Month: June 2024

Former Victorian printworks converted into ‘an amazing place to study art’

  • Foundation Course applications open – be among the first to study at Leith School of Art’s new campus
  • Graduates speak about how LSA transforms artists’ lives

Leith School of Art is opening a superb new campus which will be the base for its acclaimed Foundation Course.

The one-year course is recognised by students as the passport to art degree programmes of their choice.

LSA is also renowned for its outreach in areas of multiple deprivation and the opportunities it offers people with artistic talent who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access art courses and tuition.

The spacious new Albion Road Campus will be ready for this September’s intake of Art and Design Foundation Diploma students and will also host an expanded One Day Painting Course.

LSA is also working with the SQA to credit rate the School’s Art and Design Foundation Course at an SCQF Level 7 from September 2024. 

This advanced level is equivalent to completion of the first year of a Scottish university degree, enabling LSA students to progress directly into the second year of their chosen art and design degree.

Nick Devison, The School’s Principal, said: “This is a landmark moment for Leith School of Art – the new campus will be an amazing place to study art, as a student on our Foundation Course, or any of the other courses which will be taught there.

“We are also celebrating lots of other good news – something that’s really welcome as art education generally is going through such tough times.

“It’s brilliant for students that they can take our Foundation Course and earn the credit points they need for progression into the second year of a degree course. 

“And we are already in the position that our Foundation Course is so highly rated that 95% of graduates get into the university art degree course of their choice.

“All this underlines our commitment to offering the very best of art education to the people of Edinburgh.”

Located in a 19th-century former printworks at 66 Albion Road, the new campus provides a superbly lit 3,000 square foot studio and other facilities.

With the major works close to completion, a £30,000 fundraising appeal is underway to cover the costs of fully fitting out the building (donations can be made at www.leithschoolofart.co.uk).

A campus launch event took place yesterday (Thursday, 27 June), featuring an exhibition of work by students on LSA’s Mentoring Course, which enables artists to further develop their work.* 

Val McLean, LSA Course Leader and Tutor, said: “We are delighted to be hosting our prestigious Mentoring Course end-of-year exhibition in this remarkable new space, as part of our campus launch celebrations.

“It’s a fantastic platform to showcase the outstanding work and artistic growth of our talented students. And I’m thrilled about our upcoming move to the new campus. With a larger cohort of students we have tremendous opportunities ahead. 

“We can nurture the artistic development of more aspiring artists, collaborate on innovative teaching approaches, and craft a truly dynamic and enriching learning experience.”

An exhibition of work by the most recent intake of Foundation Course and year-long course students has also been taking place at LSA’s North Junction Street Campus, a former Norwegian Seamen’s Church. 

Inès Ross, a Foundation Course graduate who is going to Falmouth University to study Fine Art, said: “I have had the experience of a lifetime, LSA has helped with my development as an artist and I’ve met so many amazing people this year, teachers, pupils and beyond.”

The School is currently working to increase the level of outreach work it does with secondary schools – mostly in areas of multiple deprivation through the LSA Schools Programme.

One aim is to work with teachers to identify talented children at an early age and nurture them through to the stage where they are ready for university.

What students say about our Foundation Course:

The Art and Design Foundation Diploma stands out for many reasons, including the excellent staff/student ratio, the emphasis on both arts practice and theory and the large amount of time students get to spend with tutors and in the studio. It is also closely tailored to the individual needs and interests of each student. 

Sula Reid who went to LSA straight from school: “Leith offered more than I could have hoped. I made friends for life and discovered so much about myself and my artistic capacity. Leith offers a space where you can truly be yourself. The guidance and dedication of the tutors is remarkable, they put so much love into their work.”

Erin Gibbons: “LSA was so supportive and gave me the time to figure out exactly what I wanted to do. I would absolutely recommend LSA to everyone.”

Laura Bullock, a mature student who has been accepted to the Master’s programme at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design in Dundee: “The dedicated support of the amazing team of experienced tutors and support staff was invaluable. Leith School of Art is such a special place to study, and the Foundation Course sits firmly in its heart and mine.”

Kathryn Adkins: “The course has been incredible. I learned so much about a variety of art media and techniques. LSA provides a wonderful, safe and supportive environment.”

James Sinclair: “The course pushed me out of my comfort zone and enabled me to expand my skills. Being part of a creative community has been inspirational.”

Shona McIntosh, a former Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist: “The Leith School of Art Foundation Year changed my life completely. After further studies I now practice as a conceptual artist, exhibit and sell my work and had a two-month residency on the Galápagos Islands. I could never have achieved this without LSA’s Foundation Course.”

  • Applications are still open for the 2024-25 Foundation Course. Information can be found here.
  • LSA offers bursaries and concessionary rates for students unable to afford the fees. See here.

* Launch event refreshments were sponsored by local companies, Moonwake Beer Co and Lind and Lime Gin Distillery, the event showcased a sample of Leith’s thriving independent business and art and culture scene; consolidating Leith’s reputation for being one of the UK’s coolest neighbourhoods.

First Vision Care for Homeless People clinic opens in Scotland

A NEW free eye care clinic for people experiencing homelessness opened this week at Crisis Skylight Centre in Edinburgh, the first such clinic outside of England.

The clinic, run by eye health charity Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP), will operate from the new Wellness Floor at the Skylight in Canongate. The Wellness Floor has been funded by Specsavers and, alongside the bespoke eye clinic, includes additional rooms, which will enable Crisis to broaden the health services it provides to members.

A special event to mark the occasion was attended by more than 60 attendees from Crisis, VCHP and Specsavers, as well as third sector professionals, with all guests receiving a tour of the new facilities whilst being able to speak to experts on the invaluable support being offered at the Centre.

The Edinburgh Crisis Skylight opened its doors last year but was unable to fund these additional facilities until Specsavers stepped in to finance the new health and wellness suites.

Specsavers Scottish Divisional Chair, Jenny Stephenson, says: ‘We are delighted to help VCHP open its very first clinic in Scotland. Our founding purpose is to improve eye care for all, but for those experiencing homelessness it can sometimes be difficult to get access to the eye health care they need. 

“The opening of the Wellness Floor celebrates an impactful collaboration with Crisis and VCHP with the ultimate ambition of making care equitable and accessible for all, regardless of their circumstances.’

VCHP Founder and Chair of Trustees Elaine Styles, spoke on behalf of her team when she said how thrilled they were with the new clinical rooms, which includes a separate dispense area: ‘This new clinic will be our tenth in total and all are staffed and run by volunteers, who provide professional ophthalmic services to people experiencing homelessness.

“It’s a true testament to what our long-term partnership with Crisis and Specsavers is achieving.’

Mark Kennedy, Director of the Crisis Skylight in Edinburgh, says: ‘’Crisis has been running frontline services for people experiencing homelessness in Scotland for more than a decade but this new clinic will allow us to do even more for the people we work with.

 ’We’re incredibly grateful to Specsavers and VCHP for their support. Having the clinic available for our members is invaluable in helping people to improve their eye health and, ultimately, to help them on their journey out of homelessness.’

VCHP, Crisis and Specsavers are working with wider optical industry stakeholders and charities to call for changes in government policies that will enable people experiencing homelessness to access the eye care they need.

To find out more, visit:

specsavers.co.uk/news-and-information/community/homelessness

https://www.crisis.org.uk

https://www.visioncarecharity.org

Cala Homes unveils new city centre development St Crispin’s Court

An award-winning Scottish homebuilder has launched a 37-home development in Edinburgh with the release of its first homes, which are now available to reserve off-plan.  

Cala Homes (East) recently launched the St Crispin’s Court development, which will feature 23 three-bedroom townhouses and 14 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, each of which has been carefully curated so it offers the best in modern city living.  

The contemporary townhouses are all three-bedroom and enjoy peaceful gardens accessed by bi-fold doors from your open plan kitchen / living area. Each of these homes further benefit from a separate study, ideal for working from home.  

Prospective buyers seeking apartment living within this popular Edinburgh location won’t have to wait long with a selection of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments due to be released later this summer.  

All homes at St Crispin’s Court have been designed to maximise space, offer flexible layouts, excellent storage, and have access to outdoor space to enjoy. The beauty of the surrounding area has also been considered, with lounges and bedrooms designed to enjoy a southernly elevation. There are attractive views across the development towards Arthur’s Seat and city skyline.  

Homes at St Crispin’s Court will benefit from the high specification and energy efficiency that Cala is well known for. Each home comes with a stylish studio-designed kitchen complete with Siemens or Bosch appliances, in the bathrooms prospective buyers will find a Laufen sanitaryware and vanities along with a selection of Porcelanosa tiling.  

Situated in the popular Blackford area of Edinburgh, just three miles from Edinburgh city centre, the development benefits from a range of nearby amenities which are within walking distance including independent shops, restaurants, bars and cafes as well as a selection of excellent schools. 

Prospective buyers at St Crispin’s Court can also enjoy a range of nearby activities, from tennis at Braid Tennis Club to a round of golf at Craigmiller Golf Course, or a scenic walk at nearby Blackford Hill. As well as being just a stone’s throw away from the bustling bars and restaurants of Morningside, and the great local amenities of Cameron Toll.  

Kim Newbigging, Regional Sales and Marketing Director at Cala Homes (East), said: “We are delighted to have now launched our latest development, St Crispin’s Court in Edinburgh. Our latest new build development in an already well-established area of Edinburgh,  

“This exciting new development is ideally located for urban city living with great transport links to Edinburgh city centre, as well as the convenience of nearby amenities located on its doorstep in Cameron Toll and Morningside.   

“With the mix of townhouses and apartments, there is something to suit a wide selection of buyers from professionals to families or those looking to downsize. I’d urge anyone who is thinking about making their move to St Crispin’s Court to act quickly.” 

Prices at St Crispin’s Court start from £769,995 for a three-bedroom townhouse.

Apartments are due to launch later this summer with prices from £325,000. Our on site sales office is now open by appointment. 

To learn more, and to register your interest, visit: https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/st-crispin-s-court/ 

Cancer Card’s Comfort Box receives boost from Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust

The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is delighted to announce that Cancer Card, a Scottish charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by cancer, has been awarded a grant of £2,500 to support their Comfort Box scheme.  

The initiative aims to ensure that every cancer patient, regardless of their financial circumstances, has access to essential items that can improve their quality of life during treatment.  

Cancer Card was founded in 2021 by stage four cancer patient Jen Hardy MBE and offers a comprehensive online directory of local and national cancer support services, making it a crucial resource for those navigating the complexities of cancer care in Scotland.   

The Comfort Box initiative, inspired by Scotland’s Baby Box, delivers packages containing items such as digital in-ear thermometers, wool blankets, and travel mugs to help cancer patients manage their treatment and stay comfortable.  

Conveying her thanks to the Trust for the donation, Jen Hardy said: “The generous grant from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is invaluable in supporting our mission to ensure that no one faces cancer alone.

“With these funds, we can provide 50 additional Comfort Boxes to newly diagnosed cancer patients, offering them not only practical items but also a sense of comfort, hope, and reassurance during their cancer journey.

“This support is crucial in helping patients feel cared for and empowered as they navigate the challenges of treatment.”  

In the first four months of 2024 alone, Cancer Card distributed over 400 Comfort Boxes to patients across Scotland. Each box costs the charity £50 to produce and they are distributed to patients free of charge.

The additional 50 boxes funded by Allied Vehicles will be delivered through partnerships with Maggie’s Centres and cancer treatment wards in hospitals, as well as being available directly through the Cancer Card website.   

Gerry Facenna, founder of Allied Vehicles, expressed his pride at the Cancer Card donation: “Cancer touches every family, and the work Cancer Card does is so important; not just in distributing these items through the Comfort Box programme, but also helping to provide emotional support to cancer patients during an extremely challenging time.

“We’re pleased to support to such a great cause.”

Surgeons train for conflict zone aid in landmark course

Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh & David Nott Foundation collaborate to address critical shortage of skilled surgical care in disaster zones

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd), in partnership with the David Nott Foundation (DNF), has launched an intensive training course designed to equip surgeons with the vital skills needed to save lives in conflict and disaster zones.

Aimed at medical professionals who work in, or are planning to travel to, conflict and catastrophe zones around the world, the first course was held on June 3-7 at RCSEd’s Skills Lab in Edinburgh, with a second scheduled for December 2024.

The Hostile Environment Surgical Training UK (HEST-UK) course brought together UK-based surgeons and those from war-torn regions, including six participants from Ukraine and one from Libya, for a transformative week of intensive training.

The course – which equips surgeons to surgically treat a wide range of traumatic injuries, from head wounds to blast wounds – marks the first successful partnership between RCSEd’s Faculty of Remote, Rural and Humanitarian Healthcare (FRRHH) and DNF, aiming to upskill surgeons who aspire to make a difference in the humanitarian space.

Professor Angus Watson, FRRHH Executive Committee Member, who helped facilitate the course, said: “The impact of this course has already been profound, and will save countless lives in future.

“By combining DNF’s expertise with RCSEd’s dedication to professional standards in humanitarian healthcare, this partnership promises to empower medical professionals and add to their skillset and provide crucial care in the most difficult of circumstances.”

The HEST-UK course offers a unique and rigorous training experience, drawing on the extensive frontline expertise of Professor David Nott, Co-Founder of the David Nott Foundation, who has over 30 years of experience in some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones.

Participants are trained in a broad range of trauma care skills, from triage and head wounds to penetrating injuries and obstetric emergencies, preparing them as generalist trauma surgeons ready to provide care in any situation.

Dr. Israar Ul-Haq, a doctor specialising in urgent and pre-hospital care based in West Midlands, near Birmingham, joined a previous HEST-UK course to refine his trauma surgery skills before deploying to Gaza. His experience in Gaza’s crisis zones underscored the real-world impact of the training.

He said: “The course impacted every aspect of my work in Gaza, such as understanding the local environment and the types of injuries we encountered. Techniques like thoracotomy and bleeding control learned during the course became standard procedures in our daily practice.

“Whether it was performing chest drains, managing blast injuries, or treating burns, the training equipped me with the skills I needed.”

The course offers a strong progression from FRRHH’s Introduction to Humanitarian Healthcare Course, launched back in 2021.

Professor Rowan Parks, President of RCSEd, commented: “We are incredibly proud of our partnership with the David Nott Foundation and the tremendous impact of the Hostile Environment Surgical Training (HEST-UK) course.

“This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to support and equip surgeons who are committed to providing life-saving care in the most challenging and austere environments, through innovative and accessible training programmes.”

Elly Nott, Co-Founder of the David Nott Foundation, said: “Wherever there is conflict, there is a need for well-trained doctors to provide safe, skilled surgical care. We are delighted to join forces with the RCSEd to run Hostile Environment Surgical Training-UK, a course dedicated to preparing surgeons for the injuries they encounter and treat in war.

“Our programme is taught by surgeons with decades of experience in conflict and catastrophe zones and informed by our values of compassion, excellence and resilience.”

World’s largest interactive video game exhibition opens this weekend

GAME ON

29 June to 3 November 2024

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh

Tickets are available to book at nms.ac.uk/GameOn

The world’s largest interactive exhibition of the culture and history of video games opens at the National Museum of Scotland this weekend. Game On brings together over 100 playable games spanning 50 years. It features iconic characters from Space Invaders to Mario and highlights Scotland’s role as a pioneer and world leader in video game development.

Game On presents Scotland as home to some of the most innovative and influential game makers, including Rockstar Games, creators of the Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption series.

Objects from the developer’s archive will be displayed for the first time, including limited edition merchandise and a ‘Key to Liberty City’, awarded to players who completed 100% of Grand Theft Auto IV within one week of the game’s release in 2008. Only 500 were ever made.

“Scotland has played an instrumental part in the evolution of video games as a medium,” said Jennifer Kolbe, Head of Publishing at Rockstar Games. “We’re excited to help the National Museum of Scotland reveal more about the nation’s contributions to this thriving aspect of modern culture.”

The exhibition reveals the story of Scottish gaming, from its roots in Dundee in the 1980s with the manufacture of the ZX Spectrum computer to emerging talent such as Sad Owl Studios, whose game Viewfinder was awarded Best British Game at the Bafta Game Awards 2024. Visitors will also discover the important role Scottish studio, 4J studios played in making Minecraft a global phenomenon.

Game On is curated and toured by Barbican Immersive. The exhibition examines the creative and technological advances that have established gaming as a new art form.

Patrick Moran, Game On Associate Curator, said: ““The gaming world has had an undeniable social, cultural, and technological impact. Games transcend the boundaries between art and technology, becoming part of popular culture.

“Game On presents the opportunity to not only see the evolution of video games and how they have changed over time but also to immerse yourself inside gaming worlds with over 100 playable games.

“The show features the largest playable collection in the world, including original arcades, hand-held consoles, and key games, including Pac-Man, Super Mario, Tetris, Sonic the Hedgehog, Just Dance and FIFA.

“The exhibition also explores new advances in the gaming world. Highly interactive, groundbreaking and popular, Game On is engaging for hardcore gamers and visitors new to gaming. Crucially, the show is suitable for players of all ages.”

The National Museum of Scotland was the exhibition’s very first touring venue in 2002, and Game On has since been visited by over 5 million people of all ages in 25 cities around the world.

Dr Geoff Belknap, Keeper of Science and Technology at National Museums Scotland, said: “It’s great to welcome Game On back to the National Museum of Scotland. As someone in charge of Scotland’s national science and technology collections, it’s exciting to explore the country’s incredible contribution to gaming, past and present.

“I’m delighted to bring Scottish independent games to a new audience, including The Longest Walk, a pioneering project exploring the experience of living with mental health issues and Highland Song, a beautiful adventure through the Scottish landscape. The exhibition has been continually updated at each new touring venue since the early 2000s and so we look forward to bringing the story of video gaming right up to date here in Scotland, where the industry today is so vibrant.”

Chris van der Kuyl, Chairman of 4J Studios, said: ““Scotland is driving innovation in the games industry. The National Museum of Scotland’s new exhibition, Game On, is a fantastic showcase of this pioneering sector and its significant cultural contributions.

“We’re proud that 4J Studio’s achievements are displayed alongside some of Scotland’s most innovative developers, to inspire the next generation of creators and ensure that Scotland continues to punch above its weight on the world stage.”

The exhibition is organised in thematic sections, exploring hardware formats such as handheld to home consoles to arcade machines, as well as wider cultural aspects such as the links between music, film and gaming.

A programme of public events will support the exhibition, including a Museum Late, relaxed viewings for those with sensory needs and family-focused activities to inspire videogaming’s next generation of creators.

Charity launched due to increased calls to cyber and fraud helpline

First of its kind charity formed to support people through cyber and fraud crime

A new national charity has been launched to support members of the Scottish public who find themselves victims of a cyber or fraud crime.  

The Cyber and Fraud Hub was formed by Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland in response to a rapid increase in calls from concerned members of the public to its incident response helpline a collaboration between leading Scottish cybersecurity organisation the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government, which was originally set up to support businesses through a cyberattack. 

Last year, calls to the Cyber and Fraud Centre incident response helpline doubled, with 

60% of calls coming from concerned members of the public seeking advice following a suspected cyber or fraud crime.  

Businesses will continue to be supported through the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland with advice, intelligence and training, while the newly launched Cyber and Fraud Hub will offer tailored support through reporting and legal guidance, victim assistance, and recovering funds as well as improving the public’s understanding of cyber and fraud crime.  

The Cyber and Fraud Hub will be the first charity in Scotland to offer this level of bespoke victim and advice support to individuals and will allow a greater number of people to access wraparound support at a time when they are most vulnerable. 

The Cyber and Fraud Hub was spearheaded by a dedicated team who gave up their spare time to make the charity a reality. The team includes; Angie Lees, Declan Doyle, John Callagy, Jude McCorry, Alex Dowall and chair, Paul Atkinson. 

Jude McCorry, CEO of Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland, said: “I recently saw a quote saying “The Fight against fraud is everyone’s problem, but no one’s priority” and we have seen this play out over the last year.

“In launching the Cyber and Fraud Hub, we have now made it our priority, but we need others, including senior figures in financial services and government, to make it their priority too.  

“The Cyber and Fraud Hub will meet a vital need for support for individuals who find themselves in the daunting situation of being a victim of a cyber or fraud crime, the impact of which can be immense, mentally and financially. 

“We’ve built strong relationships with our colleagues at Police Scotland and the banking sector to support our business community to be more resilient and we wanted to extend this support to the growing number of individuals who find themselves personally compromised as a result of this growing threat.  

“Members of the public require a different type of support to get them through a cyberattack, where they are supported as victims of a crime as well as going through formal criminal proceedings.

“The Cyber and Fraud Hub team have the knowledge, skills and expertise to allow them to listen and provide reassurance as well as the tools to get people back on their feet.”  

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Freeburn said: “I am delighted to be appointed as a Trustee of the Cyber and Fraud Hub and have seen at first hand the success of collaborative working to combat fraud and keep people safe in the digital world.    

“The Hub will be an invaluable resource and complement the support available from Police Scotland.  It will deliver first-class education and partnership programmes to help communities and individuals build resilience against cybercrime and fraud and offer specialised support to those who have become a victim of cybercrime.” 

If you, or someone you know, has been a victim of cyber or fraud crime, you can call the Cyber and Fraud Hub on 0800 1670 623, or visit www.cyberfraudcentre.com.  

Updates to short-term lets licensing scheme approved

Technical changes passed by Parliament

MSPs have backed a range of technical updates to the short-term lets licensing scheme in response to engagement with accommodation operators.

Licensing was introduced in 2022 to provide assurance to guests on safety and quality, such as gas and electrical safety compliance and the suitability of hosts.

The regulations passed by the Scottish Parliament enable:

  • Licences to be transferred to a new host, such as when accommodation is sold
  • Prospective hosts building a new short-term let to apply for a provisional licence before construction is complete
  • Hosts to apply for a maximum of three licence exemptions totalling six weeks in a calendar year

Minister for Housing Paul McLennan said: “Short-term let accommodation is vital to Scotland’s tourism sector and wider economy.

“The short-term lets licensing scheme aims to protect the reputation of responsible operators and ensure the sector is regulated in line with other accommodation such as hotels and caravan parks, giving guests assurance of consistent safety standards. The technical updates to the scheme passed by Parliament were introduced in response to engagement with short-term let operators and the wider tourism industry.

“This will ensure the scheme continues to deliver quality and safety assurance for guests, whilst protecting the needs of local communities.”

CEO of the UK Short Term Accommodation Association Andy Fenner said: “Scotland’s holiday let industry brings in revenue for all kinds of businesses in communities not served by traditional hospitality, and makes the country an attractive destination for the millions of overseas visitors that come every year.

“Improvements, such as the ability to transfer licences and greater flexibility around temporary exemptions should assist in providing more certainty to those who rely on income from tourism.

“We have been working with the Scottish Government on these changes over the past year and appreciate its collaborative and pragmatic approach to addressing feedback.

“We are encouraged by the Government’s commitment to addressing other issues related to the scheme and look forward to working together on identifying further improvements which will boost the competitiveness of our sector in Scotland.”

Scotland’s International Yoga Day 2024

Scotland’s International Yoga Day was celebrated on 22/06/2024 at The Kelvin Hall Art Gallery, Argyle Street, Glasgow.

This annual celebration of Yoga is a unique event hosted by The Scottish Hindu Foundation, previous years event being held at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh. International Yoga Day falls on the Summer solstice recognised by the United Nations as a day of health and wellbeing.

This year Scotland’s Yoga Day began with traditional Vedic recitation to bless the proceedings and participants. Maintaining tradition the attendees were then witness to a Bharatnatayam recital dedicated to Lord Shiva performed by Mrs. Manimegalai Arun invoking the spirit of rejuvenation, wellbeing and positivity for the soul.

The opening ceremony had three guest speakers Mary Morgan, Chief Executive of NHS Scotland, Dr Shalini Kakar and Shri Amit Kumar Chaudhary from the Vice Consul of the Indian Consulate in Scotland.

Mary Morgan spoke eloquently about the benefits of Yoga citing numerous studies clearly showing the holistic benefits yoga can have on both physical and mental health and wellbeing.

She went on further to expand on the request to address, prescribing yoga addering the request by stating Yoga outreach fosters community and inclusivity, especially in underserved areas. Social prescribing connects individuals to non-medical support, enhancing holistic health and well-being through community resources.

Dr Shalini Karkar’s delivered address titled “Yoga and Health” expanded on the relationship between Yoga and Health. She stated Yoga promotes holistic well-being, addressing physical, emotional, and mental health.

Articulating that Yoga effectively treats conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, anxiety, and depression. Going on to cite studies showing yoga programs reducing healthcare costs and improving health outcomes. Initiatives like the one in Edinburgh provide accessible yoga in deprived areas.

Introducing yoga in schools and as social prescriptions can enhance public health, reduce GP and A&E visits, and lower NHS workload. Sharing her own personal experience affirms yoga’s transformative health benefits.

Shri Amit Kumar Chaudhary, Vice Consul of India, commended Scotland’s International Yoga Day for its significant role in promoting health and community well-being.

He highlighted the Ministry of Ayush’s dedication to advancing yoga as a holistic health system, emphasising its numerous benefits. The Vice Consul shared that the ministry runs similar successful programs and is enthusiastic about collaborating with Scotland.

He assured that the Ministry of Ayush is ready and willing to share resources and expertise, fostering a global exchange of knowledge. This partnership aims to enhance the effectiveness of yoga initiatives, benefiting individuals and communities in Scotland and beyond.

The event featured multiple live yoga demonstrations and lessons led by trained instructors and teachers, attracting enthusiastic learners from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Participants actively engaged in learning various yoga practices, reflecting the inclusive and universal appeal of this ancient Indian tradition. The sessions highlighted the physical, mental, spiritual, and overall health benefits of yoga, making it accessible to everyone seeking its transformative power.

Yoga, as demonstrated at the event, is highly adaptable and can be suited for all ages and ability levels. This flexibility ensures that everyone, regardless of their physical condition, can benefit from yoga. Examples of the yoga styles showcased included Vinyasa Flow Yoga, known for its dynamic and fluid movements; Hatha Yoga, focusing on postural alignment and breathing; and Seasonal Yoga Flow, which adapts practices to the changing seasons.

Therapeutic Yoga was also featured, emphasising healing and recovery, while Body Clock Flow aligned practices with the body’s natural rhythms. Breathing workshops taught participants the art of pranayama for mental clarity and stress reduction. Chair Yoga made the practice accessible to those with limited mobility.

Other highlights included The Art of Living sessions, Laughter Yoga to boost mood and immunity, Kadampa Buddhist Meditation for mindfulness, Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) for vitality, and Vedic and divine mantra chanting for spiritual enrichment. These diverse offerings underscored yoga’s comprehensive approach to health, uniting body, mind, and spirit, and making its benefits available to all.

This event was organised by volunteers at The Scottish Hindu Foundation and made successful by all their hard work and dedication to putting Scotland on the global Yoga map. The community came together supported by the wonderful Yoga Teachers that led their classes with professionalism and respect for the Hindu roots of Yoga. We look forward to a bigger success in our next Scotland International Yoga in 2025. 

The SHF wishes to extend their heartfelt thank you to all the sponsors and supporters that made this event successful. 

Namaste.

Scottish Hindu Foundation

Unit 3, Morris Park, 37 Rosyth Road

Glasgow G5 0YE

Email: Info@ScottishHinduFoundation.com

Web: www.ScottishHinduFoundation.com

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