Day: July 6, 2023

Secret nuclear bunker solves Edinburgh Festival accommodation problem

LGBTQIA+ VILLAGE CREATED AT BARNTON BUNKER

In a bid to beat the soaring cost of accommodation at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a group of performers are setting up camp at a disused nuclear bunker on the edge of the city this August. 

Barnton Bunker, which is  situated just five miles from the centre, adjacent to Edinburgh Zoo, was built in 1944 and, in 1951, was commissioned as a Cold War shelter for the British government and the Queen in the event of a nuclear attack.  Decomissioned it 1955 it now plays host to a panoply of performers including queens of a different variety!

The company of ALPHABET SOUP, a new force in LGBTQIA+ comedy, which performs daily from 4th to 27th August at Le Monde Hotel’s Shanghai Night, will be living in caravans on the Barnton Bunker site throughout festival.   Housing a rich mix of world-class queer comedians, drag performers and variety acts the bunker is set to be transformed into Mad Max style digs for the diverse.

ALPHABET SOUP serves up brunch throughout the festival for the very first time.  With a brand new menu every day, mixing a core company of imported performers with a daily change of locally sourced ingredients, this is a queer comedy brunch unlike any other, co-hosted 7G and the hilarious bisexual comedian Alyssa Poteet. With the concerted assault on the rights and freedoms of LGBTQIA+  people across The States and elsewhere, this is part of the fightback. 

In the spirit of ‘We’re Here We’re Queer’, Alphabet Soup is comedy for combat. 

7G – Alphabet Soup co-creator and camp leader says – ‘When I discovered that it would be £30-£35,000 to rent a house for the month for the performers of Alphabet Soup, I thought that we would not be able to premiere our brand new LGBTQIA+ extravaganza at the Edinburgh Fringe. 

“Then a West Hollywood gay friend told me that he was volunteering throughout the month of August to help restore Barnton Nuclear bunker to its World War II glory. As we LGBTQiA+ feel we’re in a war for our human rights right now, staying at a nuclear bunker  feels like a God Shot.. So we met with Ben Mitchell whose family are raising £5 million to restore the facility for visitors to tell him we were in . 

“Not only are we building an Alphabet Soup  Glamping camp site at a fraction of the cost of a house and we each get our own room,  we are also helping Ben raise the profile of his good work at the same time as planning our campaign to  Love Bomb the hatred of those who seek to oppress us.”

Alyssa Poteet – co-creator and fellow camp leader says: “From the most right-wing of red states all the way to our home of Los Angeles California, you can feel the rise of LGBTQIA+ hostility growing in America.

“This concerningly well organized and extraordinarily funded culture war is being seeded in our courthouses and legislatures and seeping into and infecting the hearts of US citizens.

“As we gear up to make our presence known and provide a new narrative about LGBTQUI+ in the wake of all these blows against us, it’s fitting that we must seek refuge in a war bunkers as we fight our fight. Some may lie down at this obstacle –  we’re toasting marshmallows and breathing in the fresh Scottish air”.

A spokesperson for The Barnton Bunker Preservation Society SCIO says: “We are delighted to partner with the talented team behind Alphabet Soup and welcome them to Barnton Bunker. 

“By joining forces, we aim to raise the profile of Barnton Bunker and its restoration efforts, while at the same time giving the Alphabet Soup team a safe, secure, and affordable solution to their accommodation issues during their stay at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

“We extend our warmest thanks to Alphabet Soup, the LGBTQiA+ community and their entire team for their dedication, creativity, and commitment to making a positive impact.  Together, we can transform Barnton Bunker into a unique destination that celebrates history, creativity, and the power of collaboration.”

Three New Tour Areas revealed at The Scotch Whisky Experience

The Scotch Whisky Experience has revealed three new immersive tour areas which will open to the public in mid-July.

Visitors will be transported to a peaceful Highland glen, leaving the bustle of Edinburgh’s vibrant Royal Mile behind them. Beautiful immersive technology creates a tranquil introduction to the elements and ingredients that shape the spirit.

This is “Origins”. Famous for our “four seasons in one day” visitors can discover the secret of how the landscape enriches the soft Scottish water and undulating barley fields turn from green to gold before the grains are harvested.

From the Origins we move to “The Art of Whisky Making”, where visitors will discover how single malt Scotch whisky is made.  Mixing an enchanting kinetic sculpture with fascinating media, the distilling process can be seen from inside and out. The process is visualised in a way never seen before, embodying the art of whisky making.

The pure new spirit moves to “Maturation”.  Seated inside the cask visitors will witness the charring, firing and filling, allowing for a unique and magical view of how the cask changes the character of the whisky as the years tick past.

The three new immersive areas form part of the full tour experience. Setting the scene for how single malt Scotch is produced, before discovering the whisky producing regions, the art of blending, and tasting a dram in one of the world’s largest Scotch whisky collections.

Susan Morrison, Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Experience, said “We are so excited to share the new experience with our visitors. This is the culmination of three year’s hard work by our passionate team.

“The immersive storytelling and brilliant technology within the tour will offer visitors a real insight into Scotch whisky.”

Following three years of careful planning, the new experiences have replaced the “barrel ride”. The Scotch Whisky Experience has combined technologies in an exciting new way, not yet seen at a visitor attraction in the UK.

The story of whisky production has been brought to life. It will entertain and enchant new generations of whisky lovers discovering whisky for the first time. 

The July launch of the new tour at The Scotch Whisky Experience will ensure even more visitors learn about the extraordinary world of Scotland’s whisky heritage.

“The maturation process is highly complex but this portrays it perfectly.” – Richard Paterson, Master Blender, Whyte and Mackay

“There is nowhere you can see how whisky matures like this.” – Sandy Hyslop, Master Blender, Pernod Ricard

“This newest addition to Edinburgh’s tourist attractions continues our mission of showcasing Scotland’s national drink in a very contemporary, modern way.” – Malcolm Leask, Managing Director, International Beverage and Chairman of The Scotch Whisky Experience

New Show Home opens at Rowanbank Gardens

Spectacular Apartment Combines High Quality of Life With Low Cost of Living

https://media.publit.io/file/Rowanbank-GardensShow-Apartment-Final-Version-1080p.mp4

The new show home and marketing suite at Artisan Real Estate’s Rowanbank Gardens is now open, giving home buyers the opportunity to experience first-hand one of Edinburgh’s most anticipated new homes’ developments. 

Described as a ‘spectacular blueprint for low carbon living,’ Rowanbank Gardens is currently delivering 93 apartments for private sale on Gylemuir Road, in the popular suburb of Corstorphine. 

Artisan recently scooped the inaugural ‘Excellence in Sustainability’ prize at this year’s Scottish Homes Awards. And while the developer has been busy making headlines for the impeccable environmental credentials of its developments, the show home launch also provides the perfect platform to highlight the high quality of life to be experienced at Rowanbank Gardens.

Designed by renowned Scottish interior designer Carol Yates, the striking two-bedroom show apartment brings the development to life, mixing contemporary style with vibrant colours, soft furnishings and eye-catching furniture.

“What first hit me about the show home was the sheer amount of space I had to play with,” explains Carol. “High ceilings coupled with floor to ceiling windows allows an abundance of natural light to flood the living areas. The open-plan kitchen and lounge space have a nice balance, allowing me to experiment with larger items of furniture, art and soft furnishings.

“Scandi influences with a soft pastel colour palette combine with the solid oak flooring to bring a simple, natural texture to the rooms. And while it is a minimalist layout, accents of colour and vibrancy have been introduced with soft-layered fabrics and cushions to bring depth, warmth and intimacy to the show home.”

With a prominent location at the heart of Corstorphine, Rowanbank Gardens has proved to be a popular destination for first-time buyers and downsizers wanting to live in well-connected, vibrant community just minutes from the city centre. The development is set around a large, landscaped garden space filled with fruit trees and communal planting beds. Work began in summer 2021 and the first move-ins are expected in late summer.  

“We are definitely going for the ‘wow factor’ with the launch of our new show home,” says Izzy Bastiani, Artisan’s New Homes Sales Advisor. 

“More than a third of all apartments have already been snapped up by savvy buyers, impressed by the combination of high-quality living, immaculate environmental credentials and central location. 

“It’s great to be now able to now reveal to our purchasers exactly what they have bought. And so far, their reaction as they walk in has been amazing to see – especially when they experience the light and airy living spaces for the first time, as well as the quality of the natural oak flooring and the fittings in the kitchen and bathroom, all of which come as standard.”

Visitors to the new show home can also discover more about Rowanbank Garden’s award-winning commitment to achieving zero carbon low-cost living. It’s one of the first large developments in Scotland to employ individual air source heat pumps in all apartments, providing both heating and domestic hot water. 

As a result, energy costs have been predicted to cost up to 60% less than other new build apartments in the surrounding area, with research showing that average annual hot water and heating costs for a two-bedroom apartment could be as low as £775 per year, or less than £65 per month.*

View the video here: 

Prices for a one-bedroom apartment at Rowanbank Gardens start from £245,000, with a two-bedroom from £325,000 and a three-bedroom from £422,500. 

To book an appointment at the Rowanbank Gardens show home, visit the development website at www.rowanbankgardens.com or call 0131 516 3302.

* Based on a typical two-bedroom apartment – figures correct as of Q4 2022.

Spread your wings this summer with the National Trust for Scotland

Conservation charity reveals the epic three-month journey of Mar’verick, the rare white-tailed eagle which hatched at Aberdeenshire’s Mar Lodge Estate before journeying across Scotland

Adventure, fun and exploring new places is the order of the summer at the National Trust for Scotland, with Mar’verick, the rare white-tailed eagle, taking members, visitors and other supporters in Edinburgh under his wing.

Mar’verick, born at Aberdeenshire’s Mar Lodge Estate and named after Maverick, the iconic fighter pilot in the film Top Gun, has been closely monitored since birth as part of the RSPB Scotland’s East Scotland Sea Eagle introduction project, allowing the National Trust for Scotland and the RSPB to form a map documenting his travels around the country.

Until 2020 white-tailed eagles had not been bred successfully in Deeside, making it even more special to have this rare raptor species nesting at Mar Lodge Estate.

Marverick-MapDownload

The National Trust for Scotland hopes that not only will this unique tracking data help experts to monitor the growth of Scotland’s white-tailed eagle population – which is an endangered species – but also inspire people to follow the adventures of Mar’verick around Scotland this summer.

Data provided by RSPB Scotland shows the eagle has travelled from Mar Lodge Estate in Aberdeenshire up across the north of Scotland and all the way down to the isle of Arran, between January and April 2023. In just a three-month period, Mar’verick visited over 20 Trust places.

Mar’verick’s adventures and visits have inspired the conservation charity to call on the people of Edinburgh and the surrounds to follow his example and support its work to protect, share and enjoy nature, beauty and heritage this summer, by visiting some of the most unique and special places in Scotland.

In Edinburgh this summer, visitors can experience a range of activities for all ages across Newhailes, Georgian House, Gladstone’s Land, Inveresk Lodge Garden and Malleny Garden. Moving further afield, the House of the Binns near Linlithgow is hosting a Young Historians at the Binns tour, specifically created for children aged four to 11 years old, on Saturday 8 July.

The popular Doghailes and Carhailes events are back at Newhailes on 30 July and 27 August respectively, offering a fun-filled day out for canine and car lovers. The Georgian House, in the heart of the city centre, recently opened a new exhibition on Raeburn’s Edinburgh, giving new perspectives on the life and work of one of Scotland’s most prolific artists and the city and times he lived in, running throughout the summer months.

Meanwhile, visitors to Gladstone’s Land, the Royal Mile, can take part in a range of tours – from Tables Through Time, which is focused around food, through to an Intimate Lives tour, telling tales of the history of desire in Edinburgh’s old town. Throughout the summer period, visitors can cool off by enjoying an ice cream or a cold drink in the café that was inspired by the building’s rich trading history.

Stuart Maxwell, Regional Director for Edinburgh and the East at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “The summer months are upon us and it is fantastic to see so many supporters, visitors and members enjoying our places.

“It is our charity’s privilege to share Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage with everyone, and we are very grateful to all of our supporters who make this possible. By being part of the National Trust for Scotland, and visiting our places, you are helping protect, share and enjoy the outdoor spaces and incredible historic buildings where memories are made.

“Over the coming months, we have some exciting projects coming to fruition which will give our supporters even more experiences to share this summer. Mar’verick has proven himself to be the Trust’s number one adventurer, visiting over 20 places since the beginning of this year. 

“With a place for every interest, age and passion, we can’t wait to see people rise to Mar’verick’s challenge and see how many Trust places they can visit over the coming months. Through the careful conservation work the Trust is doing across Scotland to restore natural habitats and create the right environments for wildlife to flourish, the charity’s places are home to a wide range of thriving wildlife and continue to welcome new species, such as hen harriers and white-tailed eagles.”

Following the launch of its 10-year strategy, Nature, Beauty and Heritage for Everyone, in March last year, the National Trust for Scotland has focused on caring for Scotland’s special places, providing access and enjoyment and being a sustainable charity, including the restoration and reopening of House of the Binns, creating visitor facilities at Corrieshalloch National Nature Reserve, and unveiling an innovative new garden at Pitmedden which is adapted for a changing climate.

This work is possible thanks to the support of members and donors. To support the conservation charity’s work to care for Scotland’s special places, become a member at www.nts.org.uk.  Prices start from £3.20 for those aged 16 to 24, £5.50 for adults and £4.85 per month for those aged 60 and over.

For more information on the National Trust for Scotland, or the events taking place in your area, visit: www.nts.org.uk.

Scotland Against Modern Slavery

Three major organisations join forces in the fight against modern slavery


Two of the biggest names in the Scottish energy sector and a global life sciences business have joined the Scotland Against Modern Slavery movement.

SSE plc, one of the UK’s leading low-carbon energy company, Wood, a global leader in consulting and engineering, and Charles River Laboratories, the drug discovery and development experts, have signed up to the movement to work alongside existing members of the group as part of a cross-industry collaboration, to help stop the misery caused by labour exploitation. 

Scotland Against Modern Slavery (SAMS) has brought together the Scottish Government with over 56 businesses, charities, and NGOs, with the core aims of raising awareness of the problem, supporting survivors into positive employment opportunities and protecting vulnerable communities from exploitation.  

Over 600 men, women and children were identified as potential victims of human trafficking in Scotland last year – the highest number since records began.

The Scottish Government funds Migrant Help and the Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA) to provide crisis support and assistance to potential victims identified in Scotland. It is vital that we all do our part to understand the indicators of human trafficking and exploitation.

All areas of Scotland have reported cases of human trafficking – anyone can be susceptible, and it is happening in our towns, cities and rural communities.

Siobhian Brown MSP, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, said: “Human trafficking and exploitation is abhorrent and illegal and action is needed across all sectors to end it.

“I am pleased to see more Scottish companies joining the fight against human trafficking and being clear that they are united with us in preventing the exploitation of people.”

Shan Saba, founder of SAMS, said, “We have supported over 19 survivors into work in recent years, each one suffering from the trauma of being exploited here on our doorstep. By the business community working together, we can share best practice and help stamp out this misery in our society.”

SSE develops and maintains electricity assets such as onshore and offshore wind, hydro power, electricity transmission and distribution grids, and efficient gas-fired generation, alongside providing energy products and services for businesses. The company employs around 10,000 people and is Real Living Wage and Fair Tax Mark accredited.

Rachel McEwen, Chief Sustainability Officer at SSE, said, “SSE has zero tolerance of human rights abuses and modern slavery in all its forms and has a responsibility to understand the risks within its own business and supply chain and to reduce those risks.

“We are always keen to hear from and learn from others to protect vulnerable people and communities from exploitation wherever that may be.”

Wood is helping unlock solutions to critical challenges in energy and materials markets, employing around 35,000 people across 60 countries. Committed to making the world a better place, Wood is comprised of remarkable people, who are trusted by clients to design, build and advance the world.

Linzie Forrester, President of Sustainability at Wood, said: “At Wood, we are delivering the changes that world needs most, making sustainability real for our clients and ourselves.

“Everything we do is with an unwavering commitment to what we believe in and how we behave – with care and courage. We are driven to deliver solutions that transform the world into a clean, safe, ethical and equitable environment, and our work with SAMS will help make those ambitions possible.”

Charles River is a biotech research company, working in all the key areas of drug development – Basic research, discovery, safety and efficacy, clinical support, and manufacturing. They have worked on more than 80% of the FDA-approved drugs over the last 5 years. Charles River Edinburgh is Real Living Wage and Top Employer UK 2023 accredited.

Geoff Burns, Charles River Edinburgh’s General Manager, said: “Charles River is committed to operating its global business ethically and with integrity in accordance with all applicable laws, directives, regulations and codes to prevent the abuse of human rights and to prevent human trafficking and modern slavery.

“Charles River Edinburgh is pleased to be able to work with and learn from SAMS to help us continue to live our values of Care, Lead, Own and Collaborate. We have a zero-tolerance approach towards abuse and exploitation.”

For more information, please visit www.scotlandagainstmodernslavery.co.uk

Summer health advice from NHS24

It’s summer!  ☀️

We have some health advice to keep you and your loved ones well over the summer months.

Need advice on …
👩‍⚕️ Medicine and first aid?
💊Prescribed medicine and travel?
🍗BBQ food preparation advice?
🧼Avoiding bugs and germs outdoors?
🤕Bumps, bruises and other accidents?
🥵Heat related illnesses?

Check out our summer resources on NHS inform!

Summer Ball raises £120,900 for Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland

Just Employment Law has now raised over £400,000 in aid of Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland

On Saturday, 10th June 2023, the black-tie fundraising event at The Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow, was attended by nearly 500 people, providing an opportunity for guests to help raise vital funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer.

Scottish stand-up comedian and TV/radio presenter Des Clarke hosted the event with fabulous entertainment throughout the evening and opportunities to win luxury items through tombolas, prize giveaways, an online auction, and a live auction.

David McRae, Managing Director of Just Employment Law, spoke from the heart about sadly losing his mother Margaret to pancreatic cancer seven years ago, the same year he lost his younger brother. He explained that the Summer Ball was again being held in their memory.

A powerful video featuring members of the Just Employment Law and Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland teams played across large TV screens. Marty Bryson, who sadly lost his mum to pancreatic cancer in 2016 when he was only 15, performed two songs he had written in memory of his mum.

Sean McGarvey, son of former Celtic and St Mirren football legend Frank McGarvey, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in January, spoke to guests. Sean thanked Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland for their support of his family. He highlighted the importance of earlier diagnosis and the urgent need to raise funds and awareness to help save lives.

Scottish football journalist and radio presenter Tam Cowan, who lost his father-in-law John to pancreatic cancer in December 2020, led the hugely successful live auction, all while entertaining the guests with his unique brand of comedy.

Before the guests were let loose on the dancefloor, one lucky guest won a Star Prize Giveaway of £5,000 cash on the evening. The guests then danced the night away with the band Waterfront filling the dancefloor.

Just Employment Law has just announced the final total from their successful summer ball at £120,900, all going to Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland.

David McRae said: “We were delighted to host our third Summer Ball in support of PCAS and to raise much-needed funds and awareness for the charity. 

“Having lost my own mother to this silent killer, I have first-hand experience of the devastation it causes.  We, and I personally, stand with PCAS and all the excellent work they do.”

Fiona Brown, Development Manager for Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland, said: “We are incredibly grateful to David and the Just Employment Law team, family, friends and networks for their amazing generosity and kindness over a number of years as our charity partners.

“Events like The Summer Ball take a huge amount of organising by the JEL team but can play a key role in raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer. It was a wonderful evening and particularly special to have three pancreatic cancer survivors in the room, helping highlight that survival is possible, and earlier diagnosis can save lives.”

Sandra Bigbie, a nine-year pancreatic cancer survivor from Rutherglen, said: “It was an incredible night out and was the most fun I’ve had in years! I would like to thank everyone who was so generous with their donations to raise such an astonishing amount for a very worthy cause.

“I’m sadly part of a very small club of survivors, early diagnosis is the only way to help save more lives, and that is why I am so proud to be able to support Pancreatic Cancer Actions Scotland’s efforts to create a future whereas many people as possible are saved.”

Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland remains dedicated to saving lives via early diagnosis. If you would like to learn more about us and our mission, you can do so here: panact.org

Pictures by Pear and Plum Photography

National Galleries of Scotland marks Sir Henry Raeburn’s 200th anniversary by welcoming rare portrait to the National collection

Neil Hanna www.neilhannaphotography.co.uk 07702 246823

The National Galleries of Scotland has announced the acquisition of Patrick Moir, (1769–1810), 1785‒6 by the celebrated Scottish artist, Sir Henry Raeburn. Marking the bicentenary of Raeburn’s death on 8 July 1823, this unique portrait is now on display and available to view for free at the National in Edinburgh.

This exciting new acquisition joins the most comprehensive and internationally important collection of Raeburn’s work, held by the National Galleries of Scotland on behalf of the nation. The national collection also includes Raeburn’s much loved and incredibly popular ‘Skating Minister’ painting, Reverend Robert Walker (1755‒1808) Skating on Duddingston Loch, about 1795, also on display at the National.

Patrick Moir, 1769–1810, gives important insight into Raeburn’s early development as an artist. The painting depicts a known individual but also owes much to a fashionable type of composition or ‘fancy picture’ – half-portrait and half-genre – which was internationally popular at the time.

This rare portrait was painted in Rome at a key moment in Raeburn’s life and career, and is the only known portrait dating from his one study visit to Italy (from 1784‒6).  It will join the National Galleries of Scotland’s significant holdings of art relating to Scots undertaking a ‘Grand Tour’ of Italy, including works by Allan Ramsay and William Aikman. In spite of the great expense involved, many artists aspired to travel to Italy in the 18th and 19th centuries, like the so-called ‘Grand Tourists

During his visit to Rome, Raeburn’s most influential acquaintance was James Byres of Tonley (1734–1817), a well-known dealer in antiquities and ‘Old Master’ paintings. Byres was also a popular tour guide, especially for Scottish ‘Grand Tourists’. Patrick Moir, 1769–1810 is a portrait of Byres’s young nephew, the son of Reverend George Moir (1741–1818) of Peterhead in North East Scotland.

Neil Hanna www.neilhannaphotography.co.uk 07702 246823

In time, Patrick managed his uncle’s business and became known as the ‘English Banker in Rome’ and a supplier of funds to Cardinal York, brother of Prince Charles Edward Stewart. The portrait is believed to have been commissioned by Byres and is the only known full-scale portrait associated with Raeburn’s visit to Italy. It remained in Rome with the rest of Byres’s art collection during the turmoil of the city’s invasion by French revolutionary troops. Its survival and eventual return to Byres in Aberdeenshire is one of the many fascinating stories attached to this unassuming portrait.

Sir Henry Raeburn (1756–1823) was the top Scottish portrait painter of the late 18th and early 19th century. In his lifetime he painted more than 1000 canvases, despite lacking any formal artistic training.  

He was born in the village of Stockbridge, then on the outskirts of Edinburgh and was later apprenticed to a local goldsmith. This is when he began experimenting with portrait miniatures, eventually progressing to full-scale portraits.  

From the late 1790s Raeburn established himself in a spacious custom-built studio at Number 16 (now 32) York Place on the eastern edge of Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town. In 1819 he was elected to the New York Academy of the Fine Arts. Three years later he was knighted during George IV’s State visit to Edinburgh, followed by appointment as portrait painter to the King in Scotland.

To celebrate the anniversary of Sir Henry Raeburn, and this new acquisition, the National Galleries of Scotland hosted a free public lecture on Tuesday 4 July.

Available online or in person at the National, Senior Curator Helen Smailes explores the origins and wider cultural context of this rare pictures, together with Raeburn’s fascination with sculpture.

Neil Hanna www.neilhannaphotography.co.uk 07702 246823

National Galleries of Scotland Senior Curator, Helen Smailes, said: “This fascinating painting has been a cherished heirloom of the Moir-Byres family since 1785 and is a remarkable survivor of the French invasion of Italy in the 1790s.

“Raeburn’s only known portrait painted in Rome, its acquisition has transformed the Galleries’ internationally important holdings of his work. We are delighted to have been able to save Patrick Moir for the nation in Raeburn’s bicentenary year, with the unwavering commitment of the Moir-Byres family and generous support from The Art Fund.”

Jenny Waldman, Director, Art Fund, said: “This rare painting is the only known surviving full-scale portrait from Sir Henry Raeburn’s stay in Italy, a formative moment in the artist’s career.

“I’m thrilled that Art Fund has been able to support this important acquisition, where it will join the National Galleries of Scotland’s world-leading collection of Raeburn’s work for the public to enjoy for many years to come.”

Neil Hanna www.neilhannaphotography.co.uk 07702 246823

The National Galleries of Scotland acquired the painting through the Private Treaty Sale scheme, which allows private owners to sell items considered to be culturally pre-eminent to national organisations without recourse to an auction process and with prices beneficial to both. 

The acquisition was enabled by £54,000 support from Art Fund, together with funds from the Cowan Smith and Treaty of Union Bequests (National Galleries of Scotland).

Edinburgh International Film Festival reveals 2023 programme

Special edition of EIFF runs from 18 – 23 August

Full programme announced of 24 new feature films, 5 retrospective titles, 5 short film programmes, and an outdoor screening weekend including 7 further features in a six-day celebration of bold and eclectic cinema at the heart of the world’s biggest celebration of arts.

Complementing the previously announced Opening Night film ‘Silent Roar’, the Festival presents a selection rich with new voices. Amongst the festival’s 11 debut features, the Festival is delighted to champion a new generation of UK talent.

Scottish productions include 5 feature films and 19 short films, including the World Premiere presentations of six freshly commissioned documentaries in the Bridging The Gap Documentary Short Films programme.

Closing Night film ‘Fremont’ caps an international selection that includes work from celebrated arthouse directors Kelly Reichardt, Ira Sachs, Cauleen Smith, and Christian Petzold, and showcases enticing work from Argentina, Brazil, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, and the United States.

American independent cinema is celebrated in a retrospective of four films made by rebellious filmmaking voices in the 1980s and 1990s, while Shane Meadows’ ‘Dead Man’s Shoes’, which had its World Premiere at EIFF in 2004, is given a Retrospective Gala presentation.

Five feature films will be presented as World Premieres, and the Festival also sees the launch of The Lynda Myles Project, including a discussion event on the living legacy of Myles’ contributions to film culture, and a special work-in-progress preview of new documentary, ‘The Lynda Myles Project: A Manifesto’.

Placing an emphasis on deeper engagement for audiences, Encounters is a new series of discussion events place dialogue at the centre of the Festival and positioning cinema in conversation with other artforms.

Themes across the film programme include: incisive works of non-fiction activism; films making thrilling use of genre to explore social, sexual and psychological issues; films made by artists; LGBTQIA+ stories; a lip-smacking selection of animation; and category-defying films that are just damn stylish and entertaining.

Listings will go live on the EIF website from 10am on Thursday 6 July with tickets going on sale midday on Friday 7 July via https://www.eif.co.uk/edfilmfest  

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF), which this year is hosted by Edinburgh International Festival, has today announced the programme for its special 2023 edition.

The hand-picked programme celebrates the work of exceptional local and global filmmakers ensuring the flame of independent cinema burns bright for future generations of passionate film fans.

EIFF is pleased to be working with its cinema venue partners Vue Edinburgh Omni and Everyman Edinburgh at the St James Quarter, while the Old College Quad at the University of Edinburgh is the beautiful setting for a weekend of outdoor screenings, Cinema Under the Stars, offering audiences a welcoming selection of films set to make the heart sing.

This year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival programme has been brought together by a team of programmers led by Kate Taylor, Programme Director of the Festival, including feature film programmers Rafa Sales Ross and Anna Bogutskaya, and short film programmers Abigail Addison, Lydia Beilby and Holly Daniel. Alongside Taylor, the EIFF Team is led by Executive Producer Tamara Van Strijthem and Festival Producer Emma Boa.

EIFF is supported by Screen Scotland, and enhanced engagement activities are supported by the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund alongside the PLaCE Programme (a partnership between the Scottish Government, City of Edinburgh Council and the Edinburgh Festivals).

Kate Taylor, Programme Director, Edinburgh International Film Festival, said: “With this year’s vivid film selection the EIFF programme team has favoured the bold, drawn to filmmakers with searching perspectives and style to burn.

“Designed for an eclectic spectrum of film fans, and defined by a love of independent cinema, this compact programme shines a light on new talent, and offers a smashing six-day journey for the EIFF’s passionate audiences.”

Isabel Davis, Executive Director of Screen Scotland said: “EIFF has put exceptional debut filmmakers front and centre, from Johnny Barrington’s Silent Roar, Rodger Griffiths’ Kill’, to Ella Glendining’s Is There Anybody Out There? alongside an impeccable curation of internationally acclaimed work.

“The infectious energy of Edinburgh in August is palpable in the EIFF team and we’re excited for audiences to discover this year’s wonderful programme.”

Francesca Hegyi, Chief Executive, Edinburgh International Festival, said: “A festival is a gathering of perspectives in a moment in time that reflect the world around us.

“This year, the Edinburgh International Festival is proud to host the return of this forward-looking programme from the Edinburgh International Film Festival, and support these moments of curiosity and connection that imbue our festival city each August.”

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: ““I’m delighted to see so much Scottish and international film talent represented in this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival programme.

“The Scottish Government is proud to support the festival with £155,000 from the PLaCE Fund – run jointly with the City of Edinburgh Council – and £59,000 from our Expo Fund. They both support Scottish talent development particularly emerging film programmers and mid-career writers in the case of our Expo Fund.”

Edinburgh International Film Festival runs from Friday 18 to Wednesday 23 August 2023.    

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Princess Royal officially opens New Sick Kids Hospital

NHS Lothian welcomed HRH The Princess Royal to officially open the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) and Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DCN) at Little France yesterday.

Offering world-class facilities for both children and adults, the building first opened its doors in July 2020, with all services transferred to the new space by March 2021.

The Royal Hospital for Children and Young People delivers local, regional and national services in some of the most modern and best-designed healthcare facilities in the world. The children’s hospital is physically connected to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh meaning that paediatric care, specialist neonatal care, neurosciences and both Emergency Departments are now all on the same site.

This reduces the need for emergency transfers between hospitals and ensures that clinical teams can share skills and expertise for the benefit of all patients.

The expert teams in Neuroscience are made up of a range of specialists, neurologists and neurosurgeons who treat people with disorders of the nervous system, such as problems affecting the brain and spinal cord, and the nerves and muscles in the rest of the body.

NHS Lothian’s Department of Clinical Neurosciences treats patients from the Borders, Dumfries & Galloway, Forth Valley and Fife as well as Lothian. It covers a population of 1.6 million across these areas, while for some specialist services it covers the 2.8 million people living on the east side of Scotland.

During the visit, HRH The Princess Royal enjoyed a tour of some of the building, meeting with staff and patients. Within the Dalhousie Ward at RHCYP, she heard about the important role Play Teams have in enabling children to be children even when in hospital and enjoyed some magic tricks performed by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity funded magician Tricky Ricky. 6-year-old patient Harper presented Her Royal Highness with a posy of flowers to thank her for visiting.

Within the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, HRH The Princess Royal learnt more about the investigative work of our Neurophysiology Department and observed an EMG, a diagnostic procedure to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them (motor neurons).

The Princess Royal met with staff from the Neurosurgery and Neurology Departments before visiting the Neurorehabilitation Ward, to learn more about the work of NHS Lothian’s Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Speech and Language Therapists in supporting patients to return home, to re-learn basic tasks and to regain their confidence.

Calum Campbell, Chief Executive, NHS Lothian said, “We are delighted to have welcomed HRH The Princess Royal to officially open the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department of Clinical Neurosciences.

“These healthcare facilities combine excellent architectural design, one of the UK’s largest Art and Therapeutic Design programmes and the latest clinical thinking and technology. Added to this are our amazing, dedicated and expert staff who deliver exceptional patient care day in, day out.

“The COVID pandemic may have delayed our official opening event, however we are delighted that on the 75th anniversary of the NHS, HRH The Princess Royal could join us, as together we celebrate.”

As well as welcoming HRH The Princess Royal to the hospital, a range of special activities, organised in collaboration with NHS Lothian’s charity partners, and designed to mark the official opening took place yesterday (5 July).

This included an indoor garden party with giant games, information stalls run by all charity partners including Kindred, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, NHS Lothian Charity and Ronald McDonald House, a special ‘Cuddle Station’ featuring regular Therapet doggy visitors and refreshments. Staff, patients and their families were invited to join the celebrations.