Councillors have today unanimously agreed to award the contract for the delivery of Edinburgh’s world-famous winter festivals for the next three years.
Subject to a ten-day standstill period, the contract will be awarded to a consortium led by Edinburgh-based event producers, Unique Assembly.
The contract covers the production and delivery of Edinburgh’s Christmas for 2024/25 and then for Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay festivals until 2026/27, with the opportunity for two optional twelve-month extensions. The delivery of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay for 2024/25 was already agreed in June 2022 and will also be undertaken by Unique Assembly.
The procurement process followed a ‘lessons learned exercise’, which led to a renewed focus on bid quality and enhancements to the sustainability, environmental, and community impact requirements of bids.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I’d like to congratulate Unique Assembly following today’s unanimous decision by councillors. They bring decades of experience in delivering major events, including our own Winter Festivals, and I’m confident that they’ll provide a fantastic service to the city over the next three years.
“The festivals occupy a central element in the cultural calendar of our city and delivering them well for our residents and visitors remains a key priority for us – not least given the huge enjoyment they bring each year.
“They also deliver substantial economic benefit for the city and for Scotland more widely, supporting jobs and businesses in many sectors most notably tourism, hospitality, and leisure.”
Teen cancer survivor and advocate Molly Cuddihy and Natalie Don MSP join impressive line-up for Children in Scotland Annual Conference 2024
Children in Scotland has today revealed two more speakers for its Annual Conference 2024, with teen cancer survivor and advocate Molly Cuddihy, and Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise, Natalie Don MSP, joining the packed lineup of expert voices.
Held on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 May at Murrayfield Stadium, the flagship event will bring together delegates, partners and supporters from across the children’s sector, providing opportunities to exchange ideas, network and learn.
Addressing the conference with a keynote speech on day one, Molly Cuddihy is a passionate advocate for the rights of children and young adults, particularly those living with and progressing from cancer and other serious illness, having been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer when she was just 15 years old.
Currently a Youth Ambassador for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, Molly has a wealth of experience to share with the conference. As co-founder of the charity Every Thank You Counts, and co-ordinator for the acclaimed Radio Therapy podcast, which covers themes including mental health, body image and mortality, the inspiring teen will provide fresh perspectives on topics close to her heart.
Speaking on day two of the conference, Natalie Don MSP, Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise, will discuss a range of issues relevant to children and young people, and the wider sector, providing valuable insights.
Natalie Don MSP said: “I’m really looking forward to what is set to be another amazing event run by Children in Scotland.
“I was lucky enough to be invited to their 30th Anniversary Networking event last year where I had the pleasure of meeting a number of past and present staff members, and engaged with the amazing members of the Changing our World children and young people’s advisory group.
“As this inspirational group has been heavily involved with the development, planning, and workshop selection for the upcoming conference, I know it will be a very interesting and thought-provoking event where experts in a wide variety of areas can get together to discuss issues impacting children.”
Alongside powerful keynote speeches, informative panel discussions, and engaging workshops, children and young people’s voices will be central to both days of the Annual Conference, with representatives from Changing our World (CoW) co-chairing the programme.
Ensuring attendees hear directly from the young Scots they work with and for every day has been a key goal for Children in Scotland when planning the Annual Conference 2024, and further highlights of the programme include co-designed workshops and interactive sessions, covering everything from supporting neurodivergent children to suicide prevention, Artificial Intelligence, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, learning through play, youth homelessness, and many more topics.
An office space which has been vacant since 2021 will receive a colourful lease of life when the organisation behind the Hidden Door Festival takes up a new residency.
Councillors on the Finance and Resources Committee have agreed to lease the council-owned building at 133 Lauriston Place for the next 10 years to the Edinburgh-based arts charity, which is currently planning a festival later in 2024 to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
They will use the space as an office and creative hub, undertaking repairs to the building while they lease it, in exchange for a favourable rental price.
Finance and Resources Convener, Councillor Mandy Watt, said: “This is a building which needs a lot of work so it hasn’t been occupied for the last few years. I’m delighted that Hidden Door have agreed to take it on and make it their own.
“Known for rejuvenating spaces into vibrant venues, I’ve no doubt they will create an inviting creative hub here. The venue is situated just a short stroll away from the art college and other fantastic venues like the Cameo and the Usher Hall, so the opportunities for collaboration are countless.
“We’re pleased to support a well-loved community arts charity in this way. The permanent location throughout the term of this lease should provide them with greater security and stability and a more accessible building everyone can enjoy.”
Hazel Johnson, Hidden Door’s Festival Director, said: “This is a hugely exciting and important step for Hidden Door – a hub from which to plan our activity and festivals will enable us work more closely with Edinburgh’s creative communities, all year round.
“As a volunteer-led charity, this is a huge milestone – and the timing couldn’t be better, as we both celebrate 10 years of Hidden Door festivals, and look to the future. We can’t wait to get in and get cracking!”
Speaking at an event in Dumfries, Philip Rycroft, who was head of the Department for Leaving the European Union until 2019, said the barriers that now exists between the UK and its major EU markets acts as a ‘drag anchor’ on the UK and reduces productivity growth.
“Coming out of the EU means we will be poorer than otherwise we would have been, said Mr Rycroft.
Philip Rycroft and former senior BBC journalist, David Shukman were taking part in a sell-out event in Dumfries organised by the European Movement in Scotland.
In his opening remarks, Mr Shukman called Brexit, “The most catastrophic blunder any country has made.”
Mr Rycroft explained that following the Brexit referendum, the government had no plan. He led a team that produced an impact study that demonstrated that any form of Brexit was worse for the UK economy than staying in. Brexit has been far more complicated and difficult than the Leave side imagined, said the ex-civil servant.
“They promised big trade deals with other nations. None of any scale have materialised, particularly a deal with the USA. We would need around 30 trade deals like an American one to replace what we have lost in EU trade.”
Philip Rycroft went on the say that Brexit came at a very bad time for the UK. Since the 2016 referendum vote the world has become much more unstable. He cited the war in Ukraine and Russian belligerence, the subsequent energy crisis and raised tensions between the US and China.”
“Brexit has weakened a bond of trust and common cause that has existed between the UK and the European states since the end of WW2. In times like these we need those relationship to be as strong as possible.
“All of the UK’s predominate interests lie in Europe, whoever is in power.”
Brexit and Scottish independence
During his time at the Brexit department, Mr Rycroft also headed the UK government’s unit on UK constitutional affairs and devolution. He recalled that Brexit put immediate pressure on the workings of the UK union. Scotland had voted 62% Remain.
“It was an extraordinarily difficult time. We knew the union was in a pretty fragile state. Brexit revealed the core ambiguity of the nature of the relationship between Scotland and England. Is it a union of law or one of consent?”
Mr Rycroft believes Brexit has made an independent Scotland more likely, but also more difficult.
“A lot of people in Scotland were very angry that Scotland’s Brexit vote was subsidiary to the overall UK vote. That is a central fact that will be with us forever. It is a primary factor in the independence case.
“An independent Scotland would have to choose between joining the EU or staying in the UK single market. There is no way round that choice.”
After the general election
David Clarke, chair of the European Movement in Scotland says Mr Rycroft and Mr Shukman have been invited back for another conversation after the UK general election.
“Our guests, Philp Rycroft and David Shukman delivered a conversation that gave unique insights into the turmoil inside government after the Brexit vote.
“They provided hugely informative analysis of what has happened since. We had two speakers of the highest quality and have asked them back.” says David Clarke.
Cameron reiterates UK’s ‘unequivocal support’ for the Ukrainian people
Foreign Secretary David Cameron was in Kyiv to reiterate UK support to Ukraine
The visit follows the Prime Minister’s announcement that the UK will spend 2.5% of GDP on defence, and commit to at least £3 billion a year on military support to Ukraine
The Foreign Secretary confirmed a £36 million package of energy support, including £20 million in new emergency funding following Russian attacks.
Visiting Kyiv, the Foreign Secretary reiterated the UK’s unequivocal support to Ukraine. Meeting with President Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Shmyhal and Foreign Minister Kuleba, he detailed how the uplift in defence spending announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last week, including £3 billion multi-year funding for Ukraine and the largest ever donation of military equipment, would help ensure Ukraine has what it needs to win.
The Foreign Secretary announced that the UK’s donation of military equipment would include the provision of precision-guided bombs, and air defence missiles and equipment for 100 mobile air defence teams to enable Ukraine to shoot down Russia’s drones and missiles.
The UK also committed to doubling its domestic munitions production, by investing a further £10 billion over the next 10 years. This production will help ensure UK national security, whilst sustaining the UK’s weapons support to Ukraine, keeping Ukraine in the fight for as long as it takes.
Alongside domestic commitments, the Foreign Secretary also revealed that the UK intends to bring international partners together next month to attract additional contributions to the International Fund for Ukraine to meet Ukraine’s urgent capability requirements.
The Foreign Secretary also confirmed a £36 million package for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and investments in future innovations to support Ukraine’s energy transition and recovery.
This includes £20 million of emergency funding following the recent barrage of attacks on national infrastructure as Russia intensifies its assault on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, including power plants and gas storage facilities. This takes the UK’s total contribution to the Ukrainian energy sector since 2022 to £170 million.
UK funding will provide equipment to repair damaged energy infrastructure, help physically protect existing infrastructure, and provide back-up support – including generators and distributed renewable generation – for use if Russian attacks destroy more infrastructure.
Speaking from Kyiv, the Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron, said: “Ukraine is fiercely defending itself against Russia’s illegal invasion, making a war Putin thought would last days, take years. But this war is the challenge of our generation and Ukraine cannot fight it alone.
“We must all step up to ensure Ukraine has what it needs to win. Through our multi-year military funding, weapons provision and vital support to protect and repair Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, the UK is standing with Ukraine and we will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
A further £16 million was awarded to winners of the UK’s Innovate Ukraine Green Energy Competition, at a reception hosted by the Foreign Secretary and Ukrainian Minister for Energy, Minister Galushchenko.
The 13 winning projects, made up of UK and Ukrainian innovators, partners, businesses and NGOs, launched their innovations to help Ukraine rebuild a greener and more resilient energy grid. This funding was previously announced at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London and has now been awarded to recipients.
In Kyiv, the Foreign Secretary saw how Ukrainians are continuing to show resilience in the face of Russian attacks, witnessing first-hand how Ukraine is pushing forward with innovative drone development.
The Foreign Secretary also kicked off negotiations with Ukraine on a 100 Year Partnership – a new agreement that will build enduring links between our two countries across the spectrum of trade, security and defence cooperation, science and tech, education, culture, and much more.
The UK’s commitment to developing this Partnership is a clear signal of its intent to build close and enduring cooperation with Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people, for decades to come.
Proposals which will help to protect people against the threat of ticket touts at UEFA EURO 2028 are the focus of a new consultation launched today.
Glasgow is one of 10 host cities for EURO 2028 and an expected three million tickets will go on sale for the whole tournament, allowing more fans than ever before access to a UEFA EURO tournament.
As part of the consultation, stakeholders are invited to share their insights about how effective the measures implemented during UEFA EURO 2020, which took place in 2021, were for both supporters and local businesses.
Europe Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “Glasgow has become one of the world’s top cities for staging major sporting events, and EURO 2028 will follow in the footsteps of the recent World Athletics Indoor Championships – these matches belong to everyone and it’s important we ensure tickets are accessible.
“This valuable consultation underlines our commitment to protecting Scottish people from the threat of ticket touts, ensuring fair and equitable access to EURO 2028 games in Scotland.
“I would encourage everybody with an interest in this eagerly awaited event to share their views and help to shape legislation ahead of EURO 2028 happening in Glasgow.”
The consultation period closes on 26 July and provides an opportunity for people to share their views to shape robust protection measures for those fans planning on attending the matches staged in Scotland.
National Galleries of Scotland has been shortlisted for Community Engagement Programme of the Year by the prestigious Museum + Heritage Awards for its work with Rowan Alba.
The nomination recognises an incredible collaborative initiative that supports people with alcohol addiction. The winners will be announced at a glittering live ceremony on Wednesday 15 May.
Beginning as a one-off photography project in 2013, the much-needed programme has since delivered 42 sessions in the last year in Edinburgh.
Developed in partnership with Rowan Alba as part of its befriending scheme, CARDS, it recognises the wellbeing benefits that art brings. Participants are welcomed into the gallery where they take part in creative activities, designed by the National Galleries of Scotland, Rowan Alba and artist Sam Rutherford.
The artist hosted sessions help people whose long-term alcohol addiction has led to poor health and social isolation, to feel more connected. Each month a different topic is discussed and participants are able to explore the collection and exhibitions of the galleries, as well as make their own art using photography, painting, collage, poetry and more.
The gatherings also support with emotional wellbeing, building friendships and assisting in recovery.
98% of participants reported anxiety, depression and low self-esteem while 25% have long-term mental health issues. However, after participating in the project 83% reported feeling less isolated, 95% felt less anxious and an amazing 95% felt their opinion mattered where they hadn’t before.
National Galleries of Scotland had the exciting opportunity to work with CARDS participants on exhibitions including co-creating audio content for Making Space | Photographs of Architecture and the current exhibition Conversations with the Collection in Modern One.
With one participant, sharing that this allowed them to feel a sense of pride and boost their self-esteem, saying: ‘I can’t believe the National Galleries asked for my opinion on the pictures, I took my grandchildren to hear the audio on the headphones.’
Creating the audio guide was an opportunity for National Galleries of Scotland to work in collaboration with participants to re-look at artworks in the collection and rethink their interpretation.
Following the spectacular success of CARDS, a new group and weekly programme ‘The Guided Self Discovery Group’ was also established after networking sessions for health and social care organisations, run by Rowan Alba at the Portrait.
Led by an NHS Occupational therapist, small groups meet at the Portrait gallery for 8 weeks. This supports people to transition from in-patient rehabilitation hospital, Milestone, back into the community. The sessions aim to ease the process, which can be stressful and isolating.
Both initiatives explore themes around identity and connectedness and the creative activities encourage reflection and self-expression. The groups have also come together for a joint session, helping participants connect with the longer-term support that is available.
The sessions are integral to supporting client’s mental health as they provide new ways to express issues they are facing. Shifting focus to artistic activity enables participants to converse freely, informally, and openly.
Siobhan McConnachie, National Galleries of Scotland Head of Learning and Engagement, said: “The feedback we get from participants is overwhelmingly positive, and we are thrilled that this has been recognised by the awards. The programmes create environments where individuals feel safe and encouraged to participate – something they do not always feel elsewhere.
“Through Rowan Alba. we have succeeded in welcoming isolated people with addiction issues to the gallery and revisit. In 2023 we delivered 42 sessions with 517 attendances overall. Many are individuals who might not otherwise leave their homes, and have no other support or access to help.
“Being able to work hand in hand with Rowan Alba to accomplish this and highlight the importance art has in helping people is something we are incredibly proud of.”
A CARDS service user said: “I thought it was about art. It is in a way, but not in the way you would think. At first it was the only reason to turn over the months in the calendar other than to remember what day the blue bucket goes out.
“The best part for me is my own visits to the galleries, the solitary ones, where I can be around people and still be by myself. That bit creeped up on me and all of a sudden when things got bad at home, I thought, I’m going to the gallery.
“There is an art to that. Whether its deliberate or not. That is an art!”
NSPCC Scotland and The Young Women’s Movement have launched a national campaign this week to tackle peer sexual abuse and harassment across Scotland.
Young Women Know, is a youth-led campaign that began in Tayside with the ‘Oor Fierce Girls’, ‘Bold Girls Ken’, and ‘Brave Lassies Blether’ projects, which focussed on young women creating resources on healthy relationships, safe spaces, and consent.
Following the success over the past four years of these local campaigns, supported by Angus Council, Perth and Kinross Council and Dundee City Council, the Scottish Government’s ‘Delivering Equally Safe’ fund has been extended to roll-out the work nationally.
The young women involved have been at the heart of leading these campaigns over the past few years. Highlights have included hosting and speaking at many high-profile events including at the V&A in Dundee, Perth Art Gallery, Montrose Football Club and Angus Town and County Hall in Forfar and widespread media coverage by newspapers, TV, and radio.
Seven new Young Women Know ‘Champions’ have been appointed from across Scotland to lead the new national roll-out of the campaign, alongside some of the young women who led the Tayside campaigns. They will host workshops in schools, colleges, and youth groups to share the co-designed resources and raise awareness of what a healthy relationship looks and feels like.
In addition, a special event, sponsored by MSPs Maggie Chapman and Monica Lennon, was held at the Scottish Parliament this week (Tuesday, April 30) to celebrate the extension of Young Women Know from Tayside to the rest of Scotland.
Ashley Henderson, who has been involved with Oor Fierce Girls from the beginning, was thrilled to be chairing the Parliament event.
Ashley (19) from Dundee, who is now studying English and journalism at Strathclyde University, Glasgow, said:“I jumped at the chance to be involved in a campaign to encourage healthy relationships, it’s a cause that has always been and still is very close to my heart.
“It was such an honour to be asked to chair because I feel so passionately about this and can talk about it for hours.
“Being involved with Young Women Know and the NSPCC has made me to gain way more confidence and helped me to get into university.
“Before I joined, I was a terrible public speaker and now I can do TV interviews with journalists I’ve never met before and speak in front of large audiences!
“This has been such a big part of my life, so I plan to stay involved with the rollout of the national campaign in Glasgow.”
Carla Malseed, NSPCC Scotland Local Campaigns Officer, said:“We launched this during the pandemic, when everything was online, so it’s all changed dramatically since then.
“One thing that hasn’t changed is how confident and articulate the young people are and the high standard of their work. It has been incredible to see what they have achieved.
“Getting to this stage is amazing, it’s nice to see so many of the young people grow in confidence.
“I’ve been completely blown away by how much they have been able to do, how confident and knowledgeable they have been and how well they have worked together to go out and deliver change.
“They have never been frightened to have uncomfortable conversations within school settings and with politicians.
“It’s so exciting to see the campaign being rolled out nationally now. We have some strong messages from these young people and brilliant resources and this next stage will be about testing these and finding out what works best across Scotland.”
Jenni Snell, CEO of The Young Women’s Movement (YWM), said:“Peer sexual abuse and harassment continues to harm young women and girls’ lives across Scotland. Working with young women to lead the campaign development and delivery has been pivotal to ensuring that the content is engaging, relevant and impactful.
“The roll-out of the campaign nationally by the Young Women Know Champions will enable us to reach a wider audience of young people, parents and educators to effectively tackle this issue and create a safer Scotland for young women and girls.”
Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk. Childline is there for all young people up until their 19th birthday. Call the police on 999 if you suspect someone is in immediate danger.
Workshops and webinars are being offered to help anyone who wants to kickstart their journey in the food and drink sector.
THRIVE 2024 offers participants the chance to gain crucial entrepreneurial skills and meet industry experts who can help turn their ideas into reality.
Delivered by experts from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and Queen Margaret University (QMU) the programme is now in its fourth year.
Aimed at students, graduates, and early-stage entrepreneurs, THRIVE offers the skills vital for concept development and business growth, as well as providing insight focused on legislation, marketing, and manufacturing.
Ceri Ritchie, Principal Consultant at SAC Consulting (part of SRUC), said: “THRIVE is about helping to create resilient start-up food & drink businesses – entrepreneurs with awareness of the need for pace and perseverance in their approach.
“It can help build a business where there is a real demand for its products, and that has adaptable strategies, equipped to scale over time.
“From the start we want to encourage entrepreneurs to be aware of the value they bring to customers and have a long-term view.
“This is our fourth year delivering THRIVE and it is a privilege to share our commercial experience and industry knowledge with Scotland’s embryonic food, drink, and rural entrepreneurs.
“I look forward to meeting the 2024 participants, the fantastic discussions we will have and to another successful programme.”
As well as being designed for students and graduates, THRIVE is also open to people in food & drink manufacturing, hospitality, diversified agriculture or food and farm shops who have ambitions to develop as entrepreneurs or even who just have an idea in the making.
Applications for the programme that will run from August to November are now open and can be made via Eventbrite.
Last year’s edition of THRIVE was a tremendous success attracting 53 participants from Shetland to Whithorn and Tighnabruaich to Crail.
One of those who participated, Katy Matsetse of The Wee Ginger Company was able to capitalise on her experience and kick start her business.
She said: “I absolutely loved THRIVE. The whole programme was exceptionally well organised, educative and very useful material.
“Networking with other food and drinks business owners/entrepreneurs was incredible too. Some of which have continued since THRIVE 2023 to date and will hopefully lead to collaborations.
“THRIVE is a definite “to go to” programme for all businesses regardless of the stage the business is. I highly recommend THRIVE to anyone thinking of starting a business, already started or those with well-established food and drink businesses.”
The programme is made up of two interactive sessions, supported by six industry-focused webinars.
On 21 September, an online session covering business skills will take place, followed by an in-person event at QMU on 2 November which will look at food product development.
Six optional evening webinars will take place between 28 August and 9 October. They will examine:
Investment and funding opportunities for Scottish food and drink businesses
Crafting your perfect pitch
Co-packing versus self-manufacturing
Sustainable marketing strategies
Practical packaging solutions
Legislation for food manufacturing and foodservice in Scotland
Catriona Liddle, Head of Scottish Centre for Food Development & Innovation at QMU, said: “THRIVE offers a terrific opportunity for businesses to get “real world” help from experts, help which is specifically focused on food and drink startup requirements.
“Whether you are a student with a food business idea, a graduate who is in the process of starting up a business, or someone who has already been actively running a food and drink enterprise for a couple of years but could benefit from specialist input, then THRIVE can help you confidently take things to the next level.
“The programme also offers delegates the chance to meet up with like-minded individuals, so you can build a supportive community and learn from each other as you progress your journeys.
“Every year THRIVE gets a little bigger and is broadened in scope which allows us to help more enterprising start-ups on the road to success in the food and drink industry.”
