Month: December 2022

Virgin Money teams up with Good Things Foundation to tackle digital poverty in Edinburgh

Virgin Money has teamed up with leading digital inclusion charity Good Things Foundation to help tackle digital poverty in Edinburgh and surrounding areas, by giving people access to free sim cards provided by the innovative National Databank Programme in their Edinburgh store, as part of the bank’s nationwide support of the initiative.

The National Databank, founded by Virgin Media O2 and Good Things Foundation, is like a foodbank but provides free mobile data, texts and calls for people in need. Virgin Money is the first bank in the UK to sign up to the programme and will distribute O2 sim cards that will be loaded with 20GB of free data every month for six months, from 16 stores across the country.

Users can request a voucher from a local community support organisation registered with the National Databank and take it to their nearest Virgin Money store delivering the programme. Specially-trained hosts will work with users to register their sim cards, which provides enough data for around 220 hours of internet browsing per month, show them how to get online and offer tips on how to stay safe when browsing.

Other Virgin Money stores taking part in the programme include Aberdeen, Birmingham, Blackpool, Cardiff, Glasgow Hillhead, Grimsby, Inverness, Kilmarnock, Leeds, Manchester, Montrose, Newcastle and Peterborough, Rotherham and Sheffield.

Hugh Chater, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Money, said: “For many low or no-income households, paying for data is simply another bill that they can’t afford.

“Without it however, they are missing out on accessing essential money management and support services such as benefits calculators, online job boards and price comparison sites that can help to reduce their monthly outgoings.

“Through our new partnership with Good Things Foundation and Virgin Media O2, we are working to tackle this digital divide and taking one step closer to ending the poverty premium.”

Helen Milner OBE, Group Chief Executive at Good Things Foundation: “Having enough data in our increasingly digital society is not a nice to have, it’s an absolute essential.

“If you’re not online you can’t save money on products and services, help your children participate in home-learning, or apply for jobs. There are 2 million households struggling to afford internet access in the UK today, and 10 million adults lack the most basic digital skills.

“We’re very proud to be working together in partnership with Virgin Money and Virgin Media O2 to help tackle this and help even more people access the National Databank. Together, we can come together to help address the issue of data poverty in the UK once and for all.”

Partnering with Good Things Foundation is the latest in a number of actions Virgin Money is taking to help eliminate the poverty premium among its customers and wider communities by 2030. Earlier this year the bank joined forces with Turn2Us to offer access to a free online benefits calculator.

Virgin Money has also developed an online cost of living hub with advice on dealing with price rises and cutting bills. The bank also provides regular, free financial advice to its 6.5 million customers and signposting to support services for people that need extra help – whether they’re a customer or not.

To access Virgin Money’s cost of living support services, visit: 

https://uk.virginmoney.com/service/support-hub/cost-of-living/

To find out more about National Databank or locate your nearest community organisation taking part in the programme, visit: 

https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/databank/

For more information on Good Things Foundation visit 

www.goodthingsfoundation.org.

Concern over rise in number of young people with mental illness being treated in adult wards

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist children’s services, is urging the Scottish Government to up its game in response to figures from the Mental Welfare Commission noting an increase in the number of young people under 18 being admitted to non-specialist hospital wards for the treatment of mental illness.

In 2021/22 there were 90 admissions involving 80 young people to mainly adult wards, an increase on 2021-21 when there were 86 admissions involving 62 young people.

Admission of a young person to an adult ward should only be acceptable in rare situations.

However, despite a greatly increased demand on mental health services, there are currently only 48 specialist hospital beds provided by the NHS in Scotland for children and young people (aged 12 to 18) with mental health problems. 

Given the lack of provision, many children and young people with severe mental health problems are therefore being admitted to non-specialist adult and paediatric hospital wards, settings which are in many cases inappropriate to their needs.

The coalition has urged the Scottish Government to ensure that there are adequate specialist bed numbers that can address need, including provision north of Dundee. It has also called on it to refocus its efforts on prevention and early intervention, ensuring that issues do not escalate so that they require the provision of these specialist services.

Under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment (Scotland) Act 2003 Health Boards are required to provide appropriate services and accommodation for young people admitted to hospital for treatment of their mental disorder.

Given admissions to non-specialist mental health wards, it is clearly arguable whether appropriate services are being provided.

There are a number of differences between specialist units and wards designed to treat the needs of adults with serious mental illness, both in terms of staff training and the overall ward environment.

Given this, there is a clear concern that the needs of a young person may not be met in a comparable way when admitted to an adult mental health ward as opposed to a specialist CAMHS inpatient unit.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition commented: “We are clearly concerned about the increasing number of those being admitted to adult mental health wards, often inappropriate to their needs, both in terms of staff training and the ward environment.

“The Scottish Government needs to up its game on this and provide adequate facilities, ensuring that there are sufficient specialist bed numbers for those requiring them. There is also currently no provision north of Dundee and this requires to be urgently addressed.

“For children and young people who require inpatient mental health care, a lack of such services means that they frequently remain at home, often until the family reaches crisis point, leaving them feeling isolated and delaying recovery.

“These are among the most vulnerable members of our society and we owe it to them to give them the adequate care and support that they need.”

HMRC: 656,000 people in Scotland filed their tax returns on time

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding customers in Scotland to get ready to meet the Self Assessment deadline, after more than 656,000 filed their tax returns on time. 

In Scotland, 656,547 customers filed their returns for the tax year 2020 to 2021 by 31 January 2022.

The deadline to submit a tax return for the 2021 to 2022 tax year and pay any tax due is 31 January 2023. Customers do not need to wait until the new year to begin their tax return. Starting early means more time to access guidance and webinars to help complete the return and find out what tax they owe, so they can budget.  

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “There is still time to complete your tax return ahead of the deadline and there are videos and guidance available online to support you with your Self Assessment. Search ‘help with Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”

HMRC has produced guidance notes and YouTube videos to help customers understand how to complete their return quickly and easily. 

The free and secure HMRC app can be used to make Self Assessment payments. Alternative payment options include:

  • paying through PAYE tax code (subject to eligibility)  
  • paying via online banking

Those who are unable to pay their tax bill in full can access support and advice on GOV.UK. HMRC may be able to help by arranging an affordable payment plan, known as Time to Pay. Customers should try to do this online; go to GOV.UK for more information. Alternatively, they can contact the helpline.

Customers who are unsure if they need to file a tax return can visit GOV.UK to check if they need to send a Self Assessment tax return.

People completing a tax return are at increased risk of falling victim to scams. Check HMRC scams advice on GOV.UK.

Leader reaffirms city’s commitment to reduction and eradication of HIV transmission and stigma

Yesterday (December 1) marked World AIDS Day, which has been recognised and celebrated by all United Nations (UN) Member states since its inauguration in 1988.

The day also constitutes an official global public health campaign as designated by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

On World Aids Day Council Leader Cammy Day, along with Grant Sugden, CEO of Waverley Care, signed the Paris Declaration on Fast-Track Cities Ending the HIV Epidemic on behalf of the city of Edinburgh.

This puts Edinburgh alongside almost 500 other cities around the world who have signed up to the Declaration and are committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.3 of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.

Council Leader Cammy Day also took a rapid HIV test in his office, administered by Waverley Care, in order to raise awareness, encourage regular testing and keep the conversation going about HIV and sexual health more broadly.

Here in Edinburgh, NHS Lothian offer detailed advice on getting tested and the range of support that is available.

Our other partners Waverley Care and CREW 2000 also offer a wide array of support services in the city; including drop ins, advice, C:card (free condom/sexual health supplies), counselling and more.

SX (part of Waverley Care) offered confidential HIV testing in the city centre yesterday.  From 9am-5pm they were be in Waverley Market and from 5-7pm at CREW 2000 on Cockburn Street.

Waverly Care also have further information on World AIDS Day in Edinburgh including fundraising, events and partnerships.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I was delighted to sign Edinburgh up to the Fast-Track Cities initiative alongside Grant Sugden of Waverley Care. This represents our city’s commitment to reducing and eventually eradicating HIV and the stigma associated with it.

“I’d encourage everyone to get tested regularly and have open and honest conversations with their friends, families, and peers about HIV.

“I would like to pay tribute to Waverley Care, Crew 2000, NHS Lothian and all our other partners for the fantastic and essential work that they are carrying out in the Capital.”

Grant Sugden, CEO of Waverly Care, said: “I am delighted that Edinburgh has committed to becoming a Fast-Track City. This is a vital step towards reaching a Scotland with zero new HIV transmissions by 2030.  

“Waverley Care is incredibly pleased to be leading on Fast-Track Cities in Scotland. We are joining up Scotland’s cities to work together to reach shared goals for HIV transmission elimination, and Edinburgh has an important part to play in this. 

“Edinburgh was once known as the ‘AIDS capital of Europe’, and while we have come incredibly far, more work must be done on areas such as such as HIV stigma and increasing access to testing.  

“We hope Edinburgh’s commitment will accelerate progress to reach HIV targets and eliminate HIV transmission by 2030.”

Emma Crawshaw, CEO of Crew 2000, said: “World AIDS day helps us highlight that we can all play a part in working together to end the shame and stigma attached to AIDS/HIV: we know this can be one of the biggest barriers to people accessing prevention, protection, testing support and treatment.

“Having no detectable virus in your blood due to effective HIV treatment means that the virus can’t be passed on. Scotland is on its way to becoming one of the first countries in the world to achieve zero HIV transmissions by 2030.

“We support Councillor Day’s motion to commit to the Fast Track Cities Initiative, ending HIV-related stigma and new HIV transmissions, and to sign the Paris Declaration committing to coordinated sharing experience and taking action across and between health boards to achieve this goal.”

Dona Milne, Director of Public Health and Health Policy, NHS Lothian, said:  “NHS Lothian is committed to stamping out the stigma associated with HIV and Hepatitis C, and we are fully supportive of the Paris Declaration.

“As Edinburgh officially makes a commitment to become a Fast Track City on World Aids Day, we hope that this initiative will make Lothian, and indeed Scotland a kinder place for people living with HIV and hepatitis C, while also encouraging Scotland to be more open about sexual health.”

José M. Zuniga, President and CEO, of International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (IAPAC), said: “As Edinburgh signs up to the Fast-Track Cities network this World AIDS Day 2022, we commit to work shoulder-to-shoulder with you to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 and other related targets.

“We also applaud the city’s commitment to place people at the centre of the HIV response, including by prioritizing the goal of getting to zero HIV-related stigma and discrimination.”

National Care Service: Committee concern over lack of detailed costs

Holyrood’s Finance and Public Administration Committee has expressed “significant  concerns” over the lack of detailed costs for the National Care Service Bill.

In a report published yesterday, the Committee says that without an indication of the potential scale of all costs associated with the Bill, it is difficult to assess whether the proposed National Care Service is either affordable or sustainable.

The cross-party Committee is therefore calling on the Scottish Government to provide “much needed clarity” and to bring forward fully costed plans at least two weeks before the Stage 1 vote on the Bill, scheduled for March 2023.

Finance & Public Administration Committee Convener Kenneth Gibson said: “The Finance Committee has significant concerns over the costings in the Financial Memorandum (FM) to this Bill.  The FM in its present form does not provide an overall estimate of the cost of creating a National Care Service.

“A large number of decisions are yet to be made, and no estimate of costings has been provided for VAT liability, transfer of assets and staff, and the creation of a nation-wide digital health and social care record.  All of which has the potential to result in significant costs.

“The Committee appreciates the Scottish Government’s intention to co-design the service with those most closely affected. That work could, however, have been undertaken prior to the introduction of primary legislation.

“Major Bills should not be implemented via secondary legislation, or through business cases, which cannot be subject to the same in-depth, formal scrutiny as Financial Memorandums to bills.

“The significant gaps highlighted throughout our report have frustrated the parliamentary scrutiny process.

“We are therefore calling for a revised Financial Memorandum, with detailed costings, at least two weeks before Parliament considers the Bill at Stage 1.”

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More than £10m in life-changing funding awarded to over 5,000 young disabled people in Scotland in 5 years

Independent Living Fund (ILF) Scotland, the public body that provides funding support to young disabled people living in Scotland, has awarded over £10m of funding to more than 5,000 people through its life-changing Transition Fund over the past five years. 

ILF Scotland marks these milestones ahead of the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (03 December) whose theme for 2022 is Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world.   

The Transition Fund, administered by ILF Scotland, is for disabled people aged between 16 and 25 and aims to help young people develop their independence, confidence, and participation within their communities. Since 2017, funds have been used for new activities and experiences that will improve the transition period from childhood into adulthood. 

The Transition Fund’s 5-year anniversary and achievements of the young people who have benefited from this transformative funding were celebrated at an event on 30 November at the Glasgow Science Centre.   

This was attended by nearly 200 young disabled people and their families from across Scotland and supported by Maree Todd MSP, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport.  

Peter Scott OBE, ILF Scotland Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We are proud to celebrate five years of the Transition Fund, which has had a profound impact on more than 5,000 young disabled people from across every local authority in Scotland. 

“The theme of International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022 holds so much meaning to us and our recipients. Our funding support is truly transformative, helping to enhance confidence, independence and participation in Scotland’s communities and society at large, with a real drive towards ‘trying something new”. 

“Since its inception in 2018, we have provided funding support to young disabled people across every Local Authority in Scotland.  The number of applications and the value of funds awarded increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, with more young disabled turning to the Transition Fund for support.

“ILF Scotland also reported a rise in community participation after receiving funding from those young disabled people otherwise at risk of isolation.” 

Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport added: “It was a real privilege to join ILF Scotland in celebrating the achievements of young people and the first five years of the Transition Fund.  

“The Scottish Government fully recognises the challenges that many young disabled people experience as they transition to adult life and we are determined to improve the support offered to young people during this important period of their lives. 

“I am therefore delighted to announce the launch of the ILF Scotland Transition Fund Technology Grant. This grant will be easy to apply for and offers the applicant the opportunity to get an iPad, a Surface Go 3 tablet or a Chromebook laptop to enable them to overcome digital isolation and connect with online and physical communities.”  

New for 2022, the Technology Grant has been introduced to build on the Transition Fund’s financial support and meet demand from those applying for technology to help them stay connected. ILF Scotland staff can offer guidance to those applicants requiring specific technology as part of this new support. 

To apply visit https://ilf.scot/transition-fund/technology-grant/ 

Going Home: National Museums Scotland to transfer memorial pole to Nisga’a Nation

A memorial pole brought to Scotland nearly a century ago will be returned to its place of origin in what is now British Columbia, Canada.  

The House of Ni’isjoohl Memorial Pole has been on display in what is now the National Museum of Scotland since 1930. During a visit from a delegation of Nisga’a representatives to Edinburgh in August, a request for its transfer to the Nisga’a Nation was made.

The request was formally agreed by the Board of Trustees of National Museums Scotland and subsequently approved by the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture.  

Dr Chris Breward, Director of National Museums Scotland said: ““We are committed to promoting understanding and dialogue with respect to those parts of the Museum’s collection associated with our nation’s colonial history and its difficult legacies.

“The fact that our Trustees have agreed to this request demonstrates our readiness to act on this commitment. We are pleased to have reached this agreement and to be able to transfer the Memorial Pole to its people and to the place where its spiritual significance is most keenly understood. We hope this is not the end of the process but the next step in a fruitful and ongoing relationship with the Nisga’a.” 

Sim’oogit Ni’ijoohl (Chief Earl Stephens) of Nisga’a Nation said: “In Nisga’a culture, we believe that this pole is alive with the spirit of our ancestor. After nearly one hundred years, we are finally able to bring our dear relative home to rest on Nisga’a lands.

“In means so much for us to have the Ni’isjoohl memorial pole returned to us, so that we can connect our family, nation and our future generations with our living history.”  

Ian Russell, Chair of the Board of Trustees of National Museums Scotland, said: “The decision to transfer objects which are in our care is not to be taken lightly. Following careful consideration in line with our Procedure for Considering Requests for the Permanent Transfer of Collection Objects from Non-UK Claimants, the Board approved the request.

“Having subsequently sought and now received the required approval from the Scottish Government, we have informed the Nisga’a Nation and will now begin to make arrangements for the transfer of the Pole to the Nisga’a Museum.”

Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson said: “I welcome the decision taken by National Museums Scotland’s Board of Trustees to return the Ni’isjoohl memorial pole to its place of origin. It follows a deeply moving recent meeting with the Nisga’a delegation when they came to Scotland to explain the huge importance of the pole to their culture, people and community. 

“I would like to thank National Museums Scotland’s Board for their speedy but careful consideration of the request and for reaching such a positive outcome and also the Nisga’a delegation for helping us to understand the memorial pole’s history and importance to them.

“It has been a pleasure to give the required ministerial consent to enable National Museums Scotland to proceed with the transfer of ownership to the Nisga’a Museum” 

Sigidimnak’ Nox Ts’aawit, Dr.  Amy Parent, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Education and Governance, Tier 2, said: 

“Our hearts have been moved with the commitment to return our family’s cultural treasure, which enables us to create a new story to re-right a colonial wrong with the honour, dignity and solidarity of the Scottish Peoples who are walking beside us on our decolonizing journeys.” 

Following the decision, staff at National Museums Scotland will begin planning the complex task of safely removing the 11-metre pole from its display location and preparing it for transport to British Columbia. 

The Ni’isjoohl Memorial Pole was carved from red cedar in 1855 by artist Oyea Tait and his assistant carver, Gwanes, in memorial of Ts’aawit, a Nisga’a chief of British Columbia, Canada. It shows a series of interlocking figures relating to Ts’aawit’s family history through his ancestors, family crests, and his clan.

The pole originally stood in front of the house of Ts’aawit’s relatives in Ank’idaa village on the Nass River. Today the Nisga’a Memorial Pole is on display in the Living Lands gallery at the National Museum of Scotland.

In 1929, Marius Barbeau purchased the pole from its Nisga’a owners on behalf of the Royal Museum of Scotland, which later became the National Museum of Scotland. It went on display the following year. Barbeau was an ethnographer and curator at the National Museum of Canada from 1911-1949.  

Drylaw housebreaker appears in court

On Wednesday, 30 November, officers from Musselburgh and Edinburgh carried out a pre-planned operation in the Drylaw area of Edinburgh, resulting in the arrest of a 16-year-old male youth.

He was charged with a number of offences, including a series of housebreakings, theft of motor vehicles and drug offences.

The offences took place across East Lothian, West Lothian, Edinburgh and Falkirk areas between September and November 2022.

He was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday (Thursday, 1 December).

Detective Inspector Laura White, Lothian and Scottish Borders CID, said “You may be aware of appeals we have issued locally over the past few weeks about housebreakings and thefts of high-performance vehicles.

“We are grateful for the support we have had from members of the public that has assisted us in our investigations. Housebreaking is a particularly upsetting crime for the families involved, and the subsequent misuse of the stolen vehicles on our roads places us in danger.

“We are committed to working together to identify those responsible and bring them to justice as part of our ongoing commitment to tackling acquisitive crime.”

If anyone wishes to report any suspicious activity in the local community to Police, please contact us via 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thousands of children disclose abuse for the first time to Childline

  • December and January are common months for children to confide in Childline about abuse for the first time
  • Childline, which is run by children’s charity NSPCC, has been called the ‘fourth emergency service for children’ by its founder Dame Esther Rantzen
  • The helpline for children stays open 24/7 all year, even on Christmas Day
  • Charity relies on volunteers and public donations as two children a minute contact the service

Over the past year Childline has delivered 15,515 counselling sessions to children across the UK, including more than 600 in Scotland, where they have spoken about the abuse they have suffered or are experiencing.

In 2,267 of those counselling sessions children revealed abuse for the first time, ever.

And of these, a fifth of disclosures took place during December 2021 and January 2022, with the youngest child just nine years old.

As the Christmas school holidays are fast approaching the charity is gearing up to keep its 13 Childline bases open 24/7 over the festive period, so they can be there whenever a child chooses to disclose.

When children talk about the sexual, emotional, physical or domestic abuse affecting them for the first time with Childline counsellors, often the same emotions and feelings are described. These include shame, being scared, or worried they were the ones that had done something wrong. Others shared they didn’t know how to tell adults in their life. 

In the last year, the counselling service run by the NSPCC, has also seen:

  • A 20% increase in the number of children under 11 being counselled for sexual abuse, when compared to the year before.
  • More boys revealing online sexual abuse – 45% more than the year before.

Last December a 12-year-old girl from Scotland told a Childline counsellor:

“There is a lot of trouble in my house and I want it to stop. Mum and dad are always shouting, fighting and dad hits mum. Dad smashed the house up today and I was sent upstairs, but I could hear everything. I could hear mum crying – none of this is her fault. I want him to go. Everyone says, ‘Happy Christmas’ but mine was horrible.”

And a 16-year-old girl from Scotland revealed: “My mum’s been really abusive with me lately and I can’t imagine spending the Christmas holidays with her. I need to focus on revising for my mock exams during the school break, but I know this won’t be possible in such a toxic environment.

“She makes me feel like a burden and threatens to kick me out if I get out of line. I’ve tried telling her how she makes me feel, but she just deflects it and makes me feel guilty for bringing it up. I don’t know how I’ll cope and I worry for my mental health.”

The NSPCC is releasing its latest Childline data about abuse as it launches its ‘Be here for children’ Christmas appeal, which shows why it is vitally important Childline stays open over the festive period, as statutory services close down.

The charity is growing increasingly concerned to see the number of children needing support, in particular for abuse and neglect, when the system is struggling to cope, and the cost-of-living crisis will likely leave more families needing help this Winter. 

Last year, Police Scotland recorded more than 5,500 crimes of child sexual abuse. The NSPCC says this data underlines the importance of the Scottish Government making child protection a national priority in 2023.

Amber (not her real name) was sexually abused by a family member when she was 9 years old. She’s been working with the NSPCC to raise awareness of child abuse and the importance of speaking out. 

She said: “Christmas was just another day to me, and I resented it. It’s a time usually considered for family and celebration. But for me, it felt like a very dark and lonely place, and ultimately, it meant having to spend time with my abuser.”

Amber can’t remember why she decided to call Childline and speak out about the abuse she was experiencing, but knew she needed someone to help her.

“I couldn’t find the words to tell my mum. But Childline finally made me feel like someone understood. When you disclose, the one big fear is that no-one will believe you. But the counsellors I spoke to were so empathetic, helpful, and kind. They knew I was telling the truth. And they gave me that bravery, that reassurance that people would believe me, and that I was doing the right thing by speaking out.”

In its new TV advert, the NSPCC highlights that on average, two children a minute contact Childline. For these children, Christmas can be the worst time of year.

The advert is based on real calls from children. Through three seemingly ordinary family scenes at Christmas we see what’s really going on for the children, with stories of loss, domestic abuse, and sexual abuse.

Dame Esther Rantzen, Founder of Childline said: “I truly believe Childline is the fourth emergency service for children. We are there when children disclose abuse, we are there when they are feeling suicidal, we are there 24/7 when others aren’t.

“Our service relies heavily on volunteers and donations to be here for children, and like everyone else we are starting to feel the effects of the cost of living.

“Every minute, two children will contact us, and its vital no call goes unanswered, particularly over Christmas when most services close leaving those children who are struggling isolated and scared.”

“It is essential that Childline is here as a vital lifeline for those children and that they can get the help they need and deserve even on Christmas day.”

Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC, said: “The Christmas holidays can be one of the most difficult times of the year for children, and they often need somewhere to go to confide. It is vitally important they know that Childline is here for them throughout the holidays to provide free and confidential help and advice.

“It is crucial that everyone recognises they have a part to play when it comes to keeping children safe from abuse, including government. 2022 has been a year where the importance of child protection has come to the forefront, 2023 needs to be the year of meaningful change.”

Help us be here for all children this Christmas by visiting the NSPCC website to donate. Together, we can keep children safe

The Childline service is here for children every day, even on Christmas Day. Children can contact Childline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

When a child needs help, Childline can be a lifeline. When a child feels like they have nowhere else to turn to, it’s vital that the NSPCC is here, ready to listen and support children across the UK.

Small Business Saturday at Dovecot Studios: At Home with Knitwear

This year’s Small Business Saturday takes place on 3rd December and it is an opportunity to support and promote small businesses in Scotland.

To celebrate Scottish knitwear, Dovecot Studios has invited local designers to take over the pop-up space in-store.

Highlights include Custom Loop, an app developed by Jeni Allison which enables people to personalise knitted scarfs or baby blankets, gansey knits by Di Gilpin, machine knits by Jennifer Kent, and cashmere throws by Kinross-based Todd and Duncan.

Jeni Allison, a knitwear brand based in Edinburgh, utilises and celebrates the historic successful innovation in knitwear which Scotland is famous for by creating contemporary garments and accessories. Orders can be placed in-store and online.

The creator, Jeni Allison, said: “Whilst working for a luxury knitwear manufacturer in the Scottish Borders I saw an opportunity to develop a product which would allow customers to design their own knitwear whilst also making knitwear manufacturing more sustainable.

“Custom Loop is a web-based application which makes it easy for people to customise knitted products and for factories to make the knitted goods to order, eliminating waste from excess stock. By having an input into the design of the product customers also feel more emotional attachment to it, and hopefully keep it longer as a result. 

“Running my business through the pandemic and now during the cost of living crisis, is challenging, and a main benefit of Custom Loop is I only pay for stock which has already been purchased, making my business both more environmentally and financially sustainable. 

“It’s really important that places like Dovecot exist to introduce the work of small businesses to a larger like-minded audience, especially as social media reach is getting smaller and smaller for small businesses.”

Shoppers will find a variety of brands such as Jennifer Kent studio, which specialises in modern knitwear, accessories and interior products and the Fife-based Di Gilpin, which creates one-off pieces and special commissions desired by private clients, fashion designers, and the catwalk, with a single Di Gilpin garment requiring as long as two months to complete!

The pop-up at Dovecot will also feature Todd and Duncan, founded in 1867: a Kinross-based brand that specialises in cashmere and uses traditional methods with a modern approach. Today they are the only Scottish spinner offering cashmere yarn to fashion houses and quality manufacturers worldwide.

The pop-up coincides with Dovecot’s exhibition; KNITWEAR CHANEL to Westwood. The exhibition showcases over 150 inspirational knitwear pieces from the collection of Mark and Cleo Butterfield as well modern Scottish pieces from the Studio of Di Gilpin and La Fetiche.

Outwith the pop-up, shoppers can find gift ideas produced by Scottish makers and business, including a selection of jewellery, textiles, books, cards, homeware and Edinburgh Printmaker prints – to name a few.

From next month Dovecot will also be introducing a selection of stock produced by Garvald members –  a creative community and charity supporting adults with learning disabilities made here in Edinburgh.

The pop-up shop will remain open up until March 2023.

Sarah Boyack Scottish Labour MSP for Lothian region will be at Dovecot Studios this Saturday and she encourages people in Edinburgh to join her.

She commented: “Scotland’s culture organisations are facing ‘a perfect storm.’ Before they even got a chance to recover from the pandemic, they have been hit hard by soaring bills and the chaos of the cost of living emergency.

“The impact on individual artists and makers is unimaginable. In a hostile economic environment, most people can hardly keep afloat, let alone run a viable, small business. The pressures are huge.

“It’s fantastic that Dovecot Studios gives local brands inspired by and celebrating Scotland’s rich cultural heritage and provenance the opportunity to showcase and sell the products right here in Edinburgh.

“Small businesses will face ‘a bleak winter’ – unfortunately, there will be many people who, no matter how much they want to support local makers, they simply can’t afford to do so.  

“But if you can, Scotland has a remarkable tradition in arts and crafts – this Small Business Saturday is an excellent opportunity to support them.”