Day: June 18, 2022

Scottish charities celebrate share of £1 million Movement for Good fund

13 charities based in Scotland have received donations of £1,000 each as part of the Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards.

For the fourth year running, the Benefact Group is giving away £1million to charities through its Movement for Good awards. Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with 250 awards of £1,000 available now for donation. 

Touch of Love Outreach, Hindu Mandir (Glasgow) and Women’s Aid Orkney are some of the local charities set to benefit from the money, following overwhelming public support in the country.

More than 9,450 kind-hearted residents have voted for charities across the country so far. In total, more than 104,000 people around the UK supported the Movement for Good awards, with over 7,250 charitable causes up and down the country receiving votes.

The 250 winning charities were picked at random from those nominated, with a further 250 winners being selected in September.

It’s quick and easy to nominate, you can vote for your favourite charity online at: www.movementforgood.com

Data gathered from the nominations so far has revealed that 41% of Scotland residents still intend to donate to charitable causes despite the increase in the cost of living, showing just how generous they are. Additionally, residents are more likely to support a local charity rather than a national or international one.

Thanking supporters in Scotland, Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: “We would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause as part of our Movement for Good Awards.

“Benefact Group is the fourth largest corporate donor in the UK and has an ambition to be the biggest. Owned by a charity, all of its available profits go to good causes, and the more the group grows, the more the group can give.

“As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of what we do. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”

A further 120 £1,000 grants will be given away in December and £500,000 will also be given in larger grants later this year. For more information about the awards visit www.movementforgood.com 

Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.

Full list of winning Scotland charities:

Touch of Love Outreach

Finn’s place

Hindu Mandir (Glasgow)

Women’s Aid Orkney

Sports Driving

Broughty Ferry YMCA

Dunfermline Athletic Disabled Supporters’ Club

Thistle Youth Football Club

Lead Scotland

Baba Yangu Foundation (SCIO)

Scottish Burned Children’s Club

Ladies of the rock

Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA SCIO

Summer tour brings two fantastic authors into Scottish schools

Over 2,000 pupils to be involved via classrooms and online events

The Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour will bring two fantastic authors into schools this summer.

Ross Mackenzie, the recent winner of the Scottish Teenage Book Prize, will visit primary schools in Perth and Kinross as well as online from Monday 20 to Tuesday 21 June. As part of the tour he will discuss his latest novel, The Colour of Hope, a powerful adventure of a world purged of colour by an evil Emperor and the remarkable girl who might just be able to restore light and brightness to a drab, grey empire. Ross will explain how he creates his immensely likeable characters and vivid fantasy worlds, with time for pupils to ask questions.

Kate Gilby-Smith, author of Olive Jones and the Memory Thief, will visit primary schools in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and West Lothian from Thursday 23 to Friday 24 June. She will talk about Olive Jones and the Memory Thief, an ideal read for any budding scientists, tech industry pioneers and daydreamers. Kate will also use brilliant interactive activities to get children thinking about how they can come up with their own futuristic gadgets.

Ross Mackenzie is a multi award-winning author of books for children, including The Nowhere Emporium, which won the Blue Peter Book Award. He grew up in Renfrew, just outside Glasgow, and knew from a young age that he wanted to be a writer.

Kate Gilby-Smith is a children’s author and publicist based in London. While daydreaming during a philosophy of time travel seminar at the University of Edinburgh, she first had the idea for her debut book, The Astonishing Future of Alex Nobody.

The Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour is supported by Scottish Friendly and organised by Scottish Book Trust, the national charity transforming lives through reading and writing. During the pandemic, the tour has been delivered virtually throughout classrooms in Scotland, with educational watch on demand video content viewed over 100,000 times.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust said: “It’s wonderful that the Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour is able to visit pupils both in person and via online events.

“Thanks to this, we are able to visit more classrooms than ever before, and this tour alone will reach over 2,000 pupils. Both Ross and Kate are great storytellers, and we are sure they will inspire pupils across a range of ages.”

Full list of tour dates:

Ross Mackenzie

Monday 20 June

9.15am: event at Tulloch Primary – Perth

1.30pm: event at St Dominic’s Primary – Crieff

Tuesday 21 June

9.15am: event at Kinross Primary – Kinross

1.45pm: event at Fossoway Primary – Kinross

Wednesday 22 June

11am: Virtual Event 1215 pupils from 19 schools, P6 – S1

Kate Gilby-Smith

Thursday 23 June

9.30am: event at Quarrybrae Primary School – Glasgow

1.15pm: event at Castleton Primary School – Glasgow

Friday 24 June

9am: event at Gylemuir Primary School – Edinburgh

11.15am: event at Woodmuir Primary School – West Lothian

COSLA elects new leadership team

Councillor Shona Morrison (Moray, Council) has been elected as the 16th President of COSLA following a meeting of the full Convention in Edinburgh yesterday.

Councillor Steven Heddle (Orkney Islands Council) was appointed Vice-President at the same meeting.

Commenting following the meeting COSLA’s new President Councillor Morrison said: “I am honoured to be elected President of COSLA and excited to take on this opportunity in one of the top political jobs in Scotland.

“I look forward to continuing the progress which has already been made on a cross party basis over the last five-year term.

“I am clear about the pressures faced by Local Government and the challenges and opportunities ahead. This is an important job and a challenge I will relish and give my all to. I am a politician and a member of a political party, however my focus in this role will be on the ‘Team Local Government’.

“Working with the Vice President and the Spokespeople at COSLA, I’m confident we will deliver on our key priorities as we work together to be the voice for local Councils and champion the essential services they continue to provide under increasingly challenging circumstances.

“I would like to congratulate Cllr Heddle on their election as Vice-President and also pay tribute to the sterling work done by my predecessor Councillor Alison Evison and Vice President Councillor Graham Houston.”

COSLA’s new Vice President Councillor Heddle said:  “I am delighted to be elected to the position of COSLA Vice President. It is a wonderful opportunity and a role that I am honoured to take on, on behalf of the whole of Local Government.”

Following the announcement of Councillor Shona Morrison, Moray Council as the new COSLA President and Councillor Steven Heddle, Orkney Islands Council as the new COSLA Vice- President, the five Spokespersons have also been announced today (Friday), covering key policy areas.

This means that the full COSLA Political Team is as follows:

  • President – Cllr Shona Morrison, Moray Council.
  • Vice-President – Cllr Steven Heddle, Orkney Islands Council.
  • Resources Spokesperson – Cllr Katie Hagmann, Dumfries and Galloway Council).
  • Health and Social Care Spokesperson – Cllr Paul Kelly, North Lanarkshire Council.
  • Community Wellbeing Spokesperson – Cllr Maureen Chalmers, South Lanarkshire Council.
  • Environment and Economy Spokesperson – Cllr Gail Macgregor, Dumfries and Galloway Council.
  • Children and Young People Spokesperson – Cllr Tony Buchanan, East Renfrewshire Council.

Surviving Suicidal Thoughts – sharing personal stories for support 

“‘I’m struggling’. Those two words were all it took.“

NHS 24 and the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group (NSPLG) are offering new support to people living with thoughts of suicide or plans to end their own life.

Short video clips are hosted on NHS inform, where people from across Scotland tell their individual stories. The people featured generously share the ways they have found to live past their suicidal thoughts or intentions. The aim is to offer people in this situation support to better manage these thoughts and to find hope..

The videos are presented alongside information on how to listen and talk about suicidal feelings. There is advice on ways to cope when it feels as though you can’t, and what warning signs to look for as well as how to reach urgent help via 999, the Samaritans or 111.

NHS 24 Director of Service Delivery, Janice Houston said: “Our first priority is offering a compassionate service to everyone that contacts us about their mental health, and we know that some people would prefer to listen than to talk – at least at first.

“We are very pleased to be able to offer this option to people experiencing thoughts of suicide and our thanks go to those who have shared their journeys so generously.

“For anyone who is concerned for themselves or anyone else, we encourage you to listen to these stories and to find someone who can listen to you – whether that is a friend, colleague or family member, or one of the specialist helplines available 24/7.”

NSPLG chair Rose Fitzpatrick CBE QPM said: “We are committed to exploring innovations in digital technology to help save lives from the tragedy of suicide. The creation of the new Surviving Suicidal Thoughts resource on the NHS Inform website represents a significant step towards better supporting those who are having suicidal thoughts and their loved ones.

 “This new resource, developed with our partners at NHS 24, is intended to help those thinking about suicide and those who are supporting someone who may be suicidal.  It features people who have themselves known these tough times describing what they experienced and what has helped each of them get through.

 “We hope these compelling personal stories will encourage people experiencing suicidal thoughts to know that they can get through such dark moments and will also provide information for others on how to support someone who may be suicidal.  We believe that suicide prevention can be everyone’s business.”

NSPLG Lived Experience Panel member Neil Renton features in one of the videos and is urging people to seek help by talking about their mental health.

Recalling his own story, he said: “Currently I feel really good mentally, but it’s not always been like that.

“I think the thing that caught me out was I wasn’t expecting to feel as bad as I did. It was hard to pinpoint exactly what made me feel depressed and low and took me to feel suicidal.

He added: “I think I was in denial because there wasn’t anything that set it off or triggered it, I came from a loving family, I’m well-supported, life and soul of the party. I felt I didn’t have an excuse so I found it really difficult to appreciate that I could have been suffering mentally.

“It was a struggle to be open and honest with others, be it my wife, family, medical people, friends and colleagues as well. You were always worried you were going to be judged, people would look at you differently.

“I remember what it was like when I was suicidal and just felt like there was nothing else I could do.

“I’d hate for anybody to be in the position I was in. I could see it like an edge I was running towards and no obstacle could stop me.

“My family would be like a wall I would smash through, my friends barbed wire I could jump over and there was nothing stopping me getting to that edge.

“And I just remember thinking: ‘I really need to say something at this point or that’s me gone’.

“I was dreaming up this big speech to my wife that I wanted to be poignant and memorable, but I simply said: ‘I’m struggling’. Those two words were all it took.

“We talked for hours, I gained confidence, felt supported and from there I got the help I needed and continue to work on my mental health to this day.

“Please talk about it.”

The content is for anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide. It is for those around them, family, friends, work mates and others too. The full stories are also on the NHS 24 YouTube channel.

This Weekend: It’s the Platinum Jubilee Youth Spectacular

  • Saturday 18th June, 6pm-8pm, St Ninians former opencast mine site, off Junction 4 of the M90
  • Sunday 19th June, 2pm-4pm
  • Site is signposted and accessed via the B914, west of the M90.

A stunning event to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and hosted by TV presenter, magician and comedian, Stephen Mulhern (pictured) is taking place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June at St Ninians, near the village of Kelty.

The Platinum Jubilee Youth Spectacular will be held in a newly constructed arena, located at the former mine site

The event is sponsored by Community Interest Company (CIC) National Pride UK, which jointly owns the site and is planning its future development. 

The event is being organised by local Events Manager, Michael Boyle and the former Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo impresario, Brigadier Sir Melville Jameson.

Performers include:

·         The Imps Motorcycle Display Team, the world’s foremost youth display team

·         Katie Robertson, the award-winning ‘Wheeled Piper’

·         Massed pipes and drums from Scottish schools

·         Massed military bands

·         The musical skills of the massed army cadet force brass bands

·         Highland dancing displays and other dancers

·         The world-famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers

Stephen Mulhern, hosting the event, said: “I am incredibly excited to be hosting this amazing event. Bringing together a fabulous line-up of young talented performers on what was a former coal mining site is truly awe-inspiring.

“This will be a truly inspiring spectacular event.”

Irene Bisset, Chair of National Pride UK, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring this spectacular event to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. It brings together an incredible range of some of Scotland’s top performers in the stunning setting of St Ninians, showcasing the amazing skills of our young people.

“The local communities are coming together to show great support for what we are sure will be a fantastic celebration and a brilliant event for all the family to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming everyone onto St Ninians and having a great weekend of fun.

“Those attending this extravaganza are in for a real treat.”

For further information:  https://platinumjubileeyouthspectacular.co.uk/

Hibs player fined for reckless conduct

Hibernian’s international defender Ryan Porteous has been ordered to pay a woman compensation for hitting her with a plastic tumbler. The incident happened during a night out in Dalkeith in February.

Ryan Porteous (23) pleaded guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday to culpable and reckless conduct after throwing a plastic glass and causing a small cut to the head of Siobhan Brett. He was fined £320 and ordered to pay Ms Brett £200.

Hibernian FC released a statement shortly after yesterday’s court appearance: ‘Hibernian FC fully condemns the actions of Ryan Porteous. Whilst observing the conclusion of the legal proceedings, the club investigated this internally.

‘Hibernian FC fully understands the severity of this incident, as does Ryan, and he has been handed the maximum possible fine, alongside receiving punishment at court.

‘Hibernian FC expects the highest standards of responsible behaviour from its players and staff. This has been firmly reinforced to the player.

‘This will now remain a private matter and Hibernian FC will make no further comment.‘

Monkeypox cases continue to rise

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected 46 additional cases of monkeypox in England, 3 additional cases in Scotland and 1 in Wales since the last update on 15 June.

This brings the total number confirmed in the UK to 574, as of 16 June.

There are currently 550 confirmed cases in England, 16 in Scotland, 2 in Northern Ireland and 6 in Wales.

Anyone can get monkeypox, particularly if you have had close contact, including sexual contact, with an individual with symptoms. Currently most cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men.

Contact a sexual health clinic if you have a rash with blisters and you’ve been either:

  • in close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has or might have monkeypox (even if they’ve not been tested yet) in the past 3 weeks
  • to West or Central Africa in the past 3 weeks

Dr William Welfare, Incident Director at UKHSA, said: “As case numbers of monkeypox continue to rise and with many summer events and festivals ahead, we’re reminding people to be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox, particularly if you’ve recently had new or multiple sexual partners, to help prevent further spread and protect others.

“If you have a rash with blisters, or any other monkeypox symptoms, don’t go to events, meet with friends or have sexual contact. Instead, stay at home and contact 111 or your local sexual health service for advice. Please contact the clinic ahead of your visit and avoid close contact with others until you’ve been seen by a clinician.

“UKHSA is working closely with partners across the country, including event organisers and venues, to raise public awareness of monkeypox symptoms so everyone has a safe, happy and healthy summer.”

Investigation launched following disturbance in Leith Street

Detectives are appealing for information after a man was injured in the city centre.

Around 2.50am yesterday (Friday, 17 June), police were called to reports of a disturbance in Leith Street at its junction with Princes Street.

Emergency services attended and a 23-year-old man was taken to hospital.

A 33-year-old man has been arrested in connection with this incident.

Detectives are continuing to review CCTV footage and enquiries carried out so far have established that several other people were in the area. Officers believe other people may also have been targeted.

Detective Sergeant Keith Taylor said: “We can see from CCTV images that other people may have been involved and I am asking these members of the public to contact us.

“I am sure their information will assist in our investigation. If you were in Princes Street at its junction with Leith Street in the early hours of this morning, please get in touch with us. Any small piece of information could prove vital.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 290 of 17 June, 2022. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where you can give your information anonymously.

Forth 1 broadcasts first live show from new home in St James Quarter

Forth 1 & 2 has officially moved into its new home, with the station broadcasting its first show live, from St James Quarter in the centre of Edinburgh.

The Boogie In The Morning team began broadcasting from Forth Street for the final time yesterday, before, live on air, making the walk up the street to their brand new studio inside St James Quarter.

The team were stopping traffic as they transported the Forth 1 cow to its new home and were supported by the Watsonians men and women’s rugby teams, St James Quarter staff and Forth 1 colleagues.

At 8am, Boogie and Arlene hit the big switch as the crossover was confirmed with the team presenting from their new location for the first time.

Forth 1 & 2 will now be broadcast live from Edinburgh’s popular retail led mixed use destination each day with access to St James Quarter’s events spaces as part of their newly designed offices.  

Boogie from Forth 1’s Boogie In The Morning said: “Forth House had been our home for so long so there is a bitter-sweet feeling today. But there can be no doubt that our world class new studios and offices in St James Quarter is a huge step forward for the station.  

“When we walked in this morning for the big reveal I was blown away by the studio. The spectacular view is the first thing that hit me especially compared to the old studio which was in the basement at Forth House. Now every morning I get this amazing view of our city!”

Arlene Stuart, co-presenter on Boogie In The Morning, said: “There is no better place to broadcast than right in the heart of our beautiful city and the views of our capital and the surrounding areas from our new studios are incredible.

“I can’t wait to bring our shows from there every morning.”

Victoria Easton-Riley, Content Director for the Hits Radio Network across Scotland: “Our new location opens up a huge range of opportunities. Not just our amazing new studios and offices where we will continue to broadcast our award winning shows from every day, but also working alongside our friends at St James Quarter and their fantastic range of tenants in this new and unique partnership.

“It is a significant investment for the company and is a clear demonstration of our commitment and pride in Forth 1 & 2. It is an honour to have such a loyal listener base and with the continued support from them across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk we will strive to continue to delivering top quality entertainment, news, sport and of course the biggest hits”.

Ed Webb, Director of Development Management at Nuveen Real Estate, said: “Part of our ambition for St James Quarter was to create a new art, culture and fashion hub that merges seamlessly with the city’s cultural offering and events calendar.

“By welcoming Bauer Media UK Group’s Radio Forth stations as our media partner, and having shows broadcast straight from St James Quarter, the development is integrating further into the cultural heart of the city.”

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “We’re honoured to be welcoming Forth 1 and 2 to St James Quarter. Forth 1’s ‘Boogie in the Morning’ show is iconic in Edinburgh so to have it broadcast from The Quarter every day is a big deal for us.

“This move is testament to our commitment to provide world-class facilities that will continuously offer unique and new experiences for our guests.”