Community engagement funding to ensure groups are heard
Third sector organisations are being awarded new funding to help ensure as many voices as possible are contributing to the design of the National Care Service.
The funding will facilitate contributions from minority ethnic communities, LGBTI people, children and young people and those with experience of homelessness or the justice system.
Organisations will each receive £5,000 to encourage the communities they work with to have their say on how future community healthcare and social work services should look.
Social Care Minister Maree Todd said: “As we build a National Care Service that best fits the needs of everyone in Scotland, we need to hear from people directly.
“The new National Care Service will set the standards and guidance to support the design and delivery of community healthcare and social work services locally.
“The complexities of getting this right should not be underestimated. People with experience of the current system, whether receiving health and care support or delivering it, are the experts. We need to hear those voices – and those of groups who are often overlooked.
“We know that minority ethnic communities, LGBTI people, children and young people and those with experience of homelessness or the justice system are under-represented in our co-design work to date. We also know that people affected by dementia are a key group we want to hear more from and we will benefit from partnering with an organisation with expertise in this area.
“I am confident the funding to support co-design activity with seldom heard communities will help us shape a system we can all benefit from and be proud of.”
The partner organisations are:
LGBT Health and Wellbeing
Minority Ethnic Carers of People Project (MECOPP)
The Simon Community
Scottish Association for the Care and Resettlement of offenders (SACRO)
Thirteen tennis courts across four park tennis venues in Edinburgh, alongside a new booking system, have been officially launched after a £190,000 renovation.
This refurbishment was managed by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), and funded by the City of Edinburgh Council, the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation.
On Thursday (September 14) at the tennis courts in Leith Links, Culture and Communities Convener Councillor Val Walker, along with representatives from the LTA, saw in the official reopening of Edinburgh’s new courts.
There was also an opportunity for schoolchildren from the nearby Leith Primary alongside young leader pupils from Leith Academy, and other members of the local community to pick up a racket and get on court for a range of tennis sessions.
The Council contributed £33,000 towards the total investment, with the remaining £157,000 funds coming from the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation grant.
The courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, and a new gate system. This nationwide programme of investment is seeing thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.
As part of the partnership, the Council’s Parks and Greenspace service will manage the courts and adopt the LTA’s Clubspark booking system to manage community access which will be connected to a smart access gate at each of the refurbished venues.
The new booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability. The small booking fee of £1 will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come. The LTA and the Council will work together to ensure free park tennis sessions are also available on the courts providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.
As well as weekly free park tennis sessions, with equipment provided, the new courts will host Local Tennis Leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.
The refurbishment works for courts at Inverleith, Victoria Park, and Leith Links have now been completed. Works at St Margaret’s Park are expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “I was delighted to attend today’s launch at Leith Links and meet the local schoolchildren who will be some of the many in the community who will benefit from these newly refurbished courts.
“It is fantastic that courts at three out of four of the parks, Inverleith, Victoria Park, and Leith Links have now had works competed and have reopened, with St Margaret’s Park expected in the near future.
“We very much welcome the funding boost that the LTA project will bring to the city’s provision for tennis. Working together we’re investing in and improving four of our park tennis courts giving more opportunities for residents to get involved in the sport. I am looking forward to seeing residents and visitors take advantage of these fantastic new facilities.”
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Edinburgh officially back open to the public, and in better shape than ever.
“Public tennis courts are such vital facilities for getting active and we want as many people as possible, of all ages and abilities, to pick up a racket and enjoy playing tennis. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”
Stuart Andrew MP, Sports Minister, said: “We are committed to levelling up access to sport which is so important for the nation’s physical and mental health.
“The Government and the LTA are working together to deliver thousands of refurbished courts across Great Britain, supported by £30 million of investment including in £189,217 in the City of Edinburgh Council.
“These improved tennis facilities in Edinburgh will provide the local community with fun opportunities to get active and potentially become the next Andy Murray or Emma Raducanu.”
Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland Chief Executive, said:“With tennis participation and membership in Scotland at record levels, it’s important that we continue to invest in facilities to grow capacity.
“Park facilities are key to ensuring tennis is accessible to all, so we are delighted that these park courts in Edinburgh have opened following refurbishment.
“The appetite for tennis in Scotland has never been higher and these revamped courts, along with a number of other facilities being built and refurbished around the country, will help make sure more people are able to get access and play tennis across Scotland.”
‘American XL Bully’ dogs will be banned following a series of horrific attacks, the UK Government announced yesterday (15 September).
On the back of a number of shocking ‘American XL Bully’ attacks, the Environment Secretary will urgently convene experts to define the ‘American XL bully’ breed type in the next week.
This is a vital first step towards adding it to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
This group will include police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare stakeholders.
Environment Secretary Therese Coffey said: “Dog attacks are devastating for victims and their families and it is clear that more now needs to be done to stop them and protect the public. That is why we are taking decisive action to ban the American XL Bully.
“This is on top of the work the Government has been doing for some time with the police and local authorities to encourage responsible dog ownership and make sure the full force of the law is being applied.”
Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, a definition of the ‘American XL Bully’ breed type needs to be specified – including clear assessment criteria for enforcement authorities – in order to impose a ban.
The Government must then lay a Statutory Instrument to add it to the list of dogs banned under the Act. This will make it an offence to own, breed, gift or sell an XL bully. We will do this by the end of the year.
We need to safely manage the existing population of these dogs, therefore there will be a transition period. Further details on how the transition period will work will be provided in due course.
Current XL Bully dog owners do not need to take any action at this stage however, if XL Bully owners do not come forward during the transition period, they will be committing a criminal offence if they are subsequently found to be keeping one of these dogs.
Owners whose dogs are dangerously out of control are already breaking the law, and we already have a full range of powers to apply penalties to them. Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, people can be put in prison for up to 14 years, be disqualified from ownership or their dangerous dogs can be euthanised.
The Dog Control Coalition – which is made up of RSPCA, Blue Cross, Battersea, Dogs Trust, Hope Rescue, Scottish SPCA, The Kennel Club and British Veterinary Association – has long campaigned against banning specific types of dog, which fails as a solution to this urgent problem.
The Coalition, in a joint statement, said: “The recent incidents are deeply distressing and our thoughts are with all those involved and affected.
“The biggest priority for everyone involved is to protect the public – but banning the breed will sadly not stop these types of incidents recurring.
“For 32 years, the Dangerous Dogs Act has focused on banning types of dog and yet has coincided with an increase in dog bites and the recent deaths show that this approach isn’t working. The UK Government must tackle the root issue by dealing with the unscrupulous breeders, who are putting profit before welfare, and the irresponsible owners whose dogs are dangerously out of control.
“The coalition urges the Prime Minister to work with them to fully understand the wide-reaching consequences of his decision to ban American bully XLs, which will have significant impacts on owners, the animal welfare sector, vets, law enforcement and the public.
“It is also critical that any policy designed to protect public safety is based on robust evidence and we are deeply concerned about the lack of data behind this decision and its potential to prevent dog bites.”
Further detail on next steps for developing a ban and information for owners will be provided in due course.
POLICE are appealing for information after a 19-year-old man suffered serious injuries after being assaulted in Tollcross. The incident happened shortly after 12am yesterday (Friday, 15 September) in Brougham Street.
The man was approached by a group of three male youths and subsequently assaulted. He required treatment at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh to injuries sustained in the incident.
One of the youths is described as about 16-years-old, clean shaven, tall with brown hair and a fringe. He was of stocky build and wearing a black jacket, grey bottoms and black shoes.
The second was also about 16-years-old, white, clean shaven and wearing a grey hooded top with grey jogging bottoms. He was riding a dark coloured bike with white writing
The third was a younger male, white, small and of thin build with blonde hair. He was wearing a black hooded top and black tracksuit bottoms.
Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and I would urge anyone who may have information which could help to get in touch.
“Enquiries so far have established the three youths had been in the city centre on Lothian Road and the Meadows prior to and after the assault.
“If you believe you have may have seen them or have any other information relating to the assault please come forward. We would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam or private CCTV footage from the area.
“Anyone who can help is asked to call 101, quoting reference 0226 of 15 September, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Climate campaigners will march through Edinburgh today (16 /9/ 23) to demand the UK and Scottish Governments develop a plan for a fair and fast transition away from fossil fuels.
The protestors are demanding action to phase out oil and gas in the UK including a halt to controversial projects like the Rosebank oil field and a new gas-fired power station in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire.
Organisers say there must be a fair and fast transition for the workers and the communities most affected by the move away from fossil fuels and these people should be at the heart of planning this transition to ensure it meets their needs.
The march is one of 400 actions taking place around the world with millions of people involved this weekend ahead of a UN Climate Ambition Summit of world leaders in New York next week.
Scientists, energy experts and climate campaigners agree that there must be no new investment in oil, gas or coal anywhere if the world is to limit further climate breakdown. Despite this the UK Government wants to “max out” new North Sea oil and gas and grant over 100 new licences for further oil and gas exploration.
The march is organised by a coalition of groups including Edinburgh Climate Coalition, Friends of the Earth Scotland, Fridays for Future, Climate Justice Coalition, War on Want, Extinction Rebellion Edinburgh, Scot.E3, Greenpeace Edinburgh and Youth in Resistance.
Steve Gray, a delegate of Aberdeen Trades Union Council who will speak at the rally after the march said: “Aberdeen Trades Union Council welcomes the opportunity to march in solidarity with the climate justice movement and thanks everyone for their support for a just transition for workers employed by the fossil fuel industries.
“The tragic deaths caused by the Stonehaven trail derailment during a storm showed the devastating impacts of a changing climate. Aberdeen Trades Union Council, alongside our STUC allies, recognise that we cannot allow these hazards to multiply and threaten our communities.
“All our gains from free school education to votes for working people and equal pay for women have been won through collective struggles. We can once again win this shared fight and secure decent jobs for people building climate resilient communities in Scotland and around the world.”
Lucia Harrington, Lead Organiser of Fuel Poverty Action who campaign for insulated homes and clean, affordable energy for all commented: “Our households’ resources, and the earth’s resources, are being exploited by the profiteering fossil fuel industry, and this is driving fuel poverty and climate disaster.
“ One of the leading causes of the cost of living crisis was that fossil fuel powered energy companies were allowed to make record profits at the expense of millions of people who are forced to go without heating, hot water and electricity.
“We need a just transition now to an energy system that works for people and the planet. Many workers in the fossil fuel industry want to be part of this transition without losing their jobs and falling into fuel poverty.”
Friends of the Earth Scotland’s oil and gas campaigner Freya Aitchison said: “Millions of people will be in the streets around the world because politicians are failing to deliver the fast and fair transition away from the fossil fuels that are fuelling climate breakdown.
“ The near daily climate disasters we are witnessing from Libya, to Greece to China are driven by the burning of fossil fuels yet politicians are still cheerleading for fossil fuel companies. Rishi Sunak’s plan to ‘max out’ oil and gas will maximise climate destruction while the Scottish Government is considering approving a new gas plant at Peterhead in Aberdeenshire which will lock us into burning fossil fuels for decades to come.”
“Marchers in Edinburgh are calling for a properly planned transition away from oil and gas which is led by the workers and communities most affected. A credible plan to switch to renewables can deliver huge benefits to people such as more affordable energy, secure green jobs, warm homes and a safe climate.”
Two fundraisers with sight loss are taking on a 14-mile sponsored walk in tartan, thisSunday, September 17th.
The Kiltwalk is an annual multi-city event allowing anyone to raise funds for the charities and causes they care about. Shona Black (58) and Daryl Stewart (21) will be embarking on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk to raise funds for RNIB. It’s a cause that’s so important to them and over 180,000 other people who have sight loss in Scotland, as well as their families and friends.
The pair are up for a challenge, however, as they are not only participating in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk, but they have already taken part in the previous three events taking place across the year, in Glasgow, Dundee, and Aberdeen.
Their year-long Kiltwalk journey finishes with a 14-mile grand finale in Scotland’s capital.
Both long-time volunteers, Shona has been severely sight impaired (blind) for most of her adult life, and Daryl is partially sighted.
Shona says: “We are especially looking forward to Edinburgh as it’s our last Kiltwalk of the year. We have our fingers crossed for good weather and some other members of the sight loss community will be joining us too.
“Afterwards Daryl and I have promised ourselves we are going for a well-earned drink or two!”
All funds raised by Shona and Daryl will go towards helping RNIB to offer practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people, their families and carers.
* You can support Shona and Daryl’s Kiltwalk here:
Get ready to dance the night away at Cineworld with Barbie in 4DX! For one week only you can immerse yourself in Barbie Land with this multisensory cinematic experience across 35 Cineworld locations in the UK and Ireland. Tickets are now on sale for the 4DX release date TODAY – Friday, Sep 15.
Barbie is a dazzling and empowering tale for all ages with its inspiring storyline, incredible fashion, and unforgettable characters. Now, thanks to Cineworld’s state-of-the-art 4DX technology, viewers can be transported into the enchanting world of Barbie in the most immersive way imaginable.
What is 4DX, you ask? It’s a cutting-edge, multisensory experience which feels like a cinematic roller coaster with moving seats and 20 stimulating effects. Think: Beach. With water effects.
Barbies and Kens can also expect:
Motion Seats: Feel the excitement as your seats twist, sway, heave, shake and vibrate in sync with the on-screen action, whether Barbie is riding her dream car or dancing the night away.
Environmental Effects: Engage your senses and experience the magic as bubbles, misty smoke, gentle breezes, even captivating scents seamlessly blend into the cinematic adventure.
Lighting Effects: Synchronized lighting that transforms the atmosphere of the movie, immersing you in a giant blowout party where dazzling lights will leave you positively electrified.
The phenomenal success of Barbenheimer (Barbie and Oppenheimer), both released on July 21, saw a record breaking week for Cineworld which had its ‘best week ever!’ welcoming over 1.7 million guests over a 7 day period, making it the busiest in the exhibitor’s history. Cineworld came out on top as the number 1 exhibitor in the UK overall in terms of box office market share.
Customers are advised to book their Barbie 4DX tickets in advance to avoid disappointment at cineworld.com/4DX or using the Cineworld app.
Casey Cohen, Head of Marketingat Cineworld said: “Barbie has been the buzzworthy blockbuster of the year, and we’re tickled pink to welcome all of those who want to embark on an electrifying 4DX adventure with Barbie and Ken.
“Get ready for a rollercoaster of sensations, where your seats sway and your senses sway with them, propelling you headfirst into Barbie’s whimsical world. Whether it’s your Barbie movie debut or a thrilling reunion, this exhilarating format will have you bouncing in your seat with delight. We promise, it will be the best day ever!”
POLICE are appealing for information following reports of an assault at the football pitches on Muirhouse Parkway during a Craigroyston Community Youth Football game on Sunday, 10 September, 2023.
Anyone who witnessed this incident is asked to contact 101 and ask to speak to Gayfield CID or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
British Council Scotland has announced the appointment of Peter Brown as its new Director. Peter will lead global education and arts programmes and will sustain and grow the British Council’s current network of relationships across Scotland.
He will support engagement around culture, education, and cultural relations with a network of over 100 international offices, taking the best of Scotland to the world and vice versa.
Peter will join the team in Edinburgh, moving from Serbia where he has been Director for the Western Balkans for the past three years.
In Belgrade, Peter led the British Council’s work across the Arts, English, and Education – most recently on the UK government funded 21st Century Schools programme, reaching 1 million 10-15 year old children in 4000 schools between 2019 and 2022.
Peter is excited to return home to Scotland and says about the new role: “I’m absolutely thrilled to join the team in Edinburgh and to head up the British Council in Scotland. I’ve been with the British Council for over 30 years and have worked around the world making global connections and building relationships with the UK. I’m looking forward to carrying on this work in, and for Scotland”.
“The British Council has brilliant and well-established arts and education programmes connecting across the country and I’m excited to help create more opportunities for Scottish creatives, students, and organisations to build worldwide connections.
“More broadly, I will look at how we help amplify the cultural assets of Scotland such as its leadership in creative showcasing and education partnerships.
“We’re working with the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities to offer the global EARTH Scholarship programme focused on creative approaches to the climate crisis.
Peter brings with him a wealth of international experience, having led policy and education work across the Western Balkans and has held Country Director roles in Mozambique, Venezuela, Uganda and Ethiopia.
Welcoming Peter into the Director role, Seona Reid, Chair of the British Council Scotland advisory committee, said:“We are delighted to welcome Peter into this important role. Peter has longstanding connections with Scotland and has a reputation for delivering work internationally and creating lasting value.
“I have no doubt he will make a very significant contribution to the internationalisation of education and arts in Scotland in the coming years, working alongside valued partners including the Scottish Government.”
Scotmid has announced the launch of an exciting new charity partnership with the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) and is rallying customers, members and colleagues to come together and ‘seas’ the opportunity to support their fundraising efforts.
Funds raised will enable the RNLI to purchase a new Atlantic 85 lifeboat, which will form part of the relief fleet and will be used by stations to assist in critical rescues during times when vessels are undergoing repairs or maintenance.
Jill Hepburn, Head of Region for the RNLI in Scotland, said:“We are very excited to be working with Scotmid, which has an incredible reputation for both fundraising and raising awareness for their charity partners.
“This partnership will reach into the very hearts of our communities and help us to raise awareness of water safety and the incredible work carried out by our dedicated volunteers.
“Over 90% of our rescues take place less than one mile from shore, meaning the Atlantic 85 is credited with saving countless lives each year. As part of our relief fleet, the Scotmid lifeboat will have a lifesaving impact on numerous communities in Scotland – a tribute fitting to such an outstanding organisation.”
The Atlantic 85 is one of the fastest in the RNLI’s fleet. The boat has the capacity to carry four crew members as well as core medical and rescue equipment. Critically, it has the space to transport several additional people, making it ideal for a range of open water incidents.
John Brodie, Chief Executive at Scotmid, said:“The alignment of the RNLI’s values with our own, which centre around serving our communities and enhancing lives, makes us perfect partners. As we eagerly embark on the year ahead, our colleagues are already ‘on board’ and enthusiastically charting out fundraising plans!”
Volunteer lifeboat crews provide a 24-hour rescue service, and seasonal lifeguards look after people on busy beaches. RNLI crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives since the charity launched in 1824, with lifeboats launching 9,312 times in 2022, saving 389 lives.
The RNLI has 238 lifeboat stations around the coasts of the UK and Ireland.
