Simon Holledge
@holledge.bsky.social
Conservationist | Hoffmannist | Scaligero | Tōfuist | Kyotophile | Internationalist | 33 operahouses/48 countries | 老霍 | Born@310 ppm | 🦋🏴🇪🇺🇯🇵🇨🇳🇭🇰 + 🇬🇱 | Pro devolved & empowered local democracy | #SaveEdinburghDemocracy | Profile writer
Pinned
Edinburgh council drops debate amid fears councillors could be arrested
A motion about Palestine Action was withdrawn from a meeting of Edinburgh council amid fears councillors could be arrested for debating it.
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com
PALESTINE:"...protestors criminalised and arrested for peacefully holding pieces of paper, and now ELECTED MEMBERS of Scotland’s capital city are PREVENTED from even DISCUSSING a motion highlighting important issues of HUMAN RIGHTS." Cllr A Mumford 1/
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...
Reposted by Simon Holledge
FYI re planning application 26/00217/ADV @collective-edin.bsky.social @edinburghwh.bsky.social @thecockburn.bsky.social @ntbcc.bsky.social @theahss.bsky.social @edinburghminute.com @edinreporter.bsky.social @spurtle.bsky.social @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social
Collective Gallery SIGNAGE planning application: The Trust are asking for the words CALTON HILL to be added to 7 proposed signs on and around the hill to avoid visitors being confused about where they are — especially as the road by the main entrance is also called 'Calton Hill'. 1/
February 14, 2026 at 1:20 PM
Reposted by Simon Holledge
Collective Gallery SIGNAGE planning application: The Trust are asking for the words CALTON HILL to be added to 7 proposed signs on and around the hill to avoid visitors being confused about where they are — especially as the road by the main entrance is also called 'Calton Hill'. 1/
February 14, 2026 at 1:04 PM
Collective Gallery SIGNAGE planning application: The Trust are asking for the words CALTON HILL to be added to 7 proposed signs on and around the hill to avoid visitors being confused about where they are — especially as the road by the main entrance is also called 'Calton Hill'. 1/
Reposted by Simon Holledge
*The VAP*: 'ALL WRAPPING PAPER AND NO PRESSIE'. Thank you SPURTLE for covering our disappointment with the Council Culture & Communities hijack of report on a proposed tiny grant for parks groups with a large top-down VAP (Volunteer Action Plan) allocation to bureaucracy. @spurtle.bsky.social
February 2, 2026 at 8:32 AM
*The VAP*: 'ALL WRAPPING PAPER AND NO PRESSIE'. Thank you SPURTLE for covering our disappointment with the Council Culture & Communities hijack of report on a proposed tiny grant for parks groups with a large top-down VAP (Volunteer Action Plan) allocation to bureaucracy. @spurtle.bsky.social
Reposted by Simon Holledge
We have now written a formal deputation to the CITY of EDINBURGH COUNCIL meeting on 5 February in support of 'DEFIBRILLATORS: SAVING LIVES'.
February 3, 2026 at 4:35 PM
We have now written a formal deputation to the CITY of EDINBURGH COUNCIL meeting on 5 February in support of 'DEFIBRILLATORS: SAVING LIVES'.
GEORGE STREET “While our group has many concerns ... we believe it would be folly to scrap the project at this stage ... George Street ... is very nearly ready to go, the same cannot be said for Princes Street." Cllr K K O’Neill (Greens) 1/
edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...
edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...
Change of plan on funding George Street revamp from tourist tax
The plan to fund the long-awaited revamp of George Street from Edinburgh’s tourist tax has been put on hold amid last-minute negotiations at a special meeting of the full council to allocate Visitor L...
edinburghnews.scotsman.com
February 13, 2026 at 6:23 PM
GEORGE STREET “While our group has many concerns ... we believe it would be folly to scrap the project at this stage ... George Street ... is very nearly ready to go, the same cannot be said for Princes Street." Cllr K K O’Neill (Greens) 1/
edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...
edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...
Reposted by Simon Holledge
Many thanks to the industrious & fashionable DIRTY WEEKENDERS volunteers (from the university) who have been digging out the old stone rainwater runoff channels (gutters) on Calton Hill today (8 Feb 2026).
February 8, 2026 at 2:39 PM
Many thanks to the industrious & fashionable DIRTY WEEKENDERS volunteers (from the university) who have been digging out the old stone rainwater runoff channels (gutters) on Calton Hill today (8 Feb 2026).
Jane Hyslop/INTELLIGENCE of the FLOWERS/ from Maurice Maeterlinck's essay www.fruitmarket.co.uk/event/talk-j... 1/
Talk: Jane Hyslop: The Intelligence of the Flowers - Fruitmarket
As part of Artsits' Bookmarket 26 Jane Hyslop will talk about her new publication inspired by Maurice Maeterlinck book from 1906.
www.fruitmarket.co.uk
February 8, 2026 at 3:55 PM
Jane Hyslop/INTELLIGENCE of the FLOWERS/ from Maurice Maeterlinck's essay www.fruitmarket.co.uk/event/talk-j... 1/
Reposted by Simon Holledge
Delighted the DEFIBRILLATOR motion passed with cross-party support (+ helpful amendments). Special thanks to Cllr Mowat @cllrjomo.bsky.social for highlighting the struggles of the Trust to get a 24/7 unit installed and to everybody for recognising the importance of a fast response in an emergency.
We have now written a formal deputation to the CITY of EDINBURGH COUNCIL meeting on 5 February in support of 'DEFIBRILLATORS: SAVING LIVES'.
February 6, 2026 at 10:38 AM
Delighted the DEFIBRILLATOR motion passed with cross-party support (+ helpful amendments). Special thanks to Cllr Mowat @cllrjomo.bsky.social for highlighting the struggles of the Trust to get a 24/7 unit installed and to everybody for recognising the importance of a fast response in an emergency.
Reposted by Simon Holledge
PALESTINE:"...protestors criminalised and arrested for peacefully holding pieces of paper, and now ELECTED MEMBERS of Scotland’s capital city are PREVENTED from even DISCUSSING a motion highlighting important issues of HUMAN RIGHTS." Cllr A Mumford 1/
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...
Edinburgh council drops debate amid fears councillors could be arrested
A motion about Palestine Action was withdrawn from a meeting of Edinburgh council amid fears councillors could be arrested for debating it.
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com
February 5, 2026 at 6:51 PM
PALESTINE:"...protestors criminalised and arrested for peacefully holding pieces of paper, and now ELECTED MEMBERS of Scotland’s capital city are PREVENTED from even DISCUSSING a motion highlighting important issues of HUMAN RIGHTS." Cllr A Mumford 1/
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...
Edinburgh council drops debate amid fears councillors could be arrested
A motion about Palestine Action was withdrawn from a meeting of Edinburgh council amid fears councillors could be arrested for debating it.
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:11 PM
PALESTINE:"...protestors criminalised and arrested for peacefully holding pieces of paper, and now ELECTED MEMBERS of Scotland’s capital city are PREVENTED from even DISCUSSING a motion highlighting important issues of HUMAN RIGHTS." Cllr A Mumford 1/
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...
DEFIBRILLATORS: "The BHF says an extra 1,500 PADs spread across the country will boost the nation's coverage by 50%, in turn saving more lives. The report says there are 3,800 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) each year, with just one in 10 survivors."
www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinbur...
www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinbur...
Edinburgh jogger saved by pedestrians backs calls for more public defibrillators
'I consider myself unbelievably lucky'.
www.edinburghlive.co.uk
February 4, 2026 at 9:37 AM
DEFIBRILLATORS: "The BHF says an extra 1,500 PADs spread across the country will boost the nation's coverage by 50%, in turn saving more lives. The report says there are 3,800 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) each year, with just one in 10 survivors."
www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinbur...
www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinbur...
Reposted by Simon Holledge
My OH was involved in an accident where the door locks continuously operated on and off and it was impossible to get out of the car. Fortunately it was a car with a sunroof which was mechanically operated and they got out. All cars should have an exit which can always be mechanically opened.
China to become first country to ban hidden car door handles. This due to safety concerns after EV accidents where electronic doors reportedly failed to operate and trapped passengers inside.
Sky News
apple.news/A-SUXHfAvTiC...
Sky News
apple.news/A-SUXHfAvTiC...
China to become first country to ban hidden door handles — Sky News
From next year, new car models will have to have both exterior and interior handles with mechanical releases.
apple.news
February 3, 2026 at 7:11 PM
My OH was involved in an accident where the door locks continuously operated on and off and it was impossible to get out of the car. Fortunately it was a car with a sunroof which was mechanically operated and they got out. All cars should have an exit which can always be mechanically opened.
Reposted by Simon Holledge
happening this morning in Minneapolis -- ICE agents drawing guns on observers. I reiterate again that it is only a matter of time before DHS kills more innocent people in Minnesota. Congress needs to shut this shit down right now.
February 3, 2026 at 4:19 PM
happening this morning in Minneapolis -- ICE agents drawing guns on observers. I reiterate again that it is only a matter of time before DHS kills more innocent people in Minnesota. Congress needs to shut this shit down right now.
Reposted by Simon Holledge
Do not vote for this clown in Scotland or Wales.
February 1, 2026 at 1:36 PM
Do not vote for this clown in Scotland or Wales.
Reposted by Simon Holledge
FYI @edinburghminute.com @edinreporter.bsky.social @scotsman.com @scotnational.bsky.social @spurtle.bsky.social @thatstvofficial.bsky.social @finlaymcf.bsky.social @cllrjomo.bsky.social @cllrcmiller.bsky.social @leftwing66.bsky.social @jackrmcaldwell.bsky.social @ntbcc.bsky.social
DEFIBRILLATOR: We welcome Cllr Bruce's motion on 'Defibrillators: Saving Lives' at Full Council on 5 February, especially the note "that other local authorities use street lighting to power defibrillators ..." (1.5). Exactly what we have been trying to arrange for the hill — since May 2025!
February 1, 2026 at 1:32 PM
Reposted by Simon Holledge
VOLUNTEER EDINBURGH: "...effective immediately, we can no longer action new referrals for assistance from our Community Taskforce Volunteers. We have strived through 2025 to maintain this vital service and find that without additional funding..." 1/
www.volunteeredinburgh.org.uk/projects/com...
www.volunteeredinburgh.org.uk/projects/com...
Community Taskforce Volunteers
We are aiding people by offering volunteers to assist with practical tasks through our team of Community Taskforce Volunteers. #CommunityTaskforceVolunteers #LoveEdinburghLoveVolunteering #VolunteerFo...
www.volunteeredinburgh.org.uk
January 30, 2026 at 10:23 AM
VOLUNTEER EDINBURGH: "...effective immediately, we can no longer action new referrals for assistance from our Community Taskforce Volunteers. We have strived through 2025 to maintain this vital service and find that without additional funding..." 1/
www.volunteeredinburgh.org.uk/projects/com...
www.volunteeredinburgh.org.uk/projects/com...
Reposted by Simon Holledge
The shocking #IPPscandal was highlighted on BBCNewsnight this week. It’s one of the most cruel, inhumane and monumental injustices of the past half-century.
Watch this latest update. This cruel injustice cannot be allowed to continue
Watch this latest update. This cruel injustice cannot be allowed to continue
“This isn’t North Korea we’re talking about - this is state sponsored torture in THIS country - happening right now”
youtu.be/yo27emO72g8?...
youtu.be/yo27emO72g8?...
‘STATE SPONSORED TORTURE’ - the UK’s shocking IPP Scandal
YouTube video by Peter Stefanovic
youtu.be
January 29, 2026 at 8:27 AM
The shocking #IPPscandal was highlighted on BBCNewsnight this week. It’s one of the most cruel, inhumane and monumental injustices of the past half-century.
Watch this latest update. This cruel injustice cannot be allowed to continue
Watch this latest update. This cruel injustice cannot be allowed to continue
Reposted by Simon Holledge
Our new fast-response address for MEDIA is:. FYI @spurtle.bsky.social @edinburghminute.com @edinreporter.bsky.social
@thatstvofficial.bsky.social @scotsman.com @telegraph.co.uk @turvill.bsky.social @joesullivanjourno.bsky.social @smcarthurreports.bsky.social
@thatstvofficial.bsky.social @scotsman.com @telegraph.co.uk @turvill.bsky.social @joesullivanjourno.bsky.social @smcarthurreports.bsky.social
January 28, 2026 at 9:16 PM
Our new fast-response address for MEDIA is:. FYI @spurtle.bsky.social @edinburghminute.com @edinreporter.bsky.social
@thatstvofficial.bsky.social @scotsman.com @telegraph.co.uk @turvill.bsky.social @joesullivanjourno.bsky.social @smcarthurreports.bsky.social
@thatstvofficial.bsky.social @scotsman.com @telegraph.co.uk @turvill.bsky.social @joesullivanjourno.bsky.social @smcarthurreports.bsky.social
Reposted by Simon Holledge
"SWIFT BRICKS will be installed in all new buildings in Scotland after the Scottish parliament voted in favour of a law to help...cavity-nesting birds. The Scottish government and MSPs across the parties backed an amendment...to make swift bricks mandatory..."
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Swift bricks to be installed on all new buildings in Scotland as MSPs back law
Rest of UK has resisted calls to make builders install bricks that provide nesting for swifts and other endangered birds
www.theguardian.com
January 28, 2026 at 6:40 PM
"SWIFT BRICKS will be installed in all new buildings in Scotland after the Scottish parliament voted in favour of a law to help...cavity-nesting birds. The Scottish government and MSPs across the parties backed an amendment...to make swift bricks mandatory..."
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
"SWIFT BRICKS will be installed in all new buildings in Scotland after the Scottish parliament voted in favour of a law to help...cavity-nesting birds. The Scottish government and MSPs across the parties backed an amendment...to make swift bricks mandatory..."
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Swift bricks to be installed on all new buildings in Scotland as MSPs back law
Rest of UK has resisted calls to make builders install bricks that provide nesting for swifts and other endangered birds
www.theguardian.com
January 28, 2026 at 6:40 PM
"SWIFT BRICKS will be installed in all new buildings in Scotland after the Scottish parliament voted in favour of a law to help...cavity-nesting birds. The Scottish government and MSPs across the parties backed an amendment...to make swift bricks mandatory..."
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Simon Holledge
Swift bricks to be installed in all new buildings in Scotland after Holyrood backs ruling
Swift bricks to be installed in all new buildings in Scotland after Holyrood backs ruling
Rest of UK has so far resisted calls to make it mandatory for developers to install bricks that provide nesting for swifts and other endangered birds
Swift bricks will be installed in all new buildings in Scotland after the Scottish parliament voted in favour of a law to help endangered cavity-nesting birds.
The Scottish government and MSPs across the parties backed an amendment by Scottish Green Mark Ruskell to make swift bricks mandatory for all new dwellings “where reasonably practical and appropriate”. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:34 AM
Swift bricks to be installed in all new buildings in Scotland after Holyrood backs ruling
Lesson for EDINBURGH? "Schleswig-Holstein ... has substituted its Microsoft-powered computer systems with open-source alternatives, cancelling almost 80 percent of its Microsoft licenses... [hoping] to phase out Big Tech almost entirely..."
www.france24.com/en/europe/20...
www.france24.com/en/europe/20...
Europe’s digital reliance on US Big Tech: Does the EU have a plan?
Souring transatlantic relations between the EU and US have exposed one of Europe’s greatest vulnerabilities: its heavy reliance on US Big Tech. EU lawmakers are pushing for homegrown alternatives – bu...
www.france24.com
January 26, 2026 at 8:43 AM
Lesson for EDINBURGH? "Schleswig-Holstein ... has substituted its Microsoft-powered computer systems with open-source alternatives, cancelling almost 80 percent of its Microsoft licenses... [hoping] to phase out Big Tech almost entirely..."
www.france24.com/en/europe/20...
www.france24.com/en/europe/20...
Reposted by Simon Holledge
DEADLINE NEWS writing about the CALTON HILL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT: "Archaeologists will now look to reveal the hill’s secrets using drones and remote-sensing methods to examine the land surface." Thank you to Ross Chalmers!
www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2026/01/19/a...
www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2026/01/19/a...
Archaeologists look to “uncover” secrets of Calton Hill in new project
ARCHAEOLOGISTS will this year begin surveys on Edinburgh’s iconic Calton Hill to “uncover” the secrets of the famous mound’s ancient history.
www.deadlinenews.co.uk
January 25, 2026 at 11:34 AM
DEADLINE NEWS writing about the CALTON HILL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT: "Archaeologists will now look to reveal the hill’s secrets using drones and remote-sensing methods to examine the land surface." Thank you to Ross Chalmers!
www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2026/01/19/a...
www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2026/01/19/a...
Reposted by Simon Holledge
Board of Peace - Season 1
January 24, 2026 at 7:45 AM
Board of Peace - Season 1