Drag Race royalty Kitty Scott-Claus brought the house down at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh, tonight with a fabulously fierce performance at the five-star visitor attraction to celebrate Pride Edinburgh which kicks off this weekend (22ndJune).
The talented queen took to the stage in an all singing, all dancing extravaganza for visitors to the Pride Edinburgh pre-show hosted in the Label Studio, one of the World’s Leading Spirit Experience’s first-class event spaces.
Head to Johnnie Walker Princes Street this Pride weekend to enjoy the best view of Edinburgh Castle in the city, cocktails, mocktails and so much more:
Cats Protection and Dogs Trust have joined forces to help owners keep their cats and dogs safe in the sun this summer.
The two leading pet charities say that despite their different quirks and behaviours, cats and dogs are equally as vulnerable when it comes to hot weather.
Alison Richards, Head of Clinical Services for Cats Protection, said: “We’re a nation of pet lovers and whether you’re a cat person or a dog person – or maybe a bit of both – you’ll want to keep your pet safe this summer.
“Many pets love to enjoy the great outdoors, but it’s important to bear in mind that very hot weather can put them at risk of illness and injury.”
Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director of Dogs Trust, says:“The sunshine might be great for us, however hot weather can cause problems for our canine friends.
“Dogs can’t regulate their body heat in the same way as humans, so extra care needs to be taken, especially when exercising or travelling in the car. In this weather, there is no safe amount of time to leave your dog alone in the car, even if you leave the window open.
“The good news is that steps can be taken to prevent our dogs suffering, such as only walking dogs in the coolest parts of the day, reducing their exercise, ensuring dogs have access to somewhere cool and shady to lay down and making sure they always have access to fresh water.”
The two charities have come up with a checklist to help owners keep cats and dogs safe this summer:
Be sun safe: Very hot weather can cause serious injuries in both cats and dogs. Dogs walked on tarmac can suffer painful burns to their paws, so it’s important to check the ground on warm days. You can do this by holding your hand to the ground for five seconds – if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog. While cats will generally find themselves a cool spot on hot days, it’s important to remember they can suffer sunburn and develop skin cancer. Cats with white ears are particularly at risk, so speak to your vet about suitable suncream.
Keep cool: Heatstroke can be serious for both cats and dogs and in some cases, it can be fatal. It’s a good idea to keep your pet indoors between 10am and 3pm on hot days and wait until it’s cooler in the evening to walk dogs or let cats outside. Even in mild temperatures, the biggest cause of heatstroke in dogs is exercise. In both cats and dogs, brachycephalic breeds – those with flat faces such as pugs or Persian cats – will be at increased risk of heatstroke, as their short facial structure can cause breathing difficulties and make it harder for them to keep cool. Kittens, puppies and elderly cats and dogs will also be at higher risk, as will those which have underlying health conditions.
Signs of heatstroke: Cats or dogs suffering with heatstroke will need urgent veterinary treatment, so owners should be familiar with the signs. For both cats and dogs, this can include heavy breathing or panting, excessive drooling, diarrhoea, confusion, restlessness, vomiting, being drowsy and collapsing. If you suspect your pet has been affected by heatstroke, call your vet immediately for advice.
Water and shade: Just like humans, cats and dogs can easily become dehydrated in hot weather, so make sure they have plenty of fresh water. Pop an extra water bowl in the garden if your pet is outdoors a lot, and make sure pets always have access to shade.
Be plant aware: Some garden plants can be highly poisonous, so take a look around the garden to see if there’s anything which may pose a risk to your pet. Lilies are particularly dangerous for cats, and ingesting just a small amount of pollen can be fatal.
Garden hazards: Most cats and dogs love spending more time in the garden in warm weather, so take a few minutes every week to check its safe for them. Check fences for any broken panels which dogs can escape from, or any sharp edges which may catch your pet. If you keep chemicals, engine oils or antifreeze in your shed, make sure these cannot be reached by inquisitive pets, as these can be toxic.
Never leave pets in cars: Pets should never be left alone in cars as even just a few minutes in a hot car can prove fatal. As cats and dogs can’t cool down the same way as humans, the heat can quickly become dangerous for them. If you see a pet in a car in distress, call 999 immediately.
For more information on keeping cats and dogs safe this summer, visit:
Recent events in the UK have brought to light a significant betting scandal involving political figures, underscoring the urgent need for stringent ethical standards and enforcement in public office.
As more names surface in the ongoing investigation, the scandal is set to have wide-ranging implications for political accountability and public trust.
The controversy began when it was revealed that Craig Williams, a senior aide to Rishi Sunak, placed a bet on the timing of the next general election just days before it was announced. This has sparked a broader investigation into betting activities among political figures, with more names expected to emerge in the coming days. Williams has since faced significant scrutiny and potential legal challenges.
Ethical Implications
This scandal highlights several critical issues:
Conflict of Interest: Politicians and their aides have access to privileged information. Betting on such information compromises their ability to act impartially and can lead to decisions influenced by personal gain rather than public interest.
Public Trust: Incidents of this nature severely erode public confidence in political institutions. When political figures are seen engaging in unethical behavior, it diminishes the public’s faith in their ability to govern fairly and transparently.
Regulatory Gaps: The current regulatory framework for political conduct may be insufficient to address modern challenges such as betting and financial conflicts of interest. This scandal underscores the need for comprehensive reforms.
Current Measures and Recommendations
In light of these events, several steps should be considered to strengthen ethical oversight in politics:
Enhanced Disclosure Requirements: Politicians should be mandated to disclose all betting activities and any financial interests that could pose a conflict of interest.
Regular Audits and Monitoring: Implementing regular financial audits and monitoring the activities of politicians can help detect and deter unethical behavior.
Clear Consequences: Establishing strict penalties for breaches of ethical conduct, including betting on privileged information, can serve as a significant deterrent.
Ethics Training: Providing regular ethics training for politicians and their aides can reinforce the importance of maintaining integrity and help them navigate complex ethical dilemmas.
Moving Forward
As the investigation continues, it is crucial for political parties and regulatory bodies to take decisive action to address these issues. Strengthening ethical standards and ensuring rigorous enforcement can help restore public confidence and ensure that political decisions are made in the best interest of the public.
Andy Bell from Bettingsites.ie says: “The unfolding scandal serves as a critical reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service. By addressing these challenges head-on, the UK can work towards rebuilding trust in its political institutions and ensuring that such issues are effectively managed in the future.”
The annual Pride Edinburgh march takes place today in what is Scotland’s longest running celebration of diversity.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “This month is an invaluable opportunity for us to recognise the contributions made by the LGBT+ community. It’s so important to recognise the individuals who have challenged norms and pushed boundaries to create a more inclusive world for us all to enjoy.
“Edinburgh is one of the most diverse cities in the world and everyone is welcome to make our city their home, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
“That’s why it’s vital we demonstrate our support by proudly flying the rainbow flag above the City Chambers. The flag, a symbol of LGBT+ pride, represents the importance of inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for all individuals.
“I’m so proud that the Council is a member of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme to make sure we have a more inclusive working environment for our LGBT+ colleagues. I’m committed to upholding the rights of the community so they can live their lives as they wish, without fear of judgement or discrimination.”
People across Edinburgh and the Lothians are being urged to turn the spotlight on their heroes of the high street.
Nominations have opened for the 2024 Scotland Loves Local Awards, which will see the nation’s town of the year crowned, alongside other accolades.
Organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the awards recognise and reward the dedication, determination and innovation which is making communities fit for the future.
The categories nationally are:
Town of the Year
Most Enterprising Community
Place Leader of the Year
Eight High Street Hero Awards will also be presented – one in each of the Scottish Parliament electoral regions.
This will recognise a person or organisation who has gone above and beyond to support people and make their community a better place to live, work and visit.
STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “There are people working tirelessly across Edinburgh and throughout the Lothians whose desire to make a difference is driving a new future for their community.
“Hard work and innovation is helping people and places to manage the cost of living, tackle the climate emergency while transforming places to become better, fairer, more attractive and successful.
“The Scotland Loves Local Awards are a chance to shine a spotlight on the determination and collaboration which really is improving lives in so many ways.”
Spearheaded by STP and supported by the Scottish Government, Scotland Loves Local is the movement encouraging people to create a better future for their community by choosing local. This is the fourth year in which the awards have been held.
Technology solutions company Vicinity, which works with councils and business improvement districts to provide data and audience insights to promote local places and economies, is sponsoring the Town of the Year category.
Chief Executive Henry Jinmansaid: “Our work gives us a fascinating insight into what makes places tick and we are delighted to work alongside STP to help foster a culture of innovation and collaboration in Scotland’s Towns and Places.
“That is why we are delighted to be supporting the Town of the Year category, to shine a spotlight on fantastic work being carried out by organisations and individuals across the country, making a real difference to places and the people who live there.”
Award nominations can be made at www.lovelocal.scot/awards, where full category criteria can also be found. There, you can briefly share the details of your nominee and why you would like to see them recognised.
The closing date for nominations is 5pm on Friday, August 23rd 2024. Finalists will be announced in September with presentations made to winners in October.
The achievements of finalists will also be celebrated at the Scotland’s Towns Conference in Perth on November 27th.
The Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Bangladesh has called for action to promote educational links between Scotland and Bangladesh.
The CPG met on Wednesday 19th June 2024 and received updates from Convener Foysol Choudhury MSP and Deputy Convener Miles Briggs MSP, H.E. Saida Muna Tasneem, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the UK, Peter Brown, Director of British Council Scotland, Dr Ibrahim Rashid, PhD Fellow from Stirling University and members of the Scottish Bangladeshi diaspora.
The High Commissioner was also joined by Mohammad Hazrat Ali Khan, Deputy High Commissioner, Tanvir Mohammad Azim, Commercial Counsellor, Wing Commander Md Saifur Rahman, Assistant Defence Adviser and Moumita Zeenat, Counsellor (Political).
The CPG meeting focused on education and followed on from a CPG visit to Dhaka last November 2023, where the CPG met with H.E. Sheikh Hasina and the Foreign Minister Dr A.K. Abdul Momen to discuss the importance of generating shared links between education institutions in Bangladesh and Scotland.
MSP Choudhury and MSP Briggs updated the CPG on Wednesday night on how they have already met with Scottish Universities to start the conversation and discuss how to move forward with opportunities for education and research collaboration, specifically around agriculture, climate change and fishing.
MSP Choudhury said: “The CPG is all about building the relationship between Scotland and Bangladesh in areas of shared importance.
“There is a definite need to bridge a gap and reinforce educational collaboration with Scottish and Bangladeshi universities, such as via creating Scottish University campuses in Dhaka and beyond.
“We have already written to H.E. Sheikh Hasina, had discussions with High Commissioner, Saida Muna Tasneem, contacted Universities Scotland’s Connected Scotland Partnership and the British Council.
“It was fantastic to hear the update from the High Commissioner and British Council at the CPG meeting this week to hear their commitment to building educational links and opportunities between Scotland and Bangladesh-as well as from some students to learn why educational collaboration is so beneficial!
“We look forward to continuing this collaboration between Scotland and Bangladesh on education and other areas such as climate change, and seeing our global partnership go from strength to strength.”
The CPG also got an update on many more areas of development between Scotland and Bangladesh, including cultural endeavours via the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
The Scottish Parliament CPG on Bangladesh says it will continue to build these links and shared endeavours between Scotland and Bangladesh, exploring matters on the world stage and also for the domestic Bangladeshi diaspora in Scotland.
Join us in your Scottish Parliament to have your say on the issues that matter to you
The Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics returns this August with a five-day programme of over 30 events, taking place in the home of Scottish politics at Holyrood.
Our 20th Festival will take place between Monday 19 to Friday 23 August and will provide festivalgoers with informed debate and inspiring topics on a range of social, political, and environmental issues facing the world today.
This year we mark two significant milestones in Scotland’s political history, the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament and the 20th anniversary of the Holyrood building. With several events focusing on the future of the institution in Scotland.
Benedetta Tagliabue, architect, partner and widow of the visionary creative Enric Miralles, who designed the Scottish Parliament building will join the Presiding Officer in conversation on the opening day of the Festival.
This event will also feature excerpts from the opera ‘Mai per Atzar’ (Never by Chance) originally staged in 1997 for the opening of the Miralles Tagliabue EMBT studio in Barcelona, with lyrics by Valerio Ferrari and music by Roberto Cacciapaglia.
The excerpts from the original Opera, together with new music in honour of Enric Miralles, will be performed live by world leading composer and pianist Roberto Cacciapaglia in the Parliament’s Debating Chamber.
There will also be leading experts from the worlds of politics, the arts, business, the media, academia and the third sector who will join us for a deep dive into issues dominating the news agenda. Join in and have you say on everything from the impact of artificial intelligence to Scotland’s ambitions in the space sector, to young people and mental health.
The Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP said: “Every year, the Festival of Politics aims to explore some of the big issues that feature in day-to-day politics, in the media and in wider civic Scotland.
“The Festival offers an opportunity to take up a seat in your Parliament, to hear from a range of experts, aiming to inspire debate and inform our thinking.
“This year as we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we present an exciting and varied programme of events, music and exhibitions.”
In association with the Edinburgh International Festival, the first day of the Festival will also feature the impressive outdoor opening celebration of Healing Arts Scotland featuring a Scottish Ballet community cast accompanied by 200 musicians including performers from Oi Musica, Samba Y Bamba, The National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland and the piping super group TRYST.
The specially curated dance piece will be performed to ‘Mackay’s Memoirs’ by the late Scottish Celtic fusion artist Martyn Bennett. Healing Arts Scotland is a country-wide week-long activation, celebrating and advocating for improved physical, mental and social health through the arts.
In addition, there is a lively free programme of music, choirs, dance and exhibitions in the Festival Café Bar.
The Royal Highland Show saw continued success with its record breaking 2024 event as 55,000 show goers descended upon the Ingliston site in Edinburgh on its second day (Friday). The sell-out crowd was wowed with the best display of farming, food and rural life that Scotland has to offer.
Friday also marked the first night of the Royal Highland Hoolie, a celebration of Scottish Music with Peatbog Faeries, Nathan Evans and Tide Lines set to take the stage this evening.
The Hoolie will return for a second night on Saturday featuring Derek Ryan, Lisa McHugh and with an exclusive appearance from “Cotton eye Joe” chart toppers, Red Nex.
Mark Currie, Director of Venue for RHASS, said: “We are absolutely delighted to see record crowds at the Royal Highland Show this year.
“Day two has seen a fantastic array of competitions, events and exhibitors and we send our congratulations to all the winners so far. We look forward to two more action packed days.”
Ticket sales across the 2024 event are also up on previous years, with an increase of 15% on the same time last year.
Those attending the show in the next two days are reminded that Saturday car parking is also sold out and attendees without parking tickets are encouraged to utilise public transport.
For further information including travel information, booking car parking or Hoolie tickets visit www.royalhighlandShow.org.
A new digital pathway aimed at supporting stroke survivors has launched today (Friday 21 June) in Lothian.
The ‘Life After Stroke’ Pathway has been developed by a partnership comprising health charity Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, NHS Lothian and Pogo Digital Healthcare.
The pathway provides stroke survivors tailored information based on their personal experiences, symptoms, and concerns in order to better manage their condition, alongside support from the Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland stroke nursing team who provide follow up support in the community.
When onboarded to the pathway, patients receive a self-assessment questionnaire to inform the health information they will receive. These questionnaires will be sent out bi-monthly to track changes in symptoms over time. Information will be sent to patients in the form of short slide presentations, which provide medical & health information, guidance, and signposting to further resources.
The Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland nursing team will be able to utilise the outcomes of the self-assessment questionnaires to better inform and tailor the support, education and advice that patients receive to support recovery.
Patients will only receive talks that are relevant to them, to avoid information overload and only focus on what matters to each patient. These tailored talks will be stored in the patient’s personal online portal, which can be easily accessed and referred to at any time.
Stroke survivor Jeremy Dearling, 67, was involved in the creation of the pathway as a public contributor.
Speaking about the launch, he said: “I have been delighted to have been part of the team developing this pathway with Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, a much-needed resource for survivors of stroke.
“As a public contributor, I have not only been heard and listened to, but as someone with lived experience of a brain injury and who was a staff nurse on a stroke ward, I have found a generous welcome to the team.
“There is a huge amount of support on offer using the newly launched Life After Stroke programme that is in addition to the existing resources available on the CHSS website. A stroke can be an isolating experience, unnecessarily so, so if you have had a stroke or care for someone with one, make use of the help available”.
Joanne Graham, Director of Service Delivery, at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland said:“We are delighted to be able to build on our existing relationship with NHS Lothian to support individuals post stroke through this digital pathway.
“Providing tailored health Information as early as possible is critical to support people to self manage their condition. This pathway will further support our charity’s mission to ensure every person with one of our conditions has access to quality supported self management and community recovery as part of our community health care support service.”
Jack Francis, CEO of Pogo Digital Healthcare, said: “I am delighted to be extending our digital self-management tool into a new Stroke pathway.
“As someone whose family was negatively impacted by a stroke, it is brilliant to be involved in a project that will give people and their families the support and information they need.”
Dr Charlie Chung, AHP Stroke Strategic Lead and Consultant Occupation Therapist at NHS Lothian said: “I am excited that the Life After Stroke digital pathway will commence testing with the staff and patients of the stroke unit in the Royal Infirmary.
“Stroke survivors consistently report that targeted and relevant information about their stroke would have been valuable at the time of their admission to hospital but provision was inconsistent.
“A key objective is that information provision will not happen by chance, but will be a routine part of service delivery which will ultimately support the self-management of stroke survivors.”
Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS)’s 2024 Rocking Horse Ball, sponsored by Thorntons Solicitors, has raised £95,000 (after costs) to help support children with life-shortening conditions and their families.
The annual event, which had an Aladdin ’Whole New World’ theme this year, took place at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh on Friday 7 June.
Guests at the event, which is recognised as one of the capital’s most-loved charity dinners, enjoyed a night of wonder with Aladdin-themed games amongst a backdrop of flying carpets and magic lamps.
Comedian and singer Jess Robinson hosted the event, supported by compere Alex Fleming, who entertained guests throughout evening, including during the live auction, while music was provided by Edinburgh band duo BLEEKER.
Guest of honour at the event was CHAS parent speaker, Andy White from Fife who spoke about the care and support he received from Rachel House hospice in Kinross when his son Leo died in March 2022, aged just six years old.
Leading full-service law firm Thorntons offers a full range of legal services to businesses and private clients across the country, with partners regularly volunteering and raising money for CHAS. Lead partner at the firm’s Edinburgh office, Clare Macpherson, is also a member of the Rocking Horse Ball’s event committee.
Diane Alton, CHAS’s high-profile events manager, said: “We are proud and privileged to have the continued support from Thorntons for a third year for our seventh Rocking Horse Ball.
“With their very generous sponsorship, we were able to wow our guests from start to finish, creating an incredible and memorable event that raised an incredible £95,000 after costs for CHAS.”
Clare Macpherson said: “It’s remarkable and humbling to witness the difference CHAS makes to families across Scotland.
“We’ve long supported the CHAS Rocking Horse Ball and this year’s event was yet another success, entertaining all who attended and raising funds for a very important cause. We look forward to continuing our partnership with CHAS and supporting its life-changing work.”
