The Dungeons in Edinburgh, York and Blackpool are offering free entry to medical students to celebrate the start or return to university this September.
All suffering students studying medicine will be able to claim free entry to the dark depths of the Dungeons during the 18th and 22nd of September, where they will come face to mask with the Plague Doctor, who will share their terrifying top tips to help them survive the year.
Whether it’s fighting the dreaded freshers’ flu or battling the spine-chilling workload, the (in)famous Plague Doctor has all the answers to ensure students are imperfectly prepped for another year of sickening studies.
The Dungeons is renowned for taking guests deep into the dark depths of each attractions’ local history, whether that be walking alongside notorious grave robbers Burke and Hare in Edinburgh, stepping inside Dick Turpin’s darkened carriage in York, or warding off the Pendle Witches in Blackpool.
Mark Mattinson, General Manager at The York Dungeons, said: “Going to university can be one of the scariest things in a young adult’s life, and we’re here to make it even worse for them, with our truly terrifying and devilish dark experiences within our attractions.
“There’s nothing a degree can teach you that the Plague Doctor can’t, so we thought we’d let medical students come and listen to our own in-house expert, they may even get treated for that freshers’ flu that plagues the university halls.”
To receive free entry to The Dungeons, medical students can visit their local attraction between 18th and 22nd of September and show proof of their university course when purchasing tickets. T&Cs apply*.
Not a medical student? Don’t fear! All students can get over 30% discounted tickets to the Dungeons. Students in York and Edinburgh can book directly through the Dunegons website, whereas students in Blackpool can book via Student Beans: https://www.studentbeans.com/student-discount/uk/the-blackpool-tower-dungeon
For further information and to book a visit to The Dungeons, please visit the website here: https://www.thedungeons.com/
Join us for our 2nd annual Harvest Celebration at Lauriston Agroecology Farm from 2pm – 5.30pm on Saturday the 30th September!
Line up as follows…
2pm – 3pm : “Arise” Storytelling Show from The Breadagogues – this show is free, but seats are limited, so please book to guarantee a reservation for the show. Unreserved standing places will also be available on the day.
2pm – 3pm : Soil Explorations in the field & under the microscope with Lauriston Soil Lab
2pm – 4pm : Apple Pressing with Lauriston Farm’s Orchard Group
2.30pm – 3.15pm : Herbal Walk with Grass Roots Remedies
3.00pm onwards : Food from Scran Academy
3 – 3.10pm : Spoken Word from Vicky Nyanga-Ndiaye
3.10pm – 4.10pm : Shunpike Social Club – Cumbia, Brazilian and Cuban music with big band flair
3.15pm – 4pm : Writing Workshop with Vicky Nyanga-Ndiaye
3.30pm – 5pm : Herbal Tea Bag Making with Grass Roots Remedies
4pm – 5.30pm : Grain Processing with a pedal powered mill (TBC)
4.10pm – 4.20pm : Spoken Word from Ayden Brouwers
4.20pm – 4.30pm : “Soil Health = Community Health” Cranky Theatre Show
4.30pm – 5.30pm : Open Music Session hosted by Shea Martin and Omar Afif – feel free to play or just listen to the audible pleasures. You can bring your own instrument or borrow one.
+ Veg, bread and herbal market stalls, face painting, games & crafts throughout!
On Monday (18th September), the 7th Annual Asian Restaurant Awards Scotland, held at The Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh by the Asian Catering Foundation, saw over 70 of Scotland’s most loved Asian Restaurants and Takeaways battle it out for awards decided by over 10, 000 people’s votes.
This much anticipated night, hosted by BBC News anchor Samantha Simmonds, was a celebration of some of the best restaurants serving some of the finest food in Scotland.
Speaking following event, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “The work these restaurants are doing in challenging circumstances is exemplary and I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to them all.
“I’d like to thank all winners and nominees for their participation in the night. We were treated to a great night with fantastic performances and food which showed the diversity of our wonderful catering industry. I would also like to put on record my thanks to ACF Chairman Yawar Khan for organising the event, in addition to the staff at the Sheraton Grand Hotel who helped the night run smoothly.”
The Lothians Labour list MSP also expressed concern at the lack of government support to tackle the long-term problems affecting the industry: ““Asian restaurants are a crucial part of the hospitality scene in Scotland, with their cuisine enjoyed by thousands of patrons every week.
“However, the challenges these restaurants face are unprecedented. Just as they were recovering from damage the Covid-19 pandemic inflicted on their businesses, they were struck with a drastic rise in energy prices and a cost-of-living crisis.”
“It’s also no secret that hospitality venues have struggled with staffing for a long time now.
“The UK and Scottish Governments must act now to support these businesses on issues old and new and ensure these restaurants and takeaways continue to thrive for many years to come.”
SHE Scotland invite you to celebrate #dayofthegirl and the launch of our new strategy. Sharing our aims and vision to support girls, young women and woman to be their own SHEros.
Scottish Ensemble are joined by Jasdeep Singh Degun for their latest ambitious cross-genre collaboration.
Scottish Ensemble partner with composer and sitarist Jasdeep Singh Degun, for a collaborative tour across Scotland this October.
Jasdeep is one of Britain’s leading voices in the Indian Classical Music tradition, and this tour will see him performing for the first time in Scotland.
The performance will feature the premier of a new composition by Jasdeep forsitar, tabla and strings, written specifically to be performed alongside Scottish Ensemble’s musicians.
Touring to Dundee, Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow and Manchester, this performance promises to spin a music tale of mesmerising melody, not to be missed!
“Showcases the classical music of the subcontinent but also mixes, melds and modernises it.” – Financial Times, on Jasdeep’s debut album Anomaly
Scottish Ensemble kick off the first collaboration of their 2023/24 season performing alongside Leeds-born sitarist and composer, Jasdeep Singh Degun. Jasdeep has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s leading voices in the Indian Classical Music tradition.
He has performed at a wide range of prestigious and high-profile venues across the UK and abroad, including performing for Prince Harry as part of BBC Documentary Goldies Band; at the UN opening of the Amphitheatre in Doha, Qatar in 2012 in a concert led by composer Vangelis; accompanying Donovan at the Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool; and in a sell-outperformance of his album Anomaly at the Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room.
Partnering with Scottish Ensemble, Jasdeep will be bringing his unique approach to Indian classical composition to Scottish audiences for the first time. Scottish Ensemble and Jasdeep will tour to Dundee, Edinburgh, Inverness and Glasgow, with an additional afternoon performance at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.
Jasdeep began work with Scottish Ensemble in July, when a quintet of string musicians to joined him and tabla player Harkiret Singh Bahra to begin developing this performance.
Together they began to bring together the complex and contrasting traditions of Indian and Western classical music. Scottish Ensemble took this opportunity to get to grips with the uber-tight rhythms and the beautiful balance of structure and freedom at the heart of the Indian classical music.
Scottish Ensemble are well-known for their innovative and ambitious cross-genre and crossartform collaborations. They strive to create exhilarating musical experiences through working with musicians from a wide array of genres and musical traditions. The development of this work has tested their musicians’ skills and challenged how they think about music and performance.
These moments are where collaboration flourishes, pushing the boundaries of form and genre, and challenging conventional musical labels or categorisation.
This performance will feature a number of compositions by Jasdeep Singh Degun, including works from his album Anomaly, alongside work by medieval German composer Hildegard von Bingen, and American contemporary composer Terry Riley.
These pieces of western repertoire are rooted in minimalism, drones, and improvisation, and were selected to complement and enhance the experience of Jasdeep’s compositions.
Hildegard von Bingen was a 12th-century abbess and polymath and is one of the most well known and most recorded composers of sacred monophony – Christian religious music which follows a single melodic line.
Drawing a contrast with this ancient music, is Terry Riley’s Sunrise of the Planetary Dream Collector written for the Kronos Quartet in 1980.
This work allows its performers to “co-compose” a version of the piece. It is composed of 24 repeating modules designed to be combined, juxtaposed, and overlapped freely by the musicians in performance.
A highlight of the concert will come with the world premiere of a new work by Jasdeep, commissioned by Scottish Ensemble specifically for this tour.
This new work, composed for sitar, tabla, and string quintet, draws upon the creative collaboration between Jasdeep and Scottish Ensemble’s players from their initial rehearsals. Jasdeep spent two days with Scottish Ensemble’s musicians, sharing knowledge and experience, rehearsing arrangements of Jasdeep’s work and the western repertoire.
This experience and exchange of knowledge has built the foundation for Jasdeep’s new work, which is written specifically to be performed with Scottish Ensemble’s quintet of musicians.
Join Scottish Ensemble and Jasdeep Singh Degun this October for a musical tale, driven by the beautiful spontaneity of the Indian Classical tradition, transporting you through layers of mesmerising melody.
Listings Details
Dundee – Wed 4 October, 8pm – Marryat Hall Edinburgh – Thu 5 October, 8pm – The Queen’s Hall Inverness – Fri 6 October, 8pm – Eden Court Glasgow – Sat 7 October, 8pm – Adelaide Place Manchester – Sun 8 October, 4pm– Royal Northern College of Music
Make the most of the outdoors in Edinburgh and the Lothians this autumn with the National Trust for Scotland and create shared memories to treasure, with the opportunity to take part in stunning outdoor walks through spectacular autumnal gardens and fun-filled playparks for the whole family to enjoy.
As Scotland’s largest conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland shares and protects over 100 places across the country thanks to the help of its members and supporters, including Malleny Garden and Newhailes Estate. With a wealth of captivating places to discover, wildlife to wonder at and picturesque landscapes to immerse yourself in.
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, a fun day outdoors with the family, or an opportunity to witness Scotland’s natural heritage through a relaxed guided tour, there are experiences to be shared at Trust places across the country.
At Gladstone’s Land, history lovers can explore the new immersive visitor experience and discover the fascinating lives of the people who once lives in the property – the perfect way to get children and young people engaged with and excited about Scotland’s history.
With guided tours available at numerous Trust places, those with a passion for Scotland’s history and heritage can learn more while exploring some of the region’s most interesting places.
For the perfect autumnal walk just half an hour’s drive from the capital, the House of the Binns parkland trail has it all. Discover woodland wildlife, wander amongst ancient trees and take in the rewarding views.
Create memories to remember as you discover the prominent and breath-taking landmarks around the estate. For those willing to venture slightly further afield, in October and November, animal lovers may spot grey seal pups at a number of National Trust for Scotland places, like St Abbs Head in the Scottish Borders.
In Edinburgh and the Lothians this autumn, visitors can experience a range of activities for all ages across Newhailes, Georgian House and Gladstone’s Land.
Families can visit the spooky Haunted Woodland at Newhailes this autumn and enjoy an eerie trail through the woods. In the city centre, fans of the hit tv series Game of Thrones can enjoy learning all about the real Scottish events that inspired iconic moments from the hit show, like the infamous ‘Red Wedding’ at Gladstone’s Land on 23rd November.
Stuart Maxwell, Regional Director for Edinburgh and the East at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “At the National Trust for Scotland, we look after and provide access to a wonderful breadth of places across Scotland, with many looking at their very best as the leaves change.
“Whether you’re looking for a family day out, to make memories with friends, share a new experience with a loved one or get a boost from connecting with Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage, there’s a place and activity for everyone across the over 100 properties our charity is proud to care for.
“In and around Edinburgh this autumn, our visitors can embark on a scenic cycle around Newhailes House & Garden estate, or enjoy the hidden treasure that is Malleny Garden, a tranquil oasis on the outskirts of the city.
“Thanks to the support of our members, visitors and donors we’re able to continue protecting and sharing Scotland’s special places, providing a backdrop for memories that last a lifetime.”
Edinburgh Multicultural Festival, supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, will be held at Edinburgh College (Granton Campus) and Lauriston Castle on 30 September and 1 October 2023.
The programme features a diverse range of performers and visual artists telling their stories through creative writing and visual literacy workshops, artwork, poetry, storytelling, music, theatre, and dance.
There are also family activities, including arts and crafts, puppetry, living statues, reading sessions, and drumming workshops facilitated by Visual Literacy Matters and other artists. The festival truly has something for everyone.
This year’s musical acts include Los Chichanos, Mio Shudo, Motown Brothers, The Spinning Blowfish, Elaine Cheng, dance artists – Sam Vaherlehto and TuFlamenco as well as theatre makers – Catherine Bisset, Flavia D’Avila, Luntu Masiza and Olivier Van Den Hende.
The festival celebrates the cultural diversity of the Capital by bringing together local and international artists and creating experiences to be shared by all communities.
This year marks the 5th birthday of the festival, which has provided platforms, both on stages and digitally, for over 150 local and international artists of diverse backgrounds, and generated over 60k worldwide views since its inception.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said:“It’s fantastic to see the return of the Edinburgh Multicultural Festival later this month. I’m incredibly proud that we are supporting local artists of all backgrounds to get involved with a truly unique festival. We all want to see as many of our residents as possible expressing themselves and adding to Edinburgh’s already excellent cultural sector.
“Edinburgh’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths and this festival is just one fantastic example of our outstanding year-round cultural offerings. I want to wish the best of luck to all the organisers, performers and participants and I’m sure that this fifth year of the festival will be a great success.”
Edinburgh Multicultural Festival Director, Morgan Njobo said: “We are grateful to the City of Edinburgh Council for their support, thanks to which we can create opportunities for local diverse artists to share their work and cultures. As a South African artist based in Edinburgh myself, I value how welcoming the city is to the international talent.
“The festival is a celebration of cultural diversity in Edinburgh that is representative of the increasingly more diverse population in the city. This year we feature local artists of African, Asian, Caribbean, European, and South American origin thus creating a world stage at your doorstep.
“The festival has gone from strength to strength since 2019 as we continue to attract more participation in the arts in Edinburgh. Partnering with Edinburgh College in Granton and Lauriston Castle in Cramond allows us to create unique cultural experiences for audiences and participants of all ages and backgrounds while appreciating the hidden gem locations in Edinburgh.
“Let’s enjoy being able to be back together and support diverse artists and creatives here in Scotland.”
17 charities based in Scotland are celebrating today after receiving donations of £1,000 each as part of Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards.
For the fifth year running, Benefact Group is giving away over £1million to charities through its Movement for Good Awards. Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with 150 awards of £1,000 announced today.
Cat Concern, a charity that helps to rehome cats, The Saturday Café Club, a charity offering young disabled children fun activities, and Touch of Love Outreach, a charity that helps support families in Aberdeen experiencing real hardship, are some of the charities set to benefit from the money, following overwhelming public support in the country.
Kind-hearted Scottish residents donated their time and submitted more than 24,500 nominations for charities close to their hearts, with over 1,200 causes receiving votes.
More than 15,000 charitable causes in the UK and Ireland received votes, thanks to over 250,000 nominations from supporters. The 150 winning charities were picked at random from those nominated, following 150 previous winners being selected in June. Further donations will be awarded throughout the year.
Since the awards began, nearly 2million people have nominated and made a difference to communities all across the UK and Ireland with more than £5million given to over 2,500 charities.
This year, 420 charities will be awarded £1,000 donations, while 40 good causes will be awarded £5,000 via special grants throughout the year, aimed at helping charities in specific sectors. Winners will be drawn at random and the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected. Further donations totalling £500,000 will also be given in larger amounts later this year.
To find out how to support the Movement for Good Awards and to nominate a cause you care about visit www.movementforgood.com.
Thanking supporters in Scotland, Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: “We would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause as part of our Movement for Good Awards.
“Benefact Group is the third largest corporate donor in the UK and has an ambition to be the biggest. Owned by a charity, all of its available profits go to good causes, and the more the Group grows, the more the Group can give.
“We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”
Full list of winning Scottish charities:
Accord Hospice
Aunchenblae Pre-School Group
Burntisland and District Pipe Band
Cat Concern
Edinburgh Tamil Sangam
Group for Recycling in Argyll and Bute Trust Limited
Kenyawi Kids
Mearns Kirk Helping Hands
Neighbourhood Watch Scotland
PLUS (Forth Valley) Ltd
Saving and Rehoming Strays
Scottish Badgers
Start-Up Stirling
Stronger Together for Autism and Neurodivergence
The Maggie Fleming Animal Hospice
The Saturday Café Club
Touch of Love Outreach
Benefact Group has donated almost £200million to charitable causes since 2014 and has been recognised as the third biggest corporate giver in the UK1. The organisation aims to reach £250million in donations by 2025.
Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.
A mother who made the brave decision to save the lives of three other people and give another the gift of sight has urged more people to discuss organ donation with their families.
Debbie Young, 53, from Edinburgh, made the courageous decision to donate her daughter’s organs when she died two years ago.
Her daughter, Raechel Waterston was just six days away from her 21st birthday when she suffered a fatal seizure.
Debbie’s decision in the moments that followed saved and transformed the lives of four other people.
Now, as part of Organ and Tissue Donation Week, Debbie is encouraging others to decide which organs they would donate and speak to their loved ones about their decision.
Debbie, a support worker and mum of four, said: “I wish Raechel was here beside me every single day, but it’s a comfort that I could honour her love of helping others even at the end of her life.
“Raechel had learning difficulties and autism and she was sunshine in human form and she thought everyone was her best friend. She loved bowling, films, wearing costumes and interpretative dance. If everyone was like my daughter, the world would be an amazing place.”
Raechel was rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Hospital after the seizure, but the medical teams confirmed that there was no brain activity.
Despite facing the overwhelming loss of her daughter, Debbie bravely asked doctors whether Raechel could become an organ donor.
The specialist nurses in organ donation supported Raechel and her family while transplant teams scanned patient waiting lists across the country to find matching recipients and located three patients who were in desperate need of a transplant.
Raechel’s heart and kidneys saved three people’s lives and her eyes were given to another to help restore their sight. Her lungs were also donated to medical research.
Debbie said: “Raechel would usually sit on my bed while I was getting ready for work. She hadn’t come in which was unusual, so I went into her room and she was lying on the ground unresponsive and her lips and fingers had a blue tinge to them.
“Her favourite film character was Wednesday Addams, so my family and I chose to say goodbye to her on Wednesday at 10pm which was her bedtime. We wished her goodnight and told her we loved her like we usually did. I was the last one to leave the room and it was the hardest thing I ever had to do – to walk away while she was still breathing.”
Two years on, Debbie is still struggling to come to terms with the death of her daughter, but recently wrote a letter to all of Raechel’s organ recipients.
Debbie said: “I wrote a letter to tell them a little about my daughter and I warned them that they might start liking High School Musical because she was obsessed with it! I’ve heard from one recipient, and it’s been such a relief knowing that Raechel saved someone’s life.”
Debbie is urging others to consider what organs they would be happy to donate and to ensure that this decision is recorded on the organ donor register and shared with their family.
“I would really encourage everyone to register their organ donor selections online and to speak to their loved ones about this decision. If your death can help someone else to live, why wouldn’t you want to do that?
“My daughter’s life wasn’t a waste because she saved so many others and I think that’s an incredible feat.”
An NHS Lothian spokesperson said:“It is hugely important that people make the decision to sign up to the organ donor register and then discuss it with their families. Debbie knew right away that her daughter would want to make a difference in her death, just as she had throughout her whole life.
“Although Scotland now has an opt-out policy, it’s still really important to outline what organs you would be happy to donate on the organ donor register. You could help up to nine people if you decide to donate all your organs but having those conversations with your family is crucial.”
