Leading Aparthotel group, Native, eco-friendly commitment is paying off as the sustainable hotel has been awarded double gold from Greengage’s ECOsmart programme.
The awards follow a recent green commitment by the stylish aparthotel as they embrace a road to recovery that targets sustainable travellers and an eco-friendly approach to operations.
Greengage’s innovative accreditation recognised Native for embracing environmental sustainability excellence at both their Scottish properties located in Glasgow and Edinburgh, receiving an ECOsmart Gold Award for 2021/2022.
ECOsmart is an industry standard accreditation, awarded to hotels and meeting venues that can demonstrate an eco-friendly service approach in five key areas: energy and water conservation, waste management and recycling, rooms and facilities, food and beverage, and corporate and social responsibility.
Native who already operate a ‘Reuse, Reduce, Recycle’ policy and zero waste on single-use plastic welcome the gold standard recognition and the ‘green bill of health’ for their sustainable drive.
The hotel group was recognised in particular for turning their food waste into biofuel, offering 100% compostable bin bags and offering fully biodegradable, organic coffee pods fromThe Eden Project from their Edinburgh property.
Meanwhile, in Glasgow, they were applauded for eliminating almost 30,000 plastic bottles through their partnership with local independents Mossgiel Milk and ethically sourced Glasgow coffee roaster – Dear Green, to offer the perfect cup of coffee in the morning through sustainable practices.
There is zero waste with the milk production as the organic milk is supplied and refilled on-site using innovative reuse and recycle method, reducing landfill and cutting the hotel’s single-use plastic use down by 100%.
Native believes that by choosing sustainable accommodation you can, amongst other things, cut down your own carbon footprint without compromising on a comfortable and stylish stay. They welcomed the awards ahead of COP26 in Scotland.
Gary White, Scotland regional manager at Native aparthotels, said: “We are committed to our drive for sustainability at our properties here in Scotland. It’s an incredible team effort and we’re really proud to have been recognised in our bid to lower our carbon footprint.
“At both our properties here in Scotland, we are very eco-conscious and ambitious in our plans to deliver eco-friendly yet stylish accommodation for our guests.”
Andrew Perolls, CEO of Greengage Travel & Event Solutions, said: “Native is leading the way with sustainability in Scotland. It’s our pleasure to reward their imaginative approach to maximising the sustainability of their properties with the gold level ECOsmart recognition.“
With online shopping becoming more and more popular, e-commerce and online business start ups are growing at a rapid rate. In fact, according to the Business Data Group, the UK’s e-commerce start-up sector is booming at levels not seen before.
Its research showed that in the week before the UK’s COVID-19 lockdown was announced, more than 500 e-commerce start-ups were formed. Five weeks later, that figure had risen exponentially to almost 1,300 e-commerce start-ups per week – around 800 more than the same week in 2019.
If you own an e-commerce business, or you’re thinking about starting one, then there are special rules and regulations for operating. Here, Zoe Gibbons (above), partner and e-commerce specialist at Perrys Chartered Accountants, explains what you need to know about selling online:
Do online sellers have to pay tax?
Setting up as an online business is a great way to keep overheads to a minimum and benefit from flexible working arrangements. However, like any other business, an e-commerce business will be subject to paying taxes.
If you are self-employed, including as an online seller, then you’ll need to complete an annual self-assessment tax return to disclose any income and expenditure and submit it online to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
However, there are some exceptions. For example, if you are selling items online and it is not part of a business activity, such as selling second-hand possessions on eBay, then you won’t need to pay tax. However, if you plan to do it regularly, this could count as a business even if you already have a job.
As of 2016, the Finance Act gave HMRC the authority to investigate selling sites of individuals who do not appear to be declaring income. This is assessed based on the following criteria:
Intention to make a profit as opposed to selling for fun or to raise emergency funds
Repetition of similar transactions over a short period of time
Borrowing money to fund transactions
Inability to prove items sold were pre-loved or used before being listed
Items sold at a fixed price in a similar way to other retailers
Limited time between purchase and selling of items
Modification of items in order to sell them for profit
How much can you sell online before paying tax?
If you’re hoping to make a small amount of money from selling online, then the good news is HMRC currently allows for £1,000 to be earned in sales before any tax is payable.
However, even if you’re selling online on platforms such as eBay, Depop and Gumtree, and you’re not a registered business, once you pass the £1,000 earnings threshold you may be liable for tax as a self-employed individual.
What taxes do online businesses need to pay?
Depending on how your business is set up, the following taxes may apply:
Income Tax
Corporation Tax
National Insurance
VAT
Employers’ PAYE
Business rates
It is recommended that you seek the advice of a professional accountant for any e-commerce business tax related matters.
Is there an online sales tax?
In March 2020, HMRC introduced the Digital Services Tax – a 2% tax on the revenues of search engines, social media services and online marketplaces, which derive value from UK users. The majority of businesses affected by this tax are large multi-national enterprises, such as Amazon, Facebook and Google.
However, the UK Treasury is also investigating the options for introducing an online sales tax in response to the recent shift in shopping patterns and online consumer behaviour. Currently, it is considering a 2% online sales tax on e-commerce sellers and marketplaces.
This could mean that e-commerce businesses will need to pay 2% of tax on their online sales to UK customers.
Do you pay taxes when selling online to other countries?
If you sell goods online to customers who are overseas, then other considerations will apply. For example, your goods may require accompanying documentation and could be subject to customs duty and sales tax on arrival at their destination.
If you are in any doubt, then you should seek the assistance of a qualified accountant who has experience dealing with e-commerce businesses.
The Clowndoctors are back in Fife supporting families of local charity Nourish Support Centre thanks to funding from ExxonMobil
Hearts & Minds and Nourish Support Centre are pleased to announce they are working together again to support Fife families thanks to help towards funding from ExxonMobil at Mossmorran.
In June ExxonMobil workers selected Hearts & Minds as one of their charities to support in 2021 due to their ambition to support families facing adversity by bringing them joy, laughter and creative engagement through the Clowndoctors Programme.
In Summer 2020 during the first lockdown the Clowndoctors delivered virtual visits to Nourish families direct to their homes. Hearts and Minds wanted to develop their work further with Fife charity Nourish and help support their families with monthly Clowndoctor sessions. The generous funding from ExxonMobil workers of £5000 will help part fund these much-needed visits over the next twelve months.
Nourish and Hearts & Minds are a perfect partnership sharing the same ideals and values with empathy and kindness at the heart of everything they do.
Both organisations believe that meaningful human connection is vital for wellbeing, and that this is especially important when we are at our most vulnerable. Through the art of therapeutic clowning Hearts & Minds Clowndoctors connect to people’s humanity and transform experiences of adversity and create a safe space for families so they can relax and unwind and enjoy time together.
“Clowndoctors were amazing, Kacy giggled so much all the way through. It’s such a great experience and they do a fab job. We can’t thank Hearts & Minds, the clowndoctors and Nourish enough for the experience for Kacy, she just loves them.” – Parent
Nourish Support Centre was founded in 2011 by five parents who felt there was a lack of support for families who had children with additional support needs in the Kirkcaldy area. A lot of the children and families that access Nourish have met the Clowndoctors before at hospital or at respite care at hospices and are excited to see them again but this time with their siblings and families.
Louise Russell from ExxonMobil commented: “We were delighted that safe working practices during our recent plant improvement project enabled us to raise this money for Hearts & Minds, which was nominated by one of our workers.
“These visits will help bring happiness to many local youngsters and their families at a time when it is much needed.”
Rebecca Simpson, CEO, Hearts & Minds said: “We are delighted to be able to support Nourish and their families with a brand-new programme of monthly visits kindly funded by Exxon Mobil.
“These visits will deliver much needed laughter, creativity and imagination to children who are vulnerable especially in current times.”
Lynne Scott of Nourish said: “The smiles and laughter that the Clowndoctors bring to the children who use our services is just amazing, and its not just the young people who benefit, the whole family gain some quality time together having some fun time away from the day to day challenges they face.“
Average house prices in Scotland reach new high of £211,029
All 32 local authority areas have seen prices rise over the year
Transaction levels in August at seven-year high
Monthly average increase is 1.8% (August), average annual increase is 12.1%
Alan Penman, Business Development Manager at Walker Fraser Steele, comments:“At the end of July, the average Scottish house price stood at £207,344 but by the end of August this figure was £211,029 – reaching a new record high, with a rise of £3,685, or just under 2% in the month. The race for space continues to support the prices of larger properties. The scarcity of this type of stock coupled with the continued high demand means prices remain strong.
“Property at the top-end has performed well throughout 2021 and there is no sign of any imminent let-up. We noted last month that the exceptional performance of larger properties was likely to continue and this month we have more evidence to support that view.
“People’s preference for more space and working from home has meant buyers have often sought properties that can accommodate new lifestyles. But we should remember that borrowers’ ability to afford these properties has in no small way been a result of the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax holiday earlier in the year, and the continued record low interest rates.
“In terms of the geographical performance of the Scottish regions, the area with the highest annual increase in average house prices in August was the Scottish Borders, where average prices have risen by 28.4%, which again reflects the fact that the mix of homes that have been sold in this area has trended towards the more expensive end of the market.”
Average House Prices in Scotland for period August 2020 to August 2021
Commentary: John Tindale, Acadata Senior Housing Analyst
The August housing market
Scotland’s average house price at the end of August stood at £211,029, which set a further record, having risen by some £3,685, or 1.8%, in the month. The 1.8% growth rate represents a slight softening from the six-year high of 2.7% seen in July.
As we reported last month, one of the main reasons for the current upward movement in prices is a result of the lifestyle changes associated with “working from home”, which has brought about a shift in housing preferences to larger properties, with space for home-working becoming a prime requirement.
The demand for larger premises has continued throughout August, and for some includes moving to Scotland from London, or from other major cities in the UK and beyond. However, the number of larger homes in Scotland available for purchase remains thin, with strong competition for those properties that do come onto the market, helping to keep prices high.
Looking at Figure 1 below – which tracks the average house price in Scotland – we can see that prices reached a mini-peak in March 2021, immediately prior to the ending of the LBTT tax holiday on 1 April 2021. Average prices then started to fall, as buyers of high-value properties reduced in number (see Table 2).
However, the reduction in high-value sales only continued through April and May, with June and July seeing a return of the higher-value purchases. This was perhaps assisted by those who had decided to move away from buying properties in England, where the threshold on tax savings had reduced to £250,000 at the end of June.
In July and August 2021, we can see that prices once again regained their earlier momentum, with monthly price increases more than matching those experienced during the final quarter of 2020, despite the savings arising from the LBTT tax holiday no longer being available.
Transactions analysis
Monthly transaction counts
Figure 2 below shows the monthly transaction count for purchases during the period January 2015 to August 2021, based on RoS (Registers of Scotland) figures for the Date of Entry (Applications Date for August 2021). The fall in the number of transactions for the period March 2020 to August 2020 is clearly visible. However, what is also clearly demonstrated is that the number of sales for each month from September 2020 to March 2021 has surpassed that of the same month in the previous six years.
In addition, the spike in sales that took place in March 2021 – as the tax holiday expiry date approached – is plain, although this total was exceeded by the volume of sales in October and November 2020, when monthly sales during the pandemic reached their peak. Also clear is the fall in sales in April 2021, to levels below those in all previous years except for 2016 and 2020, indicating the extent to which buyers had managed to bring forward their purchases into March 2021 to take advantage of the tax holiday.
For the record, the peak in sales in March 2016 was also tax-related, and came one month ahead of the introduction of the then 3% LBTT surcharge (now 4%) on second homes and buy-to-let properties, which tax was pre-announced to commence from April 2016.
Sales volumes in April and May 2021 remained lower than the equivalent months in 2017 and 2019, and appear to have been roughly on a par with the levels seen in 2018. However, in July and August 2021 the number of properties sold once again appears to be higher than the same months in the previous six years.
Comparing total sales in 2020 with those of 2019, there was a 14% fall in the overall size of the market. However, looking at the number of transactions for the first eight months of 2021, and comparing with the same period in 2019 (2020 figures are distorted by the lockdown in the early stages of the pandemic), sales are up by 12%, although this does include the spike in March 2021, which will have enhanced the 2021 figures.
Scotland transactions of £750k or higher
The above table shows the number of transactions per month in Scotland which are equal to or greater than £750k. The threshold of £750k has been selected as it is the breakpoint at which the highest rate of LBTT becomes payable.
The table shows that there have been 648 sales in excess of £750k during the first eight months of 2021. By coincidence this happens to be the same number of sales over £750k that took place in the whole of 2020, i.e. in 2021 the same total as in 2020 has been reached after just eight months. It can also be noted that the 2020 total was the highest number of sales of properties in excess of £750k of the previous six years.
The reasons for this dramatic increase in top-end sales in 2021 are, as previously discussed, partly to do with the change in preference for larger properties. Home movers were thus encouraged to move to premises which better suited their updated needs. But additionally, we should mention the record low interest rates, which made the purchase of a top-end property more affordable, as well as the tax savings associated with the LBTT holiday, up to the end of March 2021. This encouraged the whole market to be more adventurous in its outlook.
As reported last month, we should also point out that one tends to get more “bang for one’s buck” in Scotland than in England. For example, the recent purchase of a £1 million home in the Scottish Borders included 5 bedrooms, 2.8 acres of garden grounds and 5 acres of grazing paddock. In London £1 million will, in some boroughs, enable you to purchase a three bedroomed Victorian terrace, with minimal garden space. It is therefore little wonder that some Londoners are looking to move to Scotland, if the workplace allows.
Local Authority Analysis
Annual change
The average house price in Scotland has increased by some £22,850 – or 12.1% – over the last twelve months, to the end of August. This is 1.4% higher than the 10.7% recorded one month earlier, and is the highest rate seen since March 2016, that date being just ahead of the introduction of the LBTT Additional Dwellings Supplement of 3% – which was introduced on the purchase of buy-to-let properties and second homes in Scotland (a rate which was subsequently increased to 4% on 25 January 2019).
This increase in the rate of annual growth in house prices comes as something of a surprise – we had assumed that since the ending of the LBTT holiday in March 2021 prices would begin to fall gently. However, it would appear that the shift in housing preferences for larger properties – with space for home working – rather than commuting to places of work, continues to influence strongly the current housing market.
In August 2021, all 32 of the local authority areas in Scotland have seen their average prices rise over the previous twelve months.
The area with the highest annual increase in average house prices in August was the Scottish Borders, where average prices have risen by 28.4%. This is not to say that each individual property sold in the Scottish Borders over the last year has increased in value by 28.4%, but rather the mix of homes that have been sold in the area has trended towards the more expensive end of the market. For example, in the Scottish Borders over the last three months there have been 12 properties sold with a value in excess of £750k, compared to just 2 such sales during the same three months in 2020.
Monthly change
In August 2021, Scotland’s average house price rose by £3,685, or 1.8%, and now stands at £211,029. This rise is smaller than the £5,530 increase seen in the previous month of July, indicating a softening in the rate of price growth over the summer.
Prices rose in August 2021 in 24 of the 32 Local Authority areas in Scotland, down from the 28 areas which saw prices increase in July. The largest increase in average prices in August, of 5.9%, was in Stirling, although this increase was assisted by the sale of a £2.4 million, nine-bedroom detached home, on the outskirts of Strathblane.
On a weight-adjusted basis, which takes into account both the increase in average price and the number of transactions involved, 5 local authority areas in August were responsible for 52% of the positive movement in Scotland’s average house price. The five areas concerned, in order of influence, were the City of Edinburgh, Glasgow City, Perth and Kinross, Aberdeen City and Stirling.
It is perhaps apposite that Aberdeen City appears in the top five authorities with the highest increase in prices in the month, as increases in oil and gas prices have been particularly newsworthy of late. All property types in Aberdeen City have experienced increases in their average prices in August, with the largest increase being seen in flats, up from an average £115k in July to £121k in August. Overall, the highest average property prices in Aberdeen occurred in March 2015 at £259,125, compared to an average £202,189 this August. At the time of the record prices in Aberdeen, the average price of flats in the city had reached £205k – clearly there is still some way to go before Aberdeen City’s housing market returns to its previous record levels.
Peak Prices
Each month, in Table 3 above, we highlight in light blue the local authority areas which have reached a new record in their average house prices. In August there are 16 such authorities, up from 12 in July. It is noticeable in Table 3 that eight of the top ten local authority areas ranked by price have reached new peaks, reinforcing the proposition that the main drivers of the current price increases seen in Scotland are associated with the price competition being experienced at the top-end of the housing market.
We can note that, in August 2021, Scotland’s overall average house price has itself also reached a new record level.
Heat Map
The heat map below shows the rate of house price growth for the 12 months ending August 2021. As reported above, all 32 local authority areas are reporting an increase in their housing values over the last year. The highest increase over the twelve months to August 2021 was in the Scottish Borders at 28.4% and the lowest in the Shetland Islands at 0.7%.
A new £6.2 million Renal Dialysis Unit has opened in Edinburgh serving patients from the north and west of the city. Located at the Western General Hospital, the state-of-the art facility is designed to meet projected rising demand for dialysis services, while being more comfortable and welcoming for patients.
It will ensure patients who need kidney dialysis have access to the latest equipment in modern, bright and spacious surroundings.
The new building replaces a smaller unit, which was over 30 years old, and very cramped. It has increased the number of dialysis stations from 9 to 12. Now up to 72 patients can be treated in the unit.
Dialysis involves filtering waste products and excess fluid from a patient’s blood when their kidneys stop working properly. The most common form of dialysis, haemodialysis, takes on average four hours per session and is typically carried out three times a week.
Dr Caroline Whitworth, Consultant Nephrologist explains: “Patients can expect to spend between 12 and 18 hours per week on dialysis so having a welcoming, peaceful and comfortable place to do dialysis is really important.
“We’re already seeing the positive impact this fantastic new facility is having on patients and staff. The clinical areas is as light and airy as possible, but also more peaceful, giving patients a much better experience. The unit will be a great benefit for patients for years to come.”
Bill Aitken, a renal patient, started experiencing symptoms of kidney failure in his early 30s. An avid football player he first noticed that something was wrong when his fitness started to deteriorate. He has been a patient with NHS Lothian for over 25 years. He says: “I’ve been in and out of treatment at both the Royal and the Western General. This feels light years away from the previous unit.
“It’s very nice and bright and has cracking views out the window to Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town. When we’re dialysing, we’re there for a long time so it makes a huge difference to be doing it in modern, pleasant surroundings.”
The Renal Dialysis Unit is one of several new projects at the Western General Hospital to transform services and create more space, comfort and privacy for patients. It was funded by NHS Lothian Capital Investment, constructed by Robertson Construction on behalf of RMF Health, and designed by HLM Architects.
David Cairns, regional managing director, Robertson Construction Central East, said: “The new renal unit is one of several projects we have delivered at the Western General Hospital, on behalf of RMF Health, over the last 2 years whilst the hospital has remained a live environment. We’re also progressing a number of other projects with RMF Health which will provide first class facilities for the hospital.”
The capital development team worked closely with NHS Lothian’s official charity, Edinburgh & Lothians Health Foundation, to integrate creative enhancements of the environment into the design, helping to ensure that the unit was not only clinically functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
Jane Ferguson, Director of Edinburgh & Lothians Health Foundation, explains: “The involvement of our Arts in Health and Wellbeing team from the start of this project really demonstrates the importance that NHS Lothian has placed on art and design as an essential part of their capital projects.
“They recognise how much of an impact the environment and surroundings can have on patient and staff wellbeing. We were delighted to work together to take forward creative and innovative ways to enhance the space, and I think the end result is a welcoming, restful environment which creates privacy, distraction and diversion while patients receive treatment.”
“The government should not wait for COVID infections to rocket and for NHS pressures to be sky high before the panic alarm is sounded”
Health leaders are calling on the UK government to introduce measures, such as mandatory face coverings in crowded and enclosed spaces, without delay to keep people well and avoid the NHS from becoming overwhelmed this winter.
The NHS is seeing worrying increases in coronavirus cases in its hospitals and the community at a time when it is preparing for a busy winter period, its staff are close to burnout, and it is being expected to recover many of its services that were disrupted by the pandemic.
The NHS Confederation is warning that the extent of this recovery could be at risk without preemptive action over winter from the government and the public.
Last month, the government set out its COVID-19 winter strategy, which focused on building the population’s defenses through vaccinations and other pharmaceutical interventions, as well as test, trace and isolate measures, and public health messaging.
Within that, a ‘Plan B’ would be enacted if pressures on the NHS were deemed to be at risk of becoming unsustainable. Additional measures could include clear communications to the public that the level of risk has increased, introducing certificates for people’s COVID-19 vaccine status, and legally mandating people to wear face coverings in certain settings, in addition to considering asking people to work from home if they can.
Many of these measures, particularly around mask-wearing and COVID-19 certification, are already common in parts of Europe where the prevalence of the disease is lower.
The membership body is calling for these actions to be introduced sooner rather than later so that if cases of coronavirus still rise to worrying levels, the government can then introduce tougher measures, if needed.
Alongside this, the NHS Confederation believes that this should go further with a ‘Plan B plus’, calling on the public to mobilise around the NHS and do whatever they can to support frontline services this winter. This could include:
Getting vaccinated, including booster shots when invited.
Turning up for scheduled healthcare appointments on time.
Using frontline services responsibly, such as by only calling 999 in emergency situations and accepting appointments with primary care professionals other than GPs, such as practice nurses and community pharmacists, as well as remotely from both primary and secondary care, if offered and suitable
Volunteering to support the NHS and joining or returning to the workforce, if eligible.
Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “The NHS has shown that it has been there for its patients throughout the pandemic and is working hard to tackle the increased demand for its services, with 1.1 million procedures and 25.5 million GP appointments delivered in August.
“The NHS is preparing for what could be the most challenging winter on record and it will do everything it can to make sure its services are not disrupted but these outside pressures are not solely within its gift to influence. As cases of coronavirus continue to climb, alongside other demands on the health service and pressure on staff capacity in both the NHS and social care, leaders are worried about what could be around the corner.
“There is a crucial opportunity for the public to pull together and show extra support for the NHS by behaving in ways that will keep themselves and others safe and also safeguard stretched frontline services for those most in need.
“It is time for the Government to enact Plan B of its strategy without delay because without preemptive action, we risk stumbling into a winter crisis. Also, health leaders need to understand what a ‘Plan C’ would entail if these measures are insufficient.
“The government should not wait for COVID infections to rocket and for NHS pressures to be sky high before the panic alarm is sounded.
“Additional investment has been given to the NHS to support its recovery and leaders are committed to putting that to best use as rightly, the public expects a return on its investment but if the government fails to get a grip on the rising cases of coronavirus and other illness, this could be put at risk.”
Confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK have exceeded 40,000 for the last seven days, with 43,738 recorded yesterday and 49,156 on Monday. The last time cases were in this bracket was in mid-July.
Also, English hospitals have seen a 10% increase in Covid-19 cases in the last week, with 7,749 people reported at the last count. Deaths are averaging around 120 a day but today there were 223 deaths within 28 days of a confirmed positive diagnosis.
Vaccinations have played a significant role in keeping these numbers lower than they could have been and were in previous waves of the pandemic, with the NHS currently supporting booster shots and flu vaccinations to more patients than ever, as well as supporting Covid-19 jabs for 12- to 15-year-olds.
Over 83 million jabs have been given in England so far.
The typewriter’s social and technological influence is revealed in this new exhibition and looks at its role in society, arts, and popular culture. It traces the effect and evolution of typewriters across more than 100 years, from weighty early machines to modern style icons.
The impact of the typewriter has been much wider than simply speeding up the way we write. It helped revolutionise the world of work and change the lives of working women in particular. Typewriters helped them launch their own businesses at a time when female employers were rare and became a vital weapon in the fight for the vote.
6 Aug 2021–9 Jan 2022 Exhibition Gallery 4, Level 1 Free entry
On the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth, experience his novels through objects that inspired him. In this small exhibition we show how Scott drew upon real historical objects for inspiration, placing objects alongside Scott’s words, and the stories in which they feature. While you view these fascinating objects, you can listen to an actor reading extracts from these tales.
In association with Walter Scott 250: Celebrating 250 Years of Scotland’s Greatest Storyteller.
This small exhibition highlights the exciting work being carried out in Scotland to fight against climate change. It brings together just some of the technological responses that have been developed in Scotland or that are being used here in the effort to cut carbon dioxide emissions. On show are a range of leading-edge equipment, much of it newly collected, alongside samples of natural material.
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
24 Sep 2021 – 9 Jan 2022 The Grand Gallery Free entry
The Extinction Bell is a work by Bristol-based artist Luke Jerram that aims to raise awareness of biodiversity loss. A fire engine bell from National Museums Scotland’s collection has been adapted to toll at random intervals 150-200 times per day. Each ring of the bell symbolises the extinction of a species, representing the number being lost every 24 hours (according to a 2007 report from the UN).
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
East Fortune Airfield, B1347, North Berwick EH39 5LF Open 10:00-17:00 daily
LEGO® Concorde Model 28 Jun – 31 Oct 2021 10:00 – 17:00 Free with entry to the museum
Master builder Warren Elsmore and his team have created a LEGO® Big Build of Concorde. Six metres long and made of over 60,000 bricks, the model took five days to build and is now on display under the wings of the real Concorde at the National Museum of Flight.
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
The Glenmorangie Annual Lecture: Rediscovering Viking-age Scotland with Michael Wood
26 Oct 2021 18:00—19:00 Watch online Free, with option to add a donation
Join historian and broadcaster Michael Wood and Dr Adrián Maldonado, Glenmorangie Research Fellow, as they take a fresh look at some of the iconic objects on display in the National Museum of Scotland and discuss new research on objects in the museum’s stores. The event celebrates the launch of Adrián’s new book, Crucible of Nations: Viking Age to Medieval Scotland, which reassesses the museum’s 9—12th century collections, uncovering an exciting new vision of Scotland’s diverse and creative past.
The event includes a live Q&A chaired by writer and broadcaster, Sally Magnusson.
Art and Science – Communicating the Climate Emergency
4 Nov 2021 19:30 – 20:30 Watch online Free, with optional donation
As the eyes of the world turn to Scotland for the UN Climate Conference in November, join artists Luke Jerram and Philip Pinsky, along with National Museums Scotland curators, for a discussion about the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crisis. Explore how the research and technology being used to tackle these issues can be shared with the wider public, and consider how art can help communicate these critical messages and inspire change.
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–16:30 daily
For families
October Half Term
18 Oct – 25 Oct 2021 10:00 – 12:00 & 14:00 – 16:00 Free, drop-in and online
Reduce, Reuse, and Rewild this October Half Term with activities to do at home or visit us in the museum to learn more. Take a walk on the wild side with our Rewilding Trail, make musical instruments from things you can find on a walk outside, or “go green” this Halloween and raid your recycling bin to craft a bat rocket and make some monster feet to wear!
And If Not Now, When? 1 Nov – 14 Nov 2021 10:30 – 16:30 Event Space, Level 2 Free entry, sign up on the day in the Grand Gallery
And If Not Now, When? is an immersive, reactive, sound and film installation by Edinburgh artists Philip Pinsky and Karen Lamond which invites you to experience a transformed urban reality to inspire hope and possibility.
Confronted with a heightened version of a busy urban junction; heavy traffic, pollution and noise, you will walk through a sound and film installation, guided by a lighted path. As you do so, notice how your position in the room directly impacts the environment around you. Watch and listen as your actions transform one environment into another and end the experience with a vivid and tranquil re-imagining of how we could all live peacefully in our cities.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, B1347, North Berwick EH39 5LF Open daily 10:00 – 17:00
For families
Survival Skills
19 Oct – 22 Oct 2021 11:30 – 16:00 Free with pre-booked museum entry
Take part in survival skills training for all the family at the National Museum of Flight this October half term. Learn how to set up a ‘leave no trace’ camp in the Concorde Hangar and sign up for our family bushcraft workshop.
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
26 Jun – 31 Oct 2021 10:00 – 17:00 Self-guided activity recommended for families with children aged 7-11 Free with pre-booked museum entry
Discover how engineers are working to make air travel less damaging to the environment. Download or pick up your trail to explore the museum while you learn about the challenges faced by the aviation industry and discover some of the innovative solutions that could be used.
Police are appealing for witnesses after a number of car tyres were vandalised overnight from Sunday 17 October into Monday 18 October 2021 in The Glebe, Manse Road and Almondside areas of Kirkliston.
We would appeal to the local community living in or near these streets to check any CCTV or doorbell camera footage and any drivers who were in the area at the time and who may have a dash cam, to review the footage and get in touch if you believe it may be able to assist us.
Information can be passed to Police Scotland via 101 quoting reference number 0569 of 18 October, 2021 or alternatively via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Live Music Now Scotland (LMNS) bring Live performance to Edinburgh with world premiere of ‘What’s for you…’ by composer Jennifer Martin
The piece will be performed by clarinettist Calum Robertson and pianist Juliette Philogene who will also perform the second LMNS piece commissioned from Jennifer, ‘Bi-Cycle’
The concert will take place at 3pm on Sunday 24 October at Holy Cross Church, Davidson’s Mains
Live Music Now Scotland (LMNS) is delighted to announce its next public, live and in person performance this coming Sunday (24 October).
Taking place at Holy Cross Church in Davidsons Mains, this one-off concert will feature a world premiere of a new piece for clarinet and piano by Jennifer Martin, performed by and commissioned for clarinettist Calum Robertson and pianist Juliette Philogene.
Entitled ‘What’s for you…’ the piece is one of two commissioned by Live Music Now Scotland and written by Jennifer Martin, who recently published a book Creative Composition for the Classroom co-written with composer Sir James MacMillan.
‘What’s for you…’ is a reflective piece that was inspired by the hopes, joys and fears that must come with motherhood; joyous, irregular, humorous, difficult, but always looking on the bright side.
Jennifer Martin, author of Creative Composition for the Classroom and Chief Executive of the Cumnock Tryst, said:“It is a huge honour to have been asked to create two bespoke pieces for Live Music Now Scotland, an organization whose work is so vitally important when it comes to getting live music to those who may not otherwise get a chance to hear it, and in the career development of musicians.
“Both ‘Bi-Cycle’ and ‘What’s for you…’ examine the relationship between mother and daughter in a myriad of ways, and I can’t wait to hear them in the beautiful surroundings of Holy Cross Church, performed by the brilliantly talented Calum and Juliette.”
The concert is free of charge although booking is required, and the concert will also feature Nocturne by Ronald Stevenson and Three dances by Germaine Tailleferre.
The location of this exciting performance is no coincidence. Throughout lockdown Holy Cross Church was incredibly supportive of LMNS, engaging artists to sing and play as part of worship when live performances were not allowed elsewhere.
Not only that, but the costs were also covered by the congregation, meaning a live world premiere seemed like a fitting tribute. The concert will slot into a new series of afternoon events in the church.
Carol Main MBE, Director at Live Music Now Scotland, said: “We are so excited to see a public LMNS performance, and a world premiere no less, return to the wonderful surrounds of Holy Cross Church in Edinburgh. Not only is a beautiful space, but one we feel a deep affinity with after the support they have shown our musicians throughout the pandemic.
“We also feel incredibly lucky to be able to hear these two pieces, commissioned especially for our musicians by the amazingly talented Jennifer Martin and performed by the equally talented Calum and Juliette, surrounded by a live audience.”
The two LMNS commissions were made possible by funding from Gavin McEwan.
We’ll be exploring the unique shoreline and all its treasures, from rock pooling and wildlife ID to seaweed gathering, bird spotting and more … Bring your nets and binoculars for a fun-packed wild shoreline discovery session, and don’t forget to wear your wellies …
Suitable for ages 8+
Free but advance registration is required.
To book your place: go to www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/183463433067 call us on 0131 315 2151 (Mon – Fri, 10am to 4pm) pop by and see us in person.
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