Month: October 2023

Howl-oween: Guide Dogs prepare puppies for spooky season

As Halloween approaches, charity Guide Dogs is highlighting the importance of preparing puppies ahead of the big day, with Halloween festivities exposing young dogs to many potentially overwhelming new experiences.

Puppies are naturally curious but can become fearful when confronted with unfamiliar situations. Early socialisation helps dogs to build confidence and adapt to new situations, making them more able to handle situations calmly.

All guide dogs are carefully socialised throughout their time as puppies before undertaking  comprehensive 6-month training programmes once fully grown. If they are successful in their training, they become trusted companions, helping people with sight loss live active, independent, and full lives. 

The sight loss charity recently hosted a Halloween socialisation afternoon for a litter of seven five-week old prospective guide dog puppies, exposing them to new and unusual objects they might encounter during spooky season from pumpkins, to fancy dress and ghostly decorations. 

As well as being alert to new and potentially scary experiences, the charity is also encouraging new puppy owners to be extra vigilant of what their four-legged pals are eating at this tempting time of year, as Halloween typically sees a surge in dogs getting hold of sweet treats, such as chocolate, which is poisonous to dogs. 

To help get your puppy Halloween ready and avoid them getting spooked, tricked or freaked this Halloween, Hannah Wright, National Dog Training Lead from Guide Dogs reveals the charity’s top tips: 

1.    Walk your dog earlier in the day, before any trick-or-treaters are out on the streets. Plenty of exercise will also likely mean your dog is more relaxed and calmer in the evening if there are strange-looking visitors or noises outside.

2.   If you know your dog may struggle when the areas around your house are busier, plan ahead and create some soothing enrichment activities you can do with them at home if they wish to.

3.   If you have children coming to your home for sweets, make sure your dog has a cosy quiet den well away from the front door. You can always leave a bowl outside on your front step with a sign to stop people knocking or ringing the doorbell. If you are not open to trick-or-treaters, make sure the front of your house is dark.

4.   If your dog is frightened by someone in a costume or mask or struggles to recognise a family member when they are dressed up, don’t force them to interact. Halloween can be confusing – it’s best to remove strange accessories if it makes your dog feel more comfortable.

5.   And leave the costumes for the humans. Dogs should not be dressed up in Halloween outfits, as they may find this a stressful experience. Such costumes can be hot, irritating or limit your dog’s movement.

6.   The candle inside a jack-o’-lantern can be very dangerous; never leave a lit candle alone, and never have them on the floor when you have children or dogs present.

7.   Keep all Halloween sweets and chocolate well out of reach, and make sure any visiting children know they are not to share any of their treats with pets. Chocolate, raisins and the sweetener Xylitol are all toxic to dogs, and ingesting plastic wrappers or foil can cause issues too.

To support the charity, enrich your dog’s life and receive treats for you and your four-legged friend, subscribe to Good Dog! at: 

https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/good-dog

Founding Edinburgh Book Festival Director recognised with Honorary Doctorate from Edinburgh Napier

Jenny Brown has worked with many of the biggest names in Scottish literature

A leading figure in Edinburgh’s book scene, and founding Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, has been recognised with an Honorary Doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University.

Jenny Brown established the literary agency Jenny Brown Associates in 2002, and previously served as Head of Literature at the Scottish Arts Council and presented book programmes for STV.

She is now Vice-Chair of Edinburgh International Book Festival, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. 

Jenny was awarded her new title of Doctor of the University, and collected her Honorary Degree, during Edinburgh Napier’s graduation ceremony at the Usher Hall today (Wednesday), in recognition of her major contribution to literature and publishing.

Jenny Brown Founding director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival receiving an Honorary Doctorate At Edinburgh Napier University

Jenny said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be receiving this Doctorate – it’s a real honour. I’ve had a long association with the University. I’ve talked to the publishing students, I’ve had lots of interns at my literary agency from the publishing course, and I’ve been to the creative writing studios quite a number of times. So it’s a lovely honour.

“It’s thrilling to have somebody who has worked in literature all their life recognised this way. I’m not an academic, I’m somebody who believes in the power of reading and power of writing – and somebody who believes very strongly that Scottish writing has got a lot to offer on the international stage.”

Giving her laureation, David Bishop, creative writing lecturer at ENU’s School of Arts and Creative Industries, said: “If anyone who knows the value of a story, it’s Jenny – a woman who revolutionised the way Scotland thinks about reading, writing and publishing.

“A 40-year career in the arts, festivals, publishing and literature has given Jenny a unique perspective on the ability of writers to move and inspire us, and on the power of stories to entertain, to educate and to enthral. 

“There is no doubt Jenny’s involvement has been a significant part in the renaissance of Scotland’s writing and publishing industries.”

Jenny was born in Manchester but grew up in Edinburgh. At the age of 24, she was given six months to pull the first Edinburgh book festival together in 1983. It proved so successful it returned two years later and became the annual fixture it is today.

Today she runs an acclaimed literary agency in Edinburgh with a roster of bestselling and multi-award-winning authors. She has worked with William McIlvanney, the godfather of Tartan Noir, and helps keep alive the work of acclaimed writers such as George Mackay Brown and Alasdair Gray. 

In addition to her storied career in literature, Jenny has been a consultant for the creation of Edinburgh Napier’s acclaimed BA English programme, taken on students from the Publishing Masters as interns, and been a frequent guest speaker on the University’s Creative Writing programme.  

Edinburgh Napier’s autumn graduation ceremonies are being held between 24-26 October at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall. Once again the nearby Shakespeare’s pub, on Lothian Road, is being renamed The Napier Graduate for the occasion.

Leith Collective looks to expand its winter coat exchange across the UK

Local CIC urges organisations to play their part in the fight against poverty

A warm winter coat is a basic necessity. But for individuals facing difficulties, families stretched by the cost of living crisis, people trapped in poverty, a coat is yet another essential item they have no choice but to sacrifice.

However, one Edinburgh Community Interest Company is hoping to change that. They are calling on businesses, organisations, charities and community groups across the UK to register as an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point. That way, they can redistribute good quality coats to those who need them – free of charge, no questions asked – and provide much-needed comfort this winter.

The impact of the cost of living crisis is being felt right across Scotland. Around 1 in 5 people are living in poverty. Having to sacrifice basic necessities such as a winter coat can have a hugely detrimental impact on a person’s dignity and on their mental wellbeing. So, The Leith Collective is taking proactive steps to help.

Since launching this year’s Winter Coat Exchange on 1st October, they have been completely inundated with requests. So, they are now looking to expand the initiative across the UK to help as many people as possible.

Speaking ahead of the UK launch, The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson said; “Last year we rehomed more than 7,000 coats. Within two weeks of launching our 2023 Winter Coat Exchange, we rehomed more than 1,000. The demand this year is unprecedented – no doubt because of the continued cost of living crisis. We, collectively as a nation, need to do more to help.

“So, we’re calling on all businesses, organisations, charities and community groups with space to store a rail of coats to sign up to become an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point. That way we can ensure coats are readily available to anyone who needs them. No one should have to go without a coat this winter.”

One of the first organisations to sign up to the scheme was the Edinburgh CIC, Let the People Sing. Founder Vicky Scoular said; “When we heard how high the demand was for coats, we felt compelled to help.

“Providing a small space to store coats is not a big ask, but it can make a huge difference to people in need. We hope more organisations across the UK step up and take part.”

Organisations can sign up to become an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point at www.re-relove.com, the brand new online marketplace from The Leith Collective.

The website also enables individuals in need to enter their postcode and find their nearest collection point, so they can get a quality coat without charge and without judgement.

MSP urges residents to shape delivery of winter heating payment

Gordon Macdonald, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, has urged residents across the city to take part in the Scottish Government’s consultation on the introduction of the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. 

From winter 2024, the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, which will be an annual payment, will replace the UK government’s Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland.

The Scottish Government are consulting people across Edinburgh to understand who should be eligible for this payment, when and how it should be delivered, and what measures can be put in place to support those living off the gas grid. The consultation closes on January 15th 2024. 

Gordon Macdonald MSP is urging constituents across Edinburgh Pentlands to complete the consultation to ensure the payment is as effective as possible in helping pensioners with their winter heating costs.

Commenting, Gordon said: “The new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment delivered by the SNP Government will help over a million pensioners in Scotland with their heating costs, including thousands across Edinburgh.

“The SNP Government is committed to helping the most vulnerable through the difficult winter period – but it is vital people make their views known of how this payment can best be delivered. 

“Since setting up a devolved social security system with compassion, fairness, and respect at its core – 13 benefits, of which 7 are unique to Scotland, have been established. 

“Social Security Scotland is set to deliver £5.3 billion in devolved benefits in 2023-24 alone, supporting over 1.2 million peopleas the SNP continues to deliver every day for the people of Scotland.”

Consultation can be completed here: Pension Age Winter Heating Payment – Scottish Government consultations – Citizen Space

Graves of two Glasgow soldiers rediscovered in Belgium

The graves of two World War One soldiers, Private (Pte) Peter Keill, aged 20, of 7th Battalion The Seaforth Highlanders and Second Lieutenant (2nd Lt) James Ferris, aged 29, of 16th Battalion The Highland Light Infantry, have finally been marked more than a century after their deaths.

The rededication services, organised by the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’, were held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Dadizeele New British Cemetery on Wednesday (25 October 2023) and Tyne Cot Cemetery yesterday (26 October 2023).

JCCC Caseworker, Rosie Barron said: “It has been a privilege to work with The Royal Regiment of Scotland to organise the rededication service for Pte Keill and to have his niece present. 

“Pte Keill was a young man who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He is still fondly remembered by his family and this service marked the end of their quest to establish what happened to him.”

Pte Peter Keill

By October 1918 the static fighting associated with the Western Front, which had kept the British Army in Belgium within the Ypres Salient since 1914, had lifted, and Allied forces were advancing.

On 1 October 1918, 7th Battalion The Seaforth Highlanders were in assembly positions in front of the village of Slypskapelle. After a brief barrage, they attacked at 6.15am and reached their first objective, the Menin to Roulers railway line north of Ledeghem.

After further fighting they consolidated in positions along the railway line. The battalion had suffered considerable casualties with 23 killed in action or died of wounds, four missing and 73 wounded. Pte Peter Keill was among these casualties. The location of Pte Keill’s grave was lost and, as he was missing, he was commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial.

Pte Keill’s niece, Mary Lloyd-Jones was in attendance at the service and said: “My mother always talked about her brother Peter, even though she was born two months after his death he was always part of her life and he has been part of mine too.

“We’re so pleased to see his final resting place recognised, and it’s been an honour for me to be here to see that happen today with my daughter Sian and my sister-in-law Margaret representing Peter’s wider family. We’re so grateful to Rosie from JCCC and Catherine from CWGC for making this happen.”

2nd Lt James Ferris

2nd Lt Ferris died in December 1917 while driving the enemy from the Passchendaele Ridge. He had no known grave so, following the war, his name was placed on the Tyne Cot Memorial.

In 1920 the remains of an unknown British Officer, a 2nd Lt of The Highland Light Infantry were buried nearby in the Tyne Cot Cemetery. The regiment and rank were identified from the insignia found on the casualty’s uniform, but there were no other artefacts to indicate his name.

Research has now revealed that Ferris was that unknown British Officer, and a new headstone has been installed above his grave at a ceremony attended by his descendants.

James Ferris’ great-nephew, Ewan, who attended the service said: “Although I never knew Uncle James I know that he was an upstanding man: he had a good job and was a Captain in the Boys Brigade – presumably this led him to join a regiment with direct ties to the Boys Brigade in his home town of Glasgow.

“I am pleased that we are now able to mark his final resting place and honour his memory.”

JCCC Caseworker, Alexia Clark said: “I am grateful to the researcher who submitted this case. Their work has led us to recognise the final resting place of James Ferris and restore his name to him. It has been a privilege for me to have contributed to this case and to have organised the service for the rededication of his grave today.

“The services were conducted by the Reverend (Captain) David Jeal, Chaplain to 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland and were attended by serving soldiers of the battalion.”

The Reverend Jeal said: “It was a great honour and immensely important for us to remember and rededicate the graves of 2nd Lt Ferris and Pte Keill, and to give them a place to rest where their names are written and recorded, so that they may be honoured by this generation and all who follow. We owe so much to their selfless sacrifice for our freedom.

“The headstones over both graves were replaced by CWGC who will care for them in perpetuity.”

Geert Bekaert, Commonwealth War Graves Commission Area Director said: “It is a privilege to now care for the graves of Private Peter Keill and Second Lieutenant James Ferris.

“The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is dedicated to ensuring that these servicemen, who made the ultimate sacrifice, are remembered with the dignity and respect they deserve. Their sacrifice will continue to be honoured by future generations as their names are eternally recorded on their headstones.”

TODAY: Graystone Gallery opens in Stockbridge  

TODAY, Friday the 27th October, Graystone Gallery will be opening the doors to their new home at 52 Hamilton  Place in the heart of Stockbridge.

The first exhibition, ‘The Colour & The Shape’, brings together  four talented artists to offer a different perspective of the natural world and built environment around us. This  intriguing exploration of light, shape and line features the work of Hetty Haxworth, Connie Liebschner, Richard  Marsden, and Bronwen Sleigh. 

>> ‘The Colour & The Shape’ running from Friday 27th October – Saturday 18th November >> Graystone Gallery, 52 Hamilton Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 5AX 

The gallery was previously located in Leith and since opening, they have built a reputation for being one of  Edinburgh’s most exciting new fine art destinations.  

Gallery Director Lesley Briggs comments, “We are thrilled to announce the opening of our new gallery in  Edinburgh’s Stockbridge, a hub of independent business, art and culture.

“The contemporary gallery space at  Graystone will be home to a carefully curated selection of art that will inspire our customers, and we look  forward to welcoming some fantastic artists through our rolling programme of artist talks and exhibitions. 

‘Art helps us to make sense of the world around us and these creatives use their observations to show us different perspectives. Hetty Haxworth’s artworks turn the landscape into a geometric study, she documents the movement of light over the landscape, capturing moments in colour. 

Connie Liebschner creates a depth in her work exploring immersive spaces through line, shape and colour.

Drawing influences from architecture, Richard Marsden admires  the forms of buildings under construction, admiring the structure and dynamics underneath, before they’re enveloped by the rest of the building. 

Bronwen Sleigh shares Richard’s love of architecture and challenges our perceptions of unused and forgotten urban spaces and environments at the edge of the city.  

View the artworks here https://graystonegallery.com/

Scottish Friendly staff raise over £11,000 for Action for Children

Scottish Friendly colleagues braved the elements during the Boycott Your Bed challenge, raising £11,706 for Action for Children

  • Fifteen Scottish Friendly colleagues have successfully undertaken the Boycott Your Bed Challenge
  • Colleagues raised £11,706 for Action for Children
  • Representatives from Action for Children attended Scottish Friendly’s recent colleague celebration event in order to be handed the cheque

Ashley Robertson, Brogan Boyd, Christine Manson, Danni Moore, Jonathan Timberlake, Kari-Lee Ford, Kate McLean, Kevin Brown, Lauren Berry, Monica Taggart, Nicola Jackson, Scott McVey, Sophie Alexander, Stuart Gilmore and Taylor Bradley successfully undertook the Boycott Your Bed Challenge in Glasgow.

Boycott Your Bed is held annually by Action for Children in various locations across the UK. It is a popular fundraiser, raising over £13.5 million since it first began over 25 years ago. The challenge is to give up your bed for a whole night to raise vital funding for children who face every night without a safe place to sleep.

The team met at the Renfield Centre in Glasgow to meet other teams and to listen to speakers from Action for Children and young people who have benefited from the charity who explained the important work the charity does. Afterwards, they headed off to Blythswood Square to find a place to set up and sleep for the night.

The team raised nearly £6,000 which was matched by Scottish Friendly, raising a total of just under £12,000 for the charity.

Stephen McGee, CEO of Scottish Friendly commented: “We are very proud of our colleagues who took up the Boycott Your Bed challenge for our charity partner, Action for Children. In doing so, they have helped raise vital funding for an important cause to support those children who need it most during these continued difficult times.

“We hope that the funds raised will aid Action for Children in continuing the incredible work they do to support vulnerable young people across Scotland.”

Fiona Steel, Action for Children National Director for Scotland commented: “We are extremely grateful to the support from Scottish Friendly and the colleagues who undertook this challenge, raising a significant amount of money that will go a long way to helping vulnerable children across Scotland.

“The last few years have been incredibly hard on many families across Scotland and, unfortunately, these challenges are set to continue for many.

“We will continue to be there for children, young people and families and this support and donation will aid Action for Children in doing this.  The support from Scottish Friendly colleagues is very much appreciated and will allow us to continue to support vulnerable children, young people, and their families through these difficult times.”

Saving Scotland’s nature is ‘a top priority’

Over £30 million invested in restoration projects

Around 150 projects across Scotland have received support from the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund since its launch in 2021.

More than £30 million has been invested to date, either directly to projects and community groups or through Scotland’s 32 local authorities and two National Parks.

The flagship fund, administered by NatureScot, aims to restore species and habitats, protect marine and coastal areas, eradicate invasive, non-native species, and improve the health and wellbeing of local communities.

Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater visited the Pentland to Portobello Greening Project to see works completed with support from the Nature Restoration Fund. The project received a grant of £201,556.42 to improve, connect and expand existing green spaces in mostly deprived areas of Edinburgh.

Ms Slater said: “I’m proud that since establishing the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund at COP26 in Glasgow we’ve already invested £30 million in projects large and small to protect and enhance our rivers, land and seas.

“This is making an important contribution to the goals established in Scotland’s new Biodiversity Strategy to be nature positive and to reverse the declines in nature.

“Right now, we’re consulting on the first 5-year Delivery Plan to implement our Biodiversity strategy – along with proposals for new targets for nature restoration that could be put into law, in line with those for climate change.

“Biodiversity can help mitigate against flooding, improve access to greenspace in our urban areas: it is our best chance to adapt to climate change and ensure a legacy for future generations.”

NatureScot Chair Professor Colin Galbraith said: “The Nature Restoration Fund is vital in tackling the nature and climate crises, with significant work taking place across the country to help put nature back on the road to recovery.

“Flower meadows, hedgerows and wetlands are being restored, creating habitats for wildlife. Rivers are being returned to their natural courses to reduce flooding, whilst large areas of Scotland’s rainforest are being enhanced.

“We are incredibly proud to support the work that individuals, communities, and organisations are doing to help Scotland become a nature-rich, net-zero nation.”

Revealed: First look at destination making big waves in Scotland

New pictures give a first look at the world’s first inland surfing resort in Edinburgh. Lost Shore Surf Resort will be Scotland’s newest premier tourism and leisure destination. 

Complete with luxury lodges, premium accommodation pods, restaurants, spa and shopping, it is set within a 60 acre country park and will open in September 2024.

Images released to the public for the very first time, show the stunning accommodation pods that will be available for people wanting to enjoy the surfing at a wave pool three times the size of Wembley football pitch.

With a beachfront stretching for 250 metres, the surfing lagoon is going to be the biggest across all of Europe, but it is also going to be one of the most advanced on the planet. The cutting edge wave technology, developed by Wavegarden, is capable of producing up to 1000 customisable waves per hour, from 52 software driven modules.

Surfers will be able to enjoy wave rides of up to 22 seconds, and with more than 20 different varieties of waves, there are opportunities for all abilities. 

Beginners will be able to benefit from expert tuition from surfing instructors and wetsuits and surfboard hire will be included in the cost.

As well as using surfboards from leading brands, the state of the art wetsuits will ensure that surfers will stay warm regardless of the weather, with heated indoor changing rooms to use before and after.

Bosses have also revealed that vouchers are now on sale to celebrate the first look for the public, and the launch of the new website.

These limited numbers of vouchers for surfing and accommodation are at huge discounts. Overnight pod stay vouchers can be purchased from as little as £100 for two people. 

For expert tuition or a session in the surf lagoon, multiple session vouchers are on sale from £100 meaning each hour-long session can be as little as £25 including surfboard and wetsuit hire. This is considerably cheaper than other inland surfing locations anywhere in the world.

Tourism leaders and surfing stars have hailed the milestone as a huge moment for Scottish tourism and surfing in the UK.

Marc Crothall MBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, said: “This spectacular resort is going to be a real game changer for Scottish tourism. Not only will this attract people from all over the UK, but from right across the world.

“To have an asset like this just 10 minutes from Edinburgh Airport and on the doorstep of an already world famous tourism destination is fantastic. These new pictures show what an incredible place this will be. I cannot wait to see it open in September.”

Scottish big wave professional surfing star and Red Bull athlete, Ben Larg, added: “As a pro surfer this is incredible. Lost Shore is going to push up the level of Scottish surfing, bring so many more people to the sport, and, who knows, maybe get some Scots in the Team GB squad for the Olympics.

“It can be really difficult to access surfing in Scotland sometimes, but this is going to deliver reliable waves all the time. If I had access to this sort of facility when I was young, I would be such a better surfer now. That’s why Lost Shore will be so good for the next generation.”

Andy Hadden, founder of Lost Shore Surf Resort, said: “It is so incredibly exciting for us to share these new images. Bringing the world’s first inland surfing resort to Scotland is such a huge addition to the world class tourism that we already have.

“To celebrate our new website, we are offering amazing value on our vouchers, allowing you to be one of the first to enjoy the resort at a fantastic discount. Get together with friends or start planning that family holiday, buying your experiences now at the best price they will ever be.”

Lost Shore is less than half an hour by car to Edinburgh city centre and only 45 minutes from Glasgow. The new website with full information and voucher details can be found at: https://www.lostshore.com/

Still time to see Edinburgh Women’s Aid ‘A Source of Strength’ exhibition

Edinburgh Women’s Aid, (EWA), which marks 50 years of supporting women and children experiencing domestic abuse, unveils  ‘A Source of Strength’ exhibition in partnership with Stills: Centre for Photography in Cockburn Street and the University of Edinburgh, which runs until tomorrow (28 October).

The exhibition is part of the Economic Social Research Council, (ESRC), Festival of Social Science, building on research that finds the relationship between children and mothers can help improve the impact that domestic abuse has on children. 

It offers visitors the chance to view photographs created by children and mothers about their relationships together and the importance of them, and the role they play in protecting and supporting children to recover from domestic abuse.

Dr Fiona Morrison, Programme Director for Childhood Practice, University of Edinburgh, said:  “These beautiful photographs were taken by children and women, which celebrate the strength that children and mothers find in each other when living with and recovering together from domestic abuse.” 

Over the past two years the charity has provided support to 440 children and young people in Edinburgh who have experienced domestic abuse with everything from giving them a safe place to stay in a refuge, specialist housing support, legal advice and help securing employment.

Linda Rodgers, CEO at Edinburgh Women’s Aid, said: “This exhibition is a great opportunity to honour and showcase the strength of the relationship between mothers and children experiencing domestic abuse.

“Thanks to everyone who helped bring it together including the families we have been working with, Stills Centre for Photography and the University of Edinburgh.”

The free exhibition at Stills: Centre for Photography is on from11-5pm at Cockburn Street until tomorrow – Saturday, 28th October.