Bereaved parents who lost their partner between 9 April 2001 and 8 February 2023 may be eligible for a backdated government payment even if they no longer have dependent children.
The Government extended eligibility for Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) and Widowed Parent’s Allowance (WPA) to cohabiting parents with dependent children in February. These benefits were previously only available to bereaved parents who were married or in a civil partnership.
The payments are designed to help with the financial impact of losing a partner and can be backdated to 30 August 2018. Anyone who had dependent children when they lost their cohabiting partner should check GOV.UK for more information.
DWP Minister Viscount Younger of Leckie said: “This change will help provide many more bereaved families with children access to the financial support they need through a profoundly difficult time.
“I would urge anyone who thinks they may be eligible to claim as soon as possible so that they can ensure that they benefit from these backdated payments.”
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) opened a 12-month window for cohabiting parents to backdate their claims. Parents whose partner died before 9 February 2023 have until the end of 8 February 2024 to do so. After this, it will not be possible to claim WPA and they will not get their full entitlement to backdated BSP.
Parents will be eligible for different benefits depending on the date their partner died. If they died before 6 April 2017, they would need to claim WPA. If they died on or after 6 April 2017, they would need to claim BSP, which has replaced WPA.
Payments can only be backdated to 30 August 2018, even if a partner died before this date.
Alison Penny MBE, Director of the Childhood Bereavement Network said: “Time is ticking on for the thousands of families that could be eligible for a back-dated payment but haven’t yet claimed. It’s crucial that we find them so they can make a decision about putting in a claim before the window closes and they miss out.
“We’re urging friends, families and support organisations to spread the word. Even if someone was bereaved a long time ago, it’s worth exploring whether they are eligible for a back payment.”
BSP claims can be made online, over the phone or through a paper application form. WPA claims are only processed by paper forms. These can be downloaded from the GOV.UK website or requested via the Bereavement Service helpline: 0800 151 2012.
New Reform Scotland research on orthopaedic waiting lists and times
BMA Chair says workforce “running on empty”
Reform Scotland announces major debate on improvements needed to NHS ahead of 2048 centenary
Reform Scotland today releases research that reveals sharply rising waiting lists and times for orthopaedic procedures in Scotland’s hospitals. Freedom of Information requests to health boards obtained comparable figures on waiting lists and times in orthopaedics, and the specific data for hip operations.
The paper also marks the launch of a major Reform Scotland research programme that will explore the changes required if the struggling NHS is to reach its 2048 centenary in better health.
Dr Iain Kennedy, chair of BMA Scotland, said: “It is a system bursting at the seams, with a workforce running on empty – there are not enough of us to give our patients the time and care they need and deserve.
“The time for platitudes has long passed – we need action, and we need it now.”
The full paper – NHS 2048: Future-proofing Scotland’s health and social care – can be read here. It reveals that:
11 health boards have seen at least a doubling in the wait time for a hip operation from point of decision. This includes an increase from 163 days to 386 in Greater Glasgow & Clyde, and an increase from 114 days to 360 in Lothian.
The waiting list for a hip operation has more than tripled since 2019 in Ayrshire & Arran, Dumfries & Galloway, Fife, Grampian, Lothian and Tayside
Well over 10,000 people are on the waiting list for a hip operation, up from just over 3,000 in 2019.
While the increase in waiting times is deeply worrying, waiting times data only covers the point from when a decision to treat was made. As a result, patients will in reality be waiting far longer. There is further data on orthopaedic operations in general, showing around 45,000 on a waiting list.
Reform Scotland, a non-partisan think tank, is calling for an open, constructive and mature conversation about improving the NHS in time for its centenary, and has been joined in that call by Dr Iain Kennedy.
Dr Iain Kennedy said: “The figures in this report from Reform Scotland are shocking, yet not surprising. BMA Scotland has been warning for some time that the NHS in Scotland simply cannot deliver what is expected of it under its current limitation.
“It is a system bursting at the seams, with a workforce running on empty – there are not enough of us to give our patients the time and care they need and deserve.
“The time for platitudes has long passed – we need action, and we need it now. We are in a year-round crisis with our NHS and workforce planning is abysmal.
“The Scottish Government must move forward with their commitment to have a cross-party national conversation on the future of our health service – an open and honest discussion that also involves the profession and the public.
“Enough is enough, we cannot continue on this path if we want to futureproof our NHS for generations to come.”
Jacqui McMillan, a consultant surgeon in the West of Scotland, said: “Reform Scotland’s report is a stark warning of how bad things have become.
“As an orthopaedic surgeon I am working as hard as ever, and yet my waiting list seems to be growing longer. Seeing my patients in pain and knowing how long they are likely going to have to wait for their operation breaks my heart.
“Having to tell patients they could be waiting for more than a year for an operation they need in order to get through a day without pain is really difficult.”
Chris Deerin, Director of Reform Scotland, said: “We need a mature, constructive debate to identify and build consensus around specific measures that will help our health and care services in both the short and long term.
“The electorate can cope with this discussion. They know that the health service is ill – they live with the consequences every day. Are the politicians up to it, though? Can they set aside petty party differences and work together to save this vital public service?
“If we are to maintain a taxpayer-funded, free-at-the-point-of-need system up to the NHS’s centenary in 2048, reform is required in order to make the best use of the resources we have.
“Reform Scotland will provide a platform for that discussion to take place.”
POLICE Scotland has faced unprecedented levels of violence while protecting communities from Bonfire Night disorder.
While initial analysis suggests no rise in recorded fireworks offences, compared to last year, throughout Sunday, 5 November, 2023, there were a number of serious disturbances that required a specialist police response across the country.
In Edinburgh, officers received reports from concerned members of the public at around 4.40pm in relation to a large group of both adults and young people gathering in the Hay Avenue area,
Approximately 50 youths within this group were responsible for directing fireworks at vehicles and buildings with members of the public inside and escalated their behaviour when police arrived, attacking both uniformed and Public Order Officers with fireworks, petrol bombs and other projectiles.
Detectives investigating the attacks on officers within Niddrie are actively pursuing a number of individuals, who they believe were providing local youths with fireworks and petrol bombs to target police. Inquiries into this matter are continuing.
In Dundee, two police vehicles, that were out to provide a visible presence to the local community, were damaged after being struck by bricks in the Beauly Square area at 6.55pm.
In Glasgow, at around 9pm, police received a report of two separate groups of youths fighting and throwing fireworks at one another within the Quarrywood Avenue area of Barmulloch.
In total, eight officers sustained minor injuries during deployments in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
While only a small number of arrests were made on the evening, as a result of the significant challenges officers faced to ensure no harm came to communities, substantial pieces of evidence have already been gathered and dedicated inquiry teams have been established to progress these investigations.
It is anticipated further arrests will take place in the coming days.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam said: “The overwhelming majority of Scotland enjoyed Bonfire Night safely and responsibly, but once again, a minority of individuals have been responsible for an unacceptable and frankly, disgusting level of disorder that left communities alarmed and police officers injured.
“We took learning from last year’s operation and enhanced the level of Public Order resources available to local policing divisions to ensure we could get these assets into locations they were needed quicker, providing a more robust response to criminal incidents.
“The lower levels of disorder experienced in other parts of the country demonstrates that this approach was the correct one. Our partnership work ensured that there was a reduction in damage to public property and that, overall, the emergency services and wider communities were better protected.
“However, the violent nature of the situation witnessed in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh is extremely concerning, not least because it is believed young people were being actively encouraged and co-ordinated by adults to target officers while they carried out their duties.
“Investigations into the offences that arose throughout Scotland on Sunday evening are continuing and we will make every effort to ensure anyone who was involved is identified and brought to justice. If any members of the public believe they have information that can assist our inquiries, then please contact us via 101, or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“Police Scotland officers were subjected to unprecedented levels of violence, and yet they continued to demonstrate professionalism and dedication to keeping communities safe.
“I am both proud of, and grateful to, all of those who were on duty and put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public during this very challenging time.”
Firefighters come under attack while responding to 999 calls on Bonfire night
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has reported nine attacks during an eight-hour period.The attacks happened in Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Blantyre in South Lanarkshire and Blackburn in West Lothian.
There were no injuries reported to the crews involved however a fire appliance in West Lothian had a windscreen smashed by a brick and had to be removed from operational service.
These attacks have followed four previously reported attacks on crews in Ayrshire and Edinburgh in the week leading up to Bonfire Night, as well as two further attacks over the weekend in Troon and Glasgow.
This totals 15 attacks on firefighters over a period of one week.
Andy Watt Assistant Chief Officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “Attacks on our firefighters are completely unacceptable.
“Our staff should be able to carry out their role without being attacked. It is disappointing that people have tried to hurt firefighters and have damaged our appliances.
“This type of behaviour not only prevents our crews from bringing any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion, but it can impact on our emergency service colleagues – including the police – when they are supporting us on scene to ensure the safety of our personnel.
“We thank our emergency service partners Police Scotland for their continued assistance and we will continue to work in partnership with them to identify those responsible.
“This type of behaviour is, of course, carried out by a small minority within society and we once again thank our communities for their continuing support and working together with us to stay safe.”
SFRS received more than 892 calls from the public and Operations Control mobilised firefighters to approximately 355 bonfires across the country between 3.30pm and 12 Midnight on Sunday, 5 November.
In the run up to the event, the SFRS had appealed to the public to be aware of the dangers of both fireworks and unsafe bonfires with a message to consider the impact of their actions on communities and emergency services.
ACO Watt added: “Bonfire Night is traditionally one of our busiest nights of the year. “We put a huge amount of planning and preparation into this evening with local partners and other emergency services in order to protect communities, which is always our top priority.
“I would like to pay tribute to the professionalism and resilience of our frontline personnel, our Operations Control staff and our support staff who have shown incredible commitment over this busy period.
“Their dedication has allowed us to continue to protect communities throughout Scotland on Bonfire Night.”
City council leader Cammy Day said last night: “I’m appalled to see the scenes in Niddrie this evening. This behaviour is unacceptable.
“We’ve been working with our partners and in our communities to mitigate Bonfire Night related disruption, so it is extremely disappointing to see a minority of people behaving in this way.
“I would reassure residents that we are working closely with Police Scotland to ensure the community are safe and appeal to anyone who can help identify those responsible to contact police so they can be dealt with appropriately by the justice system.”
Police Statement 9pm Sunday 5 November:
We are currently dealing with an incident of significant disorder in the Hay Avenue area of Edinburgh, which began around 4.40pm this afternoon.
Reports were received of a large number of youths involved in the antisocial use of fireworks and local officers requested support from the #OpMoonbeam specially-trained Public Order resource.
Police in attendance are currently being subjected to attacks involving fireworks, petrol bombs and other projectiles and the public is asked to avoid the area while the response is ongoing.
There are a number of local road closures in place and we will advise when these re-open.
The public is thanked for their assistance with this matter.
AT 8.30 last night:
#OpMoonbeam resources are supporting officers in Hay Avenue to deal with significant fireworks disorder. Officers are being attacked with fireworks, petrol bombs and other projectiles. Some local roads are closed. Please avoid the area for the time-being while we respond.
– Explore the most magical Christmas market destinations in Europe this winter, with the leading leisure airline and UK’s largest operator of European city breaks
– Seven magical Christmas market destinations on sale for Winter 23/24 from ten UK airports
– Popular programme of scheduled festive flights and once-in-a-lifetime trips take off this month!
It is Christmas next month and holidaymakers looking to get into the festive spirit should look no further than Jet2.com andJet2CityBreaks, as the leading leisure airline and UK’s largest operator of European city breaks has a fantastic selection of Christmas market destinations on sale for Winter 23.
The companies will start operating scheduled services and dedicated once-in-a-lifetime trips to seven of Europe’s best Christmas market destinations in Europe – Vienna, Copenhagen, Berlin, Budapest, Cologne, Prague and Krakow this month.
With a programme of scheduled flights and dedicated trips on sale to these Christmas hotspots, customers have plenty of opportunity to enjoy a festive jaunt this winter. This year marks the first time that the companies have operated scheduled services and trips to Christmas market destinations from Bristol and London Stansted Airports.
The unrivalled programme features eight new routes – Birmingham to Cologne, Bristol to Prague, Bristol to Vienna, Edinburgh to Vienna, Edinburgh to Prague, Leeds Bradford to Copenhagen, London Stansted to Prague and London Stansted to Vienna.
With multiple weekly services on sale and friendly flight times, customers have complete choice and flexibility when it comes to visiting the most charming Christmas markets in Europe – whether it is for a weekend, long weekend or longer.
Mini-series of flights and breaks to Prague operating from 1st to 18th December with Monday and Friday services available for Winter 23.
Birmingham Airport:
Mini-series of flights and breaks to BRAND-NEW Cologne with up to three-weekly services operating between 6th December and 22nd December.
Two weekly services (Monday and Friday) to Vienna operating during winter.
Two weekly services (Monday and Friday) operating during the winter to Budapest and Krakow, on top of four-weekly services (Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday) to Prague.
Bristol Airport:
BRAND-NEW mini-series of flights and breaks to Prague with Thursday and Sunday services available from 30th November to 17th December.
BRAND-NEW mini-series of flights and city breaks to Vienna too with Monday and Friday services operating from 24th November to 18th December.
Edinburgh Airport:
NEW mini-series of flights and breaks to Vienna with two weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from 23rd November to 17th December.
· NEW mini-series of flights and breaks to Prague with two weekly service from 30th November to 17th December.
East Midlands:
Twice-weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) operating to Krakow throughout the winter.
Two weekly flights (Monday and Friday) also available to Prague during the winter.
Glasgow Airport:
Two weekly services (Monday and Friday) to Krakow available from Glasgow Airport during Winter 23.
Scheduled services also operating twice-weekly (Thursday and Sunday) to Prague.
Leeds Bradford Airport:
NEW mini-series of flights and breaks to Copenhagen with up to twice-weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from 23rd November to 17th December.
Mini-series of flights and breaks to Berlin with up to twice-weekly services (Monday and Friday) from 24th November to 18th December.
Mini-series of flights and breaks to Vienna with up to twice-weekly services (Monday and Friday) from 24th November to 18th December.
In addition, there are also two weekly services operating to Budapest and Krakow and four weekly services to Prague for Winter 23.
London Stansted Airport:
BRAND-NEW mini-series of flights and breaks to Prague with up to twice-weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from 30th November to 17th December.
Also NEW for Winter 23 is a mini-series of flights and breaks to Vienna with up to twice-weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from 23rd November to 17th December.
Manchester Airport:
Mini-series of flights and breaks to Cologne with up to three-weekly flights from 24th November to 2nd January.
In addition, there are also two weekly services to Vienna, five weekly services to Krakow and Prague and six weekly services to Budapest this winter, offering plenty of opportunity for customers to experience a Christmas market in one of these destinations.
Newcastle International Airport:
Mini-series of flights and breaks to Berlin with up to twice-weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from 23rd November to 17th December.
Also available is a mini-series of flights and breaks to Budapest, thanks to Thursday and Sunday services operating from 23rd November to 17th December.
Mini-series of flights and breaks to Cologne with up to twice-weekly services (Monday and Friday) from 24th November to 11th December.
Mini-series of flights and breaks to Copenhagen also available with two-weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from 23rd November to 17th December.
A mini-series of flights and breaks to Vienna means up to two-weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from 23rd November to 17th December.
More opportunity for customers to visit the Christmas markets in Krakow and Prague with two weekly services to the European Christmas market destinations for Winter 23.
When booking a Christmas Market trip, customers can choose from a flight-only option with Jet2.com or an ATOL protected package holiday with Jet2CityBreaks, available for a low £60 per person deposit.
Package options with Jet2CityBreaks include flights with Jet2.com including 22kg hold luggage, as well as a choice of 2-5 star hotels in central locations, providing the perfect base from which to explore and experience the best Christmas market destinations in Europe.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks said: “With 25th December just around the corner, thoughts are turning to Christmas and people are looking to get into the festive spirit.
“There is no better way to countdown to Christmas, than by visiting a Christmas market in one of Europe’s most magical destinations in Europe. Every year, our Christmas Markets programme proves extremely popular, and this year is no different, with us seeing strong demand once again.
“Our first flights take off this month, however it is not too late to secure a festive getaway. With so much choice and flexibility, Europe’s most magical Christmas destinations are easy to reach with Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks.”
Sample packages:
Jet2CityBreaks – Germany, Cologne City, 4+ star Hilton Cologne, 3 nights room-only departing from Birmingham on 14th December 2023.
Price: £579 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Hungary, Budapest City, 4+ star Continental Hotel Budapest, 3 nights room-only departing from Birmingham on 18 December 2023.
Price: £429 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Czech Republic, Prague City, 3 star Ibis Praha Mala Strana, 3 nights bed & breakfast departing from Bristol on 14th December 2023.
Price: £349 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Austria, Vienna City, 3 star Ibis Wien Mariahilf, 3 nights room-only departing from Bristol on 15 December 2023.
Price: £499 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Czech Republic, Prague City, 4 star Hotel Galileo, 3 nights bed & breakfast departing from Edinburgh on 14th December 2023.
Price: £479 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Austria, Vienna City, 4 star Hotel Mercure Wien Westbahnhof, 3 nights room-only departing from Edinburgh on 14th December 2023.
Price: £419 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Czech Republic, Prague City, 3 star Prague Centre Superior, 3 nights bed & breakfast departing from East Midlands on 15th December 2023.
Price: £399 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Poland, Krakow City, 3 star Hotel Wyspianski, 3 nights room-only departing from East Midlands on 21 December 2023.
Price: £299 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Czech Republic, Prague City, 3 star Ibis Praha Mala Strana, 3 nights bed & breakfast departing from Glasgow on 14 December 2023.
Price: £419 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Poland, Krakow City, 4 star MR67 Mayera Rapaporta, 3 nights room-only departing from Glasgow on 15th December 2023.
Price: £399 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Germany, Berlin City, 3 star Best Western Hotel Am Spittelmarkt, 3 nights room-only departing from Leeds Bradford on 15th December 2023.
Price: £519 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Denmark, Copenhagen City, 4 star Andersen Boutique Hotel, 3 nights bed & breakfast departing from Leeds Bradford on 14 December 2023.
Price: £569 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Germany, Cologne City, 4 star Pullman Cologne, 3 nights room-only departing from Manchester on 05 December 2023.
Price: £689 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Hungary, Budapest City, 3+ star The Three Corners Hotel Anna, 3 nights Bed & Breakfast departing from Manchester on 19 December 2023.
Price: £419 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Germany, Berlin City, 4+ star Eurostars Berlin, 3 nights room-only departing from Newcastle International on 14th December 2023.
Price: £589 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Denmark, Copenhagen City, 4 star Copenhagen Admiral Hotel, 3 nights room-only departing from Newcastle International on 14th December 2023.
Price: £519 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Czech Republic, Prague City, 3 star Prague Centre Superior, 3 nights bed & breakfast departing from London Stansted on 14 December 2023.
Price: £359 per person based on 2 Adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
Jet2CityBreaks – Austria, Vienna City, 3 star Boutique Hotel Donauwalzer, 3 nights room-only departing from London Stansted on 07 December 2023.
Price: £619 per person based on 2 adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance.
All prices and availability correct at the time of issue.
Latest figures from Relationships Scotland show continued fallout from pandemic and cost of living crisis are having a negative impact on family life
Support for Scottish families seeking help to deal with relationship difficulties and family breakdown has increased by almost 40% in the last year, according to Relationships Scotland.
Relationships Scotland, the largest provider of relationship support in the country, has published its Annual Review highlighting the increase in support being offered to couples with relationship problems.
The figures for 2022/23 show that across the charity’s network of 21 member services, 86,000 hours of direct support were delivered, increasing from 62,000 the previous year. The figures also show the network provided support to over 14,400 people across the country, up from 13,850 in 2021/22.
Stuart Valentine, Chief Executive of Relationships Scotlandsaid: “There is no doubt the pandemic and the cost of living crisis have put a strain on families and relationships, and these figures are a stark reminder of how acute this strain is.
“This is a significant increase in hours of support across the whole country, and while it paints a worrying picture of the pressures being felt across the nation, we are encouraged that people feel they have somewhere to turn, and are seeking help to deal with these issues.”
The Relationships Scotland network has a strong focus on early intervention and prevention, working with families as early as possible to support them to look at the issues they are facing and helping them avoid problems spiralling. The work of the 21 member services across the country is supported by around 900 people, including over 400 volunteers.
Stuart Valentineadded: “The importance of positive and resilient relationships can not be underestimated, with the damage caused by relationship breakdown estimated to cost the Scottish economy around £3.5b each year.”
Auld Reekie Roller Derby are hosting a double header of live roller derby at Dalkeith Community Campus on Sunday 19th November.
Roller derby is a fast-paced full contact team sport, played on quad roller skates. It requires speed, strategy, and athleticism, and is one of the world’s fastest growing female sports.
Founded in 2008, this will be the club’s final home game in their 15th Anniversary year, and they expect big crowds from their loyal fans.
The two-game day, entitled ‘Stranger Spins’, with an 80s ‘Stranger Things’ theme, kicks off at 12:30pm. The first game is between challenger teams, which include skaters playing their first public game, and the second headliner game sees friendly rivals Auld Reekie All Star Reserves take on nearby Dundee Roller Derby.
A family-friendly event, there will also be food vendors, half time games and merchandise sellers. The 80s tunes will be playing and crowds are encouraged to wear their best 80s fashions!
Local Edinburgh skater Annie Bechtel will be playing her first public game and is feeling excited, “I thought it would be at least a year till I was even close to competing with Auld Reekie, so I’m delighted to be on the team.
“I’m nervous, but there is always such a great atmosphere from the crowd.”
Annie, whose roller derby nickname is Timber, on account of the fact that “I fall down a lot, and I’m tall”, started the Auld Reekie skater training programme in December 2022.
She sustained an injury, but that wasn’t enough to put her off the full contact sport: “I’ve recovered, made it through the next round of skater training, and am ready to skate my best!”
VisitScotland and DFDS unveil latest partnership marketing campaign to help encourage year-round travel
The beauty and benefits of a holiday in Scotland during autumn, winter and spring are being showcased to visitors from the Netherlands and Germany, as part of a new marketing partnership between VisitScotland and DFDS Seaways.
The new digital campaign aims to inspire potential visitors to Scotland by ferry, using DFDS Seaways routes connecting mainland Europe to the UK, by highlighting the unique sights and experiences on offer at this time of year.
Visitors travelling during the traditional off-season months can enjoy a stunning array of colours as the seasons change, clear dark skies and cosying up by the fireside after a long day exploring.
The campaign plays on a sense of adventure, appealing to those thinking of Scotland for a touring holiday with their car, motorbike or motorhome with the call to action to travel to Scotland with DFDS on their Amsterdam to Newcastle service.
Inspirational videos have been running across social media platforms Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram since the end of August. The campaign is taking advantage of automated technology media buying platforms Quantcast and Dentsu Programmatic to target and reach potential consumers more effectively with relevant online display advertising. The aim is to ensure Scotland and DFDS are front of mind with those booking a last-minute trip in 2023 and those thinking ahead to spring 2024.
The campaign has included regional imagery from across Scotland, including the South of Scotland, Edinburgh & the Lothians, Aberdeenshire, Arran, and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs, based on insights that show German and Dutch visitors like to tour far and wide when they travel to Scotland.
The initial campaign came to an end on 22 October. It will be followed up by two additional campaigns, delivered in partnership with Visit East Lothian and the South of Scotland Destination Alliance that will run until November.
These smaller campaigns will take advantage of the warmed-up audience to drive further regional spread off the earlier activity.
This latest activity continues a decade-long partnership with DFDS Seaways and aims to build on the success of previous joint campaigns to help support the continued and responsible recovery of the industry.
In 2022, Scotland welcomed 236,000 German visitors, who generated £171m tourism spend that year, as well as 212,000 Dutch visitors who generated £135m spend that year.
VisitScotland Director of Marketing & Digital Vicki Miller said: “Last year record numbers of international visitors chose the October to December period to travel to Scotland, so we know the appetite for our lochs, glens and historic landmarks is strong right across the year.
“Partnership working is at the heart of what we do and our collaboration with DFDS Seaways will help drive international tourism from these key European markets.
“Our marketing aims to connect with visitors, drawing on their emotions and showing them what a visit to Scotland’s diverse regions can feel like year-round. We want all destinations to benefit from tourism and this is reflected in our marketing activity promoting responsible travel in Scotland, including practical information and advice to visitors travelling by caravan and motorhome.”
“International visitors are absolutely key to bringing in revenue for businesses during the remainder of 2023 and into 2024, helping to build on the shoots of recovery in tourism and events, one of Scotland’s most valuable industries.”
Philipp Päper, DFDS Seaways Head of Route Marketing North Sea said: “Our partnership with VisitScotland is a perfect match thanks to DFDS’ presence in the Netherlands and Germany, and VisitScotland’s expertise on Scotland’s beautiful destinations.
“The Amsterdam-Newcastle route provides continental travellers the ideal way to get to their Scottish travel destinations stress-free year-round. Passengers are set to benefit greatly from our partnership campaign, as welcoming them to our DFDS ferries means that they can start their holiday the moment they step aboard.
“They can count on a best-in-class service, with a variety of restaurants, entertainment options and even Duty Free shopping onboard”
David Hope-Jones OBE, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA), said: “The South of Scotland is an unmissable destination 365 days a year and we’re really eager to get the word out about how much there is to see, do and experience in the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway in every season.
“The SSDA is delighted to be working with VisitScotland and DFDS Seaways on this collaboration to highlight our incredible region to overseas visitors and show them that Scotland really does start here.”
Elaine Carmichael, on behalf of Visit East Lothian said: “East Lothian is ideally placed for visitors arriving by DFDS Seaways to the North of England and, as well as being a base for holidays, makes the ideal start or end point for their trip to Scotland.
” This campaign sits well with our key markets, and we know from attending trade shows and our work with the travel trade industry that there is a real appetite from German and Dutch visitors for all that East Lothian has to offer.
“We are delighted to be taking part in this initiative in partnership with VisitScotland and the South of Scotland Destination Alliance to showcase our regions and bring benefits to our businesses over the autumn and winter months.”
The adverts drive traffic to custom in-language landing pages on:
Gift the gift that keeps on giving this Christmas – a year’s membership to Edinburgh Leisure’s three soft play centres across the city!
The perfect solution for grandparents, godparents, and aunts and uncles who are fed-up of giving ‘plastic fantastic’ gifts that are surplus to needs, instead inspire the kids to get the active habit and sample the world of sport and fitness from an early age. Their parents will thank you for it.
Costing £179 for 12 months, the annual soft play membership means little adventurers can visit as many times as they wish, enjoying unlimited fun at any of Edinburgh Leisure’s three soft play venues across the city at Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Tumbles at Portobello, and Scrambles at EICA: Ratho, which will keep little ones entertained and burning off energy as they explore the amazing soft plays.
Edinburgh Leisure’s play frames are suitable for children up to ten years old and there are frames for babies, toddlers, and juniors up to 10 years. Each venue has a café where healthy snacks and tasty treats can be enjoyed.
With great member benefits including special offers, members’ events, discounts to popular seasonal parties and other exclusive perks, the annual Edinburgh Leisure soft play is available to buy in venue or online. Purchasers will be presented with a Christmas Gift Card, which can then be given to the child.
