Day: June 19, 2022

TikTok becomes first Virtual Stage Partner of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

TikTok and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society have announced an exclusive new partnership that will see the entertainment platform become the first Official Virtual Stage to the world’s premier performing arts festival.

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the partnership brings together the Fringe’s rich heritage, with TikTok’s thriving global community, aiming to showcase the magic and creativity that artists from around the world bring to Edinburgh’s stages to an even wider audience.

Every year, Edinburgh plays host to this iconic cultural event, as the eyes of the world look to the Fringe for the next generation of performance talent. This year, these vibrant and creative communities can also be discovered on TikTok throughout August and beyond.

As the Virtual Stage, TikTok will bring the creative artistry of the Edinburgh Fringe to the community, livestreaming performances from across the festival’s venues and from TikTok’s virtual stage in app. An Edinburgh Festival Fringe Hub will also host all the latest #EdFringe content in one place for the TikTok community to discover.

Over the past four years we have seen creativity in every form thrive on TikTok, from the emergence of community curated musicals, which have generated over 890 million views in app, to comedy which has played a pivotal role on TikTok, with over 1.6 billion views of the #Comedy hashtag, TikTok has supercharged the careers of comedians like Munya Chawawa, Abi Clarke and SugarCoatedSisters. TikTok is a hub for creativity and has become an essential platform for emerging talent.

Alongside the virtual stage, two digital screens on the Royal Mile, the heart of Scotland’s historic capital, will showcase TikTok content. These screens will offer a platform for emerging comedy, music and theatre talent on TikTok, while also helping festival goers discover new artists and spotlight the must-see shows from the Fringe.

TikTok will also co-host the Official Taster Stage with the Fringe, with a TikTok installation on the Mound Precinct for festival goers, performers and the Edinburgh community alike to experience.

TikTok creators will be invited to the festival, performing live on stage and bringing the Fringe experience to life. In addition, TikTok will be working directly with Fringe artists and performers, offering a programme of bespoke workshops and performer education, so artists can continue to utilise the platform to reach larger audiences and test new material.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe and TikTok share the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to express themselves freely and creatively. This partnership forms part of TikTok’s broader commitment to breaking down the barriers to entry within the arts and the entertainment industries, which has also seen it partner with the Cannes Film Festival, Eurovision and the Hay Festival.

James Stafford Head of Partnerships & Community at TikTok said: “The Edinburgh Fringe is a unique moment that brings together emerging artists in a celebration of creativity.

“Our partnership places TikTok’s global community at the heart of the iconic festival, and celebrates our joint belief that creativity is for everyone. TikTok is the home of entertainment and creativity and I know our community will welcome the opportunity to discover new artists, collaborate, and be inspired.”

Shona McCarthy, CEO at The Edinburgh Fringe Society said: “The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is an annual phenomenon like no other, one of the world’s great celebrations of performing arts and creativity, and we’re delighted to be partnering with TikTok in our 75th anniversary year.

“TikTok’s expertise in the creative spaces make it the perfect partner for our Official Virtual Stage. We look forward to joining artists together with TikTok’s unique virtual creativity, bringing the Fringe to a new global audience.

“For the Fringe it’s about offering anyone a stage and everyone a seat, and this partnership will allow us to offer this to audiences wherever they are in the world”

Cramond Association update

Thank you to all those who came to on meeting on Tuesday 14th. There was a good turnout and more importantly a lot of lively discussion on what the Association should be doing.

We briefly outlined the various things we already do and then discussed how to approach them to make them better and involve more people. We all agreed that rather than talks this coming season we should have meetings that concentrate on the different activities and explore what is happening and what we should do in each area.

We added the problem of the Cramond Inn to that list as everyone thought we should find ways to add to the pressure from CBCC to change ownership and reopen it as a community place. The History Section will continue to arrange talks as before so there will still be times to hear experts talk on their subjects!

Apart from the Cramond Inn we will have meetings on the Woodlands; the Walled Garden, the airport and noise amongst others.

We will also look at holding events such as the 4th of June or others and that may include a Christmas pantomime!!

It will be different and will be exciting with new people involved, and there is room for many more so get in touch if you would like to be involved – either through our Facebook page or via the e-mail – info@cramondassociation.org.uk

Gasworks Station talk and walk

granton:hub is delighted to invite you to an outdoor talk at the Granton Gasworks Train Station to listen to Kenneth Williamson who will outline the significance of this historic listed building.

The Granton Gas Works Station was opened on 27 February, 1903 to take the workers to and from the Gas Works. It closed in 1942. The station is currently going through a complete refurbishment and will become a major enterprise hub managed by WASPS.

The talk will be followed by a walk, taking in further landmarks such as Granton’s Gasometer, Caroline Park House and the listed Madelvic car factory to arrive at Madelvic House, the base of granton:hub, at around 2:45pm for tea/coffee and cake.

Then, between 3-5pm, you will be able to join staff and students from Edinburgh College of Art, to hear more about their project Granton: Cultural Heritage at the Edge: Edinburgh at the Seaside.

This research project was carried out in February by academics and 20 postgraduate students who interviewed the local community on their views of cultural heritage and what it means for Granton.

Their work was placed on display in the granton:hub in February, at the North Edinburgh Community Festival in May, and also in Paris, where we joined representatives of 7 other cities across Europe, from Krakow to Madrid, to discuss Cultural Heritage at the Edge.

Visitors will be able to view the many display boards and exhibition materials, to hear more about what we learned from our European partners, and to join with us in developing a Europe-wide Manifesto for Cultural Heritage at the Edge.

Refreshments will be served.

PLEASE NOTE: Kenneth Williamson’s talk will last approximately 45 minutes and will be held outside, next to the display boards on the fence outside the Granton Gasworks station (opposite Morrison’s superstore on Waterfront Broadway).

Please arrive by 1:45pm. After the talk, participants will walk (0.6 miles) along Waterfront Avenue to granton: hub which is located at Madelvic House, Granton Park Avenue, Edinburgh EH5 1HS.

The walk is suitable for children aged 12+ who must be accompanied by an adult

Book your place via Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/july-2022-granton-gas…

Healthy Heart Tip: Happy Healthy Father’s Day

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Happy Healthy Father’s Day

Whether you’re a father or taking on a fatherly role it’s time to celebrate you all this Sunday the 19th of June. Why not try making this a fun healthy day for all the family to remember? Here are a few of our tips to do just that.

Healthy gifts

Instead of the standard box of chocolates or bottle of beer why not buy your ‘father’ an activity day out, such as paintballing, or a set of cooking classes you can attend together or as a family.

Heart healthy breakfast in bed

Pull out all the stops and earn bonus points by providing a heart healthy breakfast in bed. Instead of a greasy fry-up why not provide a breakfast full of omega-3 for a healthy heart. A poached egg, smoked salmon and avocado on multi-seeded toast is easy to make, healthy and delicious!

Keep their memory alive

If you’re one of the many who have lost their father/father figure why not plan a walking route where you visit a meaningful place to reflect on happy memories. Get out in the fresh air and send that special person your love.

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips.

To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-recipes-2/.

Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers:

https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-cookbook/.

Westfield House is new home for Corstorphine Community Centre

The Management Committee and staff of Corstorphine Community CCC are delighted to confirm that as from Monday 20th June, their new base will be at Westfield House, 5 Kirk Loan, Corstorphine, opposite the Astoria Hall.

We are continuing to pursue the option of a Community Asset Transfer in order than we can occupy the premises on a permanent basis.

We are in the midst of organising the new building and it is planned that activities / groups will recommence from 4th July with the shop operating from the ground floor of the building.

Contact details remain the same for the new location:

Email admin@ccchub.online

Phone: 07580 659676

Huge demand for Royal Highland Show tickets

The Royal Highland Show is urging visitors to snap up remaining tickets as demand soars for the event, which takes place next week from Thursday 23rd – Sunday 26th June. 

There are only a few hundred tickets remaining for the Friday and Saturday of the event, which this year is celebrating 200 years since the very first Highland Show took place back in 1822 – the first time in it’s 200 years that two days will sell out ahead of the event. 

With huge demand for Friday and Saturday tickets, the only way to guarantee entry now is to buy in advance. There are still car parking tickets available to purchase for every day of the Show. 

Mark Currie, Director of Operations at the Royal Highland Show, said: “We are delighted that Show goers are clearly as excited as we are about the return of Scotland’s biggest outdoor event. With Friday and Saturday looking like sell-out days, we’re encouraging people who might be holding off to book Friday or Saturday now, or to consider a Thursday or Sunday visit. 

“If for any reason you can’t attend this year, luckily you can still catch the action through RHS TV – it will be broadcast live from the Showground over the four days and available to watch for free on the Royal Highland Show website.” 

The Royal Highland Show, supported by the Royal Bank of Scotland, will take place 23-26th June 2022. Tickets, including for car parking, must be pre-purchased online this year and no tickets will be available to buy on the gate.

The Show will be broadcast online this year via RHS TV, funded by the Scottish Government. 

For further information and to purchase tickets please visit:

www.royalhighlandshow.org. 

Volunteer Edinburgh are pleased to be working with the RHASS to deliver the Volunteer Showmakers programme at the Royal Highland Show 2022.

The volunteering programme for the RHS has been completely renewed for 2022 which is the 200th anniversary of the show.

Volunteer Edinburgh are recruiting Volunteer Showmakers, who will welcome visitors to the event, providing information to the public and helping to ensure that every visitor has a fantastic time.

The four day event runs from the 23rd June to the 26th June and Volunteer Showmakers will be deployed throughout.

The show, first held in 1822, is the pinnacle of the agricultural calendar. Each year over 1,000 trade exhibitors, over 2,000 livestock competitors entering into 900+competitions (with over 6,500 animals) and tens of thousands of visitors come to the Royal Highland Show to experience the best of farming, food, and rural life. You can see a short video from the 2015 edition here.

Some key information about volunteering as a Showmaker:

  • Dates: Thursday 23rd , Friday 24th , Saturday 25th, and Sunday 26th June
  • There are two shifts available per day (morning 7am-1pm and afternoon 1pm-7pm)
  • You can volunteer on as many days as you wish, but there is a maximum one shift per day
  • There is a dedicated Volunteer Hub where lunches, snacks and refreshments will be available during the during the shifts
  • Free travel to the Royal Highland Showground on dedicated Lothian Buses services is available to all Volunteer Showmakers
  • We have developed a streamlined on boarding process to ensure you have all the information and support that you need to volunteer with the 2022 Showmaker programme
  • You will need to complete a short online induction
  • You will be issued with a Yoti RHS volunteering card and this will allow you access and is separate from the CTV accreditation.

To sign up please follow this link and complete this short form. You will be asked to indicate the shift/s that you wish to volunteer for.

Please note that if you wish to volunteer with colleagues, you will each individually need to complete the form, but you may wish to coordinate and select the same shift times.

Sign up now using this link or by clicking the grey button below: www.voled.in/rhs22

This is your chance to see a hairy coo !!!!

Heather Yang

Core Services Manager


 sign up 

Edinburgh has welcomed 5000 Ukrainians fleeing conflict

Around 5,000 refugees fleeing war in Ukraine have arrived through Edinburgh, the City of Edinburgh Council has confirmed.

Of those who have come to or through the city, 2,222 were warmly received by Council officers and volunteers at Edinburgh’s Welcome Hub – where volunteers have clocked up at least 3,465 hours day and night over 496 shifts, providing 536 rucksacks filled with donations and support to arrivals and their hosts.

To provide this advice and access to vital services, 1,175 hours of translation have taken place. And now, with arrival numbers only expected to increase, Ukrainian refugees are being employed by the Council as interpreters and customer care team members to provide extra assistance.

Visiting the Hub and the Ukrainian Club ahead of World Refugee Day Monday (20 June), Council Leader Cammy Day thanked volunteers and officers and hailed the way in which the city has come together to support those in desperate need.

He said: “Seeing families arrive and find their feet in Edinburgh has brought home the sheer scale of our city’s ongoing response to this crisis.

“It was so moving to hear the lengths to which our staff and volunteers are going to in order to provide the best possible welcome to our Ukrainian guests as they take their first steps towards a life of safety here in Scotland. Some are working incredibly long hours, seven days a week, to be there to help and to ensure everyone can get a roof over their head regardless of what time of day it is.

“The city has already welcomed thousands of people, with 2,222 arriving through the Hub. The majority of arrivals in the country have been landing here in Edinburgh. The scale of support we need to offer is huge and this is only increasing – from accommodation, interpretation and education, to host checks and health and social care, transport, counselling, and financial advice.

“We know that Edinburgh’s population swells in August so we’re already looking at how we can manage capacity and speaking to the Scottish Government about this. Because services will be under strain, we need to work together with our partners and those in the private sector so that all arrivals continue to receive what they need.

“The response from all sides of the city has been outstanding, with many companies offering useful donations, whether that being nappies, buggies, shoes or sim cards. The way in which Edinburgh has come together to support people in such desperate need of our help fills me with hope and pride and I have no doubt we’ll continue to pull out all the stops for as long as it takes.”        

As an extension of the Welcome Hub, a drop-in facility is available at 249 High Street where the Council’s customer contact team is offering specialist advice on benefits and employment opportunities. A Council helpline is also in place 24 hours a day, which received 2,750 calls in the first 100 days of the conflict alone.

Alan Sufi and his family were the first people to arrive from Ukraine through Edinburgh’s Welcome Hub. Having experienced the support of the service first hand, Alan is now one week into a new job with the Council at 249 High Street, where he is helping new arrivals. 

Alan said: “I’d like to thank the city, the people and the Council. Edinburgh Council has been like a parent to us, taking our situation to heart and providing every opportunity to help. If I can do the same for others, I will feel good. 

“Everyone has been very supportive and there are people from the Polish community who have been helping us too. We have a home. I have my job. Within three days of arriving in Edinburgh my children were at school.

The Bike Station gave us all bikes for free, so we’ve been able to explore the city. We’ve been to Newhaven Harbour and to Lauriston Castle. We’ve climbed Arthur’s Seat and been to the beach. We were given a pass to Edinburgh Leisure and we’ve been enjoying that a lot. My children have joined a rugby group too.

“Edinburgh is a great place. It is full of history, tradition and monuments. Based on that you make associations about what the people will be like, but it’s not so. I’ve found Edinburgh to be open and modern. But the weather – it is astonishing. On the day we arrived, it was windy and raining, sunny and snowy, all at the same time.

“In Kharkiv I was a photographer. It was also a great city, but I know it won’t be the same, even when the war is over. It will need many, many years of recovery. But for Ukrainians, they carry home with them. They don’t live there – Ukraine lives in them.” 

Nataliia Danova, aged 34 from Kyiv, arrived from Ukraine in March. She has also been employed as a Council interpreter.

Nataliia said: “Ukrainians are displaced, they do not really see themselves as refugees. As a people we have a very strong will to work – and as soon as possible. The support which is now on offer in Edinburgh is very welcome and it is positive that financial assistance is being provided. But, generally we are arriving in Edinburgh with skills which are valuable to employers, and we would rather work. 

“I came to Edinburgh alone from Kyiv where my career is as a crisis manager and my experience is useful for my role here in Edinburgh. I’m in the process of settling on the Homes for Ukraine scheme and I’ve been working at the Council for a couple of weeks now, offering support and translation to new arrivals at the Welcome Hub in Gogarburn and the Advice Shop at 249 High Street. Before that I was volunteering to translate documents and help others, and I continue to volunteer for Help Ukraine Scotland and their helpline.

“Every third Ukrainian arriving doesn’t speak English – but you’ll find that they’re willing to learn. By taking English language courses, more Ukrainians will be able to find work, and be able to pay for things like childcare so that they can stay in work. Employers in Edinburgh should consider making roles accessible to Ukrainians coming here – like the Council is doing. That would be great to see. Everyone has so much to offer.”

Anna Kulish, aged 33, was born in the Khersen region of Ukraine which has been occupied since the start of the war. She arrived in Edinburgh in May and started working for the Council at the beginning of June, as an interpreter for the Welcome Hub.

Anna said: “It is lovely here in Edinburgh. The people are friendly. Most Ukrainians I know are looking for a job and I’m really pleased to work at the Council. I’ve not long been through the process, having arrived at the Hub a few weeks ago. It was indeed a warm welcome. We were accommodated within hours and everyone has been very supportive and eager to go the extra mile to help.

“It’s a pleasure to now work there and to be helpful, to keep myself busy and distracted from the news and to reassure others arriving that things will be okay. I’d love more employers to consider jobs for Ukrainians, who are very hard working. Anything we can do to encourage that is worthwhile.”

Education attainment gap is closing, say Headteachers

Almost nine out of 10 (87%) headteachers in Scotland say improvements have been made in closing the poverty-related attainment gap despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2021 Headteacher Survey, published yesterday, also finds that 94% expect to see improvements over the next few years as a result of Attainment Scotland Fund (ASF) supported approaches.

An evaluation report on year 6 (2020-21) of the ASF, also published today, indicates there has been positive progress towards closing the poverty related attainment gap despite the challenges presented by the pandemic. Challenges included staff and pupil absence and the ability to deliver some initiatives.

Education Secretary Shirley Anne Somerville said: “It’s encouraging that our headteachers are continuing to report progress towards tackling the poverty-related attainment gap, despite the impact of the pandemic.

“We know the disruption caused by COVID-19 has presented serious challenges for learning and teaching in Scotland, as it has around the world. But the response of schools and local authorities in adapting to this, supported by Attainment Scotland Funding, has been a testament to the resilience of Scottish education.

“Progress was being made in tackling the poverty-related attainment gap before the pandemic and we now need to increase the speed and scale of this.

“That is why one of our top priorities is to accelerate both recovery and progress in tackling the poverty-related attainment gap, supported by a record £1 billion investment in the Scottish Attainment Challenge over the course of this Parliament.”

The Headteacher survey 2021 found 87% reported seeing an improvement in closing the poverty-related attainment gap.

Pipers take centre stage for Falklands commemorations

Falklands veterans and their families gathered in Edinburgh yesterday (Saturday 18 June) to pay tribute on the 40th anniversary of the end of the conflict. They were joined by the Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge and Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans Keith Brown MSP for the parade and remembrance service.

Hundreds lined the streets as the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines and the Scots Guards Association Pipes and Drums marched along George Street before the service in St Andrew Square. Many Falklands veterans were among those taking part, including former Scots Guards drummer, Graham Hopewell, from Ayrshire.

At 11am, the bands were joined by more than 120 pipers across Scotland and as far away as Peru, New Zealand and the Falklands, to play “The Crags of Tumbledown Mountain” in unison. This tune was composed by Scottish Pipe Major James Riddell in the midst of the decisive battle on 13th June 1982, which led to the Argentine surrender and the end of the war the following day.

The commemorations were organised by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, in partnership with the Armed Forces and the Scottish Government.

The Rev Dr Karen Campbell, National Chaplain of the Royal British Legion Scotland, and The Rev Angus Smith, former Padre to the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards who served in the Falklands, jointly led the service.

They remembered the 255 British servicemen who fell in the Falklands, as well as 649 Argentinian military personnel, three civilians, and thousands more who were wounded.

The conflict began on April 2nd, 1982, when Argentina invaded the British territory in the South Atlantic, and ended on June 14th, as British troops approached the capital, Stanley. It was the first military action since the Second World War which involved all elements of the British Armed Forces.

Following the service, wreaths were laid by the Lord Provost, Mr Brown MSP, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, a Falklands veteran and President of Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, the Heads of all three Armed Services in Scotland, and the War Widows Association.

Participants then enjoyed musical entertainment from the two military bands, Legion Scotland Sweetheart Amy Hawthorn, Stuart McLean, Juniper 3 and Ellyn Oliver. The public were also able to enjoy exhibits from Legion Scotland, Poppyscotland, and many other organisations and associations.

Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “It was heartening to see so many people come together today to pay tribute to all those who served in the Falklands. For veterans and their families, today was a very poignant day, as we remembered those who laid down their lives 40 years ago. Even now, many of those who served are still living with the physical and mental scars of the conflict.

“This was also an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary resilience of our Armed Forces community and the vital role they continue to play today. We’re delighted that people of all ages have engaged with our learning programme over recent months, taking the chance to find out more about the Falklands and other conflicts, and their impact on our recent history.

“It was particularly moving to hear the iconic pipe tune “The Crags of Tumbledown Mountain” being played at 11am, both here at St Andrews Square and by our global pipe band in all corners of the world.

“We would like to thank the City of Edinburgh Council and everyone else who has made today’s events possible, as well as the public for their support.”

Keith Brown MSP said: “I am delighted that we have been able to partner with Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland to deliver a commemoration which will provide the people of Scotland with an opportunity to recognise the sacrifices made 40 years ago in the Falklands War.”

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Sharing his memories of the long journey to the Falklands onboard the QE2, Rev Smith said: “We suddenly remembered what war entailed.  The question that was at the back of our mind was “would we or would we not return”. 

“But I had to go beyond that.  I had about 500 lads who were in the same position. These were the ones who were fighting, so it was up to me to help these people as much as possible.”

Reflecting on the 40th anniversary commemorations today, Rev Smith continued: “It has been one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve had in years.  The thought that has gone into this, it’s beautiful really. 

“The first person I met today was the wife of a great friend of mine, who was amongst the first men killed in the war.  We just looked at one another today, and we couldn’t speak.”

For more information of the Falklands 40 commemorative events programme visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/Falklands40.

Falklands 40 | Remembrance | Royal British Legion