Month: July 2023

Badge of Shame: Unions secure important win against the UK Government’s attacks on trade unions

 In a major defeat for the Conservative government, the High Court yesterday (Thursday) ruled that its agency worker regulations are unlawful, after a successful legal challenge by trade unions, coordinated by the TUC. 

The “strike-breaking” regulations were brought in last summer and allow agencies to supply employers with workers to fill in for those on strike.   

The High Court ruled that the then Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Kwasi Kwarteng, failed to consult unions, as required by the Employment Agencies Act 1973 – quashing the 2022 changes. 

Eleven trade unions, coordinated by the TUC and represented by Thompsons Solicitors LLP, brought legal proceedings against the government’s changes to agency worker regulations in a bid to protect the right to strike. 

The unions – ASLEF, BFAWU, FDA, GMB, NEU, NUJ, POA, PCS, RMT, Unite and Usdaw – come from a wide range of sectors and represent millions of workers in the UK.  

Unison and NASUWT also brought separate legal challenges against the laws. 

The TUC says the ruling is a “badge of shame” for the Conservative government – and a “major blow” to “ministers’ attempts to undermine the right to strike”. 

In addition to these agency worker regulations brought in last summer, ministers are currently rushing through the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill, which is currently making its way through parliament.  

This could lead to workers being forced to work even when they have democratically voted to strike, and workers facing the sack if they refuse to comply. 

Damning assessment 

The Court was damning in its assessment of ministers’ failure to consult – and in particular, the conduct of the former Secretary of State for Business, Kwasi Kwarteng. 

The judgment says “the Secretary of State’s approach was contrary to section 12 (2) of the 1973 Act, so unfair as to be unlawful and, indeed, irrational.” 

The judgment goes onto say “the approach of Mr Kwarteng was to commit to the revocation of regulation 7 at a time when the advice to him was that it would be of negligible short-term benefit and probably be counterproductive.” 

Heavy criticism 

The change in agency worker regulations was heavily criticised by unions, agency employers, and parliamentarians. 

The TUC has warned these new laws could worsen industrial disputes, undermine the fundamental right to strike and endanger public safety if agency staff are required to fill safety critical roles but haven’t been fully trained.  

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), which represents suppliers of agency workers, has previously described the proposals as “unworkable”. 

The Lords Committee charged with scrutinising the legislation said “the lack of robust evidence and the expected limited net benefit raise questions as to the practical effectiveness and benefit” of the new rules. 

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:  “This defeat is a badge of shame for the Conservatives, who have been found guilty of breaching the law. 

“Bringing in less-qualified agency staff to deliver important services risks endangering public safety, worsening disputes and poisoning industrial relations.   

 “The government railroaded through this law change despite widespread opposition from agency employers and unions. The courts even found ministers ignored evidence that the measure would be counterproductive. 

“This is the same reckless approach behind the anti-strike bill, which has faced a barrage of criticism from employers, rights groups and international bodies, and which has been amended by the House of Lords on three separate occasions during parliamentary ping-pong.  

“Ministers should spare themselves further embarrassment. These cynical strike-breaking agency worker laws must be scrapped once and for all – and the draconian anti-strike bill must be junked for good too.” 

Richard Arthur, head of trade union law, Thompson solicitors added: “This is a significant victory for the entire trade union movement and preserves a vital safeguard in ensuring the right to participate in industrial action is effective.  

“The judgment makes clear that the then Secretary of State (above) had a staggering disregard to his legal obligations when introducing legislation that enabled employers to engage agency workers to cover the duties of striking workers.  

“He was driven solely by a political ideology to meet a self-imposed deadline to implement the regulations in the face of mounting industrial action across the country.  

“He took this decision notwithstanding advice he received that it was likely to be counter-productive to the problem he wanted to address and was being rushed through without any regard being taken to the duty to consult which was a fundamental legal requirement.  

“This is bad law-making made on the hoof and the Court has rightly held the Government to account.” 

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service remembers fallen comrade

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service held a Commemoration Service at the James Braidwood statue in Parliament Square on Wednesday to remember Firefighter Ewan Williamson, who tragically lost his life during firefighting and rescue operations at the Balmoral Bar in Edinburgh in 2009.

Ewan’s existing and retired SFRS colleagues stood alongside family and close friends to remember him. The service included addresses from Ewan’s sister, Chief Officer Ross Haggart, the Depute Lord Provost, Watch Commander Robert Donaldson and readings from the SFRS Chaplains.

SFRS colleagues, representatives from the public sector and charity organisations from across the city were also in attendance at the event held on Wednesday (12 July) to remember the tragic circumstances at the Balmoral Bar.

To conclude the service a one minute silence was observed followed by a wreath laying ceremony involving members of Ewan’s family alongside the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Chief Officer Ross Haggart.

💐

At 00:38am, on 12 July 2009, Firefighter Williamson was a member of the first attending crews at a fire in the basement of the Balmoral Bar on Dalry Road in Edinburgh.

As the devastating fire spread, Ewan and his colleagues were deployed to tackle the fire in the basement and ground floor levels. This enabled other SFRS personnel to carry out multiple rescues of occupants from domestic flats in the three floors above, whose lives were endangered by the smoke and flames.

Firefighter Williamson, 35, who was a member of the Green Watch at Tollcross Fire Station, entered the building wearing breathing apparatus as part of the efforts to extinguish the fire. Tragically, he became trapped during firefighting operations and lost his life in the line of duty.

A total of 16 people, including a baby, were rescued that night, an outcome that could have been very different had it not been for the bravery of Ewan and his colleagues responding to the incident.

CO Haggart said: “My thoughts are with Firefighter Williamson’s family, friends and loved ones during this very difficult time of the year.

“Ewan’s ultimate sacrifice reminds us all of the extraordinary lengths our firefighters go to protect our communities.

“It’s of the utmost importance that our fallen colleagues are recognised and remembered for their courage and dedication to their role.”

Ewan’s family described him as having a “wonderful spirit, a smile that would light up a football field and a witty sense of humour that we miss deeply.

“He was a kind and giving person, always willing to help anyone. He was a loving son and not only a brother, but a best friend to his sisters, Rachel and Rebecca.”

Fire Brigades Union Regional Treasurer, Seona Hart, said: “Firefighter Ewan Williamson paid the ultimate sacrifice serving the public.

“We remember Ewan 14 years on from that fateful day on the 12th of July, 2009 and send our love and heartfelt thoughts to Ewan’s mum Linda, sisters Rachel and Rebecca, Ewan’s colleagues and all those that loved him.

“Ewan will never be forgotten and will always be in our thoughts.”

Crews from the Service all around the country also honoured Ewan’s courage, bravery and selflessness at 11am.

£1m Cycle Share Fund announced

Ahead of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, #ActiveTravel Minister Patrick Harvie announces £1 million Scottish Government investment to support bike share schemes.

The Scottish Government is investing £1 million to support bike share schemes. Delivered by Cycling UK, the Cycle Share Fund will get more people in Scotland cycling, by enabling access to a bike in an affordable, easy and convenient way.

It will enable organisations to purchase cycles and equipment for schemes that provide people with access to a bike that they don’t own. It will support a range of delivery models including loan schemes, subscription services, hire schemes, bike libraries, pool bikes and bike shares.

With support from Cycling UK, organisations who run or wish to run any form of cycle share scheme, including third sector and community organisations, charities, schools and other workplaces, will be eligible to apply for funding.

The fund will tackle barriers to cycling including the upfront costs of buying a bike, uncertainty around choosing the right bike or how to maintain it, or lack of a safe place to store a cycle.

Launching the funding, Minister for Active Travel Patrick Harvie visited Bike for Good in the west end of Glasgow, to learn more about their existing non-ownership pilot ‘SWITCH UP’.

Minister for Active Travel Patrick Harvie said: “I’m pleased to announce the Scottish Government investment of £1 million to support and develop cycle access schemes across the country.

“With the eyes of the world on Scotland for the first ever UCI 2023 Cycling World Championships – this investment demonstrates our commitment to removing barriers to cycling by expanding access – helping to keep the wheels in motion for everyday cycling after the event concludes.

“For our health, wellbeing and environment – we’re committed to building an active nation and making it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for shorter everyday trips.

“That’s why the Scottish Government has committed to spend at least £320 million, or 10% of the total transport budget, on active travel by 2024-25. Through this, we can bring about more projects like the one Bike for Good in Glasgow is expertly offering. Coupled with further investment in infrastructure, we will transform our communities to support the revolution in active travel that we need to see.”

Suzanne Forup, Head of Development at Cycling UK in Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to be delivering this fund that will provide more opportunities for people to cycle in an affordable and accessible way.

“We know that owning a cycle is not the best option for everyone, so we look forward to supporting a range of schemes that will break down barriers and enable people to feel all the benefits of cycling – financially, for their health, wellbeing and for our environment.”

Gregory Kinsman-Chauvet, founder and  CEO at Bike for Good, said: ““We welcome the Scottish Government’s Cycle Share Fund, delivered by Cycling UK. The purpose of the new fund aligns well with Bike for Good’s mission to enable people to ride a bike.

“We launched the UK’s first impact-led bike subscription service, SWITCH UP. We offer a safe, reliable and easy-to-use bike subscription service so that users are always ready and confident on the road. SWITCH UP users can access a bike, an e-bike or an e-cargo bike at affordable prices, with maintenance, insurance and mobile repairs included.

“Bike for Good is proud to offer this fantastic opportunity to Glasgow and are expanding it across the UK. A significant part of our fleet is committed to supporting low-income individuals.

“With SWITCH UP, we aim to make available a micro-mobility platform that enables people to access a bike as a mode of transportation. Overall, the new fund is a significant step forward for Bike for Good in their mission to make cycling more affordable, accessible, and widespread.”

Delivered by Cycling UK in Scotland, the #CycleShareFund will get more people in Scotland cycling through organisations like Bike for Good Glasgow.

It will enable access to a bike in an way that is:

🔹 affordable

🔹 easy

🔹 convenient

#PowerOfTheBike

#GlasgowScotland2023

Cycling World Championships: Volunteer kit revealed

The Champs Clan, made up of 4,000 volunteers from Scotland and abroad, will play a key role in the success of the cycling mega-event

Organisers of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships have unveiled the Championships kit.

The ‘Champs Clan’ is the team of 4,000 volunteers who will play a key role in the success of the biggest cycling event in history, coming to Glasgow and Scotland in August 2023. A gathering of the “clan” took place on Sunday 18 June with a sneak preview shared at this orientation event.

The Champs Clan features members from Scotland, the UK and around the world, with thousands of people excited to play a part in delivering the upcoming cycling mega event. Volunteers will play key roles within every venue, from making sure spectators have the best experience possible, to assisting with media operations and supporting elite cyclists.

The Champs Clan will be a recognisable and cherished part of the UCI Cycling Worlds, creating special memories for volunteers and fans in the same way as the “Clyde-siders” in the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the “Games-makers” for the London 2012 Olympics.

The first gathering of the Champs Clan was held on Sunday 18 June, where 1,500 volunteers descended on Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall for an orientation day hosted by Heart Scotland’s Des Clarke and Jennifer Reoch.

The event helped the volunteers learn more about the key roles they will play in August, while helping to raise the excitement for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

A much-anticipated part of the event was the exclusive reveal of the official volunteer outfit, provided by official provider Kukri Sports, the multi-sport clothing manufacturer.

Also in attendance at the event was Sean Batty, presenter and Champion for the volunteer programme, Lusia Steele (track cyclist representing Scotland and Great Britain), Trudy Lindblade (CEO of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships).

Christina McKelvie, MSP, Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development said: “Volunteers have an important part to play in the success of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and we are grateful to them for their enthusiasm and commitment to this groundbreaking mega event.

“It was great to see the energy and passion from the volunteers when I attended the first gathering of the Champs Clan held recently in Glasgow. I’m confident that our volunteers will give visitors a warm Scottish welcome during an exciting eleven days of sport in August.”

UCI President David Lappartient said: “An event the size and importance of these UCI Cycling World Championships could not run smoothly without the commitment and hard work of the volunteers.

“I sincerely thank the thousands of people who signed up to be part of the Champs Clan. They will be recognisable during the event thanks to their kit unveiled today, and I look forward to meeting some of them when I attend the different UCI World Championships taking place in Glasgow and across Scotland.”

Trudy Lindblade, CEO, of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships said: “Scotland is renowned as a warm and welcoming country and the Champs Clan are ready to welcome the world.

“We know from previous major events including UEFA EURO 2020 and the 2014 Commonwealth Games how vital volunteers are to the success of major events, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

“It was wonderful to see all our volunteers at our orientation day, I was inspired by their passion and dedication to delivering another mega event for Scotland”.

Billy Garrett Director of Culture, Tourism & Events, Glasgow Life said: “With our extensive experience in this area over recent years and sizeable events, Glasgow Life has taken on the role of delivering the volunteer programme for the whole Championships.

“In addition to enhancing overall visitor experience, through the programme, we are continuing to provide high quality, purposeful and meaningful volunteering opportunities that are accessible and inclusive. Importantly, we also provide pathways and information for future volunteering opportunities to retain skills and systems in Scotland for the future.”

Sean Batty, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships Volunteer Champion said: “It’s amazing to see the excitement among the Champs Clan as they gathered for the first time. They will all play such a key role in delivering this incredible event.

“We all can’t wait for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships to start and for Scotland to put on a show for the whole world to enjoy.”

Josh Beal, Sales Director, Kukri Sports said “With huge excitement building up to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, we can’t wait for the unveiling of the kit and all the staff and volunteers to get to see what they will be wearing this summer.

“It is extremely exciting to launch the official kit and design for such a fantastic event.”

The Final Curtain?

QUARTER OF MUSIC AND THEATRE VENUES CONCERNED ABOUT CLOSURE

  • A quarter of music venues (27%) are concerned they may need to close down[1], as more than a third (35%) of business expenses go towards energy bills[2]
  • Many are running at half capacity (50%)[3], and have resorted to production cost cutting (17%)[4] and raising ticket prices by up to 25%[5]
  • Two in five (39%) have also found that customers are purchasing less expensive seats and buying fewer refreshments[6]
  • Three in five (60%) music venues say that energy bills are their top concern for the next year, above inflation rates and staff costs[7]
  • Uswitch for Business energy expert, Jack Arthur advises businesses to check the contract they are on and to review energy usage across all organisational levels.

Energy bills are taking the centre stage of concern for live performance venues, as energy bills make up more than a third of overall business costs, according to Uswitch for Business, the business energy comparison and switching service.

Performance venues are widely recognised as energy-intensive spaces, and the new research of UK music venues, concert halls and theatres shows over a quarter (27%) are concerned about potential closure due to rising costs.[1]

Air conditioning, heating, as well as extensive sound and lighting systems required to create immersive experiences for audiences are all adding towards total energy expenditure costs, with venues needing between 6 -1,000 kw to power low level concerts to major artist events[8].

Venues of all sizes report running at half capacity (50%) on average[3]. More than one in four (26%) sold fewer tickets this year, compared to last year. [9]

Consumers attending live performances are also more inclined to choose less expensive seats (39%) or buy fewer refreshments (39%)[6].

The show must go on: responding to the high energy costs

One in six (15%) venues report having to increase ticket prices[4], at an average of 25% per ticket to cover increased expenditure[5]. In addition, more than a quarter (27%) have also increased the prices of refreshments.[4]

Venues are also looking at new ways to reduce their energy output to directly tackle the problem. Training staff in energy efficiency measures (45%), switching to more energy efficient or LED lighting for both onstage and offstage (41%), and turning off, down or restricting air conditioning and heating (36%) are just some of the tactics. [4]

Nearly one in five (19%) are also choosing to only open their doors during peak times of the week, and 17% are using less energy intensive movable staging and production measures.[4]

But as energy prices continue to oscillate at high levels, three in five (60%) businesses are citing bills as their top concern for the next year, followed by inflation rates (41%) and staff costs (30%).[7]

Venues say they may have to make considerable changes if business costs were to increase further, especially as more than one in three (34%) state their business margins are now lower than before the cost of living crisis.[6]

Two in five (40%) fear they may have to make staff redundant to reduce costs, and one in three (35%) worry they may not be able to pay their energy bills on time.[1] Overall, 32% feel anxious about the future of the industry.[10]

Jack Arthur, energy expert at Uswitch for Business comments: “Live performances are central not only to the UK’s culture and entertainment sector, but also to the UK economy.

“While the sector has seen some recovery since the pandemic’s impact, the cost of energy has added new additional challenges.

“With higher utility costs taking the stage, venues need to be meticulous about how energy usage is being considered at all levels of their organisation – from the stage floor to sound production.

“Investing in more energy efficient appliances where possible may help to bring costs down, and prevent the final curtain for many.

“Music venues should also make sure they’re aware of their energy contract terms and end date, so they can shop around for the best rates at the time of renewal. Getting expert advice where needed and speaking to someone could help many businesses make significant savings.”

Elspeth McBain, Chief Executive of Lighthouse Poole Centre for Arts says: “Energy costs have been a major challenge to our venue, and indeed all venues in the last year, just as we were beginning to recover and get back on our feet following the devastating effect of the pandemic on culture and hospitality.

“In 2023 our electricity bill alone will increase by 200% and we are doing everything we can to meet this cost. However, this is on top of the significant increase in the cost of living which has increased our costs in all areas of the business and has also meant our audiences have less leisure spend available, restricting the number of times they can attend cultural events.

“Together, these factors have made it a testing time for organisations like ours and theatregoers alike. I am desperate for energy and living costs to come down so that we can keep bringing top class artists and productions to Poole, support local talent development, provide opportunities for cultural participation, and ensure that culture within our region continues to play a vital part in our community.”

Mark Davyd, CEO & Founder of the Music Venue Trust says: “We have seen an incredible explosion in energy prices right across the grassroots music venue sector in the last 12 months.

“The current situation is really on a knife edge, with venues essentially clinging on to the end of existing fixed term contracts and any new tariff effectively immediately creating a venue under threat of permanent closure.

“We desperately need some action from Ofcom and the Government to make the energy market work for music.”

The issue will be debated at the ‘Festival of Politics,’ which will be held in Edinburgh between Wednesday 9-11 August.

The panel, being held on the evening of the 11th, is entitled ‘Scotland’s Music Venues’ will examine why, despite Scotland’s worldwide reputation as a music nation, Grassroots Music Venues are under extraordinary financial pressures with many facing closure, and how politicians can step-up and help create security for these spaces.

Chaired by Michelle Thomson MSP, Convener, cross-party group on music, the panellists will include Scottish singer-songwriter Hamish Hawk, MVT COO Beverley Whitrick and major event professional Jim Frayling.

Entry to this event is £6 or £4 concessions – available here: https://www.festivalofpolitics.scot/…/scotlands-music…

Unless otherwise stated, all figures taken from omnibus research carried out by onepoll on behalf of Uswitch for Business.

This was an online poll of 100 entertainment venue decision makers in the UK. The research was conducted between 6th and 9th June, 2023.

  1. Respondents were asked ‘If costs of the business you work at were to increase to higher levels, which of the following do you believe could happen to the business?’, 40% said ‘it may have to make staff redundant’, 35% said ‘it might be unable to pay energy bills on time’, and 27% said ‘it may have to close down’.
  2. Respondents were asked ‘Please estimate the proportion of your total business expenses that can be attributed to energy bills?’, the average response was 35.2%.
  3. Respondents were asked ‘At what capacity (i.e., number of tickets sold) is the business you work at currently operating at for shows/performances?’, the average response was 50.4%.
  4. Respondents were asked ‘What actions is your business taking to deal with high energy costs?’, 45% said ‘training all staff in energy efficiency measures’, 41% said ‘switching to more energy efficient / LED lighting (onstage or around the venue), 36% said ‘turning off, down or restricting air-conditioning or heating’, 27% said ‘increasing prices of refreshments at venue bars’, 19% said ‘opening the venue only during peak times of the week, 17% said ‘using less moving staging and production during shows, and 15% said ‘increasing prices of tickets’.
  5. Respondents were asked ‘By what percentage have you had to raise overall prices?’, the average response was 25.1%.
  6. Respondents were asked ‘What effects has the cost of living / rising energy prices had on your business?’, 39% said ‘customers are buying less refreshments’, 39% said ‘customers are choosing less expensive seats when buying tickets, 34% said ‘our business margins are smaller than previously’, 19% said ‘less of a demand for on the day tickets’.
  7. Respondents were asked ‘What are your biggest concerns for your business in the next year?’, 60% said ‘energy bills’, 41% said ‘inflation rates’, 30% said ‘staff costs’, 27% said ‘customers reducing non-essential spending’.
  8. https://tseentertainment.com/electrical-needs-a-big-part-of-concert-production/
  9. Respondents were asked ‘Does your business currently have as many tickets sold compared to this time last year?’, 26% said ‘it has less tickets sold than this time last year’.
  10. Respondents were asked ‘Which of the following statements do you agree with’, 36% said ‘my business was just starting to recover from the impact of the pandemic, and now energy costs are providing an even worse challenge’, 35% said ‘I am hopeful that the price of energy will drop in the next 3-6 months’, and 32% said ‘I feel anxious about the future of the industry’.
  11. https://www.choura.co/small-vs-large-concert-venues-which-is-better/#:~:text=Mid%2Dsized%20music%20venues%20typically,capacity%20of%20less%20than%201%2C000. (small – less than 1,000 seats /  large – up to 20,000 seats)

Volunteer Fair: Spaces running out

Bookings for the Volunteer Recruitment Fair have been open for a few weeks now and they are going fast. 

We only have 20 spaces remaining. So don’t delay and book your stall today.

You can purchase a stall via our online shop here or by clicking on the red button below.

The stallholder terms and conditions are available on our website, and additional resources including a risk assessment, exhibitors guide and a stallholder map will be made available here as soon as they are ready.

There is also a range of FAQs for any of those all important queries you may have.

What to expect

The Volunteer Recruitment Fair 2023 will showcase the wide range of ways that people can get involved in volunteering with organisations big and small, local and national, who serve a diverse range of communities and causes all coming together with the common aim to attract new volunteers.

Entry is FREE to the public, and more than a thousand potential volunteers are expected to visit and experience the diverse range of ways they can become involved.

Volunteering helps people truly participate in their communities, build new skills, get a taste of different working environments, create new friendships and boost individual confidence and wellbeing. Or simply just feel good that they have done something that made a difference.

When visitors need to sit down after taking in all of this new information there is a café serving delicious food and drink.

  • When? Wednesday 13 September 2023 from 10.30am until 6.30pm.
  • Where? St Paul’s and St George’s Church on York Place. Click here to view on a map.

Our last fair helped hundreds of people in their search for volunteering opportunities, connecting them with the organisations that needed their help. 

For lots more info please visit our website voled.in/fair

Napier students mark completion of bamboo structure in world first for sustainable construction

A team of students from Edinburgh Napier University have returned home after completing a world-first construction project in China – based around sustainable bamboo building material.

The first bamboo-timber composite grid shell structure of its kind has been built in Guangxi, with the help of thirteen students from ENU’s Department of Built Environment, who worked alongside colleagues from Guangxi University of Science and Technology and Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology.

It is hoped the finished 12m x 12m construction, which was funded by the British Council and Turing Scheme UK, could help develop sustainable building methods in the effort to combat climate change.

Bamboo’s strength and flexibility, as well as its wide availability as a natural resource, make it a viable construction material for large-span roof structures in future.

The ENU team travelled to China in early June, using the expertise picked up on programmes such as Architectural Technology & Building Performance, Advanced Structural Engineering and Civil Engineering to contribute to the building effort in various different roles.

Many of the students and staff involved have reunited at the University’s summer graduation ceremonies, where six of them, Onoh Nkiruka Patricia, Odutayo Olamide, Banke Olatunbosun, Mark Cawley, Olufemi Adeboye and Abisola Sarah Adeshina, collected their degrees.

Onoh Nkiruka Patricia, who took on the role of Project Safety Team Leader, spoke of her pride at taking part in the world-leading work. After leaving her home in Anambra, Nigeria, she worked in health and safety for 15 years, most recently in the UAE – and has now graduated with an MSc in Environmental Sustainability.

Onoh said: “To say I enjoyed it is an understatement! I didn’t want to leave. I worked with my heart – this has been my passion.

“That’s what I brought to the site, 101%. It was challenging – it certainly wasn’t easy – because of the climate we worked through the night at times. But when you make up your mind to do something, you do it.

“It was my responsibility to get everyone back safely, and I took that responsibility seriously.

“I am indebted to the team who all gave so much to this project.”

As well their ENU degrees, the student team have been given tiles, made from the same bamboo-based material as the grid shell, as a memento of their role in its creation.

Project lead Professor Johnson Zhang, from Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment, said: “This project showcased the pioneering research in bio-based construction at Edinburgh Napier University.

“It also serves as a testament to the immense potential of innovative sustainable construction technology in shaping a better future for the greener built environment we are creating.

“It was a privilege working with our Team BE-Napier and other two partner university student groups, together we formed a professional, dedicated and creative team. I enjoyed every moment of working with them.”

Alongside new graduates, Stephen Jideofor Onwunduba, Moses Okon Nseabasi, Mufthau Olawale Adebayo, Devika Vijayan, Konrad Zbyrowski, Alice June Davyson and Zara Anam Rafiq took part in the project. PhD student, Yanghao Pei, was its lead researcher, while Dr Ahmed Mohamed, Dr Daniel Barreto and Dr Suha Jaradat were on the project team.

The team are already making plans to carry out further research on the potential of bamboo-timber composite structures.

Musselburgh Racecourse promises kids’ paradise of free treats and family fun

Lucas Ice Cream Family Day set to hit the sweet spot 

A FREE ice cream for every child will be on offer at Musselburgh Racecourse thanks to Luca’s Ice Cream as it hosts a family friendly raceday in partnership with legendary local brand, S.Luca Dairy Ice Cream.  

With schools out for the summer, the venue has announced the return of its hugely popular summer extravaganza with loads of free activities for the youngsters, and some thrilling horseracing for the adults.  

Lucas Ice Cream Family Day will take place on 25 July 2023, offering pony rides, kids disco, face painting, chill out teepees and fairground rides – all free of charge for children aged 17 and under, including their entry.  

Aisling Johnston, Commercial Manager for Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to partner up with the delicious Lucas Ice Cream and invite families along to relax, have fun, create lifelong memories and of course, indulge in some seriously good ice cream! 

“Our dedicated kid’s Clip Clop Zone features some great activities for all ages, while the kid’s disco is sure to provide some quality entertainment – especially for the parents! 

“There will also be two special guest kid’s TV mascots in attendance. We won’t reveal who it will be just yet, but lucky little ones will have the chance for an exclusive meet and greet!” 

There will be six exciting flat races going on throughout the day, as well as some uniquely engaging pony races to delight spectators.  

A selection of delectable street food options will also be available, with attendees having the option to further elevate their event experience with special food and drink packages, including a Well Hung and Tender burger and beer package, before washing it down with some refreshing frozen treats.    

Lucas Ice Cream, which originates in Musselburgh, partnered with the racecourse for this fun-filled event to provide luxury ice cream to visitors, renowned for its smooth textures and magnificent flavours. 

Yolanda Luca, owner of Lucas Ice Cream, said: “As a family-owned company, it’s fantastic to be involved with an event of such value, being able to connect with the local community throughout the day. 

“We can’t wait to see everyone’s smiling faces and hope that the free ice cream adds an extra magical touch!” 

Gates for the event will open at 12pm, with the first race beginning at 2:30pm and the final race commencing at 5:20pm. 

Children 17 years and undergo free when accompanied by an adult, and tickets purchased before midnight on 24 July 2023 will save £2 per person. 

Located just six miles from the city centre, direct public transport links are available along with a courtesy bus from Wallyford and Newcraighall train stations. 

General admission prices are £23 when booked online and then £25 on the day of the event. All timings are provisional and subject to change. 

Musselburgh Racecourse provides year-round racing action, with 27 race days across the flat and jump racing season – weekend, midweek, and evening.  

To book your tickets for Lucas Ice Cream Family Day now, please visit:

 www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/tickets/lucas-ice-cream-family-day-2023 

Working together? Partnership agreed on National Care Service

Scottish Government, NHS and Councils to share accountability for services

The Scottish Government has reached an initial agreement with local government and the NHS about accountability arrangements for the National Care Service (NCS).

The agreement aims to establish who will be responsible for people’s care once the NCS is established.  Overall legal accountability will be shared between Scottish Government, the NHS and local government.

Staff will continue to be employed by local authorities, and councils will still be responsible for assets like buildings and the delivery of services.

New governance arrangements will be introduced to ensure consistently high levels of service across the country, while building the flexibility to meet varying community needs at a local level.

Social Care Minister Maree Todd said: “The Scottish Government has been working closely with Local Government to find a consensus on the National Care Service (Scotland) Bill, which will allow us to deliver on the urgent improvements needed to strengthen the delivery of integrated health and social care for people.  

“This partnership between the Scottish Government, Local Government and the NHS helps establish where responsibility for people’s care will sit under the National Care Service. The detail of how this will work at a local level will be developed in the coming months and we will continue to update parliament on this work, along with the results of our ongoing co-design events taking place across the country, after the summer recess.”

COSLA’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly, said: “Further improving the experiences of people accessing and working in social care and social work services must rest on an effective partnership between Scottish Government and Local Government.

“Combining shared national accountability with local expertise ensures the right balance of further improvement across Scotland, whilst rightly reflecting the diverse needs of local communities.

“We know too that successful change is driven by the valuable staff who deliver services. We hope by setting out the continued role of local authorities in delivering social care and social work functions, and staff remaining employed within councils, we offer comfort and stability to the Local Government workforce.

“In recognising this important first step, we know there is still more to do. As we progress forward, we are committed to continuing to work closely with people in receipt of support and partners to design a system that ensures individuals and communities always experience high quality care and support.”

The consensus follows the Verity House agreement on closer cooperation between Scottish Government and local government signed last month.

Collage Animation Workshops at Granton:hub

📣 New FREE Collage Animation workshops at Granton:hub!

Discover the hidden tales of North Edinburgh as you craft mesmerising animations using the captivating technique of stop-motion animation.

Dive into granton:hub’s archives and bring history to life through the medium of collage animation. Contribute to the ‘Filling the GAP’ archive and get a chance to showcase your unique animations at upcoming events.

You will be able to download and share your creations to inspire others with the vibrant spirit of the community. Join us for an extraordinary opportunity to ignite imaginations and bring local history to life!

Hosted at Madelvic House in Granton Park Avenue, Granton, EH5 1HS, this workshop promises to be a unique experience. Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of animation and discover the endless possibilities it offers.

This 2.5 hour long workshop will provide hands-on guidance and expert tips on creating captivating collages that come to life through animation. You’ll learn various techniques and gain valuable insights from an experienced professional in the field.

The session is part of Filling the GAP (Granton Archive Project) – check the details on the granton:hub website (https://grantonhub.org/art-filling-the-gap/)

It has been funded by Edinburgh Creative Community Hubs and the session is led by Dominika Jackowska, Animator. dominikajackowska.com

We are offering two workshops, please find the details of these below:

Young people’s workshop – Ages 10 – 16 on Monday 24th July from 2pm – 4:30pm. Book your space here. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/collage-animation…

Adult’s workshop – 16+ on Saturday 22nd July from 10am – 12:30pm. Book your space here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/collage-animation…