Day: October 23, 2023

100 days to go to Self Assessment deadline

Self Assessment customers have just 100 days left to submit their tax return ahead of the deadline on 31 January 2024.

And with the clock ticking down, customers can find various types of help from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) at the click of a mouse – from webinars to step by step guides.

Anyone who needs support to complete their return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year can access the online help available on GOV.UK. It explains how to access HMRC’s services and ask for help, without having to call us.

Completing a tax return sooner means that customers can find out what they owe and can work out how to pay between now and the deadline.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “My advice for anyone completing their Self Assessment is to get prepared and, if they need extra support, to access HMRC’s free online help and resources. Search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”

Customers can pay through the HMRC app. If customers cannot pay in full, HMRC wants to help them to find an affordable way for them to pay the tax they owe. 

If  customers owe less than £30,000, they may be able to set up a Time to Pay arrangement and do this online without speaking to HMRC.

For a full list of ways to pay any tax owed, visit GOV.UK.

If anyone thinks they no longer need to complete a Self Assessment tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, they should tell HMRC as soon as possible to avoid any penalties. HMRC has produced 2 videos explaining how customers can go online and stop Self Assessment if they are self-employed and those who are not self-employed.

Customers need to be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone, including a tax agent, if they have one. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh to host drag spooktacular this Halloween

  • Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is hosting TWO unmissable Halloween events on Saturday 28th October   
  • From 12pm, guests can enjoy a drag villain brunch with appearances from iconic fairytale villains before being entranced by a spooky but fabulous Rocky Horror drag show, 9pm til late 

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is set to get Edinburgh trembling through TWO Halloween events on Saturday, 28th October. 

Starting from 12pm, Virgin Hotel’s all-day dining destination, Eve, will set the stage for a Halloween brunch like no other. Hosted by DJ Zac from Bolton and Mystica Glamoor, guests can sink their fangs into brunch favourites including mouthwatering crispy chicken burgers and fluffy pancakes all whilst enjoying a spellbinding drag performance from Mystica, who will be channelling looks of some of the most iconic fairytale villains. 

The spooktacular drag villain brunch is free to attend, with guests only required to book a table to enjoy the experience in the fabulous surroundings of Eve. 

And that’s just the beginning! Those who dare to stay out after the sun goes down can enjoy a spine-chilling drag rendition of the iconic Rocky Horror show from 9pm ’til late.

Hosted by Klarity Productions, theatre diva, Krystal Klear and DJ Jasper Noir will be welcoming star-studded guests onto the stage, including resident performer at Kabaret KweerDaddy Delight, who are ready to infuse this Halloween classic with an extra dose of glitz and glamour.  

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s expert team of mixologists will also be serving specially curated Halloween-themed cocktails all day for guests to enjoy. Those looking for some nibbles before The Rocky Horror drag show can tuck into some delicious small plates off the new Autumn menu in Eve, including Scottish farm buffalo mozzarella with pumpkin seeds as well as mouthwatering chicken thighs. 

Mafalda Albuquerque, General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “We are bringing a Halloween extravaganza to Eve this year with two fabulous drag events.  

“Starting with the drag villain brunch through to an iconic Rocky Horror drag show, guests will be in for an experience like no other on offer in the city this Hallo-weekend.  

“With our expertly curated Halloween-themed cocktails through to our delicious bites, there won’t be a need to step foot outside Virgin Hotels Edinburgh all day. So, join us on Saturday 28th October for a Halloween party you won’t forget!” 

For more information and to reserve a table for the drag villain brunch please visit: https://virginhotels.com/edinburgh/eat-drink/eve/ 

To join Edinburgh’s very own Rocky Horror drag show from 9pm til late, tickets can be booked here. 

This Halloween spooktacular is just one of many events hosted at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. To stay up to date with the latest news and events, follow along on social media here:  

  • Instagram @eveedinburgh @virginhotelsedi 
  • Twitter @virginhotelsedi 

Amazon Dunfermline pack for children’s charity

The team at Amazon in Dunfermline has delivered bundles of baby and toddler essentials to child poverty charity, Save the Children to distribute to vulnerable families across Scotland.

Save the Children Scotland works to give every child an equal chance; believing that all children have a right to a decent standard of living, to play and to learn. In partnership with Amazon, the charity was able to provide ‘Play Well’ packs to families which contain hints and tips to assist children’s play and learning at home.

In total, the team from Amazon in Dunfermline packed 200 boxes full of items including baby mats, bath bundles and sensory toys which they delivered to the charity for distribution to those who would benefit the most.

Speaking about the donation, Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “The team at Save the Children has changed the lives of so many families across Scotland and I could not be prouder of the team’s efforts to support the charity and show our gratitude.

“We hope the toys deliver smiles to the children that receive them and that the baby products help out parents in need.”

Alasdair Brown, an employee from Amazon in Dunfermline who took part in the packing, added: “I am pleased that we can support Save the Children with our donation of packages.

“We had a great day assembling the packs and I’m delighted that parents across Scotland will be supported with baby and toddler essentials.”

Claire Telfer, Head of Scotland at Save the Children, added: “We want to extend a big thank you to the team at Amazon in Dunfermline for helping us provide families with necessary items to assist learning and play.

“At Save the Children, we work to lessen the impact of poverty on children’s learning and development in the early years, and support from organisations like Amazon is essential in helping us achieve our mission of giving every child in Scotland an equal chance.”

The donation to Save the Children was made as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities around its operating locations across the UK.

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store hosts two free foraging events

Garden gifting inspiration with Dobbies

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is spreading festive cheer in Edinburgh by hosting two free workshops in November encouraging families to get inspired this Christmas with Gifts from the Garden.

Focusing on foraging and cost-saving methods to fill your home, the Grow How session and Little Seedlings Club workshop in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will inspire gardeners of all ages and abilities.

Grow How, a 15-minute session that takes place on Saturday 4 November at 10:30am, will give gardeners a guide on seasonal activities. Horticultural experts will show how gardens can be foraged to create sustainable wreaths and natural decorations for the Christmas tree and home.

Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club takes place in the morning on Sunday 5 November and is suitable for children aged 4-10 years old.

The gardening workshop is great for children who have an interest in learning about wildlife, plants and the environment, and takes place in a friendly group setting.

This educational and interactive children’s workshop will explore the changes that happen in the garden during winter, what natural items and foraged, alongside a look the history of popular decorative items like wreaths and Christmas trees.

In a bid to showcase sustainable ways families can get the home feeling festive this year, Dobbies’ CSR and Community Communications Executive, Chloë Bell, explains why these events are perfect for gardeners of all abilities.

She said: “We are always looking for ways we can bring the outside in, there’s no better way to get in the festive spirit than with some craft activities. The workshops in Edinburgh are suited for every member of the family, welcoming everyone to come together and decorate the home this Christmas.

“When decorating for the seasons, we encourage sustainable practices where possible, and foraging is the best way to use what is already in your garden.

“If you are lucky enough to find them in your garden, Pinecones and Acorns make for wonderful Christmas tree decorations and Moss, Fir, Eucalyptus and Holly leaves make a great base for a wreath.”

For more information about November’s events and to make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events

Community football at Bangholm

HIBERNIAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION at TRINITY HUB

This week we are launching our Trinity hub – we are running lots of activities that you can get involved in!

Check out the flyer (above) to see where you can attend

Follow this link to sign up or email samanthaw@hiberniancf.org …https://hibs-community-foundation.classforkids.io

Bright Red Triangle names first ever Entrepreneur in Residence

Bright Red Triangle (BRT), the enterprise hub at Edinburgh Napier University, has appointed Nigel Chadwick as its inaugural Entrepreneur in Residence.

Nigel will bring extensive expertise to the newly created role, which will offer invaluable guidance to the BRT community. His responsibilities will include mentoring, advising, and supporting emerging entrepreneurs as they embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.

Students, staff, alumni and the wider community will be able to draw on Nigel’s experience of founding Stream Technologies and scaling it through to exit. The firm specialised in connecting devices to the Internet of Things (IoT) – a rapidly-growing market allowing physical objects to connect and interact.

Nigel is known for his skill in strategic leadership, brand value, culture, and management excellence, while his passion for technology entrepreneurship matches BRT’s mission to nurture innovative ideas and transform them into successful ventures.

The appointment underscores Edinburgh Napier’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, providing students and the wider community with unparalleled access to industry expertise and mentorship.

Commenting on his new role as Entrepreneur in Residence at BRT, Nigel Chadwick said: “I’m very much looking forward to working with the team at Bright Red Triangle.

“To be Entrepreneur in Residence at ENU presents a fantastic opportunity to assist students, staff, and alumni on their entrepreneurial journey and to add value and drive scale through sharing my experience and skills with these formative as well as scaling teams.”

Nick Fannin, the Head of Enterprise at Bright Red Triangle said: “We are thrilled to have Nigel Chadwick join us as our Entrepreneur in Residence.

“Nigel’s extensive experience in building companies and his commitment to strategic leadership align perfectly with BRT’s mission to nurture and support emerging entrepreneurs. We believe his expertise will have a profound impact on our students, staff, and alumni as they embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.

“Nigel’s presence will be a tremendous asset to our community, and we eagerly anticipate the positive change he will bring.”

Four Square’s Springboard Project

The Springboard programme is for young adults aged 16-25 who are currently either at risk of homelessness or accessing homelessness services across Edinburgh.

Participants will be able to gain qualifications in Emergency First Aid at Work as well as Elementary Food Hygiene.

We will support the group with employability skills such as CV writing, Job Interview Skills and Job Applications. We also run workshops focused on mental health and wellbeing as well as weekly social outings to encourage participants to form lasting friendships.

The programme also includes a 3-day Residential trip with the Scottish Outdoor Education Centre to allow the participants to try their hand at some adventurous outdoor activities like rock climbing, abseiling, archery and much more!

Bus fare can be covered by Four Square and lunch will be provided on each day of the course.

Self-referrals can be made by emailing springboard@foursquare.org.uk

Toast the 10th edition of Sherry Week

6th – 12th November: Discover Sherries with food across the UK

Across the UK, sherry lovers are ready to toast Sherry Week 2023, happening from 6th to 12th November.

This year is the tenth anniversary of the largest annual festival of Sherry Wines in the world, which sees a week-long series of events planned nationwide. 

Tastings and pairing dinners in bars, restaurants and wine shops are being hosted for food and wine fans looking to discover the full range of Sherries and find out what makes them a perfect match for big food flavours.

All Sherry Week UK 2023 events are on the dedicated website where fans of Sherry can find out more and book tickets to wine tastings, food pairings and cultural events, plus plenty more besides. 

Sherry-lovers looking to sip their way around Edinburgh can follow specially designed routes – or ‘Sherry Rutas’ – that take in a number of bars, restaurants and wine stores across the capital.

 The Sherry Week website lists events and venues, helping locals in Edinburgh to choose and book as applicable, and then simply glide from one Sherry pairing menu or tasting, on to the next, experiencing the scope of versatile Sherry wines and matched gastronomy.

A few Edinburgh highlights of this double-digit birthday – expected to be the biggest, most exciting and best tasting Sherry Week yet – include:

·        Sherry Week In-store Sampling at Woodwinters– withthree different Sherries open to taste all week, along with a selection of cheese and olives to pair;

·        Store Tastings at Great Grog Wine– complimentary and with small tapas pairings;

·        A 4-Course Sherry Dinner at McLarens On The Corner – a guided discovery of why Sherry is a favourite wine for food pairings;

·        A Sherry Pairing Experience at Fin & Grape – a very special pairing flight paired with delicious sharing plates;

·        A Tapas Sherry Experience at Indaba Café Bar – with five incredible tapas plates and five delightful Sherries.

First launched in 2014 as a word-of-mouth series of events over the course of one week, Sherry Week has grown exponentially. 

The past nine years have seen half a million wine-lovers participating in more than 18,000 events in 40 countries and 4 continents* – all with the Jerez-Xérès-Sherry and Manzanilla D.O.’s official stamp of approval.

Sherry Week’s total tally of impressions on Twitter is an astonishing 157 million, with almost 74,000 social media posts with the hashtag #sherryweek, and over 240,000 likes on Instagram**.

More exciting events and activities are being announced from now right up to Sherry Week.

Visit www.sherry.wine/sherryweek to find out about and book onto Sherry Week events and create your own Edinburgh Sherry Ruta.

*Source: sherry.wine website

** Sources: BrandMentions, Tweetbinder, Twitter, Google Analytics

UK Space Agency’s Space for Everyone tour engages over 160,000 young people

The UK Space Agency’s Space for Everyone tour reached more than 160,000 young people on its 5-month journey around the UK

The STEAM tour, which featured a 72-feet replica rocket, visited 13 cities across all 4 nations of the UK between June – October this year, on its mission to inspire the next generation of space professionals. 

The tour showcased the pivotal role of space in enhancing life on Earth and highlighted the diverse career pathways available in the sector to young people from all backgrounds and skill sets.

In total, the tour covered 2,684 miles, the same distance as 5 return trips to the International Space Station.

Visitors had the opportunity to experience interactive exhibits, hear from experts, and learn about the career opportunities available in the UK space sector from partners including the World Wide Fund for Nature, Orbex, Skyrora and AmbaSat.

Besides individual participants, Space for Everyone also welcomed 130 school, youth, and community organisations, offering them specially guided tours, further enriching their educational experiences and knowledge of the UK’s spaceflight sector.

Following the Space for Everyone tour, the UK Space Agency’s iconic 72-feet replica rocket will now go on loan to Spaceport Cornwall where it will continue to inspire future generations about space as part of a free space-based exhibition.

Matt Archer, UK Space Agency Director of Launch, said: “We’re working hard to encourage diversity and inspire young people from all backgrounds and skill sets to ensure the UK space sector remains vibrant, innovative, and above all successful in achieving our goal for the UK to be the leading provider of launch in Europe by 2030. 

“Our Space for Everyone tour has achieved phenomenal success, engaging over 160,000 young people about the exciting opportunities in the UK’s fast-growing space sector and highlighting  the wide variety of opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds and skill sets.”

As part of the tour, Imperial College London joined forces with the UK Space Agency to build upon their recently launched website, I’m a Space Person, which highlights the range of careers in the space industry. Here, visitors can also download a range of free space-based education resources and career tips as well as an online version of the tour.

Dr Simon Foster, Outreach Officer and Teacher, Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, said: “We have been delighted to collaborate with the UK Space Agency on their Space for Everyone tour website.

“The space sector is a huge part of the UK economy and giving young people an understanding of the diverse range of careers on offer and how to access them is vital to ensure that we have a healthy talent pipeline”.

For further information about the Space for Everyone tour and to watch the online broadcast, please visit the tour website or follow @spacegovuk on social media.

FM to visit Brechin following Storm Babet

Humza Yousaf will meet people affected and thank those involved in the response

First Minister Humza Yousaf will visit River Street in Brechin today where the River South Esk burst its banks on Friday.

The First Minister is expected to meet residents who have been impacted by the storm and thank volunteers, the local council and the emergency services for their work in supporting people evacuated from their properties.

Angus Council has had an overwhelming response to an appeal for accommodation for those unable to return home because of the damage caused by the floods. In addition, a call for clothing and toiletries led to hundreds of donations.

Speaking ahead of the visit, the First Minister said: “My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives to the extreme conditions caused by Storm Babet during what will be difficult time.  

“I want to pass on my thanks to local authorities, volunteers and the emergency services for all their efforts in these extremely challenging conditions.

“The local community in Brechin, like others across Scotland, has come together to offer support to all those affected by the floods with Angus Council receiving hundreds of offers of alternative accommodation for those forced to leave their homes.

“The process of assessing the full amount of damage caused in all areas affected by the storm is now underway. This will take some time and we are working closely with local authorities to support the people and businesses affected.”

Angus Council Chief Executive Margo Williamson said: “I am tremendously proud of Angus’ response to Storm Babet. Working closely with partners from across Tayside we have done our best to preserve life in extremely challenging conditions.

“I would like to pay tribute to everyone who supported this effort, particularly our volunteer organisations such as the Red Cross, Voluntary Action Angus, and our Tayside 4×4 drivers who have played a vital part in this operation.

“Our staff in the council, in the Angus Health and Social Care Partnership, and our leisure trust ANGUSAlive, have all gone above and beyond, facing challenges on an unprecedented scale.

“I would also like to reassure the residents of Angus, who have shown such community spirit, that their care and support is our absolute priority, particularly those who are displaced. We are now firmly focused on making a full recovery, and this work has already started.”