Ewen Cameron has launched his breakfast show across Bauer Scotland’s Greatest Hits network with his all-time favourite, and appropriately named, song ‘Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now’. Continue reading New breakfast show for Ewen Cameron on Greatest Hits network
Challenge expands to include secondary schools
The First Minister’s Reading Challenge is now open to all pupils across primary and secondary schools in Scotland.
Secondary schools, libraries and community groups can now register to take part in the challenge which has been running in primary schools since 2016 and is delivered by Scottish Book Trust.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon launched the third year of the challenge at Renfrew High School, one of the secondary schools that took part in a pilot last year.
She said: “I set up the First Minister’s Reading Challenge to instil a love of reading from an early age. Reading not only opens up a whole new world of adventure, but also helps develop and improve children’s literacy.
“The evaluation of the programme showed it has been well received by pupils, schools and parents in primary schools. It is important we build on that enthusiasm and encourage young people to continue reading as they progress through their education into secondary school.
“Registration for this year’s challenge is now open and I’m looking forward to seeing pupils from P1 to S6 getting involved.”
Headteacher of Renfrew High School Billy Burke said: “We were delighted to participate in the secondary pilot of the First Minister’s Reading Challenge and I have been hugely impressed by how our young people have embraced the opportunity.
“Particularly through the outstanding work of our school library with a variety of external partners, we have developed a vibrant culture of creativity and reading for pleasure throughout the school.
“Literacy unlocks the wider curriculum, and it is fantastic to see our pupils enjoying, embracing and leading in this area of their learning.”
Edinburgh Northern & Laith MSP Ben Macpherson has welcomed the announcement. He said: “The First Minister’s Reading Challenge is a great opportunity to get more children and young people excited about reading.
“With the increasing use of smartphones and computers, it is more important than ever that we promote reading and its power to accelerate learning and boost attainment.
“Following the Scottish Government’s National Strategy for School Libraries announced last week, the Reading Challenge is a great chance for schools and other groups to join a national reading movement.
“I encourage all schools, libraries and reading groups in the constituency to get involved.”
Registration for the First Minister’s Reading challenge is now open
The First Minister’s Reading Challenge is delivered through Scottish Book Trust, funded by the Scottish Government.
995 schools registered for the challenge last year with 235,000 children taking part.
The evaluation of the First Minister’s Reading Challenge is available online.
A £97,700 fund to support artist-led cultural projects in communities across the Capital has opened for applications. Continue reading Tattoo launches Capital communities culture fund
Edinburgh Napier academic to take part in ‘Around the World in a Day’ challenge for STV Appeal
An Edinburgh Napier Sport Science academic who helped prepare Mark Beaumont to cycle around the world is getting ready to undertake her own mammoth cycling challenge.
In the lead up to the challenge last year, Edinburgh Napier’s Dr Lesley Ingram worked extensively with the record-breaking cyclist to get him in the shape of his life as he geared up to cycling the 18,000-mile route in just 78 days, 14hours & 40mins.
From completing VO2 max tests to undertaking sessions in the University’s environmental chamber, which mimicked various high temperatures that Mark would face throughout this challenge, Lesley’s work ensured that Mark left no stone unturned in his quest to reach peak physical condition prior to leaving.
And now, Lesley will join Mark and 79 other cyclists as they aim to collectively cycle the same distance that Mark completed in his own challenge – in just one day.
In support of this year’s STV Children’s Appeal, the ‘Around the World in a Day’ challenge will see the cyclists aim to cover an arduous 240 mile route from near Campbeltown in Argyll and Bute to Aberdeen in just 16 hours.
Taking place on 22 September, the intrepid group’s route will see them undertake nearly 3,000 metres worth of climbing as it takes them around the Trossachs National Park and Ben More, before heading through Crieff, Forfar, Brechin before finishing at Aberdeen’s Duthie Park.
The challenge aims to raise £80,000 for the STV Children’s Appeal. The STV Children’s Appeal was launched in 2011 as a response to statistics showing that one in four children and young people in Scotland live in poverty, with over 220,000 affected. In just seven years, the appeal has managed to raise more than £16.3million for a range of worthy causes across the country.
For Lesley, the challenge will see her enter unchartered territory as she swaps her laboratory for her bike to cycle the furthest distance she has ever undertaken.
She said: “I used to be a semi-professional mountain biker and I’ve always cycled in my life but I’ve never ever done anything on this scale before. This is an unknown for me – I’ve never cycled 240 miles. It is daunting but I’m really looking forward to it!
“Our challenge aims to mimic what Mark did in his own Around the World challenge. Our cycling will be broken down into four-hour blocks with 30-minute breaks in between. We are looking to do the 240 miles in around 16 hours at an average speed of 15mph – it is going to be tough!
“I’ve been enjoying my training rides at weekends and back home to Fife after work. Obviously, as a sport scientist, I’m a firm believer that fitness is a must have but for something like this you also need a robust mental strength. I’m fully prepared for the ups and downs the day will bring but I can’t wait to get started and to play my part in raising funds for such a worthwhile cause.”
Lesley’s sponsorship page can be found here. More information on her work with Mark Beaumont as he prepared for his Around the World in 80 Days challenge can be found here.
Licketyspit, the leading early years theatre company, are holding a Picnic & Play session for children and families at the Royal Botanic Garden this Saturday.
Continue reading Local MSP to attend Licketyspit Picnic & Play at Botanics Shoreline Exhibition
Miles Briggs, Scottish Conservative Health spokesman, has raised concerns over the reduction in staff working in NHS Lothian between March 2018 and March 2019. Continue reading NHS Lothian workforce projected to shrink, says Briggs
WORK to deliver an attractive development of 43 much needed affordable homes in a high-demand part of Edinburgh is ahead of schedule. Continue reading Brunswick Road affordable housing ahead of schedule
