Time for a Digital Detox?

How to Unplug Your Home for the Ultimate Digital Detox

Technology is a wonderful thing. It’s given us Netflix, online shopping, video games, and social media –– but sometimes you need to take a break from the cat memes and give yourself a digital detox (writes TERESA SIQUEIRA).

With infinite knowledge and endless distraction just a click away, it’s more important than ever to create healthy boundaries with technology. So tune in, turn off, and drop out because we’ve got all the info you need to find that sweet spot between staying connected and getting unplugged.

What is a Digital Detox?

A digital detox is when you disconnect from your TV, smartphone, video games, and social media so you can focus on real-life without the distraction of a screen. Don’t worry—a digital detox isn’t forever! Take a mini-detox after work, read a book on your morning commute instead of scrolling through the latest news, or make Sundays a tech-free day –– do whatever works for you! What matters the most is that you create time for your brain to reset.

The Consequences of Always Being Connected

These days, we’re more connected than ever. When it feels impossible to step away from the tweets, and you can’t stop doom-scrolling the news, you know it’s time for a digital detox. Being connected 24/7 might have you staying up late to play video games, feeling like you’re missing out on the experiences all your friends post about, or getting behind at work because the refresh button isn’t going to hit itself. Disconnecting is an integral part of any self-care routine for anyone who wants to optimize their creativity, productivity and have more energy.

The Negative Effects of Technology on Your Brain

You might not realize it, but too much technology harms your brain. From having a lower stress threshold to disrupting your beauty sleep, our screens are silently altering the way our brains work –– and it doesn’t stop there. Here are some of the negative effects technology has on that wrinkly pink thing between our ears.

Reduces creativity: Technology encourages instant gratification and prevents us from having the patience needed for the more profound thinking skills associated with creativity.
Negatively affects relationships: More time spent on devices means less time spent with the people you love and makes us feel less satisfaction and connection.
Impaired social intelligence: Spending too much time in front of a screen interferes with our ability to learn from successes, failures, and the people around us.
Trouble concentrating: Technology is constantly pulling us in multiple directions at once, making it hard to focus on what’s in front of us. By disconnecting you will also see an increase in your productivity at work.
Disrupts sleeping habits: The blue light screens emit has been proven to disrupt the circadian rhythms that help us sleep at night.

The Benefits of Doing a Digital Detox

Banish the digital distractions and reap the benefits of a techno-free life. Cutting out technology has massive mental health benefits, and you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel when you aren’t constantly connected. Benefits of a digital detox include:

Enhanced sleep: Without blue light and the temptation to keep scrolling, you’ll get better z’s and have more energy in the morning.
Increased productivity: Less tech means more time to get things done. When you’re not staring at a screen, you’ll have more time to do the things that matter.
Better posture: “Tech neck” is a real thing, and improved posture is a significant benefit to ditching your devices.
Improved relationships: Having more time for your loved ones can only be a good thing. Notice how much closer you feel to the people around you after going tech-free.
More time for hobbies: Going on a digital detox gives you ample time to explore all those hobbies you’d long forgotten.

How to Do a Digital Detox

Give your brain a break! Read up on how to do a digital detox –– we’ve got tips on what to do instead of scrolling, how to get your friends involved, and how to stick to your new detox routine.

Do other activities instead

Harken back to the days of yore and try some tech-free activities. Getting a vacation from technology will offer you a fresh start. Go for a walk, get the family together for a game night, or read a book instead of staring at your phone. Staying active will be a key factor in reducing your screen time. Take up knitting or learn how to bake gourmet desserts.

Establish limits and goals

Each week, make a goal of spending less and less time using technology. Start with a half-hour of tech-free time each day, then increase it to an hour the next week and keep going.

Get your loved ones involved

Get your family involved to make going tech-free into a fun challenge. Check everyone’s smartphone at the end of the week to see who spent the least time looking at their screen –– whoever wins gets to choose their favorite takeout for dinner or pick what to watch on movie night. You can also contact friends and get them involved on the challenge.

Reward yourself

Whenever you’ve accomplished offline time, give yourself an award. Go out for a tech-free date night to your favorite restaurant, or get yourself that thing that’s been on your wishlist for ages. Set up a special ritual for your digital detox, like a spa night.

Types of Digital Detoxes

There are a ton of ways to take a tech break. Pick a couple of methods that work for you and give them a go for at least a week –– feel free to tweak times or alternate days to fit your schedule. Some days you might need to be on your phone or take a video call during a detox period, so roll with the punches and stay flexible.

Disconnect for a period of time

Designate a period of time each day that you’ll go tech-free. During lunch, after work, or before bedtime are all great places to start. Make it part of your routine, then see how you’re feeling after a week. Many people end up expanding their tech-free time because they love how it makes them feel.

Have technology-free meals

Ditching your devices during meals encourages you to not only appreciate the food you’re eating but to enjoy the company you’re in. Unplugging as a family will make meals much more special. Make it a rule that no phones are allowed at the dinner table, turn the TV off, and notice how much fuller your heart and belly feel.

Find a Balance with Technology

Digital burnout is real, and finding a happy medium is integral for living life in the age of the computer. Establishing a healthy relationship with the digital world will help you avoid any risk of suffering from technology addiction. We’ve got a few analog remedies to soothe your digital aches.

Prioritize human connection

We’ve all had that experience where we’re trying to hold a conversation with someone who’s more interested in what’s on their phone than are in the person right in front of them. Always prioritize the people in your life over the content on your phone.

Limit tech time for children

Technology can have a negative impact on children. Give your kids time limits on their digital devices. Use video games as a reward for doing homework and chores. Make sure your kids have a healthy relationship with social media by setting an age limit and making sure they don’t get caught up in comparing their life to the lives of others. To give you further insights, you can find plenty of ways that will guide you on preventing phone addiction for your child.

Find work-life balance

Finding a work/life balance when you work from home is a real struggle. Creating an equilibrium by letting your coworkers know you won’t be available after the workday is done and turn off all your work-related notifications.

Unplugging Your Home

If you find yourself struggling to take a digital detox, try setting up your home to help you succeed. We’ve got some easy-to-implement tips that make disconnecting a cinch.

Use tech to disconnect

Fight technology with technology by turning off your notifications so your digital detox won’t be disturbed by dings and beeps. There are tons of time-limiting apps nowadays that turn off your tech for you or timed cellphone jails that keep your phone locked away for a set amount of time.

Park your devices

Set up a tech station at the front door with a table or drawer with all your chargers. When you walk in the door, plug in your devices so you aren’t tempted to use them. This encourages you and your family to focus on hobbies, books and spending more time with each other.

Go outdoors

Take a walk, go to the lake, or just hang out in your backyard and enjoy the outdoors. Getting outside is one of the best ways to detox from your devices, and it’s an easy activity to get the whole family involved in.

Create a home that helps you disconnect

Set your home up for success. Start by putting up a table in your entryway where you can park your devices, then designate a room where no devices are allowed. Instead of having TVs in the kitchen, living room, and every bedroom, just have one in your entertainment room and call it good.

Create No-tech Zones at Home

Creating no-tech zones is one of the easiest ways to take a digital detox every day. It might sound intimidating to have an area in your home where devices aren’t allowed, but we promise you’ll love the difference it makes in your life.

Create an ‘unplugged’ room

Designate one room in your house that’s free of any digital devices. No TV’s, computers, iPads, or phones allowed. Make it super cozy with couches, pillows, plants, and blankets then bring in anything and everything you love that doesn’t involve a screen. Think books, crossword puzzles, board games, that hobby airplane you’ve been building, or set up a music nook so you can finally learn how to play the guitar.

Leave technology out of your bedroom

Park your phone in the living room overnight to create a quiet bedroom environment. Use an alarm clock instead of relying on your phone to wake you up in the morning and replace your nighttime TV show with a book instead.

Enjoy a techno-free kitchen

Sometimes it’s necessary to open up your phone while you’re cooking to reference a recipe. All the other times, unplug the kitchen and practice mindfulness while making breakfast or enjoying a mid-afternoon snack.

Unplug Your Home While You’re Away

The hidden energy costs of plugged-in appliances could be adding to your electricity bill. Try out these tips to save money while you’re away.

Unplug your devices to improve safety

Keeping all your devices plugged in while you’re away can potentially be a fire hazard. Older electronics, in particular, run the risk of overheating and causing electrical fires, and unplugging them when you go on vacation will not only save you money but give you peace of mind.

Save energy

Save energy by enabling sleep mode on your devices to keep their batteries going for longer. Older appliances are less energy-efficient than newer models, so replace any outdated electronics with modern energy-wise models. You can try to use smart devices that will give you more control and allow you to save energy at home, like smart bulbs or remote thermostats.

Electronics You Should (and Shouldn’t) Unplug

Do: Unplug small kitchen appliances like your coffee maker, microwave, and food processor. If you’re going to be gone for a while, unplug your chargers and entertainment system, too, since they use a lot of energy.

Don’t: Don’t unplug large kitchen appliances like the fridge or dishwasher. Keep powerstrips, carbon monoxide detectors, and the fire alarm plugged in. You can keep your high-efficiency electronics plugged in, since they’re unlikely to zap a ton of energy while not in use.

A daily, weekly, or monthly digital detox helps you stay connected to your physical surroundings, reduces stress and anxiety, and gives you time to enjoy your family, nature, or a hobby. These tips will help you find just the right balance for you.

Heart Research UK Healthy tip: Move like an Olympian!

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK

Healthy Tips: Move like an Olympian

The 2021 Summer Olympics is an international multi-sport event, which will be held from 23 July to 8 August 2021 in Tokyo, Japan.

Whether you participate in sports already, or if you are looking to increase your physical activity levels, here are some healthy heart tips to keep you motivated on the road to Tokyo!

Get Moving

Aerobic activity is the best type of exercise to keep your heart healthy, this is because your body requires more oxygen causing your heart and lungs to work harder. Aerobic exercise combines stretching and strength with rhythmic movement, involving large muscle groups such as shoulders, arms, and legs.

Popular aerobic Olympic sports include cycling, swimming and rowing. Some other aerobic exercises, which you can try at home, include walking up and down the stairs, dancing and skipping.

Step Challenge

You are probably familiar with the recommendation to take 10,000 steps every day. In the UK, the average person completes just 3,000 to 4,000 steps per day.

Why not increase your daily step count by taking on the Heart Research UK Step Challenge. This challenge involves walking 10,000 steps per day over four weeks.

Look for opportunities to increase your step count every day. For example, you could try parking further away from the supermarket or opting for the stairs over the lift, and you will be on the path to improving your physical health.

Some benefits of taking on this challenge:

Increases physical activity levels
Helps to manage weight
Improves heart health
Strengthens your bones and builds muscle
Lowers blood pressure

Join a Club

Has the Olympics inspired you to get involved in any sports or activities? If so, why not check out what activities or sports clubs are available in your local area?

You could either get in touch with your local club or check out BBC Sports Get Inspired web page.

No matter what your fitness levels, there is a sport or activity out there for you!

Beets for beef: Scottish maker creates flavour-enhancing hot sauce for Scotch Beef PGI

Fans of flavour and spice will be keen to get their hands on a brand new Scottish hot sauce specially designed for Scotch Beef – one of the country’s best-loved products – as it launches today.

Scotch Beets Hot Sauce has been created in a collaboration between award-winning hot sauce maker, Tom’s Sauces, and Scotch Beef. It represents an industry-first, as the first hot sauce designed specifically to be paired with Scotch Beef.

The sauce packs a flavour punch with a mouth-watering array of ingredients including Scottish beetroot, spicy Scotch Bonnet chillies and zesty and fresh ginger root. Red wine vinegar infused with fennel seeds adds a bold, rich and summery base, perfectly complimenting the velvety beetroot texture.

Adding the hot sauce to Scotch Beef enhances the meat’s natural flavour profile, which includes a rich, buttery depth and an earthy taste, and comes with the added guarantee that the beef is fully traceable, local and quality assured. The Scotch Bonnet chillies give a fiery heat while not overpowering the meat, balanced with the sweet and tangy flavours of ginger and garlic.

Scotch Beets Hot Sauce launches during a summer unlike any other, seeing family and friend get-togethers, several major sporting events, and staycations on the agenda. Top quality food is at the heart of it all, with the hot sauce providing the perfect companion for BBQ cookouts, parties and trips away, or for simply adding a twist to midweek meals.

Lesley Cameron, Director of Marketing and Communications at Quality Meat Scotland, the industry body that promotes Scotch Beef PGI, said: “In recent years, hot sauces have skyrocketed in popularity as the perfect way to elevate burgers, steaks, sandwiches and more.

“We thought it was about time Scotch Beef had a sauce befitting of its flavour, working with the incredible Tom’s Sauces to design Scotch Beets Hot Sauce – made from Scottish ingredients by Scottish suppliers.

“Adding just a drop of the sauce to your favourite Scotch Beef recipes opens a whole new dimension of flavour, becoming something of a secret weapon for home cooks. It really has to be tasted to be believed!”

Tom Green, head sauce maker at Tom’s Sauces, said: “Who said beetroot was boring? This was an exciting and creative challenge to showcase Scotch Beef PGI with a totally distinctive hot sauce which we’re sure customers will appreciate and enjoy.

“This partnership with Scottish producers has created a unique summer condiment rich in texture and flavour. Chuck the ketchup because this is your new favourite sauce.”

A limited number of bottles of Scotch Beets Hot Sauce will be available to purchase at Scotch Butchers Club butcher shops DH Robertson in Arbroath, Strachan Craft Butchers in Blantyre, Gloagburn Farm Shop in Tibbermore and Briggsy’s Quality Butcher in Jedburgh, with profits being donated to local charities.

Further bottles will be available through a giveaway on the Make It Scotch Instagram channel, @make.it.scotch.

For more information on Scotch Beef and Quality Meat Scotland, visit www.makeitscotch.com.

Perfect serving suggestion

BBQ Scotch bavette steak served with Scotch Beets

Raise the steaks and show your next BBQ a little Mexican flavour. Bavette steak is the tender and tasty hero of this fajita inspired recipe.

SERVES: 4

PREPARATION TIME: 30 MINS plus cooling and standing

COOKING TIME: 19 MINS

INGREDIENTS

· 4 corn on the cobs

· 35ml chilli flavoured oil

· 1 small red pepper, finely chopped

· 1 small orange pepper, finely chopped

· 1 small green pepper, finely chopped

· 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

· 4 tbsp reduced sugar sweet chilli sauce

· Pinch Scottish sea salt

· 500g Scotch Beef Bavette Steak

· 2 tsp fajita seasoning

· 8 regular wholemeal tortilla wraps

METHOD

SALSA

1. Half fill a large saucepan with water and bring to the boil.

2. Add the sweetcorn and cook for 5 minutes until just tender. Drain and cool.

3. Brush the corn lightly with 1 tbsp chilli oil and cook over hot coals for 3-4 minutes, turning, until blistered and lightly charred.

4. Once cool, slice down the length of the cobs with a sharp knife to remove the kernels.

5. Add the charred corn kernels to a bowl and toss in the peppers, onion, chilli sauce. Season to taste. Cover and chill until required.

STEAK

1. Rub the steak all over with the remaining chilli oil, fajita seasoning and a little salt.

2. Leave to stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Even better, wrap the steak and chill for 2 hours to allow flavours to develop further.

3. Cook over hot coals for 12-15 minutes, turning, until cooked to medium/rare. Or, if you have individual steaks, cook these for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium/rare, and up to 5 minutes on each side for medium.

4. Let the juices settle by leaving to stand for 5 minutes.

5. Pop the halves of lime on the barbecue for a few seconds to lightly caramelise and set aside.

6. Heat the wraps as recommended on the pack.

7. Slice the beef then load up your wraps with beef and corn salsa and a generous drizzle of Scotch Beets

8. Throw a wedge of lime on the side to drizzle over.

Nutritional Claims

· Two of your five a day

· High in protein – 40g per serving

· Source of vitamin B12

TUC: Universal  credit cut will hit millions of working families  and key workers

The UK Government has now confirmed that £20 a week will be cut from Universal Credit in October. By removing this lifeline, poverty will increase among the 6 million claimants of Universal Credit, says the TUC.

40 percent of these claimants – over two million people – are in work.

Number of people on Universal Credit 2020/21 (including in work and out of work breakdown):

Source – TUC analysis of stat explore data using May 2021 data

Our new analysis reveals the regional and local impact cutting Universal Credit will have on low-paid workers.

Numbers on Universal Credit in work by region/nation (May 2021):

Region/nation	Number in work receiving UC	Total number receiving UC	% Of UC recipients in work
North East	100,437	281,759	35.6%
North West	282,131	755,400	37.3%
Yorkshire & Humber	194,344	518,269	37.5%
East Midlands	166,265	403,272	41.2%
West Midlands	214,730	585,069	36.7%
East of England	199,459	494,271	40.4%
London	375,426	1,015,321	37.0%
South East	274,235	677,609	40.5%
South West	184,983	439,612	42.1%
Wales	103,609	279,068	37.1%
Scotland	176,935	481,263	36.8%
Total	2,274,976	5,938,914	38.3%

Source – TUC analysis of stat explore data using May 2021 data – for constituency level data see press release

The impact on poverty

The government justifies the £20 cut by saying its focus is to move people into jobs, but this misses the point. Many of those on Universal Credit (40 percent of claimants) are already in work.

2.3 million workers, many of which are key worker households, will be worse off as a result of the government’s plans to cut universal credit.

The working tax credit is also being cut, having also been raised by £20 per week in early 2020. This cut to crucial in-work support will push more families below the breadline. 

Analysis by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation shows the majority of families that lose out will be working families.

These cuts are likely to worsen already record-high levels of poverty.

Just before the pandemic hit, poverty was at a record high, with 14.5 million people in poverty. The majority of these (57 per cent, or 8.3 million people) were in working households. The idea that work is a guaranteed route out of poverty is now simply not true.

Low standard rate

Even with the increase in the rate by £20 a week – the basic rate of universal credit is worth around a sixth of average weekly pay.

The UK system is strikingly less generous than in most other European countries, where unemployment benefits are related (at least in the initial period of unemployment) to previous wages to cushion income shocks, ranging from 60 per cent of previous wages in Germany to 90 per cent in Denmark.

The TUC believes that rather than being cut, Universal Credit should be increased to at least 80 per cent of the level of the living wage, around £260.

And the temporary £20 top-up excluded those on legacy benefits all together, many of whom are disabled or carers, and cannot work. This should be extended to these claimants too.

Change is needed

The UK safety net is failing as a result of years of deliberate attacks on the social security system, with around £34 billion of cuts made to social security since 2010.

The reason for increasing Universal Credit and Working tax credits was that previous rates were too low. Removing this increase makes no sense. The pandemic might – hopefully – be going away, but the need for social security isn’t.

The £20 increase in universal credit has been a “vital lifeline” for low-paid workers: having £20 a week less to spend will mean going without the essentials in life.

An ambitious agenda to tackle in-work poverty would include decent pay, secure work, progression opportunities for those on low incomes, and affordable childcare and housing costs.

It would not include a cut to the lifeline support that working families across the country are relying on.

Hidden Door to transform huge warehouse into exhibition space

HIDDEN Door have revealed plans to transform a disused warehouse into a vast exhibition and performance space as part of their 2021 arts festival in Granton this September.

The festival group is launching a crowdfunder to pay for use of the warehouse space. They explain:

This year’s five day festival is taking place outdoors, on land next to the Granton Gasworks, from 15 – 19 September. However, the open air venue isn’t suitable for visual art exhibitions, so we have now got the chance to make use of a nearby warehouse as well, if we can raise the necessary funds to make it happen.

The additional venue will double the footprint of the festival, allowing 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 are set to launch a crowdfunder to raise £10,000, with supporters able to pick from a wide range of rewards including an immersive treasure hunt experience through the festival grounds, exclusive hand-printed T-shirts from Acorn Print Studio, VIP passes for the festival and limited edition prints by Hidden Door artists.

The visual artists will be chosen from Hidden Door’s Graduate Support Network, launched earlier this year to support recent graduates. These artists will be paid for their work through the proceeds raised from this year’s Crowdfunder. For many of them, it will be their first paid creative opportunity.

Hannah Stewart, Project Manager, said: “Graduates across Scotland have missed out on the opportunity to exhibit their work because of the onset of a global pandemic. This has greatly impacted their introduction to the industry and their subsequent livelihood.

“It goes without saying that the last 16 months have been challenging for everyone, especially the Arts and Culture sector. These artists are not only trying to establish themselves and their career, but to reinforce the importance and value of art and culture during these unprecedented times.

“As a festival that celebrates the artistic integrity of Scotland and the wider UK, it is Hidden Door’s duty to help alleviate these artists’ feelings of being devalued, discouraged and despairing.

“We at Hidden Door want to help give these emerging artists the exhibition they deserve. We also want to make sure Scotland doesn’t miss out on the fresh creativity and drive that enriches the country.

“We have the venue and we’ve found the talent; we just need the community’s support to make it happen!”

The crowdfunding campaign will be launched on Kickstarter soon.

Subscribe to Hidden Door’s mailing list to be notified when it’s live!

£5 million more for services to address gender-based violence

Frontline services for women and girls affected by gender-based violence will receive £5 million to deal with additional pressures that have occurred during the pandemic.

The funding will go to rape crisis centres and domestic abuse services to cut waiting lists, helping to ensure those affected can access the support they need more quickly. The increased support fulfils one of the commitments for the first 100 days of this government.

It will comprise approximately £4.5 million to be split between Scottish Women’s Aid and Rape Crisis Scotland, and a total of £500,000 for 12 other specialist support services and organisations.

Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie said: “Violence against women and girls is one of the most devastating and fundamental violations of human rights and is totally unacceptable.

“We recognise the vital work that local women’s aids and rape crisis centres do day in, day out to support women and girls, including throughout the pandemic, and I know demand for these services has increased. This in itself is appalling and I am determined to support rape crisis centres and domestic abuse services, which provide a lifeline for many women and girls.

“As the need for these services has grown in this most difficult of times, this funding will help survivors, and those at risk, to access specialist support when they need it most.

“We will continue to encourage survivors to report their experience and seek support they need.”

Dr Marsha Scott, Scottish Women’s Aid Chief Executive, said: “We have seen a huge increase in demand for support from survivors of domestic abuse and the impact from this is already being felt as our waiting lists are growing.

“This funding from the Scottish Government will help us manage this higher demand and reduce these waiting lists, allowing more accessible support for survivors.

“For us, this is an opportunity to bridge funding between Coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency funding and a new funding system based on need, rather than historical arrangements.”

Sandy Brindley, Rape Crisis Scotland Chief Executive, said: “Seeking support after sexual violence can be an incredibly difficult thing to do, and it’s so important that when people do feel able to reach out, that specialist services are resourced to be able to provide the support that is often described to us by survivors as life-saving.

“This funding – in conjunction with the new Delivering Equally Safe fund – is a very welcome and much-needed investment in local Rape Crisis services, but our approach must be sustainable. It is only through a strategic and co-ordinated approach that we will be able to make sure that survivors across Scotland are able to access the support they deserve, at the point of need.”

Full list of organisations receiving funding:

Aberdeen Cyrenians
Barnardos
Committed to Ending Abuse
Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Team – West Lothian
Dumfries and Stewartry Women’s Aid
Fife Women’s Aid
Grampian Women’s Aid
Kingdom Abuse Survivor’s Project
Moray Women’s Aid
Rape Crisis Scotland
Saheliya
Scottish Borders – Children First
Scottish Women’s Aid
West Dunbartonshire Council Support Service

This latest funding comes on top of £5.75 million allocated in 2020-21 to help redesign frontline services to ensure they are best equipped to handle the additional pressures of the pandemic.

The Scottish Government is also providing £18 million this year to third sector organisations and public bodies working to end violence against women and girls through our Delivering Equally Safe fund.

Scotland’s 24 hour Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline is available on 0800 027 1234.

Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline is available on 08088 01 03 02. Calls to this number are free. Alternatively email support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk or text 07537 410027.

In an emergency please call the police on 999.

Further information on the law can be found at safer.scot

Alok Sharma brings 51 countries together for ‘critical’ climate discussions ahead of COP26

51 countries – but no seat for Scotland

Ministers arrive in London to discuss key issues that require resolution at COP26
COP26 President hopes to build common ground and sketch the outline of the Glasgow outcome ahead of summit
US, India, China among 50+ countries represented at two-day ministerial meeting in a combination of virtual and in-person attendance

Today [Sunday] the COP26 President-Designate, Alok Sharma, will bring climate and environment ministers and representatives from more than 50 countries together to lay the groundwork for success ahead of November’s COP26 negotiations.

The event marks the first face-to-face ministerial of its kind in more than 18 months. With fewer than 100 days to go until the critical UN climate change conference, Mr Sharma is convening the meeting in London to shape the vision of the final outcomes from COP26, and build a “unity of purpose to deliver them”.

The two-day meeting will see major emitters like the US and China in discussion with countries that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as Jamaica, Costa Rica, Rwanda and The Marshall Islands.

The ministerial will cover the UK COP Presidency’s key goal of keeping the critical 1.5C temperature rise limit alive. Topics under discussion include mobilising climate finance, scaling up efforts to adapt to the impacts of climate change, loss and damage caused by climate change, and finalising the “rulebook” for implementation of the Paris Agreement, with a focus on Article 6, which sets out how countries can reduce emissions using international carbon markets and non-market approaches.

Ahead of the ministerial, Alok Sharma said: “We are facing perilous times for our planet and the only way we will safeguard its future is if countries are on the same path. As ministers responsible for tackling climate change, we hold the weight of the world on our shoulders, and the next two days will be nothing short of critical.

“With Parties coming from differing standpoints and perspectives, the world will be watching to see whether we come together in Glasgow and do what is necessary to turn things around in this decisive decade. So it is essential that together we roll up our sleeves, find common ground and collectively draw out how we will build a greener, brighter future for our children and future generations.

The UK intends for the informal, closed-door meeting to encourage frank conversations so that Parties can find ways forward when they meet again in November.

The COP26 President added: “Ministers should not be afraid to draw out areas of disagreement whilst maintaining a spirit of cooperation. I hope that we can use this opportunity to discuss tangible solutions, and that our friends leave this meeting with a clearer vision of the final outcomes from Glasgow, as well as a unity of purpose to deliver them.

Mr Sharma will remind ministers that to achieve the goal of keeping 1.5 degrees within reach, we must put the planet on a path to driving down emissions with mid-century net zero commitments and ambitious 2030 emissions reduction targets; protect people and nature from the impacts of climate change; get finance flowing to climate action, and work together to ensure the negotiations are a success. He will also stress the need for urgent action to phase out coal and internal combustion engine vehicles, as well as to end deforestation.

And he will reiterate his commitment to ensuring all voices are heard throughout the COP26 process. While the majority of participants will attend in person so as to build strong inter-ministerial relationships ahead of Glasgow, the COP Presidency has facilitated virtual participation for those unable to travel to London.

Representatives from the following Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are expected to participate:

Antigua & Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belize
Bolivia
Brazil
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cuba
Denmark
DRC
Egypt
Ethiopia
European Union
Fiji
France
Gabon
Germany
Grenada
Guinea
India
Indonesia
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Kenya
The Marshall Islands
Morocco
New Zealand
Norway
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Peru
Poland
Russia
Rwanda
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
UAE
USA

Online craft group to meet on Monday evening

WELCOME TO OUR ONLINE CRAFT GROUP!

Join our fun and friendly monthly craft meet up this Monday 26 July 6-7pm via Microsoft Teams.

Artist Molly Kent will be leading a weaving workshop using a simple card loom.

Email CentralLibrary.Lending@edinburgh.gov.uk for more information.

Wheely good result following Marine Drive police intiative

Officers from Drylaw’s Local Initiative Team carried out proactive patrols in the Marine Drive area yesterday and recovered six motorbikes valued at approximately £20,000.

The bikes are now in the process of being reunited with their owners. Result!

EIFF 2021 Opening Film: European premiere of PIG

We are delighted to announce that the 74th edition of Edinburgh International Film Festival will open with the European Premiere of Pig starring Nicolas Cage, on Wednesday 18th August at Festival Theatre.

The Academy-Award winning actor has achieved acclaim for this performance with Variety citing him as “at his melancholic best… a reminder that Cage is among the most gifted, fearless actors working today” and the Washington Post hailing “a soulful performance of unexpected depth and quiet beauty.”

A truffle hunter who lives alone in the Oregonian wilderness must return to his past in Portland in search of his beloved foraging pig after she is kidnapped. This film marks the directorial debut of Michael Sarnoski, who had edited and produced The Testimony which was shortlisted for the 2016 Academy Awards in the best documentary short category.

Edinburgh International Film Festival has an affection and recent history with Cage, in 2014 the festival programmed the critically-acclaimed Joe which starred the actor alongside Tye Sheridan and helmed by David Gordon Green.

In 2019, the festival co-programmed Cage-a-rama 3D with Matchbox Cineclub, screening two Cage cult classics Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance and Drive Angry in eye-popping 3D.

Director, Michael Sarnoski said: “We’re so thrilled to be sharing PIG at Edinburgh International Film Festival.

“It was a labour of love for all involved, and we hope it gives the audience a moment of reflection and togetherness after such a hard year.”

Nick Varley, Lead Guest Programmer of Edinburgh International Film Festival added: “Honouring the work of Nicolas Cage has become something of a tradition in Edinburgh and we are delighted to continue our long association with the premier of this most beautiful and thought provoking of films.

“From the moment the programming team viewed PIG we knew it was the film to open the 74th edition of the festival. Sincere thanks to Will Clarke and the team at Altitude for making the film available to us.”

Pig will be exclusively released in cinemas nationwide by Altitude Film Distribution on 20 August 2021.

Join the Facebook event here.

The 74th edition of EIFF runs from 18 – 25 August 2021. The full programme will be announced on 28 July 2021.

#EdFilmFest

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