subscribe to the audio podcasts on iTunes or directly download the audio files. Our audio clips allow you to listen to the discussion in detail, while the videos will feature shorter highlight clips.

The panel were
Labour - Malcolm Chisolm
Conservative - Iain Whyte
SNP - Davie Hutchieson
Lib Dems - Siobhan Mathers
Green - Stuart Callicon

Watch Lesley Riddoch introduce the panel

AUDIO

Section 1: All around Leith there are major new housing developments. However for many local people the properties are too expensive. The debate started off with this question from a young local woman, Danielle.

Download the file here.

Section 2: The debate over housing widened out to discuss the impact new builds have had on reducing the amount of parks, recreational and other green spaces in the city.

Download the file here.

Section 3: The second half of the debate started off with discussion on the impact the regeneration of Leith is having on the traditional working class nature of the area. It then moves on to the lack of support local people get for their own regeneration projects.

Download the file here

Section 4: The issue of the stench from the sewage works at Seafield, raised considerable passion amongst bothe the panel and this member ofthe audience.

Download the file here.

Section 5: Concern over access to an Accident and Emergency unit prompted this question to the panel.

Download the file here.

Section 6: The final section includes some quickfire Q&A's on smoking, skateboard facilities, shops on Leith Walk and the state of the roads.

Download the file here

VIDEO

This video features several members of the audience putting their questions and points to the panel

The topic of affordable housing for locals is raised in this video.

The stench from the sewage works at Seafield prompted this question.

This video asks whether the Accident and Emergency Unit at the Western General Hospital will be reopened.

The failure of regeneration professionals to respect the working class culture of Leith was the next point raised.

Videos Produced by Journalism students from Napier University.

Help Shape the Debate - Post a Comment

While we want as many people as possible to attend the events, we realise that not everybody will be able to go. So if you've got a question you want to ask or an issue that you would like Lesley to raise, please let us know. We'll do our best to include them at the event.

You can contribute here or by clicking on the comments tab at the bottom of each individual entry on this site. If you prefer, you can e-mail us directly.

Don't just sit there - get involved and Shape the Debate.

The Scottish Podcast Events

Here is the list of events with date and location.

For ticket requests contact us or where listed below the local organiser. Not all events require tickets.

Further details of participants, musicians, timing and arrangements for tickets etc will be announced as and when they are confirmed.

• March 19th The Big Student Debate – McEwan Hall, Edinburgh University. Starts at 12 Noon.
No tickets required. Stand-up comedy from Janey Godley. Organised by Edinburgh University Students Association.

• April 12th The Seniors Big Debate, 2.00pm Albert Halls, Stirling. Music from Sheena Wellington. Organised by West of Scotland Seniors Forum.

• April 16th The Big Wellbeing Debate –  AK Bell Theatre, Perth. Starts 7.30. Ticket arrangements to follow. Music from St. Andrew of the Woolen Mill (including Michael Marra and Kevin Murray). This event is organised by the Perth Association for Mental Health.

• April 17th The Big Green Debate - The Hub, Edinburgh. Starts 7.30. No tickets - entry first come, first served. Musical entertainment from Capercaille. The event is organised by the EveryOne campaign

• April 19th The Big Energy Debate - Caird Hall, Dundee. Solar Cities Scotland is hosting this debate on the evening of Thursday 19th April 2007. There will be an energy fair and music from the Hazey Janes. Tickets are free but limited. Email the local organiser.

• April 20th  The Big Cairngorm Debate - MacDonald Aviemore Centre. Doors open 7.00 for 7.30pm start. Music from Babelfish. The event will be advertised locally and tickets are required. Organised by The Inner Wheel of Spey Valley  there will be a small charge, proceeds going to charity. Please email local organiser.

• April 23rd, The Big Grey Power Debate -  Banqueting Hall, City Chambers, Glasgow. 2.00pm. Music from Sheena Wellington. No tickets required. Organised by the Scottish Pensioners Forum.

• April 25th The Big Neighbourhood Debate – 7.00pm, Ocean Terminal, Leith. 

• April 26th The Big Island Debate – 7.00pm, Aros Centre,  Music from Babalfish.

• April 30th  The Big Work Debate – 7.00pm, Main Lecture Theatre, Abertay University,  Dundee. Music from Sheena Wellington. Free tickets by emailing the organisers Dundee Voluntary Action or phone 0138 2221545