Liberal Democrats Health Spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton has used a Scottish Parliament debate on Covid-19 to highlight the need for caution as Scotland begins to move out of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Cole- Hamilton, who represents the Edinburgh Western constituency, raised concerns over the temporary closure of Davidsons Main Primary School within his constituency. He said that events at the school were a stark reminder that the pandemic was far from over.
The School has been forced to temporarily close on Tuesday, after over half of the after 12 classes were forced to self-isolate.
Mr Cole-Hamilton seized an opportunity to ask the Cabinet Secretary for Health Humza Yousaf, for reassurance that the Scottish Government will work to tackle the appearance of Covid hotspots across the Lothians.
Although unable to give a specific answer, Mr Yousaf assured Mr Cole-Hamilton that he will look at the data in the community of Davidsons Mains to ensure that accurate and appropriate testing measures were in place to keep the covid-19 virus under control.
Mr Cole-Hamilton said:“I am pleased that the Cabinet Secretary has appreciated the seriousness of the outbreak at Davidsons Mains Primary, and I am grateful that he plans to take action to ensure our community is kept safe and faces as little disruption as possible.
“The situation in Davidsons Mains is a stark reminder that our communities are by no means rid of this virus. But I hope that the willingness of the Cabinet Secretary to treat this outbreak seriously will be of some comfort to worried pupils and members of the school community.
“Tributes must be paid to the school staff, who have worked quickly and efficiently to respond to this challenging set of circumstances. They’ve applied every infection control protocol to the letter since this first started but community transmission of this very virulent strain has seen cases increase.
“I look forward to seeing the school gates reopen at the start of next month.”
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge experience LTA Youth – the LTA’s new and innovative junior tennis programme
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were today given a first-hand introduction to LTA Youth, the new LTA programme that will help more children enjoy the benefits of playing and staying in tennis – whatever their age, gender, ability, disability or background.
The Duke and Duchess were visiting Edinburgh Leisure’s Craiglockhart Tennis Centre to learn more about the new programme and take part in a series of LTA Youth drills with local children.
After an explanation of the principles behind the programme by Scott Lloyd (Chief Executive, LTA) and Olly Scadgell (Participation Director, LTA) the Duke and Duchess went on court to join children from Canal View Primary School, Edinburgh, and try their hand at three fun games that help teach progressive skills for tennis as well as for other sports.
Firstly they did a hopscotch warm up, before picking up racket and ball to play floor tennis against a partner. The Royal couple competed with the children to see who could keep rallies going the longest.
Finally Their Royal Highnesses each captained a team of children in an epic game of ‘team cones’ with each child playing a mini match against the others to secure a point for their team.
Graham Watson (Chair, Tennis Scotland) and Blane Dodds (Chief Executive, Tennis Scotland) explained about the implementation of the programme in Scotland and the opportunity for parents to book courses locally.
Before leaving all the children present were given LTA Youth rackets to inspire them on their journey to becoming young tennis players.
Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said: “It was great to be able to show Their Royal Highnesses our new junior tennis programme first hand.
“LTA Youth is designed to be fun, inclusive and competitive and help children enjoy tennis whatever their age. Courses across the country can be booked via the LTA website.”
LTA Youth courses are available to book now across Britain at:
In the past year, Cyrenians’ FareShare depot based in Leith has distributed 1,800 tonnes of food to charities and community groups across Central and South East Scotland – the equivalent of creating over 4.2 million meals, and a three-fold increase on previous year.
Cyrenians tackles the causes and consequences of homelessness. Building community through food and tackling food poverty is a large part of their work – through their FareShare depot in Leith, the charity redistributes surplus food from the supply chain to charities and community groups across Central and South East Scotland.
Cyrenians FareShare Depot Operations Supervisor Craig Buchan said, “Ever since the start of covid-19 we have seen an increased demand for access to food in a quick, dignified manner. At the height of the pandemic, we were supporting over 200 Community Food Members – all of whom are organisations in their own right, delivering valuable services in their community.
“Our model is two-fold; we prevent unnecessary food waste by working with large supermarkets and food networks to prevent surplus food being sent to waste, whilst helping organisations like Empty Kitchens Full Hearts and Eildon Housing Association and many others to redirect funds into essential frontline work by providing nutritious food at low costs.”
Director of Commercial and Trading Services Mike Hartley added: “With the communities we serve still facing increasing pressure, and charities and community groups providing a real lifeline in these difficult times, it’s clear that this service has never been more needed.
“Alongside supporting other groups across Central and South East Scotland, the depot team have helped to deliver valuable services right here in Edinburgh too.
“With the help of our community partners and amazing volunteers, we have been able to continue running a range of community pantries across Edinburgh – offering dignified access to high quality affordable food. This enabled us to provide over 2,500 bags of food for pantry members.
“None of this could be possible without a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, alongside the financial support of individuals and businesses far and wide.
“On behalf of everyone at Cyrenians, I offer our sincere gratitude.”
Three Edinburgh neighbours are celebrating today after learning they have won a £30,000 cash prize each with People’s Postcode Lottery.
The win comes after their postcode, EH17 7QZ,was announced as a winner with the lottery on Thursday 27th May.
Cindy Simpson (63) was among the winners and on seeing her prize cheque for £30,000 she said: “Oh wow, oh my God! I was only thinking it would be £1,000. I’m shaking. That’s amazing. My heart’s going bom-bom-bom!”
When asked how she might spend her winnings, Cindy added: “I don’t know honestly! I want to give my kids some money.
“If there’s anything left over for me, I’ll get a car and I’ll get a new suite for my living room.”
A minimum of 32% of ticket sales goes directly to charities and players of People’s Postcode Lottery have helped raise over £700 million to date for thousands of good causes across Britain and internationally.
Cindy was thrilled to hear about the good work being supported and had a special fondness for one of the causes that has received funding from the players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
She said: “I want to give something to PDSA. They helped my dog when she was needing it. They were so good, I’m always handing stuff into them. Every time I win anything, no matter how big it is I always try to give them something.”
PDSA has received over £11.6 million in funding from players of the lottery to date.
The other winners chose to remain anonymous but their winnings will be transferred into their bank accounts.
The lottery’s visit to the Edinburgh street followed social distancing guidelines and People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Matt Johnson didn’t attend in person but sent his congratulations to the winners.
He said: “I am so happy for Cindy and our other Edinburgh winners today, what an amazing surprise for them. I hope they enjoy their winnings and go and treat themselves to a special something to celebrate.”
Everyday throughout the May draws one postcode will be announced as a £30,000 prize winner. All the players in the postcode will win £30,000 for every ticket they hold.
People’s Postcode Lottery costs £10 a month to play and there are guaranteed winners every day. People play with their chosen postcode and are automatically entered into all draws.
This draw was promoted on behalf of Postcode Justice Trust which supports organisations including Helen Bamber Foundation, Women for Women International and Peace Direct with regular grant funding.
Hospitality sector granted extended opening hours during summer festivals
Pubs and restaurants in the Capital will once again be able to take advantage of extended opening hours during the festival season this summer.
Edinburgh’s Licensing Board has agreed to allow each on-sale licensed establishment with a seasonal variation in their licence to extend their normal opening times for an additional two hours, if public health guidance allows.
The dates for this year are 6 – 30 August to tie in with the Festival Fringe and the Edinburgh International Festival (7 – 29 August).
Convener of the Licensing Board, Councillor Norman Work, said: “It’s been a tough year for the hospitality sector and as a Board we recognise the need to do everything we can to support licensed premises to help them operate as normally as they can within any COVID-19 restrictions in force at the time.
“The majority of pubs and restaurants have seasonal variations in their licence covering the summer festivals. That means that as long as public health guidance allows, many businesses will be able to take advantage of increased trade with extended opening hours during August, which is great news for the city.”
Grassroots sports clubs and organisations in Edinburgh can apply for grants to help them bounce back from the pandemic, through Made By Sport’s ‘Clubs in Crisis’ fund.
Made By Sport, a charity which champions the power of sport to tackle social issues, is distributing over £4 million of grants to support the vital role that grassroots sports clubs and organisations play in communities.
Recent research indicates that 25% of community clubs may not be able to reopen due to the devastating impact of Covid-19. In an attempt to prevent this becoming a reality, Made By Sport are offering unrestricted grants of £2021 to those groups who do so much in communities to use sport as a vehicle for social good.
The pandemic has exacerbated many health and social issues. Research from mental health charity YoungMinds found that 83% of young people said the pandemic had affected their mental health, reporting issues with sleep, panic attacks and urges to self-harm.
In the face of these crises, sport is a vital tool to transform people’s lives. As well as helping to overcome mental health challenges, it is also a way to tackle important social issues such as reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, increasing life and employment skills and opportunities.
It also brings communities together and it is estimated that for every £1 invested in sport and recreation, there is a £4.34 return on savings in money spent on crime, truancy and ill health.
The #ClubsinCrisis fund, supported by the Cash4Clubs scheme, is now accepting applications and Sophie Mason, Made By Sport’s Chief Executive, urged clubs to apply.
She said: “We’re delighted to be able to provide £4 million worth of grants through our #ClubsinCrisis fund. With sport returning, now is the time to invest in grassroots sports and give our young people the best opportunity to thrive. Access to sport will provide them with more confidence, more resilience and better mental and physical health.
“We believe funders and policy makers should consider sport in a different context and Made By Sport will continue to lead the way in redefining what community sport can do as part of the national rebuild. Now more than ever, sport has a big role in reinvigorating communities and supporting young people post-pandemic.”
In order to be eligible, clubs must provide clear evidence of how they use sport to help young people develop life skills, employment opportunities, reduce crime and anti-social behaviour or tackle mental health issues.
Jack Hunter, a founding member of Leith Theatre Trust, will be standing down as Chair of Leith Theatre on 27 May 2021 after 16 years of involvement.
Vice Chair, Roland Reid, stepped down at the start of the year with Anne Diack taking up this position.
As a previous Managing Director of Scottish Homes, former Chair of Port of Leith Housing Association and as a member of the initial Action Group, Jack Hunter was instrumental in saving the building after a strategic review of theatres in Edinburgh proposed selling it for redevelopment. This group eventually became Leith Theatre Trust in 2008 and a registered charity in 2011.
Under Jack’s watchful eye the Trust took over management of the neglected asset in 2016 and over the next 5 years re-established the Theatre on Edinburgh’s cultural scene in a riot of colour and life, initially hosting Hidden Door and the Edinburgh International Festival.
This returned contemporary music to the stage with a raft of innovative and avant-garde partners, spoken word, film, theatre and international DJ sets; all of which have complemented the venue’s strong community focus.
Covid has been Leith Theatre’s third period of public closure in its near hundred-year history. However, this time has seen the theatre kept busy behind the scenes, supporting the wider community with Empty Kitchens Full Hearts to help alleviate food poverty; and producing a series of live streamed gigs, shining a light on fresh music in Scotland under its new brand, Live in Leith.
Leith Theatre has continued to grow positively and at a pace towards a reimagined future and with that has come expected shifts and new opportunities in Board development and governance.
Anne Diack has been a key member of the Leith Theatre Board since 2016 and brings her governance and leadership skills to the table at this time of growth. She is Head of External Affairs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society and also serves on the Board for Soundhouse.
Lynn Morrison, Chief Executive of Leith Theatre, said: “Jack Hunter was instrumental in saving this building from housing development from 2004 onwards. His activism over a period of 16 years has allowed the theatre to reach this pivotal point in its journey.
“Building on our vision for the future, it is at the start of a capital fundraising campaign which will ensure that this beautiful building is still around for future generations, which is exactly what Jack hoped for.
“As an architect by trade, Roland Reid shared this passion for the building and devoted much of his time and energy to it. All of us at Leith Theatre wish them both the very best, and send them on their way safe in the knowledge that they will be able to watch their much-loved project grow from strength to strength.”
Jack Hunter, now former Chair of Leith Theatre, said: “I am honoured to have played a part in Leith Theatre’s history. As a member of the local community with a passion for music, I know how much this building means to Leithers.
“My involvement has ensured that it will also have the chance to mean the same to a wider community, from local to international, which has always been the ethos behind the Theatre. I know the team is extremely hard working and have lots planned, so I look forward to seeing what’s next as part of the community!”
“My involvement has ensured that it will also have the chance to mean the same to a wider community, from local to international, which has always been the ethos behind the Theatre. I know the team is extremely hard working and have lots planned, so I look forward to seeing what’s next as part of the community!”
Leith Theatre will be formally recruiting for a new Chair later on this year.
After years of planning and specialist conservation work, the National Trust for Scotland’s Newhailes House has opened its doors for the first time since 2018. The conservation charity has also introduced a brand-new visitor experience inside the house and opened new catering facilities on the estate.
The Palladian Villa, which was forced to close its doors in February 2018 due to a sprinkler system malfunction and a moth infestation, is a house frozen in time, with original furnishings and possessions from more than 300 years of inhabitants.
The house has undergone a programme of restoration work to be able to welcome visitors again and the stable block on the estate has been refurbished to create a new welcome centre and café. Visitors can also enjoy Weehailes Playpark and The Dairy – a brand new takeaway ice cream parlour and coffee shop.
The dairy premises once provided milk, cream and butter for all that lived and worked on the estate, and today visitors can enjoy a selection of ice creams, cakes, old-fashioned sweets and hot and cold drinks. In addition to The Dairy, Newhailes is now home to the Stables café, with outdoor and indoor seating and serving up breakfast, lunch and an array of delicious cakes and pastries.
The team at Newhailes have developed three brand new visitor tours, one of which can now be pre-booked on www.nts.org.uk.
The first tour explores the last 150 years of habitation at Newhailes and the Trust’s role in saving the house and estate for future generations to enjoy.
The second tour sheds further light on the property, telling the tales behind the art collections and objects in the house. The final tour is targeted at families and explores the home through storytelling and is suitable for those with young children.
Claire Grant, Operations Manager for Edinburgh, said: “We’ve been taking steps to revitalise Newhailes since before 2018 and plans were further delayed when the pandemic hit. We wanted to create a new experience that the local community could enjoy, in addition to offering a good quality food and drink experience.
“We’re really excited to be welcoming visitors back to Newhailes House after what has been a very long period of closure and we hope they enjoy some of our new additions, like our Dairy and Stables Café. So many people love this place, and we’re really pleased to be able to welcome visitors from near and far back once again.
“All of our properties across Edinburgh and the Lothians have been making visits as safe as possible. Pre-booking is in place at a few sites and there are smaller groups for house tours. We’d highly recommend booking your slot to Newhailes in advance to avoid any disappointment.”
Newhailes House is open for the 20th century tour Wednesday to Sunday, the Dairy is open 10am-5pm, the Stables Café and shop are open 9am-5pm and Weehailes Playpark is open 10am-5pm, with last entry at 4 pm.
Accounts Commission:Councils and communities worked well together but impacts of Covid are unequal
Scotland’s councils reacted quickly, working alongside communities and partners to address the unprecedented challenges created by Covid-19, says a new report from the Accounts Commission. Many challenges remain significant, however, made more urgent by the multiple impacts of Covid-19 on communities and services.
Councils have a critical role in providing vital services which communities depend on. In its Local Government Overview 2021 report, the Accounts Commission, who report to the public on the performance of local government, make clear that councils, alongside their partners, quickly provided innovative and sustained support to vulnerable people.
This included supporting those who were shielding or self-isolating, switching to delivering services digitally and managing significant funding to support local businesses.
With many council services disrupted, stopped or reduced, in particular education, social care and culture and leisure, the impact on some service users was severe and unequal. This included carers who lacked access to respite care, people with learning disabilities who were unable to access critical services and support, those receiving care at home and school children whose education was disrupted.
Covid-19 has also exacerbated and laid bare fundamental issues that need to be addressed to ensure services are maintained and that councils can tackle the multiple challenges ahead.
To help achieve this, longer-term financial certainty for councils will be vital. Whilst the Scottish Government has provided significant financial support to councils to assist in managing the net cost of Covid-19 in 2020/21, considerable amounts of funding took the form of one-off payments.
Furthermore, funding for councils beyond 2021/22 remains uncertain. Addressing this issue is vital.
Elma Murray, Interim Chair of the Accounts Commission, says: “Councils, communities and their partners have worked incredibly hard to continue to deliver vital services to local people. The stark reality is that some council services won’t restart, and some services will have to be delivered differently.
“Underpinning this is the increasingly urgent need to address inequalities throughout Scotland’s communities. And for councils this is made more challenging because they continue to operate in a climate of significant financial uncertainty, which must now be addressed.”
A ‘new look’ innovative EIFF set to deliver in person events in Edinburgh and beyond with indoor and outdoor cinema experiences alongside online festival screenings celebrating film’s ability to bind us together
Festival focused on bringing communities together and championing Scottish and UK filmmaking talent in the heart of the August festival season
Filmhouse and a network of cinemas across Scotland set to collaborate in a joyous communal celebration of the return to cinema
Spectacular FREE outdoor screenings of films in St Andrew Square for ‘Film Fest in the City’ from 19-25 August will form the centre of the Festival’s invitation to audiences in this unique year
Innovative programme of new features, documentaries, animations, experimental and shorts programmed by a team of regular and guest programmers led by Nick Varley to address big issues, champion social change and invite new audiences to become involved
As a kick off for the return of Edinburgh’s festivals in August, EIFF will present ‘Film Fest on the Forth’, a fantastic aquatically themed programme of outdoor waterside screenings on 31 July and 1 August at Port Edgar Marina, South Queensferry
Filmhouse at Home widens access to the Festival programme and additional content online connecting global thought leaders with local and international audiences
EIFF Talent Lab returns online to give practical support to 24 writers, directors or producers working on their first feature film
EIFF Youth programme, inspiring and supporting the filmmakers and curators of tomorrow, to run in person and in an online programme 20 – 23 August.
Edinburgh International Film Festival is delighted to announce today that it will return in a new and innovative form this summer running 18- 25 August 2021.
Championing Scottish and UK filmmaking, the Festival will include physical screenings and events indoors in Filmhouse Cinema and outdoors with Film Fest in the City in St Andrew Square, in a rich and diverse programme celebrating the return to cinemas and the collective cinema experience.
The festival will also be available to audiences across the UK through its online platform, Filmhouse at Home, where alongside the films viewers can access Q&As and hear first-hand the insights, experiences and passions of directors, filmmakers and actors.
In addition, the Festival is collaborating with partners to widen its reach through a programme of presentations across Scotland, opening up access and inspiring curiosity in many who may previously not have been able to experience the Festival programme. More will be announced in the coming weeks.
Film Fest in the City in St Andrew Square Gardens will deliver a free programme of cinematic favourites, delivered in partnership with Essential Edinburgh and supported by Johnnie Walker, EIFF’s Official Whisky Partner, Innis & Gunn, EIFF’s Official Beer Partner, and EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.
A watery themed, Film Fest on the Forth (31 July & 1 August) will show films the whole family can enjoy at a purpose built outdoor cinema space at Port Edgar Marina in the shadow of the Forth’s iconic bridges. Film Fest on the Forth is also supported EventScotland in celebration of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21.
The Festival’s first priority at all its screenings and events will be the safety of its audiences and guests.
This year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival programme has been brought together by a team of regular and guest programmers led by Nick Varley, founder and former co-CEO of distributor Park Circus.
Alongside Nick, guest programmers Christophe Mercier, formerly Fox Searchlight and Warner Bros, who is working on the international selection and Nada Cirjanic formerly Great Point Media and Independent Film Sales, who is focused on UK titles who together will bring together a condensed programme of features which will join documentaries programmed by Rohan Crickmar, animations selected by Abigail Addison, shorts programmed by Jenny Clarke and experimental films selected by Lydia Beilby and Kim Knowles..
Selections will seek opportunities to both find new ways to bring people together around unique cultural experiences and address the huge social changes and climate issues that face the planet after more than a year in lockdown, bringing the insights of global thought leaders to Festival audiences and championing social change and action.
The full programme will be announced and tickets go on sale on Wednesday 28 July. Announcements on outdoor programmes, opening and closing films will be made in due course.
EIFF will open accreditation for press and industry screenings following the programme launch.
EIFF Talent Lab 2021 adopts a virtual format running across two weekends in August (13-15 & 20-21). The Lab will support writers, directors and producers from Scotland, the UK and internationally, with a programme designed to help them take next steps towards their first feature film.
This year EIFF Youth, supported by Baillie Gifford, will gather in Edinburgh over the middle weekend of the Festival, and online over an extended weekend, to take part in workshops, access career advice, look at environmental issues in cinema production, meet and interview filmmakers.
EIFF Youth and EIFF Talent Lab are funded through the PLACE programme, a partnership between the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland, the City of Edinburgh Council and the Edinburgh Festivals.
Edinburgh International Film Festival is also teaming up with Filmarket Hub to launch a new talent showcase, to be announced on 28 May.
Ken Hay, CEO of Edinburgh International Film Festival, said: “We all love film and we’re delighted that EIFF is back in 2021, focusing on bringing communities together and celebrating the communal cinema experience as widely and inclusively as possible.
“The Festival will play a leading role in hailing the return to cinema-going and champion Scottish and UK films to audiences and industry around the world. We also believe that in this year particularly, that EIFF has a strong role to play in highlighting key social issues and will seek to deliver a programme that inspires curiosity and action in our audiences.”
Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “I am delighted that the Edinburgh International Film Festival is returning this summer with a programme that extends across Scotland.
“As well as celebrating the collective cinema experience, the Festival will also help writers, directors and producers take next steps towards their first feature film through the Talent Lab 2021 programme supported by the Scottish Government.”
Isabel Davis, Executive Director at Screen Scotland said:“As people start to come back together over the summer it’s exciting that EIFF will offer audiences in Edinburgh, Scotland and across the UK a celebration of the communal experience of cinema.
“Filmhouse will once more play host but this year the festival will also animate the city, from its centre to its shore, as well as offer an accessible, digital programme will enable audiences unable to attend in person to experience the festival online.”
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland, said: “Events are a key part of the social and economic fabric of Scotland and following the challenges presented by the pandemic over the last year, it is wonderful to see Edinburgh International Film Festival has returned with a high-quality hybrid programme for film fans to enjoy in a way they feel most comfortable, whether that’s in person or online.
“EventScotland is delighted to be supporting this year’s festival, including both Film Fest in the City and Film Fest on the Forth in celebration of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21, and we look forward to hearing more of what’s on offer across the programme in the weeks to come.”
Cllr Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We’re proud to continue our support of the world’s oldest continuous film festival which explores new ideas in filmmaking and is known for heralding and debating the latest developments in cinema.
“It was much missed last year and I look forward to the return to the collective cinema experience with events and screenings planned for the Filmhouse and St Andrew Square as well as the online platform for audiences to enjoy from home.
“Public safety will of course remain a priority, and we can all very much look forward to the full programme announcement in July.”
