The spectacular Beecraigs Festive Forest is back bigger and brighter than ever with even more extravagant lighting effects and one of the UK’s most powerful laser shows.
This year the team behind the awesome illuminations deep in the woods near Linlithgow is 21CC Group, one of the UK’s leading light and production companies. And their unrivalled expertise has created the perfect Christmas treat – a magical experience for all the family.
Beecraigs, the original festive forest event, broke all records last year and already has sold-out nights for their 2022 event run.
Located in Beecraigs Country Park, with panoramic views of the Forth bridges, Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife, the Festive Forest is not only the ultimate Christmas family feelgood event but those attending will also be helping Maggie’s cancer support charity, Beecraigs’ charity partner.
The illuminated trail is a spectacular 1.8m walk through woodland, packed with stunning visuals and sound effects. It opens on December 2 and runs until December 23, 4 pm to 10 pm (the first entry is from 4 pm with the last entry at 8:30 pm) and is suitable for everyone and all age groups, including those with Additional Support Needs and Autism Spectrum Disorder. All carers’ tickets are free.
The event also features the delightful Santa’s Grotto and Storytelling Experience, not included in the Trail ticket and required to be booked separately in advance.
And there is a host of other attractions: The longest light tunnel in Scotland, Radio Forth’s Silent Disco, Cala Homes’ live music stage with DJ, musicians, choirs and carol singers; fire performers, stilt walkers and jugglers, some favourite festive characters, market stalls, children’s amusements and fair rides including a carousel, helter-skelter, Candy Cane bungee jumps, Crazy Elf cars and a new mini polar express!
A wide variety of festive food and drink is available in the new Santa village too, including all the seasonal favourites from hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows to mulled wine, hot cider, tea and coffee, Scottish street food as well as festive fizz and beers.
Roy Snedden, Director of Rowen Events, said: This year we’ve really pulled out all the stops for a fabulous festive treat and made it bigger, brighter and bolder than ever before.
“It’s always the most magical time of the year but we want to make it a truly unforgettable experience for everyone – that’s why we are working with 21CC Group and supporting the wonderful Maggie’s who deserve a really significant gift for the tremendous work they do all year round.
“We’re hoping all our visitors will be as generous as they can and help us spread the real spirit of Christmas.”
For more information on the Festive Forest and to book tickets, visit:
With all the favourite stalls, and Santa back in his grotto, the stage is set for this year’s bumper Christmas Fair in Cramond Kirk Halls on Saturday 3 December (11.30am-2pm).
From Cake & Candy and Crafts to Collectors Corner, Toys and Toiletries to Tombola, there will be something for everyone. Other stalls include Books, CDs/Vinyl, Stocking Fillers, Children’s Tombola, Quiz …. and of course our renowned array of Christmas Hampers stuffed with festive goodies.
Lots to eat too! Teas, coffees and delicious light refreshments will be available indoors, while in an outdoor tent the Scouts will provide an al-fresco option featuring burgers and hot dogs with lashings of ketchup.
Fair organiser Louise Campbell said: “The Kirk will share this year’s proceeds with homeless support charity Fresh Start, and also Ukrainian Families in Edinburgh, because it is a country very close to our hearts at the moment.
“We look forward to seeing you and all your friends and family at the Fair.”
Edinburgh’s Childline Christmas Concert returns this year for the first time since Covid-19 hit the country.
The event has not been held for the past two years due to social distancing and this year will mark 26 years since the festive service began in the city.
Over the years, the concert has raised tens of thousands of pounds to help children and young people across Scotland.
The event, being held in Central Hall on Friday, November 25, from 7pm to 9.30pm, will feature performances by hundreds of young musicians from across the city’s schools.
All ticket and raffle sales from the night will go to the NSPCC-run Childline service in Scotland. The service provides 24-hour support for children and young people, providing them with a safe and confidential place to talk about whatever may be worrying them.
It is the only service there for children 24/7 during the upcoming festive period.
The last concert in 2019 raised more than £4,000 for the charity, and the hope is to reach an even higher target this year.
“Many people look forward to this event each year so it’s wonderful to welcome it back again.
“As well as a great night of entertainment, the concert supports our vital Childline service which is a genuine lifeline for children and young people around the country.
“At the NSPCC, we know that for children suffering abuse and neglect, Christmas can be a particularly difficult time and we want to be there for them through their darkest hours.
“We can only provide this support at Christmas and the rest of the year with the aid of public donations, so this concert is hugely important to ensuring children in Edinburgh and throughout Scotland can receive support when they need it most.”
Councillor Joan Griffiths, Convener for Education, Children & Families, at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Childline is a vital service which provides help and support to children and young people from all over the country.
“I am delighted that the City of Edinburgh Council are continuing to support The NSPCC through our Instrumental Music Service Childline Christmas Concert on 25 November.
“Now in its 26th year this concert is one of our festive highlights and will have over 200 young people perform in orchestras, bands and ensembles from schools across Edinburgh.”
Tickets for the 2022 Childline Christmas Concert cost £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s. They can be bought here:
Since 6 April 2022, almost 21,600 Self Assessment customers, who were unable to pay their tax bill in full, have set up a payment plan to spread the cost into manageable monthly instalments – an increase of around 3,900 customers on the previous year – HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.
The deadline for customers to submit their tax returns for the 2021 to 2022 tax year and pay any tax owed is 31 January 2023 and HMRC is encouraging anyone yet to complete their return to do it early. Those who have already completed their Self Assessment know what they owe and can budget to make payments on time.
Filing early also means customers, who are unable to pay their tax bill in full by the deadline, will have plenty of time to access support and advice on GOV.UK. HMRC may be able to help by arranging an affordable payment plan.
In the 12 months to 5 April 2022, almost 142,000 customers chose to use self-serve Time to Pay to pay any tax owed for the 2020 to 2021 tax year, spreading the cost of around £475 million into monthly instalments.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “We’re here to help customers get their tax right and if you are worried about how to pay your Self Assessment bill, help and support is available. Visit GOV.UK and search ‘help pay Self Assessment’ to find out more.”
Using HMRC’s self-serve Time to Pay facility means customers benefit from a tailored payment plan via monthly direct debits.
This means they can spread the cost of their tax bill based on how much is owed and the length of time they need to pay. Self Assessment customers can apply on GOV.UK if they:
· have filed their tax return for the 2021 to 2022 tax year
· owe less than £30,000
· can pay in full within 12 months
If customers owe more than £30,000, or need longer to pay, they should call the Self Assessment Payment Helpline on 0300 200 3822.
Help and support is available on GOV.UK for those completing their Self Assessment tax returns. There is also a series of videos on YouTube.
All Self Assessment customers need to be alert to the risk of criminals emailing, calling or texting claiming to be from HMRC. Scams come in many forms – some threaten immediate arrest for tax evasion, others offer a tax rebate.
Contacts like these should set alarm bells ringing and HMRC advises customers to take their time and check scams advice by searching for ‘HMRC scams’ on GOV.UK. HMRC also urges customers never to share their HMRC login details. Someone using them could steal from the customer or make a fraudulent claim in their name.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at St James Quarter! The festive season kicks off with the official ‘Christmas Light Switch On’, hosted by Forth One’s Boogie and Arlene tomorrow (Thursday, 10 November) from 6pm.
Taking place on Register Square, the dazzling event is open to the public and free to attend, with representatives from charity partners, Cash 4 Kids and Deaf Action, set to push the big red button and light up The Quarter for Christmas.
St James Quarter’s retailers are also getting involved by revealing their glitzy Christmas window displays to accompany the 40 glowing star sculptures that will give an explosion of gold sparkle throughout the galleria for shoppers to admire. The Edinburgh Rock Choir will also be spreading Christmas cheer by taking to the stage and singing loud for all to hear.
This Christmas St James Quarter has donated over £6,000 worth of prizes to the Forth One Boogie in the Morning Supervan campaign which raises vital funds to support children who are disadvantaged by poverty, the rise in living costs and trauma.
The contents of the Supervan will mean the winner’s Christmas shopping is complete with a variety of experiences and goodies from businesses across Scotland.
The donations from The Quarter include a £500 gift voucher, a 12-month Sky Q TV subscription, dinner for four at Maki Ramen, a year’s membership at Everyman plus many more.
The text lines to enter will be open from 06:00 – 10:00 on Friday 11th November, for further details tune into Forth One Boogie in the Morning.
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “There is no better way to mark the beginning of the festive season than joining our charity partners to switch on the shimmering stars throughout the Galleria.
“This year we are also joined by Boogie and Arlene who will no doubt be singing along to the Edinburgh Rock Choir. As the past few years have shown, this time of year is about bringing people together and enjoying the Christmas spirit. We look forward to welcoming our guests and filling St James Quarter with festive joy”.
NHS Lothian has partnered up to support the launch of a new Edinburgh College course designed to introduce students to a career in care.
The free course, which is 10 weeks long leads to a guaranteed job interview for participants with a social care provider, opening the doors to potential future employment.
NHS Lothian, working in partnership with Lothian’s four Health and Social Care Partnerships has helped to develop the Lothian Care Academy (LCA) to support education, training and recruitment of health and social care staff.
The step into care course is an initiative championed by the LCA designed to support our the current health and social workforce, while attracting new talent to the profession.
The course itself is aimed at those who enjoy working with people, are compassionate, have a sense of fun and are seeking a new rewarding career they perhaps thought they never had the qualifications to start.
Mhairi Mackay, Senior Project Manager for Lothian Care Academy, NHS Lothian said: “The rationale for this course was to look at new ways of recruiting into social care and to provide people with experience of the job.
“We have adapted the SSSC ‘Introduction to Social Care’ course to include workshops on personal care, infection control and communication so people can be best prepared for what a career in social care might be like. We’re also guaranteeing interviews for candidates who complete the course, so it is a ‘one stop shop’ so to speak.
“The interviews could take successful candidates into a career in a care home or in a care at home service that helps people to keep their independence and stay in their own home.”
Alison Payne, Manager of Erskine Care Home, Edinburgh said: “The course is very important in opening up the option of working in care to a whole new potential workforce.
“I am hopeful that people who have considered working in care, but felt they didn’t have the skills or necessary experience will see this course as a great opportunity and even a steppingstone into a whole new career.
“One of the biggest issues facing the care sector at the moment is recruitment, in particular for care homes and care at home services.
“I think as a care home it was important for us to be involved in this project so that we can give a real insight into what care homes are really like to work in. I would also love people to see the real care home experience and the positive impact this has for residents and their relatives.”
It’s only by working in partnership with care services and Edinburgh College that’s allowed the course to come into fruition.
Commenting on the partnership Andrew Clark, Skills Boost Leader, Edinburgh College said: “One of our key aims at Edinburgh College is to improve employability within our local community.
“This partnership is really a win-win situation as it provides a pathway for people wishing to work in the care industry and gives much needed assistance to the people who require care.”
Campaigners have released further details of the issues to be highlighted by the Climate Justice March in Edinburgh this Saturday (12/11/22) as part of Global Day of Action during the UN Climate Conference COP27.
The March, which is being organised by several campaign and activist groups, will highlight the corporates, banks and governments who are driving climate breakdown, as well as the resulting impacts on people and places who did not cause this crisis.
The event will also draw attention to the importance of upholding human rights in responding to the climate crisis, here in the UK and world-wide, as the issue of brutal repression of civil society in Egypt, where COP27 is being hosted, comes under the spotlight.
The route of the march will pass six points that highlight different demands for climate justice.
++ HSBC bank, Hanover St: Cancel all Debt to Global South Countries
Countries in the Global South are currently spending 5 times more on unjust debt repayments than they are addressing the impact of the climate crisis. HSBC is one of the private creditors charging high interest rates for debt repayments from African countries, including continuing to demand debt repayments throughout the pandemic. Campaigners at Global Justice Now are calling for HSBC bank to cancel the debt of African countries.
Liz Murray, head of Scottish campaigns Global Justice Now said: “We’re joining with thousands of others around the world demanding action from those in power to tackle the interlocking crises of climate, energy and the cost of living.
“All three are the result of an economic system that puts profit before people’s lives and the health of the planet.
“This profit-driven system is hurting us all – here in the UK and around the world. And countries in the global south are getting hit particularly hard.
“They’re suffering some of the worst impacts of climate change, despite having played almost no part in causing it, and they’re additionally burdened by enormous debts. Banks here in Scotland are implicated in that – with companies like HSBC, who we’ll be passing as we march on November 12, and BlackRock making big profits from the interest on those debts and refusing to cancel them.”
++ UK Government Office, Sibbald Place: No New Fossil Fuel Projects.
Since COP26 the UK Government has opened new oil and gas fields, encouraged further exploration and is considering approving the huge Rosebank oil field that contains 500 million barrels of oil.
Campaigners are demanding an end to new fossil fuels projects. Mary O’Brien, a grandmother of 10 who is involved in the Stop Rosebank campaign said: “If the UK Government were to approve the vast new Rosebank field it would be adding fuel to the fire that is engulfing our planet.
“Climate science is perfectly clear that new oil and gas is incompatible with the urgent action we need to take to cut climate pollution. Projects like Rosebank only benefit oil companies at a time when they are already making billions in profits and causing widespread harm.
“Given the urgency and seriousness of the climate emergency, it is unbelievable that we are even having to fight against new oil and gas projects. But thousands of people across the UK and around the world are coming together to stop these climate-wrecking projects and to build that better future.
“I’m doing this for my grandchildren and for future generations, so that they can have a liveable planet. Join us on the march as we demand a rapid and fair transition away from fossil fuels to reliable, affordable renewables.”
++ Santander bank, Hanover St: End Fossil Fuel Finance.
Santander provides billions to some of the world’s most polluting companies. It has pumped $43 billion into fossil fuels since the Paris Agreement despite committing to “net zero by 2050”. Santander also finances the world’s largest meat packing company JBS, who are hugely complicit in Amazon deforestation in Brazil.
Natasha Ion, climate campaigner at Banktrack, said their organisation would be highlighting the fact that world’s largest banks have pumped $4.6 trillion dollars into fossil fuels since the Paris Agreement was signed: “The climate march will tell banks that they must go beyond burning, and stop financing the extractivism that is wrecking the planet.
“The fossil fuel industry is one of the main drivers of climate change, and has been implicated in endless human rights violations, primarily against Indigenous communities and those on the frontlines of extraction in the Global South.
“Commercial banks also finance major companies guilty of mass deforestation in regions such as Latin America. The highly polluting meat and dairy industry, with massive business like JBS at the centre, has consistently encroached on indigenous lands and been active in illegal deforestation.
“Likewise, biomass companies have been accused of land grabbing and causing social conflict in Latin America, while falsely promoting themselves as a “green” fuel alternative.
“None of this would be possible without key financing from commercial banks, often based in richer countries in the Global North that feel the impacts of climate change far less acutely. ”
++ Market St: Human Rights and Solidarity with Egypt.
Civic participation is essential to solving the climate crisis, and human rights are central to climate justice. Yet around the world, including here in the UK, governments are increasingly persecuting activists, cracking down on protest and restricting civic space.
Civil society activists in Egypt, hosts of this year’s COP, face persecution from one of the most repressive regimes in the world. Demonstrators will demand freedom for all political prisoners unjustly detained by the Egyptian regime, including the high profile case of British-Egyptian blogger Alaa Abd El Fattah who is on hunger strike in prison.
++ St Andrew Square: International Climate Justice
Making polluters pay for the damage that they have caused. Communities in the global south need urgent climate finance and reparations for the loss and damages that have caused mass destruction of lives and livelihoods. This is one of the priority issues for Global South countries at COP27. We will begin the march by demanding action on a global scale for climate justice.
++ Scottish Parliament: End the Cost of Living Scandal – Just Transition Now
The fossil fuel energy price crisis is driving the cost of living pressures being felt by people across Scotland. Protesters will surround the Scottish Parliament with demands that can be delivered by MSPs. This action will remind the Scottish Government that action they take at home can cut emissions and improve lives such as insulating homes and improving public transport.
The Edinburgh March will be one of over 40 across the UK and Ireland on the Global Day of Action for Climate Justice.
It is organised by the Edinburgh Climate Coalition, Climate Justice Coalition, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, Friends of the Earth Scotland, Global Justice Now, Extinction Rebellion Scotland, Tipping Point, BankTrack, Jubilee Scotland, Scot.E3.
