Month: December 2021

Wee Oscar celebrates the best year of his life

A miserable year for most, but here’s an uplifiting story to bring 2021 to a happier close …

Oscar Edgar might be six, but he has just spent his first year doing the things other little boys do – playing football, going camping and making new friends.
 
A year ago little Oscar left the hospital that had been his home for five years. He had been a patient of the Royal Hospital for Children since his birth in April 2015 with an undiagnosed neurological / muscular / respiratory condition which meant he was ventilated until he was four and a half.
 
Mum Megan, from Glasgow, is now looking back on the 12 months, marvelling at all the ‘firsts’ she has been able to enjoy with her son.
 
Megan said: “Oscar has had the best year ever. We have been camping, had a cabin holiday with a hot tub, he’s met alpacas and had lots of other adventures.
 
“He’s also started playing football in a wee team, which he loves. He’s playing with a younger group of kids but that’s fine and he’s growing in confidence. Ronaldo is his favourite player and Rangers is his team, but no doubt that will change soon!
 
“Oscar and his brother Theo were also ring boys at my friend’s wedding in September – it was a really emotional day as we realised just how far he had come.
 
“Most importantly, he’s made a best friend – Annie. They just love each other and have a very special bond. Annie can understand everything he says, even when I can’t, which is amazing.”
 
Oscar’s journey to here has been a complex one and has involved clinical input from a number of different specialities. Still, over the last year, Oscar has had a number of trips to the Royal Hospital for Children, but for the majority of the time he’s been home with his family.
 
Megan added: “Of course this last year would not have been possible without the incredible support we have had from the amazing hospital staff. Even now, we know we can rely on them.
 
“Oscar is still terminally ill and for the last six months has also developed problems with air in his stomach. He had to have one operation but even then he was in and out in a day, with great care from the staff.
 
“They have also made so many things possible. We were told we might never get Oscar home, but with their help we have had an amazing year at home with him. While there were some lows, there were so many more highs.”
 
Oscar’s doctor is Phil Davies, who has treated him since he was born.
 
Dr Davies said: “It has been wonderful seeing Oscar at home with his family. He’s had a few ups and downs over the year but has done so well off his ventilator and it is a joy to see him living life to the full.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

Celebrate safely this Hogmanay

Council Leaders and NHS Lothian’s Director of Public Health echo Scottish Government guidance:

Ahead of the midnight moment on Friday, 31 December, Council Leader Adam McVey, Depute Leader Cammy Day and NHS Lothian’s Director of Public Health Dona Milne are reminding residents to adhere to ongoing public safety guidance and to bring in the bells safely and responsibly.

On Thursday, 30 December a further 16,857 people tested positive for Covid-19 in Scotland, by far the highest daily case number of the pandemic so far.

The latest public health guidance, which was effective from 26 December, limits the numbers at outdoor public events to 500, resulting in the cancellation of the live events planned for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay including the Torchlight Procession, Party at the Bells, midnight fireworks and the Loony Dook.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “As we approach Hogmanay, case numbers are continuing to increase significantly and I want to echo the First Minister’s advice to stay at home as much as possible in the coming days in a bid to slow down the spread. And if we do get together with friends and family, please limit this to no more than three households.

“Large gatherings at Hogmanay risk increasing further transmissions in our communities and put further pressure on our NHS staff and other vital services. I can’t stress enough the importance of following the rules around handwashing, mask-wearing and ventilation and testing. Visit our website for details of community testing sites or to order a home testing kit.

“As 2021 comes to an end, and with more people getting vaccinated and boosted, we can look more positively towards 2022. But for now, and this Hogmanay, please keep following the guidance and keep yourself and your family safe and protect our NHS.”

Deputy Leader Cammy Day said: The safety of Edinburgh’s residents remains our priority as we continue the battle against Covid-19 and the latest Omicron variant. This has meant that sadly no live events, including the midnight fireworks, will be taking place this year.

“Following the cancellation, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have announced the release of a new film, ‘Journey Home’, which pays tribute to the hope, love and optimism that people feel when celebrating Hogmanay with those that matter most after such a challenging year, whilst expressing a positive look forward to the future.

“I would encourage you all to tune in as we bid farewell to 2021 – and look forward to a better and more positive 2022.”

Full details of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay film can be found at:  www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Dona Milne, Director of Public Health, NHS Lothian, said: We know that everyone wants to welcome in 2022 and enjoy the festivities, however we would ask people to do so responsibly following public health guidance.

“Please do not mix in groups of more than three households and take a Lateral Flow Test before you go out or have people round. If you have not already done so, please make getting your booster your first priority of 2022.

“By taking these small steps, you can help stop the spread of Omicron.

“Remember, the Omicron variant is much more transmissible than previous strains. Although a smaller percentage of infected people may need hospital care, it is a smaller percentage of a far greater number of people, so still a lot of people.

So, even if the admission rate is a third of what we have seen with previous strains, it is expected that the scale of Omicron could still be higher than we have seen before. “

Community test centres and mobile test centres are open for people with no Covid symptoms. Full details of these, and how to order home lateral flow testing kits, are available online.

One jab every second as Scotland ‘boosts by the bells’

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has paid tribute to the people of Scotland for their collective effort and success in getting almost 2.98 million people “boosted by the bells”.

Thanks to the dedication of vaccinators and frontline staff across the country, the Scottish Government has met its target of offering every eligible young person and adult over 18 an appointment by the end of the year. 

And the unprecedented response to the call to get a booster or third COVID-19 vaccination to accelerate the country’s response to the new Omicron variant means nearly 77% of eligible adults had received a booster or third dose by 30 December.

The Scottish Government aimed to vaccinate as close to 80% of eligible adults with boosters by midnight on Hogmanay and had capacity to vaccinate more than 80% of eligible adults. However, high infection levels have meant thousands of people who were eligible to come forward for their booster had to delay their appointment.

Scotland leads the rest of the UK on 1st, 2nd, 3rd and booster doses, and continues to deliver one of the fastest and most successful vaccination programmes in the world. 

The rapid expansion of the booster programme and other vaccine doses will continue into the New Year and young people aged 12-15 who are still to get their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will now be invited to reschedule existing appointments or attend drop-in centres from Monday 3rd January 2022.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Since the emergence of the Omicron variant there has been an heroic and monumental effort by everyone on Scotland’s vaccination programme to make sure we can deliver booster vaccines as quickly as possible – my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the delivery of the programme and to everyone coming forward to be boosted.

“In the week ending 26 December – with staff quite rightly taking a break on Christmas Day and Boxing Day – and with many areas suffering high infection rates, we achieved record-breaking numbers of vaccinations, with 77,927 jabbed on the busiest day – that’s more than one every second during vaccine centre opening hours.

“We know that many people have been unable to attend their appointments due to the virus. This has been the most common reason for people cancelling their appointment via the helpline.  Anyone who has had to delay their booster due to a COVID-19 infection or isolation period can arrange a new appointment, 28 days after their positive PCR test.

“To deliver maximum benefits we need as many people as possible to get boosted as quickly as possible. It is everyone’s duty to get a jab if you haven’t already – vaccination could literally save your life as well as keeping family, friends and loved ones safe.

“And it is never too late to receive your booster – or even a first or second dose – so please come forward as soon as possible, as there is capacity available to get you vaccinated.”

Police: Hogmanay Safety Message

We will have dedicated teams of officers deployed on foot across the city centre to prevent disorder and provide reassurance to the public to make sure everyone can enjoy Hogmanay safely.

Superintendent Mark Rennie from St Leonard’s Police Station said: “Although planned events in Scotland’s capital have been cancelled this year as a result of the Coronavirus, we will have a significant police resource available to ensure everyone keeps safe during the night.

“Our officers will be joined by volunteers from Street Assist Edinburgh and other outreach services who will be on hand to offer help and support.

“We will also be supported by The City of Edinburgh Council who will have staff out including taxi marshals, environmental wardens, night time teams and CCTV operators to prevent incidents from escalating and to ensure that everyone gets home safely.

“If you are intending on visiting the city centre please ensure you plan your night, as licensed premises are operating at a significantly reduced capacity, with some operating a booking system.

“It is also important that you have a plan for getting home before you go out, keep your mobile phone charged, look after your valuables and keep an eye on how much alcohol you drink as overindulgence can impact on your behaviour.”

Prime Minister celebrates success of vaccine programme in New Year’s message

  • Prime Minister hails success of vaccine programme and heroic public response to booster campaign in New Year’s message
  • Comes as every eligible adult in England aged 18 and over has now had the chance to get a COVID-19 booster jab
  • Prime Minister reflects on global achievements of UK over the last year including fastest economic growth in the G7 and record investments in tech sector

The Prime Minister will deliver his New Year’s message today (Friday 31 December) where he will celebrate the achievements of the vaccination programme over the last year with over 7 in 10 eligible adults in England boosted so far – an increase of 8 million top up jabs (45%) since the target was brought forward on 12 December.

In his New Year’s message, he will announce we’ve met the target to offer the chance to get a COVID-19 booster to every eligible adult and urge those who haven’t yet been jabbed to take up the offer of a booster, or their first or second dose.

The Prime Minister will also reflect on the achievements of the UK throughout the past year. The UK has had the fastest economic growth in the G7, record employment levels and massive global investments in the British tech sector this year.

The Prime Minister will also urge people who are celebrating to exercise caution by taking a test, practicing good hygiene, and letting fresh air in, and to follow the COVID-19 guidance if they’re living in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, will say: “Happy New Year. 2022 is almost upon us. And whatever the challenges that fate continues to throw in our way and whatever the anxieties we may have about the weeks and months ahead, particularly about omicron and the growing numbers in hospitals…we can say one thing with certainty – our position this December the 31st is incomparably better than last year.

“This country has the fastest economic growth in the G7. We have more people in work now than there were before the pandemic began. And if you want a sign of future growth – look at the massive global investment in British high tech. Almost £30 billion into the UK tech sector this year – twice as much tech investment as Germany, three times as much as France.

“And there is one reason – one overriding reason – why the UK has been able to maintain the most open economy and society of any major European economy. And that is because the British people have responded heroically, voluntarily, and in almost incredible numbers to the call to get vaccinated.

“And as I speak tonight on New Year’s Eve, we’ve met our target, we’ve doubled the speed of the booster roll out. And it’s precisely because of that huge national effort that we can celebrate tonight at all. Though I must of course urge everyone to be cautious and to take a test if you are going out and to remember the importance of ventilation. Follow the rules if you are in Scotland or Wales or Northern Ireland.

“And I want to speak directly to all those who have yet to get fully vaccinated. The people who think the disease can’t hurt them – look at the people going into hospital now, that could be you. Look at the intensive care units and the miserable, needless suffering of those who did not get their booster, that could be you.

“So, make it your New Year’s resolution – far easier than losing weight or keeping a diary – find a walk-in centre or make an online appointment. Get that jab and do something that will make 2022 a happy New Year for us all.”

On 30 November, the government set out its ambition to offer all eligible adults the chance to get their booster by the end of January. This target was brought forward by the Prime Minister earlier this month in response to the emerging threat of the Omicron variant in order to protect the public as quickly as possible.

Some eligible people may not yet have been able to receive their booster yet due to catching COVID-19. The vaccination programme requires the majority of people infected with COVID-19 to wait 28 days following infection before receiving a vaccine.

After the 28 days have passed, people are encouraged to book their booster as soon as they can. Those eligible for a booster vaccine who have delayed making an appointment because of other acute illnesses are also encouraged to book as soon as they are fully recovered.

It is vital to get a first and second jab, in order to be eligible for a booster to get the vital protection against Omicron. Recent UKHSA data shows people who are unvaccinated are up to eight times more likely to be hospitalised than those who are fully vaccinated.

SUCCESS? UK daily Covid cases reached another record high of 189,846 on Friday with 203 deaths reported within 28 days of a positive test …

Happy New Year from Castle of Light

In the absence of the roar of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay street party, Rex, the lovable lion rampant, has taken centre stage to wish everyone a Happy New Year on behalf of Castle of Light.

Rex is on the decks playing a short set from the Castle of Light: Hidden Treasures’ finale scene, including samples from some of the recent treasured music acts that have played at the Edinburgh Castle esplanade, such as Blondie, Simply Red and The Proclaimers, in a megamix fit for bringing in the bells.

With just a few dates remaining to experience the outdoor illuminated trail, find out more and get your tickets at CastleofLight.scot.

Castle of Light: Hidden Treasures continues on 7, 8 and 9 January 2022.

HMRC fraud squad takes back £1 BILLION from offenders

More than £1 billion has been recovered from the proceeds of crime and tax offenders since the formation of a specialist HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) fraud squad five years ago.

Launched in April 2016, the department’s Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) has now recovered assets equivalent to funding around 20,000 NHS nurses for an entire year.

FIS has been proactively pursuing the suspected proceeds of crime using enforcement powers, both criminal and civil, to disrupt the movement of cash and assets. Since 2016, more than 1,200 seizures of cash and assets have been made while on operational duty, including gold bars worth £750,000 from a passenger at Manchester Airport and £48,000 found in a freezer drawer, hidden among chicken nuggets at a house in Blackpool.

Simon York, Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “To reach this £1 billion milestone in five years speaks volumes to the dedication, hard work and skill of FIS to recover the proceeds of crime from those who try to cheat the system.

“Whether it’s cash seizures, confiscation orders or account freezing orders, recovering these assets stops criminals bankrolling their lavish lifestyles and funding further crimes that harm our communities, such as drugs, guns and human trafficking. Crucially, this money goes back into the public purse, helping fund our vital services such as schools and hospitals.

“HMRC deploys cutting-edge technology to investigate unexplained wealth and uncover hidden assets. Last year alone, we recouped more than £218 million from proceeds of crime.

“We are committed to recovering criminal assets and today the message is clear – crime doesn’t pay.”

Some of the bigger and varied seizures and confiscations include:

·              £750,000 of gold bars seized from a lunchbox at Manchester Airport, which were auctioned off with proceeds going back into the public purse.

·              A £1.7 million confiscation order imposed on a payroll fraudster who had to stump up the cash or face having four years added to his nine-and-a-half year sentence.

·              Gold jewellery and £180,000 cash seized from a safety deposit box in Birmingham as part of a £194,280 tax fraud.

·              More than £840,000 in cash was seized at a residential garage in Sydenham, south-east London, after FIS helped dismantle a gang responsible for a £9.5 million tobacco fraud.

·              £48,000 found in a freezer drawer, hidden among chicken nuggets at a house in Blackpool, as part of a £16m tobacco fraud.

·              A convicted fraudster was ordered to hand over poker winnings twice in 2018 and 2019 totalling £99,030 to satisfy an outstanding confiscation order.

The formation of FIS in 2016 brought together HMRC’s criminal and civil investigators – a world-first for tax enforcement. This partnership allows HMRC’s investigators to unlock the most complex financial crimes.

Criminal cash is seized by HMRC officers under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). If the courts are satisfied the cash is from a crime, or was going to be used in a crime, they can order a forfeiture. In uncontested cases, HMRC can administratively order forfeiture of the cash.

HMRC also obtains Account Freezing Orders to freeze balances in bank accounts where it is suspected they contain criminal money. A financial investigator uses a range of tools at their disposal to investigate the cash or account and any criminality. This may involve interviewing the suspect, obtaining production orders on identified bank accounts and assessing whether the cash was seized alongside illegal items such as non-duty paid alcohol or tobacco. Uncontested cases can be administratively dealt with by HMRC, while others would be determined in a court.

Confiscation Orders can be imposed on tax fraudsters after conviction. Investigators will assess the criminal benefit from their crimes and evaluate any assets they hold.  If the assets held by the convicted criminal at the time of the order are less than the benefit derived from the fraud, then any future assets can be confiscated up to the value of the benefit of the fraud.

The courts make the final decision on a Confiscation Order. Failure to pay leads to default sentences and many more months or years in jail and they will still owe the money when released. The recovered money is returned to the public purse.

The Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF) is another tool for FIS to deal with serious fraud cases. The CDF allows tax evaders to admit their fraud and agree to pay the tax in full, along with interest and penalties due.

However, if FIS discover that individuals have not made a full and frank disclosure via the CDF, they can and do criminally investigate and prosecute.

NHS Lothian urges everyone to “get boosted by the Bells”

As 2021 draws to a close NHS Lothian is urging all remaining over-18s to visit their local drop-in vaccination clinic or book an appointment for their COVID-19 vaccine booster.

Those aged 12-17 are also welcome to attend any of the local drop-in clinics for their second dose if it has been at least 12 weeks since their first dose and they have not tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 12 weeks.

Over 76,920 people were vaccinated across Lothian in the run up to Christmas, however appointments still remain across the region, allowing people the opportunity to receive their vaccination as soon as possible.

Pat Wynne, Director of Nursing for Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian, said: “I would like to thank everyone who has come forward for vaccination so far, every vaccination counts towards making our region safer.

“Getting a booster doesn’t mean you won’t get COVID-19, but it reduces the chances of it and significantly enhances your protection against serious illness – it could literally save your, or someone else’s, life.”

 In recent weeks there has been a huge increase in appointments in Lothian, with 71% of those eligible for a booster having now received one. While this is excellent progress, we need as many people as possible to get boosted as quickly as possible. We want to get to, or as close as possible to, having 80% of eligible adults boosted by the Bells.

NHS Lothian has increased its vaccination capacity hugely in December with the reopening of the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) in Edinburgh City Centre. It has never been easier for members of the public to receive a COVID-19 vaccination booster.

There has been a rise in the number of missed appointments over the festive period, with 17% of people not attending their  appointments..

This has resulted in 9,951 available appointments going unused in the Lothian region over Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (27, 28 and 29 December).

Mr Wynne added: “We know that missed appointments are in part due to the number of COVID-19 cases in the area, which is in turn making people ineligible for their vaccination. But it’s not the whole story and, if I’m honest, it’s a little disappointing.  We have a huge amount of extra capacity across Lothian with teams of vaccinators standing ready to ensure as many people as possible can get boosted by the Bells.

“We know people are really busy at this time of year, but we urge you to make time for it. If you haven’t been boosted but could be, because it is 12 weeks since your second dose, please book an appointment now or go along to a drop-in clinic. If you have an appointment for January, you can drop in now and your later appointment will be cancelled for you. There are plenty of slots available and our centres are running very efficiently with very low queue times.

“Please don’t delay. Every booster administered is a step on the road back to normality.”

The vaccination programme has been stepped up in recent weeks as part of its campaign to halt the spread of the Omicron variant across the region. Due to the highly transmissible nature of the new variant, NHS Lothian’s Director of Public Health, Dona Milne, is urging the public to act quickly as they welcome in 2022.

Dona Milne, Director of Public Health, NHS Lothian, said: “The Omicron variant is much more transmissible than previous strains.  This means that although a smaller percentage of infected people may require hospitalisation, it is a smaller percentage of a far greater number of people, so still a lot of people.

So, even if the admission rate is a third of what we have seen with previous strains, it is expected that the scale of Omicron could still be higher than we have seen before. 

“I would ask everyone celebrating the new year to do so whilst following the public health guidance and be responsible as they enjoy the festivities. Please prioritise getting your vaccine and do not mix with more than three households and undertake a Lateral Flow Test before you mix with people. By taking these small steps, you can help stop the spread of Omicron.”

Those wishing to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment can do so by calling National Helpline on 0800 030 8013 or visit NHS Inform’s website to book online. A list of vaccination centres can also be found on NHS Lothian’s website.

NHS 24 staff thanked after exceptionally busy four day Christmas weekend

With GP practices closed on Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th, public are urged to be prepared for the long Hogmanay weekend

NHS 24 staff have been praised for their hard-work and dedication after the national service saw exceptional numbers of people using both its telephone and digital services over the Christmas period.

Like all other parts of the health and care service NHS 24 staff are affected by the impact of COVID-19 infection.

Over the four day festive weekend, 44 000 calls were made to the 111 service with 25% of all calls related to COVID.

NHS 24’s online information service, NHS inform, was also busy with 2 million page views across the four days. COVID content accounted for 1.2 million of those views and around 45,000 people completed the COVID self-help guide.

The COVID information-only helpline also saw heavy demand with over 3,000 calls on Monday and Tuesday – up 60% on last year.

Commenting on the efforts of NHS 24 staff working across Scotland, Medical Director Dr Laura Ryan said the weekend was challenging and that COVID related staff absences had inevitably affected the time it took for calls to be answered:

“We knew our 111 service was going to be busy, even before the Omicron variant, but now we have the added challenge of staff affected by COVID, which means we’ve had less available people to answer calls.

“Higher demand for the service, with fewer staff, meant some people had to wait longer than we would have liked for us to answer their call.

“It also meant those who could work, had to work even harder to help as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. I’m exceptionally proud of everyone for their efforts over the Festive weekend.

“We’re now planning for the Hogmanay weekend, which we know will also be busy, so we are urging people to be prepared. GP practices are not open until Wednesday 5th January so people should pick up any regular medications they rely on.

“Home remedies such as simple pain relief, antihistamines or rehydration salts are a good idea and if you think you might need help or advice  for simple health matters, please use NHS inform as your first port of call, including all matters related to COVID-19.

“You may get the answer you need there without having to wait in a queue. It’s also important for people to remember that their local pharmacy is a great source of help for a wide range of conditions and many community pharmacies are open over the weekend. They can also help if you run out of your usual medicines

“If you do need to call us please do be patient – our staff are working as hard as they can and they need your continued support to deliver the best service they can every time, all the time.”

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2021 returns online tonight with ‘Journeys Home’ film

Following the global phenomenon of their 2021 film, Fare Well, and the cancellation of the live events, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will release a new film tonight on Hogmanay at 5pm, providing a free and hopefully inspirational offer for the new year celebrations.

Available to stream for free, the film will pay tribute to the hope, love and optimism that people feel at Hogmanay and the turn of the year with a positive look forward to Scotland’s and Edinburgh’s future.

This new artistic collaboration isdelivered by Edinburgh’s Hogmanay producer, Underbelly, on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council. Entitled ‘Journeys Home’, the project has been made possible with support from HM Government Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.

The film is based on a short story written by Kathleen Jamie, the current Scots Makar, and specially commissioned by Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, and it draws inspiration from the resilience and sense of communitythat Edinburgh residents and Scotland as a nation have shown throughout the pandemic.

The film also features a specially composed soundtrack by Rura, one of Scotland’s most highly acclaimed folk bands featuring Jack Smedley, Steven Blake, Adam Brown and David Foley. With their distinct blend of fiddle, Highland pipes, flute, bodhrán and guitar, Rura capture the true essence of Hogmanay whilst also starring in the film themselves.

The film follows Kathleen Jamie’s four characters; Cait, Donald, Nana Jean and Calum, who narrate their personal Hogmanay stories, contemplating Hogmanay’s past and loved ones lost, as well as their hope and optimism for future Hogmanays to come.

The film, co-conceived by Underbelly and Arms & Legs, produced by Underbelly and directed by Ross Addy will premiere this evening, 31 December, from 5pm on the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website here.

The new film has been created following the success of the 2020 production of Fare Well, which became a global phenomenon, seen by over 1 billion worldwide.

Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: “Journeys Home feels like the perfect theme for this year’s film, as people yearn to meet family and friends at Hogmanay at the end of yet another scunnered year.

“Collaborating with the creative brilliance of Kathleen Jamie, Rura, and Arms and Legs has been really special – together they have made a film which sings to the world the creativity of Scottish artists and the hope and optimism that Scotland has for the new year.”

Scots Makar and ‘Journeys Home’ Writer Kathleen Jamie said: “As a writer, I’m not a great believer in ‘inspiration’. You just have to look and listen.  We all know New Year is a complex time, more than just a big party – though there is joy and excitement too!

“But even in my own circle we have people who’ll be spending Hogmanay working in hospitals, or grieving loved ones lost in 2021, or who have had to cancel family visits yet again. We all know people who can’t bear to be alone, and others who take solace in the natural world, or in art and music.

“In ‘Journeys Home‘ I hope you will find someone or something you recognise, as we take leave of 2021, and look forward to better days ahead.”

Rura, ‘Journeys Home’ soundtrack composer said: “We were thrilled to be involved in the making of ‘Journeys Home’ and to join forces with such a fantastic team of collaborators!

“Obviously Hogmanay is the biggest night of the year in Scotland, so to play a small part in Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations, especially in the context of the past 2 years, is a true honour.

“We always strive to write music that resonates with people, and this film provided the perfect excuse to sit down and build an arrangement that conveys hope, love and optimism. The stunning camera work and spoken word really did bring tears to our eyes when we first watched it.”

‘Journeys Home’ Director, Ross Addy said: “We wanted to produce a film that faithfully represents the characters in Kathleen’s texts. Each is on their own unique journey, on their way to reconnecting with the people that matter most to them.

“Shooting on location in and around Edinburgh — as well as on Schiehallion — we always endeavoured to articulate the characters’ inner voices, while tracking their journeys through the cityscape and across one of Scotland’s iconic mountain landscapes.

“Hogmanay and New Year mean different things to different people. But the over-arching theme of the film is hope — the hope to reconnect and once again enjoy the relationships that make us human.”

Following recent COVID19 updates from the Scottish Government around Hogmanay celebrations, there will no longer be a midnight firework display at Edinburgh Castle on 31st December.

For more information please visit https://www.edinburghshogmanay.com