Month: September 2022

Maths Week Scotland returns for sixth year

Maths Week Scotland returns for its sixth and biggest-ever annual event from 26 September to 2 October 2022. This week, pupils, community groups and families in Edinburgh and the Lothians will be enjoying an exciting range of maths-themed activities and events across local schools, science centres and museums.

Part of the Scottish Government’s drive to encourage positive attitudes to numeracy and maths, Maths Weeks Scotland is developed and delivered by National Museums Scotland. This year, the Small Grants Fund – a partnership between the Edinburgh Mathematical Society, the Glasgow Mathematical Journal Trust and the Scottish Government – has supported 67 different classroom activities for schools across the country to encourage pupils to think about maths in a creative way.

The theme for 2022 is the beauty of maths, focusing on the creative and inspiring side of the subject, and how maths plays a vital role in art, music and design. School pupils across Edinburgh and the Lothians will be encouraged to think about maths in a creative way through activities such as art and sculpture exhibitions, budgeting projects, and outdoor learning.

Science centres and museums across Scotland have also received support from Maths Week Scotland for large-scale family activities and workshops as well as programming for schools and community groups that encourage innovation and participation while linking maths with the arts.

Alongside in-person events, Maths Week Scotland has created a fun online programme to inspire and intrigue people of all ages, from schools and educators to families and adults. The virtual programme includes using coding to create art, ideas for hands-on classroom activities, and a mathematical art workshop by mathematician Lucy Rycroft-Smith with a free kit posted to participants.

The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is organising an exciting programme of maths-themed family events, including free art exhibition (2 October) and a schools programme of renewable energy workshops.

Lauriston Castle in Edinburgh is launching the ‘Maths Attack’ trail around the estate to teach pupils about how to use and make their own set of Napier’s Bones – a calculation device for multiplying large numbers.

Edinburgh’s National Galleries of Scotland is showcasing Scotland’s art through a mathematical lens with an online resource for schools and gallery visits to Modern One.

The University of Edinburgh is organising an exciting programme of events, with a display of geometric illuminations and optical illusions at James Clerk Maxwell Building (1 October) as well as virtual (27-28 September) and hands-on (1 October) maths activities for families. The university is also providing workshops for teachers and educators to inspire ideas for practical maths activities in the classroom.

Museum on the Mound is hosting online and in-person ‘Money Maths’ workshops to explore different money around the world.

On 29 September, Surgeons’ Hall Museum is arranging school workshops on using investigating bones and surgical equipment as well as a drop-in session for the general public on 1 October.

Stockbridge Library and Moredun Library are hosting Bookbug sessions and art activities for individuals and families.

Katie Oldfield, Maths Week Scotland co-ordinator, said: “We are thrilled to be launching Maths Week Scotland for its sixth consecutive year with such a bang.

“Mathematicians often refer to the subject as ‘beautiful’, and our aim is to inspire families, schools and community groups in Edinburgh and the Lothians to view maths in a new way and to find it in unexpected places, such as art and music.

“We are so excited to be bringing back more interactive, in-person events at schools and public venues across the country. It’s brilliant to see that so many schools have devised fun and engaging activities for pupils to discover how creative maths can be.”

The schools programme is core to Maths Week Scotland. Schools and community projects receiving grants in Edinburgh and the Lothians are:

Edinburgh:

·       Ferryhill Primary School – Skatepark Maths: Pupils P1-7 will create their own skateparks for finger skateboards

·       Edinburgh Council Libraries: Three primary schools exploring outdoor space at Newington Library

·       Bruntsfield Primary School: Creation of an exciting outdoor learning space

·       Gilmerton Primary School – Financial and Budgeting: Pupils will be given a budget and go shopping for ingredients to create a nutritious meal

·       Number Berries Maths Play Club: Mini Exhibition of art and sculptures inspired by manmade structures and nature

·       Corstorphine Primary School: Beauty of Maths exhibition

Lothians:

·       Cedarbank School: Exhibition of numeracy themed artwork created by pupils and their families

·       Polkemmet Primary School: Beauty of Maths art exhibition for families

·       Pinewood School – Maths Week Scotland Sale: Materials will be purchased to craft items to sell at a Maths Week Scotland sale to practice recognising coins and budgeting 

Maths Week Scotland is supported by winner of The Great British Bake Off 2020, Peter Sawkins.

Maths Week Scotland has a supporting year-round programme for schools, families, adults, and community groups. This is part of an ongoing drive to transform Scotland into a maths-positive nation through raising the profile of maths and encouraging enthusiasm for maths across the country.

National Museums Scotland is working with a wide range of organisations and collaborators to support and deliver Maths Week Scotland activity across Scotland.

For a full list of contributors and to view the whole programme, visit:

www.mathsweek.scot

Lorna Slater MSP: Free bus travel has benefited almost 59,000 young people in Edinburgh since January

Lorna Slater the Scottish Green MSP for Lothian has welcomed the positive impact of free bus travel for people under 22, which has already benefited almost 59,000 people in Edinburgh.

Almost 500,000 young people across Scotland have enjoyed over 21 million journeys.

Scotland is the first country in the UK to offer free bus travel for young people. It was introduced in January, following negotiations between the Scottish Greens and the Scottish Government.

Lorna Slater the Green MSP for Lothian said: “I am delighted that so many young people in Edinburgh have signed up for free bus travel. It is a vital change that is opening up the country while helping our environment. 

“With Greens in the Scottish Government, we are delivering for people, the planet and our communities.

“Free bus travel is helping hard-squeezed families and individuals at a time when household incomes are being stretched on so many fronts. It is also reducing pollution and unnecessary car journeys.”

“I want as many young people as possible to benefit, and would encourage those who have yet to do so to visit freebus.scot and register for their card today.”

Calling time on cyclists who ride dangerously

The former transport secretary, Grant Shapps, recently proposed a Whitehall review of how cyclists who break the law should be tracked and prosecuted.

Initial ideas put forward to facilitate this include insurance cover for riders and registration plates for bikes, and it appears from the latest research by Venson Automotive Solutions that the UK public are in favour.

62% of those surveyed by Venson agreed that riders of bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters should have insurance cover and nearly half (49%) believe these modes of transport should carry registration plates.

Cyclists who jump red lights – which is an illegal act for all road users – are creating dangerous situations on the road for themselves and other road users, but unlike motorists, the odds of escaping prosecution are high. However, if caught jumping lights, cyclists will be issued with a standard Fixed Penalty Notice of £30 opposed to a potential maximum fine of £1000 for motorists and points on their licence.

Currently, under the Highway Code and Road Traffic Act speeding limits only apply to motor vehicles and their drivers, exempting cyclists and scooter riders of this vital safeguard.

The survey found that 94% of respondents support the introduction of penalty points and fines for riders of bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters breaking speed limits and greater penalties for those red light jumping.

One in four also believe that before riders of a bicycle, e-bike and e-scooter take to the road, they should obtain a rider’s licence which includes taking a theory and road test. 

Alison Bell, Operations Director at Venson Automotive Solutions says, “A lot of private motorists and businesses operating fleets are looking for greener transport options for themselves and their employees, including bicycles and e-bikes which can be offered under a salary sacrifice scheme by employers.

“With Government setting a target for half of all short trips to be walked or cycled by 2030 in England, this type of ‘micro-transport’ could provide a viable transport alternative and support that ambition.

“However, the reality is just 9.1% of people cycled at least once a week for any purpose between November 2020 and November 2021. The latest figures from the Department for Transport also showed that this is down 11.6% compared to the same period the year before.

“Clearly, to meet the Government’s transport green goals, more needs to be done to encourage people and businesses to change their transport habits, especially for shorter trips. 

“Nevertheless, changes to legislation that impose stricter rules for cyclists and scooter riders could significantly deter people from making a switch. Striking a balance will be crucial to successfully growing this micro-transport, whilst protecting all road-users fairly.”

Tenants in Edinburgh take part in major energy efficiency roll out

Scottish housing provider Bield has rolled out hundreds of air fryers and slow cookers to tenants across the country in a bid to help reduce energy consumption.

The cooking equipment has been gifted to 688 Bield tenants as the provider received £33,000 from the Social Housing Fuel Support Fund – Round Two, funded by the Scottish Government and administered by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA).

Developments based in Argyll and Bute, Ayrshire, Dundee, East and West Lothian, Edinburgh, Fife, Glasgow, Inverclyde, North Lanarkshire, Perth and Kinross, Renfrewshire and the Scottish Borders participated in the initiative which was led by Ken Greenshields, Customer Engagement Co-ordinator at Bield.

In Edinburgh, tenants at Emily Court, Halmyre Street, Milton Court and Pennywell Gardens received the new appliances.

The roll out is part of an ongoing drive to integrate energy efficient and sustainable measures across Bield’s operations and 5,000+ properties.

Frances Payne, a tenant at Bield’s Halmyre Street development in Edinburgh, said: “I was thinking of buying an air fryer myself and was so pleased when I received the offer letter asking if I wanted one. I’ve been looking forward to getting it and trying out some new recipes.”

As part of the roll out, Bield also created a recipe book with six different meal suggestions that can be made in an air fryer/slow cooker. The book was designed to help inspire tenants to make healthy food choices with their new equipment.

Another Bield resident, Mrs Dowling of the Glen Affric Avenue development in Glasgow, said: “I have been really looking forward to getting my air fryer. It is so quick and easy to use and everything I’ve cooked so far has been delicious.”

Bield’s commitment to sustainability is embedded into all its operations.  The housing and care provider recently revealed it is working to reduce its carbon footprint by 90% in a bid to combat the global environmental crisis.

Tracey Howatt, Director of Customer Experience at Bield said: “It’s very important to us that we make decisions which positively impact the environment whilst simultaneously putting the needs of our tenants at the heart of our operations.

“The roll out of these cooking appliances is just one of the proactive ways we are looking to raise awareness of energy and sustainability issues. We’re delighted to have been able to run this initiative and it’s only been possible thanks to the involvement and funding award from SFHA and a lot of hard work from Ken.

“We will continue to support our tenants in any way we can as we face soaring energy prices and the cost-of-living crisis.”

Bield worked with electrical retailer AO to help deliver the air fryers and slow cookers to its tenants across Scotland.

Anthony Sant, Managing Director at AO Business said “We are so pleased to have worked with Bield on this project and are excited to see the results. We all know that many essential appliances simply can’t be switched off at the plug to save energy, in the same way that we might do with game consoles or TVs when not in use.

“These slow cookers and air fryers will allow the recipients to make delicious, healthy meals at home, using less energy, and we’re thrilled to have been asked to play a part in making it happen.”

Bield is a registered charity dedicated to providing flexible housing solutions and support for older people. Bield Housing and Care has around 180 developments across Scotland, providing independent living for those over 50 years old around the country.

To find out more about Bield, visit https://www.bield.co.uk/housing-and-other-services or follow on Facebook @bieldhousingandcare and Twitter @BieldScotland.

Covid-19: Weekly testing to end for health and social care workers

Health and social care workers will no longer be required to test for COVID-19 every week as asymptomatic testing is paused by Wednesday (28 September).

The four UK Chief Medical Officers agreed it is safe to halt weekly staff testing, visitor and carer testing and hospital admission testing following a change to the Covid-19 alert level and, importantly, a high uptake of vaccinations.

Stakeholders were informed of the change to the guidance on 14 September and some healthcare and social care settings may therefore choose to pause regular testing before the end of the month.

It is the latest restriction to be lifted in health and social care settings – following the decision earlier this month to remove the requirement for facemasks in social care homes.

Testing will remain in place for admissions into care homes and to support appropriate clinical diagnosis and treatment for hospital patients and care home residents.

Unpaid carers and visitors to care homes and hospitals will no longer need to undertake routine testing, but those planning to see family or friends in these settings are advised follow the ‘Covid Sense’ guidelines and steer clear if they are unwell.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “The huge success of our world-leading vaccination programme means we are now able to pause routine asymptomatic testing in most high-risk settings.

“This is the latest step in our return to normal life, but we must apply Covid Sense to keep these freedoms and ease the pressure on the NHS over winter.

“Vaccination remains our best line of defence against COVID-19 and I urge everyone who is eligible for the winter vaccination programme to take up the offer of an appointment when it’s offered.”

COVID sense | NHS inform

Virgin Hotels announces brand new all day dining and entertainment venue

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will open its latest concept Eve on 7th October 

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, the luxury lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, announces its latest concept, Eve – an all-day dining space that will provide an array of food, beverages and entertainment. 

The vibrant social space will officially open to the public on 7th October and is set to perfectly complement Edinburgh’s enviable food and drink scene from morning lattes to lights out. For those eager to get ahead of the crowd, reservations can now be made directly on the hotel’s website at www.virginhotels.com/edinburgh/dine-and-drink/eve/. 

To celebrate the launch, Eve will be offering all guests 50% off food for every reservation made from 7th-29th October and will be putting on a variety of live entertainment seven days a week throughout the month. 

Situated at ground floor level, with an entrance from Cowgate, Eve will hold up to 160 guests and is designed to be a playful environment to eat, drink and socialise in the heart of Edinburgh. With performance being at the core of the history of the Virgin brand, Eve will put on a diverse range of events showcasing the best of both Scottish and international culture. 

From exclusive one-off activations that will firmly put Eve on the map to weekly intimate events including ‘Musical Mondays’, ‘On Demand’ and ‘Live & Unsigned’, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. 

Alongside the lively entertainment, guests can order up a storm with a menu perfect for sharing with friends and family on any occasion whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.

The menu caters to all tastes with everything from small plates – including beef brisket croquettes and Scottish salmon crudo – to large plates offering flat iron steak and charcuterie boards as well as a selection of juicy burgers, hearty sandwiches and refreshing salad bowls.   

The interiors of Eve are like no other. The walls are adorned with floor-to-ceiling unique murals specifically curated by award winning Dutch graffiti artists, Studio Giftig, for the venue. Incorporating themes of space exploration, Scottish history, and Virgin legacy, these distinctive artworks create an immersive space that both celebrates and transcends the area’s rich history.  

Opened until late, guests are encouraged to enjoy a post dinner cocktail from a range of bespoke creations all with locality in mind, helping to bring a sense of Scotland into each of the flavours.

From Park Bench Aperitivos such as Strong-Beau, a nod to the nation’s favourite fruity cider, to twists on classic cocktails such as the ‘Pin-Up’, a reimagining of the Pornstar Martini and East 8 Holdup, the cocktail menu brings some nostalgic flavours firmly into the 21st Century. 

Eve is situated within the newly opened Virgin Hotels Edinburgh located in the landmark India Buildings in Edinburgh’s Old Town, a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle.

The hotel features 222 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites and multiple dining and drinking outlets including Eve and Commons Club, all with their own unique space and distinct design. 

The hotel site is home to a 19th century church, known as Greyfriars Hall, that is being beautifully restored and repurposed as a special event venue. In addition, the hotel will offer a rooftop sanctuary with unobstructed Edinburgh Castle views. 

Scott McArdle, General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, commented: “We have already started to see Virgin Hotels Edinburgh come to life over the last few months and Eve is going to add even more flavour to what we already offer.

“This vibrant and lively space will be at the heart of the city’s entertainment with fantastic food, unique cocktails and an array of performances – there really is something for everyone to enjoy.” 

All guests can sign up for the brand-wide guest preferences and loyalty program ‘The Know’, which grants a personalised hotel experience that allows for access to room upgrades, member rates, special events and a complimentary cocktail hour in Commons Club – all when booking directly with Virgin Hotels. 

All Chambers and Suites have integrated tech capabilities, which can control lighting, thermostats, TVs, and order room service directly via the mobile app, Lucy which is exclusively available to Know members.

Lucy also gives guests the ability to check in prior to arrival and can be used as an access key to their Chambers. Chambers are also pet friendly, with complimentary ‘pet-menities’ available, including dog beds and food and water dishes.  

The hotel has been developed and is owned by Flemyn and managed by Virgin Hotels. 

Reservations for the hotel are also open and can be made directly on the hotel’s website www.virginhotels.com/edinburgh.  

Follow along on social media: Instagram @Eveedinburgh, Facebook @Evevhedinburgh  

Betty the e-waste shark washed astore at Stirling shopping centre

Thistles welcomes life-sized basking shark made from second hand electrical devices

Thistles shopping centre in Stirling has unveiled a new art installation, Betty the e-waste shark, which has been making a splash with shoppers.

Betty is a life-sized basking shark made entirely from second hand electrical devices including over 200 keyboards and water cooler panels that have been saved from landfill. Shoppers brave enough to stand at Betty’s mouth will see two projector lenses and TV screens showing a powerful film highlighting the enormous scale of e-waste that is shipped across seas every year.

The work of Edinburgh artist, Jonathan Elders, Betty was created to raise awareness of Scotland’s electronic waste problem. Designed to be engaging, it is also fully inclusive and accessible to people of any height or level of mobility. 

For a limited time only before Betty continues her journey across the country, visitors are invited to interact and snap a picture with the striking sculpture located outside Muffin Break to learn about the growing problem of e-waste facing our country.

Gary Turnbull, Centre Director at Thistles, said: “We’re excited to have welcomed Betty into the centre as not only is it a fantastic sculpture, but it is also a great way to educate our shoppers on the problem of electronic waste which faces us all.

“At Thistles we have been putting a great focus on sustainability, how to cut down on all waste and the steps we can take to protect our planet. Our Wolf Pack Kids’ Club is something that we’ve been able to introduce into the centre, with the help of the Sustainable Supers, to get the next generation clued up on all things sustainable and reducing our carbon footprint.”

The instalment furthers Thistles’ focus on raising awareness about sustainability and reducing waste as its monthly Wolf Pack Kids’ Club continues. Hosted on the last Sunday of the month from February to November, each month centres around a unique theme around planet saving, kindness and sharing.

Wolf pack members will be able to see Betty the shark up close after the next, free of charge event on September 25. Children can take part in an interactive workshop to design, create and take home their very own garden windchimes as we celebrate the seasons and head into Autumn.

Thistles encourages all shoppers to catch Betty the e-waste shark while you can as she will be at the shopping centre for a limited time only.

To find out more and sign up for The Wolf Pack, please visit:

www.thistlesstirling.com/the-wolf-pack/

Conifox Halloween Festival set to go with a bang 

Scaringly great fun for the whole family   

It’s the creepiest time of the year at Conifox Adventure Park where ghouls, ghosts, monsters and much more are gathering next month (October) for a haunt-tastic Halloween festival. 

From Pumpkin Days and Nights to show-stopping Pumpkin Fireworks there is a whole lot of spine-tingling Halloween fun for all the family at Kirkliston just outside Edinburgh. 

Pick the perfect pumpkin from the festive field and carve a masterpiece to take home. Show your dance moves in the monster mash disco. Get spooked by creepy characters in the haunted maze before playing some ghoulish games or firing a pumpkin slingshot.

Learn how to make fake blood and slippery slime with the Mad Scientist. For older kids, why not try and shoot some zombies in our Airsoft target range? Scare everyone silly with a face painting and enjoy the thrill of Taylor’s of Edinburgh Funfair rides. And that’s just the fun of Pumpkin Days! 

Pumpkin Nights will feature all of the above plus the additional attraction of axe-throwing challenges, scare zones, stilt walker and an amazing fire performer lighting up the night. With a spectacular light display and Pumpkin Fireworks on 28th and 29th October by events specialists 21CC Group who promise a stunning extravaganza of light and sound. 

James Gammell, Managing Director of Conifox Adventure Park, says: “Children and adults alike love the drama and fun of Halloween and this year it’s sure to be a scream at Conifox.  Our ever-popular pumpkin patch is back with so much more added this year – and two nights of frightening firework fun.” 

Pumpkin Day sessions run mornings and afternoons, every weekend next month from 8th to 30th October. Pumpkin Nights are held on Friday and Saturday evenings from 14th to 22nd October. 

The Pumpkin Fireworks event is being staged on the evenings of Friday and Saturday, 28th to 29th October. For more information and to book tickets please visit www.conifox.co.uk/whats-on 

Additional costs apply to some activities and access to the Adventure Park or Activity Centre is not included in Halloween Festival ticket 

To find out more about Conifox Adventure Park visit https://www.conifox.co.uk/