After two decades in space, the remarkable journey of the Cassini spacecraft comes to a dramatic end this afternoon. Having used almost every bit of fuel it carried to Saturn, operators are plunging Cassini into the planet to ensure Saturn’s moons will remain pristine for future exploration. Continue reading Cassini: twenty year space odyssey ends today
International Development Secretary Priti Patel has repeated calls for an end to the violence in Burma (Myanmar) which has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes to seek safety in neighbouring Bangladesh. Recognising the ‘unprecedented scale’ of the crisis in Bangladesh and Burma, Britain is providing an additional £25 million to meet the urgent needs in both countries of those affected by the violence. Continue reading Patel calls for end to violence in Burma as more aid is sent to support stricken Rohingyas
An Edinburgh Napier project which protects fast-disappearing mangrove forests and breathes new life into poor East African communities has been honoured by the United Nations. ‘Mikoko Pamoja’ – which involves university scientists working with Kenyan researchers and local villagers to preserve the efficient carbon traps – has been named as one of the winners of the Equator Prize 2017. Continue reading Napier Uni’s mangrove project wins UN Equator Prize
Scotland to hold first-ever Women and Girls in Sport Week
More women and girls across Scotland are being encouraged to get involved in sport. An awareness-raising week from 1 to 8 October 2017 will build on recent success stories – such as the women’s national football team’s qualification for its first major tournament this summer – to promote the benefits of a more active lifestyle.
A Women and Girls Advisory Board – made up of key leaders from the world of women’s sport, business and media – will offer independent advice to support the Scottish Government’s work to encourage more women into sport and raise awareness of women and girls regularly taking part in sports and physical activity at all levels.
Sport Minister Aileen Campbell announced dates for the inaugural week and the membership of the board during a visit to Shawlands Academy earlier this week. There, Scottish netball stars the Sirens were hosting a body confidence session as part of their Sirens for Success Programme.
Ms Campbell (above) said: “Research shows that sport improves health and well-being, leads to improved self-esteem and, at the elite level, gives everyone something to cheer for as our stars excel on the international stage. These initiatives will help us to increase female participation in all areas of Scottish sport and support our work to transform public perceptions.
“There is much to be proud of, but I am conscious that we must do more to increase sporting participation among women and girls, and to build awareness around the successes we already have.
“That is why the inaugural Women and Girls in Sport Week, and the expert advisory board, are so important. Together, they will develop and promote news ideas and approaches that will drive participation, transform perceptions, and develop the stars of the future.”
Claire Nelson, CEO of Netball Scotland and Women and Girls Advisory Board member, said: “Despite the pockets of progress that have been made in female sport recently, the levels of disparity are still significant. There is much that still needs to be done to achieve a landscape that is fair and equal for all.
“The Women and Girls in Sport Advisory Board will aim to address the key challenges currently facing women and girls in sport, as well as the many barriers to participation. We will seek to find an aligned strategic approach to driving long-term, meaningful change.
“The work that we have undertaken at Netball Scotland to tackle many of these challenges has delivered significant results – the Sirens For Success Programme being one notable achievement in this area – and I am hoping to bring the learnings, insights and expertise from my sport in order to support the drive for positive action.”
An Edinburgh based charity that has helped to transform the lives of children with disabilities and other complex needs by supporting their families for over 25 years has launched a major fundraising appeal to prevent its doors from closing. Led by parents of children with disabilities, Kindred delivers an invaluable service for families of severely ill and/or disabled children in Scotland, providing help, support and advocacy in stressful situations where parents often don’t know where to turn. Continue reading Closure-threatened Kindred launches fundraising appeal
Muirhouse Housing Association celebrate their 25th anniversary tomorrow with an afternoon of fun-filled family activities at North Edinburgh Arts preceding the premiere of the Muirhouse Movie and their AGM. The fun starts at 3pm – don’t miss it!
The Westminster Government has not evaluated the impact of its welfare reforms on homelessness, or the impact of the mitigations that it has put in place, according to the National Audit Office. The National Audit Office, which scrutinises public spending for Parliament and is independent of government, is critical of the government’s welfare reforms and says a ‘light touch’ response to problems isn’t working. Continue reading Welfare reforms have fuelled homelessness, says Audit Office
Call the Midwife’s Laura Main to star as Princess Fiona
SHREK THE MUSICAL® has announced casting for the forthcoming major nationwide tour. Following the unprecedented success of the first UK and Ireland tour, the original production team has reunited to bring the hit musical to a swamp near you! Opening at the Edinburgh Playhouse for the festive season from 12th December, the production will then tour throughout the country in 2018. Continue reading Believe … all ‘ogre’ again!
The way in which local governments plan and spend their budgets is to be scrutinised by a Holyrood Committee. The Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Communities Committee has today announced its review into local government spending ahead of its scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s draft budget 2018/19, which should be revealed towards the end of this year. Continue reading Council budget spending priorities to be scrutinised by Holyrood committee
Maybe you’ve had quite enough of Festivals for this year, but for those folk who just can’t get enough there’s another festival coming along soon … and it last for a month! Continue reading Luminate Festival launched
