The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 815 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Edinburgh urged to get into gear to help beat cancer

PEOPLE in Edinburgh are being urged to get on their bikes for Cancer Research UK and raise money for a wheelie great cause.

People of all ages and abilities – from seasoned cyclists to recent converts – are being encouraged to sign up now for the Cycle 300 challenge to help the charity continue its life-saving mission.

Taking part needn’t feel like an uphill struggle when participants can choose how, when and where to clock up 300 miles during June – whether it’s 10 miles every day, 75 miles every weekend or all in one go.

Cycling to work, exploring the countryside and taking part in spin classes can all add up, along with ditching the car for a bike to pop to the shops. And with exercise bikes growing in popularity, it’s easy for homeworkers to get involved too.

The challenge can be completed indoors, outdoors, solo or as part of a team.

Not only will taking part help to raise vital funds, but there is also the added benefit of getting on a bike to keep fit and healthy. Depending on weight and effort, cyclists could burn roughly between 450 to 750 calories per hour.

Moderate exercise such as cycling can help build stamina and keep a healthy body weight, which reduces the risk of a range of diseases including cancer.

In Scotland, around 33,200 people are diagnosed with cancer each year*. But, thanks to research, more people than ever across the UK are surviving for 10 years or more.

As Cancer Research UK celebrates its 20^th anniversary, it is paying tribute to its supporters for the part they have played in this progress.

Victoria Steven, the charity’s spokesperson for Scotland, said: “One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime**. But all of us can play a part to help beat it.

“For the past 20 years, the incredible generosity and commitment of people in Scotland has helped Cancer Research UK make discoveries that have saved countless lives and which benefit millions of people around the world. But we have so much more to do.

“By taking part in Cycle 300 this June, commuters, weekend enthusiasts or gym bunnies alike can help the charity’s scientists go the distance and unlock new and better ways to beat the disease. We’ve come so far. And we will go much further. Together we will beat cancer.”

Last year, Cancer Research UK spent nearly £30 million in Scotland on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.

Victoria added: “Every day we see the benefits of research we’ve previously funded being realised, helping people live longer and healthier lives. That’s why we need cyclists across the country to help us keep investing in science today to deliver the treatments of tomorrow.”

Join the Cycle 300 challenge and receive a free fundraising pack at cruk.org/cycle300.

Supporting unions with just transition

Funding ro support worker engagement

Scotland’s journey to net zero will be amplified thanks to better partnership working between the Scottish Government and trade unions to deliver a just transition.

At the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) in Aberdeen, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will announce £100,000 in grant funding to support just transition capacity within the trade union movement.

The money will be used by STUC to coordinate worker engagement on just transition, amplify and share best practice and provide policy support.

Unions will continue to be fundamental in delivering a just transition to a net zero and climate resilient Scotland, helping to ensure a low carbon economy prospers in Scotland.

This year’s event marks the 125 years since the first STUC Annual Congress, and the First Minister said the case for a strong union movement never goes away, with addressing inequalities a key priority for the Scottish Government in helping Scotland to recover from COVID-19.

The First Minister said: “We want the trade unions to continue to influence and shape our delivery of a just transition. That’s why I’m glad to be able to confirm today that we are providing the STUC with annual funding of £100,000, to cover STUC staffing costs for officials who can liaise with workers and with government.

“The unions – through the creation of the Just Transition Commission – have already been fundamental to our policy thinking about a just transition. This funding will ensure that they continue to be vital, as we get on with delivering good, green jobs and a truly just transition.

“The Scottish Government economic strategy rests on the idea that by supporting those who are in poverty, by delivering a just transition, by supporting fair work – we can help people to fulfil their potential and to contribute to our economy and our society.

“That’s a principle which I know the STUC is also committed to. It’s why they are valuable partners, and also important sources of challenge, as we work to create a fairer, greener Scotland.”

STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “The trade union movement has been at the forefront of pushing for a just transition, ensuring climate justice is entwined with workers’ voices.

“Our movement, our environment and our planet cannot afford any more false dawns which fail to empower workers and their communities. We’re pleased that the Scottish Government has recognised this.

“This funding, in addition to the work ongoing within the Just Transition Commission, will ensure we hold business, government and all other stakeholders to account.

“We must secure good, green jobs, we must not leave communities abandoned and we must place fair work and workers’ voices at the heart of any just transition.”

Plaque unveiled for fallen firefighter 113 years after relatives found

A plaque to remember a fallen firefighter has been unveiled 113 years after he died in the line of duty, after a social media plea to find relatives was successful.

William Fraser was aged 28 and a father to a new-born baby when he lost his life fighting a large warehouse fire in Aberdeen, on March 2 1909. He was knocked off a ladder at the site by debris, falling 40 feet to the ground. He died 10 minutes after falling.

His great, great granddaughter came forward after recognising her relative’s story on a Facebook post by firefighter Ross Urquhart of Central Community Fire Station, who has helped organise the plaque, and Mr Fraser’s family were then involved with the unveiling of the plaque.

He is believed to be the last serving firefighter to be killed in the line of duty in Aberdeen.

The plaque is situated at Adelphi Court, where the fire took place, and was unveiled today.

The plaque unveiling was prefaced by a small service involving Mr Fraser’s family at Trinity Cemetery, followed by a procession involving fire engines including a 1915 model North East Scottish Fire Heritage Club engine, which travelled along Aberdeen main streets King Street and Union Street. It was led by a piper for its final 50 meters.

That procession route was close to that of Mr Fraser’s funeral procession, which according to the Aberdeen Journal was attended by thousands of people, bringing Aberdeen to a standstill, and featured a fire engine drawn by four black horses.

The plaque that was unveiled is a Red Plaque. The Red Plaque scheme aims to commemorate firefighters who died in the line of duty, and is administered by the Fire Brigades Union. This is the first Red Plaque in the area.

It reads “Honouring the bravery and sacrifice of William Fraser of Aberdeen Central Fire Station who gave his life in the line of duty at Adelphi Court, Aberdeen 2 March 1909”.

Ross Urquhart, the firefighter and FBU member who did the research for the plaque and found Mr Fraser’s descendants, said: “Red Plaques remind us of the extraordinary sacrifices that firefighters make, and we are glad to be able to honour the only firefighter to die in the line of duty in Aberdeen with one.

“As an Aberdeen firefighter today I wanted to make sure that William was remembered appropriately. I felt we owed him that.”

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: “William Fraser died over a century ago but the day we should stop remembering his bravery and sacrifice will never come.

“No firefighter who dies in the line of duty should ever be forgotten, and William will not be. Every day members of the public will see this plaque and remember that he gave his life.“William left a new-born baby behind, and we are extremely glad that descendants of him were with us today as we unveil this plaque.”

At the unveiling itself there were words read on the family’s behalf by Mr Fraser’s great grandson, as well as speeches from Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack, Aberdeen City local senior official Chay Ewing and Aberdeen Lord Provost Barney Crockett. There was also be a minute’s silence, and wreath-laying.

The Red Plaque scheme is funded by the Firefighter100 lottery, which is also administered by the Fire Brigades Union and aims to raise money for good causes related to the fire and rescues service.

The lottery can be entered at www.firefighters100lottery.co.uk.

UK’s first autonomous bus takes to the roads of Scotland for the first time

Live road testing taking place from this week for next two weeks
Passenger service planned to go live in late summer
Europe’s most complex and ambitious public autonomous bus pilot
Over 20 Stagecoach ‘Autonomous Bus Professionals’ being recruited to support the service

The UK’s first full-sized autonomous bus will take to the roads of Scotland for the first time this week as live testing begins for project CAVForth.

Stagecoach, in partnership with Fusion Processing, Alexander Dennis and Transport Scotland, will be carrying out on-road testing* of the autonomous bus over the next two weeks in preparation for the launch of the CAVForth pilot service in late summer.

The Project CAVForth pilot, which is jointly funded by the UK Government’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) will see five single-deck autonomous buses operating at SAE Level 4 over the Forth Road Bridge between Ferrytoll Park and Ride in Fife and the Edinburgh Park Train and Tram interchange.

The buses are fitted with Fusion Processing’s ground-breaking sensor and control technology, CAVstar, that enables them to run on pre-selected roads without the safety driver having to intervene or take control. The buses will provide a service capable of carrying up to 36 passengers over the 14 miles across the bridge, with capacity for over 10,000 passengers a week.

The on-road testing in Scotland follows successful depot-based trials, track testing and virtual simulation where the buses have been put through their paces to fine tune the autonomous drive systems.

To help support the delivery of Project CAVForth, Transport Scotland recently opened a section of Actively Managed Hard Shoulder for all buses on the M8 eastbound. It will help to reduce journey times and improve journey time reliability for all buses of 24 seats or more on approach to Edinburgh.

As part of project CAVForth, around 500 members of the public have helped with the implementation of the new autonomous bus service on it, providing feedback on what would make them feel comfortable and confident in travelling. Built on the feedback received, the partners have developed a vision for the new autonomous vehicles, which includes making sure future autonomous bus services still have a member of staff on board.

In a further positive step forward in the project, over 20 specially trained ‘Autonomous Bus Professionals’ are soon to be recruited by Stagecoach from across its East Scotland business.

When the service goes live, these experienced bus drivers will monitor the autonomous system alongside a bus ‘Captain’ who will move around the saloon, talking to passengers about the service and answering any questions they may have, demonstrating what a future service might feel like when the staff member is able to leave the cab while the computer does the driving.

Sam Greer, Regional Director for Stagecoach in Scotland, said: “Stagecoach is continuing to look for ways to improve the service it offers to customers, including through major investment in new technology, such as the CAVForth pilot.

“This is a hugely exciting project for Scotland and we are pleased to be starting live testing on roads today. This is a major step forward in our journey to fully launch the UK’s first full-sized autonomous bus service and will provide easy access to a brand-new bus route in the heart of East Scotland.”

Chris Gall, ADL Group Engineering Director, said: “The start of on-route testing is a milestone for our autonomous bus project.

“In partnership with Stagecoach, Fusion Processing and Transport Scotland, Project CAVForth helps us to explore new technologies that will make buses even safer and even more efficient. As we move towards passenger services later in the year, the project will be a landmark demonstration of future technologies in transport.”

Jim Hutchinson, Fusion Processing Ltd CEO, said “We are delighted to be leading the world’s most complex and ambitious autonomous vehicle programme.

“CAVForth will provide a useful service to local people as well as being a great demonstration of Fusion’s automated vehicle technology. The buses are fitted with CAVstar, our automated driving system which combines our own hardware and software to create, safe, full-size buses, operating at SAE Level 4.

“On road testing is an exciting milestone in the development of autonomous commercial vehicles and we look forward to welcoming passengers onboard in a few months’ time.”

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines launches Summer Sale

Hand-crafted sailings from Newcastle and Rosyth from £699 per person

Travellers looking to get away in the months ahead can enjoy hand-crafted sailings from the north from just £699 per person, plus up to £200 on-board spending credit, as part of a Summer Sale unveiled by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

The Summer Sale covers cruises from May to September 2022, and offers savings of £150 per person on Norway and British Isles sailings, as well as £200 per person off European short breaks or Arctic and Scandinavian cruises.

In addition, these savings run alongside an on-board spending offer, with up to £200 per person credit available on selected cruises.

Clare Ward, Director of Product and Customer Service at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “With travel getting easier, we want everyone to be able to enjoy a well-deserved break in the months ahead. The world really is opening up for summer, and we are so excited to be able to share it with our guests again.

“Whether you are looking to venture to the scenic Norwegian fjords in all their summertime splendour, immerse yourself in the history and culture of some fascinating towns and cities in Northern Europe or witness the breath-taking Midnight Sun, you can be sure that each cruise has been hand-crafted to show you the very best of the destination when you visit.”

Some of the highlights of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Summer Sale from Newcastle and Rosyth are:

Balmoral’s nine-night L2215 ‘Arctic Fjords & Midnight Sun’ cruise, departing from Newcastle on 6^th June 2022. Prices start from £1,249 per person (was from £1,399 per person). Enjoy £100 per person to spend on board, or £200 per person when booking a suite.

Itinerary: Newcastle, England – Leknes, Norway – Cruising Austnesfjorden, Norway – Cruising Trollfjord, Norway – Tromsø, Norway– Bodø, Norway – Cruising by Black Glacier, Norway – Cruising Nordfjorden, Meloy, Norway – Cruising Seven Sisters Mountain Range, Norway – Cruising Torghatten, Norway – Cruising Rørvik, Norway – Ålesund, Norway – Cruising Hjørundfjord, Norway– Newcastle, England

For more details: Visit L2215 ‘Arctic Fjords & Midnight Sun’

Balmoral’s five-night L2220A ‘Summertime Norwegian Fjords in Five Nights’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 19^th July 2022. Prices start from £699 per person (was from £849 per person). Enjoy £50 per person to spend on board, or £100 per person when booking a suite.

Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Olden, Norway – Cruising Nordfjord, Norway – Cruising by Hornelen, Norway – Ålesund, Norway – cruising Hjørundfjord, Norway – Rosyth, Scotland

For more details: Visit L2220A ‘Summertime Norwegian Fjords in Five Nights’

Balmoral’s 10-night L2224A ‘Discovering Castles, Palaces and Cultural Landmarks of Northern Europe’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 19^th August 2022. Prices start from £1,699 per person (was from £1,899 per person). Enjoy £150 per person to spend on board, or £300 per person when booking a suite.

Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Fredericia, Denmark – Klaipeda, Lithuania – Gdansk, Poland – Sassnitz, Germany – Szczecin, Poland – Kiel Canal Transit, Germany – Rosyth, Scotland

For more details: Visit L2224A ‘Discovering Castles, Palaces and Cultural Landmarks of Northern Europe’

Nationwide, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Summer Sale features sailings from £399 per person, with up to £250 on-board spend, with regional departures available from Southampton, Dover, Liverpool, Belfast, Newcastle and Rosyth.

For more information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Summer Sale, go to

fredolsencruises.com/summer-sale.

Book online, call the friendly Reservations team on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm), or contact your ABTA travel agent.

Green spaces improve wellbeing – welcome to the East Cairngorms

In celebration of spring, the Ballater Business Association (BBA) and Braemar Tourism Group (BTG) have launched the East Cairngorms Wildlife and Nature Trail as part of their Imagine More campaign to encourage visitors to immerse themselves in nature and nurture their wellbeing.

A recent study by the Mental Health Foundation revealed that nearly half of people in the UK found a marked improvement in their wellbeing during lockdown when visiting green spaces, such as national parks.

The BBA and BTG aim to encourage more people to undertake memorable outdoor experiences that positively impact their lives by visiting the East Cairngorms’ abundance of wildlife and nature.

Dan and Rachel Brown, both avid naturalists and professional ecologists, run Wild Discovery based in Crathie which provides custom-made experiences which focus on helping visitors engage with nature, wildlife and conservation projects.

They explained: “The ancient Caledonian forest and woodlands which sprawl the East Cairngorms boasts unique enigmatic wildlife including pine martens, red squirrels, golden and white-tailed eagles, capercaillie, and red deer.

“Our guests always feel a sense of connection and leave inspired and reinvigorated after meeting with local projects and people who are doing wonderful work to protect the area.”

Annie Armstrong runs Wild Braemar, bespoke experiences that allow visitors to explore, discover and connect with Scottish wildlife, culture and the local history.

She said: “Our Scottish landscape is emersed with wildlife and nature, and what we often take for granted is new and interesting to those who join our tours.

“The smallest elements of nature such as fungi, flora and trees all have a story to tell. One of my recent tours included a family who spent hours just identify birds in the woodland.

“We can all be inspired by nature. Wild learning brings with it new thinking and a chance to step away from our busy lives, connecting to the sounds, sights and smells that surround us.”

Annie’s tours include wild walking and swimming, and are designed to suit any level of fitness. The majority last two hours or less, allowing visitors to make the most of their time in Braemar and Ballater.

Annie said: “Lots of people want to try wild swimming but are nervous and want support to enjoy a truly immersive experience. I have always enjoyed the Braemar rivers and wanted to share my knowledge with others.

“The moment you enter the water it is like a “reset” with your body, all you can think about is the water and nature around you.”

The East Cairngorms Wildlife and Nature Trail is part of a series of five which aim to inspire visitors to explore the East Cairngorms as a year-round destination for outdoor activity. Each trail includes a website, promotional video, digital trail map, and trip planner.

For more information on the East Cairngorms Wildlife and Nature Trail, head to: https://www.visitballater.com/east-cairngorms-the-jacobite-whisky-trail/

Edinburgh Association of Community Councils: Spring Update

After the series of four winter meetings in November, December, January and February — when we approved a new constitution for EACC — we’ve taken a pause before our next ordinary meeting, provisionally scheduled for Thursday 26 May at 7pm on Zoom.

Please let me know if you want to raise any particular issue at the May meeting.

In the future, we may resume the special meetings that were a feature of EACC activities in 2020-1, when we covered public spaces management, carbon neutrality, and biodiversity.

Possible future subjects are local democracy, best practice on making and analysing consultations, and practical approaches to energy efficiency and de-carbonization. We may also include the ‘held-over’ subject of guidance for community council treasurers.

The EACC Appeal (for funding – Ed.) was successful. As of now, we have received at least £700 from some 16 community councils. We hope this will enable us to to pay for a minutes secretary and establish a new website. We will also have a new bank account.

The edinburghcommunitycouncils.org.uk domain is no longer functional — it always was problematic — so my email address is now Simon.Holledge@gmail.com.

SIMON HOLLEDGE

Secretary, Edinburgh Association of Community Councils (EACC)

Sonder Holdings to expand Edinburgh serviced apartment operation

Sonder Holdings Inc., a leading next-generation hospitality company that is redefining the guest experience through technology and design, is set to expand its serviced apartment operation at Royal Garden Apartments in Edinburgh.

Expanding by 11 units, bringing the total units to 41, the apartments are located opposite the Scottish National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street, offering accommodation with in-unit kitchen and laundry facilities, ideal for extended stays.

This addition forms part of a major expansion by the tech-enabled hospitality provider, which is adding six properties in the UK & Ireland, including four new hotels in London.

In April 2022, Sonder opened The Henry, a 102-key hotel close to Hyde Park in Bayswater, and The Voyage, a 53-key hotel on Norfolk Square close to Paddington Station. A further property on Norfolk Square will follow shortly: The Rove, with 74 keys. Additionally, in the second half of 2022, Sonder will open an 86-key hotel near to Bedford Square in Bloomsbury.

All are located close to major business districts, tourist attractions and transport hubs, and have been updated to offer Sonder’s signature exceptional design and tech-enabled, modern service. Building on recent expansion, with an ongoing focus on prime locations, these four properties will join the six existing hotels in Sonder’s London portfolio.

Oliver Armitstead, Regional Director of Real Estate at Sonder, said: “As a high-growth global hospitality company, we are excited to expand our unique design and tech-powered hospitality offering across the United Kingdom & Ireland, with the expansion of our Edinburgh operation and the opening of a number of new hotels.

“The modern traveller demands digital service and thoughtful design, both of which we deliver across our portfolio worldwide. For owners, we offer competitive partnership terms with secured income, and we remove operational responsibilities. Following Sonder’s recent public listing, we’re advancing ambitious growth plans worldwide.”

Steph Thrasyvoulou, co-owner at New World Hospitality Limited, said: “Sonder are innovators in the hospitality space and have been a reliable property partner for us; which is why we are pleased to collaborate with them on a second London hotel.

“The Bloomsbury location will offer thoughtfully designed accommodation, moments from The British Museum, Oxford Street and the new Tottenham Court Road Crossrail station.”

In Dublin, Sonder will open its first hotel in the city, with 26 keys, on Leeson Street later this year and has contracted an additional 91 units in the Dublin 1 area. The Leeson Street hotel is a historic, 19th-century Georgian building undergoing updates, located close to St Stephen’s Green park. These operations are in addition to Sonder’s two existing serviced apartment properties in Dublin.

With these additions, Sonder’s total portfolio will now expand to 28 properties across the United Kingdom & Ireland with approximately 900 total units. In 2017, Sonder opened its first property outside of North America in London, and the region remains a focus for future growth.

Headquartered in San Francisco, Sonder operates in 35+ cities across ten countries – seven of which are in EMEA – and has approximately 18,100 live and contracted units worldwide.

The company partners with real estate owners and landlords to manage and operate hotel and multi-unit buildings. Sonder distinguishes itself in the hospitality industry through modern design and by infusing technology into its guest experience.

This tech-enabled experience puts guests in full control of their stay. They can access everything they need – from booking, to interacting with guest services, to check-out – via their own mobile device from anywhere and at any time, using the Sonder app.

Sonder previously announced EMEA expansion in France and the U.A.E., and recently reported company record annual revenue of $233 million in 2021. Sonder also provides corporate travel offerings, and is live with all major Global Distribution System (GDS) networks.

Sonder works in partnership with leading travel management companies such as ABC Global Services for business traveler-specific bookings.

Sonder also recently committed to eliminating single-use plastic amenities in all of its guest-facing units no later than Dec. 31, 2022, as part of the company’s wider sustainability commitments under its People, Place & Planet framework.

To explore Sonder real estate partnership opportunities, please contact:

partners@sonder.com

Healthy Heart Tip: Fibre – the lifesaving nutrient many of us lack

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

It is well known that eating fibre can prevent constipation, but did you know it can also lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer?

Dietary fibre can only be found in foods that come from plants, such as wholegrain cereals, wholemeal bread, wholemeal pasta, brown rice, fruit, vegetables, beans, and lentils.

Here we provide some tips to help you increase the amount of fibre in your diet:

Choose a variety

Obtaining fibre from a variety of food sources is a great way to ensure a healthy balanced diet. It is also important to make sure you are drinking enough fluid to help fibre function properly.

Opt for a high-fibre cereal

Look out for cereals that are labelled as “whole grain” or with “bran” or “fibre” in their name. Try to choose plain varieties with no added sugars.

Switch to wholemeal

Instead of white bread, white rice and white pasta, try switching to wholemeal or granary bread, brown rice and wholemeal pasta.

Eat your five a day

Frozen, dried and tinned fruit and vegetables all count towards this. Try eating apples and potatoes with their skins still on, to further increase fibre intake.

Add extra vegetables or pulses to your favourite meals

Beans, lentils and chickpeas can be added to your favourite meals like curries, bolognese, chilli, soups and stews, to bulk them out and add nutrients.

Snack wisely

Choose unsalted nuts and seeds, fresh fruit, vegetable sticks or oatcakes.

Opt for a high-fibre cereal

Choose unsalted nuts and seeds, fresh fruit, vegetable sticks or oatcakes.

Some people worry that if they increase their fibre intake it will cause them to suffer from flatulence (wind). To avoid this, you should gradually increase the amount of fibre in your diet to allow your body time to adjust. Good luck!

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips.

To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-recipes-2/.

Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers:
https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-cookbook/.

Your Stories: Scottish Book Trust wants to hear your real life stories

National charity Scottish Book Trust has opened submissions to encourage the public to share their real-life stories.

It marks the 14th year of Scottish Book Trust’s annual Your Stories campaign, which this year is partnering with EventScotland as part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022. From those who write regularly to those who have never written before, Your Stories is open to all submissions, regardless of writing experience.

Submissions can be made in English, Scots, or Gaelic in any form – story, poem, comic strip, play or letter – of up to 1,000 words. Every entry will appear on Scottish Book Trust’s website and a selection of pieces will be published in a free book distributed to libraries, community groups and schools during Book Week Scotland (14-20 November 2022) – the national celebration of books and reading.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust said: ‘The Your Stories programme has always been a cornerstone of Scottish Book Trust, giving a platform for the public to share personal experiences and for some, be published for the first ever time.

“Working with our partners EventScotland for Scotland’s Year of Stories, we hope that many people will be encouraged to share their different experiences and shape the narrative of our country.”

Alison Lang, Director of the Gaelic Books Council, said: “‘Ann am Bliadhna nan Sgeul tha sinn an dòchas gum bi daoine air feadh na dùthcha deònach na sgeulachdan Gàidhlig aca fhèin innse, agus gum bi e na bhrosnachadh dhaibhsan agus do na leughadairean aca an cuid obrach fhaicinn ann an clò.

“Tha e na thlachd do Chomhairle nan Leabhraichean a bhith a’ toirt taic don iomairt seo a-rithist.”

(‘In this Year of Stories we hope that people all over the country will be willing to tell their own Gaelic stories, and that they and their readers will be inspired by seeing their work published. The Gaelic Books Council is delighted to be supporting this Scottish Book Trust initiative once again.’)

Scottish Book Trust has commissioned real life stories from: Helen Fields, author of the DI Callanach series; Graeme Armstrong author of The Young Team; Raman Mundair, filmmaker and playwright and Gaelic authors, Morag Ann MacNeil and Angus Peter Campbell.

Scottish Book Trust will share a variety of prompts through their website and social networks to help inspire those hoping to submit.

Find out more about Your Stories.

The deadline for submissions is Friday 10 June.

Submissions can be made online via Scottish Book Trust’s website or via post to:

Your Stories, Scottish Book Trust, Sandeman House, Trunk’s Close, 55 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR