Month: November 2023

Remembrance 23 – Connecting People, The Royal Scots and Dalkeith Palace

Royal Scots Remembrance Exhibition at Dalkeith Palace

From today, Saturday 4 to Wednesday 8 November 2023, The Royal Scots Museum, Edinburgh Castle, are bringing Remembrance 23, a free interactive exhibition, to Dalkeith Palace.  

This temporary exhibition has been specially designed to promote the strong connections between The Royal Scots (373 unbroken years of service – 1633 to 2006), the local regiment for Midlothian, and Dalkeith Palace, as well as the continuing relevance of Remembrance today.

The exhibition curators are especially keen to engage with the wide-ranging community of Midlothian by including fascinating military stories from soldiers from Edinburgh, the Lothians and Peebleshire, the heart of the old regimental recruiting area, that will appeal to visitors of all ages.  

8 RS take a ditch on the Moortdyjke Road and consolidate the position, 3rd November 1944.

Two of these stories, that have already created local interest, are from Lance Corporal Peter Burnett and Private Andrew Cornwall, 2 Battalion, The Royal Scots.  Their story focuses on the tragic sinking of the Japanese troop ship Lisbon Maru, sunk in the South China Sea on 01 October 1942.  Of the 1816 Prisoners of War aboard 828 perished, 183 of whom were Royal Scots.

After a recent appeal to the Midlothian community for information about Lance Corporal Peter Burnett and Private Andrew Cornwall, a living relative has been found and will attend the exhibition.  

The exhibition also includes living history films featuring former Royal Scots talking about their time in the regiment.  In one video, Rob Wainwright, one-time Medical Officer to the 1st Battalion, a former Captain of the Scottish rugby team, and capped for the British Lions, gives his take on serving in the armed forces and the impact of warfare on those who serve.  

Videos are available on YouTube: ttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Wj9U1GMbA78Qg-bCfhhJg/videos?view_as=subscriber

Remembrance 23 will provide an opportunity to:

·       Visit Dalkeith Palace.

·       Explore the connections between Midlothian people, The Royal Scots and Dalkeith Palace.

·       Learn about the history of the local Regiment and remember why We Should Never Forget.

·       Watch Living History films. 

·       View displays and objects.

·       Research local veterans and medals.

·       Explore the history of The Royals Scots during the Boer War and the two World Wars.

·       Understand the continuing relevance of Remembrance.

The proud heritage and privilege of being Right of the Line has been taken forward by successors to The Royal Scots: The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Remembrance 23 tickets are free but need to be booked online:

https://www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/event/remembrance-2023/

Islamophobia Awareness Month 2023: Council and Police Scotland issue joint statement

Following the decision of the Policy and Sustainability Committee on October 24, 2023 it was agreed that the Council and Police Scotland would issue a joint statement for Islamophobia Awareness Month.

Joint statement from Councillor Cammy Day, Leader of City of Edinburgh Council, and Edinburgh Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Sean Scott from Police Scotland: 

‘Edinburgh is characterised and strengthened by its diversity across our communities, and we remain committed to ensuring that the Capital remains a safe, tolerant, and welcoming city for all.

‘We are unequivocal in our condemnation of all prejudice and intolerance – neither of which have any place here in Edinburgh or across our society.

‘We acknowledge the impact of hate incidents and crimes on victims, their families, and wider communities and will work together with them to tackle Islamophobia and all other forms of hate crime.

‘We will continue to work with groups who have lived experience of Islamophobia, and we will use their insights to further inform our work. Engagement with these communities is rightly at the heart of our approach to tackling discrimination and reassuring our residents.

‘We know that hate crime is under-reported and we are working closely with victims, communities, and partners to build confidence in the process and its outcomes.  If you are affected by hate or know of someone who is, please report it. Find out about the different ways to report hate incidents.

‘Within both our own organisations, we are fully committed to broadening our understanding of Islam and combatting Islamophobia through a range of learning and development activities, such as community visits, webinars, and workshops.

‘Please get in touch if you need our help or if you would like to work with us on stamping Islamophobia out once and for all.’

Read the full report ‘Islamophobia – update on engagement’ from the Policy and Sustainability Committee on October 24, 2023. 

Islamophobia Awareness Month 2023 

This week marks the start of Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM) 2023, which aims to raise awareness of Islamophobia and its prevalence in Scotland.

Figures show that many people are still subject to Islamophobic abuse, which can include harassment, hate speech, violent attacks, religious profiling and being prejudiced against Muslims. IAM seeks to demonstrate the effect of Islamophobia and how it can be tackled, in addition to the positive contributions of Muslims in the UK. 

The Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Challenging Racial & Religious Prejudice recently received an update on its 2021 inquiry into Islamophobia in Scotland.

The 2021 inquiry found that 75% of Muslims say that Islamophobia is a regular or everyday issue in Scottish society. 78% of Muslims in Scotland believed that Islamophobia was getting worse, which rose to 82% of Muslim respondents with a Glasgow postcode.

Over 80% of all Muslim respondents to the survey have a friend or family member who has experienced Islamophobia. 

The update received by the CPG earlier this week re-launched the Islamophobia Inquiry recommendations, with Convener Foysol Choudhury MSP highlighting that Islamophobia is still a prevalent issue in Scotland and that key recommendations such as improving on the reporting and recording of Islamophobia in schools should be urgently progressed. 

Lothian MSP Foysol Choudhury, who is the new Convener of the CPG taking over from colleague Anas Sarwar MSP, is encouraging constituents to talk about these experiences during Islamophobia Awareness Month, to raise awareness that these problems do exist and people are facing them daily. 

 Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “Islamophobia is still such a big issue for all Muslims and we need to find a way to eradicate the abuse and hatred urgently, to help those who face issues with Islamophobia on a daily basis. 

“I have been raising in the Scottish Parliament the issue of how the Scottish Government will ensure that all police officers will be able to fully investigate all reported hate crimes, so people will then hopefully feel more comfortable going to the police about the abuse and hatred they receive.” 

Following his previous work on Islamophobia, Foysol Choudhury is continuing to encourage people this month to share their experiences and speak out:  “I really want to make sure people feel enabled to speak out about their issues, to give support to those who face hate or abuse because of their membership to religious communities.  

“It is my hope that this will then create a more peaceful Scotland for everyone, free from any kind of religious intolerance or hatred.” 

Projects welcome backing from Autistic Adult Support Fund

The £500,000 Autistic Adult Support Fund has announced the 16 charities across Scotland which will provide more vital support for autistic adults and their families to understand what neurodivergence means for them and improve their wellbeing.   

Delivered by Inspiring Scotland, and funded by the Scottish Government, successful charities will receive grants of between £15,000 – £75,000 each to deliver a range of projects including:  

  • Hope for Autism will deliver post diagnostic support groups around developing an understanding of autism and identity; practical life skills; and learning to self-advocate. Support sessions and training will also be provided to the entire family. 
  • Autism Initiatives will deliver a National Remote Late Diagnosis programme (LDG) online and in-person in locations including Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, Tayside, Highland, and West Lothian.  
  • Networking Key Service Limited will focus support for autistic people and their families in South Asian communities.  
  • The National Autistic Society (in partnership with Autistic Knowledge Development) will create an autistic-led digital suite of short films to provide a positive, easily accessible introduction to the world of autism support in Scotland. They will also run a series of six post diagnostic group sessions, with a mix of in person and online delivery.  

Two Edinburgh projects, and one national project based in the capital, have received funding.

Speaking on the need for the fund, Rob Holland, Director of National Autistic Society Scotland said: “Sadly, there is often little in the way of support for adults following a diagnosis of autism meaning that they are left on their own to interpret what that means with little idea of where to turn to for much needed support.

“I am therefore delighted that we have been successful in receiving this award from Inspiring Scotland. 

“We have partnered with Autistic Knowledge Development to develop an incredible programme of free to access support for autistic adults across Scotland. The programme will allow participants to deepen their understanding as to what their diagnosis means as well as to connect and share strategies with each other.

“It will also provide a safe space for participants to share with each other the challenges as well as the joys of being autistic. We hope that these connections will last beyond the lifetime of the programme.” 

Highland based Lochaber Hope, will deliver online workshops on Autism, ADHD and a Neurodivergent Group for Women and Non-Binary People in the area.  

 Executive Manager at Lochaber Hope, Alyson Smith said: “We are delighted to have received funds from Autistic Adults Support Fund, this will allow us to support the increasing number of adults whose needs are specific and are currently not being met in our community, we can help change the quality of the lives of people living with autism.” 

Erica Judge, Director of Funds at Inspiring Scotland said: “We received a large number of high-quality applications to this Autistic Adult Support Fund demonstrating the need for this work and the commitment from organisations across Scotland to provide what we know can be life changing support. 

“We are looking forward to working alongside and supporting the 16 charities selected to provide vital support to autistic people and their families and carers to better understand what their diagnosis means for them and help ensure they are able to live happy and healthy lives.”

Find out more about the successful Autistic Adult Support Fund projects.  

Autistic-Adult-Support-Fund-Project-ListDownload

Scottish sport backs ‘Don’t be that guy’ campaign

Scottish football joins Scottish Rugby in backing Police Scotland’s That Guy sexual crime prevention campaign

The That Guy Scotland campaign is highlighting the positive role sport can play in encouraging men to speak out against behaviours that can lead to sexual offending.

SPFL and Scottish Rugby are helping men join the conversation and be part of the solution:

Football fans will see the campaign featuring at the Viaplay Cup semi-finals at Hampden this weekend, when Hibs take on Aberdeen, and Hearts face Rangers.

The Scottish Professional Football League is backing the campaign for the first time, joining long-time supporters like Scottish Rugby.

This latest phase of the award-winning That Guy campaign focuses on the positive role sport can play in influencing men’s attitudes and encouraging them to speak out against behaviours that can lead to sexual offending.

Social media influencers will share advice on how men can get off the sidelines and safely challenge inappropriate banter and behaviour that makes women feel unsafe.

Assistant Chief Constable Bex Smith, Police Scotland said: “Not all men are a threat to women, but all men have the opportunity to help tackle the attitudes and actions that make women feel unsafe in everyday life.

“Banter and other behaviours that are abusive or derogatory towards women can seem harmless in the changing room or on a night out with friends, but these behaviours are rooted in male entitlement, and if left untackled, could lead to offending.

“It’s up to men to take action, step in, have a word with a friend and stop sexual offending before it starts.”

Calum Beattie, chief operating officer for the SPFL, said: “Football’s position as Scotland’s national sport enables it to play a uniquely positive and influential role in society.

“A number of SPFL clubs have previously participated in ‘That Guy’ and we’re proud to lend our further support to this award-winning and important campaign.

“We look forward to helping tens of thousands of supporters to learn more about its important message during the Viaplay Cup semifinals.”

A spokesperson for Scottish Rugby said: “We’ve been proud to work with Police Scotland and host workshops for our men’s and women’s players at international, pro-team and Academy levels, where we have explored the importance of their sexual crime prevention campaign.

“We’re determined to share the drive for male allyship, whether through big screen and match programme messaging at Scotland international matches, or, our next step, through taking the campaign directly out to clubs, so that it can be shared across communities.”

This stage of Police Scotland’s That Guy campaign launched on Monday, 30 October 2023 and will run throughout November.

New content will be published on www.that-guy.co.uk and social media channels: 

Twitter/X: @ThatGuyScotland

Instagram: @thatguyscotland

UNISON City of Edinburgh denounces Council’s determination to enforce education cuts

UNISON City of Edinburgh is deeply concerned by the decision made by City of Edinburgh Council to delete the Education Welfare Officer (EWO) Service from its books.

This being despite our warnings that the removal of these posts will be detrimental to the children of Edinburgh who need additional support. EWO’s play a crucial role, working with our schools and the children’s families to address the issue of repeated absenteeism. They offer direct support to struggling households providing answers and solutions to the problems that vex many of our children.

At its November meeting yesterday, City of Edinburgh Council voted against reversing the removal of these posts. This happened despite a joint proposal put forward by the SNP and Greens which aimed to reverse the £600k cut to the EWO Service.

The decision to remove these posts was supported by the Labour Group with the complete support of all Lib Dem and Conservative Councillors.

Graham Neal, from the UNISON City of Edinburgh branch, spoke on behalf of the EWO’s and asked why the Council was prepared to lose such an important and vital service, questioning the understanding behind such a decision.

Emphasis was also made in regard to the adverse effect this cut would have on the city’s most vulnerable children and families as well as the significant impact on the Council’s ability to fulfil its statutory commitments.

Graham went on to add that the fateful decision taken by the Labour Administration and their partners not to support the SNP/Green proposal to protect Education Welfare Officer posts sends a concerning message about their commitment to safeguarding the future of our city’s children.

It is deeply disappointing that regardless of the genuine concerns raised by school staff, parents and UNISON the Labour Administration appear more interested in balancing the books than protecting the well-being and future of our city’s children and families, the union said.

Appeal for information following Greendykes gunshots

Police are appealing for information after a number of gunshots were fired in Edinburgh.

Around 10.15am yesterday (Thursday, 2 November), police were called to a report of shots being fired at block of flats on Greendykes Road . Subsequent enquiries have identified shots were also fired towards the property around 3.05am the same morning.

There were no injuries in either incident, however windows were damaged.

This is being treated as a targeted attack.

Detective Sergeant Gavin Howat, Gayfield CID, said: “Whilst this may have been intended as a targeted attack, the fact is that a number of shots were fired indiscriminately. The second incident was in broad daylight and there were people in the street at the time.

“Thankfully no one was injured but this was a reckless act with no regard for members of the public.

“It is imperative that we find those responsible and for that we need the help of the local community.

“I know that people may be reluctant to come forward and so I would encourage the use of Crimestoppers where information can be given anonymously.

“Officers have been in the area since the attack checking CCTV and speaking to local residents.

“From our enquiries so far we believe that there was male on an electric motorcycle with a pillion passenger around the time of both incidents. On the second occasion they were seen to make off towards Craigmillar Castle Avenue.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who has private CCTV or doorbell camera footage, or from motorists driving on Greendykes Road or the surrounding roads between 3am and 3.30am, and 10am and 10.30am. Their footage could prove very useful to our enquiry.

“High visibility officers remain on patrol in the area, and I would urge people to speak to officers with regard to any concerns or provide information.”

Information can be passed to police via 101 quoting reference number 0961 of Thursday, 2 November, 2023, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Cladding Remediation Bill published

New powers to tackle unsafe cladding

Legislation giving Scottish Ministers powers to assess and remediate buildings within scope with unsafe cladding, where consent of the owners cannot be provided, has been published.

Under proposals in the Housing (Cladding Remediation) Bill, the Scottish Government would also create and maintain a Cladding Assurance Register to give residents confidence about the assessment and works undertaken once those buildings are remediated.

The Bill would also give Ministers the power to establish a Responsible Developers Scheme, to support engagement with developers and encourage them to pay for or carry out remediation work.

Whilst subject to further consultation, such a scheme would likely include agreement to pay for remediation costs, with potential sanctions for developers that are eligible but do not join or continue membership.

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “We are determined to safeguard people living in buildings with unsafe cladding which has been identified through the cladding remediation programme. 

“Where work is required, it should be carried out swiftly and this Bill will allow us to build on progress to date by addressing barriers to assessment and remediation work.

“The public commitments that have already been made by many of Scotland’s developers to identify, assess and remediate their buildings mean that public money can be focused on buildings without a linked developer.

“The opportunity for future creation of a Responsible Developers Scheme – through secondary legislation – would recognise those developers who are doing the right thing and protect the reputation of responsible operators.”

Cladding Remediation Bill

Young Scots given opportunity to meet acclaimed video games studios

  • 16–18-year-olds will get the chance speak to major games companies and leading education providers about career opportunities
  • Event aims to encourage more diversity in the games industry
  • Ubisoft, SEGA HARDlight and Abertay University will be in attendance

Games Jobs Live, which connects talent to UK games companies, is hosting an event to inspire the younger generation to consider a career in the video games industry.

The free online event, which is taking place on Tuesday 7 November at 4.30pm, is keen to address the diversity and gender imbalance in the industry and encourage more people to consider a career in gaming. The latest figures show 70% of people working in the gaming industry are male.

It will giveyoung people, aged 16-18, the opportunity to meet and speak with acclaimed games companies and top universities.

Featured speakers include Craig Charsley, senior talent acquisition specialist at Ubisoft (Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry) and Sol Argüeso, lead recruiter from SEGA Hardlight (Sonic Dash and Sonic Forces). Mae Yup, co-founder of ERIC and Alex Perkins, art director at Avalanche Studios will also be discussing their careers and tips to get into the industry.

Escape Studios, Abertay University, Salford University and Glasgow School of Art will also discuss the video games courses they offer and will be available for the event duration to answer any questions they may have around apprenticeships, traineeships, personal development opportunities and skills needed.

Scotland is renowned for its game development with Grand Theft Auto being introduced to the world in 1997 by DMA Design (Rockstar North), and the University of Abertay which launched the world’s first computer games degree.

Today the Scottish games industry continues to grow and there are a whole host of games studios in the region offering plenty of job opportunities including Rockstar North, Outplay and Build a Rocket Boy.

Colin Macdonald, director of Games Jobs Live, said: “The global games market is worth $159 billion, with 2.7 billion people playing video games globally. So, there’s a real opportunity for diverse, young people to enter the thriving UK gaming industry but more needs to be done to communicate the wide-ranging opportunities available to them.

“The event’s main objective is to provide this information to the younger generation that are considering a possible future in the games industry but find it hard to get information that’s directly relevant to them.

“By bringing together some of the leading education providers, as well as prominent games studios, they can get advice and answers to their questions in one place and be better informed about their next career steps.

“There will be a range of support on hand from colleges, training providers and employers with available opportunities.”

Rona Whittet, student recruitment officer at Abertay University, said: “Abertay University is excited to be involved once again in the Getting into the Games Industry live event. We want to make more young people aware of the opportunities available to them.”

To sign up for free tickets, please visit – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-to-get-into-the-games-industry-2023-advice-from-industry-experts-tickets-741374329577

Edinburgh Science’s Careers Hive returns next week

Assemble a space satellite or perform a surgery: Edinburgh Science addresses the problem of pupils not choosing STEM subjects by getting them hands-on with science

Schools only 6 – 10 November

Public Open Day on Sat 11 November

www.sciencefestival.co.uk

#CareersHive

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Edinburgh Science is pleased to announce the return of its annual Careers Hive, a week-long free schools event with a Public Open Day on Saturday, 11 November.

Initially developed in 2016, Careers Hive inspires S1-S3 pupils to pursue a STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and maths) career through hands-on activities, discussions with STEM professionals and workshops to equip them with skills and confidence to progress in their chosen field. Careers Hive addresses the problem of young people not choosing STEM subjects by encouraging and showcasing where they will lead.

Between 6 and 10 of November at the National Museum of Scotland, Careers Hive can be accessed by pre-booked school groups only with a Public Open Day on Saturday, 11 November.

Thursday will also see the return of Teacher CLPL (Career Long Professional Learning) Session which will provide activity ideas and discussions to take back to the classroom. The session is free to attend for any educators (e.g. teachers, youth group leaders) and doesn’t require them to have attended Careers Hive itself to benefit from.

Pupils will be able to experience:

  • Grand Gallery Interactive Exhibition with four themed zones where they engage with STEM professional and try out different hands-on activities related to real jobs, e.g. perform a keyhole surgery, insulate a house, build a robot or assemble a model of a space satellite.
  • Panel Discussions in the Auditorium during which they hear from STEM professionals about their education and career stories;
  • Workshop in the Learning Centre where they explore how the skills and interests they are developing at school help them face the challenges in the future.

This year’s speakers include an award-winning climate activist, environmental scientist, and ethical influencer Laura Young aka Less Waste Laura who started, and continues to lead, the campaign to see single-use disposable vapes banned across Scotland and the UK;

Zoe Clark, Mission Manager within launch team for Spire Global, a space company harnessing the world’s largest constellation of 100+ multipurpose satellites collecting data to enable organisations to make smarter, better, faster decisions in a rapidly changing world impacted by climate change.

Zoe started at Spire Global through an apprenticeship programme, working alongside attending college and is very passionate about inspiring young minds to pursue a career in STEM;

Documentary director, tv presenter and wildlife photographer Libby Penman whose new documentary Back from the Brink, showcasing the amazing work of conservationists fighting to save wildlife across Europe, is now available on BBC iPlayer.

Laura McLister, Head of Learning at Edinburgh Science said: “Our world is facing some of its toughest challenges yet and whether it is tackling the climate emergency, harnessing the capabilities of AI or responding to global health crises, skills in STEM have never been so useful.

“However, despite so many inspiring opportunities out there many young people believe STEM subjects and jobs are not for them. Careers Hive challenges this perception head on.  

“Over 2,500 young people from across Scotland will visit the National Museum of Scotland where we will help them discover what a job in STEM really entails and share the incredible opportunities that exist if they continue to study STEM topics at school.

“Aimed at inspiring the next generation of problem solvers, Careers Hive offers a unique chance for S1–S3 pupils to try hands on activities and speak directly to career professionals working in STEM industries, who will showcase some of the fascinating jobs available and inspire the young people to think about what problems they want to solve to help build a better world.”

A teacher participating in Careers Hive said: “One pupil told me as we entered the Museum ‘to be honest, I’m here for the day out of school’.

“Come the end of the visit, he was telling me which STEM careers he was interested in, and how the event changed his perceptions about STEM. It opened all the pupils’ eyes to the wider range of STEM jobs rather than just a scientist or an engineer.”

Careers Hive is supported by a range of funders.

Edinburgh Science Learning projects reach around 60,000 people every year.