Wherever you are, or whatever you want, there’s an Edinburgh Leisure venue near you for a summer filled with activity
With Edinburgh’s numerous festivals about to begin, festival goers and workers can keep up their energy levels and enjoy their fittest summer ever.
Edinburgh Leisure has launched its ‘Summer Pass’, with everything you need for a sport-filled summer, with something for everyone to keep active and healthy throughout the heady days of the festivals.
The ‘Summer Pass’, which goes on sale on TODAY – Friday, 30th June 2023, offers unlimited access to the city’s 14 state-of-the-art gyms; 12 swimming pools, including 5 Victorian ones; over 750+ fitness classes per week; 1 world-class climbing centre; saunas, steam rooms, Turkish Baths for only £69.
The pass lasts six weeks from the date of purchase, with the last day a customer can purchase a pass being 31 August 2023.
And for the first time ever, Edinburgh Leisure is introducing a reduced-price pass for young adults (18–24-year-olds), costing just £49.
Matthew Smith, Sales Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Anyone lucky enough to be in Edinburgh for the summer with its various festivals knows it is always a fantastic atmosphere, and it takes energy to take in so many shows and party into the small hours.
“We’re inviting festival-goers, workers, and visitors to the city on an extended stay to be inspired and keep their energy levels high by keeping fit and active throughout the summer.
“And for the first time ever, Edinburgh Leisure is introducing a reduced-price pass for young adults aged 18–24-year-olds. We’re hoping to appeal to students returning home from university, or young festival workers staying in the city during the summer, with an attractive and affordable option.”
“Classes like Zumba or Sh’bam are brilliant fun and a great way to get you in the mood to party, while a workout at the gym will boost your energy for the night ahead. We’ve also got some quick hit X-press gym classes, which use high intensity training (HIT) methods with explosive bursts of speed and activity to achieve a total workout in a short period of time, in as little as 30 minutes.
“And if you have really overdone it, you can spend the morning chilling out with a swim and sauna, or even the Turkish Baths at Portobello.”
A new strategy to improve the mental health and wellbeing of people across Scotland has been published.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, published in partnership with the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), is built around three pillars of “Promote, Prevent, Provide”:
promoting positive mental health and wellbeing
preventing mental health issues occurring or escalating while tackling underlying causes
providing mental health and wellbeing support and care.
The strategy reflects views from more than 18 months of consultation, with a particular focus on the voices of lived experience and the role of inequalities. It details the standard of help people can expect, and outlines that it should be available locally where possible. It also recognises that specialist services are a crucial part of a high-functioning mental health system.
Social determinants and underlying causes of poor mental health have shaped the new approach, with a renewed focus on prevention and early intervention.
Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “Mental health does not just mean mental illness. It is important that we all maintain good mental wellbeing, and that we recognise there are many underlying social determinants, circumstances and inequalities that can affect people’s mental health.
“To deliver the ambitions of this strategy, and to create real and lasting change, we will need collaboration from a wide range of partners across Scotland including health boards, integration joint boards health and social care partnerships, as well as the third sector.
“This strategy has equalities at its heart. We have set out the outcomes we want to achieve so that we can be held to account for our progress and to show how this strategy is making a real difference to people’s lives. The accompanying Delivery Plan and Workforce Action Plan will be published in the autumn and will detail the work we will take forward to achieve those outcomes.”
Councillor Paul Kelly, Health and Social Care spokesperson for COSLA, said: “This strategy sets out an ambitious vision to improve the mental health and wellbeing of everyone in Scotland.
“Through the strategy and the associated delivery plan we seek to bring real change, ensuring for example, that our communities are equipped to support people’s mental health and wellbeing and that there is increased availability of timely and effective care, support and treatment.
“We know that working collectively presents the best opportunity to achieve these goals and bring lasting change. We are committed to working in partnership across spheres of government, with those with lived experience, those who deliver services, and our valued partners and stakeholders, to realise this vision together.”
Gordon Johnston, Chair of Voices of Experience (VOX Scotland), said: “We welcome the new strategy and we are particularly heartened by the meaningful involvement of our members and people with lived experience of mental health conditions throughout the development of this.
“It is positive to see the strategy outline outcomes and priorities which reflect our members’ feedback and needs regarding timely and effective support, better informed policy shaped by people with lived experience, greater community resources and the expansion and improvement of services for those in distress and crisis.
“We also look forward to the publication of the delivery plan and continuing to work with the Scottish Government on the implementation of the new strategy.”
PDSA Vet Nurse Shauna Walsh says: “As we approach the summer months, many of us may consider taking our dogs with us to the beach or letting them cool off in lakes and ponds. Swimming can be great exercise for dogs, but there are a few water safety tips every pet owner should be aware of.
“Before you think about heading out, make sure to check how hot it’s going to be. Even with the opportunity to swim, days out in the sun could put your dog at risk of heatstroke, so consider whether it might be safer to leave them at home.
“Remember that if it is too hot, even getting your dog to the water might be a problem as hot sand or tarmac can burn their paws. Once you and your dog are by the water, there are many things to keep in mind to help keep them safe.”
Make sure they can swim
“First, it’s essential to remember that not every dog is a natural swimmer. Dogs with shorter legs such as Corgis and dogs with flat faces such as Pugs may find swimming hard work. Some dogs won’t enjoy being in the water at all, so don’t force them. Watch out for signs that your dog is getting tired and encourage them back to you to rest.
“If your dog seems keen to enter the water, it is important to make sure they know how to swim first. If there is dog friendly or hydrotherapy pool nearby, they are great, safe places for them to practice swimming and get the hang of things.
“Taking it slowly and splashing in the shallows can help build their confidence before they venture deeper in. Use your arms to support them under their stomach as they get the hang of kicking with all four legs. Encourage them back to shore frequently, so they know where the exit point is and can return to dry land if they feel tired.
Choosing the right spot
“Picking the right swimming spot is a big step in ensuring your pet’s safety. If swimming in nature, make sure your pet is up to date with their vaccinations, and carefully select the location.
“Lakes are often calm and have plenty of shallow spots for your dog to rest. Make sure to scan the area for any hazards, such as fallen branches, boats, windsurfers, or fishermen as they could potentially present a danger to your dog.
“Also be on the lookout for blue-green algae – this grows in stagnant water and is toxic to dogs even in small amounts. Dog friendly beaches can also make perfect spots for a dip – but remember to check the tide times, look out for warning flags, and make sure the waves are small.
“It is important you never let your dog enter the canals as the water is often stagnant, which can be a health hazard as they may catch an infection and there’s increased chance of blue-green algae growth. There are also often dangers under the water and not many places for your pooch to climb out. Fast flowing rivers or flood waters are also unsuitable as the currents can quickly cause your dog to struggle and get into trouble.
What to do in an emergency
“Never leave your dog unattended around water, even if they are a strong swimmer. If your or someone else’s dog gets in trouble in the water, it’s best to avoid going in after them as this can put you in danger as well. If you can, remain on the shore, calling your dog to give them a target to swim towards. If there is an inflatable ring available, you can throw this into the water to help keep your dog afloat.
On a beach, lifeguards may be able to assist helping your dog to shore, otherwise ring 999 and ask for the coastguard to get help from professionals.
“If a pet becomes unresponsive after swimming or has drowned, it is important to know how to perform CPR to give them the best chance. While you begin CPR, have a second person ring your vet who will be able to offer support.
“If you do not feel confident in performing CPR or dealing with emergency situations with your pets, PDSA has a free pet first aid guide which offers both lifesaving and practical tips.”
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is announcing summer workshops in its Edinburgh store to celebrate the start of summer.
The Little Seedlings Club workshop will teach children how to look after the garden with the warmer temperatures, and Dobbies’ Holiday Club workshop is about the different herbs and microgreens that can help your pizza taste great.
Suitable for children aged 4-10, these free and interactive sessions in Edinburgh are guaranteed to keep them busy during the school holidays and encourage them to discover more about nature.
Taking place on Sunday 2 July, the Little Seedlings Club workshop is set to be fun-filled and educational with a focus on how to effectively conserve water when looking after the garden this summer.
Children will learn about the fascinating water cycle in plants and why plants need our help to stay green and lush, particularly during the hotter months.
Dobbies’ horticultural experts will teach the children in Edinburgh when to water the plants and how to preserve water usage through sustainable mulching and planting drought-resistant species like Cordyline, Lavender and Hebe. Mulching not only saves water but also suppresses weeds, provides nutrients to the plants and enhances the overall appearance of the garden.
Dobbies’ Holiday Club takes place from the start of July where children will learn about the different herbs and microgreens that can be used as pizza toppings.
The Holiday Club session will show the difference herbs can make to a pizza, adding bold or subtle flavours as well as having nutritional value. The children in attendance will also learn how to grow herbs and microgreens at home with ease.
Dobbies’ Community and CSR Communications Executive, Chloë Bell said: “We are excited to be hosting two fantastic sessions for kids in our Edinburgh store this summer.
“Not only are these sessions a great way to keep children entertained and busy during the holidays, but it’s a great chance for them to meet friends and try something new. If you haven’t already checked out our free sessions, please do come along this July and get involved.”
Advance booking is required to secure a free spot at July’s Little Seedlings Club workshop and Pizza Planting Holiday Club. The Holiday Club will run throughout the school holidays and customers are encouraged to visit the Dobbies’ website for booking as each store’s availability differs.
For more information on how children can participate, visit: Events | Dobbies Garden
‘Glory of Women’ was written at Craiglockhart and first published in 1917
An original manuscript of a poem by Siegfried Sassoon has ‘returned home’ to Edinburgh Napier’s Craiglockhart campus more than 100 years after it was written in the same location.
Glory of Women was written by Siegfried Sassoon, and this manuscript copy was given to fellow patient and poet Wilfred Owen when both were residing at Craiglockhart War Hospital in 1917.
The hospital – which is now home to Edinburgh Napier University’s Business School – was previously a hydrotherapy centre in the late 19th and early 20th century before being requisitioned as a hospital for WWI officers affected by what was then known as shell shock.
The manuscript has been donated to the University’s War Poets Collection by Scottish playwright and poet Stewart Conn. He was, from 2002 to 2005, Edinburgh’s inaugural makar (poet laureate).
The poem was acquired by Conn after another eminent playwright Stephen MacDonald named him as his literary executor for documents and manuscripts relating primarily to his stage plays Not About Heroes and In the Summer of 1918 – both of whichwere directed by Conn when he was BBC Scotland’s head of radio drama.
Prior, the manuscript was given to Conn in 1984 by painter and art critic Cordelia Oliver, who in turn had received it from her close friend Audrey Lintott – wife of Henry John Lintott, whose painting Avatar was the finest picture in the Edinburgh Gallery according to Wilfred Owen – when she passed away in 1983.
A large part of the current War Poets Collection was previously acquired directly from Stephen MacDonald who – via bequest in 2009 – kindly left Edinburgh Napier his research collection on Owen and Sassoon.
It is therefore fitting that Glory of Women has found its way back to Craiglockhart, completing a journey that has taken it to all corners of the country throughout the last 100+ years.
Stewart Conn said: “Stephen (MacDonald) subsequently left to me as his literary executor his documents and manuscripts, relating primarily to the stage plays Not About Heroes and In the Summer of 1918.
“The bulk of these were, with a selection of theatre posters, duly lodged in the National Library of Scotland as a donation to their Scottish Theatre Archive. The poem MS, of no dramatic importance, I retained as a memento of him.
“Sensing that purpose was now served, I hope it will be seen as a fitting addition to Edinburgh Napier’s War Poets Collection where it can remain on public display rather than gather dust in a vault; and like to think of this as enabling its proper ‘ homecoming’.”
Laura Cooijmans-Keizer, Edinburgh Napier’s Special Collectors Curator, said: “Glory of Women is a poignant poem that demonstrates the conflicting pressures faced by men fighting in the trenches.
“The idealised expectations of glory and heroism that women at home – both in Britain and Germany – projected onto soldiers was often in direct competition with the stark, and often decidedly unheroic realities of war.
“The kind donation of this important manuscript poem by Siegfried Sassoon will offer a unique opportunity for it to be studied, appreciated, and debated at the place where it was first composed.”
Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Edinburgh Napier University extends its heartfelt gratitude to Stewart Conn, whose generous donation has made it possible for the manuscript to return to its original place of creation.
“Within the context of the wider War Poets Collection exhibition, this important poem will have the potential to inspire countless future generations of students, authors, readers, and scholars.”
Edinburgh Napier’s War Poets Collection comprises more than 800 items, including many unique items that the University is proud to own, such as signed first edition books, volumes of poetry by Sassoon and Owen and three original issues of The Hydra, the hospital’s magazine.
The permanent exhibition within Craiglockhart Campus allows visitors to view the War Poets Collection and gain an insight into the personal and social experiences of war through the words, memories, voices and objects that the officers, medical staff and relatives left behind.
POLICE officers have successfully recovered six motorbikes which were stolen between 26th and 27th June 2023 from various areas within the City.
One male has been charged with the theft of a motorcycle, riding without a license, and riding without insurance. A second male has been charged with reset of a motorcycle. Enquiries continue into the thefts of bikes, and every effort will be made to report those responsible.
These recoveries and charges come from a mixture of proactive Police work and the assistance of the public, who have reported suspicious activity and sightings of those responsible.
Police Scotland would like to thank the public for their continued assistance and would encourage any information to be reported via 101 or Crimestoppers.
Celebrating the importance of families, Edinburgh born foster carer Sarah Byrom launched her new book ‘Marmalade Raspberries & Albrecht – a Poetry Prose Memoir’ at Carberry Tower in Edinburgh on Sunday 18th June.
‘I couldn’t put it down. It is truly a beautiful work of art and so imaginative. It is one of the most beautiful books I have and I will treasure it.’ – Gillian Ferguson, Chair of Edinburgh’s Friends of the City Art Centre & Museums (FCAC)
‘Marmalade Raspberries & Albrecht – a Poetry Prose Memoir’ is a labour of love for the published author. It took over a year to write but 13 years to publish. The book is an illustrated memoir and collection of short stories, poems and recipes celebrating Sarah’s childhood and a tribute to ‘the wonderment and often bonkerness of daily, family life.’
The local author values family life and just over a year ago became a foster carer with Aberlour. Recognising the importance of Aberlour’s work to support struggling families through its Urgent Assistance Fund, Sarah is covering all costs herself so that every penny donated for the book and cards will go to the emergency relief fund.
Sarah Byrom, author and Aberlour foster carer said:“Over the past 14 years I have been working on ‘Marmalade Raspberries & Albrecht – a Poetry Prose Memoir’ and it’s great to finally see it in print.
The book is a tribute to my late mother, grandmo”ther and close family friend, Edith Wright. It was wonderful to think about my childhood and how important it was in making me the person I am today.
“I have always loved kids and during lockdown I decided to investigate becoming a foster carer to give a child the opportunities and love I had growing up. That was when I was introduced to Aberlour Children’s Charity.
“My little one has now been with me for over a year now. I wanted to use my book to help families struggling across the country. Life is tough for everyone now, but it is especially difficult for many low-income families.”
Aberlour works across Scotland providing a range of services including family support and fostering. Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund has been a lifeline for many desperate families during the pandemic and the current cost-of-living crisis, giving emergency cash grants to pay for food, utilities, clothing, nappies and other basics.
Since April 2021 over 16,000 people have received grants from the Aberlour Urgent Assistance Fund worth £1.8 million.
Nicola Fearon, Head of Fostering at Aberlour said: “We are so proud of Sarah.
“Not only has she published this wonderful book about her childhood and the important people in it, but she is using the book to raise much needed funds to help families struggling to make ends meet.”
Abby Parkhouse, Community Fundraiser at Aberlour said: “1 in 4 children in Scotland are currently living in poverty. Through our Urgent Assistance Fund we are able to help families in desperate need by providing cash grants to help them buy food, clothe their children and keep the lights on.
We are so grateful to Sarah for using something so very personal to raise money to help others struggling to keep their heads above water during the cost-of-living crisis. Without supporters like Sarah, we wouldn’t be there for the families who need us.”
The book was launched initially in Sarah’s childhood home’s garden, an important place in both her and her family’s life, with close friends and family.
The second launch took place on 18th June at Carberry Tower with friends and special guests including team members from Aberlour.
Sarah will also be releasing a 12-episode podcast series about the book.
Strengthening charity law and maintaining public trust
The Scottish Parliament has voted unanimously to pass the Charities (Regulation and Administration) Bill.
The Bill will improve the accountability and transparency of charities and increase the powers of the independent Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The charity sector plays a vital role in society and support for charities is high amongst the public who volunteer and donate to thousands of charities across the country.
This legislation makes practical improvements and updates to existing charity regulation increasing transparency and to help ensure public trust is maintained.
“Scottish charities have a combined income of £14 billion each year so it is crucial that the way they are regulated remains fit for purpose. These reforms will support the effective regulation of charities, helping them to have the best possible environment to thrive.
“I am delighted that the Parliament has unanimously backed this legislation from the start.”
updating the criteria for the automatic disqualification of charity trustees and extending them to individuals with specific senior management positions in charities
removal from the Scottish Charity Register of unresponsive charities that fail to submit statements of account
a requirement for all charities in the Scottish Charity Register to have and retain a connection to Scotland
a requirement on OSCR to publish the statements of account for all charities in the Scottish Charity Register
requirements on OSCR to include charity trustee names in the Scottish Charity Register, to keep an internal schedule of charity trustees’ details and to create a publicly searchable record of charity trustees removed by the courts
New research out today reports that less than half of all UK adults (46%) believe that people are pulling together to improve their neighbourhoods.
Only a similar number of us are exchanging favours (45%) with neighbours, despite the current cost of living crisis putting strain on household budgets including rises in rent or mortgages, fuel and food costs.
Eden Project Communities, who are one of the partners behind the Month of Community in June to encourage people to make local connections and support good causes, conducted the research to explore attitudes towards neighbourliness.
It is part of a year-round programme of work focusing on building social capital on a mass scale delivered by Eden Project Communities and made possible by The National Lottery.
Lindsey Brummitt, Eden Project Communities Programme Director said: “This research tells us that people participating in their communities is out of step with the benefits people feel when they have strong local connections.
“The data hints that activities like good old fashioned neighbourliness practiced during the pandemic may be starting to re-emerge, but there is a big opportunity for many people who are not nurturing local support networks which could help them cope better during in the cost of living crisis.”
The nationally representative independent research conducted in the second two weeks in May 2023 also found that 65% agree where they live is friendly, and our sense of belonging to our immediate neighbourhood has actually increased by five percentage points since 2019 to 67% in 2023. An even higher number (74%) also say that they trust their neighbours and feel safe (71%) in their neighbourhoods.
Furthermore, of those who had a Big Lunch to bring people together where they live in 2023, 81% said that their event had a positive impact on their community, and 75% said they are now more likely to give their time to help neighbours or good causes.
After reaching out to their neighbours, people in all parts of the UK have felt the benefits of forging stronger connections with others where they live.
In Edinburgh, local people joined many others across the country to take part in the Month of Community. On 4 June, over 300 people turned out for the Friends of Campbell Park Big Lunch in honour of Volunteers Week.
With ambitious plans for their community, the group run regular events to connect people and encourage them to bring their creativity to their local green space, and have recently launched a scheme where local people can adopt fruit trees in their orchard, free of charge.
Their Big Lunch was a huge success and featured activities to bring people of all ages together, from football fun games and an Asian themed barbeque table to a jazz band, yoga yurt, tree planting and baking competition.
Shona Harrower, who organised the event, said: “Last year we hosted our first Big Lunch and we were blown away by the response from the local community.
“This year we have four times the number of volunteers than we had last year – we wouldn’t be able to do what we do if it wasn’t for the army of people helping us out so it feels only right to be celebrating Volunteers Week.”
Reaching out, making local connections and new neighbourhood friendships is something that Eden Project Communities, and other organisations behind the Month of Community support. Approximately 27.6 million adults in the UK say they feel lonely often, always or some of the time, up by five percentage points to 40% in 2023 compared to 35% in 2019.
Earlier in June, Month of Community ambassador Comedian John Bishop paid a visit to space2grow in Farnham, Surrey – a project that held a Big Lunch to celebrate their neighbourhood connections and invited John to unveil a new Say Hello friendly bench during Loneliness Awareness Week and The Great Big Green Week. The bench now creates a place where people can stop in a green space to chat and make new friends.
Reflecting on his visit to space2grow and the Month of Community John Bishop said: “I’m really proud that Say Hello is part of the Month of Community, when I hope people up and down the country will maybe have a Big Lunch or just take the time to get chatting to people in their community.
“Let’s all put some welly into making connections, supporting each other and the causes we care about during the Month of Community. Appreciating the power of community and the warmth of human connections impresses upon me just how important this really is!”
The Month of Community is an annual partnership of good causes in June, when people are encouraged to come together to celebrate everyone and everything that make our communities great.
With events and initiatives running throughout June for causes such as Volunteers Week, Carers Week, The Great Big Green Week, Refugee Week and Small Charity Week, it’s a chance to connect with neighbours, say cheers to volunteers, raise awareness of loneliness or simply say thank you. As part of the Month of Community, The Big Lunch is a chance for people to bring their community together, fundraise or celebrate a good cause they care about.
Lindsey Brummitt continued: “While almost half of the UK is showing signs of being community-minded in this research, we know getting to know neighbours helps to create support networks which makes life better and helps when things are tough – so it’s definitely worth taking a step in that direction if you are not.
“We need to be vigilant about strengthening and investing time in our neighbourhood relationships and during the Month of Community, there are so many opportunities and good causes you could look out for and support to help build your connections.
“We want to help people build their communities, so as well as The Big Lunch and Month of Community each year in June, we’re going to keep working on ideas to boost community spirit all year round – look out for updates at edenprojectcommunities.com!”
