Month: April 2023

Sean Connery Foundation grant for Pilton’s Screen Education Edinburgh

  • The Sean Connery Foundation has announced four new grantees across Scotland
  • The philanthropic foundation aims to accelerate positive change through strategic grant-making to institutions and organisations in Scotland and The Bahamas 

The new screen-education focused grantees (in alphabetical order) are:

● Glasgow Media Arts Centre (GMAC) 

● SCREEN EDUCATION EDINBURGH (SEE) 

● Station House Media Unit, Aberdeen (SHMU) 

● The Portal Arts, Glasgow 

Following the establishment of The Sean Connery Foundation in 2022 by the estate of Sir Sean Connery, the Foundation is pleased to announce four new grantees across Scotland.

These are Glasgow Media Arts Centre (GMAC), Screen Education Edinburgh (SEE), Station House Media Unit (SHMU), Aberdeen and The Portal Arts, Glasgow.

Each of these grantees, along with the Scottish Youth Film Foundation (SYFF), announced in October 2022, support young people in developing the skills, knowledge, confidence and connections needed for work in the film & TV industry at a time when more creators are choosing to produce content in Scotland.

The Foundation’s commitment to these grantees provides unrestricted funding over 3 years, and totals approximately £1MM. 

Speaking on behalf of the Foundation’s work in Scotland, Jason Connery said: “Before he was a globally recognized movie star, my dad was a lad from Fountainbridge, and he never once forgot that whilst talent might be distributed equally, opportunity is not.

“By supporting access for passionate young people to the screen sector, no matter what their circumstances, we’d like to help dreams come true. We hope that young people with an appetite for visual storytelling and a curiosity about the many behind-the-scenes jobs that make movies possible, will reach out to our grantees and get involved.” 

Foundation Chair, Stephane Connery, added: “The screen sector has enjoyed strong growth in recent years as more global productions choose to shoot their film and TV in Scotland, providing good jobs for industry-ready young people.

“Our screen-education grantees offer a wide variety of programs that introduce participants to the possibility of a career in screen production, often for the first time, and provide a clear path into an exciting industry that is too often considered out-of-reach.” 

Each Foundation grantee delivers hands-on introduction to film-making that spans the entire creative process, from writing, producing, and acting, to sound, lighting, set design, costumes, and editing, enabling participants to try out the wide variety of roles available in the screen industry. 

In addition to accelerating interest in a full scope of film & TV production careers, the Foundation’s grants portfolio aligns with Scotland’s cultural and educational priorities. By supporting organisations focused on helping passionate young people create and share their stories, the Foundation is investing in a new generation of skilled storytellers and a creative workforce with the 21st-Century literacy capabilities vital to Scotland’s future. 

Participants in grantee programs report gaining valuable organisational and collaboration skills, experience in both advocacy and narrative storytelling, and increased confidence, laying the groundwork for fulfilling careers within the creative industry, and beyond. 

The goal of The Sean Connery Foundation is to accelerate positive change through strategic grant-making to education and ocean conservation institutions and organisations in Scotland and The Bahamas, the two countries Sir Sean Connery called home. 

About the grantees 

Established in 1982, GMAC Film is an open access media centre based at Trongate 103 in Glasgow. Our mission is to engage young people, communities, and emerging film talent from under-represented groups to: 

● Build confidence, skills and aspirations 

● Increase access to education, training and employment 

● Raise awareness of social issues through film 

● Create a fair, ethical, and diverse screen sector in Scotland

It achieves this through six main pillars of work: youth work, education, employability, filmmaking, partnerships, and community engagement. GMAC Film seeks to empower people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in projects free at the point of delivery so that low income is never a barrier to taking part, giving confidence, knowledge and ambition to those who become involved, allowing each voice to be heard. 

Euan Platt, CEO of GMAC Film has said: “GMAC Film has been championing diversity and increased access in the screen sector for over forty years, so we are thrilled to be selected as one of the Connery Foundation’s new grantees.

“This support will allow GMAC Film to sustain and develop its work across our wide range of programmes for young people, communities, and emerging film talent, and help ensure that more people- regardless of background- have the opportunity to use filmmaking as a way of conveying personal experiences, highlighting social issues, and telling powerful stories.” 

Screen Education Edinburgh (SEE) provides high-quality screen education, training, and production programs for all ages.

Originally founded as Pilton Video in 1981, SEE specialises in developing people from areas of deprivation, from rural areas and low-income backgrounds, those living with a disability, and those from diverse backgrounds. 

Graham Fitzpatrick, Principal Officer for SEE has said: “We are incredibly thankful for the support from The Sean Connery Foundation in establishing our SEE Young Filmmakers Hub.

“This funding will enable us to provide invaluable opportunities to young people between 12 and 18 who are passionate about filmmaking, regardless of their circumstances. With this support, we can help them develop the skills, knowledge, confidence, and connections needed to pursue a career in the film, TV and media industries.

“The vision of The Sean Connery Foundation, inspired by the legacy of Edinburgh born and bred Sir Sean Connery, resonates deeply with our organisation’s mission.

“By supporting local talent and inspiring young people in the city where he grew up, the Foundation is truly connecting with Sir Sean Connery’s roots.

“We are honoured to be representing Edinburgh in the Foundation’s funding portfolio and be part of the Foundation’s efforts to make a positive impact in Scotland’s cultural and educational priorities.

“We look forward to making a meaningful impact in the lives of aspiring young filmmakers and creating a more inclusive and accessible film industry in Edinburgh and beyond.” 

Station House Media Unit (SHMU), established as a charity in 2003, is one of the core cultural organisations in North East Scotland and is at the forefront of community media development in the UK.

We are a community anchor organisation, supporting residents in the seven regeneration areas of Aberdeen in film and TV production, radio and podcast broadcasting, traditional and on-line publications, music production and digital inclusion.

These platforms are used as vehicles for personal and collective change; supporting skills development, active citizenship, community capacity building and community development.

The organisation also supports other disadvantaged communities, both geographic and communities of interest, including an employability and training arm, and an adult services arm which provides support and opportunities for adults with barriers, including those who are criminal justice experienced and in recovery.

We are also and SQA accredited learning centre offering a range of high-quality film and media qualifications, including the delivery of the Creative & Digital Media Foundation Apprenticeship in secondary schools across Aberdeenshire. 

Murray Dawson, Founder & Chief Executive of Station House Media Unit added: “We are absolutely delighted to have been selected by the Foundation for this award as it aligns perfectly with our core values; transforming the lives of young people from disadvantaged communities through creative film & media.

“This funding will allow us to turbocharge our moving image programmes with young people across the region; expanding existing successful programmes while introducing brand new initiatives co-designed alongside the young people who will directly benefit.

“This generous contribution from the Foundation will undoubtedly lead to raised aspirations of young people across the North East, supporting them to realise careers in the film-making industry, whilst providing them with a transferable skillset that will also build their confidence and self-esteem.

“We can’t wait to see the impact this investment will have on the young people who participate – and to watching all the great films they’ll be making along the way.”

 

The Portal Arts is an award winning creative media and arts charity based in Govan, Glasgow.

We deliver two strands of work; community media access and Creative Steps for positive mental health. Through co-creative productions, we use filmmaking as a tool for community engagement, to raise issues and represent local people.

Our socially engaged production model delivers media skills through participation, mentorship and training, with the aim of improving wellbeing and addressing inequality.

Creative Steps is a positive mental health programme for adults who are experiencing enduring mental health conditions. We also recently launched The Portal Studios, the film production arm of the charity, which focuses on impact filmmaking and bringing unheard voices to wider audiences. 

Moya Crowley, CEO of The Portal Arts has said: “We’re delighted to receive this funding gift from the Connery Foundation, which will allow us to create a significant body of work with young people from under-represented backgrounds, including those with neurodivergent conditions.

“We aim to break down barriers, challenge misconceptions, and enable access for young people by engaging them at an early stage of the filmmaking process, providing them with knowledge, skillset, and confidence, through the creation of short form filmmaking and impact producing, on a broad scale.” 

For the time being, the Foundation is not accepting unsolicited grant requests.  

For more information on The Sean Connery Foundation: 

conneryfoundation.org

Miles Briggs raises safety concerns over asbestos in Lothian schools

110 schools across Edinburgh contain asbestos

During Education and Skills portfolio questions yesterday at the Scottish Parliament, Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs asked the Cabinet Secretary for Education  and Skills Jenny Gilruth, about the safety of schools in Scotland.

Mr Briggs said how it is critical that this government and councils acts as quickly as possible to remove asbestos from the Scottish schools estate to ensure that pupils, teachers and staff across Scotland are learning and working in a safe environment.

Across the Lothians 241 schools contain asbestos – 110 in Edinburgh (details below), 31 in East Lothian, 18 in Midlothian and 82 in West Lothian. In the last year, 58 schools had asbestos removed – 20 in Edinburgh, 0 in Midlothian, 38 in West Lothian and East Lothian declined to provide the information.

The Scottish Conservatives have previously criticised the SNP for continuing to pass on “savage” cuts to local authorities, meaning schools don’t have the resources to remove asbestos from school buildings.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills of Scotland, herself a former teacher, was asked “what progress has the Scottish Government made in removing asbestos from schools, what impact assessment has been undertaken to look at where currently asbestos is in the school estate and where this will be removed and what timescale will government develop to make sure this happens”.

In response, Ms. Gilruth acknowledged the importance of the issue and said: “Obviously a number of the schools that we are talking about are historically old buildings, I confess that the last building that I worked in, over in Fife, had asbestos in it.

“It is soon to be replaced by a brand new building thanks to this government. I think that’s hugely important as we move forward in improving the school estate, but we will need to recognise some of the challenge here”.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “The danger of asbestos is common knowledge.

“Despite this we still have over 240 schools in across Lothian which still contain this hazardous material.

“It is vital that pupils, teachers and staff across Scotland are learning and working in a safe environment.

“Continued underfunding of local authorities by SNP Ministers makes it extremely difficult for council to carry out the necessary work in our school estates to remove asbestos.”

The TUC has highlighted the dangers of asbestos today, International Workers Memorial Day. Asbestos is the biggest cause of work-related deaths in Britain.

TUC’s Sally Asquith said: “Schools are some of the most likely buildings to contain asbestos, but also the most obvious site for safe removal.

“Many schools desperately need repair or replacing anyway: the Department for Education has admitted a serious risk of collapse in many school buildings. We know more than 90 per cent of schools contain asbestos, and that the rate of mesothelioma diagnoses among former teachers is rising rapidly, so the need for removal is urgent. In the past six months alone, four schools in England had to close after asbestos was disturbed.

“As well as providing adequate support, and research, for those affected, the only real way to prevent asbestos-related illness in the long term is to remove the substance once and for all.

“Only by removing asbestos from all public buildings can we avoid future risk of exposure and stop the thousands of early – and entirely preventable – deaths from this dreadful, fatal illness.”

#IWMD

Edinburgh

A total of 110 schools contain asbestos:

Nursery/EYC – 21

Primary – 73

High School – 12

Special – 4

We have removed asbestos from 20 schools since 1st April 2022.

Ambitious strategy aims to deliver global standard for ageing at home

Housing charity puts innovation at its heart

The launch of Bield Housing and Care’s new five-year corporate strategy signals the beginning of a period of significant change and innovation for one of the country’s leading housing providers.

Tech-driven solutions are a key focus in the new strategy, which has been launched to drive the organisation’s growth and maximise independence among its tenants.

These solutions will be at the heart of Bield’s vision for medium-term growth and will help to tackle external challenges faced by the sector such as climate change, the cost-of-living crisis and an ageing population.

The new strategy aims to position Bield tenants, customers and staff at the centre of the organisation’s decision-making, design and adapt homes to meet customer needs, simplify its services, strengthen its financial performance, support its staff to improve their skills and efficiency, and secure UK-wide recognition for its innovative and leading approaches.

Dr Lynne Douglas, Chief Executive, Bield Housing and Care.

Dr Lynne Douglas, CEO at Bield, said: “Our new five-year corporate strategy will guide us along the way as we focus on achieving our vision and ambitions and ultimately make a positive impact.

“Our strategy will measure whether we are delivering to meet our customers’ desires, rather than just ticking boxes. This new outcome-based approach will expand our influence in the sector, as we look to set and deliver the standard for ageing at home.”

It comes at a pivotal time for the housing specialist which recently opened a new digital hub, showcasing housing technology of the future, at its West Port development in Linlithgow.  This was possible thanks to funding from the Technology for our Ageing Population: Panel for Innovation (TAPPI) project which aims to improve the way technology is used in housing and care for older people.

The hub provides a variety of preventative care technologies to support individuals to live independently, in their own homes, for longer, and is available for tenants, staff and other stakeholders to trial.

Bield will implement its strategy in three distinct phases – strengthen, grow and lead – to ensure it is delivered in a planned and coordinated way.

This phased growth will allow Bield to meet its key priorities which are broken down into five main subsets: facing challenges, improving efficiency, harnessing strengths, enhancing impact and leading the way.

Lynne added: “At Bield, we’re always striving to improve customer experience and satisfaction whilst growing our use of modern, in-home technologies to support independent living.

“Our new strategy will enable us to develop a personalised and proactive approach to delivering our services, develop and test new innovative digital solutions and share our experience and expertise for the benefit of wider society.

“It is estimated that by 2030 more than 600,00 people in Scotland will be aged 75 or over so now more than ever is the time to be ambitious.”

Bield is a housing and care charity committed to providing innovative, flexible and high-quality housing solutions and support for older people. Bield Housing and Care has around 180 developments which facilitate independent living across Scotland.

The charity currently operates across 22 local authorities and works with 24 health and social care partnerships in Scotland.

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

Sunshine guaranteed at North Edinburgh Community Festival!

LAUNCH PROMISES MORE STALLS, MORE MUSIC, MORE FOOD and.. SUNSHINE!

Next month’s North Edinburgh’s Community Festival will be even bigger than last years event, organisers announced at Tuesdays launch at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.

Around 6000 people attended last year’s gala event, and with at least SEVENTY marquees (up from 50 last year) and and not one but TWO music stages there promises to be even more for the local community to do, see and enjoy on 13 May.

Highlights include:

Disney-themed LIFT Parade from Muirhouse Millennium Centre to West Pilton Park to launch the Festival.

More than 70 local organisations and charities with Community Stalls

Two music stages: the open air Park Stage and the Green Room stage in West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre

The music line-up features a wealth of local talent. Performers include local youth orchestra Tinderbox, Granton Youth’s Mixtape Music Club and a session from ever-popular Fischy Music.

There’s a musical medley from the Edinburgh College Musical Theatre Group, performances from local choirs including Ama-zing Harmonies, AUGB Ukranian choir, Craigroyston High School Choir and a high-energy performance is guaranteed from local punk rockers Yer Local Bams. Low Tide, Rai Williams, Laurent and Abigail Kerner will also be performing live on the day in a musical feast.

Family events and activities will include Bookbug with Muirhouse Library and a Storytelling session with Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Citizen writers.

Fancy some sport? You’ll be spoilt for choice as Access Parkour, Spartans Community Football Academy and Inverleith Rugby Club will all be there. And there will be children’s Zumba classes.

North Edinburgh Arts will be organising arts and craft activities and Screen Education Edinburgh will offer film workshops. There’s an Army obstacle course, too.

There will also be learning and upskilling opportunities provided by local organisations including Edinburgh College will be offering course taster sessions.

All in all, there really should be something for everyone. And with sunshine (almost) guaranteed, it promises to be a great day.

Local activist Willie Black, a member of the Festival planning committee, introduced Tuesday’s launch. “We are very excited about this year’s Festival and it promises to be a really great event, a community celebration for everyone to enjoy.

“We have a wealth of diverse talent in this community and we want to share that talent far and wide. We’re looking forward to offering a warm North Edinburgh welcome to thousands of visitors next month, and the hope is that the Festival will be a great success and that it can become an annual event.”

North Edinburgh Community Festival is on Saturday 13 May from 12 – 5.30pm. Free event. All welcome.

IMAGES FROM LAUNCH EVENT:

Edinburgh Tradfest kicks off on Friday

Ciaran Ryan Band headlining the festival on Sunday night – 30 April 

‘high-octane ferocious banjo-led music and sheer instrumental brilliance!’

L/R Donald Hay (drums), Chris Waite (guitar), Bev Morris (bass), Ciaran Ryan (banjo), Andrew Waite (accordion) Photo Douglas Robertson

FESTIVAL DATES: Friday 28 April – Monday 8 May 2023

An incredible line-up of talented musicians will descend on Edinburgh this weekend for the start of Edinburgh Tradfest  (28 April to 8 May) – 11 days of live music, storytelling, dance, workshops, talks, ceilidhs and special events across the city, thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation.

Ciaran Ryan one of the UK’s foremost tenor banjo players, whose debut solo album Banjaxed released in late 2019 was shortlisted for Album of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards, will headline alongside Orcadian powerhouse Fara (above) and American folk singer, two-time winner, and six-time Grammy nominee Rhiannon Giddens who is opening the Festival with Francesco Turrisi at the Assembly Rooms on Friday night.

Plus, at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, the festival kicks off with the return of Pomegranates – a weekend of dance, performance, and workshops run by the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland to celebrate International Dance Day (29 April); and the second North Atlantic Song Convention run by the Traditional Music Forum with delegates from around the Northern Hemisphere, gathers to celebrate our rich song traditions. 

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “This year’s programme is  jam-packed with talent. We’ve got fantastic, award-winning musicians performing at the Traverse every night, workshops on during the day and live music in the bar until late, plus there are ceilidhs, storytelling sessions, talks, and dance taking place at other venues across the city. It’s all here to be enjoyed.” 

Other highlights not to be missed include Tradfest’s new commission Two for Joy composed and arranged by award-winning harpist Ailie Robertson which explores how birdsong is used in music and folklore and the positive impact that listening to the sounds of birds can have on our mental health and wellbeing; America’s masters of old-time, bluegrass, classic country and Cajun music The Foghorn Stringband; Dirk and Amelia Powell from Louisiana who bring their deeply rooted Cajun, Appalachian and original sounds to the festival for the first time; Rory Matheson and Graham Rorie whose album We Have Won The Land celebrates the success of the Assynt Crofter’s Trust in buying back the North Lochinver Estate from a Swedish land speculator 30 years ago; this year’s Rebellious Truth lecture/recital which explores mental health issues in the music industry led by Gaelic singer, composer, researcher and broadcaster Mischa Macpherson; and Ross Ainslie (Treacherous Orchestra, Salsa Celtica) and Tim Edey (Chieftains) whose foot-stomping tunes topped with great banter are this year’s hot ticket and unmissable festival finale.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: Celebrating limitless forms of expression through stories

This August, set against the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will welcome local and international audiences to its new Show, Stories. Staged between 4-26 August, the Show will be a celebration of sagas, myths, and legends, transporting audiences on a journey of ideas – from the earliest campfire stories through to the world stage.

Building on last year’s successful return show, Voices, the 2023 performance, with Presenting Partner, Innis & Gunn, will showcase performers from around the globe, telling tales that connect us through our unique and shared military and cultural heritages.

Bringing together stories through music, dance, poetry, spoken word and imagery, a cast of over 800 UK and international performers will present Stories through a vivid and eclectic range of expression. From the musical prowess of the Massed Pipes & Drums, the physical storytelling of dance and precision drill, and stunning imagery captured through light and projection, audiences will be transported and enthralled.

Pictured: Tattoo Piper Lynsey McNicholl, Tattoo Fidler Margaret Robertson Flight Lieutenant ConnerAdlington (Green Suit) and Air Vice Marshal Ross Paterson (Air Officer Scotland)

This year The Tattoo Arena will host performers from Norway, The United States, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Switzerland, alongside homegrown acts from across the UK and Ireland. As ever, the military will play a prominent role in the Show, with the Royal Air Force the lead Service.  Audiences will also be treated to the wild skirl of the Massed Pipes and Drumssupported by the Tattoo Dancers and Fiddlers.

Making their Tattoo debut on the Castle Esplanade, The United States Air Force Band will wow the crowds with a freestyle musical performance depicting America’s great songbook, while the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra will bring a vibrant burst of colour and the excitement of their traditional art forms, including the limbo and fire dance.

Precision drill from the King’s Colour Squadronwill feature familiar soundscapes from the world of gaming. Exploring the legends and traditions of Switzerland, The Swiss Armed Forces Central Band will also present an exhilarating drum corps talent, which is sure to send sparks flying.

His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway will also be back to stun crowds. Their appearance this August will tell their story as a Regiment, reprising their history and heritage to present day.

After their exuberant debut last year, Electro Pipes will return to the stage, where once again Tattoo Performers will combine the traditional and new through EDM, electric instruments, lighting, and projection.

Pictured: Tattoo Piper Lynsey McNicholl and Air Vice Marshal Ross Paterson (Air Officer Scotland)

Michael Braithwaite, the Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “Stories builds on our Voices show of 2022 and promises a captivating celebration of connection through stories in all their forms. Most of all, Stories is a shared opportunity for audiences and performers to come together and experience an evening of unique and immersive entertainment.

“Stories is the next chapter in the modern era of the Tattoo, packed with the latest in cutting-edge technology, whilst combining the tradition and precision the Show is known for and loved. It will be a truly memorable event and we are thrilled to be returning to Edinburgh Castle once more.”

“At its heart, Stories celebrates the journey of individuals from many diverse backgrounds, and unity through common experiences.”

2023 marks the second year of the Tattoo’s bold new brand proposition, Performance in a New Light, which embraces military tradition and combines it with exciting new innovations and contemporary touches.

Pictured: Tattoo Piper Lynsey McNicholl, Tattoo Fidler Margaret Robertson Flight Lieutenant ConnerAdlington (Green Suit) and Air Vice Marshal Ross Paterson (Air Officer Scotland)

Buster Howes, the Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “The Tattoo is distinctive, iconic, and gleeful. It has mass, momentum and energy, and Stories will have all these qualities as well as being whimsical, exhilarating, and surprising.

“Our lives, loves, triumphs, and disasters are captivated and documented in stories. We grow up with fairy tales and folklore, with Winnie the Pooh and The Gruffalo, and progress to Wuthering Heights and Moby Dick.

“We are, as children, inspired by accounts of resilience, adventure and heroism; universal themes reinterpreted the world over. Edinburgh Castle is surely a perfect backdrop for all such narratives – come and see for yourselves. And nightly, in August, once you are all sitting comfortably, we’ll begin!”

The full line-up for 2023 includes:  The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, The Central Band of the Royal Air Force, The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, The Royal Air Force Salon Orchestra, Royal Air Force Bands, 1st Battalion The Irish Guards Drums and Pipes, The Pipes and Drums of The Royal Highland Fusiliers 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Pipes and Drums of 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Combined Scottish Universities Officers’ Training Corps Pipes and Drums, Royal Air Force Pipes and Drums, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums, The Scots College Sydney Pipes and Drums, The Scots College Sydney Old Boys Pipes and Drums, The Scots School Albury Pipe Band, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Dancers, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Fiddlers, King’s Colour Squadron Royal Air Force, The Swiss Armed Forces Central Band, His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway, The United States Air Force Band and Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188. The Show will run from 4-26 August 2023, with Innis & Gunn once again offering a bar service at the event. Drinks pre-order is available now from edintattoodrinks.co.uk.

Like last year, tickets for 2024’s Show Journeys will go on sale in August during Stories.

Care home’s new cooking class is better than sliced bread!

Bread making masterclass inspires creativity amongst home’s residents

Residents at a local care home have enjoyed a series of cooking classes as part of the bustling events calendar, with the programme kick-starting with a bread making masterclass.

The sessions held at Cramond Residence, courtesy of the home’s Chef Paul Cowley, hope to inspire creativity and reignite a passion for cooking amongst the residents.

This month’s masterclass focused on bread making with future sessions set to feature foods from all over the globe – following residents’ wishes.

Cooking is just one of the activities the home provides as part of its events calendar which is tailored to the residents’ interests, with the aim of improving their wellbeing and independence. Other activities include exercise classes, arts and crafts and frequent day trips.

Paul, who alongside the head chef leads the catering department at the 74-bedroom home, said: “I love seeing the smiling faces of our residents as they take part in activities that remind them of home comforts such as cooking.

“Residents enjoyed a step-by-step session on how to make bread from scratch. We sampled the bread, tasting the different types of loaves and comparing it to shop bought bread.

“Many of our residents already have a passion for cooking so we wanted to introduce the classes to continue that enjoyment while allowing some of the group to learn new skills and try different cuisines.

“As well as the pleasure of cooking, the class also provides a fun setting where residents can enjoy socialising with others in the class. The buzz of happy chatter in the dining room is ample payback for the work we do.”

This month’s activities include garden archery and golf sessions, spa and relaxation mornings and physio classes, organised by Cramond Residence’s dedicated Lifestyle Coordinators who are committed to providing fun and engaging activities for the residents to enjoy.

Len Skelton, a resident at the home said: “I always enjoy the meals cooked up by chefs at Cramond, however it is really nice to be given the opportunity to get back in the kitchen again.  Who doesn’t love the taste of fresh bread out of the oven?”

In addition to freshly prepared nutritious meals and a robust excursions and activities calendar, residents are provided with deluxe accommodation, best-of-class facilities and a wide range of entertainment.

The medication and care provided is based on a detailed personal care plan, which is continually assessed and revised by health care professionals and other experts to ensure that the best possible care is being delivered.

Facilities provided include a cinema and function room, a dedicated games room and also a sensory experience which offers therapeutic activities for those with dementia.

Cramond Residence offer tours of its quality accommodation and facilities, allowing potential residents and loved ones to see the residence for themselves, meet the team and discuss requirements.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Edinburgh’s hidden streets unlocked at exclusive underground event

  • Explore the hidden streets of Edinburgh with The Real Mary King’s Close ‘Underground Unlocked’ experience

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, The Real Mary King’s Close is inviting you to a truly unique event that will cast The Close in an entirely new light.

Explore the hidden streets of Edinburgh, relish in secrets and stories never told before and come face-to-face with fascinating former residents, at the exclusive ‘Underground Unlocked’ event on Thursday 25th May.

Guests at ‘Underground Unlocked’ will have the opportunity to step back in time and into the shoes of former residents, roaming the streets which now lie beneath Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile. The Real Mary King’s Close will bustle with life once again for the first time since people lived, worked and died there during the 17th century.

The two-hour self-guided experience will allow guests to wander leisurely, and curiously, through preserved shops and homes and even meet thirteen former residents along the way.  

Experience The Close through your own eyes as you meet the mysterious plague doctor, John Paulitious, around one corner; or the wealthy ‘merchant prince’, Stephen Boyd, around another.

Converse with the renowned poet, Robert Fergusson, or hear stories from Janet Chesney, the mother of the last resident to live on the close. Hear their captivating real stories and journey through the previously concealed streets and rooms on your own terms. 

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “Back in 2003, we opened our doors under Continuum Attractions to reveal the real stories of Mary King’s Close and its former residents. Since then, it’s been such a huge part of Edinburgh’s historical tourism sector for the past 20 years.

“We wanted to celebrate by giving our customers the chance to explore it like they’ve never seen it before, and immerse themselves in the rich history Edinburgh has to offer.” 

“At The Real Mary King’s Close, we are passionate about storytelling and creating unforgettable experiences that transport our visitors back in time. We can’t wait to welcome them to ‘Underground Unlocked’ and give them our most immersive experience yet.” 

The special ‘Underground Unlocked’ experience will be running on Thursday 25th May from 18.30 until 21.00. Tickets are £29 per person or £25 for EH postcode residents. Use EHUNLOCK at the checkout. Discount is only available online. 

Spaces are extremely limited, so pre-booking is highly recommended.  

For more information and bookings please visit: 

https://bookings.realmarykingsclose.com/book/underground-unlocked/207

Cala Homes donates whiteboards to help pupils at Royal Blind School

Homebuilder Cala Homes (East) has donated £3,130 to Sight Scotland for the purchase of two white boards to aid teaching at the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh.

The new large white boards will allow pupils with a Vision Impairment to view materials that would otherwise be too small or inaccessible in a group setting.

The screens contain specialist software which makes the structure of lessons more convenient, flexible and interactive. The screens also enhances the level of engagement between teachers and students as it can be controlled by a specialist device called a ‘switch’ which allows pupils with physical disabilities to control the software on screen.

The large screen element is also very motivating for pupils with VI, plus it allows pairs or groups to work together on programmes to support their learning and encourage peer support.

The Royal Blind School in Edinburgh provides unique, specialist education and support to young people with sight loss, many of whom also have other complex additional support needs.

The school provides an environment in which all can participate, learn, explore and develop their skills. This includes employing specialist staff, investing in specialist equipment and providing a programme of interactive and stimulating activities.

Depute Head Teacher at the Royal Blind School, Karen Boyd, comments: “We are so appreciative of this kind donation from Cala Homes.

“The white boards will really help with the education of all our pupils, these screens are used daily in classes and the existing screens we had were old and out-of-date so they could no longer run the updated software required to support the pupils learning.“

Cala Homes (East) has refurbished and reimagined the former site of the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh into an impressive new housing development, comprising of 21 spacious contemporary apartments and a selection of new build townhouses, named Newington Residences.

Phillip Hogg, sales and marketing director for Cala Homes (East), said: “We are delighted to support the ongoing work of the former custodians of this historic Edinburgh site.

“We hope that the new white boards will enhance not only the learning experience for pupils but also the fantastic work the teachers and staff do every day.”

Cala Homes (East) has recently unveiled two brand-new showhomes at its Newington Residences development. The three-bedroom townhouse showhome comes complete with a city garden and private carport.

The stunning three-bedroom show apartment, situated within the Victorian Clocktower and former Royal Blind School building, showcases how contemporary interiors and character can blend seamlessly. Both showhomes are open daily for viewing by appointment. 

For more information, please visit sightscotland.org.uk  or www.cala.co.uk/edinburgh

New Perinatal Befriending Service to support parents impacted by neonatal experiences

Aberlour Children’s Charity is today launching a service which offers vital emotional and befriending support to parents impacted by neonatal experiences. 

The new Aberlour Perinatal Befriending Service is for families living in the Lothians whose babies are born at 34 weeks’ gestation or later and have received neonatal care through the NICU at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Following a pilot in the neonatal unit last year, the charity concluded that whilst becoming a new parent can be an exciting and challenging time – parents whose babies have needed specialist neonatal care are at greater risk of increased anxiety and isolation. 

It is estimated that parents of babies with a neonatal experience are 40% more likely to develop perinatal mental health difficulties. Parents with neonatal babies born at 34 weeks’ or later were identified as a cohort requiring enhanced support.

Funding secured from the National Lottery Community Fund, East Lothian Council, William Grant Foundation and the Charles Gordon Foundation has enabled Aberlour to establish the new Perinatal Befriending Service.

It aims to connect with parents at the earliest opportunity both in hospital, community or home settings, building relationships to support parents and babies throughout pregnancy and in the first year of baby’s life.

Working in parallel with the charity’s NHS partners, the service will offer in person support from a Perinatal Coordinator, a 1:1 match with a Perinatal Befriender and bespoke digital support all of which connects parents, improves emotional wellbeing, reduces isolation and supports positive relationships between parents and babies. It also recognises the significance of sustaining wider family relationships. 

Perinatal befrienders are dedicated trained volunteers who are matched to parents and offer emotional listening support and help accessing services and activities in the community.

The launch of the service coincides with the launch of Aberlour’s Perinatal Connections app. As a result of listening to mums and gathering data, a gap was identified in mental health support services outside normal working hours for new and expectant mums.

The app has been developed to offer a safe, facilitated space for new and expectant mothers supported by Aberlour to connect with each other and access information and resources whenever they wish.

Emma Cashmore-Gordon, Assistant Director at Aberlour, said: “We are thrilled to be able to establish the new Perinatal Befriending Service. It’s great to see all the strands come together and provide greater support – Perinatal Coordinator, Perinatal Befrienders and the new app.

“Knowing that we can help families who have received neonatal care, in particular parents of babies born 34 weeks+ who really will benefit from the enhanced support is amazing. Special thanks to the Pilgrim Trust who funded the pilot and to all our other funders who have helped bring the service to fruition.”  

Megan, parent of Rosie, said: “The help I got from the service and the relationship with my befriender was unique. When I look back, I’m a totally different person now, when I have rough times, I can get through a day at a time”.