The UK Government has launched a new disability awareness campaign, #AskDontAssume (writes TUC’s EMMA KOSMIN). Disabled people have had to point out that the campaign is offensive and harmful. But the government are not listening to disabled people.
The campaign encourages the public to ask disabled people questions about their lives. This can often be intrusive and upsetting.
The irony is that this is the same government that have done so much to stigmatize disabled people. They have cut services to the bone, and used disabled people as a scapegoat. And they have taken no meaningful action to address systematic barriers.
In fact, disabled workers are on the sharp end of the pay and cost of living crisis created by the government.
Seven in ten (69%) disabled workers now earn less than £15 an hour. That’s compared to half (50%) of non-disabled workers.
And disabled people are much more likely to be on zero hours contracts.
We need action from the government, not a fluffy PR campaign that will lead to even more harm.
Here are five things that the government should do, that would actually be helpful:
1. Raise the minimum wage to £15 an hour as soon as possible, to tackle the low pay that impacts disabled workers.
2. Stamp out insecure work by banning zero hours contracts and ending fire and rehire.
3. Make employers put reasonable adjustments in place for disabled workers. And bring in fines for employers that don’t.
4. Bring in disability pay gap reporting. Employers should have to publish how much they pay disabled workers, compared to non-disabled workers.
5. Make flexible working the norm for everyone.
Disabled workers need a pay rise and better terms and conditions at work – not another meaningless PR exercise.
UK Government to redirect vast HS2 savings into unprecedented transport investment across the country, benefiting more people, in more places, more quickly.
Scotland to benefit from funding to enable better links between the Cairnryan ferry terminals serving Northern Ireland and South West Scotland.
A total of £36 billion in savings from HS2 will be reinvested in hundreds of transport projects across the UK.
Network North will build better connectivity across the North and Midlands, with faster journey times, increased capacity, and more frequent, reliable services, according to the Westminster government.
And connections will also be strengthened across the United Kingdom, following recommendations made in the Union Connectivity Review.
Scotland will benefit from funding to solve the pinch points on the A75 between Gretna and Stranraer, providing better links between the Cairnryan ferry terminals serving Northern Ireland and southwest Scotland – recognising the importance of east-west connectivity within the UK.
The move comes alongside further investment in the connections with the M6 and Cumbria, and the A77 towards Glasgow.
Successive governments have promised it, but we ( the UK Government) are delivering long-awaited upgrades to the A1 coastal route between Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed, improving the route to Edinburgh and strengthening transport links between Scotland and England.
We will continue to work with the Scottish Government to deliver the benefits of this investment package and improve connectivity across the country.
TUC slams Conservatives’ decision to axe northern leg of HS2 as a “huge act of levelling down”
Commenting on the prime minister’s speech to Conservative Party Conference, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “The Tories have broken Britain. Today the Prime Minister confirmed what everybody already knew – he has neither a plan or vision for fixing it.
“Whether it’s failing to deliver HS2, presiding over the longest pay squeeze in modern history or record hospital waiting lists – the Conservatives’ record in government has been dire.
“We urgently need political change. The country cannot afford the Tories for one day longer. It’s time for a general election.”
Commenting on the decision to axe the northern leg of HS2, Paul said: “This a huge act of levelling down – however Rishi Sunak tries to spin it.
“The northern leg of HS2 would have created thousands of good jobs and boosted growth across the North and the Midlands.
“But these economic benefits have been squandered by the Conservatives’ gross incompetence. This failure is on them and them alone.
“The public will be rightly sceptical about more promises on transport investment for the north and the Midlands. Who can trust the Tories to deliver on anything?”
Charities and health professionals help design book – now open for applications
A Memorial Book is now open for anyone who has experienced pregnancy or baby loss prior to 24 weeks.
The book, produced jointly by the Scottish Government and National Records of Scotland, will give parents an opportunity – if they wish – to commemorate their loss with a physical record.
It was developed after listening to people who have experienced a pregnancy or baby loss prior to 24 weeks of pregnancy and is a free and entirely optional service.
Launching the book during a visit to the baby loss charity, Held In Our Hearts, First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “The loss of a baby at any stage of pregnancy has a profound impact on everyone affected, and the Scottish Government has listened to parents who told us how difficult it was that they often felt that their loss was not recognised.
“We have worked with health professionals, Royal Colleges, baby loss charities and National Records of Scotland to develop a Memorial Book of Pregnancy and Baby Loss, which provides a record of the loss, and a commemorative certificate.
“I am pleased that this is now open for applications from anyone who has experienced pregnancy or baby loss prior to 24 weeks. I am very grateful to everyone involved in making this a reality.
“I hope this will provide acknowledgment and a measure of comfort to those who have experienced the terrible sadness of a pre-24 week pregnancy or baby loss.”
Welcoming the announcement Nicola Welsh, Chief Executive of Held In Our Hearts, said: “The loss of a much-wanted baby at any stage of pregnancy, can be incredibly painful and isolating.
“A family are left grieving for a life they wished for and until now, for pre-24 week pregnancy and baby loss, there was no formal way to recognise that these little ones existed.
“The Memorial Book will, for the first time, provide the opportunity for families to have their little ones’ names added to the National Records of Scotland. We hope that by memorialising these little lives in this way, it will provide much needed comfort and recognition to these families.”
Chief Executive of Sands, and Chair of the Baby Loss Awareness Alliance, Clea Harmer said: “We hope that anyone who has been affected by pregnancy and baby loss prior to 24 weeks will find comfort in this new Memorial Book.
“We understand how vital it is for those who experience a bereavement at any stage in pregnancy to have their baby acknowledged and remembered and know that their babies’ lives mattered.”
National Records of Scotland will hold the Memorial Book, process applications and issue certificates.
The service is free of charge, completely voluntary and historical applications are welcome, as are applications for more than one loss.
Reduction in people receiving alcohol treatment in Lothian
A 1,000 fewer people receiving treatment compared to eight years ago
Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Lothian Miles Briggs says the fall in the number of people starting alcohol treatment in NHS Lothian over the last decade is “deeply troubling.”
Figures obtained by Scottish Conservative MSP Miles Briggs, from SNP Drugs and Alcohol Minister Elena Whitham, show that across Scotland the number receiving treatment has fallen by a staggering 40 per cent.
In 2013/14, 32,556 accessed alcohol treatment programmes, but by 2021/22 that figure had dropped to 19,617.
In Lothian there has been a 30% percentage drop in those accessing programme.
In 2013/14 in Lothian 3303 accessed programmes, but in 2021/22 that figure stood at only 2303 – a drop of 1000 people.
These figures follow news that the highest number of Scots since 2008 have lost their lives to alcohol in the last year at 1,276.
In the light of these figures, Mr. Briggs has now demanded that SNP ministers back the Right to Recovery Bill in Parliament.
That would enshrine in law a right to access treatment for anyone in Scotland who needs it most.
Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Miles Briggs said: “The drop in the number of people accessing alcohol treatment programme in Lothian is something I find deeply troubling.
“It is a shameful reflection of how the SNP have mishandled Scotland’s problems with alcohol that there has been a 30% decrease in the numbers accessing treatment programmes since 2013/14.
“This fall is replicated right across the country, and it is astounding that SNP ministers would allow treatment places to be so dramatically reduced at a time when alcohol deaths across the country are at their highest level since 2008.
“This latest example of incompetence will come as no surprise to anyone witness to the SNP’s failure to tackle Scotland’s drug death emergency, and once again it is the most deprived people in Lothian that these cuts are harming the most.
“These concerning findings only reaffirm the need for SNP ministers to finally back the Right to Recovery Bill.
“This legislation would enshrine in law the right for those suffering from addiction in Lothian to receive potentially life-saving treatment and has been backed by frontline experts and charities.
“I will continue to put pressure on the SNP-Green government to give this bill their backing, so it becomes law as quickly as possible.”
Ayrshire and Arran: 2013/14 (4777 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (1546 patients received treatment)- decrease of 13%
Borders: 2013/14 (431 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (310 patients received treatment) Down 28%
Dumfries and Galloway 2013/14 (922 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (918 patients received treatment) Down 0.4%
Fife 2013/14 (1635 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (1092 patients received treatment) Down 38%
Forth Valley 2013/14 (1491 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (773 patients received treatment) Down 48%
Grampian 2013/14 (1761 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (1214 patients received treatment) Down 31%
Greater Glasgow and Clyde 2013/14 (11895 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (4901 patients received treatment) Down 59%
Highland 2013/14 (1531 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (735 patients received treatment) Down 52%
Lanarkshire 2013/14 (5727 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (4789 patients received treatment) Down 16%
Lothian 2013/14 (3303 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (2303 patients received treatment) Down 30%
Orkney 2013/14 (54 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (23 patients received treatment) Down 57%
Shetland 2013/14 (73 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (54 patients received treatment) Down 26%
Tayside 2013/14 (1651 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (912 patients received treatment) Down 44%
Western Isles 2013/14 (305 patients received treatment) 2021/22 (47 patients received treatment) Down 84%
‘BREAKFAST WITH SANTA’ EVENTS UNVEILED AT THE CENTRE LIVINGSTON
The Centre, Livingston has unveiled plans for its first-ever ‘Breakfast with Santa’ events in the run up to Christmas, with proceeds going to children’s charity CHAS, which provides the country’s only hospice services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions.
The six breakfast events, which will run on the first three weekends in December, include tucking into a hearty buffet breakfast in The Wintergarden, adjacent to Aerial Adventures, a visit to see Santa in his Grotto and the chance to join in some festive fun activities, hosted by Santa’s elves, including party games.
Tickets for the ‘Breakfast with Santa’ events on the 2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th and 16th & 17th of December are £14.95 for children, which includes a present from Santa, and £10.95 for adults, with £3 from every ticket sold going to CHAS.
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “We’re really excited about our first-ever ‘Breakfast with Santa’ events this year in the run up to Christmas and to be able to raise funds for the children’s charity, CHAS.
“It’s a great way to combine a visit to see Santa and join in some Christmas party fun-filled activities for all the family whilst enjoying breakfast together and raising money for a very worthy cause at the same time.”
Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS said: “We are so grateful and honoured to be chosen as the beneficiary for the ‘Breakfast with Santa’ events at The Centre, Livingston.
“This amazing initiative promises to infuse the holiday season with warmth and joy while allowing us the opportunity to raise crucial funds for the families we care for.
“Being the sole provider of hospice services for babies, children and young people facing life-shortening conditions in Scotland, every contribution is crucial in enabling us to continue our mission.
“The generosity of The Centre and all those attending these heart-warming events will make a real difference in the lives of these children and their families.”
National Museum of Scotland (20 January to 6 May 2024)
The world-renowned exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at the National Museum of Scotland on 20 January 2024, featuring exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.
Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases some of the best photography talent from around the world for nearly 60 years.
Launching in 1965, today the competition receives entries from 95 countries all over the world, highlighting its enduring appeal. This year’s award-winning images will embark on an international tour that will allow them to be seen by well over a million people.
This year’s competition attracted an astounding 49,957 entries from photographers of all ages and experience levels from 95 countries.
During an intense week at the Natural History Museum in London, entries were judged anonymously on their creativity, originality, and technical excellence by an international panel of industry experts.
The winning images, including the prestigious Grand Title Award winners, will be announced on 10 October 2023 during a glittering awards show hosted by wildlife presenters Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin.
Dr Nick Fraser, Keeper of Natural Sciences at National Museums Scotland, said: “These images taken together tell a powerful story, balancing the wonder and beauty of the natural world with its fragility and vulnerability to climate change and biodiversity loss.
“It is perhaps less well understood how the work of in-house natural sciences teams and external researchers on collections such as ours at National Museums Scotland and those at NHM contributes hugely to global understanding of human impact on the environment, and so we look forward to welcoming visitors to the exhibition and the Museum early next year.”
Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum says, ‘We are facing urgent biodiversity and climate crises, and photography is a powerful catalyst for change.
“The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition reveals some of nature’s most wondrous sights whilst offering hope and achievable actions visitors can take to help protect the natural world.’
Chair of the judging panel, Kathy Moran says, ‘What most impressed the jury was the range of subjects, from absolute beauty, rarely seen behaviors and species to images that are stark reminders of what we are doing to the natural world.
“We felt a powerful tension between wonder and woe that we believe came together to create a thought-provoking collection of photographs.’
The exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, and will be supported by a range of public events and activities.
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery said: “The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is truly stunning and inspiring, helping us discover untold stories of species from around the world.
“Our players have raised more than £3.3 million for National Museums Scotland and I’m delighted their support makes exhibitions like this accessible to everyone, allowing more people to learn about our natural world”.
Exhibition information:
Dates and times: 20 January to 6 May 2024, opening 10am to 5pm
To book tickets: www.nms.ac.uk/wpy
Ticket prices
Weekdays
Weekends
Members
Free
Free
Adult
£10* – £11
£11* – £12
Over 60s
£8* – £9
£9* – £10
Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot**
£6* – £7
£7* – £8
Under 16s†
Free
Free
*Book in advance to save. Advance ticket prices are available up to 23:59:59 the day before. **Valid ID required. Carers of disabled people free. †Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Discounts available for groups of 10 or more. For school group bookings please email schools@nms.ac.uk
‘Being kind doesn’t cost anything’ – Former nurse and lecturer Isabel Dosser has won the 2023 Alumni Impact Award
A former nurse and lecturer who set up a charity offering free toiletries to people in need is being honoured by Edinburgh Napier University.
Isabel Dosser founded Dignity Boxes following her retirement in 2018, in response to rising levels of poverty. Her charity’s work continues to this day, amid increasing demand, despite having to undergo cancer treatment during the Covid pandemic.
Having studied at ENU to gain her teaching qualification, and subsequently lectured in nursing at the University for 15 years, the 67-year-old has now been awarded the 2023 Alumni Impact Award in recognition of her remarkable career. Born and raised in Glasgow, her time teaching followed 30 years of work as a palliative care nurse.
The charity collects toiletry donations and offers them in areas around Edinburgh and the Lothians experiencing deprivation, including seven schools, allowing those in need to take what they cannot afford from a Dignity Box without having to ask anyone.
The number of organisations asking for a box has doubled since the cost-of-living crisis began, while donations have halved.
Isabel said: “I am very surprised but delighted to receive the Impact Award as I don’t think I am anything special.
“I just do what I do and have always loved learning and taking a chance on something new. I am happy receiving the award if it means that I am encouraging others.
“Age doesn’t matter if you really want to do something. If you have an idea then give it a go but take all the advice and help that is offered.
“When you feel despair and frustration, just remember why you started – and remember being kind doesn’t cost anything.”
Since founding Dignity Boxes, Isabel has been supported by Edinburgh Napier to help it reach as many people as possible. Students, staff and alumni are among its 35 active volunteers, two former University colleagues are on its board, and a graphic design class was enlisted to design the logo.
The Alumni Awards committee, which aims to recognise graduates who are making a difference in their community, praised Isabel for epitomising Edinburgh Napier’s values as an inspiration and a role model.
Isabel added: “Life is full of challenges, professionally and personally, but I am by nature a positive and pragmatic person. I am fortunate to be surrounded by supportive family and friends who have helped me through difficult times.
“This was never needed more so than during Covid as I was diagnosed with cancer. The charity’s board of trustees and volunteers were amazing and kept the charity going while I was undergoing treatment. I have now finished my treatment and am monitored regularly.”
Also honoured in the 2023 awards is Daniel Crehan, who has won the Alumni Rising Star award.
Despite only graduating from the BA (Hons) International Festival & Event Management two years ago, he now works at student housing company Yugo, managing 10 sites across the UK and Ireland, and is Chair of the Edinburgh Students’ Charities Appeal (ESCA).
Daniel said: “I didn’t expect to win the Rising Star Award and was delighted to even be nominated. It was particularly nice to receive this from Edinburgh Napier University because I consider everything that I’ve accomplished to be a domino effect from my time at ENU.
“There are so many incredible people on my course alone that make me go, ‘wow’, but this award has forced me to stand back and go: ‘oh, you’ve actually achieved quite a lot yourself, Daniel’.”
Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal & Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Isabel Dosser and Daniel Crehan are role models for Edinburgh Napier students and inspire the entire ENU community. I am delighted to award them these accolades.
“Isabel epitomises Edinburgh Napier’s values. As CEO and Founder of Dignity Boxes she is making a huge societal and community impact by providing free toiletries to those most in need.
“She also champions the University by providing our students with invaluable experience via workplace learning opportunities and collaborates with numerous departments at the University.
“Daniel graduated only a couple of years ago but already has had career success. I’m impressed with his dedication to enriching the lives of those living in student accommodation in the UK and Ireland.
“Most extraordinary is his involvement with the Edinburgh Students’ Charities Appeal. Daniel is Chair of the 150-year-old charity and expertly guided the organisation through its post-Covid recovery.”
DANCING QUEENS BJÖRN AGAIN TO HEADLINE NIGHT AFORE DISCO PARTY& NEW YEAR’S REVELS RETURNS TO EDINBURGH’S NEW TOWN
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay organisers UniqueAssembly, who produce the festival on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, has released further details of this year’s 30th anniversary New Year’s celebration, with the news that ABBA tribute sensations Björn Again will headline the Night Afore Disco Party beneath Edinburgh Castle.
The New Year’s Revels also makes a triumphant return to the New Town Assembly Rooms.
A set list of pop classics and disco hits will be the name of the game when Björn Again takes to the Princes Street Gardens stage at the Night Afore Disco Party on Saturday 30 December. With over 5,500 performances across 72 countries, it is a return to Scotland capital’s celebrations for the Australian ABBA show who first played Edinburgh’s Hogmanay in 2000/01.
Björn Again will be supported by the original sing-along live band Massaoke, celebrating 30 years of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay with the best hairbrush anthems down the decades, making sure that the audience is the star of the show. Along with breakfast show presenter and DJ Ewen Cameron from Greatest Hits Radio, Night Afore Disco Party promises a spectacular sing-a-long party for all the family.
On returning to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Björn Again founding member Rod Stephen said: “I have toured the Björn Again show around the world since the late 1980s. There have been many shows with amazingly responsive audiences but I don’t think you can ever top an Edinburgh Hogmanay crowd.
“These guys are just on a whole different level. I can’t wait to see this again!”
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day said:“It’s fantastic to see another great addition to this year’s already stellar lineup for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.
“I’m sure that Björn Again will make sure that there are no shortage of dancing queens when they take to the stage for the Night Afore Disco Party in Princes Street Gardens.
“This year there is a new 4-day programme of events for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay at the Assembly Rooms which is really exciting. I’m really proud that we’re able to offer such an exciting and eclectic programme for our residents and visitors as part of our Winter Festivals celebrations.”
The New Year cheer will spread across the city centre with a new four-day programme of indoor events in collaboration with the famous Assembly Rooms on George Street. The New Town venue will be transformed into the ‘Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival Club’, presenting a packed programme of live music, comedy, dancing and family events.
The return of New Year’s Revels on the 31st December, will see revellers birlin’ through the bells courtesy of Edinburgh’s finest ceilidh bands, live DJs, and festival favourites Massaoke providing a sing-a-long soundtrack and the Final Countdown to a spectacular Midnight Moment.
A special Bairns New Year Revels event will take place earlier in the day, allowing young party-goers a chance to join the celebrations, with a family-friendly Massaoke and ceilidh extravaganza.
The Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival Club events kick-off on Friday 29 December with Ho-Ho-Hogmanay, a live comedy show featuring some of the very best acts from the comedy circuit.
The Night Afore Hoolie on Saturday 30 December, presents an evening of incredible live music with the award-winning Blue Rose Code, AKA Edinburgh born singer-songwriter Ross Wilson, with a selection of very special guests musicians and vocalists. And on New Year’s Day, the fun continues we a programme of free live music and ceilidh dancing presented as part of the First Footin’ culture trail, expanding the free culture trail further into the New Town.
In the Old Town, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay present the ever-popular Candlelit Concertat St. Giles’ Cathedral on Sunday 31 December. This tranquil and spiritual experience in the gorgeous building in the heart of the Old Town is an annual sellout and this year’s concert heralds the arrival of 2024 and St. Giles’ Cathedral’s 900th Anniversary celebrations with the first three cantatas from J.S.Bach’s Christmas Oratorio: Bach at his most exuberant.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2023/24 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Partners EventScotland, Creative Scotland through the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Essential Edinburgh, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 30th Anniversary celebrations for Scotland.
The Night Afore Disco Party with Björn Again and Massaoke will take place on Saturday 30 December, 18:30 – 22:00 in West Princes Street Gardens, Doors 17:30.
At theEdinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival Club, Ho-Ho-Hogmanay take place on Friday 29 December; Night Afore Hoolie Saturday 30 December; Bairns New Year Revels and New Year’s Revels Sunday 31 December, and free First Footin’ events on New Year’s Day all at the Assembly Rooms on George Street.
The Candlelit Concert in St Giles’ Cathedral takes place 18:30 – 20:00 on Sunday 31 December, Doors 18:00.
Tickets and further information for these 30th Anniversary events will be available from 10:00 Friday 6 October.
Tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay world-famous Street Party and Concert in the Gardens with Pulp are available now from www.edinburghshogmanay.com.
Details of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay free New Year’s Day activity including Sprogmanay and First Footin’ Culture Trail will be announced in early November.
Push the Boat Out(PTBO), Edinburgh’s International Poetry Festival, returns for its third year with a vibrant, exciting line-up featuring over 50 events and with over 80 performers, artists and speakers within the programme.
Tickets go on sale today, Thursday 5th October – International Poetry Day.
Running over the weekend of 24-26 November in Summerhall, Edinburgh, the third Push the Boat Out programme, supported by Creative Scotland, continues and expands the festival’s mission to change our perceptions of what poetry can be.
From poetry readings and discussions, to new commissions, singer-songwriter circles, music hybrid events, dance and hip hop, poetic cocktail-making classes, film screenings, beach walks, panels, workshops and development opportunities – this vibrant, multi-layered, polyphonic line-up is a true fiesta of the vernacular with something for everyone and anyone.
This year, we’re celebrating the poetry of songwriting. Join Hamish Hawk for a solo performance and an evening of lyrical enchantment with support from Iona Zajac. Hawk will also appear alongside Karine Polwart and Inua Ellams in a special Songwriting Circle event discussing what it means to create a song through poetry.
Continuing to wax lyrical, Bemz, Dave Hook and Queen of Harps will lift the lid on their songwriting process by sharing the backstory to their songs in a Song Exploder event, whilst multi-instrumentalist, Dizraeli will take an honest look at human creation and connection in their event, Animal Noises.
We’re also finding the drama in poetry, with a series of new commissions in association with the National Theatre of Scotland. We’re taking inspiration from our home, Summerhall, as Ever Dundas and Harry Josephine Giles celebrate the building’s history with a darkly gothic night of poetry and original music composed by David Paul Jones that promises to be ‘cinema for the ears’.
We’re interested in the politics of poetry, as Jeremy Corbyn and Len McCluskey posit that poetry is for the many, with Yvonne Reddick’s urgent climate poetry, Kim Moore’s feminist poetic, and the pulsing poem-stories of William Letford and Dawn Watson.
Our online programme includes international poetry stars Meena Kandasamy and Tishani Doshi, beamed into your home. We’re enjoying the sheer pleasure of poetry, as Cat Prince Michael Pedersen hangs out with his feline subjects in Maison de Moggy, Joelle Taylor and Kate Fox will help shake up a poetic cocktail or two, Sean Wai Keung leads us through a dumpling and poetry workshop, Inua Ellams throws open the doors with his audience-led Search Party show, and John Hegley runs an anarchic, joyous, hands-on creative session.
Emma Collins, Director of Push the Boat Out, said: “In this third year, Push the Boat Out is definitely poetry placed firmly in a current tide. This year’s programme is a true showcasing of contemporary excellence. Modern, charged, alive, joyful and celebratory with events that are also vehicles for important and vital discussions.
“We’ve brought together over eighty of the most exciting poets from Scotland, the UK and beyond and we’ve continued to expand our notion of what poetry is, with eclectic events that celebrate words and language in their many glorious forms and in conversation with other artistic disciplines.
“Poetry is everywhere, it’s the lyrics in songs, our conversations and dialogues, the rhythm of spoken word, scripts and sonnets, proclamations and points of view, the stories we tell and the history around us.
“That’s what Push the Boat Out is primarily about … words, how we use them, a celebration of them and what they mean to us. We’ve endeavoured to capture that in this year’s programming.
“We also strive to make Push the Boat Out as accessible for audiences as possible. BSL interpreted events are indicated within the programme and once again, in addition to our in person and online programme, we will have a programme of events free to listen to at home via our partners EHFM Radio as well as a selected live stream event that showcases newly commissioned work.
“We’ve been overjoyed by the response from the incredible artists and poets who’ve agreed to come on board the boat this year and cannot wait to bring them all together for audiences this November.”
Harriet MacMillan, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland, said:“In its third year, the Push the Boat Out programme is brighter and more dynamic than ever, capturing the many dimensions of Scotland’s rich poetry scene.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, this unique and varied international suite of events is testament to the vital role poetry plays in all of our lives.
“Their increasing range of collaborations and activities continues to show us how words can connect us with each other and ourselves – the power of poetry will be felt by all who take part in this brilliant celebration.”
