Day: November 25, 2021

Christmas is back at the Botanics – and it’s brighter than ever!

New Christmas surprises unveiled on the festive trail 

Christmas at the Botanics opened today [25 November] unveiling brand new sparkling light installations that will be sure to enhance the festive cheer. 

Returning for its fifth year, the shimmering trail is set to be better and brighter than ever, bringing in more stunning installations and surprising us with a new festive finale. 

Attendees must book their tickets online in advance of their visit and enter the trail during their  allocated time slot. A one-way trail route is in place and tickets are contactless to ensure safety  measures are in place. 

Showcasing a dazzling display of lights, music and projections, the one mile long after-dark  spectacular will also welcome back some of the Garden’s favourite installation, including ‘Christmas  Cathedral’ and ‘Fire Garden’.

A new finale for 2021, ready to create a glittering spectacular display, is ‘Sea of Light’ – which is set  to impress guests with an enthralling mix of sound and light technology from award-winning company ITHACA.

Used by Coldplay during their Glastonbury 2021 performance, the display cascades across the Garden’s landscape like glittering waves. 

Visitors can stroll through an enchanting forest with the brand new installation ‘Fireflies in the  Woods’. Produced by Electric Foundry, 100 points of LED lights tangle through the trees above,  creating a twinkling hidden wonderland. 

Rest assured your umbrella won’t be needed for this display: ‘Digital Rain’ by Bespoke lighting and  video is an immersive installation of LED lights that ‘rain’ down on guests below to create a  shimmering shower that is bound to dazzle! 

Rounding off the new installations of 2021’s Christmas spectacular is ‘Aquastell’ by PITAYA, which  has large looping arches with beams of light flashing along, like shooting stars across the sky. 

This year, there will continue to be health and safety measures in place to ensure that visitors follow  Scottish Government guidance on Covid-19 so everyone can enjoy their experience.

Reduced  capacity of attendees, a one-way system, a request to make space for others and the mandatory  wearing of face coverings in indoor areas. These measures will be monitored and visitors kept  informed of any changes to guidance during the run.

Kari Coghill, Director of Enterprise and Communication at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “This year’s trail is one of the most spectacular yet.  We are really looking forward to welcom ing visitors to the Garden over the coming weeks.

“Those who attend directly contribute to our wider  work, with profits from ticket sales helping to support our vital research and conservation efforts in  Scotland and around the world. At a time when the impact of the climate on biodiversity is high on  the agenda globally, our work is more important than ever.” 

Jonathan Marks, Chief Development Director at Raymond Gubbay, a division of Sony Music, which  promotes the trail, added: “Christmas at the Botanics is a huge draw within the Capital’s festive cal endar.

“We are extremely pleased with the breadth of artists and installations that are part of this  year’s trail and I am sure that the experience will be as magical as ever.”

Christmas at the Botanics runs for 32 nights on selected dates from 25 November – 2 January.  Tickets are on sale from www.rbge.org.uk/christmas.  

Tickets prices range from:  Adult £20, Member £17, Child (4-16) £14, Family £66 and carers and children under 4 go free. 

See booking website for calendar, prices and all ticket information. All tickets are subject to a single  transaction charge.

Plaque unveiling ceremony at Madelvic House tomorrow

Madelvic House has been awarded a red wheel by the National #Transport Trust In recognition of the unique #car making that was started in the factory in the late 1890s.

Vice-President John Yellowlees of the Trust will officially unveil the plaque today – Friday 26 November.

We would like to invite you to come along to celebrate this occasion, from 1pm onwards.

The history hub will have displays available, highlighting the importance of the factory and many other industries in Granton.

Bolt marks Edinburgh launch with sustainability drive

UK’s second biggest ride-hailing app marks Edinburgh launch with donation to support the city’s sustainability goals

Bolt – the UK’s second largest ride-hailing app with 4m passengers – is crossing the border into Scotland with its latest launch in Edinburgh, as it continues its rapid expansion across the UK.

Bolt was founded in 2013 and currently has 4m customers across the UK. The company has a mission to reduce personal vehicle ownership and increase availability of more sustainable modes of transport. Through its Bolt Green Plan it ensures all rides are carbon neutral.

The launch will see the fastest growing mobility platform in the world support the city in its bid to be a “Million Tree City” by 2030 with a £20,300 donation to the TreeTime Edinburgh initiative, run by Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust.

As part of the partnership and to mark its commitment to the second greenest city in the UK, Bolt’s donation will help the charity to replace a number of lost trees in the city. Trees have been felled in urban areas for various reasons, but through its donation, Bolt will help to replace larger strategically positioned trees, as well as contributing to extending and enriching woodland areas and parks that surround the city with young saplings.

With a number of larger trees being planted roadside, they will serve as a reminder to residents of the importance of the environment and the issue of carbon emissions in the city. With a third of Bolt’s initial city fleet being electric or hybrid vehicles, the ride-hailing service acts as a fast-growing sustainable alternative to the private car, as well as helping residents travel safely and affordably.

To celebrate its arrival in the city, passengers will have the chance to receive up to £8 off their first Bolt ride by entering the following code into the Promotions section of the Bolt app: ARTHURSCARSEAT* when they launch.

Sam Raciti, Bolt’s UK General Manager said: “Launching into Edinburgh and Scotland is a big step for Bolt.

“We take our responsibility in supporting the communities we operate within seriously and it was only right that we helped support the sustainability goals of the UK’s second greenest city through our partnership with TreeTime Edinburgh.

“We can’t wait to offer residents an affordable and responsible way to get around the city they love.”

Charlie Cumming, CEO at Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust, said: “Edinburgh’s trees are a major part of the local landscape and some of the capital’s most famous landmarks, parks and streets would not be the same without them. 

“We’ve calculated that the city needs to be planting roughly 6,500 trees every year to compensate for the trees we lose due to disease and Bolt’s donation and commitment will help us significantly.  We’re very pleased to be working with a company like Bolt that shares the same values and commitment to our local environment.”

Bolt is accepting submissions from Edinburgh passengers for the chance to personalise one of 15 unique plaques on trees planted around the city, providing a lasting legacy and the opportunity to share important messages about protecting the local environment.

Submissions can be sent to the company’s Instagram page, @bolt_uk.

MSP welcomes rollout of Child Disability Payments

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s rollout of financial support for families of children with a disability.

The new payment, which provides money to help with the extra costs of caring for a child with a disability or ill-health condition, opens for applications across the country today.

For the first time anywhere in the UK, disability benefit applicants can apply for Child Disability Payment online, as well as by phone, post or face-to-face.

As the Child Disability Payment replaces the UK Government’s Disability Living Allowance for children, this is for new applications. Those already receiving Disability Living Allowance for children do not need to apply.

These approximately 52,000 current cases are being automatically transferred in phases from the Department for Work and Pensions to Social Security Scotland and will be completed by spring 2023.

This is the first of three complex disability benefits to be introduced by the Scottish Government, with Adult Disability Payment to start next year.

Commenting on the rollout Gordon MacDonald, said: “The Child Disability Payment is a significant milestone for Scotland’s new social security system.  

“I’m extremely pleased that families across Edinburgh will benefit from a simplified and much less stressful system that allows them to apply for the payment online, by phone, by post or face to face. For too long families have faced an overly complicated process that feels like it’s been designed to keep them out.

“I’m glad that people both here in Edinburgh, and right across Scotland, are benefitting from an SNP Government that is putting dignity, fairness and respect at the heart of its social security system.”

New concert hall for Edinburgh city centre

Council Leader and Planning Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council welcome the approval of the plans for the Dunard Centre

The planning application, submitted by IMPACT Scotland, was approved yesterday by the city council’s Development Management Sub-Committee.

Council leader Adam McVey, said: “It’s great news that planning approval has been granted for this exciting and important new cultural venue for our Capital.

“This is the first purpose-built concert venue in Edinburgh in more than 100 years and I know so many people in the city are looking forward to enjoying a first class cultural experience with an expanding number of amazing venues.

“The new concert hall is the cultural flagship of our City Region Deal and being in a central location with fantastic public transport connections, it will complement the wider transformation of the east end of the city centre alongside the newly opened Edinburgh St James Quarter helping to keep our city centre a vibrant and thriving destination.”

Planning Convener Councillor Neil Gardiner said: I’m delighted committee today approved the new concert hall planning application and I welcome this major investment in Scotland’s Capital City.

“This state of the art purpose-designed facility now matches our international standing as the world’s premier festival city.

“The architecture of this new concert hall works well with historic Dundas House: the original plan of the New Town was to have cultural buildings at either end of George Street, which will now be fulfilled at St Andrews Square.

“Impact, who will operate the venue, has also committed to reach out to communities and schools across the city to make music accessible which is also welcome.”

Win a Coaching Session with Scots rugby star Hamish Watson

Entries are now open to junior teams across Scotland to win the chance to be put through their paces by Scotland international Hamish Watson at DAM Health Stadium in 2022.

Scottish Building Society has launched a search for a deserving under-18 rugby team to win a bespoke training session from Edinburgh Rugby star, Scotland international and British & Irish Lion, Hamish Watson.

One lucky under-18 squad will receive a specially tailored training session from Watson at Edinburgh Rugby’s newly constructed DAM Health Stadium early next year, with the competition open to junior rugby teams across Scotland, including school sides, established rugby clubs or local community teams.

Led by Watson, with assistance from the Edinburgh Rugby community team, the winning squad can look forward to a masterclass from the back-row star, with the entirety of the session taking place on DAM Health Stadium’s artificial surface.

To enter, all teams need to do is complete this form  detailing why they should win the session, sharing details on their team, their ambitions for the season ahead and what they’d like to get out of the session.

Entries must be in by Saturday 8th January 2022.

The winning team will be contacted directly to organise the session that will take place at a time/date TBC in early 2022.

The competition celebrates the partnership between Scottish Building Society and Edinburgh Rugby, which is supporting rugby throughout Scotland.

Paul Denton, Chief Executive Officer for Scottish Building Society, said: “We are excited to be able to offer one team the opportunity to train with one of Scotland’s best players and to gain first-hand experience of his legendary carrying and skills at the breakdown.

“As a mutual we are committed to giving back to our local communities so it’s fantastic to be backing grassroots rugby in this way. I already know some of the great work rugby clubs right across the country are doing both on and off the pitch and I’m really looking forward to seeing the entries as they come in.”

(Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

Edinburgh Rugby star, Hamish Watson, added: “I’m really excited to launch this initiative with Scottish Building Society and I can’t wait to welcome a deserving Junior side to DAM Health Stadium in 2022.

“I absolutely loved getting tips and picking up skills from pro players when I was young kid, so it’ll be great to give something back and hopefully the boys or girls take something out of the bespoke session.

“I’d encourage any junior side to enter this competition where they’ll get the opportunity to train like the pros at the brand new home of Edinburgh Rugby.”

HMRC: Be aware of post-Brexit changes before key Christmas shopping dates

As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging online shoppers in Scotland to avoid being hit with unexpected customs charges.

Changes introduced on 1 January 2021 means that consumers who previously had to pay charges when buying certain items from non-EU sellers may now also need to do the same when buying goods from the EU.

Katherine Green and Sophie Dean, Directors General, Borders and Trade, HMRC, said: “With Christmas rapidly approaching, we don’t want shoppers to be caught out by unexpected charges which will take the fun out of their shopping experience.

“There are now a number of factors that people will need to consider when purchasing goods from the EU, so shoppers are being advised to check guidance to ensure they know what they will owe.”

HMRC recommends people look at the seven top tips below to determine whether there will be charges on their goods.

If there are charges to pay, shoppers may also need to pay a “handling fee” to the courier company before their goods are released.

  1.   Be aware of where you, the recipient, are based.
  • Shoppers based in Northern Ireland won’t be affected by these changes due to the Northern Ireland Protocol, however those in Great Britain should be prepared for potential changes.

2.    Check whether your order contains excise goods, such as tobacco, alcohol or perfume.

  • Unlike other items, there is no lower threshold for customs charges when it comes to excise goods, so there will be charges due no matter the value or origin of your goods.
  • Shoppers buying excise goods will need to pay import VAT and excise duty. They may also need to pay customs duty (see tip 7 for more info).
  1. Check whether your order is worth more than £135, before extra costs, such as shipping and insurance are applied.
  • Shoppers buying stocking fillers or small value items, not including excise goods, don’t need to worry as goods sent in consignments worth less than £135 should not attract additional charges, as UK VAT is collected by the seller on behalf of HMRC at the point of sale. This also applies to goods being purchased from non-EU countries.
  • Anyone buying a more expensive product from abroad – over £135 – will now need to pay import VAT and may need to pay customs duty. The amount due will depend on a range of factors, including shipping and insurance costs so, to avoid surprises, consumers should consult their seller. 
  • Shoppers who already know they will need to pay import VAT should make sure their seller does not charge them VAT, otherwise they may be charged twice (see tip 5 for more info).
  1. Be mindful of new charges when sending or receiving gifts from an individual based overseas.
  • If you’re lucky enough to receive a gift from someone based in the EU and it is valued at less than £39 and it does not contain excise goods, it will be exempt from import VAT and customs duty. Above the £39 threshold, import VAT will be due and once the value of the gift reaches £135, customs duty will also be payable. You could also get charged a “handling fee” (see tip 5 for more info).
  • If you are planning on sending a gift to someone based overseas, you should check guidance published by the relevant customs authority to check their specific rules and charges.

5.    Be aware of how and when you could be notified of charges.

  • Anyone needing to pay customs charges will be contacted by the courier company and asked to pay the charges before they can receive their goods. Alternatively, the seller may arrange to pay any charges upfront on your behalf, but you should check with the seller to avoid any unwelcome surprises.

6.    Check the guidance available to you.

  • To help shoppers navigate these changes, HMRC has produced diagrams outlining three fictional scenarios about buying goods from the EU and has published a simple guide on GOV.UK, which also contains essential information on how to dispute a charge, return unwanted goods and to get a refund on the charges paid.

7.    Check with the seller whether the goods originated in the EU and whether they qualify for a “zero tariff”.

  • Customs duty won’t be due on goods if they meet criteria set out in the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and a “zero tariff” can be correctly applied.
  • The “Rules of Origin” requirements mean that even if your parcel is valued above £135, if the goods you are buying originate in – or have been sufficiently worked or processed within – the EU, the seller confirms this and the zero tariff is claimed on the customs declaration, you will not need to pay any customs duties although import VAT will still be due.
  • If customs duty is due, the rate – or the Tariff – for each item can be found within the trade tariff tool but it’s recommended you check with your seller to find out exactly what you will owe.

For more information on the changes as well as finding crucial information about how to return goods and get a refund on charges go to GOV.UK

Harrods to open first stand-alone beauty emporium in Edinburgh’s St James Quarter

Harrods to open first stand-alone beauty emporium in Scotland on 30th November

The luxury department store expands its beauty business outside of England for the first time with the launch of H beauty Edinburgh

Harrods is proud to announce the opening of its newest H beauty store at St James Quarter on the 30th November, bringing world-leading experts in beauty, skincare, haircare and wellness to Edinburgh all under one roof.

The opening will mark the first ever H beauty to open in Scotland, demonstrating Harrods’ ambitious commitment to bring its expert beauty curation and luxury shopping experience to new communities across the UK.

Each H beauty store is developed with its local beauty community in mind, and this new 20,000 sq.ft. space will bring together a diverse portfolio of the most premium and innovative brands – from Dior and Chanel to Augustinus Bader and Sunday Riley.

The flagship opening will also introduce several new brands to Edinburgh including Charlotte Tilbury, Clé de Peau Beauté, Kylie Skin & Cosmetics, and Westman Atelier, as well as act as the first physical location in Scotland for brands such as Keys Soulcare, and Kora Organics. 

H beauty will also support local talent through its ‘Born & Bred’ offering, housing up and coming Scottish brands such as Jamie Genevieve’s sensational makeup brand Vieve, as well as Moo & Yoo, Kingdom Scotland and Lola’s Lashes. 

An extensive offering of cutting-edge brands will be paired with must-have products, expert-driven services, and immersive retail experiences that H beauty is renowned for, such as interactive Play tables and the iconic Champagne Bar.

Annalise Fard, Director of Beauty at Harrods, commented: “As our first ever store in Scotland, the latest H beauty opening in Edinburgh is a hugely exciting milestone for Harrods.

“After the fantastic response that we’ve had to our previous two H beauty store openings, this launch at St James Quarter marks another significant addition to our leading beauty retail shopping destinations.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing Harrods’ incredible and innovative beauty offering to Edinburgh, giving beauty lovers throughout the local community the opportunity to play, discover and enjoy, and we can’t wait to welcome you all through our doors on the 30th November.”

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “We are beyond excited that H beauty is opening its doors and officially joining the St James Quarter family. To be welcoming an incredible brand like Harrods is another example of St James Quarter providing brand new, game-changing experiences for our customers. 

“We want to give our visitors something new to see and do every time they come back to The Quarter, so we can’t wait to see H beauty, a first for Scotland, come to life.”

The latest H beauty launch at St James Quarter follows two successful store openings, the first at Lakeside retail centre in Essex and the second at centre:mk in Milton Keynes. Harrods will continue with its strategic and ambitious plans to deliver its unrivalled H beauty shopping destinations to a wider audience across the UK with two further H beauty stores, due to open in Bristol and Newcastle over the next year.

@HarrodsBeauty 

#Hbeauty

https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/h-beauty/edinburgh

One in six women in Scotland are subjected to constant verbal abuse by a partner

●        More than a third of women (35%) have changed an aspect of themselves because of negative comments made by an intimate partner, increasing to 39% for 25-34 year olds

●        Over a third (36%) of women have insecurities about their self-worth based on negative comments made by a partner

●        81% believe more needs to be done to educate young men on their beliefs and attitudes towards women

●        Avon launches campaign to speak out against verbal abuse with resources, training and support for customers, Representatives and associates

●        In its 135th year, Avon donates $1.35 million to NGOs around the world to support women who have experienced abuse

New research from beauty company Avon and the NO MORE Foundation reveals that one in five women are consistently subjected to verbal abuse by an intimate partner.

The research, which surveyed over 8,300 women in eight countries, including the UK, Poland and the Philippines, also found that nearly two in five respondents aged 25-34 are experiencing potential signs of verbal abuse within their relationship – the highest amongst the age groups. As a result, over a third (36%) of women around the world have insecurities about their self-worth based on negative comments made by partners.

Commissioned in support of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Avon and NO MORE are launching a campaign to help everyone recognise verbal abuse and its role in coercive control, domestic violence or intimate partner violence.

In the UK, when asked about seeking support for verbal abuse issues, one in 10 (11%) women reported that they did not know where to turn, and a further one in six (17%) were unable to take action due to having a controlling partner or being too scared of the consequences.

These barriers to help-seeking behaviours result in many survivors becoming trapped in abusive relationships.

Common comments

Nearly half (47%) of women have experienced negative comments from an intimate partner about their general appearance, with one in five (19%) facing this within the last month.

Other negative comments reported were about women’s intelligence (43%), job or career (44%), weight (50%) and clothing (50%).

This is most prevalent in those aged 25-34 with nearly a quarter (24%) being subjected to negative remarks about their weight within the last month, compared to 10% of those aged 55+.

Over half of women say an intimate partner has made criticisms towards their friends or family (55%), with nearly a quarter (23%) experiencing this within the last month; this is a common tactic used by abusers to manipulate their victims to alienate them from loved ones.

NO MORE Foundation’s Global Executive Director Pamela Zaballa said: “Verbal abuse is a serious, prevalent issue that takes a huge and often long-lasting toll on the self-esteem and confidence of those who experience it. It also can be a precursor and escalate to physical violence.

“Therefore, it is critical to increase awareness and ensure that verbal abuse is not overlooked, trivialised nor tolerated. We’re proud to partner with Avon to promote an online portal providing crucial information and tools to learn to recognise the signs of verbal abuse, find help if needed, and become inspired by courageous survivors’ stories.”

From Silence to Speaking Out

Of those subjected to signs of verbal abuse, 16% sought support, with 30% of these women going to a family member and 26% reaching out to a friend.

Despite a relatively small number in this survey, it is interesting that some respondents said they had sought support from the outside sources such as beauty therapists or hairdressers (2%) and their Avon Representatives (2%).

In a controlling relationship, where the abuser has isolated the victim from friends and family, it may be the case that these groups can provide an important lifeline.

With a network of relationships within their communities and peer to peer support available, Avon is offering training to its five million Representatives worldwide. In the UK, Women’s Aid and Avon are piloting a specialist training programme in Bristol for Representatives, offering on-the-ground, community support for those facing abuse in any form.

Training is also being offered to a range of GBV Ambassadors, offering support to associates who may be experiencing domestic abuse through Avon’s global GBV Protocol.

Not only a “Women’s Issue”

There is a strong feeling amongst women around the world that more needs to be done to educate young men on their beliefs and attitudes towards women (81%), with over three quarters believing there are deep-rooted issues within society which need to be addressed in terms of how men treat women.

Breaking the silence around gender-based violence, Avon and NO MORE have launched an online portal to provide people with crucial information about the signs of verbal abuse, what to do if someone you know is in an abusive relationship and where to go for help, including a collection of inspiring stories from survivors.

To support women who have experienced abuse, Avon is also donating $1.35 million in grants to NGOs around the world to fund support projects for life after abuse, in its 135th anniversary year.

In the UK, funding will support charities such as Women’s Aid and their Live Chat service which gives survivors a discreet and safe way to chat to an expert, as well as the National Domestic Abuse Helpline and Live Chat, ran by Refuge.

In addition, the beauty brand and charity are encouraging people to sign a pledge to end verbal abuse. This can be signed by saying ‘Alexa, open the NO MORE skill’ to an Alexa device or online via the Avon Worldwide website.

Angela Cretu, Avon CEO comments: “Our research highlights how crucial it is that we continue to stimulate conversation about all forms of gender-based abuse, be that verbal, emotional or physical.

“Over the last 15 years Avon has made it our mission to end violence against women and break down the wall of silence.

“With five million Representatives around the world, all with their own unique networks, we are committed to training in recognising the signs, having safe conversations, and signposting to local NGO support.

“We have also introduced a GBV Protocol and Ambassadors to support every associate who may be experiencing domestic abuse, for example offering them access to leave or facilitating conversations with managers.      

“This 16 Days of Activism we are calling for people unsure of what verbal abuse is, to get to know the signs; for victims feeling isolated, to know they are not alone; and for those experiencing abuse, to seek necessary help.

This is why this year, on its 135th year of championing women, Avon will donate $1.35 million to NGOs around the world to help more women overcome abuse and help change lives.”

For more information and if you need support, visit: 

www.avonworldwide.com/supporting-women 

to access the NO MORE directory.

Time for Change!

Spaces available on Royston Wardieburn’s Winter Warmers community programme

Interested? See leaflet for booking details