July 2021 – Page 4 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Edinburgh Art Festival 2021 opens

Edinburgh Art Festival runs from 29 July – 29 August

*Artist Isaac Julien at the UK and European launch of Lessons of the Hour’ at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh©Duncan McGlynn*

Edinburgh Art Festival officially gets underway, running from 29 July – 29 August 2021. The 17th edition brings together over 35 exhibitions and new commissions in visual art spaces across the city, complemented by an online programme of events and digital presentations.

Following last year’s cancellation and an exceptionally challenging period for the creative sector, this year, more than any, we are proud to cast a spotlight on the uniquely ambitious, inventive and thoughtful programming produced each year by Edinburgh’s visual art community.

This year’s programme continues to place collaboration at its heart, with a series of festival-led commissions and premieres devised and presented in close partnership with leading visual arts organisations and a specially invited programme of new commissions curated in partnership with an Associate Artist.

All our festival venues will be following the latest Scottish Government Covid guidelines to ensure visitor safety, and we will be keeping our website regularly updated on what audiences can expect during their visit.

Highlights from the 2021 Festival Programme

Our festival-led programming features major new commissions and presentations by leading international artists, including the UK & European premiere of Lessons of the Hour by Isaac Julien in partnership with National Galleries of Scotland; and two new festival co-commissions, with work by Sean Lynch in collaboration with Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop; and a sound installation by Emeka Ogboh with Talbot Rice Gallery.

In a new approach for the festival, we are delighted to collaborate with Glasgow based artist, film-maker and programmer, Tako Taal as Associate Artist. Responding to the festival’s invitation to reflect on themes and ideas emerging from Isaac Julien’s Lessons of the Hour, Taal has invited new commissions for public and digital spaces, by a new generation of artists living and working in Scotland: Chizu Anucha, Sequoia Barnes, Francis Dosoo, Thulani Rachia, Camara Taylor and Matthew Arthur Williams.

We will also see the return of Platform, the festival’s annual showcase supporting artists in the early stages of their careers to make and present new work – with Jessica Higgins, Danny Pagarani, Kirsty Russell and Isabella Widger invited to create new work for Platform: 2021 at Institut français d’Ecosse.

There will also be chance to discover new generation artists at some of our partner galleries across Edinburgh, including the work of Satellite participant Alison Scott at Collective, Sekai Machache at Stills, Andrew Gannon at Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop and gobscure at Edinburgh Printmakers.

Solo presentations across the capital include Christine Borland at Inverleith House, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Alberta Whittle and Rachel Maclean at Jupiter Artland, Frank Walter at Ingleby Gallery, Ian Hamilton Finlay at The City Art Centre, Sonia Mehra Chawla at Edinburgh Printmakers, Jock McFadyen at Dovecot Studios and a major exhibition by the artist Karla Black for the newly developed and reopened Fruitmarket and Alison Watt at The Scottish Portrait Gallery.

This year’s edition will also feature important retrospectives and major survey shows including The Galloway Hoard: Viking-age Treasure at National Museum of Scotland, Victoria & Albert: Our Lives in Watercolour at The Queen’s Gallery and Archie Brennan at Dovecot Studios.

Edinburgh’s commercial galleries present a richly diverse offering including; a new group show from Arusha Gallery and Ella Walker, Shaun Fraser and Will Maclean at The Fine Art Society, Leon Morrocco at Open Eye Gallery and the centenary of the birth of Joan Eardley is marked with an extensive new show at The Scottish Gallery.

The festival is also planning a series of digital events, to include artist and curator conversations, bespoke tours through the programme, events and activities for families and community groups, as well as newly commissioned work for digital space.

28/07/2021 Picture Duncan McGlynn +447771370263. ***FREE FIRST USE*** Artist Isaac Julien and Sorcha Carey Edinburgh Art Festival Director at the UK and European launch of Lessons of the Hour’ at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh, Scotland. Isaac helps launch the Edinburgh Art Festival 2021 ©Duncan McGlynn ***NO SYNDICATION***NO ARCHIVE***

Sorcha Carey, Director, Edinburgh Art Festival said: “Festivals have always offered a space for gathering, and this year more than any, we are proud to come together with partners across the city to showcase the work of artists from Scotland, the UK and around the world.

“Some exhibitions are newly made in response to the seismic shifts of the past year; others are the result of many years of planning and careful research; but all are the unique, authentic, and thoughtful products of our city’s extraordinarily rich visual art scene.

“The past year has revealed how precarious things can be for artists and creative freelancers, as well as for the institutions and organisations that support the production and presentation of their work.

“As our summer festival season gets underway, and we look forward to welcoming audiences safely back to the festival and our city, now more than ever we need the space for community and reflection that art and artists can provide.”

Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “Edinburgh Art Festival shines a spotlight on the ambitious, inventive and thoughtful work being produced by Scotland’s visual arts community.

“I am pleased to see that the 17th edition of the Edinburgh Art Festival has brought together over 35 live exhibitions and new commissions, including a series of creative new works by six Scottish artists supported by £135,000 from the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund.

“A further £215,000 has been awarded through our PLACE programme to provide greater opportunities for artists at the beginning of their careers. I look forward to seeing the results of the Festival’s work during this challenging time.”

For more information, please visit www.edinburghartfestival.com or follow the festival on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @EdArtFest #EdArtFest #ArtUnlocks

Scotmid launches community pilot programme in Leith to help people make positive life changes

RISE, a collaborative pilot programme designed to help people involved in crime to make positive life changes has been launched by Scottish convenience retailer Scotmid.

Scotmid’s Project RISE (Recovering In a Supported Environment) will be initially piloted in Leith. It has been designed to proactively intervene and support those living in the local community by encouraging them to avoid potential criminal situations, suggesting alternative choices and signposting individuals to support services.

Project RISE will work in partnership with several organisations including Cyrenians, Turning Point, Link-Up, Connecting Circles and Police Scotland.

As a ‘restorative practice intervention’, it will be used as an alternative engagement model to provide solutions to a recurring problem, which in many cases, tends to be crime.

If successful, Scotmid hopes that the programme will be rolled out across other areas of the city, where additional resources and support would help make a difference.

Nick McGuirk, Project RISE Project Manager at Scotmid, said: “As a retailer based in the heart of our communities, we are in a fortunate position to be able to identify and reach some of the most vulnerable people in our local areas.

“We’re pleased to work collaboratively with some fantastic charities to ensure we can support as many people as possible, helping them to make more positive life choices.”

Carmen McShane, Scotland Service Manager of Turning Point, said: “It has never been so important to make mainstream services more accessible for those who suffer from alcohol and other drug use.

“Accessing support and treatment can be a protective factor in reducing overdose, therefore, outreach work in Leith, and other local communities like this, is vital if we want to prevent drug-related deaths. I’m so pleased to work with Scotmid, Connecting Circles, Cyrenians and Link Up in this initiative to deliver the support to people in our community who need it.”

A Spokesperson at Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland is looking forward to working alongside our partners in this pilot programme, designed to make positive changes for those who require support and help.

“We hope the programme will expand its work to other areas, so that people can avoid potentially dangerous circumstances, whilst flourishing in their communities.”

Which brew are you?

Aldi launches summer Scottish Beer Festival

Aldi has launched its summer Scottish Beer Festival with a fun quiz, designed to help customers find the best Scottish craft beer to suit their personality.

Aldi’s ‘Which Brew Are You’ asks people a few simple questions to identify their personality type. The quiz then breaks down four personas, from the ‘Hipster’ to the ‘Strong, Mysterious Soul,’ ‘The Cool Character’ and the ‘Adventure Seeker,’ and pairs each with a selection of top quality Scottish craft beers, chosen by Aldi experts, to suit the tastes of the individual.

Aldi’s summer Scottish Beer Festival launches on Thursday 29^th July across all 96 stores in Scotland and will showcase 30 unique craft beers from 14 of the best local craft breweries, with prices starting at just £1.49.

From fruity IPAs to crisp Lagers and hoppy Pale Ales, there is something to suit every palate. For Aldi’s ‘Cool Character’ a simple Lager or Pilsner would be the go to brew, such as Bellfield’s Bhoemian Pilsner or Genius Brewing’s Gen!us Craft Lager.

For the ‘Hipster’, Aldi suggests Barney’s Beer’s Cranberry Margarita or Hidden Lane Brewery’s RS Raspberry Saison. Meanwhile, for the ‘Adventure Seeker’ there is nothing quite like a Scottish crafted IPA or Pale Ale to round off the day, and customers can choose from a range of brews including Stewart Brewing’s Island Getaway, Loch Lomond Brewery’s Too Orangey For Crows, or Six° North’s Slipstream IPA.

Finally, Aldi’s ‘Strong, Mysterious Soul’ can choose from a range of stouts and ginger beers, including Loch Lomond Brewery’s Mocha Doodle DHU and Glasgow Beer Works Jaggery Imperial Stout.

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland said: “Our summer Scottish Beer Festival has launched at exactly the right time, giving Scots the chance to sip on cold, refreshing beer during a rare spell of good weather.

“To mark this, we wanted to do something a bit different, and have created a fun quiz which helps people explore the range and find the right craft beer for them.

“We are all naturally drawn to the products we are most familiar with, and while it might not be an exact science, our ‘Which Brew Are You’ quiz will allow customers to discover new tastes and flavour profiles. Every beer we have in stock is of an exceptionally high quality and is sourced locally from top breweries, so no matter your choice, you won’t be disappointed.

“We are committed to supporting the Scottish craft beer industry and are exceptionally proud of the relationships we have established with local breweries. As we look to the future, we will remain committed to our suppliers and will continue to grow our partnerships.”

Aldi’s summer Scottish Beer Festival launches in stores across Scotland tomorrow (Thursday 29^th July).

You can find your nearest Aldi here. 

Tonight at 6.30: Public Meeting – Save Our Care Homes

Speakers include Graeme Smith (Unite), Alyson Pollock, Nick Kempe, a Unison rep and more.

We want to make the case for saving the homes as widely known as possible and argue that the future of residential care should be public, democratically accountable and provide security and comfort for all those who need it.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Chancellor hails Scotland’s pivotal role in future of UK economy

The Chancellor will visit Scotland today (29 July 2021) to meet people and firms supported by the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs throughout the pandemic.
In advance of the trip, Rishi Sunak hailed the economic strength of the Union and said Scotland’s “innovation and ingenuity” would be key in powering the UK’s future global economy;
He will meet firms in sectors ranging from tech to tourism and see how Scotland is helping drive the UK’s transition to net zero ahead of the COP26 summit in Glasgow later this year.

The Chancellor has hailed the economic strength of the union ahead of a visit to Scotland where he will see first hand how the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs has supported businesses and families during the pandemic.

Rishi Sunak will meet Scottish businesses and individuals in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Fife to discuss how they are recovering from the crisis and find out more about the ways Scottish firms are creating jobs and playing a key role in the UK’s green recovery.

Ahead of the visit, he hailed the economic strength of the union and said Scotland’s “innovation and ingenuity” would be key in powering the UK’s future global economy.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak said: “We’ve come through this pandemic as one United Kingdom – with our Plan for Jobs supporting one in three jobs and tens of thousands of businesses across Scotland.

“Thanks to the strength of our Union we’ve deployed the fastest vaccination rollout in Europe and our economy is rebounding faster than expected.

“It’s vital this continues, and Scotland’s innovation and ingenuity will be key in creating jobs, powering our growth and driving a green recovery.”

Since the start of the pandemic the UK government has delivered one of the world’s most generous packages to support, create and protect jobs across the UK.

In Scotland one in three jobs have been supported through the pandemic, over 900,000 people in Scotland were furloughed, more than 90,000 businesses have received loans and £1,535 billion has been paid in self-employment support.

People in Scotland are benefitting from the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs – the Kickstart scheme is already helping thousands of 16-24-year-olds into work, Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS) Scotland is providing up to six months of targeted support and 13,500 new Work Coaches have been recruited across Great Britain to give tailored support to people out of work.

On today’s visit, the Chancellor will travel to a number of businesses – both small and large – to meet business owners and furloughed employees who have returned to work after their jobs were protected through the UK-wide scheme.

With just under 100 days until the COP26 summit in Glasgow, he will also see how Scotland is harnessing the power of offshore wind, a sector which supports 2,800 jobs in Scotland and is key in helping the whole of the UK reach our climate goals.

The Chancellor will also meet representatives of Scotland’s financial services sector to thank them for keeping call centres and branches open over the pandemic as well as distributing billions of pounds through UK government loan schemes.

He will discuss his vision for the future of financial services – a sector which accounts for 153,000 jobs in Scotland (financial and professional related services).

He will also see how Scotland’s culture sector is preparing for the summer ahead, as it looks forward to welcoming back locals and tourists who wish to revel in Scotland’s rich cultural heritage.

UK Government eases travel restrictions – Scotland follows on

The latest steps towards reopening international travel make it easier for people vaccinated in Europe or the USA to travel to the UK.

passengers fully vaccinated with vaccines authorised by the EMA and FDA in Europe and the USA will be able to travel to England from amber countries without having to quarantine on arrival from 4am 2 August
part of the second Global Travel Taskforce review, these latest changes will boost economy and make it easier for those vaccinated in Europe or USA to return to the England and unite with family and friends
updates include restart of international cruise sailings and bespoke testing programmes for certain groups of workers

The UK government has today (28 July 2021) announced that passengers arriving from amber countries who have been fully vaccinated in Europe (EU Member States, European Free Trade Association countries and the European microstate countries of Andorra, Monaco and Vatican City) and the USA will not have to quarantine when entering England, as part of a range of new measures designed to continue to drive forward the reopening of international travel, set out as part of the second Global Travel Taskforce checkpoint review.

From 4am on 2 August 2021, passengers who are fully vaccinated in the EU with vaccines authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or in the USA with vaccines authorised by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or in the Swiss vaccination programme, will be able to travel to England without having to quarantine or take a day 8 test on arrival.

Amber arrivals who have been fully vaccinated in the USA and European countries will still be required to complete a pre-departure test before arrival into England, alongside a PCR test on or before day 2 after arrival.

Separate rules will continue to apply for those arriving from France. Those vaccinated in the US will also need to provide proof of US residency. Passengers from all countries cannot travel to the UK unless they have completed a passenger locator form.

Following the close monitoring of epidemiological evidence, gained through the restart of the domestic cruise industry earlier this year, the UK government has also confirmed the go ahead for international cruise sailings to restart from England in line with Public Health England guidance.

International cruise travel advice will be amended to encourage travellers to understand the risks associated with cruise travel and take personal responsibility for their own safety abroad.

To further support the safe restart of international cruise travel, the government and cruise industry have signed a breakthrough memorandum of understanding (MOU) to help the industry build back from COVID-19 while protecting British nationals from future pandemic-related disruption.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We’ve taken great strides on our journey to reopen international travel and today is another important step forward. Whether you are a family reuniting for the first time since the start of the pandemic or a business benefiting from increased trade – this is progress we can all enjoy.

“We will of course continue to be guided by the latest scientific data but thanks to our world-leading domestic vaccination programme, we’re able to look to the future and start to rebuild key transatlantic routes with the US while further cementing ties with our European neighbours.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Our vaccination programme is building a wall of defence against this virus so we can safely enjoy our freedoms again, with 7 in 10 adults in the UK now double jabbed.

“By reopening quarantine-free travel for travellers who have been fully vaccinated in European countries and the USA, we’re taking another step on the road to normality which will reunite friends and families and give UK businesses a boost.”

The UK Government is also relaxing the testing requirements for certain critical workers, who by the nature of their work do not mix with the public or leave their vehicles helping free up running times by removing undue burdens.

All measures announced today will be kept under review and be guided by the latest data. The UK Government insists ‘public health remains our top priority’, and say they will not hesitate to act should the data show that countries risk ratings have changed.

Travel continues to be different this summer, and while some restrictions remain in place passengers should expect their experience to be different and may face longer wait times than they are used to – although the government is making every effort to speed up queues safely.

The government will continue to rollout upgrades to e-gates over the summer to automate checks for health requirements, with many e-gates already in operation and more to be added over the coming months to increase automated checks on passengers at airports.

If travelling abroad, you should continue to take the steps to keep safe and prepare in case things change before you go or while you are there.

Check the booking terms and conditions on flexibility and refunds and subscribe to FCDO travel advice updates to understand the latest entry requirements and COVID-19 rules at their destination.

SCOTLAND FOLLOWS SUIT

‘Step only possible due to success of vaccination programmes’

Fully vaccinated people from the EU and US will now also be able to travel to Scotland without quarantining from Monday (2 August).

The need for travellers to self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival in Scotland is being waived subject to countries covered remaining on the amber travel list.

The easing also removes the need for a PCR test on day eight after arrival and is a major relaxation of travel restrictions that were imposed to protect wider public health in Scotland.

All travellers will still be required to produce a negative test prior to departure and a negative PCR test on day two after arrival.

The step has been made possible by the success of vaccination schemes here and abroad with inbound travellers from the EU and US required to produce accepted documentation to prove they are fully protected with recognised vaccines.

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said: “This has only been made possible due to the overwhelming success of our vaccination programme here in Scotland when coupled with successful roll-outs of vaccination schemes in the EU and US.

“Fully vaccinated travellers will be able to travel to Scotland under this significant relaxation of international travel measures, providing a boost for the tourism sector and wider economy while ensuring public health is protected.

“This new arrangement will be carefully monitored by clinicians and kept under close review as we seek to put Scotland firmly on the path to recovery – but people should continue to think very carefully about travelling – especially given the prevalence and unpredictable nature of variants of concern.”

Music scene launches Scottish Classical Music Green Guide

Set up by Nevis Ensemble and Scottish Ensemble in July 2020 the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group (SCSG) brings together more than 30 of Scotland’s music organisations
SCSG are excited to launch its first Scottish Classical Music Green Guide today
The SCSG won the Environmental Sustainability Award at the 2021 Scottish Awards for New Music hosted by New Music Scotland

Set up during the pandemic, the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group (SCSG) is putting the welfare of our planet in the spotlight with the launch of its first ever Scottish Classical Music Green Guide.

Given the events of the past eighteen months, both in terms of how the COVID-19 pandemic has made us reconsider our impact on the environment, and the natural disasters – from floods through to wildfires – that we have witnessed taking place across the globe, the issue of environmental sustainability has been top of the agenda for many, and not least Scotland’s musical sector, who have come together to discuss how they can reduce the impact of their work on the planet.

The SCSG brings together more than 30 of Scotland’s music organisations, alongside Creative Scotland, Creative Carbon Scotland, Musicians’ Union and Association of British Orchestras (ABO) and was set up in July 2020 by Nevis Ensemble and Scottish Ensemble.

Today, 28 July 2021 it launches its first ever Scottish Classical Music Green Guide.

Aimed at changing behaviours not only in organisations, but in individual musicians and audiences across the country, and for both professional and leisure-time ensembles, the guide is the culmination of discussions around how the sector can best address the Climate Emergency as we aim for a Net Zero society.

Established in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the work of the SCSG has already seen it win the Environmental Sustainability Award at the 2021 Scottish Awards for New Music hosted by New Music Scotland.

The Green Guide, building on the 2010 Green Orchestras Guide, put together by the ABO, Julie’s Bicycle and Orchestras Live, shares ideas, knowledge and tips on how organisations can engage with staff, musicians and audiences, but also on how individual musicians can exert influence, whether as freelancers or as part of a larger organisation.

Examples of best practice from across the Scottish classical sector, including Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Drake Music Scotland, Live Music Now Scotland and the National Youth Choir of Scotland are also highlighted.

The guide ends with a series of pledges from members, detailing actions they plan to take in the next twelve months to concretely reduce their emissions.

Actions include stopping all staff flights within the UK, engaging international promoters in discussions about how the greater costs of more sustainable land travel can be covered when planning tours, and replacing one-off performances from international guests with longer residencies.

William Norris, Interim Chief Executive at Scottish Ensemble, said: “We are hugely proud of the way in which Scotland’s ensembles, orchestras, organisations and musicians have come together to put the health and sustainability of our planet centre stage. Particularly after a year to eighteen months of huge instability and insecurity for everyone within the sector, and indeed across the world.

“This guide represents our collective commitment to ensuring best practice not only within our own organisation, but with the other organisations, individuals and audiences we engage with on a regular basis, and we really hope it help others as much as it us.”

Ben Twist, Director of Creative Carbon Scotland says: “We’ve learned a lot from seeing how the members of the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group have collaborated over the past year, even during the exceptionally difficult circumstances that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented for those working in the arts.

“This detailed guide is testament to the group members’ commitment to playing a part in addressing climate change, their ability to share and learn from each other, and the growing environmental expertise that they are developing within the classical music sector.”

Scott Crawford Morrison of the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group says: “We are thrilled to launch this Guide, which we hope will be used not only by organisations, but also by individual musicians, whether professional, student or leisure-time.

“As music organisations and individuals, we pride ourselves on having close relationships to our communities and audiences – let us also make full use of the amazing power of culture to inform and transform thinking, and work collectively to reduce the emissions associated with our current ways of living and working.”

Gavin Reid, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra says: “With the climate emergency and issues of global sustainability ever present in our minds, this comprehensive guide for the orchestral sector is a vital touchstone which will help inform our collective thinking, planning and knowledge as we work towards a sustainable musical future.”

Read and download the Scottish Classical Music Green Guide here

Here are some suggestions from the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group for how to make the most of the guide:

Share it widely within your network: with friends and colleagues, different teams across your organisation – including musicians, and with senior management staff, and board/committee members.
Discuss it: online or in person. A discussion of the guide will provide a good opportunity to create momentum, engage in meaningful conversations and agree on actions.
Make it visible: the more people who read the guide, the more effective it will be! You can share it on social media and add news stories or blog posts to your website linking to the guide.
Arrange an event: if you would like to arrange an event for staff or audiences to talk about the ideas in the guide, and would like members of the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group to talk at this, drop them an email at: georgina@nevisensemble.org

Scottish Ambulance Service is on the ball as it delivers 10k vaccines

SAS gives Covid a kick!

The Scottish Ambulance Service’s vaccination bus has celebrated a huge milestone – the delivery of 10,000 vaccines to individuals across the country, as part of Scotland’s national vaccination programme.

To mark this significant moment, the Service, working with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, brought the vaccination bus to Scotland’s national stadium, Hampden Park, today (Wednesday 28^th July).

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Humza Yousaf, MSP, was in attendance at Hampden to help mark this achievement and to witness the vital work being carried out.

He met with the Consultant Paramedic Paul Kelly, who has been leading the vaccination bus programme with other colleagues, and Scottish Professional Football League Referee John Beaton, who was there to encourage people to get vaccinated.

Over the last six months, the Service has been working in partnership with health boards and local authorities to support the delivery of the national vaccination programme. This has included taking the vaccination bus to local community settings, such as football grounds and shopping centre car parks, to demonstrate the benefits of a responsive and tailored approach to reach communities across Scotland.

Pauline Howie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: “Reaching the milestone of delivering 10,000 doses of the vaccine is incredibly significant, and it’s been made possible with the dedication of our colleagues, and our close working with Scottish Government, Health Boards and local authorities across Scotland to reach into communities.

“It’s so simple to get vaccinated and protect yourself and others from Covid-19. Just come along to our vaccine buses, roll up your sleeve, and our professional team will administer the vaccine. If we work together, we can all do our part in beating the Pandemic.”

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “The vaccination programme has been a huge success and it is great to see so many people taking advantage of the mobile units.

“It is fantastic that the staff at the vaccination bus have administered 10,000 jags and I want to thank them all for their hard work in helping to get our national programme out into the community, making getting a vaccine easier than ever.

“You can pop in to the bus while you are out shopping or walking and staff will answer any questions you have in relation to the COVID-19 vaccination.

“All of the evidence says that the vaccines are working as we continue to battle the faster-transmitting Delta variant so I urge everyone to take advantage of the vaccination programme which is open to every adult in Scotland.”

Dr Emilia Chrighton, Deputy Director for Public Health for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “We’d like to thank everyone who has come forward so far to receive a vaccination. This is the single biggest factor in helping us control the virus.

“The vaccine bus has played a key role in the vaccination programme rollout so far, and alongside drop-in clinics and appointment clinics, has helped provide as many routes to vaccination to make it as easy for the public as possible.”

Hidden Door crowdfunder is live!

Last week we revealed our plan to transform a disused warehouse into a vast exhibition and performance space as part of Hidden Door 2021.

With this year’s festival taking place outdoors at the old Granton Gasworks, we now have the chance to use a nearby warehouse as well, if we can raise the funds to make it happen.

The additional venue will double the footprint of the festival this September and allow us to exhibit the work of recent art graduates whose degree shows were cancelled due to COVID-19.

The graduates, proud parents and audience members alike will be able to immerse themselves in the exhibition experience whilst staying safe and covid-compliant.

To support the plans, we have now launched a Kickstarter campaign with a wide range of rewards including an immersive treasure hunt experience through the festival grounds, exclusive hand-printed T-shirts, VIP passes for the festival, limited edition art prints and lots more.

This will only be possible with your help, so please take a look at the campaign and support us if you can … thank you x

BACK OUR CROWDFUNDER

Three quarters of Scottish paramedics have feared for their safety or felt threatened at work

Three quarters (75%) of Scotland-based paramedics who took part in a major UK-wide survey by their professional body, the College of Paramedics, said they had feared for their safety or felt threatened while carrying out their duties.

This is higher than the UK-wide figure of 70% which has been revealed by the College of Paramedics today. The survey, which was completed by 2,345 UK paramedics including 148 based in the Scotland, also revealed that almost half (49%) of all respondents had suffered physical abuse while 80% said they had been verbally abused during the course of their work.

These findings come one month after new NHS England figures revealed that paramedics have suffered a 32 per cent rise in assaults over the past five years, with 3,569 incidents taking place in 2020-21 alone.

Tracy Nicholls, Chief Executive of the College of Paramedics, said: “We have long been aware of the physical and verbal abuse that paramedics suffer and the toll it takes on their health and wellbeing – but this is the first time that a large-scale survey of this kind has revealed the extent of the problem.

“It’s absolutely outrageous to think that so many paramedics have been abused whilst carrying out their duties, going above and beyond to help people when they are at their most vulnerable, and often in the most challenging of circumstances. Worryingly, the abuse appears to have increased during the pandemic when paramedics are already exposing themselves to greater personal risk.

“Enough is enough! It is time for us all to take a stand and find new ways of working together to prevent abuse from happening, as well as demanding zero-tolerance when it does occur.

“We welcome the steps that the Government has taken to mitigate some of the risks by announcing that funding will be made available for body worn cameras and by introducing harsher custodial sentences for perpetrators of violence against paramedics – but more needs to be done.

“After years of lobbying, the legislation is now in place to ensure that the worst offenders are severely and appropriately dealt with. The problem is that the law is not being used to full effect and sentences are still far too lenient. We are calling today on the courts to step up and impose the harshest penalties available to them.”

The College of Paramedics has warned that the abuse paramedics are experiencing is having a direct impact on their health and wellbeing. Most paramedics surveyed (89%) said their jobs were taking a toll on their mental health and 69% said this had intensified since the start of the covid pandemic.

Tracy Nicholls continued: “One of the most worrying aspects is that paramedics are continuing to soldier on, despite in some cases being pushed to breaking point.

“It’s a disgrace that paramedics are having to work under these conditions – whether they are part of our NHS ambulance service, in a military or prison environment, working in private practice or wherever they are. These issues deserve much greater attention and we will be working hard to bring about change.”

The College of Paramedics will form part of the NHS Health & Wellbeing team and will focus dedicated resources on the prevention of abuse and the provision of support to paramedics who have been affected.

As part of its five-year strategy, the College of Paramedics will engage with national initiatives which promote the health and wellbeing of its members and will include it within its Continuous Professional Development programmes so that members can access up-to-date information and guidance on how to keep themselves safe.

Tracy Nicholls added: “With the results of this survey, we are well placed to push forward collaboratively to make a difference in this area which is vital for the safeguarding of paramedics and the patients they are trying to assist.”