Return of the all-Edinburgh gridiron derby

THE 2020 Capital curtain-raiser for the big Super Bowl match in the USA is once again an all-Edinburgh affair, with Edinburgh Napier Knights hosting cross-town rivals University of Edinburgh Predators.

With the teams playing in different divisions, the Knights had to turn to Glasgow University for opposition in the last two versions of the annual American football Varsity match.

However, Sunday (February 2) will once again see the two Edinburgh clubs compete for the MacKenzie’s Challenge trophy at Meggetland, just hours ahead of the big Kansas City Chiefs v San Francisco 49ers clash in Florida.

A full programme of family entertainment, including music, a DJ, the Knights’ youth team and the Edinburgh Napier Panthers cheer squad, will accompany the fixture, which habitually draws a big crowd to the Meggetland stadium.

Edinburgh Napier Knights head coach Pete Laird said: “The event has come a long way in the last nine years, and it’s great to have our traditional rivals, the University of Edinburgh Predators, back as our opponents this year.

“The Knights program is currently having a great run of success, with three division titles in the last four years, and we have been outperforming our bigger neighbours in recent seasons.

“But to give our opponents credit, they have been enjoying a good year back in the higher division. As with any derby match, the formbook goes out the window, and it will be a very closely fought game.”

Pete added: “Last year’s Varsity game was postponed due to the weather and had to be shifted away from its traditional home at Meggetland, so we’re very excited to be back under the lights for the game, which is a real spectacle, with all its noise, colour and general craziness.”

The gates will open at 1pm on Sunday ahead of a 3pm kick-off. Tickets – £5 for adults, £3 for students and free admission for under 16s – are available at the gates or on campus in advance.

Match tickets also include entry to the post-game Super Bowl Party at the Canalside Bar, Meggetland, from 8pm.

James Macsween Addresses the Haggis at Gyle M&S

James Macsween, Managing Director at Macsween and guardian of our national dish, put on a Burns Night performance as he addressed the haggis in M&S’s store at The Gyle shopping centre.

Customers were treated to this one-of-a-kind shopping experience which saw the haggis piped into the foodhall and highland dancers put on a show. Lots of tasters of M&S’s Burns Night range were on offer for all as locals celebrated Scotland’s age-old tradition.

Macsween makes an exclusive recipe of their sensationally popular haggis especially for M&S.

With new delicious additions such as Haggis, Neeps and Tatties en Croute, as well as traditional favourites, including the signature haggis especially made by James Macsween, M&S has everything you need for a Burns Night feast to remember.

Macsween has been supplying M&S with phenomenally tasty and succulent Haggis and Vegetarian Haggis products since 2012. As the innovators behind the first ever Vegetarian Haggis 35 years ago, there is now a Haggis for everyone to devour on Burns Night with M&S Food.

M&S serves two million customers a week across Scotland and has served Scottish customers for over 100 years – the first store opened in Dundee in 1918.

M&S has a network of over 40 food suppliers based in Scotland, who work with more than 4,000 farms and supply fantastic products across the while of the UK.

Over 2,500 of their products are made from raw materials sourced from Scottish producers.

M&S first began sourcing from Scottish food producers in the 1930s and the supply base has gone from strength to strength.

DON’T FORGET there’s another opportunity to enjoy a Burns Supper this weekend at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre:

Concern over effect of social media on young people’s wellbeing

A national report, carried out every four years, has provided insights into child mental health in Scotland.

The 2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study in Scotland, led by researchers at the MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow and funded by NHS Health Scotland, provides data on the health and wellbeing of the nation’s young people.

Key findings include the majority (85%) of young people reported high life satisfaction in 2018, while almost one in five adolescents rated their health as excellent.

However, the report also revealed the lowest levels of adolescent confidence seen in 24 years, with only 51% of adolescents in Scotland reporting often or always feeling confident in themselves.

Beyond mental health and wellbeing, the HBSC study covers areas such as sleep habits, time spent online, physical activity as well as school and home life. The report presents data collected from surveys with a representable sample of 11, 13 and 15-year-olds in Scotland in 2018. The surveys were conducted in schools, with all pupils in the selected classes asked to fill in the confidential questionnaire anonymously.

This is the 8th consecutive World Health Organisation (WHO) cross-national HBSC survey in which Scotland has participated, providing data on the health of the nation’s young people over the last 28 years. A wider pan global report on the health of young people across the world is due to be published later this year.

Lead author of the study Dr Jo Inchley, from the MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, said: “These latest findings from HBSC provide a comprehensive picture of young people’s health across Scotland.

“We’ve seen significant improvements in recent years in areas such as substance use and eating behaviours. But at the same time, new challenges such as social media are increasingly impacting on how young people live their lives and these can have a significant impact on their wellbeing.

“This report helps us to better understand the challenges young people face and the areas where more support and investment is needed.”

Dr Rory Mitchell, Public Health Intelligence Principal, NHS Health Scotland said: “This report highlights some positive trends as well as ongoing challenges. The data shows that children from wealthier families tend to report better health and wellbeing than those from poorer families. This highlights the need for a continued focus on tackling health inequalities in Scotland.

“The information provided by this long-running study has enormous value in helping to improve health and wellbeing. Using such information to make a real difference requires a collaborative effort that co-ordinates local and national action. The formation of Public Health Scotland in April this year will contribute to this.”

Findings of the report include:

Mental health and wellbeing

22% adolescents rated their health as ‘excellent’ but 15–year-old girls were the least likely to report ‘excellent’ health (12%).
The prevalence of multiple health complaints is at its highest for both boys and girls since 1994. Overall 35% of young people experienced multiple health complaints every week. The most common health complaints were sleep difficulties, feeling nervous and feeling irritable.
37% adolescents were classified as having low mood (33% boys, 41% girls) and 14% were at risk of depression (11% boys, 17% girls). Both low mood and risk of depression increased with age.
All the mental health and wellbeing indicators were significantly associated with family affluence, with poorer outcomes for those from families with lower affluence.

Sleep

The average sleep duration on weekdays was 8.3 hours for 13-year-olds and 7.8 hours for 15 year olds – the recommended sleep for teenagers is 8 to 10 hours each night.
The proportion of young people reporting sleep difficulties more than once a week has increased from 23% in 2014 to 30% in 2018.
Among 13 and 15-year-olds, sleep difficulties were more common among girls than boys and young people from lower affluence families were more likely to report difficulties in getting to sleep than those from higher affluence families (25% versus 35%).

Social media and online communication

Nearly all (95%) young people said they owned a smartphone with connection to the internet.
The vast majority (92%) of 15-year-olds kept their smartphones in their bedroom at night.
Preference for online (versus face-to-face) communication was higher amongst 15-year-olds than 11 and 13-year-olds.
Nearly one in ten (9%) adolescents were categorised as having problematic social media use.

At home and school life

Overall 38% of young people reported high teacher support
The proportion of girls who find it easy to talk to their father has increased from 48% in 1990 to 67% in 2018.
36% of young people reported eating a meal with their family every day.
Vigorous physical activity was higher among boys than girls. 47%) of boys and 41% of girls reported taking part in leisure time vigorous exercise at least four times a week. The gender difference was greatest at age 15 (40% vs 29%)

Jo Inchley added: “Many young people report high life satisfaction and have good support from their families and friends. However, the declines in mental health and increase in sleep difficulties are concerning.

“There’s been a small but steady increase in the proportion of girls taking part in physical activity in their free time but overall levels are still very low and screen time has been increasing at a much faster rate.

“It’s important that young people have opportunities to be active and spend time outdoors as these can have substantial benefits for both their physical and mental wellbeing.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition commented: “As a coalition whose members provide support to vulnerable children and young people we are deeply concerned by a lowering in confidence levels as outlined in this report, which indicates that just over half of adolescents report often or always feeling confident in themselves.

“In addition to this, one in ten adolescents are categorised as having problematic social media use and screentime use has been increasing.

“Clearly social media is having a major impact on young people and their wellbeing, as they often try to meet unrealistic standards as seen on social media, leading to anxiety and depression. This is especially relevant to girls.

“The fact that over 90 per cent of 15-year olds keep their smartphones in the bedroom at night, with a potential impact on sleep patterns is worrying. It is notable that the proportion of young people reporting sleep difficulties more than once a week has increased from 23 per cent in 2014 to 30 per cent in 2018.

“Now we have a greater awareness of the challenges it is vital that there is greater research to gain a clearer understanding of the link between social media and wellbeing, which is also impacting on confidence.

“There is a desperate need to educate young people on how to use social media healthily and how social media promotes unrealistic expectations.”

Communities get creative with Awards for All

Communities across Scotland will be supported to explore and share their creativity through a diverse range of arts activities thanks to Awards for All funding.

217 community groups and projects across Scotland will share over £1,551,849 of National Lottery Community Funding under the Awards for All scheme, over £120,000 of which is awarded through Creative Scotland.

Awards for All is a joint awards programme from the National Lottery Community Fund, Creative Scotland and sportscotland.

Projects ranging from community cinema to a book festival have been supported in this latest round of funding including: Crofting Environment Improvement Association, Intercultural Youth Scotland, Birnam Book Festival, Shire Housing Association and Kelty Community Cinema.

Creative Scotland’s Graham Reid said: “From celebrations of traditional Scottish culture to a community cinema, these projects demonstrate the diverse creativity of communities across the breadth of Scotland, from Fife to Uist. These awards are testament to the fantastic work that National Lottery funding makes possible.”

Birnam Book Festival will be supported to run community engagement activities to complement its core Festival programme. Activities will include public readings and creative writing workshops and will aim to provide people living in rural areas the opportunity to engage with literary arts, and to create a sense of community ownership in the Festival.

Tabitha Hilliard, Chair, Birnam Book Festival said: “The funding from Awards for All will enable us to appoint a writer in residence who will work with the community before, during and after the festival, delivering sessions to rural and isolated communities in their own settings and helping to draw in a more diverse range of people into reading and to participate in the events.”

Kelty Community Cinema has been awarded funding to continue running their community organised cinema, and its associated programme. The Cinema aims to offer a creative leisure activity that is affordable and accessible for the community.

Wayne Hayles, Chairman, Kelty Community Cinema said: “The funding will make such a difference to the experience at our cinema for the people of Kelty. The support that our visitors have shown us already has been phenomenal, and our visitors will now enjoy a higher quality of picture and sound.”

The Crofting Environment Improvement Association has been awarded funding towards The Land Sings, a project which will celebrate the crofting and fishing histories of the Uists through music, story and traditional skills. Its programme will include three mini-festivals throughout the year: the first around the opening of the new Grimsay Boat Haven in April, an August event for local people and visitors, and a week of activity in October aimed at local primary schools.

Intercultural Youth Scotland have received funding to provide opportunities for black and minority ethnic young people to come together through music production. As well as collective practice, participants will perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2020.

Shire Housing Association has been awarded funding towards a roving arts project to take place in and around East Ayrshire’s Netherthird Community. In partnership with Netherthird Community Council, Impact Arts and other local groups, a bespoke mobile mosaic plaque will be created to celebrate the 70^th birthday of the Netherthird Community. The project aims to encourage creativity in residents, as well as to strengthen community cohesion.

Photograph courtesy of Birnam Book Festival 2019.

Men Get Breast Cancer Too

Ahead of World Cancer Day on Tuesday 4th February, breast cancer charity Walk the Walk is delighted to announce a partnership with the Male Breast Cancer Coalition in the United States.

The two charities are uniting in their mission to raise awareness that Men Get Breast Cancer Too.

Every year, 370* men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK and 81* men die of the disease. In the United States, 2,620** men are diagnosed annually, and 520** will die. Men face a higher mortality rate from breast cancer than women, due to a lack of awareness.

Walk the Walk has been working with a group of men for more than two years, highlighting that while the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer is much higher, it is a disease which can affect men as well.

The UK charity recently launched a downloadable awareness poster, encouraging men to “Check your Chest”, to spot the signs of breast cancer. Men taking part in Walk the Walk’s fundraising challenges wear a special pink t-shirt with a blue bra printed on it.

The Male Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) is based in the United States and shares the stories of men from all over the world, who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The aim of the MBCC is to provide resources for men and their families, navigating their way through what is usually a women’s only club. The charity visits high schools and colleges across the United States spreading the word and educating audiences.

Uniting together, Walk the Walk and the MBCC hope to reach millions more people across the globe with their awareness message.

Roy Collins (above) was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and has been working with Walk the Walk to raise awareness for the last couple of years.

He said: “I was really pleased to hear that Walk the Walk, who I have worked with for a few years helping to raise awareness of breast cancer in men, are going into partnership with the Male Breast Cancer Coalition.

“Anything that can help men feel less alone by sharing their stories and experiences is a great move forward in the fight against breast cancer. I hope this new partnership also encourages more men to check themselves for symptoms”.

Cheri Ambrose, Founder of the Male Breast Cancer Coalition said: “We are honoured to be joining forces with Walk the Walk to help promote awareness of breast cancer in men.

“It is through education that we will be able to break the gender stigma that breast cancer holds and give men a fighting chance against the disease”.

If you’re a man who has had breast cancer, Walk the Walk and the MBCC would love to hear from you. Please email pr@walkthewalk.org

Missing EU already?

Pro EU group in Scotland marks Brexit Day with commitment to EU

The European Movement in Scotland (EMiS), Scotland’s oldest dedicated pro-European campaigning organization, and Edinburgh4Europe are organizing/participating in two key events in Edinburgh to mark the U.K.’s withdrawal from the European Union tomorrow (Friday 31st January).

Events

2:30 PM — conference and gathering – How can Scotland keep her rightful place within Europe and the European Union? (NO CAMERAS)

Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL

This event will provide media with access to a key discussion on how pro-European Scotland can proceed now. There will be opportunities to speak with interested members of the public including those from other EU states alongside better-known speakers.

Speakers to include:

Mike Russell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations
Mark Lazarowicz, Chair, European Movement in Scotland
Mhairi Snowden, Human Rights Consortium, Scotland
Mark Diffley, Consultant, Analysing Public Opinion
Dr Benjamin Martill, Brexit and Security, Centre on Constitutional Change
Dr Kirsty Hughes, Director, Scottish Centre on European Relations.

From 6 PM – Gathering to protest against withdrawal from EU, as part of Missing EU Already event

Location: Scottish Parliament forecourt and green space (opposite Holyrood Palace), Edinburgh.

This event, in conjunction with the Missing EU Already event, will include speakers chosen by Edinburgh4Europe alongside a lights’ ceremony at 11 PM to show Scotland’s continued commitment to the EU.

The event will provide media with a visual manifestation of Scotland’s commitment to Europe in front of the home of Scottish democracy, a thoughtful, reflective and defiant programme in contrast to the triumphalism that may be on display elsewhere.

There will be opportunities to speak with members of the crowd who have come from far and wide, including other European countries, to show support for Scotland as we recommit to our European future.

Speakers to include:

David Clarke, EMiS Vice Chairman
Lorna Slater, Co-convenor Green Party
Andrew Wilson, EUSA President)
Richard Milne, activist, Fringe performer, senior lecturer at Edinburgh University
Dominic McGinley, EMiS, Fife4Europe
Ailie Ross-Oliver, Our Future Our Choice

Further events by EMiS will also take place in Glasgow, Perth, Dumfries and Stirling.

Mark Lazarowicz, Chair of the European Movement in Scotland, said: “Leaving the European Union is an incredibly sad event and this series of activities provides an opportunity to not only celebrate our membership and the great benefits it has given us, but also to look to the future.

“While we may have left, the fight now begins for us to rejoin the EU, and that fight starts now.”

Count Me In!

Young carers call for educational equality and an end to isolation

Thousands of children and young people across the UK will take part in activities today to highlight the need for far more support for young carers from government, schools and local authorities.

The call comes on Young Carers Awareness Day, an annual event led and organised by Carers Trust. The day aims to raise awareness of the pressures experienced by young carers – children who need to look after someone in their family, or a friend, who is ill, disabled or misuses drugs or alcohol.

Count Me In! Young carers call for educational equality in UK schools

Scottish Government figures estimate the number of young carers in Scotland to be around 29,000. However, further research by Carers Trust shows that as many as one in five secondary school children may be a young carer. For many, the caring journey begins long before they reach secondary school.

But whatever their age, the need to provide care can have a negative impact on the wellbeing, education and future prospects of young carers. Caring responsibilities all too often lead to an inability to complete homework, late arrival at school or even non-attendance.

Research indicates that young carers on average receive lower grade in their public exams than their peers who do not have caring responsibilities at home.

But despite the challenges faced by young carers, far too many remain unidentified and hidden away from support. These problems are less likely to build up if young carers are proactively identified as early as possible.

Once identified, young carers’ circumstances at home can be better understood. This will help schools ensure that young carers are receiving the additional support they need to address their vulnerability to lower than average educational attainment.

This is why Carers Trust has made Count Me In! the theme for this year’s Young Carers Awareness Day.

To ensure as many young carers as possible are identified in future, Carers Trust and young carers are calling on:

compulsory education providers to acknowledge their unique position to identify young carers at an early stage so appropriate support can start as soon as possible; and to recognise young carers as a vulnerable group of learners who require additional support so they can engage in their education and go on to lead enjoyable, fulfilled lives.
The Scottish Government to monitor implementation of legislation relating to young carers, including how many young carers are identified and supported; and to ensure that local authorities receive appropriate funding so they are able to fulfil their statutory duties to provide young carers and their families with the support they need; and collect attendance and attainment data on all identified young carers in education.

Gareth Howells, Carers Trust CEO, said: ““I know as a former young carer myself that it’s hard enough for young carers to have to juggle all the pressures of school and exams with caring for family members.

“They are often dealing with complex problems which many adults would struggle to deal with – from disability and terminal illness to mental health problems, alcoholism and substance misuse.

“The need to support hundreds of thousands of young carers right across the UK could not be clearer. But far too often the needs of young carers are ignored, leaving them unnoticed and unsupported.

“Our colleagues in local authorities, education and government need to be doing far more to identify young carers at as early a stage as possible so they can achieve their potential at school and lead happy, fulfilled lives.”

Tackling mental health for National Breathing Space Day

Glasgow Hutchesons’ Aloysians Rugby Club has teamed up with Breathing Space, Scotland’s mental health phone service, to encourage Scots to take some time out for their mental health.

The initiative is part of a wider partnership between Breathing Space and Scottish Rugby, to raise awareness of the confidential support the phoneline provides for anyone feeling low or stressed.

A video featuring GHA players and their top tips on how to de-stress, will be shared online on National Breathing Space Day (1^st February).

Tony McLaren, Breathing Space National Coordinator, said: “Rugby is a challenging sport, it’s inspiring to hear how these young players stay mentally healthy through physical activity.

“We’re also getting the message across that our helpline is available in the evenings and weekends for anyone who is struggling and needs a listening ear.”

Breathing Space receive around 8,000 calls each month from people across Scotland struggling with their mental health. Trained advisors are able to give support and advice on a wide range of issues, including loneliness, relationship issues and anxiety.

Mental Health Minister Clare Haughey said: “Breathing Space do important work to support people across Scotland who are feeling low, stressed or anxious. Taking steps early on to improve mental wellbeing by caring for ourselves and for others is so important.

“Our Mental Health Strategy stresses that we want to see a Scotland where more people are more active, more often, in part because being active is good for our mental wellbeing. So I think it’s great that Breathing Space are linking up with GHA Rugby Club to support the role that sport and physical activity can play in maintaining good mental wellbeing.”

Brian Tracey, President of GHA RFC, added: “When I took over the presidency it coincided with a couple of tragic events surrounding players at nearby clubs.

“It made me determined that we as a club put in place a framework of help and support. Breathing Space have been part of that network and we value their partnership with GHA.”

Breathing Space is available on freephone 0800 83 85 87, from 6pm to 2am weekdays and 24 hours at the weekend.

GHA will be taking part in the U18 Scottish Cup Semi Final vs Hawick on 1^st February.

Local Choir Announces Scottish Lottery Prize

A local Gaelic Choir was in the spotlight this week as they took part in People’s Postcode Lottery’s £3 million prize reveal on Facebook.

Còisir Dhùn Èideann (The Edinburgh Gaelic Choir) were invited to help reveal that the North Uist and Berneray sector, HS6 5, has been drawn as the winner of the lottery’s Postcode Millions prize.

Choir members were interviewed as part of the reveal before closing the show with a live performance of ‘An teid thu leam, a ribhinn og.’

Paul Chilver, 52, has been with the choir for almost five years. Originally from London, he fell in love with the Gaelic language after a trip to the Western Isles.

Paul said: “I just got curious about the language, I saw it on road signs and heard it from locals and just got curious. I love the music, the songs are really beautiful.”

Katie Cullen, 32, and her mother Fiona are new to the choir having joined last year.

Katie said: “I joined on impulse with my Mum and I love it, it’s really such a lot of fun. I’d tell people who are interested in joining the Gaelic choir to just do it!”

Choir Committee President Nora, 74, also sang at the event. She said: “Gaelic has a huge variety of songs, lots of which were written by women, these days Gaelic singing is my main hobby!”

The choir is always looking for new members. Nora said: “People can be involved as much as they want, they can sing, learn the language, and it’s a really fun evening each week.”

People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Danyl Johnson announced the winning postcode sector along with the local singers. He said: “What a great performance! It was amazing to a hear a song in Gaelic performed live. What better way to announce that People’s Postcode Lottery is going to be heading to the Outer Hebrides.”

Players on the island will share £3 million in prizes and will find out exactly how much they have won at an event held on the island on Friday 31^st January 2020.

A minimum of 32% of ticket sales goes directly to charities and players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised over £500 million to date for thousands of good causes in Britain and beyond.

This month’s Postcode Millions draw was promoted by the Postcode Animal Trust which supports charities and good causes that are educating, supporting and promoting animal welfare and conservation.

Many local causes have also benefitted from players’ support, and local charities can apply for funding now.

Còisir Dhùn Èideann meets every Wednesday between 7.30pm and 9.30pm in Broughton St Mary’s Parish Church, 12 Bellevue Crescent, EH3 6NE.

For more information on People’s Postcode Lottery, please visit www.postcodelottery.co.uk or Facebook and Twitter.

Assault in St Andrew Square: Can You Help?

Police have released images of two men they wish to speak with in connection to an ongoing investigation into a serious assault in the city centre.

The incident took place around 2.20am on Tuesday, 15 October, 2019, in St Andrew Square. A 23-year-old man was assaulted outside a restaurant on the square, close to the junction with George Street and was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he was treated for a serious facial injury.

Officers believe the men pictured may have information to assist their investigation and anyone who recognises them is urged to come forward.

The man in images one and two is described as white, aged between 18-22, of slim build with short brown hair. He is seen in the images to be wearing a black coloured polo shirt with a design on the collar, and is believed to have been wearing knee-length dark coloured shorts and white trainers.

The man in image three is also described as aged between 18-22, of slim build with short dark hair. He is seen wearing a black t-shirt with white writing to the chest and is believed to have been wearing black jeans and white trainers.

Detective Constable Tom Kerr of Gayfield CID said: “The victim was subjected to an unprovoked attack which left him with a serious facial injury that required surgical treatment in hospital.

“I would urge anyone with information as to the identity of the men pictured to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0260 of 15th October 2019. Alternatively please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”