Month: November 2020

Scotland’s Greatest Songs Top 10 revealed

The debate over which song should take the title of ‘Scotland’s Greatest Song’ is set to begin as the shortlist of ten is unveiled.

The ten songs were selected by four judges including Jackie Bird, singer and actress, Clare Grogan as well as journalist and presenter, Gordon Smart and Aarti Joshi of DF Concerts after many hours of debate and discussion.

The top ten songs have been named as:

  1. Dignity: Deacon Blue
  1. Whole of The Moon: The Waterboys
  1. Loaded: Primal Scream  
  1. Tinseltown in the Rain: The Blue Nile
  1. Baker Street: Gerry Rafferty
  1. Sunshine on Leith: The Proclaimers
  1. In a Big Country: Big Country
  1. This is the Life: Amy MacDonald
  1. Black Eyed Boy: Texas
  1. Somewhere in My Heart: Aztec Camera

The shortlist was announced by Ewen Cameron who was joined by the judges on his breakfast show, ‘Ewen Cameron In The Morning’ across the Greatest Hits Network including Forth 2, Clyde 2 and Tay 2.

A podcast has also just been launched where the judges talk about their struggle to narrow the list down to just ten.

On Sunday 15th November from 4pm to 7pm the judges will also come together for a special one-off show across the Greatest Hits stations in Scotland. Hosted by head judge, Jackie Bird, she will be joined by her three fellow judges to discuss their shortlist, how they came to their decisions and to play the final ten.

One of the judges joining Jackie will be Gordon Smart, who said: “It was a such a pleasure to debate ‘Scotland’s Greatest Song’ with two women I love and respect, Clare Grogan and Aarti Joshi. If it wasn’t for Jackie Bird, we’d still be arguing about our top 10 now!

“It was a reminder of how incredible the canon of work Scotland has produced really is. I’ve not slept well since for excluding some brilliant stuff from bands and artists I love. If you like our final choice, I was Gordon Smart. If you don’t, I’m Ewen Cameron.”

Aarti Joshi, of DF Concerts also commented: “I was honoured to be helping to decide ‘Scotland’s Greatest Song’. We were feeling the pressure as judges to choose the final ten songs, especially when this country has produced so many absolute bangers.

“The rest of the panel are really excellent people so locking horns with them was fun with lots of discussion, swearing and laughter – I can’t wait to hear what the public have got to say!”

Voting will open on Sunday 15th November and the winner will be announced by Ewen Cameron on ‘Ewen Cameron in the Morning’ on St. Andrew’s Day.

You will be able to listen on AM*, online, on DAB radio, via the station app or on your Smart Speaker.

*West Sound Dumfries is on FM (and not available on DAB). Northsound 2 is a digital station and not available on AM.

Foundation Scotland’s crisis support surpasses £6 Million

Over 1.3 million people reached to date and essential ‘winter-ready’ funding available

Foundation Scotland, Scotland’s community foundation, has announced the total amount distributed through their dedicated crisis fund now exceeds £6 million to date. 

This significant level of funding breaks all its previous records and illustrates the continued and growing needs coming from groups supporting those most vulnerable throughout the country.

The community foundation is today stressing that the Response, Recovery and Resilience fund remains open. 

Foundation Scotland is now particularly eager to support groups to get ‘winter-ready’, so they’re better equipped to deliver essential services through the darker, colder, winter months ahead.

For example, to enable groups to extend counselling and wellbeing services remotely, to purchase all-weather protective clothing, to create virtual energising activities through the cold dark months or to offer phone-based companionship for the isolated.

Helen Wray, Head of Programmes at Foundation Scotland, said: “It’s been a long seven months since the crisis began, we hoped we’d be able to get back to a little more normality by now.  However, it looks unlikely that restrictions will ease any time soon and we’re painfully aware the next few months will bring even more significant challenges as the nights get longer, darker and colder.

“The emotional, physical and financial impacts of lockdown are becoming increasingly problematic, lives have been turned upside down.  Sadly, there are even more people in Scotland experiencing extreme hardship, isolation, loneliness and fear.  

“However, we’re always encouraged by the resilience and strength we see in our communities.  Groups across the country are coming together to urgently deliver essential and critical services to those most in need.  

“We understand our support is needed more than ever. Crisis grants enable dedicated groups to offer vital services in protecting the most vulnerable from long-term impacts.  Therefore, our fund will remain open to applications for support where it is needed most.   

“For example, wellbeing services like virtual counselling and befriending will be even more important. Volunteers might need all-weather protective clothing to support those in need safely and awnings and heaters to provide services outside.  We are, however encouraging groups to apply as soon as they can.” 

The community foundation’s Response, Recovery and Resilience fund, delivered in partnership with the National Emergencies Trust, has to date supported over 1.3 million people across Scotland. 

A total of £4.6 million in small grants have been distributed to 1,188 dedicated organisations delivering vital support to some of the most isolated and vulnerable people across the country.  A further £1.4 Million has been invested in strategic grants to national charities such as Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland, Shelter Scotland and the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) to deliver higher-level strategic support throughout the pandemic.

With the pandemic likely to impact on services well into 2021, the Foundation is now preparing to enter the Resilience phase of the fund. 

From 1st December the fund’s renewed focus will be on providing support to organisations to look even further ahead, to future proof their services more long term.

The continued restrictions will undoubtedly increase demand for many services delivered by small organisations, so it’s vital they’re equipped to continue meeting the needs of their local communities. More details on the Resilience phase will be available on the Foundation’s website in the coming weeks.

Since launching the dedicated Response, Recovery & Resilience Fund in March, the Foundation Scotland team have worked hard to assess an overwhelming level of applications ensuring vital support reaches those most in need as quickly as possible. 

Recent figures revealed that since the start of the crisis the Scottish funder has received almost the same number of applications in the last six months as it received in the whole of the previous financial year.

The Foundation Scotland Response, Recovery & Resilience Fund continues to welcome applications between £1,000-£5,000 from constituted community groups and registered charities. 

The funder is eager to distribute funds quickly and is appealing to eligible groups to apply as soon as they can.  Unlikely many other funding streams previous applicants are eligible to reapply to access further support needed. 

For more details, eligibility criteria and to apply online visit https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/

Council to push ahead with Spaces for People programme

NINE additional schemes set to get the green light

Councillors are set to consider the next steps for the city’s ambitious Spaces for People programme, as well as reviewing the success of some of the schemes already delivered.

On Thursday (12 November), members of the Transport and Environment Committee will discuss an update on the initiative, which aims to create safer, more welcoming conditions for walking, cycling and wheeling while physical distancing guidance is in place.

The update includes changes to improve some of the measures as part of the council’s ‘try then modify’ approach, based on feedback from residents and stakeholders, officers’ own findings and Road Safety Audits.

Alongside this, the report seeks approval for several more complex schemes, such as proposals for cycle segregation on Lanark Road, Longstone Road and Inglis Green Road and options for enhancing connectivity between Greenbank and the Meadows.

It also covers analysis of feedback received via the online Commonplace tool in May and June, which gathered more than 4100 public suggestions for improving streets. Analysis has been used to identify nine additional schemes for implementation, to be put to committee for approval.

A separate report on proposals for a Low Traffic Neighbourhood in East Craigs as part of Spaces for People, following consideration by full Council in October and subsequent legal advice, puts forward recommendations for committee decision.

These include a recommendation to approve a further change in design which centres on measures on Craigs Road and which would benefit movement around Craigmount High School.

Transport and Environment Committee Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “Since May we’ve made real progress to create safer, more welcoming spaces for walking, cycling and wheeling while we continue to deal with the ongoing pandemic.

“There’s no sign of the current conditions changing anytime soon and it’s paramount that we continue to provide protected routes for the many people who don’t own cars and while public transport is at a lower capacity.

“The advantage of introducing these measures on a temporary basis is that we’re able to tweak and improve on schemes based on feedback and monitoring and this update demonstrates that we are doing that.

“Thanks to the thousands of comments received through our Commonplace tool we’re also going to be able to introduce changes that further meet the needs of pedestrians and cyclists across the city.”

Transport and Environment Committee Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran said: We know how much these changes mean to residents, local businesses and community groups.

“We’ve had lots of fantastic feedback from those benefiting from improvements but we’re also aware of some of the concerns people have had, which is why we’re carrying out these regular reviews, and holding a full discussion on some of the more complex schemes coming forward.”

In August Policy and Sustainability Committee agreed to receive updates on the Spaces for People programme every two months, including reviews of delivered schemes. Following the latest reviews, it is recommended that 18 of the interventions continue as usual, or with minor revisions.

Amongst four measures highlighted for more significant amendments are the closure of Warriston Road, which is no longer considered necessary due to decreased pressure on the North Edinburgh Path Network.

On Victoria Street, it is proposed to allow limited servicing access to allow delivery and servicing access were required.

And Silverknowes Road (north section), which is currently closed, would be reopened to public transport, along with a segregated cycle lane, if approved.

Four broader schemes will be considered by councillors on Thursday, rather than agreed under delegated authority, due to their complexity.

On South Bridge, it is proposed to introduce a bus gate, footpath widening and segregated cycleways, while cycle segregation and revised parking arrangements on Lanark Road, Longstone Road and Inglis Green Road will go before councillors.

Committee will also be asked to approve one of two options for the route between Greenbank and the Meadows, building upon the strategic context of the existing three interventions in the area (Braid Road, Braidburn Terrace and Comiston Road).

Analysis of Commonplace feedback identified clusters of comments, areas where particular issues affect pedestrians and cyclists and ‘agreements’ with comments. This has led to recommendations for nine additional schemes, as well as contributing to a project with Living Streets to define and schedule the removal of non-essential street furniture to improve walking conditions.

The report also outlines other activities to create better spaces for walking and cycling, amongst which are measures to improve access to schools, a review of winter maintenance plans and the potential introduction of planters, benches or parklets on Victoria Street and Cockburn Street.

Read the full report, Spaces for People Update – November 2020, online and watch the Transport and Environment Committee live via webcast.

Renewable heat scheme for homeowners

Support to reduce energy usage

A new £4.5 million cashback incentive to help people install renewable and energy efficiency measures in their homes has been announced by the Scottish Government.

Homeowners will be able to apply for 75% cashback up to the value of £7,500 towards the cost of a renewable heating system and a further 40% cashback up to £6,000 for energy efficiency measures.

This is in addition to the £4 million renewable heat cashback scheme for SMEs which opened for applications last week.

Scotland’s Energy Minister, Paul Wheelhouse, said: “This new scheme is part of our ongoing work to support people to install renewable heat measures and the improve energy efficiency in homes across Scotland while we also seek to stimulate development of local supply chains. 

“The Scottish Government already provides a substantial free advice and support service to Scottish households to support them to make the transition to renewable heat and improve energy efficiency in their homes.

“Through this new cashback incentive homeowners could receive up to £13,500 of Scottish Government support, helping them to improve energy efficiency in their homes, reduce energy usage and save money on their bills.

“This new scheme is part of our action to reduce emissions from heating our buildings and to support a green economic recovery from COVID-19 and I hope suitably qualified businesses are able to also pick up some valuable local work. Our wider package of work to support the recovery includes a £4 million renewable heat cashback scheme which opened to SMEs last week.”

The cashback offering for owners of domestic premises is an extension of the Home Energy Scotland loan scheme which offers interest free loans for those wishing to install renewable and energy efficiency measures in their homes.

Through the new offering, £4.5 million will be allocated across the new incentive to offer homeowners a 75% cash back up to £7,500 for renewable heat measures and an enhanced 40% cashback for energy efficiency measures up to £6,000. Both incentives operate on a first-come-first-served basis until the end of financial year 2020/21.

More information about the cashback grant scheme to encourage homeowners can be found on the Home Energy Scotland website.

More information about the SME loan scheme cashback, which launched last week, including how to apply, is available on the Zero Waste Scotland website.

Menopause Mystery

MENOPAUSE: Your guestions ansered by a gynaecologist

 

Menopause is a natural part of the ageing process, something that happens to everyone who menstruates. Most of us will know someone experiencing symptoms of the menopause, but despite this, for many, menopause still means mystery.

To help people better understand what the menopause is and how it affects us, intimate healthcare brand INTIMINA UK asked resident Gynaecologist and Obstetrician Dr Shree Datta to answer the top 10 of the most common in clinic questions about the menopause.

So for anyone struggling to get an appointment with a GP or Gynaecologist during lockdown, or even those with a keen interest in knowing more about their body, then check out Dr Shree’s menopause fact file below.

1. What is menopause?

Menopause is a stage of life which every woman experiences. It’s the time when you stop having periods and usually occurs between the age of 45 to 55. This occurs as your hormone levels drop and means that you no longer release eggs to fall pregnant naturally. The average age for women to experience menopause in the UK is 51 years. 

2. Why does the menopause happen?

Women go through menopause because their hormone levels change, specifically there is a fall in oestrogen and progesterone level as you age and your ovaries “retire”. This affects periods and the ability to conceive naturally as well as resulting in the symptoms above. You may notice a change in your periods – for example, their frequency or regularity – in the time leading up to the menopause, but sometimes they may stop suddenly. In some women, menopause may be induced by treatment such as chemotherapy. 

3. What are the symptoms of menopause?

Most women experience at least one symptom around the time of menopause. Symptoms really vary from woman to woman, as does how severe they are and how long they last. Common symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes (such as feeling anxious or depressed), fatigue, difficulty sleeping, headaches, a drop in libido and joint or muscle pain.  You may also notice a change in your periods – for example, their frequency or regularity – in the time leading upto the menopause.

4. How long does the menopause last?

Medically, menopause is defined as 12 months’ since your last period. However, the symptoms of menopause can continue, although they may become much more manageable. You may notice a transition period where you start to experience symptoms of menopause before your periods stop completely and this may last several years. 

5. Is there a way to test whether I am going through the menopause?

Yes, you may be referred by your doctor for blood tests. These will look at your hormone levels such as FSH and LH, along with your oestrogen count. 

6. What causes hot flushes?

Hot flushes are one of the most commonly experienced symptoms for women going through menopause. They are the sudden feeling of heat, sweating, palpitations and blushing that spreads from the face through the body and lasts for several minutes. Some people only experience a few hot flushes, where others experience many a day and you may experience blushing and sweating with them. They are caused by hormone changes in the body, but may be triggered by stress, alcohol or coffee, spicy food and smoking.

7. How can you treat the menopause?

In the first instance we will go through a range of measures, including reviewing your diet and lifestyle prior to considering prescribing HRT. Treatment will depend on your symptoms – for example, if you experience vaginal dryness, we will consider whether an oestrogen-based cream may help your symptoms. If you experience hot flushes, we’ll review your diet and caffeine and alcohol intake and consider oestrogen and progesterone therapy. Thin cotton clothing may also help. HRT comes in various different forms such as skin patches, gels and implants and we will discuss what best suits you. We will also check your blood pressure before prescribing medication and consider your family history and medical risk factors. 

8. Are there risks to taking HRT?

HRT use in the long-term can increase your risk of stroke, blood clots and breast cancer, but this depends on your age, family history and medical history. Your Gynaecologist will review these before prescribing HRT and you will be reviewed regularly. Usually, women can take HRT for up to five years safely. We will always start on the lowest effective dose of medication and would advise stopping HRT (or reducing the dose) once symptoms are manageable. 

9. What other treatments are there for the menopause?Acupuncture or black cohosh may help reduce hot flushes and night sweats, but you may experience side effects such as stomach upsets or rashes when taking black cohosh. You might also benefit from strengthening your pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, bowel and affect sexual function, by regularly doing kegel exercises. Intimina has even developed the KegelSmart™ – a revolutionary new way to do your Kegels. It’s a personal pelvic floor trainer which sets a routine that is simple to follow, safe to use, and completely tailored to your individual needs.

10. Does the menopause affect my health in the long term?Once you have gone through the menopause you are more at risk of osteoporosis as bone loss is affected by oestrogen levels. Vaginal dryness may also lead to pain during sex, so lubricants may also be helpful.  

11. When can I stop contraception?

It’s still possible to fall pregnant as you approach the menopause, so make sure you continue contraception until you have fully gone through the menopause – so until you have stopped having periods for 12 months. 

Grab some art and help some hearts

Heart Research UK launch art inspired fundraising campaign where YOU can bag a piece of original world-class art

National charity Heart Research UK have launched the ‘anonymous heART project’ 2020. The online fundraising campaign will see hundreds of anonymous one-of-a-kind masterpieces created by huge names from the worlds of art and entertainment, go under eBay’s virtual hammer to raise money for life-saving research.

Robert Smith (The Cure), Ralph Steadman, Joe Lycett, and Ashley Jackson are just a few of the hundreds of international stars and artists who have created stunning original A5 pieces.

Their pieces will be auctioned alongside over 450 others, created by a host celebrities and international artists on eBay from the 6th – 15th November 2020.

You can bid on your favourite piece here – 

https://heartresearch.org.uk/anonymous-heart/

The twist? Though the list of artists will be available to all bidders, the artist of each individual piece will be kept anonymous, only being revealed once the auction is over. Could you bag yourself an original masterpiece for a bargain price?

All the money raised will fund Heart Research UK’s vital medical research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.

Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK, said: “The anonymous heART project is one of the most exciting projects Heart Research UK has ever run. The quantity and quality of the artwork that we have received from artists, designers and celebrities all over the world has been astounding.

“At Heart Research UK, we’re always looking for fun and interesting ways to raise money. The anonymous heART project allows people to support ground-breaking medical research but also get a little something back, owning their own mini-masterpiece created by an artist or celeb.

“What makes this project so special is that everyone has the chance to own a piece of iconic art; it really is making high class art available to all.

“All of the money we raise will help us continue our pioneering medical research, helping us benefit patients as soon as possible.”

Games for Christmas

Games have been on the rise this year, since families are spending more time at home. So what better gift to give this Christmas than games that can be enjoyed by everyone, of all ages?

Here are some favourites …

PASS THE PUGS

The infamous game ‘Pass the Pigs’ launches PUGS! Who will be first to 100 points?

The infamous game Pass the Pigs has launched their first ever variation (that isn’t a pig), PUGS! Be the first to get to 100 points by throwing the pugs in the air and seeing how they land.

Will your pugs ‘play dead’, ‘faceplant’ or will it be ‘puppy love’?

  • LAUNCHING NOVEMBER 2020
  • Pass the Pigs has been an iconic brand for over 50 years
  • Includes pencil and score pad, that all pack into a plastic carry case, great for on-the-go!
  • Available on Amazon.co.uk / Age 8+ / RRP £9.99

Lex-GO! Word Game

The Super-Fast Word Game from Waddingtons No1. of London

Race against other players to get rid of your word tiles by swapping letters and even stealing your opponents’ tiles. There are two versions; Harry Potter and Disney (launches November) and both include special tiles that help you win the game

  • Harry Potter version has 4 special spell tiles incl. Revelio and Depulso that help you win the game
  • Disney Classic (LAUNCHING NOVEMBER 2020) version has 4 magic tiles incl. Genie and Wreck it Ralph, that help you win the game
  • Waddingtons No1 has been an iconic British Heritage Brand over 130 years
  • Game for all ages, but helps children with spelling and vocabulary
  • All tiles pack into a neat canvas pouch, great for storing and on-the-go.
  • Available on Amazon.co.uk / Age 8+ / RRP £14.99

TOP TRUMPS

The UK’s favourite card game for over 40 years

  • Top Trumps is the game packed full of stats and facts on all your favourite topics including films, TV shows, animals and more! With hundreds of topics to chose from, there is a Top Trumps pack for everyone, no matter your age.

Titles include: Marvel, Harry Potter, Road Dahl, World Football Stars, Frozen II, Baby Animals, Dogs, Bugs, Trolls, DC Comics, Cats, Volcanoes, Snakes, Friends, Cars, Creatures of the Deep and MANY MORE!

  • Top Trumps is the UK’s #1 card game (iGen research)
  • Over 100m packs sold across the world
  • Fun, but educational (camouflaged learning)
  • Includes 30 cards
  • Plastic case is great for storing and on-the-go
  • Available on Amazon.co.uk / Age 6+ / RRP £4.99

TOP TRUMPS QUIZ

500 quiz questions on hot topics

Top Trumps Quiz with a twist! 500 questions on loads of different topics, films and TV shows.

  • 500 questions on 100 cards
  • Plastic case opens on both sides, ready for battle and also great for storing and on-the-go
  • Available on Amazon.co.uk / Age 8+ / RRP £9.99

TOP TRUMPS MATCH

The crazy cube game

Be the first to match 5 of your favourite characters in a row by pushing the through cubes

  • 15 characters to chose from
  • No set-up required, the game is ready to play!
  • Introduction to strategy for kids
  • All cubes pack into a neat plastic tablet, so no need to keep the box – great for storing and on-the-go
  • Available on Amazon.co.uk / Age 4+ / RRP £15.99

A comprehensive route-map on Green Recovery is essential for Scotland, says Holyrood’s Environment Committee

The creation of a comprehensive route-map to a green recovery from Covid-19, with policy and budgetary coherence at its heart, must be a key priority for the Scottish Government, according to Holyrood’s Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee.

In its Green Recovery report published today, alongside its pre-Budget Scrutiny 2021/22 report, the Committee states that we need an integrated, bold approach to recovery that is based on community cohesion, wellbeing and equality and transcends sectoral boundaries.

The Committee recommends a green recovery route-map is needed to signpost the way: with clear timelines, clear responsibilities for delivery across all parts of the public sector and clear delivery plans for each sector.

Budgetary alignment with the responsibilities is vital, as is regular reporting (to the Parliament, and to the people) and the route-map should enable a shared understanding of where we want to be – the vision.

Importantly, the reports also call for an increased commitment and front-loaded financial resourcing of efforts aimed at the recovery from Covid-19.

The Committee goes further to recommend that new policies, proposals and public spend must meet certain tests to ensure that they are aligned to the delivery of strategic goals. It says that to date there has been a lack of policy coherence, which has undermined objectives and the delivery of outcomes.

To this end, the reports lay out substantive recommendations for action which are “often interlinked and overlapping – and to maximise their benefits, need to be delivered together, and with urgency”.

Speaking as the reports were launched, Committee Convener, Gillian Martin MSP, said: “The cross-cutting nature of the challenges presented by Covid-19 and the climate and ecological crisis represents a whole system challenge never witnessed before.

“Yet through Covid, Scotland has seen first-hand how a coherent route-map approach, combined with strong leadership, can affect the necessary change in our policies and behaviour and with the urgency needed.

“Scotland must use this impetus, and the opportunities presented in both the Budget 2021-22 and the Climate Change Plan update, to create a net-zero emissions economy.

“So much needs to be done and done now. We need to capture and lock in positive behaviours, front-load investment in low-carbon solutions and build resilience through valuing nature more.

“We need to tackle the implementation gap, where solutions have already been identified but not applied, and deal with policy incoherence, where parts of Government, and the wider public sector, are not working collaboratively.

“Underpinning this, we must focus on people, innovation, skills and jobs. Financial support for a green recovery must also be significantly increased, front loaded and be conditional on delivering national outcomes around the climate and biodiversity emergencies.

“Our Committee took onboard extensive evidence during the inquiry and our recommendations should provide a solid springboard for the swift action needed to deliver a truly green recovery for Scotland – a recovery where no-one is left behind.”

Amongst its key recommendations, the Committee has called on the Scottish Government to:

  • Repurpose the Inter-Ministerial Group on Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development and the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Climate Change, as a green recovery group to drive the Green Recovery across the public and private sector – to be chaired by the First Minister.
  • Implement a communication and reporting plan to include regular addresses on roles, expectations, progress and next steps (to Parliament and the Nation) by the First Minister, Cabinet colleagues and those providing the evidence and advice.
  • Review the founding legislation for all public bodies to ensure that responding to the climate and ecological crises is at the centre of statutory requirements placed on all those receiving public sector funding.
  • Carry out a skills audit and produce a skills action plan which offers upskilling and reskilling to those who need it, so people transition into low carbon, green jobs with no gap in employment.
  • Work with the UK Government to co-ordinate and finance a sufficiently large investment stimulus.
  • Ensure low carbon capital investments are delivered through green jobs to support recovery – by front-loading spend in the Budget 2021-22 and through multi-year spending plans such as the Infrastructure Investment Plan and Capital Spending Review.
  • Bring forward a Natural Capital Plan for Scotland, establish a natural capital baseline with monitoring reports to check progress and align plans for job creation with the need for nature-based solutions/natural capital enhancement.
  • Set out a green investment strategy and increase the level of assets available to the Scottish National Investment Bank for lending.
  • Establish an enterprise fund to provide financial support including grants and low-cost loans, to support business models that have emerged as a result of innovation during lock-down.
  • Support capacity building in communities and prioritise and fund the creation of community work hubs attached to childcare facilities and community spaces.

The Scottish Parliament has released a podcast which provides detail about the Green Recovery & Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2021/22 inquiry process along with commentary from Committee Convener, Gillian Martin MSP on the specific recommendations being made in the reports (15m/55 secs into podcast) –  https://scottishparliament.podbean.com/

Scottish Government emergency funds update

Culture Organisations and Venues Recovery Fund

A broad range of 203 organisations and venues across Scotland have received a total of £11.75million in emergency support through the Scottish Government’s  Culture Organisations and Venue Recovery Fund. 

Support has been provided to a range of venues and organisations working in comedy, festivals, music, nightclubs, performing arts, publishing, visual arts, as well as the cultural support infrastructure. 

Designed to protect jobs and support the sustainability of organisations threatened with insolvency by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, eligibility criteria and guidelines for applying to the Fund were published on Thursday 10 September ahead of opening for applications on Thursday 17 September. 348 applications were received totalling over £22million. 

This is the first tranche of awards to be made from this Fund, which is being delivered through Creative Scotland, and a further announcement will follow regarding the remaining applications and funds within the next two weeks. 

Culture Secretary, Fiona Hyslop said: “The Scottish Government is determined to do everything within our powers to see the sector through this crisis. 

“This emergency funding will provide vital support to a wide range of cultural organisations and venues across Scotland currently facing extreme challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic. It has been designed specifically to help organisations cope with the immediate issues they are facing and to help save jobs. 

“I am pleased to see such a wide range of organisations supported, from comedy clubs and theatres to galleries and production companies.” 

Iain Munro, CEO, Creative Scotland said: “The funds being announced today offer some further welcome support to help protect jobs across a wide range of businesses in Scotland.  

“The negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on Scotland‘s creative and cultural sector are clearly ongoing, and we will continue to keep focussed, with the Scottish Government and other partners, on helping those people and organisations in most need.”    

Recipients of funding from the Scottish Government’s Culture Organisations and Venues Recovery Fund, so far, are: 

Organisation (Trading name) Local Authority Area Award 
21CC Group Limited West Lothian £134,722 
373 Sauchiehall Ltd (Mango Tropical) Glasgow City £130,000 
A Live Sound LTD  Glasgow City £95,000 
A Modern Way Limited City of Edinburgh £10,000 
Aberdeen Stage Crew Ltd Aberdeen City £39,804 
Adlib Audio Limited Renfrewshire £148,000 
The Admiral Bar Co Ltd Glasgow City £75,000 
afrobeats Dundee City £20,700 
Agile City CIC Glasgow City £26,612 
The Albany Theatre (Greenock) Limited Inverclyde £40,000 
All or Nothing Dance Aerial Theatre (pictured above)City of Edinburgh £30,000 
Alyson Orr LTD West Lothian £10,000 
AM Lighting Ltd Dundee City £25,000 
Apex Music International LTD East Dunbartonshire £22,500 
Arrifana Ltd Glasgow City £61,828 
Art in Healthcare City of Edinburgh £12,500 
Artemis Scotland Ltd Dumfries and Galloway £17,500 
Assembly Festival Ltd City of Edinburgh £150,000 
The Audio Lounge Glasgow City £18,000 
AudioCP Ltd Glasgow City £20,000 
Autauric ltd (PCL) Glasgow City £88,286 
Bath Street Entertainment Ltd (Lola’s) Glasgow City £100,000 
BELMONT BARS LTD (The Sanctuary) Glasgow City £150,000 
Beyond Presents Ltd Highland £25,000 
BGS Productions Ltd North Lanarkshire £16,000 
Big Hand Events Ltd East Ayrshire £28,560 
Birnam CD Limited, Perth and Kinross £30,000 
Bulgarian Cultural and Educational Centre Scotland Ltd. City of Edinburgh £15,000 
Bunbury Banter CIC Dumfries and Galloway £16,788 
Cabaret Express East Renfrewshire £14,200 
Celery AK (The Buff Club) Glasgow City £45,000 
City Falkirk Limited Falkirk £140,000 
Clara House Ltd (Caley Bar/Bar57) Aberdeenshire £50,000 
CLS ABERDEEN Aberdeen City £59,000 
Coda Production Services Ltd Glasgow City £10,000 
Collective Gallery Ltd City of Edinburgh £144,620 
Comic Enterprises Ltd (The Glee Club) Glasgow City £128,495 
Community Central Hall Glasgow City £31,500 
Cryptic Glasgow Ltd Glasgow City £70,000 
Cutting Edge Theatre City of Edinburgh £15,000 
Dave Miller Dumfries and Galloway £10,500 
David Dale Gallery & Studios Glasgow City £10,000 
DD Tours Dundee City £20,000 
Dechomai Ltd Glasgow City £12,500 
Deveronside Community Social Club Aberdeenshire £50,000 
DH Promotions Ltd North Lanarkshire £25,000 
DM Audio Ltd East Lothian £105,000 
Edinburgh International Magic Festival Ltd City of Edinburgh £13,199 
Edinburgh Printmakers Limited City of Edinburgh £100,000 
Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop City of Edinburgh £98,434 
Edinburgh Showtec East Lothian £150,000 
Electric Theatre Workshop Ltd.  Dumfries and Galloway £84,809 
Elephant Sessions Highland £10,000 
The Emerging Artists Partnership Ltd Glasgow City £14,000 
Encore Bars Ltd (Bourbon) City of Edinburgh £55,000 
The Epic Group (The Ministry/Paramount/The Priory) Aberdeen City £100,000 
ESP Music Rentals Limited Glasgow City £52,980 
Fair Pley Limited Glasgow City £35,000 
Fatherson Music Limited City of Edinburgh £18,659 
FE LIVE AUDIO LTD Renfrewshire £142,000 
The Ferry Limited Glasgow City £80,000 
Festival Beverage and Property Services Ltd City of Edinburgh £45,198 
FIRE STATION CREATIVE LTD Fife £25,000 
Flashlite Technical Services Ltd Glasgow City £70,000 
FLY EVENTS LTD City of Edinburgh £50,000 
The Friends of The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall Trust (SCIO) Glasgow City £20,000 
The Fruitmarket Gallery Ltd City of Edinburgh £208,167 
Fubar Stirling Ltd Stirling £145,000 
FUNBOX LTD Perth and Kinross £40,000 
Fusion Concerts Ltd Falkirk £26,000 
Gardyne Theatre Ltd Dundee City £15,000 
Geezit Ltd. Glasgow City £116,000 
George Walker Event Management Limited Aberdeenshire £73,118 
Glasgow Lunchtime Theatre Glasgow City £100,000 
The Glasgow Markets Glasgow City £11,596 
Glasgow Photography Group Ltd Glasgow City £46,550 
Glasgow Sculpture Studios Ltd Glasgow City £55,000 
Grand Ole Opry (Glasgow) Limited Glasgow City £75,000 
The Green Door Studio Community Interest Company Glasgow City £10,800 
Groove Tunnel Midlothian £18,394 
Hebridean Celtic Festival Trust Ltd Na h-Eileanan Siar £20,000 
Hidden Door Charitable Company City of Edinburgh £30,000 
Highland Bar Services Ltd (Playhouse, Nairn) Highland £20,000 
Hope Consulting Services (Scotland) Ltd Dundee City £10,500 
Hopscotch Theatre Company Glasgow City £12,000 
Hospitalfield Angus £85,000 
House for an Art Lover Glasgow City £60,000 
Inhouse Event Solutions CIC Glasgow City £22,000 
Inner Ear Glasgow City £15,000 
Innes and Campbell Communications (formerly Hannah Innes Communications)  Glasgow City £15,000 
Innes John Bolt (Opal/Eastside/Lulu) City of Edinburgh £150,000 
International Entertainment Holdings City of Edinburgh £145,750 
International Purves Puppets South Lanarkshire £35,000 
Jendagi Productions Limited East Renfrewshire £150,000 
JONES AND POHL LLP City of Edinburgh £18,000 
Just Like Flying Ltd (CC Blooms) City of Edinburgh £53,500 
Kaka Kazz (Boteco do Brasil ) City of Edinburgh £25,000 
karaoke express East Renfrewshire £11,619 
Karwacki Ltd (The Barony) City of Edinburgh £75,000 
KATHRYN JOSEPH SOLO Glasgow City £10,000 
Kevin McMahon Magic City of Edinburgh £10,000 
Kiss Nightclub Moray £47,088 
Knockengorroch Dumfries and Galloway £38,654 
KSG Sensors Limited Glasgow City £40,000 
Limelight Music Glasgow City £28,800 
Limelights UK LTD Highland £130,000 
The Liquidroom Ltd City of Edinburgh £150,000 
MacGregor’s Bar Highland £30,000 
Mambo Bars & Clubs Edinburgh Ltd (El Barrio) City of Edinburgh £102,000 
Manorview Investments Ltd (30s/Sugar) Renfrewshire £150,000 
Mànran Ltd East Renfrewshire £35,000 
Marco’s Leisure Ltd (The Corn Exchange) City of Edinburgh £100,000 
Margaret McIver Ltd (Barrowlands) Glasgow City £250,000 
Markev Limited (Kokomo) Glasgow City £149,000 
Michael Murison T/A Audiowave  Dundee City £10,000 
Monkey Barrel Comedy Ltd City of Edinburgh £150,000 
Morsecode Management Ltd Renfrewshire £25,000 
Mr Ian T Muir South Ayrshire £14,138 
Mr Louis McMahon Trading as LAMF North Ayrshire £20,000 
Music at Paxton East Lothian £10,000 
Music Base Limited City of Edinburgh £33,000 
Music in Hospitals & Care City of Edinburgh £110,997 
Neil Adams PR Limited City of Edinburgh £15,000 
Nethergate Pubs Limited (Society) Fife £70,000 
Nicol street ltd, (The Duchess of Kirkcaldy) Fife £34,582 
NMBRS LLP Glasgow City £40,000 
North Edinburgh Arts  City of Edinburgh £23,554 
North Lands Creative Glass Highland £45,000 
PACE Theatre Company Renfrewshire £75,000 
Paragon Power Services Limited South Lanarkshire £150,000 
Pavilion Theatre (Glasgow) Ltd Glasgow City £150,000 
Perth Festival of the Arts Limited Perth and Kinross £16,000 
Pitch Village Limited Perth and Kinross £30,000 
Project Ability Glasgow City £35,000 
Protec Angus £10,000 
Purple Sand Limited (The Garage) Glasgow City £150,000 
Pyr Productions Limited City of Edinburgh £14,500 
Radge Media  City of Edinburgh £113,000 
Raw Material Arts Limited Glasgow City £20,000 
Regular Limited City of Edinburgh £75,000 
Robert Heatlie t/a Colorsound Studios City of Edinburgh £10,000 
Rockhouse 666 Limited (Cathouse) Glasgow City £150,000 
Rogue Village Productions Ltd East Lothian £10,000 
Rollerstop CIC Glasgow City £66,000 
Room 2 Manoeuvre East Lothian £10,000 
Rowanbank Environmental Arts & Education  East Lothian £10,000 
Rumba Kazz (Boteco de Brasil) Glasgow City £100,000 
S & G ABERDEEN LTD (Cheerz Bar & Nightclub) Aberdeen City £140,000 
S M Lighting Scot Ltd Glasgow City £90,500 
THE SAD INTERNATIONAL LTD East Lothian £10,000 
Salt ‘n’ Sauce Promotions Ltd. (The Stand) City of Edinburgh £250,000 
Scoozi r us (The Shed) Glasgow City £75,000 
Scotia Arts Ltd South Ayrshire £10,000 
Scotpanel Display Ltd North Lanarkshire £50,000 
Scottish Comedy Agency Ltd Glasgow City £10,000 
Scottish Youth Theatre Ltd Glasgow City £71,671 
SEALL  Highland £44,000 
Selba Group Ltd (St Vincents) Glasgow City £80,000 
Sets In Motion Limited Aberdeenshire £21,500 
Shaper Caper Ltd Dundee City £26,271 
Signature Works Scotland Ltd (Pitchers) North Ayrshire £77,000 
Skerryvore Ltd (Oran Mor) Glasgow City £250,000 
SKERRYVORE MUSIC LTD (Band) East Dunbartonshire £20,000 
Slam Events Ltd Glasgow City £65,000 
Smalltown Audio Ltd South Ayrshire £10,000 
Soulisquoy Printmakers Orkney Islands £10,000 
Sound Acoustic Productions Ltd Glasgow City £120,500 
SOUTHSIDE FRINGE CIC Glasgow City £25,000 
Stills Ltd City of Edinburgh £38,100 
Storytelling PR LTD City of Edinburgh £35,000 
The Stove Network Ltd Dumfries and Galloway £29,500 
Strathearn Artspace SCIO Perth and Kinross £30,000 
String them up ltd Glasgow City £10,000 
Stuart McCredie Stirling £19,315 
Swings & Roundabouts Glasgow City £10,000 
Tardis Enterprises Limited (AXM) Glasgow City £70,000 
TGC Leisure Ltd (Aura/Fat Sams plus others) Dundee City £150,000 
Think Circus CIC City of Edinburgh £15,107 
Three Stroke Two LTD Glasgow City £10,000 
Tickets Scotland Ltd City of Edinburgh £80,000 
Tin Roof Dundee City £11,000 
Tiree Music Festival CIC  Argyll and Bute £34,000 
Tivoli Theatre Company Ltd Aberdeen City £150,000 
Toremar Ltd  (BAaD) Glasgow City £125,000 
Tortoise in a Nutshell City of Edinburgh £11,000 
Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland City of Edinburgh £15,605 
TV Events Limited City of Edinburgh £150,000 
TwentyTwo Promotions Glasgow City £10,000 
Twisted Artists Limited Glasgow City £20,000 
two have wits ltd Glasgow City £20,000 
Unique Events ltd City of Edinburgh £100,000 
Venice of the North LTD Glasgow City £15,000 
Venturayr Ltd South Ayrshire £12,000 
The Village Storytelling Centre Glasgow City £12,500 
VISION MECHANICS City of Edinburgh £29,850 
VSL Scotland Limited Dundee City £30,000 
Watercolour Music Ltd Highland £10,000 
Wearethedolls Ltd West Dunbartonshire £59,724 
Welcome Home Glasgow City £15,500 
Westbeach Limited (Cosmopol) Glasgow City £80,000 
Whitecart Group Ltd (Savoy) Glasgow City £150,000 
Wickenburg Ltd (Firewater) Glasgow City £105,000 
Yo Soy Group Limited (Paradise Palms) City of Edinburgh £10,000 
Total  £11,751,84 

View the awards by sector and local authority area.  

Updates on all emergency funds are being published regularly on this website and publicised through media and social media communications.