An East Lothian holiday park has been presented with a top regional tourism award by UK holiday giant Hoseasons.
Seton Sands Holiday Villagewas crowned Best Family Fun destination in Scotlandat the staycation specialist’s 15th annual Awards – a celebration of the holiday parks, lodge resorts and boating locations in the company’s UK portfolio that have achieved the highest scores in independent customer satisfaction surveys and delighted guests through exceptional holiday experiences throughout the 2021 season.
Commenting after the awards were announced during an online ceremony Jamie Stirling, General Manager at Seton Sands Holiday Village said: “Winning awards is always nice, but being recognised by our guests for our efforts is particularly pleasing.
“It’s been the most challenging year any of us in the industry can ever remember, but throughout everything we’ve always tried to give our holidaymakers the best possible experience we can, so it’s great for our team to get the recognition they deserve.”
Simon Altham, Group Chief Commercial Officer at Awaze – the parent company of Hoseasons – said: “We all understand the importance customer reviews play in influencing holiday choices and it’s clear from the amazing scores Seton Sands Holiday Village have been receiving, that the team are doing a fantastic job of delighting guests and exceeding expectations.
“The future looks brighter than ever for UK holidays and we are sure this award will help further boost bookings for 2022 and beyond.”
For more information on Seton Sands Holiday Village or any other Hoseasons holiday, visit www.hoseasons.co.uk
Over 30 opportunities for early career artists and creative practitioners aged 18-24 are being supported across the country thanks to a new Youth Arts Bursaries scheme with funding from the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland.
Twelve organisations across the country have been awarded over £270,000 to enable them to offer early career creatives the space, support, and platform to research, instigate, develop and share their creative projects.
The wide range of bursaries on offer includes opportunities in a diverse selection of sectors including visual arts, digital, crafts and traditional arts.
Among the range of opportunities, Eden Court will provide two six-month bursaries at £10,000 for a young artist to be embedded in the organisation’s engagement team with a dedicated mentor and support from creative producers. This opportunity will enable young artists to deliver a substantial project that will form part of Eden Court’s festive season offering.
The Work Room will collaborate with Barrowland Ballet in Glasgow to offer two early-career dance artists six-month bursaries, whereby financial support will enable the successful applicants to benefit from a supportive environment in which to instigate and develop their own creative projects.
In Orkney, Pier Arts (above) will offer a three-month opportunity with a two-week residency aimed at allowing an 18–24-year-old artist to engage with Pier Arts’ modernist art collection, network and meet with other professionals and experience Orkney’s unique environment.
Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government is pleased to provide further support to young artists and creative practitioners through Creative Scotland’s Youth Arts Bursaries. This funding will help talented young people across Scotland who have been significantly impacted by the challenges they’ve faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Supporting young people is central to our approach to COVID-19 recovery and it’s good to see that these bursaries have been shaped by the young people themselves to develop specific projects to advance their artistic careers.”
The National Youth Arts Advisory Group (NYAAG) have been closely involved in the development of the programme.
Youth Arts Bursary panellist member Laura Walker said: “It was a great experience as a young person to be a part of this decision-making-panel, knowing too that other young people had been involved in the assessment process before us.
“Not only does this allow us as assessors and decision-makers to build skills and be introduced to a professional process, but it means that we have crucial youth representation throughout.”
Colin Bradie, Interim Head of Creative Learning at Creative Scotland said: “This fund, developed in direct response to feedback from young people, recognises them as professional artists and creative practitioners, and provides an important progression route, especially for those who lack the accessible support to develop their creative careers.
“For organisations, The Youth Arts Bursaries represent a valuable opportunity to work with young artists and creative practitioners and gain the opportunity to explore new ideas and innovative ways of working.
“We would like to thank the Scottish Government for their continued investment in young people through this vital arts funding which helps ensure opportunities for artists and creative practitioners in Scotland remain strong as we continue to emerge from the pandemic.”
“To signal the return of a ‘business as usual’ model when the country is still in the grip of a pandemic is utterly reckless”
The British Dental Association Scotland has warned that plans to return NHS practices to pre-COVID models of work will devastate dental services across the country.
Cabinet Secretary Humza Yousaf yesterday wrote to every NHS dental team in Scotland, indicating that all emergency support will be withdrawn by 1 April 2022. Since the first lockdown NHS practices have operated under a COVID support package, reflecting pandemic pressures and tight restrictions that continue to limit capacity across the service.
A return to delivering a low margin/high volume model of care is, BDA Scotland contends, simply unsustainable under current conditions. While some restrictions may ease in the coming months, there are no indications the service is likely to return to anything resembling ‘business as usual’.
With a growing number of staff facing abuse from frustrated patients unable to secure appointments, the BDA has warned the move will only raise patient expectations, while pushing NHS colleagues into the private sector or out of dentistry altogether.
Yousaf has signalled minor changes to the payment system for dentists that will take effect from 1 February 2022, largely covering the treatment of children. While welcome, these reforms will have a negligible impact on capacity within the service and will not ease the pressure on practice finances once the COVID support payments are withdrawn.
The SNP committed to delivering free NHS care for all in Scotland in the recent election. The BDA has stressed this approach runs counter to that vision, and that real focus and energy must be applied to developing a new, sustainable model for delivering care.
David McColl, Chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee said:“The Scottish Government seems set to pull the rug out from under every dedicated NHS dentist.
“If Ministers had an objective to decimate NHS dentistry, this approach would offer a great starting point. To signal the return of a ‘business as usual’ model when the country is still in the grip of a pandemic is utterly reckless. The net result will be to push colleagues out of the NHS and to leave this profession altogether.
“Ministers put NHS dentistry front and centre in their pitch for government. To deliver on their promises we need real commitment to find a new and better way for delivering for the patients that need us.”
Forget the catch of the day, St James Quarter has a number of exciting activities lined up as it gears up for its first ever Edinburgh Seafood Festival, in partnership with Seafood Scotland, featuring some fin-tastic collaborations.
Taking place Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th October, from 12noon to 7pm each day, foodies will have the chance to drop into a series of intimate events from sushi making with Maki & Ramen, Seaside Gin tasting and pairing with The Oysterman and Japanese roll sessions with Harajuku Kitchen.
Attendees can head to the ‘Seafood Dome’ located on St James Square throughout the weekend and enjoy a variety of cooking demonstrations suitable for all ages.
Join MasterChef winner Gary Maclean on Saturday 23rd October from 12noon, where the Scottish National Chef will explore an array of seafood the Scottish larder has to offer and take part in an exclusive Q&A session with him.
And it doesn’t stop there, those ‘trout and about’ can enjoy freshly shucked oysters from The Oysterman from Friday to Sunday and live music from Edinburgh Jazz & Blues throughout the weekend.
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “We promised something new and exciting every week and that’s exactly what we are delivering.
“We know from the success of our food and beverage brands just how much customers love culinary experiences, so we’re extremely excited to be partnering with Seafood Scotland to present our first ever Seafood Festival this weekend.
“From sushi making with Maki & Ramen to educational sessions with MasterChef winner Gary Maclean – there really is something for everyone to enjoy!”
Clare MacDougall, Head of Trade Marketing (Middle East, North America and UK) at Seafood Scotland added:“At Seafood Scotland we are always looking for ways to showcase the range of quality products we have in Scottish waters and being part of St James Quarter’s first Seafood Festival will help us do just that.
“Head along to learn more about what you can do with different types of seafood and you’ll be in for a treat if you spot The Oysterman as he will be shucking fresh oysters and serving them to you with a pairing of your choice.”
To celebrate the Seafood Festival, St James Quarter is offering all customers half price car parking from 5:30pm every night until Sunday 31st October.
So, ‘sea’ it for yourself, head to the St James Quarter’s social channels for more info: @stjamesquarter
On behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, Underbelly announces that tickets for Edinburgh’s Christmas 2021 are now on sale.
– Tickets on sale for selected rides and attractions.
– The much-loved ice rink returns, sponsored by Lidl GB and partnered by Essential Edinburgh.
– East Princes Street will see the return of festive food & drink and the Christmas Market.
– West Princes Street will include Santa Land, featuring the magical Santa’s Grotto and family friendly attractions.
– EH postcodes receive 20% discount.
Edinburgh’s Christmas is back and set tobring festive cheer to the heart of the city.
This year we see the return of the city’s much-loved Christmas ice rink, sponsored by Lidl GB and partnered by Essential Edinburgh, in its new home on George Street. The firm favourite will include a first for Edinburgh’s Christmas, skate up festive food and drink offerings alongside family sessions. Lidl on Ice will open on 19 November.
Once again East Princes Street Gardens hosts one the UK’s favourite Christmas Markets. The fantastic festive market will offer a wide range of European and local food, drink and craftswhich are bound to get you into the Christmas spirit.
The Forth 1 Big Wheel will return, alongside the Star Flyer, all against the backdrop of the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh’s Christmas at East Princes Street Gardens will open on 20 November.
In a first for Edinburgh’s Christmas, those looking to get to the top of the nice list will find the city’s magical Santa’s Grotto in West Princes Street Gardens.
The lower gardens will be transformed into Santa Land featuring family friendly attractions including the Christmas Tree Maze and market stalls, full of festive treats and gifts.
Santa Land will open on 19 November.
Tickets for Ice Skating, Santa’s Grotto, The Forth 1 Big Wheel and Star Flyer are now available to purchase through the Edinburgh’s Christmas website. Those with an EH postcode receive 20% off their tickets.
This year, Edinburgh’s Christmas is going contactless and introducing a new ‘tap and ride’ scheme, rather than purchasing tickets from the traditional box office you will be able to purchase your ticket at each ride.
Further additions to the programme include:
Winter Windowswill return throughout the city, and this year’s theme is “Connections and Kindness”.
This special creative project encourages Edinburgh’s young and budding artists to showcase their talents to residents and visitors outside of the classroom. School pupils are invited to design their own stained-glass window to be displayed in our streets and community hubs.
This year’s theme allows Edinburgh’s school children to reflect on the connections made and kindness that they received and gave during the global pandemic.
The Nativity Scene, which this year moves to St Andrew Square.
The Nativity Carol Concert, organised in conjunction with Edinburgh Churches Together, takes place on 28 November in St Andrew Square.
Following on from the success of the Light Night rainbow installation on the Mound in 2020, Edinburgh’s Christmas is working with Edinburgh based artist Hannah Ayre who will produce a beautiful contemporary art installation, illuminating the Mound with cascading geometric snowflakes.
This installation will sit alongside Edinburgh’s Christmas tree donated by the Hordaland County Council in Norway and will replace the Light Night event.
The Mound installation will be illuminated from 20 November.
The Neighbourhood Market will return in 2021 and offer free listings for local Edinburgh businesses and attractions to showcase their products. In 2020, 207 local Edinburgh businesses showcased their products on the Edinburgh’s Christmas website.
To make sure Edinburgh’s Christmas is an experience as enjoyable as possible to all, Underbelly is pleased to be offering sensory packs to children and adult visitors with additional needs.
These will be available to hire, free of charge, and will contain a fidget toy, earplugs, water bottle, stress reliever and ear defenders. These items are designed to help users relax in situations they might find stressful.
The sensory packs are designed and kindly provided by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society.
Underbelly is meticulously planning Edinburgh’s Christmas with Covid-19 in mind and is dedicated to creating a safe and fun environment for the 2021 Christmas celebrations.
Working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and Essential Edinburgh, Underbelly has created an unmissable festive programme, helping to boost domestic tourism and reinvigorating Princes Street and the surrounding areas.
Edinburgh’s Christmas is designed to support economic recovery across the capital, driving footfall to the wider city centre area, bringing some much-needed cheer and happiness to both residents and visitors to Edinburgh.
This year’s festivities will also support Edinburgh’s Social Inclusion charity, the OneCity Trust with donations being taken at point of sale on the Edinburgh’s Christmas website and collection points at bars.
Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: “The Underbelly team has been working tirelessly to create a bespoke Edinburgh’s Christmas programme that not only provides unforgettable memories and experiences, but also makes visitors feel safe and at ease at all times.
“It’s been a very challenging couple of years for everyone but our proposed plans for Christmas are designed to support economic recovery throughout the capital, and to help Edinburgh be together again.”
Roddy Smith, Chief Executive and Director of Essential Edinburgh said: “We’re delighted to be able to partner with Underbelly to restore Edinburgh’s world-renowned festive celebrations for 2021.
“This year’s event has been designed to provide a much-needed boost to local business by supporting footfall throughout the wider city centre, providing more businesses with the chance to reconnect with residents and visitors to our spectacular capital city.
“We are especially pleased to support the fantastic ice rink on George Street which I am sure will be a great hit with everyone.”
Edinburgh’s Lord Provost and President of the OneCity Trust Frank Ross, said: “The festive season is a very special time for our city and our communities and I’m sure this year’s programme will be warmly welcomed by residents and visitors.
“Whilst the safety of everyone remains a priority it will be fantastic to see people coming together again and enjoying Edinburgh’s Christmas this year where there really is something for everyone.
“Festive favourites like the big wheel and the Christmas market will be back and it’s great that the fun is spread out a bit further this year, with Santa Land in West Princes Street Gardens and a magical festive ice rink at the west end of George Street. It promises to be a cracking Christmas party for everyone to enjoy.”
“Partnerships such as this with Underbelly and Edinburgh’s Christmas are crucial to our work. Not only will the return of Edinburgh’s Christmas help bring people back together and promote social inclusion, but the money raised will be a vital lifeline for so many community projects across Edinburgh through our main grant funding programme.”
LISTING INFORMATION
Edinburgh’s Christmas 2021 19 November – 4 January
Facebook: EdinburghsChristmas Instagram: EdinburghsChrsitmas Twitter: EdXmas Website (and to subscribe to the Edinburgh’s Christmas newsletter): www.edinburghschristmas.com
Prices start from £6. EH postcodes receive 20% off
Edinburgh’s Christmas, East Princes Street Gardens 20 November – 4 January
Santa Land, West Princes Street Gardens 19 November – 4 January
Lidl on Ice, George Street 19 November – 4 January
Winter Windows around the city centre 19 November – 4 January
Edinburgh’s Christmas Neighbourhood Market Place 20 November – 4 January
Litter levels highlight scale of our selfish behaviour
At a national seminar on Scotland’s local environmental quality environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful revealed data from its national surveys which further warn of a looming litter emergency.
88% of people agree litter is a problem across Scotland.
More than two PPE litter items per 1km surveyed.
Five out of six sites surveyed are littered.
1 in 10 sites had unacceptable litter levels.
Smoking related litter is the most commonly observed – present at 64% of sites.
More than half surveyed sites were littered with food and drink items.
Cigarettes, food-on-the-go litter and drinks related litter top the tables once again, but the pandemic has highlighted a new litter type – masks which have never featured in previous years.
The scale of the challenge Scotland faces as we collectively act to tackle the behaviours that are leading to a looming litter emergency is not to be underestimated.
Despite last year being an exceptional one, where data cannot really be compared with our historic trends, and when cleansing services were under extreme pressure, the stats taken from almost 11,000 surveyed sites speak for themselves.
It is clear that litter levels and the littering behaviours highlighted in our report – Time for a new approach to tackling litter last year, need urgent attention.
Mairi McAllan, Minister for Environment, Biodiversity and Land Reform gave the key note address at Scotland’s Local Environmental Quality Seminar, at which the data was shared with key stakeholders and partners.
The event has kickstarted a programme of online events focusing on the key strands of the proposed new National Litter and Flytipping Strategy which will go out for consultation this winter.
Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautifulsaid, “There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges for those who work hard to keep our country litter free.
“And, it is clear, that for many, the impact that litter, dog fouling and graffiti, has on their communities and neighbourhoods is unacceptable, particularly in our most deprived communities.
“Our latest survey results again highlight that where there are people in large numbers, there are unacceptable levels of litter. While no one organisation can solve this issue, individually we can all take responsibility and bin our litter or take it home and treat our country with respect.
“Alongside The Scottish Government and Zero Waste Scotland we are committed to continuing efforts to support communities, local authorities, businesses, and national agencies to reverse the decline in environmental quality across Scotland.
“We must now build on the collaborative work we have started over the past 18months, to eradicate the selfish behaviours that impact our neighbourhoods and the places we visit.
“We’re calling for everyone in Scotland to join us on our collective mission to make all of Scotland beautiful again”
Despite the continuing increase in litter levels there is a clear, collective ambition to tackle litter and we are working with others to ensure that the positive action, carried out by volunteers who pledged 1.5million minutes to litter pick during our Summer Clean this June, and positive momentum of the national ‘Scotland is Stunning’ litter campaign really makes a difference.
Everyone needs to step up to the challenge. Litter should be one of the easiest environmental problems to solve – everyone is able to bin their litter or take it home.
Care workers will rally at the Scottish Parliament this weekend (Saturday 23 October) as they step-up their fight for £15 an hour social care minimum wage.
GMB is inviting the media, public and politicians to come and listen to the testimonies of members from across the care industry, detailing their experiences and struggles of care delivery before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need for substantial pay increases.
Pre-pandemic the Fair Work Convention’s Social Care Report established that over 200,000 staff were employed in the social care sector, four-fifths of which were women, but revealed a billion-pound industry mired in precarious work, excessive hours, and chronic low pay – facts reinforced by testimonies of GMB members in social care in our ‘Show You Care’ Report.
The Scottish Government consultation on the future of a National Care Service will close on Tuesday 2 November.
Louise Gilmour, GMB Scotland Secretary, said:“We can make work better for hundreds of thousands of care workers now and in future if we substantially improve their pay, and that should be all the motivation needed to deliver a £15 an hour social care minimum as the centrepiece of a National Care Service.
“COVID-19 has exposed all the underlying problems facing workers care, problems that were well understood by employers and political leaders pre-pandemic but left unchallenged, and contributed towards care becoming the ‘crisis within a crisis’.
“Let’s learn the lessons. If we want to tackle the current understaffing crisis, end exploitative employment practices, and ultimately improve standards for everyone, then we must start paying people properly for the essential work they do.
“That’s why the prospect of wages amounting to little more than £10 an hour in the years to come simply won’t stand, and it’s why GMB members across Scotland’s social care sector are ‘fighting for fifteen’.
Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman’s handbag was stolen in a robbery near St Mary’s Cathedralat the West End.
The incident happened at around 7.25pm on Tuesday (19 October) as the 39-year-old was walking with a second woman on the lane between Manor Place and Palmerston Place, which runs behind the cathedral.
Two men approached the women from direction of Atholl Place and together forcibly removed the woman’s handbag.
The suspects left the area on foot towards Manor Place. Officers attended the scene and found no trace of the men or the stolen items, which include a phone and keys from within the bag.
Both suspects are described as adult men, of stocky builds and wearing all black clothing with their hoods up.
Detective Sergeant Gary Smyth of Gayfield CID said: “The victim and her companion were simply walking along the street when these men approached them and stole her handbag. The red leather bag is still missing, along with its contents.
“We are reviewing CCTV in the area and would ask anyone with private systems to check their footage and provide anything of relevance to officers as soon as possible.
“I’d also ask anyone in the West End area on Tuesday night who may have witnessed what happened, or the suspects before or after the incident, to come forward and speak with officers.”
Those with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 and quote incident number 2965 of 19 October. An anonymous report can be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
First ever green savings product from a sovereign issuer goes on sale online at NS&I for at least the next three months
The Green Savings Bonds will give UK savers the chance to back the Government’s green projects and join the collective fight against climate change
Bonds provide savers with financial returns and environmental benefits, backed by NS&I’s 100% guarantee
The world’s first green savings product from a sovereign issuer is available to UK savers from today (22 October 2021), less than two weeks ahead of the COP26 climate conference.
The landmark Green Savings Bonds give savers aged 16 or over the opportunity to back the Government’s green projects and put their money to work in the fight against climate change.
Green projects like zero-emissions buses, offshore wind and innovative low-carbon technologies will be eligible for funding, along with programmes to help us adapt to a changing climate like flood defences.
Projects to boost living and natural resources such as planting trees, protecting biodiversity and environmentally sustainable agriculture will also be eligible.
The Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: ““Our world-first Green Savings Bonds give savers across the UK the chance to back the Government’s green projects and put their money to work in the fight against climate change.
“The UK is already a world leader in green finance and these innovative new savings bonds will deliver both financial returns and environmental benefits, in a transparent and secure way.”
The Green Savings Bonds will be available from NS&I’s website and are offered at a 0.65% fixed annual rate over a three-year term.
With demand for environmentally friendly investments growing, particularly amongst young people, the bonds offer savers a way to generate both financial and environmental returns.
Research found that around 80% of people aged between 25-44 would be very or fairly interested in the concept of a green savings product, and that 42% of 18–34-year-olds would be willing to accept a lower return on their savings if they knew their money was being put towards green projects.
And because the Green Savings Bonds are offered by NS&I, the Treasury-backed savings organisation which offers Premium Bonds and other products, 100% of the investment is protected and guaranteed by the Treasury.
The Government will report regularly so savers can see which projects have been funded and the positive environmental impact their investment is making.
And in another world-first, the UK will report on the social co-benefits of the projects funded, so savers will also be able to track metrics such as the number of jobs created and SMEs or households who have benefitted.
Sean Kidney, CEO of Climate Bonds Initiative: “Every government has to green their budgets to meet climate targets.
“The UK’s landmark green savings bonds show just how that greening can and will be funded. It serves as an example to the world.”
Rhian-Mari Thomas, CEO of Green Finance Institute: “Following the success of the UK’s first two Green Gilt issuances, it’s great to see the launch of the new Green Savings Bonds, which will allow savers to put their money to work for the benefit of the environment.
“This is another important step to channel investment towards building a green, prosperous and inclusive UK economy, and an opportunity for savers to get involved.”
The Green Savings Bonds are the latest green finance initiative from the UK, which has been setting an example globally.
In the last month, the UK has issued £16bn of green sovereign bonds, with a record-breaking debut issue of £10bn that attracted the largest ever order book for a green bond, followed up by a successful second issuance of £6bn yesterday (21 October), which was even more heavily oversubscribed.
And earlier this week, the UK clamped down on greenwashing and set new global standards for environmental reporting with requirements for certain large businesses to set out their green credentials.
