Month: May 2024

Double the treasure with two Vermeers in Edinburgh this summer

National Treasures | Vermeer in Edinburgh  
National Galleries Scotland: National  
Friday 10 May – Sunday 8 September 2024  
Free   

National Treasures | Vermeer in Edinburgh | National Galleries of Scotland

For the first time ever in Scotland, this summer visitors to National Galleries Scotland: National in Edinburgh can enjoy two paintings by world-famous artist Johannes Vermeer.

The free display, which opened on Friday (10 May) as part of the National Treasures celebration, will see A Young Woman Standing at a Virginal coming to Scotland from the National Gallery in London. The stunning artwork will be shown alongside Scotland’s own Vermeer, Christ in the House of Martha and Mary, one of the much-loved artist’s earliest paintings.   

National Treasures marks the bicentenary of the National Gallery in London, with 12 of their most iconic paintings being lent to partners across the UK. This is also the first time ever that A Young Woman Standing at a Virginal has been on show in Scotland, presenting a unique, free opportunity for locals and visitors to Edinburgh this summer.     

With only some 36 known works in the world by Vermeer, the National Galleries of Scotland is one of only 18 galleries worldwide to hold one in their collection and Christ in the House of Martha and Mary is the only Vermeer in a Scottish collection. National Treasures | Vermeer in Edinburgh presents a remarkable chance to compare a later Vermeer work with one of the artist’s earliest surviving paintings. 

One of the most renowned artists in the world, Johannes Vermeer’s works have achieved iconic status, in part due to their scarcity. His early paintings differ greatly in subject matter to his later works, as the artist moved from painting history to capturing everyday scenes. Nearly all Vermeer’s works depict young women in calm, orderly domestic interiors, often playing musical instruments.

The work, Christ in the House of Martha and Mary, from about 1654 – 1655, is his largest and his only known work of a biblical subject. It depicts Christ’s visit to the sisters’ house, as written in Saint Luke’s Gospel.

In the picture, Martha complains that she is doing all the work while Maria is idling at Christ’s feet, however, Christ addresses Martha and praises Maria’s eagerness to listen to him. Given the unusual size and subject-matter it is likely that the painting was a specific commission, created by request.    

The delicate, much smaller, A Young Woman Standing at a Virginal, from about 1670–2, depicts the subject standing with her hands on a keyboard, her head turned towards the viewer, holding our eye with a direct gaze.

She seems caught in a moment of expectation and uncertainty. Perhaps we have interrupted her playing, or maybe she is waiting for us so she can start. Maybe the empty chair in the foreground is significant: is she waiting for someone else?

The large painting on the wall behind her of a naked Cupid, the god of love, may help us to understand more. It seems to be a signal that this is not just a scene of music making, but that the woman is waiting for her lover. 

For National Treasures | Vermeer in Edinburgh, A Young Woman Standing at a Virginal and Christ in the House of Martha and Mary will be on display amongst the National’s superb collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the fascinating juxtaposition of his earliest work with the London later work until Sunday 8 September.   

National Galleries of Scotland, Director-General, Anne Lyden, said:  ”It is so exciting to be able to exhibit two Vermeer paintings, never seen in Scotland together before, alongside our wonderful collection.

“What a fantastic opportunity for visitors to the National this summer to see these two rare works at the same time. We would like to say congratulations to the National Gallery in London on their bicentenary and are thrilled to be a part of their fantastic programme of celebrations.”  

National Treasures is a key strand of the programme celebrating the National Gallery in London’s bicentenary. 12 of the nation’s most well-known paintings are being lent to 12 venues across the UK. Paintings including, Constable’s The Hay Wain, Turner’s Fighting Temeraire and Monet’s The Water-Lily Pond will each travel to a regional centre such as Bristol, Newcastle and York. Each of the partners is set to mark the national treasure’s stay by organising events, exhibitions and digital interventions to showcase their works.   

Alexandra Kavanagh, Head of National Touring at the National Gallery, London, said, “We are delighted to be partnering with the National in Edinburgh – it’s been so terrific seeing how our painting can have a dialogue with the wonderful Vermeer in their own collection.

“It’s brilliant to work with the National Galleries of Scotland and find new ways to collaborate and mutually support one another, bringing art to the public and caring for nationally significant collections.” 

All National Treasures displays will open simultaneously on 10 May 2024, the 200th anniversary of the National Gallery’s opening in London, enabling people from all over the country to see, up close, some of the greatest works in the history of Western art. For the duration of the displays, 35 million people – more than half the UK population – will be within an hour’s journey of a National Gallery masterpiece​.  

Holyrood to appoint new Chair of Scottish Human Rights Commission

The appointment of Angela O’Hagan as the new Chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission is to be endorsed by the Scottish Parliament on 16 May.

The Scottish Human Rights Commission’s role is to promote widespread awareness, understanding of, and respect for human rights.

The appointment follows an open recruitment process which sought candidates with a proven track record of promoting human rights, experience of successfully leading an organisation and excellent interpersonal and team working skills.

Professor O’Hagan will take up post in August 2024.

Angela O’Hagan is currently Professor of Equality and Public Policy at Glasgow Caledonian University where she created the current MSc in Human Rights and previously led the MSc in Citizenship and Human Rights. 

She is the Depute Director of the WISE Centre for Economic Justice.

Her career encompasses leadership roles in the community and statutory sectors in Scotland, including as Director of Carers Scotland, and Head of Campaigns and Communications with Oxfam Scotland, after a period with the Equal Opportunities Commission.

Throughout her career Professor O’Hagan has focused on integrating equality and human rights analysis in public policy, policy analysis and service design.

She has served on a number of advisory and project groups with successive Scottish Governments including currently as the independent chair of the Equality and Human Rights Budget Advisory Group and the National Advisory Council on Women and Girls, and previously as a member of the Commission on Local Tax Reform.

Professor O’Hagan has an international profile, particularly in gender and human rights budgeting, and through membership of academic and civil society networks.  In 2019, she was awarded the Jo Cox Award for Public Service and Activity Citizenship by the Political Studies Association.

Terms of appointment

  • The appointment is for a single term of 6 years.
  • The post attracts a daily fee rate of £351 and is not pensionable.
  • The time commitment is 10 days a month, 120 days a year.

The Scottish Human Rights Commission

The Commission is the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) for Scotland.  NHRls are independent organisations established by law, to promote and protect human rights.

The Commission is one of over 100 NHRls around the world.

Tesco teams up with its suppliers and charity in Kind Direct to help tackle hygiene poverty

Tesco has again joined forces with its suppliers of well-known household brands such as Andrex, Aquafresh, Bodyform, Radox, Sure and Wilkinson Sword to help distribute millions of personal care items to people who are in need.

From now until 11th June, for every two purchases by Tesco customers from a selection of essential hygiene products, its suppliers will donate a third hygiene item directly to charity, In Kind Direct.

Last autumn, Tesco teamed up with its suppliers to address rising levels of need and over two million products have already been donated as part of the campaign. 

Participating in the campaign again is Unilever, Essity, Haleon, Kimberly-Clark and they are joined by a new partner, Edgewell.

These products will be distributed by In Kind Direct, who works with thousands of charities, community groups, foodbanks, and schools across the UK to get much needed hygiene products into the hands of people who need them.

Recent research commissioned by Essity in partnership with Tesco and In Kind Direct has illustrated how people are currently experiencing hygiene poverty.

Families are often impacted, and this survey revealed that 10% of Edinburgers in households with dependents have gone without hygiene products such as shampoo or deodorant.

The survey also found that in Edinburgh, those who have struggled to buy hygiene products during the last year have had to borrow from friends or family (43%), use free products in public areas (43%) or received items from a charity (14%).

Rosanne Gray, CEO at In Kind Direct, said: “Many people experiencing hygiene poverty face the impossible decision to heat, eat or keep clean on a daily basis, and unfortunately more and more people are being pushed into this position.

“We know hygiene poverty disproportionately affects those already struggling, but the research shows that financial difficulties are now impacting everyone. 

“The ripple effect impacts mental health, workplace productivity and school attendance – it’s something that requires collective action which is why we’ve formed this partnership with Tesco and some of our committed corporate partners to help reduce hygiene poverty in the UK.”

Thomas Maier, Category Buying Manager for Beauty and Personal Care at Tesco, added: “This new research highlights how the number of families being impacted by hygiene poverty has grown in recent years.

“That is why the work done by In Kind Direct to help people is so important and we are really pleased to be working again with our suppliers to provide hygiene products where they are needed most.” 

The campaign is running in Tesco superstores across the United Kingdom until Tuesday 11th June.

E-Bikes: Nine charged in Leith road safety crackdown

Nine people have been charged in connection with road traffic offences in Leith during a day of action to target illegal e-bikes and e-scooters.

Officers visited the Leith Walk area on Friday, 10 May, 2024 following concerns from local residents.

Six riders were charged in connection with road traffic offences relating to the illegal use of the electric bikes and scooters resulting in their vehicles being seized.

Three drivers were charged in connection with using mobile phones while driving.

Constable Allan MacDonald, Leith Community Policing Team, said: “The safety of all road users is a priority for us and we’ll continue to tackle illegal, dangerous acts which put others at risk.

“Unregistered electric scooters and non-compliant electric bikes should not be used on public paths or roads. They can only be used on private land with the owner’s permission. They are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) and are subject to the same legal requirements as any other motor vehicle, meaning that they must be insured and drivers must have a valid driving licence.

“Anyone purchasing an e-scooter or e-bike should be aware of the law and the implications of using one in a public place.”

NQ64 Levels Up With Top-Tier Summer Drinks Menu

Including New Cocktails That Playfully Press All The Right Nostalgia-Loaded Buttons

Gear up, gamers! Retro arcade game & classic console venue NQ64, is levelling up this summer with a brand new cocktail menu and delicious drinks deals, that will have you pressing “start” round after round. 

Launching on May 9th, the neon splattered drinking den is shaking things up with a new and refreshed concoction of classic cocktails, twisted reboots, and game-themed creations, all created by its in-house drinks experts.

Highlighted among the lineup are brand new arcade cocktails including the Lemmingade, a zesty, summery delight (Limoncello, Absolut Citron, lemon, Pink Hooch, prosecco, rosemary); the Golden-Iced Latte, inspired by a vanilla iced latte and including NQ64’s Worther’s Original infused coco-milk (Havava Especial, Licor 43, butterscotch, espresso, and butterscotch foam) and the Royal Crumble, a light and sweet martini-style treat (Jack Daniel’s Apple, lime, rhubarb, custard). Every sip is a high score!

Brace yourself for some twisted reboots – timeless cocktails with game-themed twists, including the Disco Stu Daiquiri (Duppy White, bubblegum & lime), Kong Island Iced Tea (Absolut vodka, El Jimador tequila, Beefeater gin, Wray & Nephew rum, Caribbean pineapple, tea & sour peach), and the Mad Max Zombie (house rum blend, grapefruit, pineapple, guava, orange, cherry, & cinnamon fire).

For those looking for a sober adventure, fear not! The NQ64 team spent just as long on their non-alcoholic cocktails like the No Uka Uka (Caleno 0%, guava, pineapple & refresher syrup) and the Hits From The Pong (Raspberry, guava, kimi & lime – can be made with CBD) that are sure to keep your taste buds entertained, minus the hangover.

Cocktail Classix

For those who love the cocktail classics, six expertly made favourites have been added to the menu including Espresso Martini, Aperol Spritz, Margarita and Mai Tai. Crafted with top-tier ingredients, these cocktails put the class in classix. 

James Taylor, in-house drinks expert at NQ64, said: “When we dreamt up our new drinks menu, we wanted to match the fun and excitement of our games, whilst shouting about the top-notch quality of our cocktails.

“We whip up every drink concept right here in-house with our talented Head Bartenders, drawing from our extensive knowledge of cocktail history. We’ve got our fair share of arcade game fame, but our cocktails? They’re the real MVPs.”

Joel Grey, NQ64’s co-drinks expert, also commented: “We spare no effort in ensuring the highest quality ingredients, even creating some of our syrups and cordials in-house, such as our Cherry Blossom Old Fashioned syrup and the Worther’s Original-infused coco-milk, used in the Golden Latte.

“Our specially selected ingredients and unique methods are what sets our cocktails apart from those found in your average bar.”

Not content with just adding new drinks, the venue has also levelled up its game offering with new additions including a shiny new basketball machine, a second Guitar Hero booth to rock out on, and brand-spanking-new consoles. 

NQ64 is the neon graffiti-splattered drinking den, bringing drinks and button bashing to Edinburgh. Enjoy cocktails and craft beers while playing a range of retro arcade machines, pinball and classic consoles to the sounds of a DJ. Rediscover the iconic video games of yesteryears as you dive into beloved classics like Pac-Man, Mario Kart, Guitar Hero, Time Crisis, and Point Blank.

NQ64 is located at 25 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2DJ and is open seven days a week, from 4PM to 3AM on weekdays, from 12PM to 3AM on weekends.

MSPs urged to support an improved equine ID system

International equine charity, World Horse Welfare, together with The British Horse Society and Horsescotland, exhibited at the Scottish Parliament to highlight the importance of equine identification to the health and welfare of Scottish horses. 

The trio of organisations used the opportunity to urge MSPs to support an improved digitalised and enforceable equine ID system to ensure all horses are identifiable and traceable. 

The move from the current paper-based system, which is open to fraud, to a digital service will ensure frictionless trade and movement of equines across borders for those moving their equines compliantly and disrupt the trade in smuggled horses. 

These improvements will mean that real-time updates can be made to individual records, enabling horses, ponies and donkeys to be traced quickly and effectively – crucial in the event of a disease outbreak, when they stray or in instances of theft and ownership disputes. 

The team spoke to 56 MSPs over three days and were sponsored by Sharon Dowey, MSP for South Scotland. 

Kim Ayling, Senior Public Affairs Officer at World Horse Welfare said: “The exhibition in the Scottish Parliament gave us a fantastic opportunity to engage with MSPs from all political parties and representing constituencies from the borders to Orkney.

“We were delighted that almost 50 percent of the current members of the Scottish Parliament spoke to us about the importance of equine identification to the health and welfare of Scotland’s horses, ponies and donkeys.  

“The challenges that current horse owners face with a paper-based process that is too complex, costly and takes too long were highlighted, and it was encouraging that many supported the move to a digitalised system. 

“This is key to protecting Scottish equines from disease threats and disrupting the trade in vulnerable horses being smuggled out of the country in horrific conditions to an unknown fate. As a sector we will continue to work together and now need to build on this increased awareness among MSPs to help drive forward an improved equine ID system.”  

With a consultation on the digitalisation of cattle identification and traceability currently being undertaken in Scotland, the Scottish equine sector is calling on the Scottish Government to follow suit for horses, ponies and donkeys. 

Visa scheme for Palestinians to be debated at Westminster

MORE THAN 103,000 PEOPLE HAVE SIGNED PETITION

NEXT Monday 13 May, MPs will debate a petition calling for a visa scheme for Palestinians.

Cat Smith MP, Chair of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond.

Create a visa scheme for Palestinians

The petition, which has more than 103,000 signatures, states:

“We want the government to take action and create a Visa scheme that allows Palestinian individuals affected by war, to be allowed into the UK. Just like we did for Ukraine.”

In its response to the petition, provided on 21 December 2023, the Government said: “There are no plans to introduce bespoke arrangements for people arriving from the region. Those wishing to come to the UK who currently have no visa can apply under one of the existing visa routes.”

What are petitions debates?

Petitions debates are ‘general’ debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.

Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote on the request of the petition at the end of the debate. Instead, the aim is to give MPs an opportunity to discuss the issues raised by a petition, and get a response from the Government.

Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee. Only e-petitions started on the Parliament petitions site are considered by the Petitions Committee.

St Ninian’s fundraising support for St Columba’s Hospice Care receives recognition at Westminster

🌟 Big News from St. Ninian’s Parish Church, Corstorphine! 🌟

St. Ninian’s Parish Church has been recognised in the House of Commons for their outstanding fundraising efforts benefiting St Columba’s Hospice Care.

Since the start of their annual coffee morning back in 2000, their incredible community has rallied together to raise over £50,000!

This year alone, their event raised an impressive £3,703.98! 🎉

A heartfelt THANK YOU goes out to everyone who contributed, volunteered, and supported this event.

Special recognition goes to Margaret and Jim for their tireless efforts in making this event such a success year after year. Your commitment is truly inspiring! 🌟

https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/62013

Healthy Heart Tip: Stopping Smoking

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Stopping smoking

Did you know that around 6.4 million people in the UK smoke cigarettes? Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease and one of the leading causes of death in the UK. When you inhale the harmful chemicals in cigarettes, you’re damaging your heart and blood vessels, increasing your risk of blockages in your arteries and a heart attack. It’s time to stop.

Within six hours of quitting, your heart rate and blood pressure will stabilise and within two to twelve weeks your blood will pump more efficiently through your heart and muscles. Once you reach the one-year mark, your risk of a heart attack will have halved compared to someone who smokes.

Three in four smokers wish they never picked up their first cigarette. Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and we offer some tips on how you can stop today:

Plan it

Set yourself a date within the next two weeks when you’re going to stop smoking. By having this in the calendar it increases your chances of quitting and makes you accountable.

Make sure you remove all your lighters, matches, ashtrays, cigarettes and any other reminders of smoking that you may have from your house. This is the out-of-sight, out-of-mind approach and should help to reduce your triggers and make it easier for you to quit.

Make a list

Write a list of all the reasons why you started smoking and then a list of all the reasons that you want to stop smoking. Compare the two, the reasons to stop will likely be longer and more impactful on your life and health than the reason you started. Keep this handy or write it on your phone, as you may want to look at it when you’re having cravings and need some motivation.

You may also find it useful to make a list of ways to distract yourself, these could be activities you enjoy doing or new things you want to try. Cooking, exercise and reading are a few examples. If you find yourself in a triggering or difficult situation, then remember you can say no and take yourself off for a walk. Although this may be hard, you’ll thank yourself later.

Change your habits

People often still smoke because they’ve formed a habit and it’s become part of their daily routine. Research has found that exercising helps to reduce the urge to smoke and can help the brain to produce anti-craving chemicals.

Taking up exercise or a new hobby is a great way that you can distract yourself from cravings and improve your fitness. Aim to meet the physical activity guidelines of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week.

Get support

Build a support network around you. Make sure that people are aware that you’re stopping smoking so they can support you through the process, or they may want to quit with you. Having support will motivate you to keep going and get you through the tough days. Use local Stop Smoking Services or chat to your GP if you need any help. Professionals are there to support you when it gets tough, so make sure you utilise their services.

Three men sentenced following drugs offences across central belt

Three men have been sent to prison for serious and organised crime offences involving the large-scale supply of class A drugs based in Glasgow and stretching across the central belt of Scotland.

At the High Court in Edinburgh, yesterday (Friday, 10 May), Paul Martin, Peter Dickson and Grant Japp, were sentenced to five years and eight months, four years and three months, and three years and four months respectively.

Martin aged 43, Dickson aged 34, and Japp aged 30, had previously pled guilty at the High Court in Glasgow.

Acting on intelligence officers, executed a number of warrants in Glasgow which led to the arrest of Jaap in May 2021. Further enquiries resulted in Dickson also being apprehended.

A complex investigation enabled officers to identify Martin as the ring-leader. This included infiltration of the encrypted messaging service Encrochat via Operation Venetic – regarded as the most significant UK operation into serious and organised crime involving Police Scotland, the National Crime Agency and police forces across the UK.

Martin had fled to Spain before he could be arrested but was traced to Tenerife and extradited to Scotland in August 2022.

Detective Inspector Phillip Kennedy said: “These men made a substantial amount of money from a drugs operation importing and selling Class A drugs in the central belt of Scotland.

“Martin, in particular, lived a lavish lifestyle with properties in Scotland and Spain.

“The three men blighted our communities with drugs and their sentencing comes after a complex investigation.

“Disrupting the activities of organised crime groups and making the country an extremely hostile environment for them to operate is one of Police Scotland’s top priorities.

“There is no place for serious organised criminality in our society and, working in partnership with law enforcement agencies and the members of the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, we will continue our fight against those involved in serious and organised crime to keep our communities safe.”

Anyone who has information or concerns about the sale and supply of drugs in their community is urged to contact Police Scotland via 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.