Month: August 2021

Modern apprentice success as city’s students receive their grades

Modern apprentice Rebecca Ritchie is celebrating after successfully completing her Foundation Apprenticeship and entering the City of Edinburgh Council’s early years academy programme.

Rebecca, 18, was one of 16 young people to graduate this summer with an award in Foundation Apprenticeship Social Services Children and Young People and next month she will join our Early Learning and Childcare Academy to train an as early years practitioner.

Rebecca, who left Firrhill High School this summer having achieved five National 5s and two Highers, said: “I’m in quite a few youth clubs which I enjoy so thought a future in childcare would suit me. My school told me about the Foundation Apprenticeships which I’ve now completed and I’m going to be a modern apprentice.

“I think the Foundation Apprenticeships are a really good thing as it gives you a good idea of what job you might want to do and take on as a career. I’m really excited about working in nurseries so I can get to know the children and put into practice what I’ve been learning over the past two years.”

Her success was mirrored today as thousands of young people in Edinburgh received confirmation of their grades from the Scottish Qualifications Agency (SQA).

Once again this year there were no formal SQA examinations due to the pandemic; instead, grades were based on assessments which were set and marked by teachers, following the SQA’s new Alternative Certification Model. The model included robust quality assurance at all levels.

Early indications are positive with pupils from City of Edinburgh Council schools once again making improvements in several areas compared to previous years.

A total of 43,875 resulted awards were certificated for 8,189 candidates (includes special schools, adults and mainstream secondary pupils) in over 88 subjects ranging from Accounting to Urdu.

Particular successes across Edinburgh secondary schools include the percentage of A grades in both National 5s and Highers which improved compared to 2020 and 2019. This year 46.9% presentations were at an A grade compared to 43% for 2020 (3.9 percentage point increase) and 36.9% for 2019 (10 percentage point increase).

At Highers there were 48.3% presentations were at an A grade compared to 41.4% for 2020 (6.9 percentage point increase) and 31.6% for 2019 (16.7 % increase).

National 5s saw passes (A-C grades) of 81.7% (up 3.2 percentage points from 2019) and Highers of 85% (up 8 percentage points from 2019). Both categories saw falls compared to last year with pass rates of 88.8% and 89.7% respectively but there has also been a drop nationally.

Percentage increases across all schools were found at the following levels:

  • By the end of S5, 65% of the S4 roll achieved 1 or more Higher passes (A-C) – a 1 percentage point improvement on last year, and 6 percentage point improvement from 2019. 
  • By the end of S6, 70% of the S4 roll achieved 1 or more Higher passes (A-C) – a 1 percentage point improvement on last year and a 4 percentage point improvement since 2019
  • By the end of S6, 46% achieved 3 or more Higher passes (A-C) – a 1 percentage point improvement on last year and an 8 percentage point improvement since 2019

Jake Douglas, 18 years, left Forrester High School with 3 As in his Advanced Highers of Maths, Mechanics of Maths and Physics and starts at Heriot Watt University studying Maths and Physics next month.

His achievement is all the more notable as his courses were completed remotely as he was studying them at different schools. Due to Covid restrictions he was often unable to attend the schools so had to do his studies with teachers through Microsoft Teams and on e-mail.

He said: “It was really difficult having to study on my own at home but it did work in my favour as it meant I could go at my own pace. I’m delighted I’ve been able to reap the rewards and it’s nice to know that all my hard work has paid off.

Councillor Ian Perry, Education Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This year was once again an extremely difficult one for both pupils preparing for their assessments and our dedicated teaching staff who put in a tremendous amount of effort in co-ordinating them.

“The impact of the pandemic on learning and teaching has been a huge challenge for everyone so it’s really encouraging to see improvements in several measures compared to previous years.

“Praise must go to all our teachers and staff who worked extremely hard in pulling together all the assessments for the SQA. Our young people should be very proud of themselves in what has been an unprecedented year of change.”

Councillor Alison Dickie, Education Vice Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Once again our young people have shown great resilience in the most trying of circumstances and they’re to be congratulated for all their hard work as they take their next steps to achieving their personal goals.

“I’m particularly pleased to see the successes of our young people completing their Foundation Apprenticeships. These qualifications are a great way for us to develop our workforce in the early years area by having people who are well qualified with the right knowledge, skills and expertise to support our children and families in Edinburgh. It’s a progression route for young people coming out of school, and an opportunity for them to consider a professional career in early years.

“It’s important to remember that our amazing young people have a diversity of strengths and interests and that every learner’s journey is different. School is about ensuring they are able to fulfil their potential by attaining the highest level of achievements possible and by receiving the best possible experience.”

The lions have landed!

St James Quarter supports African conservation for World Lion Day

Just in time for World Lion Day, a pride of lion sculptures, designed by internationally recognised faces, have taken centre stage at St James Quarter, celebrating the iconic species through an exceptional street art exhibition.

The St James Quarter pride is part of a global art installation, The Tusk Lion Trail, in support of African conservation.

Following the huge success and popularity of the Tusk Rhino Trail in 2018, the British charity has launched over 45 life-sized lion sculptures onto the streets in iconic locations worldwide including London, Edinburgh, Bristol, The Hamptons – New York, Sydney, Wellington and Nairobi.

The artworks will be on display for the public to enjoy until the end of September 2021.

The only pride in Scotland is located at St James Quarter. One lion is taking centre stage at Register Square with a further two located inside the stunning 850,000 sq ft galleria. The Scottish sculptures have been hand designed by fine art photographer David Yarrow and renowned Scottish artists Adrian Wiesnieski and Ade Adesina, each creating a unique piece of art. 

Former Scottish Rugby Union players and British & Irish Lions Scott and Gavin Hastings attended the unveiling of the sculptures at St James Quarter along with Euan Kennedy another ex Scotland International Rugby Union player. 

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said; “We are proud to be the sponsors and the home of the only Scottish pride in the Tusk Lion Trail 2021.

“To see them at St James Quarter in all their glory fills us with pride. To be housing sculptures designed by world-renowned artists, who each have a special link to Scotland, it’s something we’re incredibly honoured to be a part of.”

Following the interactive sculpture exhibition, the unique works of art that have been displayed across the UK will then be auctioned in London by leading global auction house Bonhams, on November 9th.

More information about the event can be found here: www.tuskliontrail.com 

Record high in Scottish students accepted to Scottish universities

The number of Scottish domiciled students being offered a place at Scottish universities is at a record high on SQA results day, up 10% to 31,070.

University application service UCAS data shows the number of acceptances from the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland to UK universities increased by 7% to 4,700, also a record high.

This year’s statistics also currently highlight a 56% decrease, as at SQA results day, in the number of acceptances to Scottish universities from applicants based in EU countries.

Minister for Higher Education, Further Education, Youth Employment and Training Jamie Hepburn said: “Congratulations to everyone who has secured a place at university after what has been an extremely challenging year. The increase in acceptances for Scottish students gaining a place at a Scottish university is very encouraging.

“The figures also show that the number of people from the most deprived areas being accepted to university is at a record high. We want every young person in Scotland to have an equal chance of success, no matter their background or circumstances, and I am pleased we continue to make steady progress here.

“We have seen a sharp drop in EU students being accepted to come study in Scotland, this was always going to be an inevitable consequence of Brexit. EU students enrich our campus life and I hope we can still welcome many of them to our world-leading institutions.

“University is however not the only option available with opportunities available for students to study a range of courses at college, or to participate in a Modern Apprenticeship. Statistics published today by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) show that in the first quarter of 2021-22, the number of Modern Apprenticeship starts compared to last year rose considerably, demonstrating the value that employers place on apprenticeships.

“For anyone disappointed with their results, the SQA’s appeals process is now open. The clearing process is also now live and places are still available for those who want to study in Scotland.”

https://youtu.be/_URr15eTSPE

Read stats: Statistical releases – daily Clearing analysis 2021 | Undergraduate | UCAS

Perfect pooches on parade at Newhailes

Musselburgh’s Palladian mansion became Doghailes for a day of canine fun

The scruffiest dogs, most precious pups and waggiest tails were all on display on Saturday as the grand estate of Newhailes became Doghailes for the day.

The Palladian mansion in Musselburgh, which is cared for and run by Scotland’s conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland, welcomed dogs of all shapes and sizes for a day of events and activities celebrating man’s best friend.

Taking centre stage was a dog show with a difference, with prizes including Best Lookalike and Best Rescue. 

Claire Grant, the National Trust for Scotland’s Edinburgh Operations Manager, said: “It was great to welcome so many visitors and their four-legged friends to Newhailes at the weekend.

“Newhailes is a very dog-friendly property with lovely walks in our surrounding estate which we know our visitors love. After such a challenging past year and a half, it was great to see so many happy – and furry – faces, enjoying the day at our beautiful property!”

Among the winners was ‘hippy dog’ Rubin, a 13-month-old Poodle. Far out, man!

Pictures: Mike Wilkinson

Enertor thanks Western staff

Healthcare company Enertor thanked the Regional Infectious Diseases Unit and staff at the Western General Hospital in NHS Lothian today to recognise their exceptional work throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.  

500 pairs of insoles were presented to the hospital staff at Turner House, Western General Hospital, by Enertor’s Lucy Hilton. 

Talking at the event, Chris Stirling, Western General Hospital Director said:  “The Western General Hospital looked after Scotland’s first inpatient at the start of the pandemic and every day since all of our staff from nurses and doctors on the frontline to porters and administrative staff have all been working tirelessly to support our patients’ health and wellbeing and their fellow colleagues.  

“We cannot thank Enertor enough for their support and kind donation of 500 insoles. There are a lot of tired feet walking around our hospital day in day out, with many ward nurses logging over 20,000 steps plus per shift, so we know the huge difference these will make. Not only to their feet but team morale too, at what’s continuing to be an incredibly tough time.” 

1,000 insoles have been donated to date, as part of the campaign to say a heartfelt thankyou to keyworkers across the UK. The RIDU and WGH staff were the second support group to benefit from the charitable donations, 500 Essex District Nurses being the first.  

Over a single day our feet can support hundreds of tons, with just one step exerting a force twice our body weight. Imagine the stress on the bodies of our health care professionals and community services through the pandemic.

In order to send thanks, Enertor launched their six month, Save the Nation’s Soles campaign … and they NEED YOUR HELP.  

HOW CAN YOU HELP? 

Enertor are calling on local communities across the UK to nominate groups of people they’d like to thank – be it volunteers or key workers, hospital staff to Covid test and vaccination centre volunteers, postal staff emergency services to school teachers – groups who you think are making a huge difference with their efforts day in, day out. For every 5 pairs of insoles bought in a given month, one pair will then be donated to the key worker group. 

Nick Beresford, CEO of Enertor said: “We were thrilled when the Western General Hospital was nominated. They have been right at the front line of this pandemic working tirelessly, putting themselves and their families at risk all for the greater good. We are delighted to be able to give a small token of appreciation in recognition of the superb work they have done and continue to do day in and day out. 

“We all know how debilitating lower limb and foot pain can be – 90% of impact comes through our feet with little realisation of the damage this can do to the body. Now more than ever, injury prevention is becoming crucial, in helping to keep our key workers and community heroes healthy and mobile. 

“We will come through this crisis, but the only way through is together and so we wanted to do our bit to support and send our thanks for their continued efforts and devotion to saving the nation.” 

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NEXT TO SHOW MY SUPPORT? 

To give thanks to your local heroes and heroines, visit: 

https://enertor.com/pages/save-our-nations-soles to nominate your chosen group. 

The nominated organisation must comprise over 50 people and each nomination will require the name of the group, a named contact to receive the donation if chosen and a short reason as to their hard work and deserving of the protective insoles.

Each month until December, one chosen organisation will be presented with their donation.  

WHY DO WE NEED SHOCK ABSORBING INSOLES? 

Enertor PX1 insoles offer the first shock-absorbing technology specifically developed for protecting the feet and body from ground forces. 

Transmitting impact forces horizontally through the insole, shockwaves are greatly reduced through the leg. The shoe inserts also help to improve lower limb alignment, reduce fatigue and reduce tibia and femur rotation and the stress this puts on joints. 91% of foot pain sufferers reported an improvement in the level of pain and 75% confirm that our insoles healed their plantar fasciitis. 

Trusted by podiatrists, the NHS and British Army, the PX1 insole boasts flexibility, comfort, durability and energy returning properties, priced at just £34.99. 

www.enertor.com  

Aldi hiring 140 staff across Edinburgh and The Lothians

Aldi is looking to hire over 140 colleagues in Edinburgh and The Lothians between now and Christmas. 

The UK’s fifth-largest supermarket is looking for people of all levels of experience to fill roles at its stores and distribution centres across the region. 

This includes apprenticeships and part-time positions such as Warehouse Cleaner and Stock Assistant, all the way up to Deputy Manager. 

Stores in Edinburgh and The Lothians where Aldi is looking to hire include Bathgate, Hermiston Gait and Livingston.    

The recruitment push forms part of Aldi’s nationwide expansion drive in recent years, with the supermarket currently looking to fill thousands of roles across the UK before the end of the year.  

Kelly Stokes, Recruitment Director at Aldi UK, said: “As we continue to grow, we’re looking for more ambitious and hard-working individuals to join our team at stores across Edinburgh and The Lothians.  

“There’s something here for everyone, from new starters looking to take their first step on the career ladder to more experienced team managers seeking a new challenge.  

“Our amazing colleagues are central to everything we do at Aldi and remain one of the key factors in our success. We’re looking forward to welcoming our new recruits to the team.” 

Those interested in applying for a career with Aldi can visit 

www.aldirecruitment.co.uk. 

Live Music Now Scotland extends festival season into September

  • LMNS continues to collaborate with the Scottish Arts Club with Virtual Fridays on the Fringe
  • Teaming up with Capital Theatres, LMNS provides dementia friendly tea-party
  • National Galleries of Scotland and LMNS continue to work in partnership on lockdown concert series

As we adjust to the new normal, Live Music Now Scotland (LMNS) is embracing the change this festival season with a programme of inclusive, online and in person events that extends into September.

From tea parties catering for those with dementia, to a continued collaboration as part of Edinburgh Festival Fringe, LMNS is excited to shake off the difficulties of the past year by bringing even more live music, to even more people.

Collaborating once again this summer, Live Music Now Scotland and the Scottish Arts Club are joining forces for Virtual Fridays on the Fringe, an online concert bringing audiences from all over Edinburgh, the UK and even the world, the sound of Scotland this summer.

Taking place this Friday (13 August), fiddler Euan McLaughlin and guitarist Nicky Kirk will be taking to the digital stage with a selection of folk and traditional tunes from 6.30pm.

Part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Virtual Fridays on the Fringe is produced by Fika Productions for the Scottish Arts Club.

Throughout the pandemic the LMNS team has been working hard to keep live music in the lives of those who would otherwise not, even at the best of times, get the chance to enjoy it. Achieved by embracing the power of Zoom and, as restriction lifted, even occasionally the power of the outdoor gazebo, LMNS continues to find new ways to herald in the return to live.

This summer two significant projects, one supported by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the other by Morton Charitable Trust, continue to bring live music (and in-the-flesh LMNS musicians!) to residential homes in Edinburgh and four Erskine homes for veterans.

Fiddler Jamie MacDonald and guitarist Nicky Kirk entertained residents at Murrayfield House Care Home to hugely positive feedback from all involved.

One Murrayfield House Care Home staff member said: “Jamie and Nicky were fantastic. They gave a flawless performance. They interacted with the residents who enjoyed the outdoor performance. Staff were happy to see residents in the garden and see how happy they were.”

On Monday 23 August LMNS is delighted to be joining Capital Theatres for a dementia friendly Tea Party. Taking place online audiences are encouraged grab a cuppa, and favourite sarnie or a scone, and join in on YouTube for a sing-a-long and some dancing.

And, once again teaming up with the National Galleries of Scotland for its lockdown concert series, LMNS continues to support those living with dementia across Scotland, with an online and dementia friendly session. With both musicians and audiences joining in from the comfort of their own homes, these soothing sets are suitable for everyone of any age and are entirely free.

It is not only the ears of the older generation being treated to LMNS live music this summer. 

YouthLink Summer of Play by YouthLink Scotland (the national agency for youth work) in Kirkcaldy saw young people with additional support needs enjoy live, in person performances by a range of LMNS musicians including Kaitlin Ross, Sally Simpson, Valerie Barr, Aidan Moodie and Robbie Greig.

Later in the year, from Monday 27 September – Friday 1 October, working with Aberdeenshire Council Youth Music Initiative (YMI), LMNS musicians will take to the road in Aberdeenshire, bringing music to ten schools across the region.

Harpist Lucie Hendry and fiddler Sally Simpson are the latest LMNS musicians to take part in the initiative which aims to create access to high quality music making opportunities for young people.

Created by the Scottish Government and administered by Creative Scotland, YMI offers young people the chance to achieve their potential in or through music making, while supporting the development of the youth music sector.

Carol Main MBE, Director at Live Music Now Scotland, said: “We are delighted that live music is coming back across the country post pandemic.

“There is a fantastic range of events and opportunities for our musicians to take part in this summer, and it is testament to the hard work of venues – be they concert halls or care homes – that these are starting to take place in person, as well as online.

“We continue to work with some exceptional establishments who provide support for those with additional support needs of all ages, and it is heart-warming to hear how much music has been missed and how impactful its return has been for so many.”

Don’t let thieves steal our summer

Thieves operate all year round. That’s why this summer Crimestoppers are launching a new seasonal acquisitive crime campaign, ‘Safer Communities’: 

We’ll be raising awareness of our anonymous service and sharing prevention advice from our partners Mitie and Neighbourhood Watch to help protect you, your home and car from opportunistic thieves.

As lockdown eases and we leave our homes this summer, we need to protect ourselves and possessions from crime. The pandemic has brought neighbours together, and we don’t want that to stop – you can still be neighbourly by looking out for each other’s homes when you go on holiday. 

IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THE CRIMINALS BEHIND ANY OF THE BELOW CRIMES, TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW – CALL 0800 555 111 OR USE THE ONLINE FORM HERE ON OUR WEBSITE. YOU’LL STAY 100% ANONYMOUS. ALWAYS.

With your help we’ve helped reunite people with stolen goods, made communities safer and brought people to justice.

THEFT

Lockdown easing is likely to result in a rise in interpersonal crimes like snatch-theft and assault, as people go out more in the evening and have a few drinks with friends. 

When we’ve all been used to not going out as much as usual, it’s easy to forget to keep an eye on your handbag, wallet, mobile phone or purse – and thieves are always on the lookout for new opportunities.

DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THIEVES WHO CARRY OUT THESE CRIMES? STAY 100% ANONYMOUS BY TELLING US WHAT YOU KNOW. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN KEEP YOU AND YOUR POSSESSIONS SAFE FROM THEFT.

BURGLARY

Domestic burglary may be perceived as a victimless crime; however, 84% of victims feel emotionally affected after a burglary, with 35% feeling vulnerable, resulting in a lack of confidence. 

Burglars keep an eye out for empty and unprotected properties and, now that we’re starting to go out more, they are likely to step up their surveillance – but, by speaking up, together we can all help to combat this.

John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch, said: “Now that we’re all starting to ease out of Covid-19 restrictions, we need to make sure that as well as keeping ourselves safe, we’re keeping our homes and neighbourhoods safe.

“More people out and about means homes will be left unattended, and burglary may rise, which is why we’re supporting Crimestoppers’ Safer Communities campaign.”

IF YOU KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT A PLANNED CRIME, OR HAVE SEEN A CRIME TAKE PLACE AND WANT TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS, TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR HOME, AND WHAT USEFUL INFORMATION YOU CAN TELL US ABOUT THIS CRIME.

CAR CRIME

Did you know? In the UK, a car is stolen on average every ten minutes, and catalytic converter theft is on the rise. 

Catalytic converter theft doesn’t just happen outside residential properties, it can happen in car parks too. Earlier this year OPAL, a national intelligence unit focused on serious organised acquisitive crime, reported a national increase in these types of offences across both locations.

Barrie Millett, Mitie Director of Assurance, Security and Business Services, said: “Our business crime unit at Mitie is tackling catalytic converter theft for our clients. Last year they saw an increase in this activity between July and October, when lockdown restrictions eased, in line with national trends.  

“As Covid restrictions get lifted once more, we urge our customers, clients and staff to stay vigilant, follow prevention advice, and tell Crimestoppers what you know if you have information about the criminals carrying out these crimes.”

Whilst you’re out and about this summer, stay alert and follow Neighbourhood Watch’s simple protection advice – to keep your car locked, lit and empty. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR CAR FROM CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT, AND WHAT USEFUL INFORMATION YOU CAN TELL US ABOUT THIS CRIME.