Scotland-born online ticketing and livestream events platform, Citizen Ticket, has today expanded its UK and European presence through the launch of a new promotion arm, Citizen Live.
As part of the expansion, the newly formed Citizen Live will host between 80 and 100 events this year in London, further afield in the UK, and Europe. Tickets for Citizen Live will be sold exclusively through Citizen Ticket, with every ticket sold, 5p goes towards planting trees in the UK – making it one of the most sustainable event ticketing platforms on the market.
The new promotion arm, Citizen Live, will be led by Harpo Scaini & Alesandro Sforza. Between them, Scaini and Sforza have over a decade of industry experience in creating, producing and selling out shows, and have hosted more than 300 events across the UK and Europe.
To celebrate the launch, Citizen Live will be hosting a launch event at Amazing Grace in London Bridge on Tuesday 28th March. Scaini and Sforza have secured Emma Noble to help mark the monumental night for the brand.
Tickets for the event start at £13.50 and can be purchased via the Citizen Ticket website.
Harry Boisseau, Co-founder & CEO of Citizen Ticket, said: “We’re delighted to have Harpo and Alesandro on board and look forward to embarking on this next chapter for the business.
“Through ticketing thousands of events and analysing the data from Citizen Ticket, we can really get a grasp of what ticket purchasers are looking for and what there is demand for. We’re excited to host a wide range of events over the next year.”
Commenting on the launch, Harpo Scaini and Alesandro Sforza, said: “We share a passion for producing live events and we know that every detail matters. We’re excited to launch Citizen Live and continue promoting a strong line-up of events going forward.”
Citizen Live aims to create an established UK-based promoter that can also operate in Europe. It will tailor a live music product, expand a roster of artists, and venues and create the best live shows. The data and marketing reach of the Citizen Ticket platform will help market the shows and feedback data to help understand the type of shows that there is customer appetite for.
In 2023 Citizen Live will host 80-100 events at a mid-capacity range (200 – 600) with plans to focus on a larger scale, higher production and more ambitious live content within the next few years.
Edinburgh’s Easter event of the year starts early at family run, for family fun Conifox Adventure Park with an eggs-traordinary lineup of activities guaranteed to put the fun into the Spring festival.
From the 1st April meet the mischievous Easter Bunny, journey to Hoppity Hollow and visit the magical maze, hop to it in the Bouncy Burrow’s 14 inflatables or take part in the Easter-lympics. There’s a cracking programme for everyone, including a session for families with children with Additional Support Needs.
The entertainment at the park, at Kirkliston on the outskirts of Edinburgh, runs until 10th April with morning and afternoon sessions for the whole family – toddlers to adults. All tickets include access to the Adventure Park during the chosen session.
Attractions include:
The Magic Shed leading to Hoppity Hollow, home of the Easter Bunny. During an immersive adventure in the magical maze, seek out the portraits of famous rabbits all lost by the Easter Bunny. But beware of the Big Bad Wolf and give him the slip to find safety in the Spring Garden. Instead of a chocolate egg, there’s a cuddly rabbit soft toy for every child who completes the trail.
The Bouncy Burrow – challenge the grown-ups on the exciting bungee run or fly down the helter-skelter for some hare-raising family fun on a total of 14 inflatables.
The Baxter Bunny challenge – he’s been in training for the Easter-lympics and is taking on families in an Easter contest, so get on your marks!
Egg Foot Golf – the mischievous Easter Bunny has replaced all our footballs with eggs! Try to throw or kick them into the holes, but don’t expect this to be an easy task…
DJ Claire Kinnaird from Edge Radio keeping the music pumping and getting everyone involved in the festival fun.
Sessions for children with Additional Support Needs on Tuesday, 4th April between 1.30 and 5pm. There will be limited numbers, more muted music and additional staff to ensure an eggs-tra special experience for everyone.
Have fun in the Adventure Park during your session but make sure to look out for their special golden egg for a chance to win a large Cadbury’s Easter Egg
Jonathan Brown, Conifox Events Manager, says: “We’re all looking forward to some fantastic family fun with all our favourite Easter characters. Spring is in the air and this is a wonderful chance to make some special memories with friends and loved ones.
“We’re confident it will be Edinburgh’s best Easter event and can promise lots of eggs-hilarating activities – all puns intended!”
To find out more and to book tickets, visit Conifox Adventure Park at:
SPRINGBOARD RUNS DESTINATION HOSPITALITY PROGRAMME TO SUPPORT EMPLOYMENT
Refugees from the Ukraine have successfully found work in Edinburgh hotels after completing the Destination Hospitality Programme to advance employment skills and help people into jobs in the UK hospitality industry.
Nine individuals fled the war and were enrolled onto the programme, run in Edinburgh by Springboard, a charity set up to support people – and particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds – find employment in hospitality.
The employability course was funded by Solidarity Accor, Accor’s long-established endowment fund created to fight economic and social exclusion, and was run in partnership with Accor.
Olga, who left the Ukraine with her children, has secured a role as a receptionist at ibis South Bridge, shares: “I was amazed by the willingness to help, involvement and flexibility of all Springboard team members.
“They were ready to find additional placement after learning that the biggest part of our group didn’t have normal access to the internet in our accommodation. They were ready to rebuild and customize some days of the program to respond to the group’s needs. Moreover, they helped me not to forget who I am.
“The Springboard charity course gave me an opportunity to understand the standards of the UK customer service and hospitality working approaches which are a little different from Ukrainian ones.
“Being a stranger in a new country, it’s necessary to understand local rules, and business habits and build professional connections. Springboard’s mentors helped me a lot not only with studying modules but with advice and psychological support.”
Maryna, a single mother who fled the war in the Ukraine to find shelter for herself and daughter in Scotland, is now successfully working as an F&B Assistant at the ibis Edinburgh Centre, South Bridge.
Commenting on the programme, she expalined: “I learned to work in a team and I have become more confident. I learned many differences in working with clients in my country, Ukraine and Scotland.
“Given that I am a refugee from Ukraine, I would like to be useful for the country which provided us with shelter. Eventually, I would like to return to Ukraine and bring the knowledge I received here to my home country.”
The Destination Hospitality programme was a three-week programme consisting of in-person and online training and engagement to help to develop soft skills and industry-specific knowledge/qualifications, culminating in a one-week work placement.
The programme offered work placements in several Accor hotels in Edinburgh including Novotel Edinburgh Centre, Lauriston Place; ibis Edinburgh Centre, South Bridge; and ibis Edinburgh, Royal Mile.
Fran Carr, Talent & Culture Director, Accor UKI, commented: “Accor, our hotel teams and Solidarity Accor are proud to work with partners like Springboard to create a brighter future for those who deserve it.
“It is our duty to support those impacted by economic and social exclusion, and why programmes like this are so important. I’m excited to hear of the ongoing success these new recruits achieve.”
Chris Gamm, CEO, Springboard, commented: “It was a huge honour to work with this highly capable and enthusiastic cohort of candidates.
“The hospitality industry desperately needs great people and each individual brought a unique skill set to the table, along with a desire to learn and a real drive to get back to work.
Having experienced a huge upheaval in their lives and been forced to leave everything, including their careers, behind, it is admirable to see this resilience in action.”
More funding, more flexibility, and clearer priorities need to be given to Scotland’s college sector according to a report issued by Holyrood’s Education, Children and Young People Committee.
The Committee have been looking at the progress of the regionalisation of Scotland’s college system. Their new report has found that while the reforms have had some positive impacts, Scotland’s colleges are being held back by funding issues. The Committee is now urging the Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council to do more.
The Committee is extremely concerned about the significant back log in maintenance work that Scotland’s colleges need. Its report highlights a survey from 2017, which disclosed that one third of the college estate was not wind or watertight. This will also counter any progress with the sector reaching its net zero targets.
In response, the Scottish Funding Council told the Committee that it was providing colleges with around £30 million per year for maintenance. Yet a briefing from Audit Scotland said that this figure meant there was a £321 million shortfall in maintenance funding since 2018-19.
The briefing said that maintenance needs “…pose a risk to colleges’ ability to maintain the suitability and safety of their buildings.”
Scottish Government reforms to the college landscape began in 2012, resulting in the creation of 13 college regions. It was hoped that college provision would be better aligned with employer and learner needs, helping meet national ambitions for jobs and growth.
The report finds that the reforms have had some positive outcomes. The creation of ‘colleges of scale’, which are better placed to engage with educational and economic partners, is one such positive. The report also credits regionalisation with helping to widen access to higher education.
The Committee compliments colleges for their good work in the report, noting that they support skills development and platforms for lifelong learning. The report also says colleges play a critical role in helping the Scottish Government deliver its economic strategy.
However, the financial issues identified by the report are likely to become more pronounced. Colleges must meet net-zero commitments by 2045.
To help, the report asks the Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council to ensure colleges have greater flexibility. Changes to colleges’ finances and goals are viewed as vital in ensuring their financial sustainability and delivering on their ambitions to support both the learner and the economy.
Sue Webber MSP, Convener of the Education, Children and Young People Committee said:“Our report lays bare the shortcomings of the current funding model and the lack of flexibility our colleges have.
“During our inquiry we heard witnesses express frustration about colleges finances. The challenges colleges face will make it more difficult for them to respond to Scotland’s needs and priorities.
“However, the critical findings in our report are not a reflection on the hard work of colleges or their staff. Colleges continue to deliver high-quality, highly respected qualifications and professional training.
“Regionalisation has been, on balance, beneficial, but we want to help colleges meet the ambitions of all Scots. The Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council must work together to ensure our colleges have more cash, more flexibility, or clearer priorities.”
Scottish firms had over 1.2 million overdue invoices on their books this winter, new research from insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 has revealed.
R3’s analysis of data provided by Creditsafe shows 1,231,703 invoices were overdue in Scotland over the winter months – with 416,856 in December 2022, 400,272 in January 2023 and 414,575 in February 2023.
Scotland saw the biggest month-on-month increase in late payments between January 2023 and February 2023 in the UK, with numbers rising by 3.6%, followed by the North West (2.7% rise), the North East (2.5%) and Yorkshire and Humberside (2.5%).
And more than 94,000 Scottish businesses (94,144) reported that they had overdue invoices on their books this winter – a figure which peaked last month at 32,074 firms, which was 3.7% higher than the January 2023 total of 30,939.
Richard Bathgate, Chair of insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 in Scotland, says: “Times are still tough for Scottish businesses as they battle rising costs and contend with cautious consumers.
“Both of these will have an effect on their cashflow levels and their ability to pay invoices on time, which might explain why Scottish firms had so many overdue invoices on their books this winter.
“Paying invoices late can be a sign of wider issues within the business, or that it’s financially distressed, and can have a negative knock-on effect on supply chains if the payment issues from one customer are passed on by the supplier to those they owe money to.”
Richard, who is Restructuring Partner at Johnston Carmichael in Aberdeen continues: “As a company director, keeping your business financially healthy should be a top priority, and you should be alert to any signs that issues may be arising.
“If your business is having problems paying invoices, staff or suppliers, or you’re worried about its finances, that’s the time to seek expert advice from a restructuring professional or licensed insolvency practitioner.
“If anyone knows how best to avoid an insolvency, it’s an insolvency practitioner. Seek early help and you will have more time and options open to you to take a considered decision about your next steps.”
An award-winning family-owned and run Scottish online butcher will soon be home to the UK’s largest dry aging station, after securing a £2 million funding package from HSBC UK.
John Gilmour Butchers is building a £10 million new butchery and retail facility in Wallyford, East Lothian, to meet growing demand.
The company, which supplies dry aged beef and lamb to well-known luxury restaurants, will use the funding to purchase land in Wallyford for its new 45,000 sq. ft. site.
The additional space will hold an office, retail shop and deli, as well as three Himalayan salt dry-aging chambers capable of maturing over 6,000 pieces of bone-in sirloin and ribeye. The dry-aging chambers are dehumidifying units which draw the moisture out of the meat to increase tenderness and flavour.
The expansion will see John Gilmour Butchers take on 40 new staff members, including new butchers and mechanical technicians. In addition, the company will set up a new apprenticeship scheme to encourage young butchers to join the industry.
Daniel Gilmour, Managing Director at John Gilmour Butchers, said: “Growth is always exciting, and thanks to this funding, we’ll be able to fully embrace it by increasing our facilities and workforce.
“This will enable us to not only take on new clients, but service our existing clients to an exceptionally high level. We’re also excited to explore our ambition to export our ‘Gilmour Black Gold range’ to international clients in the near future.
“HSBC UK has been with us every step of the way and the bank’s new online customer support service has played a huge part in this. The team is always on call to assist and they share our vision.”
Coenraad Horn, Relationship Director at HSBC UK, said:“With this funding package, we look forward to seeing the new factory and new business ventures come to fruition. It’s brilliant to see this third-generation family business continuing to flourish.”
John Gilmour Butchers’ deli style retail unit will sell a range of East Lothian products and produce.
The business was founded in 1946 by brothers William and John, and has grown from a small high street store into an online business to business institution, with a burgeoning trade in London. John Gilmour is a popular staple of Scottish industry and has been the winner of awards such as Scotch Product of the Year for their Black Gold range.
Dalkeith Country Park launches its Easter events and activity programme 1st – 16th April 2023
FREE PICTURE: Dalkeith Country Park Easter Fun Activities Launch, Tue 21/03/2023:
Getting egg-cited for Dalkeith Country Park’s Easter programme of events – Dalkeith Country Park launches its Easter events and activity programme 1 to 16 April 2023:
Dalkeith Country Park’s Easter programme has launched with a huge variety of family events and activities. Including egg hunting, craft workshops, Fort Douglas (playwark) adventures, Bunny Fun Runs and the very first Dalkeith Country Park Duck Race along the River Esk.
Pictured chasing the Dalkeith Country Park Easter bunny are (from left) Juliette Thomson (aged seven and from North Berwick), Phoebe Watkins (aged seven), Sadie Watkins (aged four), Alexandra Thomson (aged 11) and Elijah Mitchell (aged nine). (all children pictured with parental permission).
More information in accompanying Press Release, visit www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk or from: Amy Redmond, Content & PR Executive, Dalkeith Country Park – 07920 839 344 – aredmond@dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk
Photography for Dalkeith Country Park from: Colin Hattersley Photography – www.colinhattersley.com – cphattersley@gmail.com – 07974 957 388.
Dalkeith Country Park’s Easter programme has officially launched with a huge variety of family events & activities. Create the ultimate Easter holiday day-out filled with egg hunting, craft workshops, Fort Douglas adventures, Bunny Fun Runs and the very first Dalkeith Country Park Duck Race.
The programme launches with the amazing Duck Race along the River Esk, kicking off the Easter holidays. Families can then head out on the Golden Egg Hunt and search The Park for prize winning eggs, or bounce on over to Fort Douglas adventure playground. Finish off the Easter extravaganza hopping off all those chocolate eggs along the 1k or 5k Bunny Fun Run.
The Fort Douglas adventure park hosts an Easter activity area. Little adventurers are invited to hop on in and take part in the scavenger hunt, down slides, along wobbly bridges and flying down zip lines to collect a chocolatey prize. Once the hunt is done, join the bunny helpers to get creative and decorate eggs to hang on the Fort Douglas Easter tree. Children should keep eyes and ears open for an extra special guest who may just hop on in to say hello.
FREE PICTURE: Dalkeith Country Park Easter Fun Activities Launch, Tue 21/03/2023:
Getting egg-cited for Dalkeith Country Park’s Easter programme of events – Dalkeith Country Park launches its Easter events and activity programme 1 to 16 April 2023:
Dalkeith Country Park’s Easter programme has launched with a huge variety of family events and activities. Including egg hunting, craft workshops, Fort Douglas (playwark) adventures, Bunny Fun Runs and the very first Dalkeith Country Park Duck Race along the River Esk.
Pictured with the Dalkeith Country Park Easter bunny are Sadie Watkins (aged four) with Elijah Mitchell (aged nine). (children pictured with parental permission).
More information in accompanying Press Release, visit www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk or from: Amy Redmond, Content & PR Executive, Dalkeith Country Park – 07920 839 344 – aredmond@dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk
Photography for Dalkeith Country Park from: Colin Hattersley Photography – www.colinhattersley.com – cphattersley@gmail.com – 07974 957 388.
And that’s not all! Restoration Yard will play host to an abundance of workshops for both adults and children. Adults can try their hand at the art of decoupage, creating a beautiful set of six hanging decorations or their very own unique plant pot. Scotts Apothecary are running a Spring Candle Making workshop, producing bespoke hand-poured candles that pack a blissful punch.
Easter workshops for little ones include Spring Storytelling, Easter Cookie Decorating and Easter Craft Workshops. Parents can indulge in some well-deserved ‘me-time’ in The Kitchen or The Store, while little ones enjoy the workshops.
Dalkeith Country Park’s Easter programme begins on Saturday 01 April with events, activities and workshops running throughout the Easter holidays until Sunday 16 April.
FREE PICTURE: Dalkeith Country Park Easter Fun Activities Launch, Tue 21/03/2023:
Getting egg-cited for Dalkeith Country Park’s Easter programme of events – Dalkeith Country Park launches its Easter events and activity programme 1 to 16 April 2023:
Dalkeith Country Park’s Easter programme has launched with a huge variety of family events and activities. Including egg hunting, craft workshops, Fort Douglas (playwark) adventures, Bunny Fun Runs and the very first Dalkeith Country Park Duck Race along the River Esk.
With the Dalkeith Country Park Easter bunny are (from left) Elijah Mitchell (aged nine), Sadie Watkins (aged four) and Alexandra Thomson (aged 11) (all children picxtured with parental permission).
More information in accompanying Press Release, visit www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk or from: Amy Redmond, Content & PR Executive, Dalkeith Country Park – 07920 839 344 – aredmond@dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk
Photography for Dalkeith Country Park from: Colin Hattersley Photography – www.colinhattersley.com – cphattersley@gmail.com – 07974 957 388.
Seeing a loved one’s face, watching the sunrise and watching a football game, all feature in Brit’s top 20 visual memory list
Nearly three in four (72%) Brits said they’d create a visual memory list of things they’d like to see if they found out that they were losing their sight
Every day 250 people in the UK start to lose their sight, equivalent to one person every six minutes
Over a third (37%) said that they’d want to travel and see as many countries as possible, however, the majority (87%) would miss seeing the little everyday things they enjoy such as reading a book
Charity Guide Dogs is raising awareness of the issue of sight loss and how the impact doesn’t prevent people from living a full, independent life
Seeing a loved one’s face is the number one thing people would most like to see if they were faced with losing their sight.
Viewing their favourite artwork, taking in wildlife during a nature walk and going to a festival, also feature in the top 20 things people would put on their ‘visual memory lists’, with almost three in four (72%) Brits revealing they would create a tick list of experiences to enjoy.
It comes as statistics show every day 250 people in the UK start to lose their sight: equivalent to one person every six minutes.
The new research, by charity Guide Dogs, showed that for three-fifths (60%) of Brits adventure and adrenaline are key – with two-thirds (66%) saying they’d want to see as many countries as possible, and take part in activities such as skydiving, scuba diving and white-water rafting (19%).
However, four in five Brits (81%) would prioritise creating memories with their family or friends to fondly remember. The majority (87%) would miss seeing the little everyday things the most if they were to experience sight loss.
Reflecting if they were to lose their sight, nearly half (46%) of Brits said they would feel isolated and 43% said they’d be worried about asking others for help and support, despite this a large 77% stated they’d be determined to live their life to the fullest.
In fact, four in five (80%) respondents* living with sight loss said they had continued to do and enjoy the things they love after experiencing sight loss. Laura Whitaker, 39-years-old from Manchester, has continued her passion for exercise, completing two marathons with her next goal being an ironman.
Brit’s top 20 visual memory list
Seeing a loved one’s face (50%)
Watching the sunset (45%)
Watching the sunrise (40%)
Seeing your partner or child’s smile (39%)
Taking in wildlife and nature during a walk (38%)
Travelling e.g., visiting other countries (37%)
Looking at flowers (32%)
Watching your favourite film (32%)
Reading your favourite book (26%)
Taking photographs (22%)
Seeing a musical/theatre show (21%)
Watching fireworks (20%)
Seeing a seventh wonder of the world (19%)
Playing with your dog (18%)
Watching a football game (17%)
Seeing a city skyline (17%)
Taking your dog for a walk (17%)
Climbing a mountain (14%)
Viewing your favourite artwork (13%)
Going to a festival (11%)
65-year-old guide dog owner Tiggi Trethowan from Somerset has limited eyesight left following a diagnosis of glaucoma. Charity Guide Dogs alongside SAS TV star Billy Billingham surprised Tiggi at Go Ape Bracknell, by giving her the chance to complete an experience from her visual memory list.
Billy supported Tiggi around the Treetop Challenge where she experienced canopy-high tree-to-tree crossings, free-fall Tarzan swings and epic zip-lining.
Guide dog owner Tiggi Trethowan explains: “I am obsessed with adventure and prior to my sight loss I was used to travelling the world as part of a busy job as a television producer. However, a very rare form of glaucoma meant I lost sight in my right eye within two weeks of diagnosis, and I currently have about 6% of my sight in my left eye.
“After a tough period, I was paired with a wonderful black Labrador guide dog Jackie and I’m now trying to make visual memories of places that matter to me before I lose my sight completely.
“Alongside a close friend (and guide) who travels with me, I’ve ticked off swimming with turtles in the Galapagos, visiting Antarctica to study humpback whales and have been able to revisit a beach in Cornwall where I have many childhood memories.
“Next, I want to try flying in a helicopter, even though I don’t know what I’ll be able to see. I’ll continue my adventures because I don’t want my sight loss to define me.”
Regardless of sight loss, those with visual impairments can still enjoy activities and have rich experiences, and these may even be deeper than those of sighted people.
For example, those with visual impairments may experience art they cannot fully see, through descriptions by a sighted person and guided hand movements in front of the pieces, to allow understanding of shapes and forms used.
Alex Pepper, Head of Accessibility from Guide Dogs said, “Research shows that one in five (20%) Brits will live with significant sight loss in their lifetime. While losing your sight can be daunting, it doesn’t mean your life is over – guide dog owners like Tiggi show that you can still live a happy, fulfilled life – whatever that may mean for you.
“Those with sight loss are still able to achieve their memory list items, whether it be running a marathon or reading a book, they might just do things a bit differently. Thanks to generous public donations, we’re able to continue to support those impacted by visual impairments to enable people with sight loss live their life independently.”
Guide Dogs provide a sighted guide service to support people with sight loss live the life they choose.
Find out more on how to become a Guide Dogs ‘My Sighted Guide’ volunteer at www.guidedogs.org.uk
Police have released images of 11 individuals they believe can assist with their enquiries into disorder at the Scottish League Cup final.
Officers are continuing to investigate disorder which occurred on the morning of Sunday, 26 February, 2023 outside Hampden Stadium.
Anyone who may recognise those shown in the images, or who has any information which may assist is asked to contact police by calling 101 and quoting incident number 0933 of Saturday, 26 February, 2023.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.
