The NSPCC is calling on nurseries and schools across Scotland to join us for the Childhood Day Mile and raise vital funds to help keep children safe.
Childhood Day, on Friday 9 June, is our flagship day of fundraising where children and adults are encouraged to walk, hop, skip or wheel a mile to help raise money for children across the UK.
We’re asking schools, organisations, families and friends across Scotland to sign up.
Details on how to take part and help us raise funds for NSPCC projects can be found on the NSPCC’s online Childhood Day Hub and there are resources available to schools, nurseries and childcare groups that sign up.
We’re also looking for friendly volunteers to support us at collection points in the following places:
Morrisons, Aberdeen: Saturday, June 3, 10am-6pm
Glasgow City Centre, Buchanan Street: Friday, June 9, 11am-5pm
Asda, Aberdeen: Friday 9 June, 11am-5pm
Lidl Robroyston, Glasgow: Saturday, June 10, 10am-6pm
Old Meldrum Sports & Highland Games, Inverurie: Saturday, June 17, 11am-3pm
Whether it’s by fundraising, donating, volunteering at a collection or taking action, we’re asking people to play their part to help keep children safe from abuse.
Simply search your postcode in the link below to find the nearest collection point to you.
The weather forecast is looking good for the Summer Festival tomorrow at Granton Parish Church from 10am – 4pm.
Food all day from breakfast rolls in the morning, soup at lunchtime and finishing off with a burger BBQ at 3pm. Music from Granton Youth and Ukranian folk singers
Food available all day breakfast rolls in the morning, soup at lunchtime and finishing off with a burger BBQ at 3pm.
• LIVE MUSIC FROM GRANTON YOUTH MUSIC & UKRANIAN MUSIC GROUP
Exhibition marks 200th anniversary of Raeburn’s death, giving fascinating insights into Enlightenment Edinburgh
Exhibition at Georgian House from 2 June to 26 November 2023 is free to NTS members and includes audio of sitters’ experiences, workshops, tours and a Raeburn’s Edinburgh walking route
A new exhibition of Raeburn portraits, at the National Trust for Scotland’s Georgian House in Edinburgh, opens the doors on the painter’s career, his subjects’ experiences of sitting for portraits, and life in Enlightenment Scotland.
The Raeburn’s Edinburgh exhibition brings together 18 carefully-selected portraits and engravings, including a self-portrait, from across six National Trust for Scotland properties for the first time. It tells stories of the artist, the people who sat for him, and the society and attitudes of the city they inhabited.
In parallel, a programme of events and interpretation organised by the conservation charity will illuminate different aspects of Raeburn’s Edinburgh, covering topics from print culture and maps, to historic links to the Caribbean and how visitors can research their own Scottish family history (perhaps finding a link to someone Raeburn painted). Family events include paper-cutting and collage workshops for children aged six and upwards.
Curating the exhibition is Dr Antonia Laurence-Allen, National Trust for Scotland’s Curator (Edinburgh & East), who said: “Many people are familiar with Raeburn’s work, through portraits such as The Skating Minister – or, to use its official title, Reverend Robert Walker (1755-1808) Skating on Duddingston Loch – on show in the Scottish National Gallery.
“But there’s so much more to Raeburn and his world. Using our charity’s Raeburn collection, we’ve created an intimate and inspiring visitor experience which aims to offer insights into the privileged and enlightened world he moved in.
“Raeburn was very much a man of the moment, during one of the capital’s most vibrant periods, painting everyone from advocates to astronomers and aristocrats. This is illustrated through the portraits we have chosen for the exhibition, each of which has a unique Edinburgh connection and an individual story about Raeburn, to provide a unique and fascinating picture of the city.
“We look forward to introducing both local visitors and tourists to Raeburn’s Edinburgh, and hope that the stories and histories woven into this exhibition will give them a richer sense of the city’s wonderful heritage and its relevance today.”
One feature of the exhibition, designed to engage visitors of all ages, is a series of audio recordings. These share the stories and viewpoints of sitters, such as why they commissioned the portrait, how they paid for it, how they chose their outfit, and what they felt about the experience.
The short multi-perspective audio stories give fresh insights into the sitters themselves and the working practices of one of Scotland’s best-known painters.
They also create a vivid mosaic of the time, helping the visitors of the 21st century to imagine, for themselves, the Edinburgh of centuries back.
Also helping them to do this is a map of Edinburgh, dating back to 1821, which covers one wall of the exhibition. This pinpoints key locations in Raeburn’s life, including his studios in the New Town’s George Street and York Place, and Ann Street in Stockbridge, part of a property development scheme he hoped would sort out his financial worries following a bankruptcy. Visitors can then walk around these locations themselves, as the map is also available in a takeaway leaflet.
The exhibition has also been innovative for its focus on developing staff and volunteer skills.
“Our goal has been to increase opportunities for learning as we develop projects like this,” commented National Trust for Scotland conservator for Edinburgh and East, Lesley Scott.
“Employees and volunteers at the Georgian House were invited to take part in workshops on stabilising and cleaning frames, which was necessary for displaying the engraved prints. By upskilling our teams, allowing them to understand how materials age and learn methods for preservation, we are investing in future collections care in line with our strategic engagement objectives.“
Adding to the sense of engagement and community around the exhibition, the audio stories of the sitters have been voiced by Georgian House team members, including volunteers. Dozens of volunteers, and even their family members, have also stepped forward to steward for the exhibition.
Philip Long OBE, Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland, added, “Among the 300,000-plus precious objects our conservation charity cares for and shares are remarkable portraits by Raeburn, spread across properties including Alloa Tower, Castle Fraser, Craigievar Castle, Fyvie Castle and Hill of Tarvit, as well as the Georgian House in Edinburgh’s New Town.
“It’s exciting to bring them some of them together for the first time, enabling our members, visitors and other supporters to see some of Raeburn’s finest work, and hear different perspectives on it.
“By using creative, inclusive interpretation and activities that connect and engage different audiences with this work, we’re helping to deliver the engagement objectives in the National Trust for Scotland’s 10-year strategy,
“Nature, Beauty and Heritage for Everyone: providing access and enjoyment for everyone I hope that people of all ages will enjoy seeing and hearing the people, locations, stories, and experiences of Raeburn’s Edinburgh, and I’m very grateful for the support of National Trust for Scotland members, volunteers, donors and visitors. This support makes it possible to organise exhibitions like this and to protect, care for and share Scotland’s heritage.”
Raeburn’s Edinburgh opens at the Georgian House, in Edinburgh’s Charlotte Square today – 2 June 2023 – and runs until 26 November. The exhibition is included in admission to the Georgian House, which is free for National Trust for Scotland members.
Fife musician Cammy Barnes is the only Scot to make it to the live shows and returns to Edinburgh Castle to record special video performance
A talented musician who wowed crowds at last year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has become the only Scot to make it through to the Britain’s Got Talent live semi-finals.
Cammy Barnes, 32, from Fife, won over the BGT judges with a passionate performance of Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Drivers Licence’ and will now vie for a place in Saturday’s live final.
A barber by trade and gifted bagpiper, Cammy was part of the Electro Pipes performers at last year’s Tattoo, who provided a fresh addition to the Show on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, mixing the traditional bagpipes with modern, electronic music, combined with state-of-the-art projection and lighting.
To celebrate his success on the show, the Tattoo welcomed Cammy back to Edinburgh Castle to record a special video performance of Wild Mountain Thyme. Cammy was joined by Stevie Small, Production Manager at the Tattoo, who played the pipes, set against the stunning Edinburgh skyline.
The Tattoo is committed to supporting emerging talent and providing talented performers – like Cammy – with a platform to play to audiences from around the world. He also played a starring role in the Show’s finale last year, singing Walking on the Waves in an emotional and powerful performance alongside Tattoo acts from around the world.
Cammy said:“It was always my dream to play at Edinburgh Castle so I’m forever indebted to the Tattoo and the whole team there for giving me the opportunity to play in such an iconic Show alongside so many talented people from around the world.
“My Dad was actually a lone piper at the Tattoo back in the day, so for it to come full circle, with me performing on the same Castle Esplanade was something really special. The team at the Tattoo are so good about giving fresh talent like me a chance to showcase their skills.
“Little did I know just a year on I’d be auditioning in front of Simon Cowell and the other judges and there’s no doubt that my time performing last year in the Tattoo really helped build my confidence to just go for it. I’d really urge people to snap up tickets for this year’s Show as the whole experience of the Tattoo, whether performing or watching, is a spectacle to behold.
“I can’t thank everyone at the Tattoo enough for their support so far and for giving me the opportunity to come back to perform at Edinburgh Castle alongside Stevie. I really hope I can do them and the whole of the country proud at the semi-finals. I’ll definitely be giving it my all for Scotland!”
Cammy recently became a father to his young daughter Bonnie and aims to make her proud throughout his BGT experience.
Buster Howes, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “Cammy’s one of those personalities you instantly warm to and we couldn’t be prouder of him and his efforts on Britain’s Got Talent.
“We’re an organisation that places an emphasis on emerging talent so to see Cammy’s talent continue to flourish is fantastic. We were only too happy to help facilitate his special performance of Wild Mountain Thyme at the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
“His energy during both the Electro Pipes and his singing in the finale really captured the imagination at our Show last year and you could feel the buzz he brought to the Esplanade when he and his fellow performers showcased their talents.
“On behalf of everyone at the Tattoo, I wish Cammy all the best in the semi-finals and would urge everyone to get behind him and give him their vote.”
The 2023 Show, Stories will be staged between 4-26 August, and 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.
Tickets for Stories can be purchased online at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188. To watch Cammy’s special Edinburgh Castle performance, please visit edintattoo.co.uk or the Tattoo’s social channels.
This week, firefighters have battled a wildfire that started burning on Sunday afternoon near Cannich, south of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. 7,400 hectares have burned so far, with images of the 22-mile long plume of smoke captured by NASA from space.
Two firefighters injured tackling the blaze have since been released from hospital.
Wildfires require a significant number of firefighters to respond due to the extensive terrain, physically demanding work over long periods of time, transporting equipment by hand while being exposed to significant temperatures.
A decade of budget cuts has left Fire and Rescue Services stretched for resources while climate related incidents have increased in frequency and severity. J
uly 2022 saw the temperature in parts of the UK exceed 40 degrees centigrade for the first time in recorded history, increasing the risk of wildfires.
Last week the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service announced further cuts on top of a decade of austerity. These cuts will see the loss of ten fire appliances, reducing fire cover and impacting firefighters’ ability to respond to incidents.
Since 2010, 11,500 firefighters have been cut across the UK, and Scotland alone has lost 1,100 firefighters since 2013.
Matt Wrack, FBU General Secretary said:“Throughout this week, firefighters in Scotland have bravely battled what is now believed to be one of the biggest wildfires in UK history and which can be seen from space.
“Two of our members have already been injured working in these extreme conditions. Thankfully both have now returned home. However, this shows us the real dangers of the climate emergency.
“Wildfires, such as the ones we are seeing in Cannich at the moment, are on the rise year on year.
“All governments must heed this stark warning: the climate crisis is here now. We need urgent climate action to prevent loss of life, and that must also involve serious investment in our fire services.”
Scottish Conservative & Unionist MSP Miles Briggs is supporting calls for ‘Hugo’s Law’ to pass in the Scottish Parliament, making it law that drivers must contact a vet, the police and the RSPCA in the event that they hit a cat.
The calls come after Hugo, a much-loved cat that stalked the streets of Edinburgh’s West End, sadly died last month after being struck by a car. Those who loved Hugo are now leading the calls for a change in the law.
At present, motorists are obliged to inform the authorities if they hit dogs, horses, sheep, pigs, foxes, badgers, mules, cows and goats with their vehicle, under a section of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which applies to England, Scotland and Wales. A vet must also be contacted to look over the animals and treat them for injuries, however this section does not apply to cats.
Mr. Briggs has already written to the Scottish Government requesting a meeting so that discussions around the law change can begin.
Lothian MSP Miles Briggssaid: “I wholeheartedly support the campaign for ‘Hugo’s Law’ to change the law on stopping for animals to include cats.
“A cat’s life is worth no less than a dog’s and a change in the law would increase the chances of survival for cats who are struck by vehicles.
“It is imperative we include cats so that more people are not left bereft like Hugo’s family.
“A change in the law would bring comfort to Hugo’s family and other cat owners who will be safe in the knowledge that tragic incidents such as Hugo’s passing can be avoided, and that is why I am seeking a meeting with government officials to push this through”.
Thank you to everyone who came along last night – we had a blast!
Here’s a few nice things people said online:
“Best gig ever!” “Absolutely brilliant this year” “My tip – make sure you get to the sub-basement floor” “Another amazing venue. Totally blown away” “Amazing immersive performances”
Here’s a few pics from the night – 4 more days to come down and explore!
We’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible response to this year’s Baillie Gifford Schools Programme: our packed programme of FREE book events for schools.
Thank you to everyone who has signed up for in-person tickets so far, we can’t wait to welcome you and your pupils to the Edinburgh College of Art for some inspiring author events this August.
We have limitied availability remaining but if you would still like to attend in-person please get in touch with our Schools Booking Coordinator directly asap to check availability by emailing schools@edbookfest.co.uk.
And don’t forget, if your class is unable to make it along in-person, selected events will also be livestreamed for schools to watch in the classroom live, or on-demand. Events will be visable on edbookfest.co.ukfrom Wednesday 14 June and you can book your place any time from then until just before the event starts.
A key factor in the bid to end poverty in the Capital by 2030 is the steps being taken by the Council and partners to prevent and mitigate the impacts on women.
This is closely linked to child poverty, given there is a proportionately high share of caring responsibilities adopted by women in general – 90% of lone parents are women, 38% of those in Scotland live in poverty.
Women have also been disproportionately affected by the cost of living crisis and, alongside childcare, these patterns are strongly driven by gender inequalities in the workplace. Women account for 60% of all low paid workers in Edinburgh and 78% of all part time workers.
In response to these challenges, actions in the Council’s End Poverty in Edinburgh Delivery Plan, and other plans, which are expected to prevent or mitigate the impact of poverty on women and girls, include:
Raising awareness of the gender impacts of poverty
Helping to increase incomes for women in poverty
Reducing the costs and impact of childcare responsibilities
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Tackling poverty is one of our key priorities as a Council and our 2030 target is ambitious but one I’m convinced can be achieved. We have to act decisively if we’re to eradicate poverty in Edinburgh.
“It’s a fact that women are more likely to experience poverty and thus it was important that we had a separate update on specific actions being taken to help to further highlight this issue.
“It’s also of course not just the material constraints of living in poverty that make things hard, it’s the emotional strain and it is important that we do all we can to tackle this.
“This update on actions currently underway was well received by councillors who fully support the work of the End Poverty in Edinburgh Delivery Plan which gives an important overview of where we are. We know that we can’t achieve our goals in insolation.
“That’s why we are working with partners such as the End Poverty Edinburgh citizen’s group who help us make sure that the real experiences of people who live in poverty are at the centre of shaping the actions we take to tackle poverty and inequality in the capital city.
“Analysis of these actions will be continued, and I look forward to the update on the wider End Poverty in Edinburgh progress later in the year where will look at all households and priority groups.”
NO Poverty concerns for one new council employee. Edinburgh’s interim Director of Adult Social Care will be paid no less than £403,390 A YEAR!
I’m sure that will go down really well with the capital’s care workers, the majority of whom are women! – Ed.
Emergency measures to protect tenants during the cost of living crisis, including the private rent cap and additional eviction protections, will be extended for a further six months if approved by Parliament.
Tenants’ Rights Minister Patrick Harvie has confirmed proposals to keep the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Act measures in place until 31 March 2024 at the latest. This would mean:
Most in-tenancy private rent increases would continue to be capped at 3%
Alternatively, private landlords could apply for increases of up to 6% to help cover certain increases in costs in a specified time period where these costs can be evidenced
Enforcement of evictions would continue to be paused for six months for most tenants, except in a number of specified circumstances
Increased damages for unlawful evictions of up to 36 months’ worth of rent would continue to be applicable
Social rented sector tenants are protected by the voluntary agreement reached with social landlords on below-inflation rent increases for this financial year.
Mr Harvie said: “As the cost of living crisis continues, these measures are giving important support to tenants, providing them with much-needed stability in their housing costs and additional eviction protections.
“As the social housing sector have agreed their rents in consultation with their tenants, the focus of this temporary legislation is on providing private renters with similar protection. We know some landlords are impacted by rising costs too.
“The option of increasing rents by 6% in specified circumstances ensures landlords who may be impacted by the cost of living crisis can recover some increased costs associated with their let property.
“The final date of 31 March 2024 would be as long as the rent cap and eviction protections could run if approved by Parliament. The necessity of these measures is being kept under review and we will continue to assess whether they remain justified, balanced and proportionate based on the financial pressures rented households and landlords are facing.
“We are also looking at how to transition out of the emergency measures, and we continue to listen to and work hard with stakeholders to develop and deliver rental sector reform.”
