Ready, steady … GO! Local care home sponsors Blackhall sports day

Strachan House care home in Edinburgh recently sponsored the Blackhall Sports for Children sports day to show their support to such a good cause.

The care home supported the good cause by sponsoring 3 races at their annual sports day. Residents from the care home also attended the event on the day to give some encouragement to the younger generations and chat to them about why keeping active is so important. 

Audrey Ross, an ex-school teacher and a resident at Strachan House said: “What a wonderful day it was. We saw some familiar faces, and it was lovely to cheer all the children on and watch them have so much fun!”

Strachan House has built up excellent reputations within its local community, regularly holding events and activities for residents and surrounding neighbours.  

Gordon Philp, General Manager at Strachan House said: “We are always keen to show as much support as we can to local charities. And this event being in our local community was why we wanted to show our support back.

“Showing community support is close to our hearts and having the opportunity to give something back to the younger generation is important.”

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for residents from respite care to long term stays.

OIL: ‘It’s Time to Walk the Walk’

CLIMATE GROUPS CALL ON SCOT GOVT TO SURPASS UK LABOUR PHASE OUT PLANS

Climate campaigners have written to the First Minister Yousaf to call on the Scottish Government to ‘not only match but go further’ than the commitment of UK Labour to block future oil and gas development. It says the transition away from fossil fuels is an opportunity for the “political leadership that is needed to build a fairer and more equal Scotland.”

The letter comes ahead of Scottish Parliament debate (7/6/23) on fossil fuels and urges the Scottish Government to prioritise planning and action that delivers a just transition away from fossil fuels for workers and communities currently employed by this industry.

The letter, signed by 5 coalitions and 34 climate, fuel poverty and international justice groups from RSPB to Christian Aid to Extinction Rebellion Scotland, states how countless credible institutions are clear about the incompatibility of new oil and gas fields with a safe climate future.

The call comes amidst concerns that Humza Yousaf’s Government is going backwards on oil and gas after statements about future North Sea activity from Cabinet Secretary Màiri McAllan and criticism of the Labour position by Energy Minister Gillian Martin.

The letter also says that “workers in the oil and gas industry already have a plan for a just transition, they just need political support to make it happen” and that to ensure secure affordable energy Scottish Ministers must use their powers to “accelerate well-planned domestic renewable energy production and improve the energy efficiency of our buildings.”

The chair of the UK Climate Change Committee Lord Deben has also spoken out in support of the Labour position saying that it “should be the common view of all parties.”

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s head of campaigns Mary Church said: “Every new barrel of oil worsens the climate crisis and takes us further away from a fair and fast transition to renewable energy.

“The Scottish Government must be willing to stand up to oil companies and commit to ending oil and gas extraction as an essential part of planning for a just transition for workers and communities.

“Oil and gas workers are ready to lead a rapid and fair transition away from fossil fuels, and have a blueprint to create an energy industry that protects workers, communities and the climate.

“Ministers must set an end date for oil and gas this decade to  provide certainty for the sector, enable workforce planning and make it clear that investing in renewables is the only choice for our energy future.”

Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland highlighted how support for oil and gas expansion will “undermine Scotland’s global climate leadership” commenting: “It’s estimated that one person will die of hunger every 28 seconds across East Africa this month because of a drought that would not have happened without climate change.

“A just transition for those working in the oil and gas industry in the UK is essential, but this transition must also be much faster to avert further devastating global impacts. That starts with blocking all new oil and gas extraction. No ifs, no buts. The Scottish Government’s leadership on global climate justice will only remain credible if it strongly opposes the UK Government granting any new licences for climate-wrecking fossil fuels.”

Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland, said: “The shift away from fossil fuels and toward renewables is essential if we are to tackle the intertwined nature and climate crisis. Continuing to extract and burn oil and gas makes no sense if we want to stop climate change causing chaos for ourselves and the other living creatures that human activities have already harmed.

“With robust ecological evidence informing where new renewable developments go, we must make the shift to clean energy in a nature positive way. Scotland is one of the most wildlife-depleted countries in the world, and our progress in reducing emissions has stalled, so there is no excuse for delaying the transition.”

Dylan Hamilton from youth climate group Fridays for Future commented, “”The Scottish Government has talked the talk, but it’s time to walk the walk.

“We have allowed the climate crisis to worsen and now people are already suffering all over the world. We can’t afford to take our time, it is a fact that to prevent catastrophic climate breakdown we must end oil and gas extraction. You can’t make deals with physics, and millions of lives and the future are on the line.”

Themed Year proves a real success story 

VisitScotland reveals Year of Stories 2022 highlights for Edinburgh and the Lothians

A new report has highlighted how Edinburgh and the Lothians helped contribute to the success of Year of Stories 2022.

Collated by VisitScotland, the evaluation report which features independent research and partner feedback, shows the Themed Year delivered significant benefits to Scotland and its communities.*

Highlights included:

  • A total of 354 funded and partner events across all 32 local authority areas including 47 funded and 31 partner events in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
  • Greater collaboration across the tourism, events and related sectors was evidenced with hundreds of industry partners participating and a wide range of innovative partnership projects and campaigns inspired by the year.
  • Scots and Gaelic showcased by 42% of funded events.
  • Vast promotional reach was achieved including 4 million views of the Year of Stories promotional videos, 2,760 pieces of media coverage and marketing campaigns reaching people 148m times.

A central strand of activity was the creation of a diverse events programme. The funded events programmes, with support from Museums Galleries Scotland and National Lottery Heritage Fund, invested a total of £1.33 million in the sector, shining a spotlight on well-loved and brand new stories alike. The widest range of organisations from national companies to community groups participated.

Funded events included Edinburgh International Book Festival which this year ran a special Year of Stories programming strand called Scotland’s Stories Now.

Similarly, Figures of Speech a partnership between Scottish Storytelling Centre (SSC) and Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust, created six events across two seasons bringing writers and artists together to explore Scottish literature through cross-arts presentations and new commissions.

In addition, a brand new event in 2022 was Of Scotland’s Soils and Soul developed by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Held across four Botanic Garden sites including Edinburgh, the event offered visitors four bespoke trails showcasing stories of and about Scotland that related to the land, plants and nature.

Local communities took to the spotlight with the support of the innovative Community Stories Programme, a partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund and Scottish Government.

This programme provided opportunities for communities to come together, tell the stories that matter to them and develop skills, opportunities and partnerships.

Events in Edinburgh and the Lothians included: A happy Nameste (greetings to you) (Dance Ihayami); A Poetry Feast of Mythical Beasts (Push the Boat Out Ltd); BE United Presents (BE United); Family Encounters – New Stories Strand (Imaginate); John Muir’s Stories of Survival (East Lothian Council); Listening to Linlithgow – The People’s Stories (Linlithgow Heritage Trust); Object of my desire (West Lothian Council); OMOS Workshops and Storytelling Cabaret (Icky Arts CIC (Pollyanna)); Oor Toon (Penicuik Community Arts Association); Pavementology – the story of Street Events at the Fringe (Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society); Preserving and Celebrating Edinburgh’s Deaf Heritage (Deaf Action); Stories of the Bathgate Hills: A Celebrations of the Voices of People and Place (Bathgate Hills Venture SCIO); The Calder Witch Hunt (West Lothian Council); The Phone Box – East Linton voices shared down the line (Catherine Wheels Theatre Company); and Voices from a New Town (Craigsfarm Community Development Project Ltd).

As well as an extensive events programme, the Year of Stories 2022 offered opportunities for the wider tourism industry and related sectors to share their own stories, with multiple examples of businesses and organisations collaborating to create new content, campaigns and activities for communities and visitors.

Locally, Edinburgh-based Mercat Tours used the Themed Years to launch a social impact project to support vulnerable people in Edinburgh through storytelling. The Our Stories, Your City project raised funds to allow members of the Grassmarket Community Project the chance to experience a tour and attraction visit free of charge.

Meanwhile The Real Mary King’s Close partnered with Edinburgh Gin to create ‘Stories & Wonders’ gin tasting tours offering visitors the chance to sample four unique gins with historical links to the city..

As part of the Year of Stories, the Scotch Whisky Experience highlighted a different story each week about one of the bottles in their whisky collection. Year of Stories was also a good match for their Tasting Tales events, which include stories about Scotch, the distilleries and the Scottish food to which they match the whiskies.

Finally, in November 2022, Rosslyn Chapel launched an initiative which asked visitors from around the world to share a story about the attraction. The chapel, which was founded in 1446, has featured in a number of stories, most notably Dan Brown’s novel, The Da Vinci Code, but it has attracted visitors for generations, many of whom have recorded their stories in travel journals.

Neil Christison, VisitScotland Regional Director said: “Themed Years provide an opportunity for collaboration and partnership across tourism, events and wider sectors, using Scotland’s strengths to attract domestic and international visitors and grow the visitor economy.

“The findings of this evaluation show that the Year of Stories really engaged communities right across the Capital, Mid, East and West Lothian. While the year may have ended, the story is far from over. Our hope is that businesses and events continue sharing their stories and visitors continue to be inspired by the places, people and cultures associated with them.”

Culture Minister Christina McKelvie said: “I am delighted that Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 has had such a positive and lasting impact in so many communities across Scotland.

“As a result of partnership working, the fantastic range of events on offer inspired people to create and share their own incredible stories, traditions and journeys.

“The high level of engagement with this themed year will leave a lasting legacy as we continue to tell each other stories about who we are and where we live.”

Lucy Casot, CEO of Museums Galleries Scotland said: “The Year of Stories Community Stories Fund created a powerful opportunity to support a wide range of people to take part in the themed year and we are proud to have delivered this in partnership with VisitScotland, with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Scottish Government.

“The fund supported creativity with new and old stories brought to life allowing locals and visitors to experience a wide diversity of voices.

“The evaluation clearly demonstrates the positive impact participation had on the groups who held events and the communities across the country who came together to enjoy them. To know that this year’s programme increased awareness of and appreciation for Scotland’s stories and has inspired future visits is a remarkable achievement by all those involved.”

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: “The impact of Year of Stories was writ large across Scotland last year. People throughout the country really got behind it, a fact confirmed by this report.

“The diversity of stories and how they were shared was a particular feature of the Year of Stories due to the Community Stories Programme, which was supported through funding from National Lottery players. It really engaged with the imagination of individuals, communities and groups, allowing them to share their stories, their way – stories of Scotland’s people, places and cultures.”

The Themed Years model provides a shared platform for many organisations to come together and multiply their impact by working together, inspired by the same theme and utilising common branding and tools. Scoping for options and approaches for a possible 2025 Themed Year is now underway with more details to be released towards the end of 2023.

The Year of Stories Evaluation Report can be viewed here

ON SALE TODAY: Greta Thunberg: ‘It’s Not Too Late to Change The World’

Tickets for Edinburgh International Book Festival’s special event with Greta Thunberg will go on sale TODAY (7 June) at noon via the EIF website.

Taking place at the Edinburgh Playhouse on Sunday 13 August at 17:30, we’re excited to welcome Greta Thunberg for this inspiring evening to discuss the science behind our changing planet, and what we can do to inspire collective action across the globe.

Greta Thunberg: It’s Not Too Late to Change The World is sponsored by Open University Scotland and hosted in association with Edinburgh International Festival. Gemma Cairney will chair this powerful, timely event.  

Thunberg will discuss activism and The Climate Book – a publication created by the activist which pulls together the wisdom of over 100 experts to tell the truth about climate change.

Book and Ticket offer

In addition to your event ticket, we are offering the opportunity to buy a limited number of signed copies of The Climate Book for an additional £23, with collection available in the venue on the evening of the event. You can add the signed book to your ticket order during the checkout process through the EIF box office.

How to book tickets
Tickets for Greta Thunberg will be sold exclusively through the Edinburgh International Festival’s Box Office.

From noon today (7 June), you can purchase your tickets here. A queue will be in place, and it is recommended that ticket buyers register here prior to the date of sale to ensure the best experience possible.

MP calls for Immigration powers to be devolved to Holyrood

TORIES ‘FAILING’ VULNERABLE UNACCOMPANIED ASYLUM-SEEKING CHILDREN 

Deidre Brock MP will use a House of Commons debate today to call on the UK government to devolve immigration powers to the Scottish Parliament so Scotland can create an asylum system based on fairness and dignity.

Leading a Westminster Hall debate, the Edinburgh North & Leith MP will argue that the Tories are failing to protect vulnerable, unaccompanied children seeking asylum in the UK. 

She will also outline how the Illegal Migration Bill will make the situation even worse for children who have been separated from their parents and how it significantly encroaches on devolved powers.

Commenting, Deidre Brock MP said: “The Tories have utterly failed in their duty to safeguard the wellbeing of vulnerable unaccompanied children seeking safety and refuge in the UK. 

“Hundreds of children have gone missing from Home Office run-hotels, sparking condemnation from the UN that the UK Government is failing in its obligations to prevent the trafficking of children. 

The Illegal Migration Bill will make the situation even worse as the door will be slammed in their faces when they arrive in the UK to seek sanctuary.

“I am proud that Scotland has played its part in welcoming refugees who are desperate to rebuild their lives. However, powers still lie with the UK government and their hostile environment policies. Creating safe and legal routes is the only realistic way to disrupt the business model human traffickers use to exploit already vulnerable people.

“Power over immigration should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament so we can build an immigration system that works for Scotland and an asylum system with compassion and respect.”

Defence Secretary marks D-Day anniversary

Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, spoke in Ver-sur-Mer, during an international ceremony at the British Normandy memorial to mark the 79th anniversary of D-Day yesterday:

Mr. Minister, Your Excellency, veterans, ladies and gentlemen.

Before coming here my officials drafted a speech they thought I might want to deliver.

It celebrated the heroes, objectives captured and the units.

And if I had not served myself I would have no doubt I would have delivered it.

But what I wanted to say today was that this day belongs as much to the ordinary soldier, sailor, airman as it does the outstanding.

Because the 6th June was an achievement of the platoon commanders, the non-commissioned officers, the private, and the airman and then naval rating.

Because it is they who had to conquer first the fear.

Who had to sort order from chaos, and who in the end had to stand up and walk towards the guns.

It was they who had to inspire their section or troops.

They who had no certainty of survival.

Each man on 6 June would have to have rationalised the potential death they faced with themselves.

That was the first obstacle on the day to overcome.

And once that fear was overcome the task of turning the vast enterprise that was Operation Overlord could commence.

As we celebrate the victory of the Allied forces on these beaches 79 years ago today, we should reflect that at this very moment there are men and women of Ukraine trying to overcome that same fear and trepidation.

In assembly areas and on start lines along the vast front, each individual will be mentally preparing themselves for potential death or victory.

They will be experiencing that same anxious feeling in the stomach. They will be trying to think of their home in the same way those Allies who had come from so very far away to this beach, on this day, 79 years ago.

They will be looking to their friends beside them and their Corporals for encouragement or reassurance.

The fear that many of us have witnessed first-hand will be somewhere behind the eyes.

They will be doing what the Free French did so powerfully on this day. They will be fighting for their lands, their soil.

They will be fighting for Europe to be free.

We should not underestimate the challenge it is to go forward under fire.

Attacking is a very different task from defending.

The memorials here today remind us of that.

We must be grateful as a generation that on that day of days courage was on our side.

That despite all the chaos, and fear and noise, it was the ordinary who grabbed their rifle, overcame fear and fought for us all.

It starts with Community: Hundreds of Scottish groups hit the National Lottery jackpot

Across Scotland 460 community projects are today celebrating the news of a National Lottery cash boost of £13 million.

More than fifty Edinburgh projects received funding announced today.

Children 1st is the highest awardee, receiving £200,000 to continue providing holistic support to high-poverty risk families at national and local level across Scotland via a free telephone helpline, digital services and whole family support accessible 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The project will support 5,621 families and engage 60 volunteers over two years.

People Know How, ELREC, Dr Bell’s Family Centre and Empty Kitchens Full Hearts are all among the big winners and there was also smaller windfalls for many groups including Fresh Start, Edinburgh Tool Library. ELREC again – twice! – Granton Youth and West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.

See below for a full list of projects

The National Lottery Community Fund makes the announcement on the day it launches its new UK wide strategy ‘It starts with community’ [LS1] which sets out its ambitions as funder of community led activity from now until 2030.

Being part of a community can forge a sense of belonging and security which is something 50-year-old Sharon Veelenturf from Fife can relate to.  Since her son, Luuk, 18, was a toddler Sharon and her family have been supported by the Scottish charity, Kindred Advocacy. 

Today the group receives a National Lottery award of £97,463 to provide support and advocacy for hundreds of families in Fife over the next three years.

Luke was a Syndrome without a Name (SWAN) baby, born with an array of severely complex conditions and his parents were told he was unlikely to survive. However, ever since he was discharged from hospital at just 13 weeks old, he has continued to defy all odds and is currently looking towards continuing his studies at college.

 Sharon explained: “Kindred Advocacy have been with our family every step of the way and have made an amazing difference to Luuk. I would be lost without them.

“Without their support, Luuk would have languished in mainstream education, being a bum in a seat but not learning much at all. Over the years they have supported us through lots of very difficult times in relation to ensuring Luuk, with his very complex health needs, was kept safe within school and within the healthcare system. He would not have reached his potential without their support.”

Sophie Pilgrim, Director, Kindred Advocacy said: “With the current cost of living crisis, it is more important than ever that we are able to share our parenting expertise and help families to ensure that they have the basics such as Child Disability Payment, appropriate schooling, aids and adaptations.  

“We are in the process of employing two new staff and looking forward to supporting many new parents across Fife, providing a service that transforms the experience of parenting a child with complex needs.”

Announcing the funding, Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fund said: “I am delighted to see £13 million of National Lottery funding going to projects where connections and community action are central to happier healthier lives.

“It’s all thanks to National Lottery players that we can continue funding these activities to help many more people like Sharon and her family.

“I am delighted to tell you that today we launch our new UK wide strategy – It starts with Community – which sets out our direction of travel and ambitions as a funder from now and until 2030.

“We will increase focus and investment in creating lasting change that tackles inequality and most importantly improves lives for more people and communities across Scotland.”

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes funding on behalf of National Lottery players who raise more than £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK. 

It’s new strategy – It starts with community – is available here.

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk  

Travelling Gallery announces second season of 2023 programme

Launching Thursday 8 June at Calton Hill from 12noon – 6pm

Travelling Gallery is pleased to announce the second season of its 2023 programme which takes a new approach to touring with environmental concerns and community partnerships at the heart.

Season two hits the road in June 2023 with the exhibition High on the Summit Ridge by Gabecare; a collaborative art project by Rachel Adams and Tessa Lynch which investigates the domestic mess of 21st century living.

Gabecare take their name from little known American inventor Francis Gabe who devoted much of her life to designing and building the world’s one and only self-cleaning home.

In an attempt to rid herself of the thankless, unpaid, and never-ending housework, Gabe used her own money and construction skills to develop and build a house that cleaned, rinsed, and dried everything from the dishes in the cupboard to clothes in the wardrobe. She eventually received a patent for her design in 1984.

Exploring the unpaid labour that goes into housework, Gabecare draw our attention to who carries out the care and maintenance at home (tidying is a task that is noticed when it’s not done but unnoticed when it’s done) while at the same time managing to embrace and even celebrate the continual messiness of our daily lives.

Taking inspiration from social history and the evolution of housework, Gabecare have created an enjoyable installation which provokes storytelling and memories from our own families while also digging deeper and questioning the economy around housework and care.

The exhibition will also include objects selected by the artists from Museums and Galleries Edinburgh‘s social history collection.

Launching in Edinburgh on Calton Hill on Thursday 8 June from 12noon – 6pm the exhibition will tour to the following locations:

  • Western Isles, in partnership with An Lanntair
  • Argyll & Bute, in partnership with talc
  • West Dunbartonshire, in partnership with West Dunbartonshire Council
  • Scottish Borders, in partnership with Borders Live
  • North Lanarkshire, in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council
  • Falkirk, in partnership with Falkirk Community Trust
  • Edinburgh, in partnership with Edinburgh Art Festival

Claire Craig, Curator of Travelling Gallery, said: “We are so excited to take Gabecare’s exhibition to audiences across Scotland. Tessa Lynch and Rachel Adams have made a really enjoyable exhibition which also raises important questions around unpaid labour and care.

“I can’t wait to discuss the artwork and themes with our visitors.”

INSPIRE 2023: German Doner Kebab partners with awards show honouring youth achievement

German Doner Kebab (GDK) is partnering with the British Youth International College (BYITC) Inspire awards to honour young people who have exceeded beyond expectations.

The BYITC Inspire awards 2023 are set to take place on June 6 at the Scottish Parliament. The event celebrates diversity and inclusion and aims to empower individuals with curiosity, motivation, confidence, and enthusiasm.

GDK is honoured to be powering the awards show through the Boss Box. The fast-casual brand is revolutionising the kebab in the UK, bringing a fresh, high-quality taste sensation that has made it the number one spot to enjoy a kebab.

Freshly prepared in front of customers, the game-changing kebabs combine premium, lean meats imported from Germany and fresh, locally sourced vegetables, served in its world-famous toasted waffle bread with unique signature sauces which are blended in-store daily.

GDK CEO Simon Wallis said: “We cannot wait for the awards show and getting the chance to recognise dozens of talented young people who have thrived and reached their potential.

“At GDK, we are focused on supporting youth culture and championing youngsters whenever we can. For example, in our recent collaboration with Fast & Furious film ‘Fast X’, we worked with Ollie the Car Kid, to give him the opportunity of a lifetime to interview stars on the red carpet.

“These similarly inspiring young individuals should be extremely proud of themselves and we look forward to engaging with them and providing support to such a valuable social initiative.”

The Inspire Awards 2023 will see a variety of young people across the nation aged between 5-17 honoured across a number of categories. These include; the environment, language and literature, science, technology, engineering and mathematics, sports, cultural and social, media, art and creativity, academics and all rounder.

BYITC Founder Dr Rashmi Mantri said: ”From Rubik’s Cube to reading, cricket to coding, singing to science, environmentalism to engineering, influencing to innovating – we have so many winning categories that we are confident there is something for every young person.

“We want to celebrate diversity and inclusion and recognise young people from all backgrounds who are making all of our futures’ brighter by learning and excelling in whatever they choose to do.”

Search is on to find young stars in Scotland’s food and drink sector

NFU MUTUAL INSPIRATIONAL YOUNG PERSON AWARD 2023

The search is on for the young stars of Scotland’s food and drink sector with entries for the ‘Inspirational Young Person Award’ open now until midnight 3 July 2023.

The award is designed to shine a light on the inspiring stories of people aged 16-26 who own, work, or study within a food and drink related business, organisation or institution in Scotland.

The winner will receive £500, with the second and third places finalists receiving £300 and £200 respectively. 

The award is a joint initiative between Scotland Food & Drink and leading insurer NFU Mutual. Business owners can nominate their hardworking young staff members – from waiting staff, chefs, bar team members, to bakers, produce makers and behind the scenes crew. 

Young people running their own food or drink ventures can nominate themselves and showcase their business and produce. Previous entries have included artisan bakers, gin makers and confectioners. 

Entries and nominations are now open and the closing date is midnight 3rd July.  The first, second and third place winners will be announced during Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight (5-20th September) and awarded cash prizes of £500, £300 and £200 respectively.  

Judges are looking for entrants who have a passion for their sector and who are keen to continue to be a future shining example to Scotland’s food and drink sector.

Last year’s winner was 23-year-old Craig Chambers, a Distiller at Dunnet Bay Distillers based in Thurso. He impressed the judges with his natural flair for the distillery business.

Craig identified improvements and helped create new recipes designed to reduce energy consumption during distilling by 90%, which helped the business during energy price increases.  

Since winning the award, Craig has expanded his horizons and is presently on a placement at a distillery in South America.

Craig said: “Winning this award was an amazing high-point for me. I have since been on a placement at a distillery in Argentina to learn even more about the industry and other food and drink cultures.

“The prize money of £500 came in very handy for my travels too.”

Mark McBrearty, NFU Mutual’s Regional Manager in Scotland and one of the judges for the award, said: “The importance of young people to Scotland’s food and drink sector cannot be overstated.

“This special award illustrates just how wide a contribution they make and how valuable their drive and innovation are to business success.”

Iain Baxter, Chief Executive at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “I am really looking forward to discovering the wealth of talent – both culinary and business-focused – among the younger generation in our industry. 

“Scotland has a proud reputation nationally and internationally for its food, drink and hospitality. Supporting the future of our sector by recognising up and coming talent is crucial to its long-term success.” 

How to Enter 

The NFU Mutual and Scotland Food & Drink Inspirational Young Person Award 2022 is open for entries until midnight 3rd July 2023. Submit your entry or make a nomination here

Any individual between the ages of 16 and 26 who owns, works, or studies within a food and drink related business, organisation or institution can be nominated or enter on their own behalf. The winner will receive £500, with the second and third place finalists receiving £300 and £200 respectively. Winners will be announced in September 2023. 

For more information on the range of NFU Mutual insurance services, visit: 

https://www.nfumutual.co.uk