Month: April 2021

Edinburgh University and Wimbledon umpire are among Tennis Scotland award winners

The winners of the Tennis Scotland Awards 2021 have been announced, recognising the exceptional contribution of individuals, clubs, programmes and competitions that helped tennis to thrive in 2020 as participation soared across the country.  

As a result of record-breaking year, the University of Edinburgh secured the Education Award which recognises establishments that displayed innovative attempts at ensuring students could continue to develop throughout lockdown in 2020.

Prior to welcoming a safe return of tennis activity, the university kept students engaged in the sport through online fitness challenges, coaching and virtual social events.

As tennis emerged as one of the first sports to return from lockdown, the university capitalised by training volunteers to ensure that they could run additional sessions to cope with growing demand.

The efforts of coaches and volunteers resulted in all-time high participation figures for the university, with around 360-400 individuals signing up for sessions each week.

Meanwhile, John Frame from Penicuik has been rewarded with a Special Recognition honour in acknowledgement of his many years of dedication to the sport.

Across a glistening career in tennis, John officiated more than 75 matches on Centre Court and Court 1 at Wimbledon between 1975 and 2007; including the mens’ singles final between Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi in 1999 when he became the first person to chair 3 mens’ finals at the Grand Slam.

As one of a select group of people to have held Gold Badge status as chair umpire, chief umpire and referee, John’s career highlights include officiating in 47 countries at events ranging from the Olympics to Davis Cup ties.

The former school teacher at Penicuik High School has also operated on Tennis Scotland’s board as Tennis Operations Director since 2014.

In total, 13 category winners have been selected to receive awards, in addition to three Special Recognition awards which have been handed to John Stevenson, Rick Gardner and John Frame as an honour for serving the tennis community over a prolonged period.

The award winners were announced yesterday (Friday 23rd April), with an awards ceremony to be held at a later date.

Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland chief executive, said: “The Tennis Scotland Awards provide the opportune platform to celebrate the hard work and commitment which was the driving force behind our sport’s progression in 2020, in face of the challenges posed by lockdown.

“We were privileged to witness such an outstanding standard of nominations and we are extremely proud of the contributions of the winners and nominees, alongside each individual who played a role in providing a safe and welcoming environment to play our sport last year.

“Following the barriers we faced, it feels more important than ever to acknowledge the drive and passion within our community which resulted in the continued growth of tennis in Scotland.”

Tennis Scotland Awards 2021 winners

Lifetime Achievement – Jan Collins

Volunteer of the Year – Amanda Barclay (West End LTC)

Young Person of the Year – Katie McKay (Wormit & Newport TC)

Coach of the Year: Development – Steven Birrell (Wormit & Newport TC)

Coach of the Year: Performance – Mark Openshaw (Giffnock Tennis Squash and Hockey Club)

Club of the Year – Giffnock Tennis Squash and Hockey Club

Education Award: University – The University of Edinburgh

Disability Award – Chrysalis Tennis

Official of the Year – Olwyn Roy

Competition of the Year – Western Health and Racquets Club: Club Championships 2020

Junior Player of the Year – Ben Hudson

Senior Player of the Year – Hamish Stewart

International Player of the Year – Gordon Reid

Special Recognition – John Frame

Special Recognition – John Stevenson

Special Recognition – Rick Gardner

To learn more about the Tennis Scotland Awards, please visit www.tennisscotland.org or follow @TennisScotland on Twitter and Instagram.

‘Cautious but optimistic’

Fringe update from Chief Executive Shona McCarthy

Last week, we announced to Fringe participants that we’ll be opening show registration – for both online and in-person performances – on Wednesday 05 May, in advance of the Fringe taking place from 06 – 30 August.

This is an exciting moment for the Fringe Society; it means all the preparatory discussions we’ve been having – with artists, venues, government and all members of the Fringe community – can finally be translated into action, with visible results.

The positive response we had to last week’s announcement only confirms what I knew in my heart – that there are many people out there who are just as excited and eager as we are to see the Fringe return!

Of course, opening registration is only the start of this process – we are acutely aware of how difficult the last year has been for artists, and we’re doing everything we can to support them in making work this year and beyond.

We’ve reduced registration fees across all tiers by 25%, and removed the top tier entirely.

We’ve also announced the opening a Fringe Artist and Venue Recovery Fund: a £75,000 funding pot which is available to Fringe companies, creatives and venues to support projects that will enable a return to the Fringe in 2021 or 2022.

The fund will prioritise projects that seek to improve opportunities for access on the Fringe by underrepresented groups – you can find out more at edfringe.smartygrants.com.au/recoveryfund. 

There’s certainly a lot more still to be done, but we feel this is the first of many steps we can take to support artists returning to the Fringe.

I recognise that any eagerness to restart the Fringe must be tempered by a sense of caution and responsibility.

We continue to work closely with Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council, and keep a close eye on official guidance as it emerges and develops, using it to inform every decision we make.

The most recent news indicates some easing of restrictions by the end of June, which is definitely encouraging, but if the last year has taught us anything it’s that things can change at very short notice, so for those dreaming fervently of a fun-packed summer in Edinburgh, we strongly recommend an attitude of cautious optimism at this stage. 

It’s also important to remember that this year’s Fringe won’t be the same as it was. Even as restrictions relax, we still expect to see some form of social distancing and other safety measures in Edinburgh this August.

Again, we’ll work with venues and other partners to figure out how best to use this information as it develops, creating clear guidance for audiences and participants. We also know that it will not be possible to produce our usual printed programme this year, though we are exploring alternatives.

While it is right and appropriate that we manage our expectations about a return to live performance, I am full of positive anticipation to see how Fringe artists channel their extraordinary creative energy into digital work at this year’s festival.

As happens with any seismic change in society, artists have responded to online life in brilliant and inventive ways, and I think it entirely correct that the Fringe – with its longstanding reputation for unleashing the creative spirit – showcases the best in digital inspiration as well.

Silver linings to the past year’s events are few and far between, but the increased availability of innovative, imaginative work – work that can be accessed virtually anywhere – is surely among them.

With this in mind, we’ve put a lot of time and energy into developing our digital infrastructure for this year’s Fringe. We’ve ensured that, whichever online platforms artists and venues want to use, we can support them to do it; they’ll also have access to our own innovative Fringe Player.

In addition, we’re creating an exciting new online events programme and meeting space to help artists and industry connect and collaborate, which we’re hoping to launch in summer. 

With the seeds of carefully laid plans now blooming into life, our goal – as ever – is to support Fringe participants.

As mentioned above, registration (and the wide range of benefits and services that come with it) will open in May, and will remain open right through to the end of the Fringe with no deadlines attached.

We’re also continuing to invest in our website so that audiences can search, browse and book shows as easily as ever, helping them find the artists whose work will resonate with them for years to come.

All of our plans are being made cautiously but optimistically, and as ever, public health will be our priority. But we can take heart in the fact that the Fringe is happening. And, whether online or in a venue, I can’t wait to see you there.

Shona

Outdoor face to face adult education courses to resume at Craigroyston

Just to update you on the CEC Adult Education programme – we are about to launch our first face to face courses in over a year and are very excited to offer up our outdoor courses, starting from 10th May. 

The courses will be limited to a maximum of 8 people to make sure the tutor and learners are kept safe and so early booking is recommended. The tutors are friendly, welcoming and will ensure the courses boost skills for lifelong enjoyment, as well as being safe and fun. 

To find out more about each class and to book a place, please go to www.joininedinburgh.org

There is an added bonus of being outdoors because growing research is showing a real benefit of being out in nature, for mental and physical wellbeing.

In addition, birdsong is now considered to be one of the biggest factors in focusing the mind and stopping stressful anxiety. There is a link to hearing birdsong and feeling connected to nature as well as a sense of safety because the birds are all around (and would fly off in times of danger). 

Our fees are available at standard rate, concession for students and senior citizens and reduced for people receiving benefits. 

Just book online. If you’d like more information, feel free to email:

adult.education@ea.edin.sch.uk

There are 8 week and 5 week courses as well as several one-day Saturday or Sunday courses. 

Hope you can find something that appeals. 

Walks: Suburban Strolls – All – (11/5) – OUT63912MALL11/05/2021Tuesday10:00 – 12:00
Walks: Green Woodwork in the Woods – All – (11/5) – OUT62312MALL11/05/2021Tuesday10:00 – 12:00
Walks: Foraging – All – (11/5) – OUT61712MALL11/05/2021Tuesday13:00 – 15:00
Walks: Over 50s Walking Group – All – (12/5) – OUT63413MALL12/05/2021Wednesday10:00 – 12:00
Walks: Over 50s Walking Group – All – (12/5) – OUT63423MALL12/05/2021Wednesday10:00 – 12:00
Walks: Woodland Management & Tree ID – All – (13/5) – OUT64614MALL13/05/2021Thursday10:00 – 12:00
Craft: Carving a Wooden Spoon – All – (29/5) – OUT31486MALL29/05/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Walks: Through Edinburgh’s Old & New Towns – All – (10/5) – OUT64211MALL10/05/2021Monday10:00 – 11:30
Art(PR): Sketchbook Adventures – All – (13/5) – OUT18714MALL13/05/2021Thursday10:00 – 12:00
Art(PR): Sketching Outdoors – Mixed Media – All – (13/5) – OUT19114MALL13/05/2021Thursday10:00 – 12:00
Wellbeing: Journalling Adventures with Plants – All – (13/5) – OUT64714MALL13/05/2021Thursday13:00 – 15:00
Walks: Old & New Towns – All – (14/5) – OUT63315MALL14/05/2021Friday10:00 – 12:00
Walks: Navigation – Low Level Hillwalking – Beginner – (5/6) – OUT63286JBEG05/06/2021Saturday09:30 – 16:30
Walks: Navigation – Hillwalking – Beginner – (6/6) – OUT63187JBEG06/06/2021Sunday09:30 – 16:30
Art(PR): Cityscapes – All – (11/5) – OUT11712MALL11/05/2021Tuesday14:00 – 15:30
Walks: Birdwatching – All – (12/5) – OUT61413MALL12/05/2021Wednesday10:30 – 12:30
Art(PR): Sketching the City in Watercolour, Pen & Pencil – All – (13/5) – OUT19314MALL13/05/2021Thursday10:30 – 12:00
Walks: Historical Walks in Royal Mile – All – (11/5) – OUT62512MALL11/05/2021Tuesday10:00 – 12:00
Walks: Edinburgh History Walks – All – (12/5) – OUT61513MALL12/05/2021Wednesday13:00 – 14:30
Walks: Historical Walks in Central Edinburgh – All – (13/5) – OUT62414MALL13/05/2021Thursday10:00 – 12:00
Photography Workshop: Edinburgh Old Town – All – (29/5) – OUT53986MALL29/05/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Photography Workshop: in the Dean Village – All – (12/6) – OUT53886JALL12/06/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Walks: History & Archaeology of Cammo Estate – All – (29/5) – OUT62686MALL29/05/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Art(PR): Sketching in Saughton Park – All – (29/5) – OUT18986MALL29/05/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Walks: History & Archaeology of Cammo Estate – All – (12/6) – OUT62686JALL12/06/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Art(PR): Sketching Seascapes – All – (13/5) – OUT19214MALL13/05/2021Thursday11:00 – 13:00
Art(PR): Sketching Outdoors – All – (13/5) – OUT19014MALL13/05/2021Thursday14:00 – 16:00
Art(PR): Sketching in Leith – All – (12/6) – OUT18886JALL12/06/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Walks: Foraging for Medicinal Plants – All – (12/6) – OUT61886JALL12/06/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Tai Chi – All – (12/5) – OUT60313MALL12/05/2021Wednesday10:00 – 11:30
Art(PR): Sketching Outdoors – All – (14/5) – OUT19015MALL14/05/2021Friday15:00 – 17:00

FIONA HENDERSON 

Lifelong learning development officer for Adult Education 

Capital ‘hotspots’ to get new temporary public toilets

Councillors have agreed a plan to install temporary public toilets in busy parks and other ‘hotspot’ areas like the Meadows and Portobello on the understanding that funding is approved by Council next week.

This will help to meet increased demand over the summer months as more people enjoy the outdoors in the warmer weather as the city eases out of lockdown.

An additional £450,000 from COVID funds, if approved, will fund the project.

A list of the exact locations for the toilets is being compiled and will be publicised so people know where they are when complete. The project will ensure toilets provided also meet accessibility needs.   

A plan for new and improved permanent public toilets across the Capital, following a review of existing facilities, was also approved by members of the Transport and Environment Committee, on the basis that funding can be identified.

The plan is to build new public toilets in popular parks such as Inverleith and Leith Links and in premier parks where provision already exists the toilets will be upgraded to meet modern hygiene standards.

Consultation will also be carried out with community groups in these and other areas such as Colinton, where the community may already be progressing their own projects.

The plan also includes more modern facilities being built in ‘local town centres’ as part of the development of new Council hubs.

The review found providing purpose-built toilet blocks with small cafes in local town centres would provide unnecessary additional competition to local businesses and so councillors have approved new facilities being provided in the multi-service ‘hubs’ being created as part of the ‘20 minute’ neighbourhood approach.

This will be particularly beneficial to disabled and elderly residents looking to access Council services.

Improved signage to major travel hubs, which all have public toilets, is also being considered as part of the plans.

The community toilets scheme will also continue when COVID guidance allows and communications will be improved to make sure people know where they are.

In the longer-term, payment to businesses to open their toilets for general public use will be phased out as provision across the city improves. 

There are currently seven public toilets open at busy ‘hot spots’ and reopening the Council’s other permanent facilities will remain under review and they will reopen when practicable and when public health guidance allows.

Cllr Lesley Macinnes, Environment Convener, said: “As we ease out of lockdown over the next few months outdoor recreation and meetings will become even more important for people, particularly during spells of warmer weather.

“We recognise that an increased number of public toilets is going to be needed to allow residents and visitors to stay longer to enjoy our beautiful parks, beaches and other open spaces. There have been reports of people toileting in and around these areas and I really hope that providing additional temporary facilities, if funding is approved, helps to put a stop to that.”

Cllr Karen Doran, Environment Vice-Convener, said: “We’re very proud of our beautiful parks and beaches, which are particularly busy during periods of warmer weather and I’m really pleased we’ve managed to find funding which now just needs to be approved to help ease the situation with more people meeting and exercising outdoors.  

“To make our stunning city even more welcoming and accessible going foward, we’ll try to find the funding we need to allow us to initially focus on improving facilities in premier parks on a permanent basis.

 “We’re already planning for ‘hubs’ in our town centres as part of ’20 minute communities’ and accessible, clean modern toilets as part of these ‘hubs’ is the best solution for local provision going forward.”

Borders-based Agricultural Society gears up to re-open

A Kelso-based agricultural society is ready to re-open this year after overcoming the challenges of the past twelve months, thanks to support from Bank of Scotland.

The Border Union Agricultural Society (BUAS), formed in 1813, would typically hold four major events a year but saw them all cancelled thanks to the pandemic.

The Championship Dog Show qualifier for Crufts, the Border Union Agricultural Show in July and the BUAS’ annual Kelso Ram Sales, the biggest of its type in Europe, and the Borders Countryside Education day for all primary 5s in the Scottish Borders, were all cancelled in 2020.

The Society’s income was also hit by the cancellation of weddings, events and seminars that were frequently held in its main hall and the showground.

The BUAS received support from Bank of Scotland with a £210k Coronavirus Business Interruption Scheme loan.

The funding has helped the business to pay ongoing business costs not covered by government support schemes and cancellation costs for events.

Now, the Society has become the site of an NHS vaccination clinic to support vaccination efforts in the Borders, and is hoping to hold some of their events this year.

Verity Mutch, administrator at the Border Union Agricultural Society, said: “After the first lockdown last March we saw all of our main events and hall hires for the year cancelled. This was extremely difficult for the Society as we missed out on our main sources of revenue for the entire year.

“Thankfully Bank of Scotland have been very supportive. We’ve been working with them since 1964 and knew they’d be on hand to help us through this difficult time.

“Over the coming months we are hoping to hold some of our events again – albeit in a scaled back capacity. While we took the difficult decision to cancel our agricultural show in January, we hope to hold our ram sales again in September and potentially our dog show in October.”

Julie McLaren, relationship manager at Bank of Scotland, said: “Despite the cancellation of its major annual events, BUAS has worked hard to keep operations running and is now in a position to welcome both members and visitors back once restrictions allow.

“At Bank of Scotland, we’ve supported the business through this challenging period and look forward to seeing the events back on our calendar as soon as possible.

“As with BUAS, we will remain by the side of business in Scotland as we support firms through the remaining months of the pandemic.”

New testing centre at Edinburgh Napier in Craiglockhart

Walk-through testing is now available for people with #coronavirus symptoms at Edinburgh Napier University, Craiglockhart Campus Car Park.

Open 7 days a week – with appointments available from 8am to 8pm

Tests must be booked via http://nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or by telephone on 0800 028 2816.

Be wary: bogus workmen incidents in Corstorphine

Police are appealing for information after two “bogus workman” incidents in the Corstorphine area.

The first incident happened at a property on Broomhall Avenue and was reported around 12.35pm Wednesday (21 April).

Two unidentified men claimed to have carried out work on a neighbour’s roof which had extended to the house owner’s property.

They persuaded the resident to give them a low three figure sum of money for their work. It eventually turned out now work had been carried out.

The second incident happened at Craigmount Place in Edinburgh around 10.45am and again involved two men attempting to persuade work was needed on the roof of an elderly resident’s property.

However, they ultimately left empty handed after the resident spoke to his bank who raised concerns this may be fraudulent.

Both incidents are being treated as linked and enquiries are ongoing.

Both men are white. One was in his mid to late 40s, of slim build with short brown hair. He was wearing a red jumper and brown trousers. The second is described as wearing a dark jumper. They were using a white panel van.

Detective Constable Jenna Lawrie of Corstorphine Police Station said: “We are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify these men and would urge anyone else who believes they may have seen him to get in touch.

“We would urge everyone to be wary if anyone attending unexpectedly at your property and always to ask for identification.

“False callers are often well practiced and can be very convincing. A genuine caller will expect you to check for identification and will not put you under any pressure if you check.

“Anyone who has information about these incidents is asked to call 101, quoting incident 1283 of 21 April, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Posthumous honour for French Navy Commando dog

Hero dog Leuk receives PDSA Dickin Medal

A French Navy Commando dog has today (23 April) received the highest honour available for animals – the PDSA Dickin Medal* – for his life-saving actions while on duty.

The vet charity posthumously awarded Belgian Malinois Leuk with the prestigious award, also known as the animals’ Victoria Cross, for his unstinting bravery and life-saving devotion to duty.

A private ceremony took place in Brittany, where a monument commemorating all dogs who have died serving with the French Navy was also unveiled.

The video of Leuk’s story can be viewed at www.pdsa.org.uk/meet-leuk

Leuk served with the famed French Navy Special Forces ‘Commando Kieffer’ unit, where his extraordinary abilities had gained him the nickname of ‘Leuk la Chance’ (Lucky Leuk) during his last rotation. He is the first French Military Working Dog to receive the PDSA Dickin Medal in its 78-year history.

PDSA Director General Jan McLoughlin, who presented the medal virtually, said: “Leuk’s actions undoubtedly saved the lives of his unit on multiple occasions. He pushed through flames and bullets to succeed, fearlessly exposing and taking down enemy insurgents; he truly is a worthy recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal.”

The world-renowned PDSA Dickin Medal was introduced by PDSA’s founder, Maria Dickin CBE, in 1943. It recognises animals that display conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty in the field of military conflict, and is the highest award any animal can receive.

Leuk’s story

Born on 20 September 2013, Leuk joined the K9 division of the French Special Forces Commando Kieffer unit in July 2015. He began working as a French Navy Commando attack and explosive detection Military Working Dog, and his exceptional skills quickly became clear.

Leuk was trained in a wide range of insertion and extraction techniques, including airdrops, combat swimming, and hoisting onto ferries. His specialty was to follow a drone in order to check for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

He was paired with his handler in May 2017 and their partnership lasted for the rest of Leuk’s operational career. In March 2019 they were deployed to Mali, where his actions undoubtedly saved the lives of his team on several occasions.

On a two-day mission in April 2019, in thick vegetation and with all other options exhausted, Leuk was deployed to flush out two nearby insurgents with automatic weapons. By this time the area around the enemy encampment was on fire, but Leuk ran through flames and bullets, attacking relentlessly for seven minutes, allowing his team to safely close in and neutralise the threat.

As the mission continued, Leuk was sent to another location where four enemies were positioned. He created a diversion by attacking one of them, enabling his team to succeed again.

Towards the end of the operation Leuk was tracking IEDs, but he suddenly stopped and intercepted an armed insurgent, who had not been detected. Due to Leuk’s actions his team were quickly able to capture the enemy before anyone was harmed, and the operation was completed with no loss of life in the team.

Leuk’s final mission took place in May 2019 – he was killed by an enemy whose position he had single-handedly exposed.

When Leuk was repatriated, his body was covered with the French flag. His human comrades formed a guard of honour – a tradition usually reserved for fallen soldiers – as a symbol of their respect and gratitude for his exceptional contribution on the battlefield.

Commenting on the award, PDSA Director Jan McLoughlin said: “Leuk’s exceptional abilities and determination were apparent to all who served with him, and he was clearly a respected and vital part of the team.

“His bravery and devotion make him a thoroughly deserving recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal.”

Commander Nicolas, the CO of Commando Kieffer, said: “It is a great pride for all of us to see Leuk honoured in this way with the prestigious PDSA Dickin Medal. His story helps to demonstrate just how important animals are to our armed forces, and the key roles that they play.

“To see Leuk’s name now listed alongside such distinguished company is a fitting testament to this exceptional dog. More than that, his death also led us to erect a monument dedicated to the French navy commando dogs who were killed in action since Word War 2.”

The PDSA Dickin Medal is a large, bronze medallion bearing the words ‘For Gallantry‘ and ‘We Also Serve‘ all within a laurel wreath.

The ribbon is striped green, dark brown and sky blue representing water, earth and air to symbolise the naval, land and air forces.

To date, it has been awarded to 36 dogs (including Leuk), 32 pigeons, 4 horses and a cat.

For more information go to www.pdsa.org.uk/dickinmedal

Leuk is the 73rd recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal, and the first French Military Working Dog to receive the honour.

The last recipient of the award was British Military Working Dog, Kuno.

He received the award in November 2020 for his life-saving actions during his second deployment in Afghanistan, when he tackled an insurgent during a night raid, breaking a deadlock.

He was injured during the mission, and became the first military dog to be fitted with a prosthetic paw.

NSPCC Scotland urges schools to sign up to Speak Out Stay Safe virtual child safety programme

NSPCC Scotland is urging primary schools across the country to sign up to its free virtual programme to help children learn about their right to be safe from abuse and neglect.

The children’s charity is highlighting its online assembly, which is hosted by celeb duo Ant and Dec and was first launched in October, as schools open again for the summer term.

The ‘Speak out. Stay safe’ assembly helps children understand, in an accessible and age-appropriate way, how to recognise different forms of abuse and empower them to speak out if they need to.

It also focuses on some of the additional worries that children have been experiencing during the pandemic and lets them know about the Childline counselling service, which is run by the NSPCC.

Before the pandemic, staff and volunteers from the children’s charity tried to visit every primary school in Scotland every two years, delivering interactive assemblies and workshops.

However, due to social distancing measures in place they have been unable to visit schools since March last year, so instead the NSPCC has made a 30-minute online assembly. This is being offered to all primary schools in the UK, along with supporting teaching materials with classroom activities.

Alan Stewart, Service Manager for NSPCC Schools Service in Scotland, said: “Over the past year, because of the pandemic, children have spent a lot of time away from school and cut off from their usual support networks. We know for some children home isn’t always a safe place and that many will have faced increased risk of harm.

“Although our trained ‘Speak out. Stay safe’ staff and volunteers can’t currently go into schools, it is essential that every child knows who they can turn to if they need help and support.

“I encourage all primary schools to sign up, so that we can work alongside teachers to help as many children as possible to recognise and discuss any worries they have.”

When children returned to school in the Autumn term last year, 171 primary schools in Scotland signed up to the virtual programme, with more than 32,000 children across the country watching the assembly.

Carronshore Primary School, in Falkirk, was one of those that signed up. A teacher at the school said: “I found the materials excellent and extremely worthwhile. The pupils engaged really well and evidenced their learning through our Pupil Talking Circles, which reflected on the programme and how safe the pupils felt in the school building and in the playground.”

For more information or to sign-up your school for an assembly, visit www.nspcc.org.uk/speakout. 

The assembly and resources are also available in British Sign Language (BSL).

Adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000, or email help@nspcc.org.uk. Children can call Childline on 0800 1111 or they can get in touch via www.childline.org.uk

Local government has to be an election priority, says COSLA

With Scotland going to the polls in just two weeks, and the election campaign back underway, COSLA says that Local Government must be an election priority and called on the political parties to make it one.

COSLA President Councillor Alison Evison said:   “Scottish Local Government plays a vital role in the lives of people within our Communities and this has never been more needed than in this past year.

“We have not heard much about Local Government in this year’s campaign so far and that is disappointing.

“COSLA has already called on all political parties to acknowledge the rightful role of Local Government in their manifestos ahead of this year’s election.

“Local Government is the anchor in our communities with a committed workforce who are invested in their communities and take pride in supporting people through good times and bad.

“We run the nurseries and schools that educate our young people and help build them into confident young people.

“Care of the elderly and vulnerable within our communities has never been more important and again it is Councils who rise to meet this challenge.  Our waste collection/disposal service keeps our communities clean and removes potential hazards. If it hadn’t continued during the pandemic we would have all suffered.

“We help individuals and businesses in times of crisis, often when there is no one else to turn to and again this is something that was highlighted during the pandemic.

“It is also important to look at how we help with the health of the nation.  It should not be forgotten how much we support the Health Service– be that with gritting roads and pavements or running sport and leisure facilities.   We are also responsible for services that help address isolation and mental health.

“In terms of our economic impact, Councils are often the biggest single employer in most parts of Scotland, mostly employing people from within their own council area who have local knowledge.  

“This means we have employees on the ground, ready, skilled and able to deal with emergency or crisis issues on, if necessary, a street by street basis. Councils have been instrumental in supporting business throughout this crisis and will be crucial as we look to rebuild an economy fit for the future.

“The new Parliament provides the opportunity for parties to put people and communities at the heart of their manifestos through Local Government and the vital services we deliver.”