Day: March 17, 2024

Full cast and creative team announced for National Theatre of Scotland’s Maggie & Me

  • Full cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr’s award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June 2024 
  • Gary Lamont as DB leads an ensemble cast with Sam Angell as Wee DB and Beth Marshall as Margaret Thatcher 

WORLD PREMIERE  

National Theatre of Scotland presents 

Maggie & Me 

Written by Damian Barr and James Ley, adapted from the memoir by Damian Barr  

Directed by Suba Das 

Set and Costume Design – Kenneth MacLeod, Lighting Design – Katharine Williams, Sound Designer – Susan Bear, Video Designer – Tim Reid, Movement Director – Struan Leslie, Casting Director – Orla O’Connor   

Cast – Sam Angell, Nicola Jo Cully, Gary Lamont, Beth Marshall, Grant McIntyre, Douglas Rankine, and Joanne Thomson 

Opening at the Tron Theatre, Glasgow (sold out), and touring to Eden Court, Inverness; Perth Theatre; Lanternhouse, Cumbernauld; Dundee Rep Theatre; Royal & Derngate, Northampton and Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh. 

Maggie & Me, Damian Barr’s award-winning and darkly witty memoir about growing up gay in Thatcher’s Britain is coming to stages across the UK, in a bold and explosive new production led by a queer creative team.    

Damian Barr is adapting his memoir for the stage, teaming up with Scottish playwright James Ley and directed by Suba Das.   

This new production from National Theatre of Scotland premieres at the Tron Theatre, Glasgow in May 2024 before touring to Inverness, Perth, Cumbernauld, Dundee, Northampton and Edinburgh.  

“Don’t you worry. I’ll always love you. Love doesn’t run out. It’s not like the gas meter. I’ll find extra love.”   

Brighton, 2008: Damian Barr celebrates getting a deal to write a memoir about his chaotic childhood in 1980s Lanarkshire. But as soon as he opens the door to his troubled past, everybody comes rushing through, including his younger self and the woman who forever changes his family, community and country: Maggie Thatcher.   

Soon, revisiting his past turns into reliving it – the fear and the joy. From the furnaces of the Ravenscraig Steelworks to the sanctuary of Carfin Grotto, there’s trauma and triumph, coming of age and coming out. It’s about friendship and family, finding your voice and fighting to tell your story. Can Damian survive his past again? 

Past and present collide, endangering the future, in an explosive quest that tells the story of a particular place and time through Damian’s childhood. Before you can move forwards, you have to go back… 

In Maggie & Me, Damian will come face to face with his past. DB will be played by Gary Lamont, who will be familiar to Scottish audiences from his role as Robbie Fraser in River City, and most recently seen in Boiling Point, both the Netflix film and BBC television continuation. Wee DB will be played by Sam Angell, who is making his National Theatre of Scotland debut. He started his career playing Billy Elliot in Stephen Daldry’s West End production in 2008. 

Beth Marshall will be taking on the titular Maggie Thatcher, who finds herself pulled into Damian’s world. Recent stage credits include Fleg, The Spark, and Mary and Ada Set The World to Rights (A Play, a Pie and a Pint) and Mrs Puntilla and his Man Matti (Royal Lyceum Theatre), and television credits include Still Game, Shetland and River City. Last year, Beth worked with National Theatre of Scotland in Hannah Lavery’s radio play Finding Seaglass (co-prod with Almost Tangible for BBC Radio 4).  

Both making their National Theatre of Scotland debut, Nicola Jo Cully will be playing Mum, and Douglas Rankine will be playing Dad. Nicola Jo Cully has appeared on screen in Doctors, Outlander, Waterloo Road, River City and Casualty. Stage credits include Welcome to Bannockburn (A Play, a Pie and a Pint) and Prism (Scottish Theatre Producers).

Douglas Rankine is returning to Scottish stages for the first time since 2006, where he appeared in Faust (Royal Lyceum Theatre). His film credits include The Death & of John F. Donovan and Sunset Song, and television credits includes The Pigeon Tunnel (Apple TV+), Traces, Casualty, River City, Peaky Blinders and The Dumping Ground (BBC).  

Completing the cast are Grant McIntyre as Mark and Joanne Thomson as Heather. Grant McIntyre’s recent stage credits include Scots (A Play, a Pie and a Pint), The Addams Family UK tour and Oor Wullie (Dundee Rep). Joanne Thomson is an actor, writer and director,

She was nominated twice for Best Actress categories at the IARA Awards for her role in In Plain Sight (ITV) and will be familiar to audiences from her role in Outlander as Amy McCallum. Stage credits as an actress include The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart (Royal Exchange Manchester), and Twelfth Night (Bristol Old Vic, Royal Lyceum Theatre). 

A creative team including Kenneth MacLeod, Set and Costume Designer (Dracula: Mina’s Reckoning for National Theatre of Scotland and Aberdeen Performing Arts, and Battery Park for Sleeping Warrior Theatre); Struan Leslie, Movement Director, (founding Head of Movement at the Royal Shakespeare Company) and Tim Reid, Video Designer (Quiz – Chichester Festival Theatre, 1984 – West End and Broadway and The Grand Old Opera House Hotel – Traverse Theatre) will create a kaleidoscope of memory spanning two decades, weaving in use of iconic 80s archive footage and live onstage camera work. 

Published in 2013, Maggie & Me was named Sunday Times Memoir of the Year, awarded the Paddy Power Political Satire Award and Barr was named Stonewall Writer of the Year.  

There will be a chance for audiences to hear more about bringing the memoir to the stage from Damian at two special events in Edinburgh and Motherwell, and from Damian and co-writer James together in Glasgow. More details about these events will be available soon. 

The National Theatre of Scotland will be collaborating with film and video students from New College Lanarkshire to create a short documentary about the making of the production. 

Maggie & Me was highly acclaimed upon publication and has established itself as a Scottish classic memoir. This is the first time it has been adapted for the stage. 

‘Funny, tender, and heartbreaking.’ The Independent 

‘Certain memoirs catch a moment and seem to define it, bottle it… Hugely entertaining.’  The Sunday Times 

‘A memoir which is both personally moving and a valuable historical document.’ Literary Review 

Author Damian Barr and Playwright James Ley photographed here at Carfin Grotto, Carfin, Motherwell. 9/11/2023 Kirsty Anderson

Born in Bellshill and now living in Brighton, Damian Barr is an award-winning writer and broadcaster. His debut novel, You Will Be Safe Here, was Book of the Year in the Observer, Guardian and Mail in 2019.

He has written several plays for radio, with Maggie & Me marking his first stage play. In 2019, Damian brought books back to television with the BBC’s Big Scottish Book Club, now in its fifth series. He regularly appears on Radio 4. 

James Ley is an award-winning writer living in Glasgow.  

‘One of Scotland’s most exciting, early-career writers.’ Exeunt.  

James wrote and directed Ode to Joy (How Gordon got to go to the nasty pig party), winner of a Scotsman Fringe First in 2022, nominated for a Critics Award for Theatre Scotland Award 2023 for Best New Play and recently enjoyed a run at the Sydney Festival.

His other plays include Wilf (Traverse Theatre) and Love Song to Lavender Menace (Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Summerhall, SoHo Playhouse, New York). James is currently under commission with the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, and is an alumnus of the BBC Writersroom Scottish Voices 2022/2023 and Edinburgh Film Festival Talent Lab. 

Suba Das is an award-winning theatremaker from the Northeast of England. Previously Creative Director at the Liverpool Everyman; and Artistic Director/CEO of the internationally acclaimed new writing company HighTide; Suba trained at Cambridge and on the prestigious Birkbeck MFA in Theatre Directing. He is a 2023 graduate of the National Film and Television School’s Directors Series.  

His directing credits include major revivals of Top Girls (Liverpool Everyman), East Is East (Northern Stage and Nottingham Playhouse) and The Importance of Being Earnest (Bolton Octagon); in addition to the world premieres of Ravi Shankar’s Sukanya (with The Royal Opera and London Philharmonic Orchestra), Pink Sari Revolution by Purva Naresh, and Wipers by Ishy Din (all as Associate Director at Leicester Curve). This is his first time working with the National Theatre of Scotland. 

Touring to Tron Theatre, Glasgow Tues 7 to Sat 11 May; One Touch, Eden Court Tues 14 May to Wed 15 May; Perth Theatre Fri 17 May to Sat 18 May; Cumbernauld Theatre Thurs 23 May to Sat 25 May; Dundee Rep Theatre Thurs 30 May to Sat 1 June; Royal & Derngate, Northampton Thurs 6 June to Sat 8 June; Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh Tues 11 June to Sat 15 June 

Full creative team: Assistant Director – Matt McBrier, Set and Costume Design – Kenneth MacLeod, Lighting Design – Katharine Williams, Sound Designer – Susan Bear, Video Designer – Tim Reid, Movement Director/Associate Director – Struan Leslie, Casting Director – Orla O’Connor   

Access providers: Integrated BSL interpreters Amy Cheskin & Sarah Forrester, Captioner – Alison Pendlowski, and Audio Describer – Emma-Jane McHenry 

Access – full information on accessible performance can be found here. 

The National Theatre of Scotland’s popular Theatre for a Fiver scheme will be available for 14- to 16-year-olds and those on Universal Credit. 

Full tour information and cast and creative biogs here.  

Police: Make it tough for car thieves

Following several incidents across the city Police in Edinburgh ask that vehicle owners take note of the following simple prevention measures that could stop your vehicle being stolen –

• Use a steering lock – a visible deterrent to thieves.

• If your vehicle has keyless entry use a Faraday pouch / metal tin to prevent relay theft.

• Do not leave keys close to windows / doors – this aids relay theft and physical theft of the keys.

• If you have a private driveway / parking space, consider fitting a parking bollard.

• Fit a lock to the vehicles On Board Diagnostic (OBD) port to prevent thieves easily re-programming a new key.

• Use a pedal box – these specially designed boxes fit over the drive pedals and lock in place when the vehicle is not in use.

• Physically check doors are locked before leaving your vehicle and don’t leave valuables within.

• Trackers can assist in the recovery of stolen vehicles – check if your vehicle has one and how to obtain information if it is required.

If you see anyone acting suspiciously near to your property please contact the police immediately with as detailed a description as possible of any person or vehicle involved.

Please call 999 if an emergency and urgent police assistance is required or 101 to report the matter to the police.

FISHING – new exhibition of work inspired by the North East coast – opens 3 May

FISHING by Stephanïe Vandëm

Opens 3 May until 15 June

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh EH1 1SR.

A new exhibition inspired by Scottish fishing communities and seascapes of the North East will go on display at the Scottish Storytelling Centre as part of the TRACS programme during Edinburgh Tradfest from 3 May to 15 June 2024.

Artist Stephanïe Vandëm imaginatively combines oils and mixed media materials salvaged from harbours, beaches and shipyards to create large-scale works that evoke the linkages between the communities of the North East of Scotland and their fishing heritage. 

Drawing from the rich traditions of Renaissance and Latin American art, FISHING will present 13 semi-sculptural works that explore the pressing environmental and identity concerns of our time. 

Rubber gloves, ropes, nets, buoys, and crab shells are used to give tri dimensionality and texture to the works. Plastic sushi fish drained of their soy lifeforce cling to the surfaces making us ponder their infinite life expectancy and the material’s detriment to all sea and land-living creatures.

Screws, nails, and other metal bits left by the artist’s late husband populate the paintings’ surfaces recreating the colours and textures of a busy shipyard. Pinecones turned into lobster tails; twigs turned into crab’s eyes all used to create compositions that connect us emotionally to Time, Identity, Heritage, and the Environment.

Artist Stephanie Vandëm explains: “My work is firmly rooted in classical principles, merging time-tested oil painting techniques and semi-abstraction, to pressing contemporary themes and universal human struggles, resulting in monumental semi-sculptural paintings.

“The pieces resemble an archaeological find sedimented in cement, sand, metal and found objects. They create puzzles, connecting the personal, political, and spiritual elements of my own life and practice. Aberdeenshire’s motto, ‘from mountain to sea’ inspired me throughout this collection.”

Sculptural pieces in the exhibition include boxes encased in sand, cement and the ‘bones’ of a metal creel looking like they have been hauled from the sea depths, bearing witness to the many lives lost across generations and continents. 

The tactile and playful nature of the work invites audiences to interact with it by moving the ropes and nets, to create new images and build stories within stories to explore beneath the surface layers leaving space for personal interpretations.

Steve Byrne, Director of TRACS said: “As someone who grew up on Scotland’s east coast, I was immediately struck by the familiarity and strong imagery of Stephanie’s work.

“It resonated with me and the sense of place I feel about that part of the world. I recognised the shapes and colours of the kind of work taking place in harbours up and down the coast that have been a key part of local communities for decades. 


“In celebrating the contribution of fisher folk, the exhibition gives voice to those involved in a precarious industry that has so much heritage, tradition and craft to explore, which often mean a great deal to fisher folk and their families. 

“The works also challenge us to think about our impact on the environment through the inclusion of shore finds, opening up conversations around sustainability.

“At TRACS we look forward to helping safeguard that living heritage and lore, the traditions and customs of fisher communities through our developing work with Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in Scotland.” 

The exhibition will also be complemented by information panels on traditional craftwork related to fishing communities, in partnership with the Scottish Fisheries Museum at Anstruther. 

About the artist

Brazilian by birth and educated in Paris, London, New York, and Florence Stephanïe Vandëm worked extensively abroad before settling in the Northeast of Scotland. Her style lies between realism and abstraction, painting and sculpture with a strong sense of narrative derived from the artist’s Latin American roots.

The artist’s creative practice is a fusion of videography, soundscapes, installations, social media participation and mixed-media that creates engaging and powerful contemporary pieces.

With some awards under her belt, Stephanïe Vandëm works in her studio between the mountains and the sea in the idyllic Scottish countryside. The artist’s strong background in the world of portraiture also sees her work on many private commissions, including painting the formal portrait of the Bishop of Aberdeen.

Her pieces can be found in many national and international private collections such as the luxury Fife Arms Hotel, owned by international art dealer Iwan Wirth.

FISHING is part of TRACS’ (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) programme of events showcasing Scotland’s traditional arts and cultural heritage.  

TRACS has been recently appointed as an advisor to UNESCO on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in Scotland and this exhibition showcases ICH in practice through highlighting the unique ways of life, practices, and rich folklore of fishing communities on the east coast of Scotland. 

National Puppy Day: The top Edinburgh trails with puppy pit stops 

March 23rd is National Puppy Day – the perfect chance to explore your local area, get out in the fresh air, and treat your puppy to a stimulating outdoor adventure, and the Edinburgh countryside is perfect to do just that.   

National Puppy Day is the perfect chance to exercise and socialise pups once they are out of vaccination jail. Exercise for puppies is crucial for introducing them to new smells, sounds and sights, while socialisation – with other puppies and humans – helps puppies develop resilience and minimises potential phobias. Puppies that aren’t adequately socialised often become anxious and develop fears, impacting their quality of life.  

Eat Drink Meet, experts in all things pubs and restaurants, have delved into Edinburgh’s top dog walks and trails, which not only offer amazing views and stunning sights but also provide dog-friendly pubs for owners and pups alike to enjoy a tipple at the end of a long walk.   

Eat Drink Meet’s brand-new planning website allows users to filter the pubs in their area to view only the ones that are dog friendly. Using AllTrails, they identified the best dog walking routes that start and/or end at one of those pubs in the area. 

A Spokesperson at EDM comments: “National Puppy Day is the perfect chance to appreciate the companionship offered by our furry friends.

“Finding pubs that are dog-friendly can be tricky, especially those that are suitable for younger dogs, and coupled with searching in a new location this can feel like trial and error and could make an otherwise wholesome day quite stressful.

“For those new to owning a dog, finding a place where the pup can feel relaxed can be a daunting prospect.  

“Our new planning website that allows users to filter the pubs in their area (or an area they’re looking to visit) based on what they’re looking for is designed to help exactly this problem.

“We want our puppy-owning customers to enjoy time with their pups, knowing they don’t have to worry about finding a spot for lunch at the end – with Eat Drink Meet, they’ve already planned their stops.

“Because, really, there’s no better way to finish a walk than resting in a relaxing pub with a hot drink or refreshing lager.” 

Top puppy friendly walks in Edinburgh  

1.        Holyrood Park 

Holyrood Park is an iconic landmark in Edinburgh. Home to the famous Arthur’s Seat, it offers stunning views of the city. Arthur’s Seat is the remains of a volcano where stone and flint tools were located, revealing human activity dating back to 5000 BC.  

Within the area of Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat there are several walks to try out, perfect for walking furry friends. Occasionally certain routes and paths are closed but information is regularly updated online.  

Walks include:  

·       Arthur’s Seat: this 4.2km trail climbing 251m to the summit of Arthur’s Seat. Considered moderately difficult to complete this trail takes 1hour 41 minutes to complete.  

·       Holyrood Park Circular: located beside the Holyrood Palace and Scottish parliament buildings, this walk circles round the park and passes Dunsapie Loch and St.Margaret’s Loch. 5.6km in distance it takes approximately 1hour 32 minutes to complete. Located on the outer edge of the park is the Sheep Heid Inn – a dog friendly pub making a perfect end point.  

·       Arthur’s Seat and Saint Anthony’s Chapel: this walk avoids the steeper routes up the hill, perfect for dog walks. At 3.2km in distance, it takes 1 hour 21 minutes.  

·       Queen’s Drive around Holyrood Park: 5.3km in distance, it takes 1 hour 27 minutes. This walk loops round the park and can be shortened or lengthened thanks to the adjacent paths along the walk.  

Dog friendly pub near to Holyrood Park: the Sheep Heid Inn 

A map with green lines and dots Description automatically generatedHolyrood Park Circular 1 

2.      The Meadows 

The Meadows are in the city centre of Edinburgh, bordered by the University of Edinburgh campus (George Square Campus). It offers plenty of open space lined with trees and an excellent view of Arthur’s Seat.  

Walks include: 

·       The Meadows Perimeter Walk: an easy 2.3km that takes only 29 minutes to complete making a perfect way to enjoy National Dog Walking Day. Less than a 10-minute walk away from the Meadows is Salisbury Arms, a great dog friendly pub.  

·       Jawbone, Coronation, Boys Brigade, Borough Loch Walks: this is a slightly longer version of the standard perimeter walk, taking 37 minutes to complete.  

Dog friendly pub near to Holyrood Park: Salisbury Arms  

The Meadows Perimeter Walk 1 

3.      Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle  

Princes Street Gardens consists of over 37 acres of grassland and divides the Old and New Town. The gardens were first designed in 1770 but were established in 1820. Each Christmas, part of the gardens is transformed into Winter Wonderland and features the famous Edinburgh Christmas markets, ice rink and Ferris wheel.  

Recommended walks include:  

·       West Princes Street Gardens and Calton Hill: this 5.6km walk with an elevation gain of 152m takes approximately 1 hour 32 minutes to complete. The walk ascends Calton Hill which offers panoramic views of Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Palace, Leith and the Royal Mile. A perfect pup-friendly pitstop is the Deacon Brodies Tavern, located on the Royal Mile.  

·       Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace: another walk is an out-and-back route, 3.2km which takes 53 minutes to complete.  

·       Edinburgh Walking Tour: this 7.4km walk takes 1 hour 51 minutes to complete, offering the perfect opportunity to see Edinburgh’s most famous attractions. Located on the route is The Last Drop, a perfect stopping point for a drink (and is dog friendly).  

Edinburgh Walking Tour 1  

4.     Water of Leith  

Edinburgh’s river, the Water of Leith, is approximately 24 miles in distance. Starting in Pentland Hills the river flows through the heart of Edinburgh and into Leith. The river is home to a diverse range of plants and animals.  

The Walkway (the route following the river), passes through several interesting locations: Saughton Gardens, Murrayfield Stadium, Dean Village and Stockbridge. It is suitable for walking, cycling and is in some parts used for horse-riding.  

Recommended walks include:  

·       Water of Leith Walkway: starting from Balerno, weaving through the city to the Firth of Forth at Leith, the walkway is a popular route for walking and cycling. This 19.6km walk takes 4 hours 43 minutes to complete. The trail winds through some of Edinburgh’s most famous areas – Leith, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Stockbridge and Dean Village. Located on the route, Hector’s pub is a fantastic option for a pit stop.  

·       Water of Leith: Currie to Balerno: for a shorter walk, this 4.7km out and back trail takes 1 hour 4 minutes to complete.  

Water of Leith Walkway 1  

5.      Queensferry (South Queensferry) 

Queensferry is a town located to the west of Edinburgh, linked to the ancient Kingdom of Fife by three bridges that cross the River Forth.  

South Queensferry was ranked the second prettiest town in the UK in 2023. The town includes several popular landmarks and attractions such as Barnbougle Castle, Eagle Rock and Cramond Causeway.  

Recommended walks:  

·       Hound Point: at 5km in distance and takes roughly 1 hour to complete. Starting at South Queensferry it follows the coast to Hounds Point and back. Forth Bridges offers fantastic views year-round. Located directly next to the Start/Finish point is The Hawes Inn, a dog friendly pub offering food all week.  

·       Forth Road Bridge: this 5.8km walk takes 1 hour 16 minutes to complete. The route starts in South Queensferry, advancing over the Forth Road Bridge to North Queensferry.  

·       Cramond Island via River Almond Walkway: this 8km out and back trail starts on land. If the tide is right, it offers the chance to walk to Cramond Island.  

·       Fife Coastal Path: North Queensferry to Aberdour: this 13.5km walk takes 3 hours 10 minutes to complete. The Fife Coastal Path links the Forth and Tay Estauries.  

Hound Point and The Hawes Inn 1 

For more information on dog-friendly pubs near your area, visit the Eat Drink Meet website: https://www.eatdrinkmeet.co.uk/#/   

Aldi Scotland donates almost 78,000 meals through its partnership with Company Shop Group

Aldi is celebrating a significant milestone in its partnership with surplus food and household products redistributor, Company Shop Group.

In the past year, Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket has now donated an impressive 77,980 meals from its Regional Distribution Centre in Bathgate to people around Scotland, through Company Shop Group, saving an estimated 33 tonnes of food from going to waste.

Community Shop is an award-winning social enterprise that supports 9,000 members and their families in some of the UK’s most deprived communities, by offering access to discounted products and reinvesting the revenue raised into its Community Kitchens and Hubs.

In just one year, the partnership has supported over 2,800 people through its Community Hub development programmes, which provide individuals and communities with the tools they need to live well and the skills to get them back into work.

It has also enabled more than 2,100 people to attend cooking lessons at the Community Kitchen’s Cook Clubs, where they can learn how to prepare nutritious family meals on a budget.

Aldi’s support for Community Shop’s Christmas lunches last year also saw 1,800 members come together for its biggest-ever Christmas celebration, with ingredients for the festive three-course meals provided by the supermarket.

Liz Fox, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “It’s incredible to look back at the results we’ve achieved from just one year with Company Shop Group – from saving tonnes of food from going to waste to supporting thousands of families in need.

“We are committed to making good quality food accessible to everyone. After all, it’s a right, not a privilege.

“We’re very excited to see what lies ahead for the partnership as we get closer to our new goal of reducing food waste in our own operations by 90% before 2030*.”

Gary Stott, Executive Chairman of Community Shop, added: “We are very proud of our partnership with Aldi and its commitment to helping prevent waste and support communities.

“The scheme has helped us deliver a significant social impact, whilst also allowing us to carry out vital work to save the planet from unnecessary waste.”

To find out more about Company Shop, visit: www.companyshopgroup.co.uk/apply-for-membership/company-shop 

*Compared to a baseline year of 2017. Food waste as a percentage of sales – otherwise known as food waste intensity.  

Taste Sense-Asian!

Britain’s largest noodle bar chain is adding two fantastic new flavours to its menu this March

CHOPSTIX, the nation’s favourite noodle bar, has added two hot new tastes to its menu for food fans across the UK.

The chain has added a sweet new special, Apple Spring Rolls, and a sizzling side dish of Salt ‘n’ Pepper Cauli Bites to its roster of tasty treats.

Those with a sweet tooth will want to get their hands on the apple-flavoured offering, a dessert-focused take on the classic Asian dish which pairs crispy spring rolls containing a sweet apple filling with a sweet caramel dipping sauce.

Vegetarians will also be pleased with the new additions, with the addition of crispy coated cauliflower bites dusted with Chopstix famous ‘Salt ‘n’ Pepper’ seasoning.

Both of the brand new options will be available to buy in any of Chopstix 110 stores across the country, including the chain’s latest openings in Lincoln and London Victoria.

Offering fresh flavours and a new spin on the classic takeaway, Chopstix has quickly become one of the UK’s most popular quick service chain restaurants.

As well as classic dishes like Sweet & Sour Chicken and Salt ‘N’ Pepper Chicken, Chopstix has a range of unique tastes including the spicy Firecracker Chicken with a fiery garlic and chili seasoning, and fan favourites like Chicken Katsu Curry and the restaurants signature Caramel Drizzle Chicken.

Rob Burns, Marketing Director for Chopstix, said: “We’re always looking for new flavours to bring to the thousands of Chopstix lovers across the country.

“Both of the two new dishes add something totally different to our menu, giving more options that will really tingle the taste buds for anyone that loves Asian-style cooking.

“New dishes like the Apple Spring Rolls or the Salt ‘n’ Pepper Cauli Bites are why people keep coming back to Chopstix. It’s flavour done right in a way that you just can’t find at any other fast food restaurant.”

The noodle bar’s popular dishes are also available to order from Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Just Eat, or through the Chopstix app.

For more information please visit www.chopstixnoodles.co.uk.

Auld Reekie Roller Derby in All Time First!

On Saturday 30th March, Auld Reekie Roller Derby’s All Stars take on Norwich’s Norfolk Broads for the first time in history! Both teams are well-established, experienced and ranked highly in the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association rankings, so the game is set to be a nail-biter.

Roller derby is a fast paced, full contact sport played on quad roller skates and Edinburgh’s top team are now in their 15th year.

The game takes place at Dalkeith Community Campus and the club is hoping to attract a lively crowd for their inaugural early evening slot – named Derby Nights. The doors open at 4:30pm with the first whistle at 5pm.

Captain Caitlin O’Carroll is confident about the game, “We have refined our training focuses and intensity for this season with a view to climbing the European rankings and can’t wait to put all the amazing things our 2024 roster have been working on over the last few months into action.” 

The event is a double header with the second game seeing challenger teams from friendly rivals Auld Reekie and Glasgow Roller Derby vying for victory.

Alongside the main event of skating, expect the usual interval games and raffles as well as  local vendors and a chance to buy team merchandise. Grab a burrito from Bonnie Burrito and enjoy homemade cakes from the cake stand! 

Tickets are sure to sell out fast for this evening clash of North and South on the last night of winter – so make sure you book soon at:

https://www.universe.com/events/derby-nights-double-header-tickets-JMLNH6

England cracks down on ‘anti-driver’ road schemes to put local consent first

Plan for Drivers will ‘improve drivers’ lives, shorten journey times, and ensure traffic measures have buy-in from the people they impact‘

  • strengthened guidance to ensure low traffic neighbourhoods and 20mph speed limits have support of local people
  • research published today shows just 18% of people surveyed feel listened to on LTNs
  • latest step in delivering Plan for Drivers measures also include £50 million to upgrade traffic lights, speeding up journey times
  • consultations are launching to prevent local councils from turning drivers into ‘cash cows’ by enforcing unfair restrictions

Motorists in England are set to benefit from smoother journeys and reduced congestion, with local people getting a stronger voice on road schemes that affect them, thanks to a crackdown on anti-driver road schemes, over-zealous traffic enforcement, and strengthened guidance for councils on 20mph limits.

These are among the latest raft of measures to be announced from the Westminster government’s Plan for Drivers.

The Department for Transport has today (17 March 2024) published draft statutory guidance for councils on low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs), setting out that they must gain buy-in from local residents, businesses and emergency services when considering implementing new LTN schemes.

This could involve in-person events, online engagement, and leaflet drops to involve the whole community in the process and will mean that authorities must consider whether an LTN has local support before it is implemented.

The new guidance raises expected standards for LTNs and will come into force this summer when local authorities will be obliged to consider it when shaping new and existing schemes.

Local authorities are expected to follow the guidance and ensure local people support their plans. Recent examples where councils have implemented these schemes without public support have been shown to cause disruption and have unintended negative consequences.

If local authorities fail to deliver sensible road schemes that work for local people they could see future funding withdrawn, and under powers from the Traffic Management Act, the government could ultimately take control of an authority’s roads where they are deemed to be widely mismanaged.

A consultation will also be launched this summer on measures including the removal of local authorities’ access to Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) data to enforce such schemes by camera.

Separately, councils have received strengthened guidance on setting 20mph speed limits, reminding them to reserve them for sensible and appropriate areas only – such as outside schools – and with safety and local support at the heart of the decision. Local authorities are expected to consider this guidance, and as with the LTN guidance, this could have implications for the awarding of funding in the future.

The action taken today on LTNs is supported by a wide-ranging review that highlights only 13% of residents have responded to councils’ planning consultations on LTNs, and just 18% feel that their views have influenced council decisions.

The report also found that local authorities operating LTNs issue an average of 36,459 penalty charge notices per scheme, with the highest number of penalty charge notices issued for a single LTN scheme exceeding 170,000. That’s why the guidance embeds the need for local support and will ultimately save motorists money.

While the review showed only a quarter of people understood the benefits of LTNs, it also flagged concerns over the impact on disabled residents, high numbers of penalty charge notices, the cost of LTN schemes and even concerns from emergency services that delays to crews caught up in LTNs could “potentially risk lives”.

The new guidance aims to prevent councils having to reverse poorly-implemented or locally unpopular schemes – as with recently removed LTNs at Jesmond, Newcastle and Streatham Wells, London.

These measures from our 30-point Plan for Drivers will improve the lives of drivers, shortening journey times and ensuring traffic measures have buy-in from the people they are impacting. 

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “We want local people to have their voices heard, and any traffic schemes to have the consent of those they impact.

“Well thought out schemes, like 20mph limits outside schools, can make our roads safer, but we are raising the bar to help ensure all traffic schemes work for everyone in the community.

“We’re on the side of drivers, and these latest measures show we’re getting on with delivering what we promised in our Plan for Drivers – making their lives better, fairer and cheaper, and helping people travel in the way that works best for them.”

Today’s announcement also sees a comprehensive package of other measures designed to put people back in the driving seat.

Traffic lights will be upgraded across the country thanks to £50 million – £30 million to replace outdated equipment, and £20 million to reduce poor traffic light performance through innovative technology that responds to live traffic conditions. From Devon to Durham, 80 highway authorities across England will benefit from funding, to improve journey times and reduce congestion caused by red lights.

Consultations are also launching focusing on preventing local councils from turning drivers into ‘cash cows’ by profiting from enforcing traffic restrictions. This includes fines for drivers going into yellow box junctions or parking restrictions. The 8-week call for evidence will seek views from residents and will also quiz local authorities on how money from fines is reinvested.

Local people will have their say on whether they think enforcement is currently fair or believe authorities should be restricted in their traffic enforcement powers, and the findings will inform future government decisions on restricting authorities. As with LTNs, the government will also look at restricting local authorities access to third-party data, such as the DVLA database, for enforcement purposes.

At the moment, restrictions on bus lane use are too rigid, creating delays and causing regular fines for drivers. New guidance on bus lanes has also been issued today, to make sure they only operate when it makes sense, like when traffic is heavy enough to delay buses. This will prevent drivers being hit with unfair fines.

A consultation will also be launched to look into whether motorcycle access to bus lanes should be standard, a further initiative to reduce congestion and speed up journey times.

Further measures announced today include publication of new guidance making it simpler and easier for councils to charge utility companies who slow down drivers with street works and a consultation aiming to shake up motor insurance will also be launched to prevent those caught without it from claiming property damage from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau. 

Nuisance boy-racers who illegally modify their exhausts and disturb our streets are also being targeted. New research reveals the success of noise cameras in cracking down on illegally modified exhausts and anti-social drivers. The research will be used to encourage local authorities to install noise cameras after successful trials in Bradford, Birmingham, Bristol and Great Yarmouth.

The UK Government’s Plan for Drivers has already delivered measures to crackdown on disruptive streetworks, cutting traffic and anticipated to generate up to £100 million over the next 10 years.

It has also launched grants for schools to accelerate the rollout of electric vehicles chargepoints, making it easier for drivers to make the switch.

A record £8.3 billion has also been pledged over the next 10 years for road resurfacing, made possible by reallocated HS2 funding, to improve the condition of British roads and speed up journey times.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “We’re very pleased to see the government responding to our calls for clearer guidance on yellow box junctions with their consultation on the misuse of these measures.

“It’s also extremely positive to see progress made on the installation of noise cameras, after 6-in-10 drivers (58%) told us they would be in favour of these measures last year. Excessive noise pollution is not only extremely frustrating, it could also have a really serious impact on residents’ health and lives, and until this point there’s been very little anyone can do about it.

“We’re keen to see if this new technology goes some way towards resolving the issue and hope it can be rolled out quickly and efficiently.”

North Edinburgh Community Festival: Book your stall

If you are looking to reach and engage with over 10,000 people in the North Edinburgh area, then register to participate in the festival.

We have 80 stalls this year and they are fast selling out!

You can be a group, charity, organisation or individual selling arts and crafts. From gardeners to third sector, from armed forces to housing associations; from free food to glitter tattoos, we will have it all.

Stalls cost £50 – marquee, table and 2 chairs will be provided. To register complete this online form:

https: //forms.office.com/r/kmEA0rXDnP