Thinking through holes: A creative response to research Becky Šik and Sukaina Kubba
As part of Becky Šik’s new exhibition Mercury, we’re pleased to invite you to a special online event that will creatively respond to the research and methods around the work.
Mercury centres on a new experimental moving image work which interlaces a fragmented narrative with an evocative resonating soundtrack composed with homemade magnetic instruments.
For this event, hosted on Zoom, Becky will be joined by artist Sukaina Kubba to produce a new creative response to Mercury and to pick up on themes and threads that informed the film.
In particular, Becky and Sukaina will draw on the theoretical-fiction novel Cyclonopedia by Reza Negarestani, using this book and its idea of ‘plot-holes’ and ‘Hidden Writing’ to weave their shared interests through a public reading.
The event will include an open discussion and a chance to ask both artists questions.Tickets free (donations requested) but pre-booking is essential via Eventbrite.
Becky’s film Mercury will be available to view online in advance of the event via a link in your ticket confirmation email.
Mercuryis also showing in the Hillside space at Collective as part of our Satellites Programme for emerging practitioners until 11 July.
Gordon MacDonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, is urging young people in the area to apply for the Job Start Payment if they are starting a new job after a period of unemployment.
The Job Start Payment is available to 16-24-year-olds who have been on certain benefits for six months or more. Eligible young people can apply for the one-off payment worth £252.50, or £404 if they have children.
The payment will help with the costs of starting a job including travel, new clothes or childcare. People can apply via www.mygov.scot/job-start-payment or by calling 0800 182 2222.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald said: “The pandemic has been particularly difficult for young people in Edinburgh and the Job Start Payment is a fantastic source of support for young people to ensure they can get off to a good start in a new job.
“Starting a new job can be very expensive for young people when you take into consideration the costs of travel, buying clothes and other costs associated with a new job.
“I would encourage all young people who have been unemployed for a long period of time and are starting a new jo or have recently started one to apply for this support.”
Bank of Scotland’s Business Barometer for June 2021 shows:
Scottish business confidence leaps 27 points to 42% – the highest in the UK
Net balance of 18% of businesses in the country expect to increase staff levels over the next 12 months
UK business confidence remains steady at 33% with all regions and nations reporting a net positive reading for the third consecutive month
Business confidence in Scotland rose 27 points during June to 42%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking. This is the sharpest rise in overall confidence this year and means Scotland has the highest levels of optimism anywhere in the UK.
Companies in Scotland reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 32 points at 42%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up 24 points to 43%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 42%.
The Business Barometer questions 1,200 businesses monthly and provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
When it comes to jobs, a net balance of 18% of Scottish businesses expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up ten points on last month and the third consecutive month the reading has increased.
Overall UK business confidence remained steady month-on-month at 33%. Firms reported a small increase in their business prospects, up two points to 30%, the highest reading since September 2020. Confidence in the economy dipped marginally by two points to 36%.
Across the UK all regions and nations reported positive confidence readings for the third consecutive month. Businesses in Scotland, London (up 17 points to 41%) and the East of England (up ten points to 36%) reported the highest increases in confidence.
While confidence remained positive, firms in eight regions reported a month-on-month drop. The biggest decreases were in Yorkshire and Humber (down 14 points to 30%), the West Midlands (down 12 points to 29%), the North West (down nine points to 29%) and East Midlands (down nine points to 31%).
Fraser Sime, regional director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said:“Business confidence in Scotland rose again in June as firms across the country slowly but surely returned to normal trading. It also positive to see that more firms are now planning to hire new staff this year – another clear indicator that the country is on the path to recovery.
“Despite this, the well-trailed postponement to the easing of lockdown restrictions will have dampened spirits, especially for those in the country’s tourism and hospitality sector and is another sign that we are not out of the woods yet.
“We’ll continue to stand by Scottish business and support firms through the coming months as we look to build back better.”
Differences in confidence between the UK’s regions and nations narrowed this month (chart 5). There were sizeable increases in Scotland (up 27 points to 42%), London (up 17 points to 41%) and the East of England (up 10 points to 36%).
Along with the South West (36%), these were the most confident parts of the country. The largest falls, albeit from previously elevated levels, happened in Yorkshire and the Humber (down 14 points to 30%) and the East Midlands (down 9 points to 31%). There were smaller declines in the South East (down 6 points to 31%), Wales (down 6 points to 31%) and Northern Ireland (down 6 points to 11%).
The majority of responses were given before the various UK governments formally announced the delay to the removal of all limits on social contact, which was originally expected to happen on 21st June in England and close to that date in other parts of the UK.
However, it is likely that anticipation of the delay may have had a small negative impact in confidence particularly in the retail sector (down eight points to 36%) while manufacturing also fell (down 18 points to 35%).
Despite this, confidence remains at historically high levels across the broad industry sectors – in part due to services increasing by five points (31%) to its highest level in more than three years and construction remaining steady at 35%.
Paul Gordon, Managing Director for SME and Mid Corporates, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Despite a fall in business confidence in eight of the UK’s nations and regions from the highs of last month, the differences are narrowing.
“It’s pleasing to see such significant improvements in a number of regions, in particular Scotland and London, with both reporting strong increases in confidence. We can be optimistic that the increase in confidence in the services sector, as well as the overall historically high levels across the broad industry sectors, bodes well for businesses as we remain by their side on their road to recovery.”
Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “A fifth consecutive monthly increase in trading prospects and employment expectations highlights the resilience of UK businesses as they continue to recover from the challenges presented by the pandemic.
“Although we must now wait slightly longer for the last remaining COVID-19 restrictions to ease, it’s an encouraging sign that firms continue to have strong overall confidence in the outlook for the UK economy, as well as their expectations for their own growth prospects.”
The 33rd Edinburgh Science Festival is underway, presenting over 200 digital and in-person events for sci-curious minds of all ages with the theme of One World: Science Connects Us and Cirrus Logic as its Headline Sponsor.
Programming for the Planet as Scotland prepares for COP26, celebrating women in STEM and the fight against the global pandemic are this year’s main topics but as always there’s science of all sorts for all ages.
The Festival is very pleased to be back in the live game (alongside an extensive online programme) and able to present a variety of in-person exhibitions, installations and trails, using Edinburgh as a science playground, allowing audiences to safely get their science fix this summer and delivering plenty of fun family activities to kick-start the summer holidays.
Some of the 2021 in-person family highlights include:
Oscillation in Light & Sound sponsored by CityFibre takes over Edinburgh’s iconic St Andrew Square as it invites audiences of all ages to play with giant crystal blocks that come alive through movement, creating a unique light and sound show.
Pale Blue Dot exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland, celebrating all things marine and Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21. This multi-sensory exploration takes audiences through every layer of the ocean, exploring the vastness, majesty and mystery of our seas. From curious species to amazing ecosystems, oceans bounties and intriguing research, the exhibition sheds light on the marine landscape that is so special and how we can protect one of the most precious habitats on Earth.
For those keen to venture out of Edinburgh, the Festival’s closing weekend will see the European Stone Stacking Championships returning to the beautiful Dunbar beach for the fourth time. Filled with competitions and demonstrations – and offering a chance to see stone stacking professionals in action! – the weekend is a perfect opportunity to connect to nature for people of all ages.
Back in Edinburgh city centre, audiences can take part in a wide range of walks, tours and trails.
Walking Through the Covid-19 Vaccine is a family-friendly treasure trail offering a unique insight into the science behind the vaccines and answers to some of the most common questions.
Focused on mental health, My Depression – Your Depression. Same Name, Different Story showcases stories from adults and young people, their relatives and researchers, all with a lived experience of depression. Each story is so different yet it is given the same name. Taking the form of a walking trail around George Square and the Meadows, the project encourages more openness about mental health and highlights the benefits of walking and greenspaces.
Celebrating Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020/21, Coastal Knowledge aims to showcase the diverse forms of coastal knowledge, varying from local history to coastal science and art, highlighting the importance of coastal communities in Scotland, resilient in the face of climate crisis.
Audiences are invited to take a virtual tour of Scottish coasts, explore Edinburgh’s coastal community of Granton with the Curious Edinburgh walking tour showcasing Granton’s industrial and fishing history or make a stop at granton:hub, the arts and community centre showcasing the works of local artists.
University of Edinburgh presents a self-led walk Road to COP26 which allows audiences to discover how climate change is affecting our wildlife, from plants to parasites to Scotland’s
With the younger environmentalists in mind, Heriot-Watt University shares its campus with Climate Detectives who will be getting hands-on with nature during a picturesque walk.
For the full list of in-person events for families, visit the Festival website.
More than one million workers came off furlough in the four weeks between the end of April and the end of May, which coincided with the start of restrictions being lifted and non-essential retail, restaurants and pubs reopening.
Latest government statistics show more than one million workers came off furlough in May alone
Milestone moment as the lowest amount of people on furlough since the pandemic began
Comes as scheme begins to wind down ahead of closure in September
More than one million workers came off furlough in the four weeks between the end of April and the end of May alone, which coincided with the start of restrictions being lifted and non-essential retail, restaurants and pubs reopening.
New figures published today show 2.4 million people moved off the scheme between the end of February and the end of May as businesses reopened.
2.4 million people remain furloughed or flexi-furloughed down from a peak of nearly 9 million at the height of the pandemic in May last year.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “Our Plan for Jobs has supported people’s jobs and livelihoods throughout the pandemic and it’s fantastic to see so many people coming off furlough and into their workplaces with our restaurants, pubs and shops reopened.
“These figures show what we always hoped would happen – that the scheme is naturally winding down as the economy reopens, but continuing to support those businesses and employees that need our help.”
Today’s ONS Business Impact of Covid-19 Survey show numbers may have fallen even further – with estimates that between 1.3 and 1.9 million people are still on furlough.
These figures reinforce other positive signs about how the recovery is progressing. The number of employees on payroll is at its highest level since last April, business and consumer confidence have improved significantly and economic growth is outperforming expectations.
The figures show the largest reduction in the hospitality, retail and accommodation sectors, with nearly 180,000 people in pubs, bars and clubs alone returning to work between April and May.
Furlough was extended until September to allow for businesses to adjust after the end of the Roadmap and to bring people back to work.
Now, as the economy begins to reopen and demand returns, employers are being asked to contribute more and from today, they will contribute 10% towards the cost of paying for unworked hours.
This employer contribution will increase to 20% in August and September, before the scheme closes, with the Plan for Jobs still in place to provide support, including traineeships and more work coaches to help people find jobs.
New statistics for the Self Employment Income Support Scheme, also published today, show more than £25bn has been claimed to date in support for the self employed.
350,000 properties have paid no business rates for 15 months thanks to an unlimited rates relief between March 2020 and July 2021. Over 90% of businesses will now be able to benefit from a 66% reduction in business rates bills until March 2022.
MARKDAVID in Edinburgh has been shortlisted for the prestigious Salon Design award at Hairdresser’s Journal’s British Hairdressing Business Awards 2021.
The awards – now in their 23rd year – recognise the hardworking names that have built outstanding salon businesses, helping to make British hairdressing the most respected in the world. From standout salons and exemplary teamwork to groundbreaking innovations and trailblazing individuals, HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards are an annual celebration of business brilliance.
MARKDAVID made the final stage of the competition after compiling a detailed entry outlining their salon’s design brief, budget and how it fits with the brand’s ethos.
Winners will be announced at HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards on Monday 4th October at London’s Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, to an audience of some of the industry’s most prolific names.
Mark McCarthy, Owner of MARKDAVID says: “We are thrilled to have made the finals of such a respected event.
“We poured our heart and soul into designing a salon space that would inspire us daily and provide the comfort and luxury that our clients deserve. I’m incredibly proud of the end result.’
Jayne Lewis-Orr, executive director of the British Hairdressing Business Awards says: ‘These awards are a celebration of the talented and passionate people that help make British hairdressing so revered.
“To make the Salon Design shortlist, finalists need to wow us with inspirational moodboards, an impressive design brief and details of how they rose to challenges throughout the project.
“In an extraordinary year that has seen hairdressing hit headlines more than ever before, MARKDAVID should feel proud to be recognised for their exciting ideas and stunning salon space.”
16,000 additional beds may be needed for the NHS to cope this winter
The NHS urgently needs a rapid increase in bed numbers if it is to meet potential demand this winter according to new analysis from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine.
The College’s new briefing document ‘RCEM Explains: Hospital Beds’ looks at how bed numbers have declined in the past decade, the impact of covid, and the potential number of beds needed this winter, based on previous levels of demand.
The briefing uses the ratio of emergency admissions to beds to model the numbers of beds that will likely be needed, based on the levels of demand seen each winter prior to the pandemic.
In the last five years in England this figure has fluctuated between 11.07 admissions per bed (winter 2015/16) and 12.50 (winter 2018/19). Excluding the most recent winters (both of which saw demand and capacity fall due to the pandemic), there was an average of 11.77 admissions per bed.
If the NHS is to achieve a similar ratio this winter, and there are a similar number of admissions as in the winter of 2017/18, the NHS will need just over 7,500 additional beds. If demand is similar to 2018/19, then this figure rises to 15,788 extra beds.
President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, Dr Katherine Henderson said: “We are currently seeing record levels of attendances at Emergency Departments and if this continues into winter – an extremely likely situation – the NHS will have too few beds to be able to cope.
“The consequences of having too few beds could be dire. If we do not have the capacity to admit patients into hospitals, then A&E waiting times will go up, patients will end up being treated in corridors – a very real threat to their safety before the pandemic, but now with the added risk of hospital acquired infection – and the elective backlog will grow further as beds earmarked for surgeries will be used for emergency patients.”
The briefing also makes clear the relationship between high bed occupancy and an increased rate of cancelled elective operations.
Dr Henderson said: “Too few beds means higher rates of occupancy, which in itself puts patient safety at risk, but it is clear that this has a huge knock-on effect on elective care. Lack of beds is one of the top reasons for cancellation of surgeries and if we do not address the shortage now, before winter, the elective recovery will fail.
“We know that access to services is an issue throughout the NHS at the moment with resources short all-round, but Emergency Departments act as the safety net for the NHS – if they cannot function properly the entire system stalls – so it is vital that the new Secretary of State does all he can to enable the NHS to expand hospital capacity.
“The safe restoration of bed capacity to pre-pandemic levels is no easy fix though – as we’ve seen with the Nightingale initiative, capacity cannot be expanded if we do not have enough doctors, nurses, and clinicians.
“The capacity and staffing issues we face now have been over a decade in the making. Social care is still unfixed. Waiting lists are growing. Structural reconfiguration is in progress. Covid is less of an immediate threat but is unlikely to disappear. The Secretary of State has much to do, but he must start by making the beds.”
Welcome to your July Newsletter. This is a newsletter about past, present and future.
First: the past.
We have been receiving plenty of positive feedback from the Pots of Kindness project. If you remember, this involved pupils from Victoria Primary School potting up edible flowers, herbs and vegetables and distributing them to some of the isolated or elderly members of the community, whose details were supplied by the Pilmeny Development Project (PDP). Recipients have been responding.
“What a lovely idea. It is so nice to be part of this initiative. As you know I am housebound, so it is great that I can still be part of the community while being at home. I loved the beautiful letter I received from the pupil – what a fantastic idea. Thank you,” said one.
Mary from PDP received a phone call once one pack was delivered
“Thank you so much for the plant and letter – I absolutely love it. I am delighted with the wee package and the letter from the pupil was adorable. And the man who delivered the package was really friendly – thank you”.
A few weeks later, the same recipient rang Mary to say “My plant has started sprouting – I have it on my window sill and I check it everyday. It was great getting the instructions on how to help the plant grow. I really am delighted to be part of this project – thank you”.
“My spinach has started to grow – I love Spinach and I think I might be like Popeye after this. The letter from the pupil was so sweet – thank you,” said another.
We’re glad it has proved so welcome.
The Present
Our partners at the PDP are organising more volunteer induction sessions so if you would like to get involved, make a note of this date: Saturday 7th August at 11am on Zoom, when you can find out about the different volunteering opportunities available within PDP. Expectations, boundaries and confidentiality will be among the topics for discussion.
Similarly, you can join in the HoNC/ PDP Newhaven Virtual Coffee Group for those living in or around Newhaven on either Mon 19th July at 4pm or Mon 16th Aug at 4pm, both on Zoom.
If you are interested in these events then please contact Norma by Email
Still in the present:
We’re thrilled to tell you that the University of Edinburgh student social media team has included HoNC in the most recent episode of their popular podcast’s third series
The Broadcast is The Broad Online’s podcast and aims to bring local community initiatives to its listeners’ attention. HoNC trustee Judy Crabb and Head of Victoria Primary School Laura Thomson were engaged in discussion on the creation of our intergenerational community centre in the old school in the latest recording.
Lauren Galligan and Jack Liddall were the co-hosts and interviewers. She is the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Broad Online. Jack is the Secretary of The Broad and a volunteer with HoNC.
The podcast will shortly be available to listen to on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Podbean. We will share a link to the podcast on the Heart’s social media and website as soon as it is available.
Future
Now on to the future. The Men’s Shed members have been busy at work on our Friendship Benches, which we aim to have ready for Mental Health Day in October. We will be organising painting and decorating days with local artist Johnathan Elders over the summer holidays, so watch this space.
In the immediate future, we await the decision from the Scottish Land Fund on our application for the funds required to make good our promise to buy the school site.
All mainland health boards will offer drop-in coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination clinics from Monday as the programme nears completion of first doses for all adults in Scotland.
Everyone aged 18 and over can attend for their first dose or – if eight weeks have passed – their second dose. Separate queues will be in operation for those with a scheduled appointment.
From Monday, mobile vaccination units run by the Scottish Ambulance Service will visit local communities and busy city centre spots in Edinburgh and Glasgow for a two week period.
Anyone who has not yet received an invitation or would like to rearrange an existing appointment can continue to self-register on the NHS Inform site.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Our route out of this pandemic is getting as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible, that is why I am urging people to get jagged in July.
“The vaccination programme continues to progress at pace and, as always, I want to thank everyone involved and all those who have taken up the offer of vaccine.
“As we approach the final stages of the first COVID-19 vaccination programme we are increasing the options available for how and when you choose to be inoculated.
“You can attend one of the drop-in clinics being run in all mainland health boards or pop into a mobile unit. You can also rearrange the location of your appointment online if, for example, it is more convenient for you to be vaccinated closer to your work than home.
“You can find out where your nearest drop-in clinics are by visiting NHS Inform which will direct you to the latest information from your local health board.
“All those aged 18 and over can also self-register to receive their appointment by text or email which will be convenient for anyone who has recently moved house or is new to Scotland.
“All of the evidence says that the vaccines are working as we continue to battle the faster-transmitting Delta variant which is now dominant so I urge everyone to take advantage of the vaccination programme which is open to every adult in Scotland.”
Mr Yousaf’s appeal follows the announcement of 4234 new cases in Scotland yesterday – a new record.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has stressed Scotland’s commitment to making sure people across the world benefit from a just transition to net zero.
Speaking yesterday at the Austrian World Summit on a panel including climate activist Greta Thunberg and UN Messenger of Peace Jane Goodall, the First Minister said that the world must seize its chance to tackle the climate crisis fairly at COP26 in Glasgow.
Building on the role of Scotland’s Climate Assembly in domestic policy-making, £100,000 of funding is being made available to support the Global Climate Assembly, an initiative which will bring together 100 participants from the global north and south to learn from each other, and to make recommendations which will feed into COP26 discussions.
Further funding of £190,000 is also being made available to support a fourth year of the Malawi Climate Youth Leaders Project, in recognition of the inter-generational impacts of climate change.
The First Minister said: “The climate crisis – with its inter-related threats of climate change, nature loss and pollution – remains the single biggest challenge the world faces. COP26 represents the world’s best chance – and possibly one of our last chances – to limit global warming to 1.5°.
“One of the great injustices of the climate crisis is that the people and countries who are worst affected are usually those who have done least to cause it.
“At Glasgow, their needs must be recognised, and their voices must be heard. The Scottish Government is determined to help with that process.
“All of us – and governments in particular – now need to summon that same sense of urgency in tackling the climate crisis. If we do, COP26 can become a global turning point – one which ensures that as we recover from the pandemic, we create a greener and fairer world.”
While the First Minister may have enjoyed her appearance on the world stage yesterday, it’s back to urgent domestic matters today.
A record 4234 new cases of coronavirus were reported in Scotland yesterday and national clinical director Prof Jason Leitch has admitted that the huge increase in Covid-19 cases is putting considerable strain on Scotland’s contact tracing system.
Public Health Scotland figures suggest it is now taking longer to contact infectious people and to track down their close contacts, leading to wider spread.
Ms Sturgeon will face the press when she holds a media briefing at lunchtime today.
