Old Edinburgh Club’s Bibliography of Edinburgh History launched online

The Bibliography of Edinburgh History has been updated by the Old Edinburgh Club, forming an extensive collection of nearly 3,000 items. These books, chapters, journal articles and dissertations illuminate the rich heritage of the city, dating from William Maitland’s 1753 History of Edinburgh and Leith.

Easily searchable online, the Bibliography covers prehistory to modern times. It takes in in a range of themes,  social, cultural, economic and architectural and features the Old and New Towns and local communities across the city.

Old Edinburgh Club President, Edward Duvall said, “We are delighted to announce the latest version of Bibliography of Edinburgh History, which has grown by 25%.

“We have included new publications up to the end of 2023 and, with the help of our members, identified many older items not previously included.

“We make the Bibliography freely available and it provides a launchpad for anyone wishing to delve into the city’s history.”  

The Bibliography can be accessed on the following link:

https://oldedinburghclub.org.uk/bibliography-of-edinburgh-history/

Spring Budget: £360 million to boost British manufacturing and research & development

  • Chancellor to announce significant funding package for R&D and manufacturing projects across the life sciences, automotive and aerospace sectors.
  • £92 million joint government and industry investment to expand facilities to manufacture life-saving medicines and diagnostics products.
  • £200 million joint investment in zero-carbon aircraft technology to develop a more sustainable aviation sector and almost £73 million in automotive technology.
  • Follows the Advanced Manufacturing Plan to give the industry the long-term certainty to grow and invest in the UK, backed by £4.5 billion of targeted support announced at Autumn Statement to boost the British manufacturing sector.

Ahead of the Spring Budget this week, the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has today (Monday 4 March) announced a significant investment package in the UK’s life sciences and manufacturing sectors, as part of the government’s plan to grow the economy, boost health resilience and support jobs across the UK.

The funding will go towards several companies and projects who are making cutting edge technology in sectors key to economic growth and part of wider government support to ensure the UK is the best place to start, grow and invest in manufacturing.

This includes £7.5 million to support two pharmaceutical companies who are investing a combined £84 million to expand their manufacturing plants in the UK. Almac, a pharmaceutical company in Northern Ireland produces drugs to treat diseases such as cancer, heart disease and depression, while Ortho Clinical diagnostics in Pencoed, Wales, is expanding its facilities producing testing products used to identify a variety of diseases and conditions.

These new life sciences investments are the latest step in the government’s plan to grow our economy, encourage innovation and support levelling up with nearly 300 supported jobs across the UK.

The Chancellor is also confirming that companies will soon be able to apply for a share of the £520 million funding for life sciences manufacturing announced at Autumn Statement, with competitions for large scale investments opening for expressions of interest this summer and medium and smaller sized companies in the autumn. The fund is designed to build resilience for future health emergencies such as influenza pandemics and capitalise on the UK’s world-leading research and development.

On top of this, the government has announced almost £73 million in combined government and industry investment for cutting-edge automotive R&D projects to support the development of electric vehicle technology, delivering highly skilled jobs and cementing the UK’s position as a global hub for EV manufacturing.

Supported by more than £36 million of government funding awarded through Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) competitions, this includes four projects which are developing technologies for the next generation of battery electric vehicles, making them more efficient and competitive, led by companies including automotive manufacturers YASA and Empel Systems.

This funding is also supporting a project led by Integrals Power, developing and scaling up high-performance battery systems ahead of testing their mass-commercialisation, enhancing safety, power density, and cost-efficiency.

These projects build on the of the government’s established automotive initiatives. The Autumn Statement provided future certainty, announcing over £2 billion across five years from 2025 to unlock investment in the manufacturing and development of zero emission vehicles, their batteries and supply chain. The government will ensure a seamless transition to the new Auto2030 programme which will deliver support in future, and investors are still able to apply to the current schemes. 

The government has already spent over £2 billion to accelerate the uptake of zero emission vehicles, including reducing the upfront cost of electric vehicles and supporting the roll-out of charging infrastructure. The UK’s first ever Battery Strategy published last year outlines our plan for the UK to attract investment and achieve a globally competitive battery supply chain by 2030, with the battery sector alone expected to create 100,000 highly paid and skilled jobs in the UK. 

The significant funding package for R&D and manufacturing projects announced today is targeted to support sectors where the UK is or could be world-leading and is designed to unlock investment from the private sector by providing certainty to investors – supporting the government’s priority to grow our economy by protecting existing and creating new jobs, so we can deliver the long-term change our country needs to deliver a brighter future.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said: “We’re sticking with our plan by backing the industries of the future with millions of pounds of investment to make the UK a world leader in manufacturing, securing the highly-skilled jobs of the future and delivering the long-term change our country needs to deliver a brighter future for Britain”.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: “Today’s announcement builds on the success of our Advanced Manufacturing plan announced last year, and will ensure we continue to grow the economy, help create jobs and secure the future of great British manufacturing.

“Our plan for the British economy is working – which is why firms like Airbus and BMW are continuing to bet on Britain.”

Science Secretary, Michelle Donelan, said: “The UK’s £108 billion life sciences sector is driven by the pioneering contributions of over 300,000 highly-skilled individuals who transform lives through groundbreaking advancements in drug discovery and diagnostics.

“We fuel this progress by fostering a dynamic environment where cutting-edge technologies like AI and genomics meet world-class research to create the next generation of healthcare solutions, including in our NHS.

“By investing in advanced manufacturing facilities, we are protecting our communities by ensuring we can rapidly respond to future health emergencies and deliver life-saving innovations when they are needed most.”

Further measures include:

  • As part of the investments announced today, almost £200 million of joint government and industry funding is also going to aerospace R&D projects, supporting the development of energy efficient and zero-carbon aircraft technology and accelerating the transition to net zero aviation.
  • This includes £40 million which is going towards a project developing zero-carbon aircraft engine technology – led by Cambridge-based Marshall ADG Ltd – and around £96 million is being invested in Airbus-led projects. Airbus, which manufactures almost all its aircraft wings in the UK bringing in jobs and investment to the UK economy – is developing more efficient wing designs and increasing carbon fibre production rates for wing components, reducing CO2 emissions and fuel burn.
  • Funding for these projects will be delivered through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) programme. It was also confirmed today that the £975 million in aerospace funding over five years from 2025, announced at Autumn Statement, will be allocated to the ATI programme. The programme has facilitated £3.6 billion of joint government and industry R&D investment to date – providing industry with continued confidence and security to invest in the UK for the long term – and includes R&D support for small businesses through the ATI SME competition.
  • The Chancellor is also announcing up to £120 million increase to the Green Industries Growth Accelerator (GIGA) to further support expansion of low carbon manufacturing supply chains across the UK, lowering costs and accelerating the transition. The government is also confirming today that the total fund, which has now increased to almost £1.1 billion, will be split between the clean energy sectors, with around £390 million earmarked to expand UK-based supply chains for electricity networks and offshore wind sectors, and around £390 million for carbon capture, utilisation and storage and hydrogen sectors.
  • The remaining £300 million has been previously announced for UK production of the fuel required to power high-tech new nuclear reactors, known as HALEU.
  • The GIGA funding will enable the UK to seize growth opportunities through the transition to net zero, building on our world-leading decarbonisation track record and forms part of the government’s priority to grow the economy focusing on making the right long-term decisions for a brighter future by creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country.

Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said: “We are backing our green industries with extra cash for the Green Industries Growth Accelerator – taking the total to more than £1 billion.

“We have long been energy pioneers in advanced manufacturing and this will allow us to carry on that great British tradition.

“While we have attracted £300bn in low carbon investment since 2010, with £24bn since September alone, this will help to unlock even more.”

  • Alongside this, the Chancellor has today set out further details of the two-year £50 million apprenticeship growth sector pilot announced at Autumn Statement.
  • Following engagement with the sector, from April eligible apprenticeship providers of apprenticeship standards including pipe welder, nuclear technician and laboratory technician will now benefit from targeted payments worth £3k for every start of an apprentice.
  • It is intended the funding will be used to support providers in making capital investment that will unlock their ability to grow and deliver the standards in scope of the pilot, such as purchasing course specific equipment, tools, and machinery that will last beyond delivery of a single apprenticeship.
  • This will explore ways to stimulate training and break down barriers to high-quality training in advanced manufacturing and engineering, green industries, and life sciences apprenticeships. Further detail will be set out in upcoming guidance later this month.

Today’s announcements follow £4.5 billion announced at Autumn Statement to increase investment in strategic manufacturing sectors – auto, aero, life sciences and clean energy – across the UK for five years from 2025.

APC Chief Executive Officer Ian Constance said: “We’re committed to building the electric vehicle supply chain in the UK.

“By investing in the capability and expertise in this country we will grow businesses and take decisive action towards creating zero tailpipe emission technology. Our latest R&D funding does just that.”

Siemens announces £100m investment for state-of-the-art R&D facility in Britain

  • Siemens Mobility to invest £100 million in a brand-new manufacturing and R&D centre in Chippenham.
  • Over 800 skilled workers will build the next generation of rail signalling and control systems for Britain, keeping the rail and transport network on track.
  • Chancellor champions growth opportunities of innovation in technology on same day that over £360 million of investment into advanced manufacturing is announced.

Siemens has announced it is to invest £100 million in a centre of manufacturing excellence in Wiltshire.

The new cutting-edge facility will replace the company’s current Chippenham factory, from which generations of British workers have designed, manufactured and delivered signalling and control systems for the Elizabeth Line, North Wales Coast, Birmingham New Street and many others across the world since the 19th Century.

The new centre is expected to be operational by 2026, with around 800 skilled manufacturing, research, engineering and reporting roles transitioning to the new site and no interruption in production.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said: ““This new commitment from Siemens is a big boost for Britain’s world-class manufacturing sector and shows our plan for the UK to be the best place to invest and grow a business is working.

“This digital technology will improve the safety, reliability and connectivity of our railways and drive sustainable opportunities in higher-paid jobs and exports – as part of our plan to grow our economy.”

Joint CEO of Siemens Mobility UK & Ireland, Rob Morris, said: “This €115 million investment is a strong commitment to Chippenham and our country.

“Siemens Mobility’s Chippenham site, along with our 30 sites across the country, has been transforming rail, travel, and transport in Britain – and it will continue to do so with cloud-based rail technology connecting the real and the digital worlds, digitalizing rail.

“We are very excited to soon start construction of one of the most sophisticated rail factories, digital engineering and R&D sites in the UK, supporting local jobs and skills for the future. There’s a piece of Britain in everything we build.”

Siemens’ investment comes on the advent of one of the most significant modernisation programmes in two centuries of Britain’s railways, with digital rail systems set to better connect communities and make it easier for people to access a wider range of job opportunities.

The plans are also expected to be a boost for the local economy in Chippenham and the wider Wiltshire region, with Siemens Mobility working closely with local small and medium enterprises across the supply chain. As part of today’s investment, Siemens Mobility will continue to develop and code the digital signalling systems to transform rail travel on the East Coast Main Line.

British manufacturing is of great strategic importance for the country on the global stage. The sector makes up over 40% of all UK exports, employs around 2.6 million people and overtook France for output in 2021. To capitalise on this success, the government published its Advanced Manufacturing Plan last year to ensure the UK continues to lead in the development and deployment of digital manufacturing technologies.

This was published shortly after the Chancellor announced £4.5 billion of funding for strategic manufacturing sectors in the UK as part of his Autumn Statement, including £960 million earmarked for a Green Industries Growth Accelerator to support clean energy.

It was announced today this is to be boosted by an up to further £120 million increase (see above). This funding will be available from next year for five years, providing industry with longer term certainty about their investments in line with Prime Minister’s focus on making long-term decisions to grow the economy.

Mr Hunt also announced Full Expensing to support manufacturers in investing for less. As the biggest British business tax cut in history – made possible by the progress the government has made on the people’s economic priorities – this represents an effective corporate tax cut of £55 billion over the next five years and will help manufacturers invest in plant and machinery technologies.

The Chancellor outlined at a Make UK event last week how this will benefit hard-working Brits and help to close the productivity gap with the likes of France and Germany – two economies which the UK has grown faster than since 2010.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: “Our plan for attracting more inward investment into the UK is working.

“From the measures in our advanced manufacturing plan that offer certainty to investors, to promoting the UK at our Global Investment Summit, the Government is making sure that investors, like Siemens, choose the UK.”

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “This vital investment will help futureproof our rail network as part of our plan to deliver more reliable journeys for millions of passengers across the country through important upgrades.

“Rail manufacturing plays an important role in our economy, supporting thousands of skilled jobs, with this new facility supporting hundreds more.”

Siemens’ investment comes on the same day that the government announced over £360 million will be invested in advanced manufacturing and the life sciences, securing thousands of jobs and building a stronger economy including through the further investment it will help to leverage over the long-term through the private sector.

The UK has attracted more new investment since 1997 than any other European nation, and last year’s Global Investment Summit confirmed over £29.5 billion of additional investment in Britain.

Preventing childhood obesity

Scottish Government funding to help families

Projects that work with children and families to prevent childhood obesity and reduce health inequalities are benefitting from more than half a million pounds of investment.

Ten projects across Scotland will share £538,141. The funding is allocated to initiatives such as Little n Lively – run by NHS Lanarkshire – which provides families and young children in the area with practical skills and information on nutrition and cooking and increased opportunities for physical activity and expanding social networks.

This year a number of health boards, including NHS Orkney and NHS Shetland, are continuing or implementing the ‘HENRY – Healthy Families Right from the Start’ programme which helps parents and carers with children up to five years old to provide a healthier, happier start in life.

The internationally adopted, evidence-based package provides support with family emotional wellbeing and information about nutrition, physical activity and oral health.

The funding is part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensure all children have the best start in life and the projects support the ambition to halve childhood obesity in Scotland by 2030.

Speaking on World Obesity Day (Monday), Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Preventing the causes of ill health is an important part of our efforts to make the health service sustainable in the years to come. That includes addressing obesity, particularly as we know good nutrition and physical activity is crucial for children’s health and development.

“We want Scotland to be the best place in the world for a child to grow up, and these early years projects are crucial to our bold ambition of halving childhood obesity by 2030.

“These ambitious and effective projects will also help tackle inequalities by working with families and communities to encourage healthy eating and offering support for those experiencing food insecurity.”

Health Improvement Adviser for NHS Shetland, Fern Jamieson said: “The continued early years funding from Scottish Government has enabled NHS Shetland and partners to continue delivery of the HENRY ‘Healthy Families Right from the Start’ programme to more families across Shetland.

“Healthy Families Right from the Start is an 8-week programme to support parents and carers with children between 0-5 years to provide a healthier, happier start in life. Parents and carers have the opportunity to join online or face-to-face groups, providing improved access across Shetland.

“We have had reports that the programme is very interesting, enjoyable and a good opportunity to share ideas with others which has helped in making healthy changes across the whole family.

“With over 20 groups across Shetland, we are engaging with communities to deliver our standalone HENRY workshops. Feedback has been very positive and parents and carers feel more confident at mealtimes, understanding behaviours and cooking cost effectively.”

Projects receiving funding in 2023/24 are:

NHS Ayrshire & Arran: JumpStart Tots – £76,828

NHS Dumfries & Galloway: A whole systems approach with a focus on Early Years – £11,400

NHS Grampian: Training and support for a group of multi-agency professionals across Aberdeenshire to deliver the HENRY approach – £15,000

NHS Grampian: Upskill relevant teaching staff to deliver the Grow Well Choices Early Years programme – £15,000

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde: ‘Thrive Under Five’ programme – £66,000

NHS Lanarkshire: ‘Little n Lively’ programme in partnership with Healthy Valleys – £141,492

NHS Lothian and NHS Fife:  Continued delivery of HENRY core training to early years workforce  – £115,700 (£96,400 for Lothian, £19,300 for Fife)

NHS Orkney: Training and support for practitioners to deliver the HENRY approach – £24,058

NHS Shetland: Training and support for practitioners to deliver the HENRY approach – £23,400

NHS Tayside: Refreshing the Eat Well Play Well programme – £49,263

The Scottish Government published the Diet and Healthy Weight Delivery Plan in July 2018.

RNLI celebrates 200 years and over 146,000 lives saved

TODAY (Monday 4 March 2024) the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) will celebrate 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by public donations.

Lifeboat at sea

On the day the charity turns 200, the RNLI is revealing its volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved an incredible 146,277 lives during its two centuries of lifesaving.

Since the charity was founded in 1824, its volunteer crews have launched the lifeboats 380,328 times, saving 144,277 lives, while its lifeguards – who became part of the RNLI’s lifesaving service in 2001 – have responded to 303,030 incidents on some of the UK’s busiest beaches, saving 2,000 lives*. In total, 146,277 lives have been saved by the RNLI – this equates to an average of two lives saved every day for 200 years.

Founded in a London tavern on 4 March 1824 following an appeal from Sir William Hillary, who lived on the Isle of Man and witnessed many shipwrecks, the RNLI has continued saving lives at sea throughout the tests of its history, including tragic disasters, funding challenges and two World Wars.

Two centuries have seen vast developments in the lifeboats and kit used by the charity’s lifesavers – from the early oar-powered vessels to today’s technology-packed boats, which are now built in-house by the charity; and from the rudimentary cork lifejackets of the 1850s to the full protective kit each crew member is now issued with.

The RNLI’s lifesaving reach and remit has also developed over the course of 200 years. Today, it operates 238 lifeboat stations around the UK and Ireland, including four on the River Thames, and has seasonal lifeguards on over 240 lifeguarded beaches around the UK. It designs and builds its own lifeboats and runs domestic and international water safety programmes.

While much has changed in 200 years, two things have remained the same – the charity’s dependence on volunteers, who give their time and commitment to save others, and the voluntary contributions from the public which have funded the service for the past two centuries.

RNLI Chief Executive, Mark Dowie, says: ‘It has been an honour and a privilege to be at the helm of the RNLI for the past five years, and to see the charity reach its bicentenary.

“For a charity to have survived 200 years based on the time and commitment of volunteers, and the sheer generosity of the public donating to fund it, is truly remarkable. It is through the courage and dedication of its incredible people that the RNLI has survived the tests of time, including tragic losses, funding challenges, two World Wars and, more recently, a global pandemic.

‘Today, we mark the bicentenary of the RNLI. We remember the achievements and commitment of all those who have been part of the RNLI family over the past two centuries; we celebrate the world-class lifesaving service we provide today, based on our 200 years of learning, expertise and innovation, and we hope to inspire future generations of lifesavers and supporters who will take the RNLI into its next century and beyond.

‘I am immensely grateful to everyone who is involved with the charity – our volunteers, supporters and staff. This is our watch and it is our role to keep our charity safe and secure so it can continue to save lives into the future, as we strive in our vision to save every one.’

RNLI Heritage Archive and Research Manager, Hayley Whiting, says: ‘The RNLI’s founder, Sir William Hillary, witnessed the treacherous nature of the sea first-hand when living on the Isle of Man and he wanted to take action.

“His first appeal to the nation in 1823 did not have the desired result but, thankfully, he persevered and gained the support of several philanthropic members of society, who put their names to the charity at a meeting in the City of London Tavern on 4 March 1824.

‘Twelve resolutions were passed at that meeting, the core of which still stand as part of the RNLI’s Charter 200 years later. This shows how the RNLI’s values and purpose have remained unwavering for 200 years, despite the social and economic changes and challenges of the past two centuries.

‘Hillary’s vision was ambitious and forward-thinking, and no doubt he would be extremely proud to see the charity he founded still going strong today, and to see how much it has achieved.’

The charity has a history of innovation, and adapting to challenging circumstances, such as:

· Lifejackets: In 1861, Whitby lifeboat crew launched six times to rescue stricken vessels in a storm, but on their sixth launch a freak wave capsized the lifeboat and all but one of the crew were lost. The sole survivor was Henry Freeman, who survived because he was wearing a new design of cork lifejacket. After this event, the cork lifejacket became more widely adopted by lifeboat crews.

· Fundraising: In 1886, 27 lifeboat crew members from Southport and St Annes lost their lives while trying to rescue the crew of the Mexico. A public appeal was launched, driven by local man Charles Macara. An 1891 appeal raised £10,000 in two weeks. On 1 October, Charles and his wife Marion organised the first Lifeboat Saturday. Bands, floats and lifeboats paraded through the streets of Manchester, followed by volunteers collecting money. More than £5,000 was taken on the day, which was the first recorded example of a charity street collection.

· Lifeboats: In 1914, over 140 people were saved when the hospital steamship Rohilla was wrecked. The ship had been en route to Dunkirk to help wounded soldiers but was broken up when it ran aground on rocks near Whitby. Five lifeboats battled terrible seas to reach the ship. A motor lifeboat (the first of its kind) from Tynemouth, took the last 50 people on board. In total, 144 people were saved by the crews, who worked for over 50 hours in atrocious conditions. The motor lifeboat proved its capabilities and became more widely accepted by lifeboat crews after this event.

· Wartime: When the First World War broke out, many lifeboat volunteers were called away to fight. The average age of lifeboat crews at home increased to over 50. During 1914-18, RNLI lifeboats launched 1,808 times, saving 5,332 lives. In 1939, young lifeboat volunteers were called away again to war. By the end of the Second World War, RNLI crews had saved 6,376 lives around the coasts of Britain and Ireland.

In 1940, 19 RNLI lifeboats were used to evacuate troops from Dunkirk. Two had RNLI crews onboard, while the others were crewed by the Royal Navy. The lifeboats and their stand-in crews saved thousands of lives while being shelled and bombed for days.

Throughout its bicentenary year, the charity is running events and activities to remember its important history and celebrate the modern lifesaving service it is today, while hoping to inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters.

A Service of Thanksgiving to mark 200 years of the RNLI will take place at Westminster Abbey this morning (4 March 2024) at 11.30am.

It will be attended by representatives from RNLI lifesaving communities around the UK and Ireland.

For further information about the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, visit RNLI.org/200.

* Statistics from RNLI Operational Data from 4 March 1824 to 31 December 2023 inclusive. A life saved shows how many of the people helped by the RNLI would have lost their life had the RNLI not been there.

New Funding Announced to Tackle Underage Drinking in Scotland

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has announced a new partnership with Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP), in a targeted initiative aimed at tackling underage drinking in key areas across Scotland. The SWA will provide £300,000 of funding over the next three years, funded via its Scotch Whisky Action Fund.

Community Alcohol Partnerships are tailored to address local requirements, with a focus on three key pillars of activity to support an overall reduction in alcohol harm. These include the provision of positive activity for children and young people; creating retail signage and conducting training to prevent underage sales and proxy purchase; and providing alcohol education in schools and for parents.

This new SWA funding will help establish CAPs in areas of high harm that have been identified throughout Scotland. The results of future work in these areas will be regularly monitored, evaluated, and reported on.

CAP has a robust evaluation framework and proven track record with consistent evidence of significant impact. To date, more than 250 CAPs have been established across the UK. Evaluation shows that they achieved an average of 62% reduction in regular drinking among 13-16 year olds; a 42% reduction in youth alcohol-related anti-social behaviour; and 77% of reductions in proxy purchases.

Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the SWA said: “The Scotch Whisky industry is committed to promoting safe, responsible consumption of alcohol, and tackling underage drinking.

“Our new partnership with Community Alcohol Partnerships will help to support delivery of this targeted intervention, marking an important and valuable development in the industry’s wider commitment to tackling alcohol harm.

“Our work with CAP will ensure that the funding provided by the industry is directed in the best and most effective way to address underage drinking in Scotland. We look forward to collaborating with the team at CAP and seeing the results of our new partnership.”

Derek Lewis, Chair of Community Alcohol Partnerships said: “Although alcohol consumption by children has declined for many years, more recent data has shown an increase and Scotland still has one of the highest rates of alcohol harm among children and young people internationally.

“The existing Scottish CAPs have already demonstrated real success in reducing these harms by helping local communities introduce action plans tailored to their own needs.

“We aim to accelerate the establishment of CAPs in other high harm areas of Scotland and so help our children grow up with well-informed and responsible attitudes to alcohol. We welcome the support and financial commitment of the SWA and its members as we pursue this ambition.”

Funding to support rape and domestic abuse victims

Scottish Government investment to fund vital services

Victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse will be able to access support quicker thanks to an additional £2 million of funding from the Scottish Government.

The funding will go to Rape Crisis Scotland and Scottish Women’s Aid so they can reduce their waiting lists for women who need support services, including refuge places and counselling. Last year, both organisations supported more than 27,000 women and girls, but demand for their services has grown.

The £2 million for 2024-25 is in addition to £19 million annual funding the Scottish Government provides to support women with experience of violence through our Delivering Equally Safe fund.  

Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said:  “Violence against women and girls is abhorrent and these frontline services provide much needed support to victims and survivors.

“We recognise the vital work that women’s aids and rape crisis centres do day in, day out to support women, girls and families. Demand for these services is increasing, which is why we are providing record funding, investing an additional £2 million to help with immediate need. This is in addition to funding received through our Delivering Equally Safe Fund.

“Alongside supporting those impacted, we are committed to tackling violence against women and girls, and addressing the underlying attitudes and systems that perpetuate it through our Equally Safe Strategy. It is this that needs to change to eradicate the violence too many experience.”

Rape Crisis Scotland Chief Executive Sandy Brindley said: “We are delighted that funding has been extended for 10 of our member centres who were facing the most significant issues with waiting lists.

“This funding will help Rape Crisis Centres across Scotland to continue to provide specialist support to survivors of sexual violence that can be truly lifesaving.  

“Demand for Rape Crisis support is ever-growing, and it is vital that when survivors reach out for support, they are able to receive it when they need it, not weeks or months later.” 

Scottish Women’s Aid Chief Executive Marsha Scott said: “This is such welcome news. In this time of rising costs and rising demand, Women’s Aid services in Scotland have never been stretched thinner, and children and women needing support should never have to sit on a waiting list.   

“We are grateful not only that the fund has been extended until the end of the next financial year but that the Scottish Government has responded to concerns about inflation and mounting pressure on staff who work so hard to provide sometimes life-saving services.” 

 The total grant value is £2,077,703 

  • Rape Crisis Scotland – £1,167,000 
  • Scottish Women’s Aid – £910,703 

We hae meat declares world’s first ‘National Square Sausage Day’

Ayrshire butcher We hae meat has declared 25 March the world’s first ‘National Square Sausage Day’, an occasion dedicated to honouring and enjoying the Scottish delicacy.

The farm-to-fork business is inviting families across Scotland to join in the inaugural celebration by enjoying a square sausage breakfast, lunch or dinner on the day, chosen because the 25th is a square number.

While the origins of the square sausage, also commonly known as Lorne sausage, remain a mystery, its status as an iconic Scottish food is undeniable. A well-known Scottish myth is that it was invented by Glasgow comedian Tommy Lorne, contrary to the widely-held belief that a West Coast butcher in the Firth of Lorne created it.

Because a square sausage slice is thinner than a link sausage, it takes less time and energy to cook, making it a more convenient and less energy-intensive alternative.

We hae meat will celebrate National Square Sausage Day on 25 March by donating square sausage meals to the Dailly Community Pantry and Dailly Primary School, and sharing tips on social media on the best ways to cook and serve a slice.

Craig Chalmers, Commercial Manager, We hae meat said: “We have a genuine passion for the square sausage and we’re very excited to declare 25 March the world’s first National Square Sausage Day. What’s not to love about a square sausage? It’s locally produced and the perfect shape for a breakfast roll, with no slicing required and it won’t fall out! And because it’s thinner it takes less time to cook than a link sausage, meaning when you switch to square sausage, you’re taking a small step in reducing your energy consumption.”

We hae meat’s 700g pack of square sausage slices will be on special promotional offer for £3.50 in Tesco stores across Scotland from 6 to 26 March inclusive, coinciding with National Square Sausage Day. The butcher’s full range is available in major grocery retailers across Scotland, including Morrisons, Asda, Co-Op and Iceland.

Established in 2007, We hae meat is a leading producer of premium meat products, operating from its farm and factory based in Ayrshire. The family business prides itself with a commitment to quality and traditional flavours, producing more than 21 million slices a year.

We hae meat offers a skinny range, containing up to 75 per cent less fat and 45 per cent fewer calories than its standard range, offering a healthier alternative. For chippy lovers it also offers a ‘chippy-style’ range.

The company recently claimed the Green Family Business of the Year and Scottish Family Business of the Year awards at The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards, with the judges praising its sustainable practices.

To find out more, go to https://wehaemeat.com/

Fronteiras Theatre Lab completes decade of international touring to bring ‘La Niña Barro’ back to the Scottish stage

Special International Women’s Day performances at Assembly Roxy

7 – 9 March 2024
Assembly Roxy, Edinburgh (Roxy Upstairs) 

In an exciting Scottish comeback, Edinburgh-based multilingual Fronteiras Theatre Lab (fronteira meaning ‘border’ in Portuguese) is set to bring their intimate physical theatre show La Niña Barro to Assembly Roxy this spring for an exciting three day run, 7 – 9 March 2024, coinciding with International Women’s Day

An ongoing and cumulative creative project first formed in 2013, this run marks a decade since La Niña Barro’s original premier at the 2014 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The performance will feature the original crew and cast, including Director and Producer Flavia D’Avila and lead actress Elizabeth Sogorb as the clay woman. 

Created from introspective poems written by Spanish writer Marta MasséLa Niña Barro explores the experience and feelings of a woman made from mud; probing how she feels about and relates to herself, earth, nature, life, and love through a raw and intimate mix of skilled Mbira (traditional Zimbabwean thumb piano) music by artist and performer Alexandra Rodes, moving spoken word, and deeply felt physical theatre. 

A performance enacted fully in the nude and spoken in the Spanish language, La Niña Barro creates a sensitive, impactful experience for audiences – asking us to embrace and reflect on what makes us human as the clay woman bears her soul and self. 

Director and Producer Flavia D’Avila said:  ‘This is a deeply personal, heartfelt project for all of us. Not only are we celebrating 10 years since our Niña first came into the world, but there have been many changes and losses for us all along the way –  and it’s all embedded there, in the work itself. 

‘What I find really interesting about La Niña Barro is that it affects people in completely unique ways depending on where they are in their lives. We’re really looking forward to giving her the run she deserves in Edinburgh.’

Actor Elizabeth Sogorb said: ‘I sat down to re-read Marta’s original poems in preparation for this run the other day and I couldn’t stop crying.

“It was a rare grey, rainy day in Alicante and they just really hit me… So many memories stirred inside me; everything we have experienced with this show, all the conversations we’ve had. I can’t wait to get her under my skin again.’

Artist and musical performer Alexandra Rodes said: ‘What I do is different from Eli, because she’s an actor. I’m an artist by training and trade – so I see my performance in La Niña Barro as more ‘action’ than acting, if that makes sense.

“I have memories from the past few years, but we have all changed as a team so much and I just don’t know what the performance will feel like this time. I won’t know until I have her [Eli] there – flesh and clay, to shape with my bare hands…’

Since 2014, La Niña Barro has toured around Spain, Brazil, Uruguay, and the USA, winning the Impact Award at the 5th Small-Scale Theatre Festival in Miami and making the cover of specialist dance and physical theatre magazine Godoff in Madrid.

Past Praise for La Niña Barro

“It is easy to speak of life and the wonders of human nature with trite, meaningless and fluffy words. It is harder but far more effective to show these things, as La Niña Barro does.” (A Younger Theatre)

“A magical experience to watch”  (AllEdinburghTheatre)

Full cast announced for new stage adaptation of Sunset Song

  • Touring to Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh from 18 April to 8 June
  • Opening press performance 7.30pm, Thursday 18 April at Dundee Rep Theatre

Dundee Rep Theatre, in co-production with the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, have revealed the full ensemble cast that will star in their thrilling new adaptation of Sunset Song, which will tour stages across Scotland this Spring.

Danielle Jam (Dracula: Mina’s ReckoningKidnappedJames IV: Queen of the Fight, Wings Around Dundee) will lead the exciting cast in the role of Chris Guthrie, Scotland’s most beloved and iconic literary heroine. As an alumnus of the Dundee Rep graduate actor scheme – a programme which supports acting graduates in the transition from drama school into the theatre industry – Sunset Song marks a meaningful return to the Rep stage for Danielle.

The award-winning ensemble cast will also include Rori Hawthorn, Murray Fraser, Andy Clark, Annie Louise Ross, Sam Pashby, Naomi Stirrat, and Kirsten Henderson.

This revitalised and reimagined production is brought to life by a leading Scottish creative team. Co-conceived by writer Morna Young (Lost at SeaThe Stamping Ground) and director Finn den Hertog (The EnemySquare Go), Sunset Song will also feature new music by Composer Finn Anderson (IslanderA Mother’s Song).

One of Scottish literature’s most enduring classics, Lewis Grassic Gibbon’s powerful coming-of-age tale continues to capture hearts and imaginations across the world. Following the spirited Chris Guthrie as she faces a choice between a hard farming life and a world of learning, her journey to womanhood in the early 20th century sees her face crushing poverty, harrowing family trials, stirring love, and the ever-looming threat of the First World War. With a profound lyrical intensity, Sunset Song tells the story of human resilience in the face of great loss.

Sunset Song will open at Dundee Rep Theatre from 18 April to 02 May (previews 13 – 17 April) before touring to His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen (08 – 11 May), Eden Court Inverness (16 – 18 May), and the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh (28 May – 08 June).

Gucci store coming to Multrees Walk

The Italian luxury retailer Gucci will be opening its first standalone store outside of London in Edinburgh, later this year.

Located on the luxury stylish shopping destination of Multrees Walk, the Gucci store will occupy an impressive corner location – formerly Hugo BOSS and Caffé Nero – and will span over 4.700 square metres of retail space.

For further information on Multrees Walk retailers, please visit:

www.multreeswalk.co.uk/whats-happening/