Day: January 22, 2021

From Chieftains O’ The Puddin Race to Haggis Pigs in Blankets: Aldi’s Burns Night range on sale now from 99p

Everything you need to feed a family up to six for a little over £3 

Aldi are now selling some of the nation’s favourite dishes to help customers celebrate Burns Night on a budget. 

With prices starting at just 99p, Aldi’s Burns Night range has something to suit everyone, whether they are cooking a big feast for their household or celebrating the big day solo on the sofa. 

Aldi has partnered with some of its top local suppliers, including Simon Howie, McIntosh of Strathmore and We hae meat, to bring the best of Scotland’s larder to your Burns table.   

Customers can pick up everything they need for a traditional Burns supper, including haggis, neeps and tatties to feed a family up to six for only £3.12. 

Comfortably feeding two to three adults, Aldi’s best-selling Macaulay’s Haggis (454g) is available in store every day and customers can choose from the traditional meat option or a delicious vegetarian alternative for only 99p (offer available 14th – 25th Feb). Also available in store is the popular Specially Selected Chieftain Haggis (£2.69, 908g), the perfect centrepiece for any Burns Night table, and feeds up to six hungry mouths. 

Aldi’s weekly Super 6 deal on fresh vegetables includes Maris Piper Potatoes (79p, 2.5kg) and Swede (35p each), to make the all-important tatties and neeps to accompany your haggis. 

For anyone looking for a modern twist to a traditional Burns supper, Aldi’s Specially Selected Haggis En Croute (£3.49, 470g) has returned to stores after flying off the shelves last year. There’s also Jumbo Haggis Pigs in Blankets (£2.29, 400g) from Ayrshire butcher We hae meat, Simon Howie Haggis Bon Bons (£1.99, 240g) and Haggis Olives (£2.99, 400g), Bells Steak & Haggis Pies (99p, 2 pack), and a Haggis Pakora Platter (£2.79, 350g). 

If you would prefer to put your feet up and have a delicious Burns Supper prepared for you, why not try Aldi’s McIntosh of Strathmore Burns Box (£3.49, 900g) meal kit for two, complete with everything you and your partner need to celebrate Scotland’s national poet without lifting a finger (apart from popping it in the microwave)! 

Finally, no Burns Night would be complete without a dram of Scotch and customers can choose from a range of high-quality Scottish Malt whiskies, including Aldi’s award winning Highland Black 8-Year-Old Scotch Whisky (£14.00, 70cl) and Glen Marnoch Islay, Speyside and Highland Single Malt Whiskies (£16.49, 70cl).  

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “From hearty family meals to delicious haggis dishes with a modern twist, Aldi’s 2021 Burns Night range offers customers the whole package when it comes to creating the ultimate Burns Supper.

“With celebrations having to be a bit different this year, it’s all the more important that we have things to look forward to and enjoy, and there’s nothing better than delicious, comforting Scottish produce to get into the spirit of Burns.” 

Aldi’s Scottish Burns Night range is available from all 96 Scottish Aldi stores. You can find your nearest Aldi store here.  

The Full Burns Night range includes: 

  • MacAulay’s Haggis (99p, 454g) 
  • MacAulay’s Vegetarian Haggis (99p, 454g) 
  • Specially Selected Chieftain Haggis (£2.69, 908g) 
  • Specially Selected Haggis En Croute (£3.49, 470g) 
  • Simon Howie Gluten Free Haggis (£1.99, 454g) 
  • Simon Howie Haggis Olives (£2.99, 400g) 
  • Simon Howie Haggis Bon Bons (£1.99, 240g) 
  • Bells Steak & Haggis Pies (99p, 2 pack) 
  • Bells Steak & Haggis Pie (£2.99, 400g) 
  • McIntosh of Strathmore Burns Box (meal kit for two) (£3.49, 900g) 
  • Lauchlan Burn Skinny Haggis Olives (£2.79, 350g) 
  • MacSween Whisky Cream Sauce (£1.19, 150g) 
  • Mash Direct Mashed Neeps & Tatties (£1.89, 750g) 
  • McIntosh of Strathmore Vegetarian Haggis, Neeps and Tatties (99p, 340g) 
  • Specially Selected Mini Pies (£2.99, 4 pack) 
  • McIntosh of Strathmore Burns Supper (£2.49, 860g) 
  • Mash Direct Burns Bites (£1.99, 300g) 
  • Punjab Pakora Haggis Pakora Platter (£2.79, 350g) 
  • Specially Selected Haggis Truffles (£2.69, 500g) 
  • Specially Selected Scottish Smoked Salmon (£2.99, 100g) 
  • MacAulay’s Haggis Slices (89p, 200g) 
  • We hae meat Jumbo Haggis Pigs in Blankets (£2.29, 400g) 
  • Punjab Pakora Trio of Dip (£0.99, 3 x 75g) 
  • The Kindness Bakery Plain Oatcake Bites (99p, 175g) 
  • The Broons Pink & White Nougat (99p, 130g) 
  • Lees of Scotland Caramel Teacakes (99p, 220g) 
  • The Broons Peanut Brittle (99p, 100g) 
  • Oor Wullie’s Braw Chew Bars (99p, 150g) 
  • Mackie’s of Scotland Haggis, Neeps & Tatties Flavour Crisps (99p, 150g) 
  • Irn Bru (£2.59, 6 x 500ml) 
  • Irn Bru Xtra (£6.49, 24 x 330ml) 

Aldi Super 6 Veg Offering  

  • Carrots (29p, 1kg) 
  • Swede (35p each) 
  • Red/White Cabbage (35p each) 
  • Leeks (49p, 500g) 
  • Brussels Sprouts (49p, 500g) 
  • Maris Piper Potatoes (79p, 2.5kg) 

Feed a family of four to six for only £3.12 

  • 2 x Macaulay’s Haggis (99p, 454g)  
  • Maris Piper Potatoes (79p, 2.5kg) 
  • Swede (35p each) 

Tailormade coaching support for Scotland’s creatives

Creative Scotland has launched Creative Scotland Crowdmatch 2021 in collaboration with Crowdfunder – the UK’s largest crowdfunding platform – offering expert coaching and match funding, to support Scotland’s creatives to run successful crowdfunding campaigns. 

The second iteration of the programme will launch with a series of introductory, free to attend webinars: 

Friday 27 January 12:00 – 12:45 

Register on Eventbrite

Thursday 4 February 18:00 – 18:45 

Register on Eventbrite

From Monday 25 January, interested parties will be invited to express their interest in participating by noon Monday 8 February.

A shortlist of projects, selected by Crowdfunder and Creative Scotland, will receive tailored coaching support from the expert Crowdfunder team to set up their campaigns.  

Jason Nuttall, Programme Director, Crowdfunder said: “We were blown away by the successes of the projects involved in Creative Scotland’s 2020 initiative.

“The range of ideas and the creativity shown in things like the rewards offered was fantastic to see. We have high expectations for this competition, and are looking forward to supporting the chosen projects to being their campaigns to life in 2021.” 

Jackie Stewart, Creative Industries Officer, Creative Scotland said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for practitioners and organisations across Scotland to raise funds for creative projects as well as grow awareness of their work and foster meaningful relationships with audiences.” 

Expressions of interest are invited from all artforms, and shortlisted projects will be announced on Tuesday 16 February. 

Thanks to National Lottery players, Creative Scotland will contribute a total of £75,000 of match funding, and entrants can receive up to £10,000 towards their projects. 

Eligibility criteria, information about the initiative and about Crowdfunder is available on the Crowdfunder website. 

The first phase of the programme which launched last year, saw 18 projects achieve their target crowdfunding campaign figures with many stretching beyond their original targets. 

In total, those 18 projects raised £151K with funds coming from a mix of Creative Scotland match funding (£40,000), match funding from other Crowdfunder partners (Royal Bank of Scotland Back her Business £18,225) and pledges from 2,360 individual supporters. 

The recording and production of experimental focus musician James Lindsay’s second album, Torus was made possible through the first iteration of Creative Scotland Crowdmatch. 

James Lindsay said: “I couldn’t have done a pre-order self-release like this independently to the same effect.

“The crowdfunding process gave people the drive to help the project and the tutorials offered by Crowdfunder were very helpful in helping me bring some shape to the campaign” 

Eligibility criteria, information about the initiative and about Crowdfunder is available on the Crowdfunder website. 

Raise a toast with these Scotch Whisky cocktails

Whisky is often enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but cocktails aren’t just for Gin, Rum or Vodka.

With a breadth of flavour combinations, and Burns Night just around the corner, it’s time to make Whisky the star of your cocktail bar. Even if the spirit isn’t your go-to tipple, there are plenty of flavours to explore that will tickle your taste buds.

As you raise a toast to Robert Burns, you want to honour him with the good stuff. The team at drinks retailer Bottle Club have compiled their mostpopular scotch whisky cocktails, along with recipes for you to try at home.

Popular Scotch Whisky Cocktails:

Robert Burns Cocktail

The Robert Burns is one of the classic cocktails that pays tribute to another of Scotland’s finest exports.

The drink itself is a delightful, sophisticated mix that builds on the scotch-vermouth combination of Rob Roy. The addition of absinthe brings in a nice contrasting flavour, though be sure to keep this accent to a dash, as it can easily overpower the drink.

If absinthe is a bit too much for your taste, there is a variation called the Bobby Burns which omits absinthe for Bénédictine.

It is a Scottish tradition to celebrate the poet Burns’ birthday on January 25th of each year, and whether this drink was named for him or not, it is a fantastic choice for the evening’s libation.

Ingredients

  • 2 Ounces Scotch Whisky
  • ¾ Ounce Sweet Vermouth
  • Dash Orange Bitters
  • Dash Absinthe

Rusty Nail Cocktail

Image: The Spruce

The Rusty Nail is the ultimate Scotch cocktail. It’s a very simple mix of scotch and Drambuie that is served on the rocks. This is designed to be a sophisticated, slow-sipping drink, and it’s excellent after dinner.

Feel free to switch from blended to single malts and explore various brands, choosing a variety that is as top-shelf as you wish. You may also want to adjust the ratio of the two spirits to fit your taste, as well as the type of whisky you’re pouring at the moment.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ Ounces Scotch Whisky
  • ¾ Ounce Drambuie

The Rob Roy

The Rob Roy cocktail was named after an operetta that narrated the story of a great Scottish folk hero who supported the poor.

Image: Pexels

A Scotch version of the classic Manhattan cocktail, a Rob Roy replaces bourbon or rye whisky with Scotch. The Rob Roy ingredients are also similar to that of a classic Old Fashioned, but the Rob Roy recipe uses sweet vermouth instead of sugar syrup for a richer flavour.

Best served by putting the cocktail glass in the freezer to ensure the Rob Roy stays cold, as the drink is served without ice. Stirring a Rob Roy cocktail rather than shaking is critical in delicate cocktails with few ingredients, so not to over dilute the drink.

Ingredients

  • 60ml Scotch Whisky
  • 25ml Sweet Vermouth
  • Dash Angostura Bitters
  • Cherry (Garnish)

Hot Toddy

A good Toddy has been said to jump-start mornings, cure colds and play furnace on a frigid evening. Many people believe that its first use was as a medicinal aid, as liquor was known to numb pain, while citrus and sugar (or honey) could soothe a sore throat.

Image: Millennial Magazine

This recipe comes from San Francisco bartender Jacques Bezuidenhout and features whiskey, hot water, demerara sugar and a clove-studded lemon peel. Fortunately, the Toddy is very easy to make.

Grab your favourite mug, and heat it with some boiling water, similar to how you chill a Martini glass. After a minute or two, throw away the water, and build your drink in the same mug by combining your spirit with sugar and more hot water.

Ingredients

  • 4 Cloves
  • 1 Lemon Peel
  • 2 TSP Demerara Sugar
  • ¼ Ounce Lemon Juice
  • 2 Ounces Whiskey 

Ruby Queen

The Ruby Queen recipe was developed by Rob Krueger of Extra Fancy in New York City.

Though it is filled with a couple of unusual ingredients, the Ruby Queen is quite easy to mix up. You will need to prepare or acquire fresh beet juice and take a few minutes to make a fresh honey syrup.

                         Image: Pinterest

It’s a surprise when you taste just how well scotch works against this sweetened vegetable profile, whilst most of us will prefer a more neutral spirit for such a distinct flavour like beets, the whisky adds a depth that vodka and gin cannot.

Simply pour and shake like any other drink and you will have a savoury drink that will rival any Bloody Mary.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ Ounces Scotch Whiskey
  • 1 Ounce Fresh Red Beet Juice
  • ¾ Ounce Honey Syrup
  • ¾ Ounce Fresh Lemon Juice
  • Fresh Dill or Tarragon (Garnish)
  • Lemon Twist (Garnish)

Burns Night Recipes

Cranachan

Scotland has a wonderful relationship with desserts and none more so, or more traditional, than with Scottish cranachan. A cranachan is a very quick, easy recipe that includes oats, raspberries, cream, malt whisky, and honey; the ingredients are then layered for a pretty presentation. It’s a festive sweet that is perfect to round off a Burns’ Night supper beautifully.

Ingredients

  • 2 Ounces Steel Cut Oats
  • 8 Ounces Fresh Raspberries
  • 1 Pint Heavy Cream
  • 3 Tablespoons Good Quality Malt Whisky 
  • 1 Tbsp Honey (Optional)

NOTE: Many recipes suggest a malt Whisky, and good quality – a few recipes have specifically specified Glenfiddich or Glenlivet.

Tips for cooking with whisky: ““Many chefs compare using whisky to using salt, as it brings out the flavor of the food. During cooking, the evaporation of the alcohol concentrates the barley malt and then caramelizes sugars in the spirit”

Whisky Sauce

Whisky sauce for haggis. It’s a no-brainer, right? Two of Scotland’s finest products paired together in a delicious meal! Of course, this whisky sauce can also be a great accompaniment to other meats like steak or chicken, or even a nut roast.

Ingredients

  • 3-4 Tbsp Whisky
  • 100ml Double Cream
  • 50ml Stock
  • Knob of Butter
  • 1 Tsp Dijon Mustard

Tips for cooking with whisky: “If you’re going to cook with whisky, always use a good quality bottle. You won’t need to use much and it will make all the difference”

Whisky-Cured Salmon

Image: Rocky Luton

For those growing up in Scotland, long summer days are often spent fishing salmon in the fast-running local rivers. Whisky-cured salmon is a Scottish favourite, served on a large wooden board with a range of accompaniments: oatcakes, thinly sliced pumpernickel bread, small bowls of assorted homemade pickles, crème fraîche, and lots of lemon wedges.

  • 1 Two Pound Wild Salmon Fillet (Boned, Skin On)
  • 1 Cup Coarse Sea Salt
  • ½ Cup Dark Brown Sugar
  • 2 Tbsp Black Peppercorns (Crushed)
  • 2 Tbsp Juniper Berries
  • ½ Cup of Whisky
  • 2 Bunches of Dill

Tips for cooking with whisky: “The flavours of a single malt Scotch whisky, for example, are derived from malted barley fermentation, the distillation process and maturation in oak casks over several years, which makes it ideal to boost a wide variety of flavours in foods”

All credit to The Bottle Club: https://www.thebottleclub.com/

Famous fashion retail academy is coming to Edinburgh

https://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/

The highly sought-after London Fashion Retail Academy course is coming to Scotland for the first time through an exclusive partnership with St James Quarter and Edinburgh College.

Working closely with over 140 fashion brands, the partnership is set to bring a unique Retail Fashion, Marketing and Branding course to Edinburgh College starting on 25th January – the first time the London based retail education specialist has ventured outside of London in its 15 years of existence.

The Fashion Retail Academy, awarded Ofsted Outstanding, is the quickest route to a career in fashion retail. Founded by retail giants, the Academy offers a range of exclusive fashion courses with unparalleled industry involvement to ensure students gain the skills and contacts needed to successfully progress to employment.

https://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/

Funding from St James Quarter has allowed Edinburgh College to work exclusively with Fashion Retail Academy to develop this brand-new programme – starting on 25th January – to jump start Scottish students with a passion for fashion into the world of retail.

For the first time ever, the London based retail education specialist will provide expert resources that have been developed over the past 15 years to Edinburgh College students as part of a long term plan to enhance Edinburgh’s talent pipeline for retail roles – both for within St James Quarter and beyond.  

The course will incorporate a range of topics including fashion retailing; branding and marketing; satisfying customer needs and digital retailing and will have a specific focus on the best ways to meet the needs of retailers, drawing on the most up-to-date research on the retail workforce and accounting for the acceleration of current trends brought about by the pandemic.

Once completed, all students will achieve a SCQF Level 5 qualification in Retail Fashion, Branding and Marketing and will be supported by St James Quarter in helping to find work within the retail industry.

Rochelle Burgess, Marketing Director at St James Quarter, said: “This partnership has been years in the making and we’re delighted to finally bring this course to life and to Edinburgh for the first time.

“With all the leading brands coming to St James Quarter, there’s lots of amazing employment opportunities coming too – this is an incredible way to support our local graduates, nurture local talent and bring a globally recognised curriculum to our city.

“After a very challenging year, one of our key focuses is to boost the Scottish retail industry and help the next generation receive the opportunities and support they need to work within it.

“Partnering with Edinburgh College and Fashion Retail Academy is a very exciting project for us and we’re looking forward to seeing how the students develop throughout the duration of the course.”

Amanda Colvin, Director of Marketing & Sales, Fashion Retail Academy, said: “This exciting opportunity to partner with Edinburgh College has given FRA the ability to extend its reach and support more young people who want to start a career in fashion retail, at the same time as providing the industry and St James Quarter with entry level talent who can hit the ground running on graduation. 

“We hope this is the start of a long & successful collaboration, bringing a range of specialist fashion courses to Edinburgh.”

https://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/

Audrey Cumberford, Edinburgh College Principal, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Fashion Retail Academy, and the St James Quarter, to offer people in the region an opportunity to develop their careers in fashion and retail through world-class training.

“Working with the Fashion Retail Academy to deliver the Certificate in Retail Fashion, Branding and Marketing course enables us to combine the knowledge and expertise of our lecturers with the FRA’s retail education specialists – providing students with the skills they need to succeed, and retailers with a highly-skilled, talented workforce. 

“We are excited to be the first Scottish College to collaborate with the FRA in this way and we are looking forward to developing the partnership further to create a talent pipeline which will provide world-class customer service to the people of Edinburgh.”

For any retail and fashion enthusiasts looking for more details or interested in signing up for the course visit: https://cutt.ly/ZjRok6v

St James Quarter is set to open the first phase of its retail, dining and leisure elements this Spring.

BAME concerns over Covid and vaccine information

As the Chair of ELREC, an equality organisation, I want to share some of our concerns in regards to Covid and the roll out of the vaccine, especially amongst BAME groups. 

Since the start of this pandemic, it’s been obvious that information has not always been disseminated properly specifically amongst our local ethnic minority communities. 

There hasn’t been official translated information made available to minority groups, specifically to those with language and literacy issues which is quite prevalent amongst the older BAME generations.

People not being able to understand something is daunting as it is but if it relates to their health and wellbeing then it’s an actual risk to them. Many older south Asians living in Edinburgh and Lothians rely on friends and family to relay information to them, and this doesn’t always happen so they are left to rely on foreign messages which may not always be correct.  

During the Covid-19 pandemic the information hasn’t always been executed the best or in a responsible manner which has led to many relying on other sources.

Misinformation in these circumstances can be just as deadly as the virus. People need to know factual information about every aspect of the pandemic. As the vaccine is being rolled out, we need to know the facts, in order to ensure all individuals are vaccinated.

We need facts, such as the ingredients and side effects. Many BAME people have underlying health issues and illnesses specific to their groups so how will the vaccine affect them, has it been tested vastly and diversely enough.  

Everyone has the right to correct information, in a manner they understand and can apply to their lives and this is the responsibility of every government. I call on the Scottish Government to ensure the facts regarding the vaccine are communicated to the BAME community in a way that reassures them.  

Foysol Choudhury MBE

Chair. Edinburgh and Lothian Regional Equality Council

Free music sessions from Scotland’s national music school

Scotland’s national music school is launching a series of free online music sessions which will be open to all young musicians practising at home while their schools tackle COVID-restrictions.

Starting with two workshops for the flute, St Mary’s Music School, is providing the additional resources to support music education across Scotland and encourage those learning to play a musical instrument to stay positive and motivated.

Led by St Mary’s Music School teacher Lis Dooner, who played with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra for 25 years, the flute workshops will cover breathing techniques and musical phrasing. Both will be a mix of live introductions and commentary and pre-recorded material.

Divided into sessions suitable for Grade 3 and below and Grade 3 and above, participants will be able to follow instructions on screen and ask questions during the sessions. Teachers are also welcome to attend. Taking place on the 28 and 30 January, the flute sessions have already attracted over 100 young musicians and teachers.

Other sessions with expert tips and friendly advice, technical nitty-gritty, help with practice and music theory are in the pipeline. Details can be found on the St Mary’s Music School website: Events (stmarysmusicschool.co.uk)

Dr Kenneth Taylor, headteacher of St Mary’s Music School, said: “It is important that we continue to encourage our young musicians. Music complements all learning and contributes to the wellbeing of pupils, so we are delighted to offer our resources to those who can’t get face to face with their teachers.

“We have worked hard to create engaging and effective music lessons online and we’re happy to share that experience with other teachers and pupils.”

Talking about the flute workshops, Lis Dooner commented: “The sessions focus on simple techniques and exercises to improve playing skills. We use a demonstration lesson between pupil and teacher as an example, and those at home can play along or simply watch. The aim is to have some fun and provide some useful practice and instruction.

“As human beings we derive a powerful and fundamental benefit from seeing and interacting with people ‘for real’. As musicians, that need is even more palpable and is core to how we develop and grow our craft. As a teacher it is a hugely important part of what we do and how we teach. I am really delighted to be hosting these sessions and hope that they support our young players.”

A third of Scots don’t feel financially secure in current Covid-19 climate

A new survey from Royal Bank of Scotland has found that a third (33%) of people in Scotland don’t feel financially secure or believe they have enough money to live comfortably and afford essential payments (e.g. groceries, utility bills, mortgage and rent payments) in the current Covid-19 climate. 

Despite this, three in ten (29%) Scots surveyed admitted that they would be uncomfortable speaking to friends and family about their current financial status and three in ten (30%) said they have previously lied to make themselves seem more financially secure than they are.

Almost two-thirds (63%) of Scots surveyed also acknowledged that they would feel embarrassed to ask family or friends to borrow money, however, more worryingly, three in ten (29%) said they often and always feel depressed when they think about their current financial situation.

The research comes as Royal Bank of Scotland launches its new Financial Flex campaign that will encourage Scots – especially younger generations – to start talking more openly and honestly about their finances to combat growing worries around money. Through a Royal Bank Financial Health Check, anyone, whether a customer or not, can get free advice on how to manage their money better.

Psychotherapist Kelly Hearn, an accredited UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) member, reviewed the findings. She said: “Financial anxiety is high and increasing in this pandemic, particularly among young adults.

“Money worries can lead to enormous shame and so are difficult to discuss. They cut straight to issues of self-worth and feelings of ‘not enough.’  Often people suffer in silence which only compounds the issue. A vicious cycle emerges where financial stress causes mental stress which affects physical health as well, particularly when coping mechanisms like binge drinking or eating are enacted. 

“Financial anxieties affect most of us and yet are rarely discussed.  It is time to address the taboo subject of money more openly as financial wellbeing is an important pillar of mental and physical health.”

The free financial health check service is available from Royal Bank.  It is a review with a highly trained senior personal banker and is currently offered by video. 

During the appointment, the senior banker will consider all areas of finances to help customers make the best decisions about what they feel is right for them. The review can also be completed by telephone if required. 

To book or for more information, visit:  

https://personal.rbs.co.uk/personal/financial-health-check.html 

Celebrate Burns Night with Invisible Cities

Online quiz will support the social enterprise and bring people together to celebrate Burns’ contribution to Scottish culture 

Invisible Cities, the social enterprise that trains people who have previouly experienced homelessness – become walking tour guides of their own city, in Edinburgh, Manchester, Glasgow and York – will be hosting an online quiz to celebrate Burns Night.   

Their official quiz master and Invisible (Edinburgh) guide has designed the special quiz for teams of up to six to enjoy online. All of the questions will be centered around Scottish Culture and there will be a few trick questions thrown in there too!   

Zakia Moulaoui Guery, Founder & CEO of Invisible Cities comments: “We know this year, we will not be able to come together to enjoy our traditional Haggis, Neeps and Tatties. But with Invisible Cities, you can still invite a few friends to come together (virtual) for a special online quiz, in support of our work!”  

The quiz will start at 6pm and can accommodate up to 6 teams – so those interested in attending are advised to book their spot promptly to avoid disappointment! Entry fee for the quiz is £30 per team and the winners will receive unique Scotland Goodie bags put together by the Invisible Cities team.   

For more information and to sign up, email info@invisible-cities.org.   

Burns Night is annually celebrated on 25th January in Scotland. It commemorates the life of the bard (poet) Robert Burns, who was born on January 25, 1759. The day also celebrates Burns’ contribution to Scottish culture.  

Invisible Cities is a social enterprise that doesn’t believe in labels or stereotypes. They want to show that everyone has great potential. They train people affected by homelessness to become walking tour guides of their own city and offer these alternative tours to tourists and locals. 

Their training focuses on confidence building, public speaking and customer service. They partner with professional tour guides to build bespoke tours and practice their routes.  

For more information visit https://invisible-cities.org/   

Greens leader Lorna Slater to contest Leith seat

Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater has been selected by local party members to stand in Edinburgh Northern and Leith in the Holyrood election.

Ms Slater is an electro-mechanical engineer working in marine renewable energy, most recently project-managing the construction of powertrains for the world’s most powerful tidal turbine, which is currently being assembled in Dundee.

A Leith resident, she stood in in the Leith Walk by-election in 2019 where she beat Labour to claim a strong second and was then elected co-leader of the party.

The Scottish Greens already have two councillors representing the area.

Commenting, Lorna Slater said: “I’m delighted to have been asked to run in the place I call home.

“Voters in Edinburgh North and Leith frequently see property developers put before people, our streets showing illegal levels of traffic pollution and our skies lit up by the Mossmorran gas plant in Fife. We have too many short-term lets and not enough affordable housing. That’s why we need a local Green MSP that pushes the SNP to take action on these issues and the climate emergency. 

“We do things differently in Leith. I’m excited that this is the first time in the constituency vote here that voters will have the option to back the bold proposals the Scottish Greens have, for our future, for rejoining the European family as an independent country and leading the charge on renewable energy.”

Man found guilty of Pirniefield Bank murder

A 44-year-old man has been convicted of the murder of 77-year-old Jadwiga Szczygielska. Roman Frackiewicz was found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday.

Police were called around 7.50am on Saturday, 18 April, 2020 to Pirniefield Bank in Edinburgh after the body of Jadwiga Szczygielska was found within her home.

Detective Inspector Bob Williamson of the Major Investigation Team in Edinburgh explained: “Jadwiga Szczygielska was a generous and caring woman who was well liked within the community. She allowed Roman Frackiewicz to stay in her home at a time when he had nowhere else to live.

“Frackiewicz repaid Jadwiga by taking advantage of her within her own home and abusing her kindness. We will never know why he chose to attack her that night but his actions were violent, brutal and cruel resulting in the catastrophic injuries suffered by Jadwiga.

“This guilty verdict will never bring Jadwiga back but I sincerely hope it will bring some sense of justice to her family.”