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Day: June 27, 2023
Edinburgh families stick together this Summer
73% of vacationers in Edinburgh are planning a holiday with at least three generations of their family this year
Multigenerational holidays are a key trend for 2023, with people desperate to make up for lost time after Covid.
According to a new survey, 73% of vacationers in Edinburgh are now contemplating the idea of planning a getaway involving at least three generations of their family. Grandparents are excited to celebrate milestone events with 33% with a fifth saying it is key they can indulge in luxury experiences.
It can be difficult to keep three generations happy, 52% want to explore and discover shared interests together. For parents with children under one, the excitement of booking multigenerational holidays is just beginning with 95% saying they would consider booking one.
Having other members of the family about helps take the burden off new parents with 55% saying a multigenerational holiday is so important for them as they are more relaxed than when they are at home.
The research, commissioned by Visit Dubai and based on a survey of a thousand British adults, suggests families are increasingly looking for opportunities to spend quality time together with 70% expressing a desire to creating lasting memories while on holiday.
One thing that the whole family can agree on is that good weather is at the top of the agenda with parents saying this is the most important thing for them (60%). Grandparents agree at 52%, and kids at 46%.
TOP HOLIDAY PRIORITIES BY GENERATION
Parents:
Good value (61%)
Good weather (60%)
Plenty of activities for everyone (54%)
A stress-free and relaxing experience (52%)
Entertainment (50%)
Children:
Lots of kid’s activities (68%)
Entertainment (65%)
Good weather (46%)
Plenty of activities for everyone (37%)
Safety (25%)
Grandparents:
Good weather (52%)
A stress-free and relaxing experience (49%)
Good value (47%)
Safety (37%)
Entertainment (32%)
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is bringing Fourth of July celebration to the city with American themed entertainment, cocktails and food
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is bringing the States to Scotland with its Fourth of July, American-themed celebration.
Hosted within the hotel’s dining and event space, Eve, and in its recently opened suntrap courtyard, guests will be able to celebrate Fourth of July in style with live music, city-themed cocktails and classic BBQ serves.
Running from 7:30pm till late, the free ticketed event is taking place on Tuesday, the 4th of July.
With a USA theme, guests can enjoy live entertainment from The Banjo Lounge giving hip-hop classics a bluegrass twist, providing the perfect soundtrack to get up and dance.
Paying homage to its American counterparts, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh guests can enjoy themed cocktails from each of the US Virgin Hotels.
From the Nashville Peach Julep cocktail to the Watermelon flavoured Miami Heat, Virgin Hotels will be bringing the taste of America to the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
No Fourth of July celebration is complete without the perfect menu, and Virgin Hotels’ acclaimed chefs will be serving up US staples; fried chicken wings, burgers, grilled corn on the cob, apple pie and the true American classic, smores.
The US-themed celebration will also see American-style pop-ups take over Eve, with a Corn Hole game, hot dog stand and a special VIP area complete with props, hats and all things red, white and blue, serving as the perfect backdrop for the ultimate Instagrammable moment.
David Moth, Virgin Hotels Vice President of Operations and Interim General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh said: “As an international brand, Virgin Hotels loves to treat its guests to experiences from around the world and this time we’re tying into our American roots with a traditional US Fourth of July celebration.
“From a line dancing worthy band to hot dogs and US themed cocktails, we’re ready to bring all things USA to Edinburgh and mix up our usual menu with a special limited time offering.
“With a glorious open-air courtyard, there’s really no better place to celebrate this summer occasion than at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, we’re just keeping our fingers crossed for that US sunshine!”
For more information and to book free tickets please visit:
https://virginhotels.com/edinburgh/event/4th-july-party/
Fourth of July is just one of many events taking place at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, including a host of seasonal activations and brand takeovers throughout the year.
To stay up to date with the latest news and events, follow Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s channels on social media here:
Letters: Home Alone
Dear Editor,
Now that the long school holiday is on the horizon, many parents in Scotland will be sorting out extra childcare over the break.
At the NSPCC Helpline, we often receive calls asking about the appropriate age to allow children to stay home alone. Between work appointments and other family commitments it’s inevitable that some parents will have to deal with this situation.
It can be difficult to know what’s best to do and it’s natural for parents to worry. With this in mind I thought it would be a good opportunity to give some insight into when it is safe for your child to be home alone.
There is no legal age that a child can be left home alone but it’s against the law to leave a child alone if it puts them at risk. Every child matures differently so it would be almost impossible to have a ‘one size fits all’ law. A child who doesn’t feel comfortable should never be left home alone and, obviously, infants aged 0 to 3 should never be left, even for a few minutes. Also, we wouldn’t recommend leaving a child under 12 years old home alone, particularly for longer periods of time.
However, as children get older they may want more freedom and independence. This can present another tough decision for parents and carers, and one that will differ from child to child. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a plan in place, to help to build up their independence at a pace that is right for them.
It’s absolutely vital to talk to your child about how they feel about this situation and to ask if they are worried about anything when home alone. Regularly checking how they feel can pinpoint any concerns and will give you an idea of how to help or why they might not be ready. If they are happy to be home alone for a while, it’s always good to check in with them during that time to make sure they feel safe.
There is guidance and information at https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/in-the-home/home-alone/ but the most important thing to remember is that a child who doesn’t feel comfortable should not be left alone.
Parents can contact our helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk for more advice.
Our Childline service is available too, and children can contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 0800 1111 or via a one-to-one chat on www.childline.org.uk
Wishing you a safe and happy summer!
Yours sincerely,
Carla Malseed
Campaigns Manager, NSPCC Scotland
Water savings flood in for Scottish public sector
SCOTLAND’S largest water retailer has saved the country’s public sector a record £2.85million over the course of the last year, taking total savings over three years to £6.4million.
Business Stream has supported public sector organisations across the country, including NHS Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government with leak detection, water efficiency and smart monitoring services as part of a three-year contract.
As a result of the retailer’s activities, the sector has also saved more than 1.365 billion litres of water over the past year, equivalent to the volume of 546 Olympic swimming pools.
This in turn has delivered energy savings reducing 574,778 kg of carbon – comparable to removing 438 single passenger flights from Edinburgh to New York.
Jo Dow, Chief Executive of Business Stream, said: “We’re really pleased to have delivered significant savings for Scotland’s public sector again this year.
“Our experience in working with the sector has allowed us to develop a suite of services and solutions that are helping the sector to reduce costs, save time and generate environmental efficiencies. We’re looking forward to delivering further savings in the year ahead”.
Through constantly striving to improve efficiency and service, the 350-strong water retailer has increased public sector savings year-on-year, from £1.4 million in 2021 to £2.2 million in 2022.
As one of the largest water retailers in the UK, Business Stream was awarded the Scottish Government Public Sector Water and Waste Water Framework contract in early 2020. The contract, worth around £200 million over three years, also includes the Scottish Prison Service, universities and colleges and local authorities. In 2022, Business Stream was awarded an additional one-year extension to the contract, which is currently underway.
A spokesperson from the Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate utilities team, said: “Business Stream has continued to work with the public sector to identify water efficiency opportunities.
“This pro-active approach has reduced water consumption and provided financial savings for public sector customers of the Water and Waste Water Framework. Reducing cost and carbon impact is essential for supporting Scotland’s green economic recovery and helping us on our journey to a Net Zero Nation.”
The water retailer recently announced it had delivered £50,000 of funding to six public sector initiatives through its annual Public Sector Scotland (PSS) Water Efficiency Fund.
This year’s successful candidates of the Fund include a Heriot-Watt University initiative to install a water chiller unit to cool, condense and recirculate used water; the installation of modern, electronic low-flow taps at Glasgow Caledonian University; and the fitting of waterless urinals and aerator tap technology at Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University.
Jo added: “The Water Efficiency Fund plays a key role in identifying and funding innovative ways to minimise water waste and generate efficiency savings. Our investment in these projects highlights our commitment to supporting Scotland’s public sector.”
Originally created in 2006 to offer best in class water services to businesses in Scotland, Business Stream later acquired the non-household customer base of Southern Water ahead of the planned opening of the English retail water market.
That market change in 2017 paved the way for 1.2 million businesses and public bodies in England to be able to choose their water supplier. In 2019 Business Stream acquired the customer base of its competitors Yorkshire Water Business Services (YWBS) and Three-Sixty, doubling its market share.
Business Stream has its HQ in Edinburgh, as well as a presence in Worthing, West Sussex and in Bradford, West Yorkshire. It is guided by its ambitious vision to make a positive difference to its customers, its people, the environment and local communities.
Since launching that vision in 2019, the retailer has introduced more than 30 initiatives, including a 20% water efficiency pledge to help customers reduce water usage. It has also invested in a tree-planting programme which has delivered an additional 10,000 trees in Scotland.
The savings success comes after Business Stream recently halved its carbon emissions in just one year, exceeding the retailer’s pledge to cut emissions by 20% over the same period.
Success for local charities at Scottish Charity Awards
Two Edinburgh charities have each won a top award at the Scottish Charity Awards run by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO).
Fresh Start Scotland, a charity working to help end homelessness, and Feniks, which supports the integration and wellbeing of the Central Eastern European community in Edinburgh, won their respective awards at a celebratory awards ceremony hosted by Sally Magnusson at the Sheraton Hotel in Edinburgh on Friday (23 June).
Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrates the best of the voluntary sector and this year’s shortlist included 32 individuals and organisations from charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the country.
West Pilton-based Fresh Start Scotland won the Community Action award. Biddy Kelly, managing director, Fresh Start Scotland, said: “We would like to say how delighted we are to win this prestigious award.
“We have only been able to achieve this thanks to the thousands of people who support us, the dedication and hard work of all our staff and volunteers and to positive and supportive partnerships.”
Feniks won the Campaign of the Year award for their campaign ‘Shed your armour, show the scars’. Magda Czarnecka, chief executive, Feniks said: “Winning the Campaign of the Year category is a humbling and exhilarating experience.
“This victory is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our Community Ambassadors, who dedicated their time and skills to address the most stigmatized challenge within the Polish community.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, See Me Scotland, who believed in our cause and stood beside us on this inspiring journey. This award strengthens our commitment to continue advocating for change and creating a brighter future for the Polish community in Scotland.”
The winner of each of the nine categories was decided by a judging panel, with the tenth People’s Choice category winner decided by the public with over 14,000 votes cast online.
The winners for the Scottish Charity Awards 2023 are:
- Climate Conscious award: Climate Action Strathaven
- Campaign of the Year award: Feniks
- Community Action award: Fresh Start Scotland
- Volunteer of the Year award: Andrii Zhehestovskyi – Libraries & Information Services Dundee
- Employee of the Year award: Paul Sheerin – Beatson Cancer Charity
- Pioneering Project award: Quarriers
- Trustee of the Year award: Vongayi Mufara – Amma Birth Companions
- Digital Citizen award: Simon Community Scotland
- People’s Choice award: Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity
- Charity of the Year award: Diversified
Anna Fowlie, chief executive of SCVO, said: Anna Fowlie, chief executive of SCVO, said: “What a fabulous event to celebrate the achievements of organisations and people across the voluntary sector in Scotland.
“Our finalists and winners are all shining examples of the great things happening thanks to the commitment of people working and volunteering in charities, community groups and social enterprises, all championing good causes, providing vital support and making our communities better places to live.
“Every community, and every part of our society, benefits from the work that SCVO is lucky to see on a daily basis. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Scottish Charity Awards this year, including our sponsors, the Sheraton Hotel for hosting us and of course to Sally Magnusson who was lovely as ever.
“Congratulations to all the finalists – I’m already looking forward to what the next year brings!
Free Fringe programme revealed
Pick of the Fringe is back this year – with a new clean version to add on to the adult shows!
Getting ready for The Free Edinburgh Fringe Festival!
Our Pick of the Fringe and comedy selection shows this year will be spread throughout the day, and this year along-side the adult shows we have the ‘Clean Pick of the Fringe’ for the first time – a PG rated stand-up show suitable for all 12+.
That new show debuted at this years Adelaide Fringe, followed by the Brighton Fringe and is now making it’s first appearance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
And we know comics can occasionally slip-up and accidentally put a swear in. So our host Dave Chawner will be on hand with the swear jar and some stern words for any naughty comics!!!
CLEAN Pick: https://tickets.edfringe.com/…/laughing-horse-clean…
ADULT Pick: https://tickets.edfringe.com/…/laughing-horse-pick-of…
ADULT Comedy Selection: https://tickets.edfringe.com/…/laughing-horse-fringe…
See you in August at The Three Sisters – Edinburgh, Pear Tree Bar Edinburgh, Bar 50, Cabaret Voltaire and 32Below!
Edinburgh dancers fly the flag for Scotland at Dance World Cup
Performers unveil new kit ahead of international competition
A group of polished performers from Edinburgh Dance Academy (EDA) will represent Team Scotland at the Dance World Cup which kicks off in Portugal this week.
The award-winning dance school, founded by its Principal Julie Mitchell, is bringing a team of 72 pupils to the event, the largest contingent from Scotland.
The team will be among 7500 dancers from all parts of the globe taking part in the week-long competition being staged in Braga from 30 June – 8 July.
The EDA delegation will be comprised of dancers from its Performance Group, aged between seven and 18.
The performers will take part in the Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Show and Commercial sections with EDA teacher Hannah Boyle also competing for Scotland in the Over-18 section performing a solo dance.
In total, the group will take part in over 100 acts where they hope to emulate the school’s gold medal-winning success when it last travelled abroad to compete at the 2018 Dance World Cup in Spain.
The dances have been choreographed by Hannah Boyle, Megan Ireland, Millie Thomas, Ellen West and Jenni Inglis, who was named the UK’s most inspirational choreographer at the British Isles competition held earlier this year in Blackpool.
Some of the EDA competitors taking part in the Dance World Cup took a break from rehearsals today to unveil their new Scotland track suits which the team will proudly wear at this summer’s event.
Edinburgh College staff strike over compulsory redundancies
Members of the Educational Institute of Scotland – Further Education Lecturers’ Association (EIS-FELA) at Edinburgh College yesterday took the first in a series of days of strike action in response to compulsory redundancies at the College.
The EIS-FELA Branch at Edinburgh College has had an active strike mandate in place for some weeks in pursuit of a dispute regarding compulsory redundancies, which has been successful in reducing the number of jobs under threat, through negotiation.
The EIS wrote to the College Principal last week urging further talks. Despite this, the College has rejected the appeal of one member of the lecturing staff against compulsory redundancy as of 30th June.
EIS General Secretary, Andrea Bradley said, “The EIS-FELA Branch at Edinburgh College has been left with no option but to proceed with strike action today in the face of wilful intransigence by the management of the College.
“Given the size and scope of Edinburgh College as an organisation, the EIS would have anticipated meaningful discussions and offers of retraining or upskilling for the colleague who faces unemployment as of Friday.
“Despite retraining or upskilling being raised on several occasions by EIS representatives, and despite a so-called recruitment freeze having been abandoned, these discussions have not taken place, thereby limiting suitable alternatives to redundancy for the colleague who also happens to be an EIS Branch Rep.”
Ms Bradley continued: “It is difficult to fathom how such a large college, which delivers such an array of courses, would be unable to avoid this redundancy situation, especially as teaching hours seem to be available on college timetables for next term, based upon information received by the EIS.
“Spurious excuse after excuse has been made by the College as to why the work cannot be offered to the lecturer in question, appearing that the College cares more about targeting union reps and testing the water on compulsory redundancies of lecturers in the sector rather than ensuring the delivery of quality education and Fair Work for lecturing staff.
“The Scottish Government is culpable in this situation too. They have dealt major blows to Further Education in Scotland in the form of flat cash funding settlements and the recent withdrawal of £26 million of funding for FE.
“Lower than predicted student numbers, coupled with the cost-of-living crisis are also causing financial strain within the sector, yet the Scottish Government has sat back and watched these pressures mount towards the implementation of limited voluntary severance schemes and the very real threat of large numbers of compulsory redundancies in two colleges – City of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
“EIS-FELA, supported by the EIS itself, will not stand by and allow the livelihoods of our members to be threatened in this way. Strike action will continue post-summer unless an acceptable resolution can be reached.
“In the case of Edinburgh College, this should not be anything like the problem that the College has chosen to make it.”
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2023 announce Closing Night film
- Fremont follows Donya, a former Afghan translator for the U.S. Government who finds herself adrift in the titular Californian town
- Featuring a breakout debut performance from former TV journalist Anaita Wali Zada, the cast also includes Jeremy Allen White (The Bear, Shameless US) and Gregg Turkington (On Cinema, Ant-Man)
- The film is the fourth feature from BAFTA-nominated British Iranian filmmaker Babak Jalali, whose previous films include Frontier Blues and Radio Dreams
- Edinburgh International Film Festival runs from Friday 18 to Wednesday 23 August 2023 with full programme details released on Thursday 6 July 2023
- All tickets for Edinburgh International Film Festival go on sale at midday on 7 July via https://www.eif.co.uk/edfilmfest
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) which this year is hosted by Edinburgh International Festival, is delighted to announce the Closing Night film for the Festival will be the UK Premiere of BAFTA nominated filmmaker Babak Jalali’s Fremont.
The film centres on troubled 20-something Donya, played in a breakout debut performance by former TV journalist Anaita Wali Zada, who, like her character in the film, was forced to flee Afghanistan. Donya is an Afghan translator whose work for the U.S. Government has led to her becoming lost and adrift in the titular Californian town.
Donya takes a new job writing the fortunes at a fortune cookie factory and as her messages begin to be read by those throughout the city, her growing sense of longing drives her to send a more profound statement out to the world.
Fremont’s dry sense of humour coupled with its stark, black and white cinematography has invited comparisons with the work of Jim Jarmusch and is a deft portrait of a young woman struggling to come to terms with the ghosts of her past, whilst simultaneously yearning for human connection and companionship.
Featuring an eclectic cast of unforgettable characters and anchored by a touching performance by Zada, Fremont is an ode to the strange and shared experiences of so many immigrants trying to build a life in a new place.
Fremont marks a personal work for British Iranian director Babak Jalali, whose films have screened at countless festivals around the world. His debut feature Frontier Blues screened at EIFF in 2010, and his sophomore feature, Radio Dreams, premiered at International Film Festival Rotterdam where it won the Festival’s Tiger Award.
The cast includes Anaita Wali Zada, Jeremy Allen White (The Bear, Shameless US) Gregg Turkington (Ant-Man, On Cinema), Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and Bettina Devin (An Evening with Beverly Duff Lynn). The film is co-written by Carolina Cavalli whose current feature as director is the acclaimed film Amanda.
Filmmaker Babak Jalali has said: “I’m so honoured that Fremont will have its UK premiere as the Closing Night film at EIFF! Growing up in the UK, it was easy to understand the huge cultural impact EIFF has had not just on these shores but also internationally.
“And the importance of making sure it continues to be here and to thrive. I’m thrilled to be returning to Edinburgh once again to show a film to an audience that I’ve very fond memories of, and in such a prestigious slot in the programme.”
EIFF Programme Director Kate Taylor has said: “Our programming team was totally captivated by Fremont’s mood, style and subtlety, and adored both the character of Donya and the tender care shown by director Babak Jalali towards his layered protagonist.
“It’s an honour to close this year’s festival with a film that considers the complex dynamics of diaspora experience in such a nuanced way, whilst frequently delighting with its wry wit and off-beat humour. We can’t wait for Edinburgh audiences to fall under its spell.”
Fremont will be released in the UK this Autumn by Modern Films.
Hosted by Edinburgh International Festival in 2023, Edinburgh International Film Festival will present a bold, hand-picked programme celebrating the work of exceptional local and global filmmakers and ensuring the flame of EIFF burns bright for future generations of passionate cinema fans.
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2023 programme including participating film festival venue information launches on Thursday 6 July 2023.
Edinburgh International Film Festival runs from Friday 18 to Wednesday 23 August 2023.
All tickets for Edinburgh International Film Festival go on sale at midday on 7 July via https://www.eif.co.uk/edfilmfest
Sign up for the EIFF newsletter here.
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