Calling all local creatives, makers, and entrepreneurs.
Ready to elevate your brand and conquer social media? Join us for two special workshops this Saturday 9 March at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
Rachel of Rachel Henderson Interiors will share her expertise on developing your brand and social media presence through two hands-on, creative workshops. Join us for one or both!
1:30pm – 3.30pm: Branding & Vision Board Workshop
4pm – 6pm: Social Media Workshop
Lunch and refreshments provided; and childcare is available.
Free but limited spaces available, so advance booking is essential. You can attend one workshop if that is of most interest, or book your space for both.
The workshops are aimed at local adults living in North Edinburgh (Muirhouse, Pilton, Drylaw, Granton). Part of the Make It Happen project, proudly supported by the Scottish Ecosystem Fund 2023-24.
Starting next Wednesday we will be launching our weekly living library event for the month of March.
At FetLor we think that everyone should have a chance to share their stories, in this spirit we have invited some guest speakers to come share their stories with our S1+ drop-in group as well as to hear theirs in return.
Age Scotland has identified £1,577,341.81 of unclaimed benefits for older people who called their helpline in 2023, more than double the figure for the previous year, and a record amount for the charity.
Scotland’s national charity for older people said the amount – a remarkable 136% increase on the 2022 figure – is still the ‘tip of the iceberg’, with millions of pounds unclaimed by older people who are entitled to more financial support.
Katherine Crawford, Age Scotland’s chief executive, said: “Many of the callers to our helpline are facing severe financial hardship, in part due to the ongoing cost of living crisis.
“For the tens of thousands of pensioners in Scotland on low and middle incomes, claiming the full range of benefits to which they are entitled can be the difference between heating their home or not and being able to eat well.
“Our helpline advisers, who carry out benefits checks, have also noticed an increase in the number of over 50s inquiring about working age benefits, such as Universal Credit, as the impact of the cost of living crisis continues to bite.
“However we still believe that this is only the tip of the iceberg and that there are millions of pounds of benefits for older people which are not being claimed.
“Unfortunately there is a real lack of awareness around what support is available and a strong feeling that the application processes are too hard. Around a third of over 50s say they don’t claim what they are entitled to because they feel guilty doing so or that someone else would be more deserving. We must change this as far too many go without the help they have earned.
“We would encourage more older people in Scotland to call our helpline for a free benefits check. Our expert advisers can help callers navigate the complex benefits system – and the results could be life changing.”
Among the benefits available to older people in need are Pension Credit, available to people over State Pension age on low income or with modest savings, to help with the cost of living, and Attendance Allowance, a payment for people over State Pension age who have a physical or mental disability.
Anyone over the age of 50 can call the Age Scotland national helpline on 0800 12 44 222.
Case Study 1:
Mr A is a father of 5 school age children. He has health problems and also provides care for his 19 year old adult son. He was previously on Tax Credits but has now had to make a claim for Universal Credit and was unsure about how much he might be able to get.
We carried out several calculations to look at the full range of his potential entitlements, factoring in all of his financial and family circumstances, in particular being able to reassure him that restrictions like the benefit cap and two child limit would not apply in his case.
We were able to explain to him that he could be entitled to the equivalent of £38, 342 per year in benefits and gave him advice about some common problems he might encounter when claiming and what steps he could take if these happened.
Case Study 2:
Mrs M called from South Lanarkshire after being signposted to Age Scotland by DWP Pension Credit team.
She is in her late sixties and has been the main carer for her husband. He recently passed away and she has been struggling to manage rising costs on her state pension. She applied for Pension Credit and was informed she is £2 over the threshold to qualify for this.
During the call, she explained she has COPD and other health issues. Her caring role has taken a toll on her health, and she finds it more difficult to cope on a daily basis. We discussed Attendance Allowance, and she plans to apply for this. When awarded this will increase her income by £68 per week in addition to making her eligible for a Pension Credit award of approximately £70 per week.
New data released yesterday (5 March 2024) for Scotland reveals January was the worst month on record for people waiting to be seen in A&E.
The figures published by Public Health Scotland show that, in January 2024:
41,161 (38%) patients waited over four hours in major Emergency Departments, a 21% increase compared to last January (33,962)
17,077 (16%) of patients waited eight hours or more in Emergency Departments, almost 13 times higher than in January 2016 (1,338)
8,402 (8%) of patients waited twelve hours or more in Emergency Departments, the largest amount for any January since records began and 36 times higher than in January 2016 (232).
There were 1,866 beds occupied due to delayed discharges, an increase of 53 compared to December 2023.
Dr JP Loughrey, Royal College of Emergency Medicine Vice President for Scotland said: “This is beyond exasperating. Most people attend A&E in desperate need – to be seen by a medical professional quickly and with dignity.
“Already struggling, patients are having to endure overcrowded waiting rooms and corridors – for hours. If admission is required, they must wait for a bed – for hours.
“This latest data makes for grim reading, and it is incredibly demoralising for my colleagues to be working under such strenuous circumstances.
“They are working all out to put patients first whilst also having to carry the burden of working in an underfunded, overcrowded, and at times unsafe emergency care system. We need intervention from the Government and policy makers to ensure we never reach this nadir again.”
The data also reports:
In January 2024, there were 108,427 attendances at major Emergency Departments in Scotland. This is marginal decrease of 0.25% compared to the previous month.
62% of patients were seen within four hours at major (Type 1) Emergency Departments. This is the worst four-hour performance for any January since records began.
This is a decrease of 0.5 percentage points compared to December last year and a decrease of 3.2 percentage points compared to January 2023.
41,161 (38%) patients waited over four hours in major Emergency Departments. This is a 1% increase compared to December last year (40,763) and a 21% increase compared to January 2023 (33,962).
The number of patients waiting more than four hours has increased by more than three times compared to January 2016 (9,808).
17,077 (16%) patients waited eight hours or more in Emergency Departments.
The proportion waiting this long has increased by 2% compared to the previous month, December 2023 and has increased by 2.3% compared to the previous year, January 2023.
The numbers waiting more than eight hours is almost 13 times those in January 2016 (1,338).
8,402 (8%) of patients waited twelve hours or more in Emergency Departments
This is the largest amount for any January since records began.
The proportion waiting this long has increased by almost 1% compared to December last year and has increased by more than 1% compared to January 2023.
The numbers waiting more than 12 hours is 36 times those in January 2016 (232).
There were 1,866 beds occupied due to delayed discharges, an increase of 53 compared to December 2023.
Chancellor expected to unveil a Spring Budget that will deliver long term growth
Jeremy Hunt will set out a plan to build a high wage, high skill economy
Sets out path to more investment, more jobs, more productive public services and lower taxes
The Chancellor will today deliver a Spring Budget that will deliver a long-term plan for growth in the United Kingdom.
Since the Prime Minister set out his five priorities for the government last year, inflation has more than halved from 11% to 4%, the economy has recovered more quickly from the pandemic than first thought, and debt is on track to fall.
Thanks to the stability their economic plan has brought, the country is now at a turning point but there is more work to do to bring inflation down further.
Jeremy Hunt will highlight the government’s focus on the long-term decisions needed to strengthen the British economy and give people the opportunity to build a wealthier, more secure life for themselves and their family.
The Chancellor is expected to say:“In recent times the UK economy has dealt with a financial crisis, a pandemic and an energy shock caused by a war on the European continent.
“Yet despite the most challenging economic headwinds in modern history, under Conservative governments since 2010 growth has been higher than every large European economy – unemployment has halved, absolute poverty has gone down, and there are 800 more people in jobs for every single day we’ve been in office.
“Of course, interest rates remain high as we bring down inflation. But because of the progress we’ve made because we are delivering on the Prime Minister’s economic priorities we can now help families with permanent cuts in taxation.
“We do this not just to give help where it is needed in challenging times. But because Conservatives know lower tax means higher growth. And higher growth means more opportunity and more prosperity.
“But if we want that growth to lead to higher wages and higher living standards for every family in every corner of the country, it cannot come from unlimited migration. It can only come by building a high wage, high skill economy. Not just higher GDP, but higher GDP per head.
“And that’s the difference with the Labour Party. They will destroy jobs with 70 new burdens on employers, reduce opportunities by halving new apprenticeships and risk family finances with new spending that pushes up tax.
“Instead of going back to square one, our plans mean more investment, more jobs, more productive public services and lower taxes – sticking to our plan in a Budget for Long Term Growth.”
Mr Hunt will go on to warn:“An economy based on sound money does not pass on its bills to the next generation.
“When it comes to borrowing, some believe there is a choice between responsibility and compassion. They are wrong.
“It is only because we responsibly reduced the deficit by 80% between 2010 and 2019 that we could generously provide £400 billion to help families and businesses in the pandemic.
“The Labour Party opposed our plans to reduce the deficit every step of the way. But at least they were consistent.
“The Liberal Democrats supported controlling spending in office, but now want to prop up a party after the election that will turn on the spending taps. It’s the difference between Labour with no plan and the Liberal Democrats with no principles.
“But we say something different.
“With the pandemic behind us, we must once again be responsible and increase our resilience to future shocks. That means bringing down borrowing so we can start to reduce our debt.”
Chancellor’s promise of “long-term growth” is “farcical”
Responding to the Chancellor’s promise of a “Budget for Long Term Growth” TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “The Chancellor’s promises are farcical.
“The Conservatives have been in power for 14 years. It’s a bit late for them to come up with a plan for long-term growth – especially when our economy is in recession.
“This is desperate spin from a government that has manifestly failed on growth, living standards and public services.”
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has unveiled its brand new cruise programme for 2025/26, featuring a host of specially-timed sailings where guests can embrace the local way of life, seek out native wildlife and witness spectacular natural wonders.
The new programme from Rosyth has been carefully curated to ensure guests are visiting destinations at the very best time of year with opportunities to witness spectacular waterfalls and geysers in Iceland, visit Europe’s biggest sea shanty festival and explore the enchanting islands of Arctic Norway.
To celebrate the launch, guests who book a cruise from the new 2025/26 Worldwide programme between 5th and 12th March 2024, have the chance to win up to £1,000 off a cruise of their choice. Five runners up will also win a £200 voucher to use towards a future cruise booking. *
Destinations include the Mediterranean and North Africa, the Baltic, Arctic Norway, Iceland and Greenland, the British Isles and far-flung gems in the Caribbean, South America, Africa and Australia.
Martin Lister, Head of Itinerary Planning and Destination Experiences at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:“This has been a phenomenal programme for our team of Journey Planners to curate, as it will see our fleet of smaller-sized ships visit all seven continents of the world.
“Guests who join us on board in 2025 and 2026 can expect to see some breathtaking scenery including eye-catching fjord mountains, dramatic coastlines, icebergs, remote islands and beautiful bays.
“They can visit captivating cities, fairytale castles and charming old towns packed with ornate and striking architecture and experience natural phenomena such as the Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun, stunning sunsets and flowers in bloom at the very best time to see them.
“Some of the highlights include chances to visit the beautiful Norwegian Fjords in the spring, when the waterfalls are at their strongest; to see fields of lavender and sunflowers in bloom in the French Riviera and enjoy a world cruise discovering idyllic islands and cities rich in culture.”
Guests can also look forward to a host of specially-curated activities on board, from chances to join an astronomer for stargazing on deck; to spot marine wildlife with conservation charity ORCA, or sample authentic flavours from the destinations they will visit.
Those making a booking can also take advantage of dedicated launch offers, with up to £20 per person per night to spend on board on selected five to 13-night cruises; the choice of up to £20 credit per person per night or free door-to-door transfers within up to 200 mainland miles from the port on sailings of 14 to 28 nights. There are also a series of dedicated offers for solo travellers.
Rob Mason, Head of Cruise at Capital Cruising, said:“Congratulations to the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines team as they launch an exciting new cruise programme.
“The Port of Rosyth offers the perfect regional location for people who can depart from here and cruise directly to many brilliant destinations with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
“This year will be our busiest cruise season on the River Forth and we are seeing cruise holidays increase in popularity in Scotland each year.
“We look forward to welcoming passengers to our ports and we would of course encourage anyone new to cruise, to book one of the many amazing itineraries to Europe or farther afield.”
Highlights of the 2025/26 cruise programme include:
Balmoral’s 10-night L2512 ‘Scenic Scottish Isles and the West Country’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 7th June 2025. Prices start from £1,649 per person.
Enjoy scenic cruising of Scottish islands such as Fingal’s Cave
Experience the foot-tapping Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival
Visit the Gardens of Heligan or Eden Project
Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Cruising by Duncansby Stacks, Scotland – Cruising by The Needle, Scotland – Cruising by Old Man of Hoy, Scotland – Lerwick, Scotland – Cruising by the Small Isles, Scotland – Cruising by Dutchman’s Cap (Bac Mor), Scotland – Cruising by Fingal’s Cave, Scotland – St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly – Falmouth, England – Dartmouth, England – Portsmouth, England – Rosyth, Scotland For more details: Visit L2512 ‘Scenic Scottish Isles and the West Country’
Balmoral’s 10-night L2513 ‘Norway’s Arctic Islands and Mountainous Vistas’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 17th June 2025. Prices start from £1,599 per person.
Explore Arctic Norway in the summertime
Witness the Midnight Sun and see Torghatten
Travel along the iconic Atlantic Ocean Road
Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Crossing the Arctic Circle, Norway – Cruising by Reine, Lofoten, Norway – Leknes, Norway – Svolvær, Norway – Cruising Tjeldsundet Strait, Norway – Tromsø, Norway – Sortland, Vesteralen, Norway – Cruising by Seven Sisters Mountain Range, Norway – Cruising by Torghatten, Norway – Kristiansund, Norway – Rosyth, Scotland For more details: Visit L2513 ‘Norway’s Arctic Islands and Mountainous Vistas’
Balmoral’s 14-night L2514 ‘Fairytale Castles and Old Towns of the Baltic’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 27th June 2025. Prices start from £2,099 per person.
Discover the enchanting cities of Riga, Tallinn and Copenhagen
Immerse yourself in Estonian life at the Song and Dance Festival
Uncover the Hanseatic history of the Baltic region
Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Cruising Kiel Canal, Germany – Copenhagen, Denmark – Warnemünde, Germany – Riga, Latvia – Tallinn, Estonia (overnight stay) – Klaipėda, Lithuania – Rosyth, Scotland For more details: Visit L2514 ‘Fairytale Castles and Old Towns of the Baltic’
Balmoral’s 13-night L2516 ‘French Rivers with Normandy and Bordeaux’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 20th July 2025. Prices start from £1,899 per person.
Sail along the picturesque River Seine, only possible on smaller ships
Join a tour to France’s capital and experience Parisian life
Discover the enigmatic Mont Saint-Michel from St Malo
Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – La Pallice (for La Rochelle), France – Bordeaux, France (overnight stay) – Getxo, Spain – St Malo, France – Cruising River Seine, France – Rouen, France (overnight stay) – Honfleur, France – Rosyth, Scotland For more details: Visit L2516 ‘French Rivers with Normandy and Bordeaux’
Book online or call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm), or contact your ABTA travel agent.
Over 1.5 million UK women are affected by endometriosis – now a new survey has uncovered the significant toll lesser-known symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) and fatigue take on their social, emotional, and professional lives.
Nine out of 10 (96%) UK women with endometriosis experience a decline in their quality of life due to debilitating heavy periods and fatigue, yet many never seek medical help, according to a new study from leading iron supplement specialist Active Iron.
A survey of 1,500 women and girls for Endometriosis Awareness Month found that problem periods are often dismissed as merely “part of being a woman”. This is despite many individuals experiencing severe pain, heavy menstrual bleeding and fatigue.
Nearly three-quarters of women diagnosed with endometriosis in the UK reported having heavy periods, leading to menstrual fatigue.
This fatigue affected 74% of surveyed women aged 16 to 55 who have the condition, with 59% describing the fatigue as ‘extreme’. As a result, 84% reported a noticeable difference in their ability to function normally during their period.
Endometriosis is a painful condition where tissue resembling the lining of the womb develops around organs within the abdomen. It is characterised by pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements and/or urination, as well as chronic pelvic pain. Many women also experience secondary symptoms including heavy bleeding, irregular menstrual cycles, and fatigue.
Despite this, on average, women wait 7.5 years for a diagnosis, and many with heavy menstrual bleeding avoid seeking medical help, thinking it’s normal.
Concerningly, the study revealed that symptoms like heavy periods and fatigue are not limited to women diagnosed with endometriosis.
Notably, 77% of those without endometriosis reported experiencing menstrual fatigue that impacted their daily lives, with 74% lacking the energy or motivation to do everyday tasks as a result.
This leaves many women facing serious physical, social, and emotional challenges due to debilitating symptoms. These issues not only harm their health but also disrupt important parts of their lives, such as work, relationships, and social activities.
More than a quarter of women (27%), irrespective of endometriosis diagnosis, reported being unable to work due to heavy menstrual bleeding and the accompanying fatigue. Approximately one in five (16%) had taken a sick day, while 34% had worked but experienced a decline in their performance.
Home life was similarly impacted, with 23% of all women surveyed saying that problem periods had negatively affected their relationship with their spouse or partner, almost a quarter (24%) avoiding staying overnight at a partner’s house, and 20% struggling to keep up with their children during their menstrual cycle.
As a result of heavy menstrual bleeding and fatigue, 50% of women felt antisocial and didn’t want to spend time with friends or family, leaving 55% feeling isolated and alone when dealing with tiredness from heavy periods. Emotionally, 50% described themselves as feeling unhappy, sad or depressed.
Dr Ria Clarke, registrar in obstetrics and gynaecology, and expert clinician for Active Iron, said: “It’s so important that we can dispel the misconceptions around heavy periods, fatigue and endometriosis, reduce unnecessary delays in diagnosis, and improve the quality of life for millions of women worldwide whose lives are being negatively impacted.
“This is particularly important when you consider that these conditions aren’t exclusive to diagnosed individuals, and 47% of UK women find their current methods for alleviating period-related fatigue ineffective.”
Claire Lynch, head of marketing for Active Iron, added: “With this survey and our campaign, we want to spark meaningful conversations and change the way we talk about endometriosis and heavy periods.
“As we enter Endometriosis Awareness Month, our aim is to shed light on the lesser-known impacts of the condition, like heavy periods and menstrual fatigue, breaking down the stigma around menstrual health and aiding women in better managing their symptoms.”
More than half of women surveyed had been given pain medication to treat endometriosis, while 45% were recommended contraception, and 32% have been prescribed other hormone therapies.
Active Iron’s survey found, however, that women find their current methods to relieve menstrual fatigue ineffective. Many had resorted to consuming more coffee or energy drinks (42%), sleeping more (52%), and doing less activities (48%) to manage tiredness caused by their menstrual cycle.
“Given that menstruation is the leading cause of iron loss worldwide, it’s important to understand the link between heavy periods, low iron levels and fatigue. Rather than covering up tiredness and fatigue with quick fixes, a daily iron supplement can help women address the energy loss associated with diminished iron levels, in turn achieving symptomatic relief and improving their quality of life,” added Dr Clarke.
Many iron supplements are poorly tolerated, leading to debilitating side effects like nausea, constipation and changed bowel habits. This causes women to discontinue them, reducing the chance of improving their iron stores and resulting energy levels.
In contrast, Active Iron is clinically proven to improve iron levels by 94%, whilst avoiding troublesome side effects, resulting in increased energy levels, and longer-term improvements in overall health.
Don’t accept menstrual fatigue, visit activeiron.com/uk to learn more.
FOLLOWING this year’s World Hearing Day (3rd March 2024), an audiology director from the Specsavers Home Visits team in Edinburgh has discussed the importance of regular hearing tests, sharing top audiology health tips to help the local community ensure their hearing is in great shape.
Lynne Philips, audiology partner at the Specsavers Home Visits team that covers Edinburgh, aims to raise awareness regarding hearing loss and promoting ear and hearing care.
One of the most reoccurring issues with hearing is earwax build-up which can cause hearing difficulties and discomfort. Lynne highlights the challenges this can cause: ‘Everyone has earwax. It’s produced by our ears to help protect them from infections and to stop them feeling dry and irritated.
“However, too much wax can cause problems, particularly when it becomes hardened and impacted, potentially leading to hearing loss, discomfort, pain and in some cases infections.’
Lynne continues: ‘Because of this, it’s always hugely important to get expert help if you experience difficulty with your hearing, especially if you’re not directly able to access a local Specsavers store.
“The accredited hearing care professionals on our Home Visits team are able to pay you a visit and can safety check if this is a problem you have.
‘Hearing loss is experienced by millions of people in the UK and affects people of all ages. Everyone’s hearing is unique. That’s why we carry out comprehensive hearing tests to better understand each person’s individual hearing profile. It also means Specsavers’ hearing experts can help people find the right hearing aids to rediscover the sounds they may be missing.’
The Specsavers Home Visits audiology team can provide adult hearing tests, as well as numerous audiology services such as hearing aid fittings and replacements, assisting customers with any hearing concerns they may have.
The Scottish Government’s ‘You Can Make The Difference’ campaign aims to support the recruitment of more adult social care workers to help address vacancies in the sector.
The campaign focuses on the difference someone working in adult social care can make to people’s lives, highlighting the rewarding relationships that develop between care workers and the people they support.
To shine a spotlight on the special moments those working in adult social care deliver every day and help to attract more people into the sector, the ‘Making The Difference’ online gallery uses photography to bring the stories of people working in and supported by the sector to life.
Social Care Minister Maree Todd said: “The new online gallery shares the stories of people working in adult social care and the people they support, celebrating the rewarding relationships that make such a positive impact on people’s lives on a daily basis.
“To help address the issues care providers are facing in filling vacancies, we’re increasing pay again to £12 per hour from April 2024, and believe the National Care Service will help us and our partners to provide consistency in further improved pay and conditions, creating clearer career pathways and ensuring a career in social care is attractive and rewarding.
Anyone who thinks they might be a good fit for a job in adult social care should visit www.CareToCare.scot to find out more.”
Katie Kershaw, Occupational Therapist, Leuchie House who features in the gallery said: “I love that part of my job involves talking to lots of different people and helping them on their journey through life.
“Being able to make even the smallest positive impact on someone’s daily life is something I find extremely rewarding.
“It’s great that the Scottish Government is shining a light on these little moments that make such a difference and I’d urge anyone considering a role in adult social care to go for it. There’s not many roles out there with job satisfaction like it.”
Emma Muldoon, Content Creator @SimplyEmma, who features in the gallery, said:“This campaign is brilliant as it highlights the various roles in the adult social care sector and showcases the small moments that make such a difference.
“Due to my condition, Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, I have worked with a number of care professionals over the years and they have enabled me to live life to the fullest on my own terms and independently in my own home.
“If someone has a genuine passion for helping others and making a positive difference in people’s lives, a role in adult social care is for you.”
There is a variety of roles in the adult social care sector. To help you find the right one for you visit www.CareToCare.scot and view the ‘Making The Difference’ gallery.
Six-year plan commits to backing emerging talent, production skills, film education, and the development of new audiences
Screen Scotland has today published a new strategy, setting out ambitious plans for the continued economic and creative growth of Scotland’s film and TV sectors across the next six years.
Screen Scotland’s strategy seeks to further develop Scotland as a centre of global production, and a nation with its own vibrant, confident film and screen culture.
An economic growth target of £1billion GVA within the Scottish economy is matched with an ambition to see that growth driven by new work from Scotland, devised, developed and produced by Scottish talent, sustaining rewarding and creative jobs across the country, at all career levels.
Building on the momentum in the industry since the creation of Screen Scotland in 2018, there will be a renewed focus on skills, talent and infrastructure development, supporting Scotland’s success as a centre of and destination for film and TV production.
Isabel Davis, Executive Director of Screen Scotland said: “We’re starting this new strategic period from a position of strength. Many of our films are now enjoying international recognition through A-list festival debuts and commercial distribution.
“The number and scale of films and TV series shooting year-round in Scotland has rapidly increased, employing Scottish crews, locations and facilities. These tremendous results have come about through a focussed work programme, close collaboration with industry and dedicated funding. We fully intend to build on this in order to continue to effect positive change in the Scottish film and TV sector.”
David Smith, Director of Screen Scotland said: “It’s a time of significant change in the film and TV sector globally.
“Screen Scotland’s work will always be responsive to the changing landscape, seeking fresh opportunities for Scotland’s people to make their mark globally in film and TV.
“The one thing that is certain is that audiences respond to compelling, well-told stories and under this strategy we are doubling down on creative origination, supporting Scotland’s creative talent to develop the skills, relationships, and opportunities they need to make their best work, alongside an understanding of how to bring those projects successfully to market.
“An area where Scotland is genuinely breaking new ground is our work developing “film and screen” as an arts subject in Scottish schools. That is a long-term investment that will have benefits well beyond the screen sector and kindle creative expression in the next generation.”
Key areas of focus include:
Increasing the scale and ambition of film and TV content from Scotland
Prioritising ambitious, locally originated projects through targeted development funding, editorial support and production funding, and in training and development of Scotland-based talent. Screen Scotland already invests 90% of its annual budget in film and TV projects where there is a Scottish writer, director, producer or production company attached or on skills programmes for Scotland-based talent including crew.
Recent productions supporting Scottish talent include: The Outrun, co-written by Orkney-based writer Amy Liptrot, which premiered at Sundance in January; Scottish writer/director John Maclean’s Tornado which is currently in production in Scotland starring Jack Lowden; and the critically acclaimed BAFTA winning Aftersun from Scottish director Charlotte Wells and Edinburgh-based producer Amy Jackson.
Recent examples of talent development programmes include entertainment formats initiative, FormatLab, scripted producer development programme Film FastTrack and the BBC Scotland/Screen Scotland Emerging Directors Initiative.
Creating a sustainable centre of gravity for production from and in Scotland, with Scotland as a centre of global production
Building a full ecosystem that encourages a year-round pipeline of productions, both locally generated and inbound. Supporting crew and talent to live in Scotland in the confidence that they can have a sustainable career here.
Screen Scotland will provide leadership on Scotland’s training, brokering of relationships with industry, and enhancing investment in the skills base including through Screen Scotland’s role as a BFI Skills Cluster.
This work will involve supporting Scottish crews to be internationally competitive, bringing through new trainees, investing in ongoing professional development and looking at the wellbeing of the freelancer workforce in Scotland (e.g. Timewise and BECTU Vision were commissioned by Screen Scotland to undertake a research report on flexible working hours in the film and TV industry).
Work is also underway on this with trainee opportunities like Screen NETs and the rad TV trainee scheme, the Outlander: Blood of My Blood trainee programme supporting new trainees right across the Cumbernauld-based production, building on the hugely successful Outlander Trainee Scheme.
Exciting and inspiring Scottish audiences of the future
Ensuring that every corner of Scotland has access to cinema and a diverse range of screen content by supporting commercial operators, community owned-cinemas, touring operators (e.g. Regional Screen Scotland’s Screen Machine) and film clubs, in a way that not only enriches Scotland’s culture but also sustains its screen industry for generations to come.
Screen Scotland will also continue to support Scotland’s film festivals (e.g. Glasgow and Edinburgh Film Festivals and Sea Change Film Festival in Tiree) which showcase the rich tapestry of Scottish and international cinema, fostering cultural exchange and nurturing emerging talent.
Distribution will also be a priority in audience development, enabling filmmakers to reach audiences across Scotland and on an international stage, providing opportunities for Scottish talent to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Recent productions to be supported through Screen Scotland’s Distribution Fund include Hopscotch Films’ Janey, Adura Onashile’s stunning debut GIRL and BAFTA-nominated Is There Anybody Out There? co-produced by Glasgow-based Tigerlily Two.
Every child in Scotland having the opportunity to learn about film and tv making
Transforming film and screen education to ensure every child and young person in Scotland has the opportunity to make a film or programme during their school years.
Enabling children and young people across Scotland to feel that filmmaking is within their reach and is something they could be involved in either as creative practice or a career. This will help children and young people to begin to realise their potential as filmmakers.
To achieve this, Screen Scotland has been working with the Scottish Government, Education Scotland, the SQA and screen education specialists across Scotland to develop a draft Film and Screen Curriculum to work towards Screen Education being embedded into the national curriculum as an expressive artform.
The draft curriculum is currently being tested in primary and secondary schools across Scotland through Screen Scotland’s pilot project, Screen Educator in Residence Programme.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Screen Scotland has driven the remarkable transformation of Scotland’s screen sector and has played a pivotal role in developing every facet of our film and television industry, fostering growth and innovation at every turn.
“The impact of our thriving film and television industries cannot be overstated – they contribute millions to our economy and serve as a catalyst for job creation and talent development across the sector.
“As we look ahead, Screen Scotland’s forward-thinking strategy charts a course for inclusive and sustainable growth, prioritising talent development and industry expansion. We remain steadfast in our commitment to sustaining that phenomenal growth and our aim is clear: to position Scotland as a premier production base and a thriving hub for creative talent, making it an ideal place for world-class creatives to call home.”
1:30pm – 3.30pm: Branding & Vision Board Workshop
Find out more and book your place at:
