Now that the schools are back, are you looking for a job to fill the time but don’t know where to start?
Our Nurturing Futures programme has been designed to support parents in North Edinburgh looking to get back to work. Working with our Employability Officer, Lynne, you will build skills and confidence to get the job you really want.
As well as receiving support from Lynne with job searching, you may also take advantage of the free childcare support available to allow you to attend interviews or training or just free up time to focus on their job searching.
First Minister John Swinney attended The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo last night (Wednesday 14 August) to fulfil the prestigious role as Salute Taker for the Show at Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade.
Mr Swinney was met by Jason Barrett, Chief Executive Officer of the Tattoo, before taking his seat in the Royal Gallery to enjoy this year’s Show Journeys, which honours the seafarers who courageously traverse the oceans to connect people and cultures across continents.
The First Minister was part of the crowd to enjoy 800 talented performers from across the world, in a powerful display that embraces both tradition and modernity, through the creative light shows, drill, dance and so much more.
Journeys, runs until Saturday 24 August 2024, with tickets still available to purchase: edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or by calling +44 (0)131 225 1188.
New pay proposal could see an end to two years of industrial action, protect passengers from further national strikes and improve the reliability of services
Following a series of positive talks led by the new UK government, ASLEF yesterday (14 August 2024) agreed to recommend a new pay proposal to its members.
The offer made to ASLEF is a 5% pay rise for 2022/23, 4.75% for 23/24, and 4.5% for 24/25. The offer will now be put to ASLEF members in a referendum.
This marks a significant step towards resetting industrial relations and resolving the long-running rail dispute, which has seen services disrupted for over 2 years now. As the pay proposal includes an offer for the year ahead, it also means there is no national rail dispute on the horizon.
The Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, says the breakthrough shows how this government is “putting passengers first”.
If agreed by ASLEF members, the pay proposal could see an end to 2 years of industrial action, protect passengers from further national strikes and improve the reliability of services, which train passengers have been missing for far too long.
Poor industrial relations have caused disruption and delay for working people, prevented families from visiting loved ones and stopped the public from attending events, damaging the hospitality sector.
New industry estimates revealed today show that railway revenue foregone because of strikes since June 2022 has totalled around £850 million – a debilitating amount for the industry and a huge burden that falls directly on the taxpayer. Accounting for additional impacts of strikes, including those due to people being unable to work, or due to potential reductions in spending on hospitality and retail, the total impact likely exceeds £1 billion.
This government changed the tone and got unions back around the table to resolve rail disputes. In recent weeks, the Transport Secretary has instructed senior officials to conduct intensive talks with unions in order to resolve disputes in the interests of the travelling public, which has led to this significant breakthrough.
Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, said: “When I took this job, I said I wanted to move fast and fix things – starting by bringing an end to rail strikes. Finally today the end is in sight.
“If accepted, this offer would finally bring an end to this long-running dispute and allow us to move forward by driving up performance for passengers with the biggest overhaul to our railways in a generation.”
Transport disruption has a huge impact on the wider economy, with sectors like hospitality and tourism among the worst affected.
If ASLEF members vote yes, it will end the national two-year pay dispute during which drivers have taken 18 days of strike action as well as refusing to work non-contractual overtime.
The dispute – the longest in the recent history of Britain’s railways – was because the Tory government, and the privatised train companies, refused to give train drivers, who have not had an increase in salary for five years, since their last pay deals expired in 2019, the pay rise they deserve because, during that time, the cost of living has increased significantly.
Mick Whelan, ASLEF’s general secretary, who negotiated the deal with Simon Weller, assistant general secretary, and Dave Calfe, executive committee president, emerged from talks at the DfT to say: “‘We are pleased that after being treated with utter contempt for the last two years by the privatised train companies, and the previous government that was pulling their strings, we finally have a new government – a Labour government – that listens and wants to make the railway work for staff, for passengers, and for the taxpayer.
‘The offer is a good offer – a fair offer – and it is what we have always asked for, a clean offer, without a land grab for our terms & conditions that the companies, and previous government, tried to take in April last year.
‘We will put it to members with a recommendation for them to accept.’
The no-strings three-phase offer is for 5% for 2022-2023; 4.75% for 2023 to 2024; and 4.5% for 2024 to 2025. Backdated and pensionable.
Mick Whelan added: ‘We have achieved more in the last four weeks of a Labour government than we managed under a Tory government that set out to destroy us – first by refusing to meet us, then by insisting the companies could only offer us 2%, then by offering us 4% but with a land grab for all the T&Cs we have spent 144 years negotiating with productivity and sweat.
‘We have gone from people behaving dishonestly and deceitfully and trying to rip up all our t&cs to a group of people who seem to understand the interests of rail workers, the travelling public and the taxpayer.’
The industry charity, Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland, is inviting aspiring chefs working in Scotland to apply for this year’s Andrew Fairlie Scholarship as applications open.
Interested candidates can find more information about the application process on the HIT Scotland website here.
An invaluable opportunity for chefs looking to gain first-hand experience within some of the world’s most renowned establishments, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship offers an exceptional culinary education for the next generation of cheffing talent.
Launched in 2019 by the late Andrew Fairlie, the scholarship is provided in partnership with HIT Scotland, an industry charity Andrew was closely associated with. Now in its fifth year, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is supported by HIT Scotland, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Perth College UHI and The Gleneagles Hotel.
Last year, two winners were awarded the prestigious scholarship. Lecturer of Culinary Arts at City of Glasgow College, Darren Seggie, and Rachel Bremner, Commis Pastry Chef at The Balmoral, were selected for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to advance their culinary horizons.
An all-star panel of the country’s finest chefs will judge the 2024 competition. Lead judge, Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, will be joined by fellow 2 Michelin starred ChefPatrons, Tom Kerridge of the Hand and Flowers and Sat Bains at Restaurant Sat Bains. Gary Maclean, the Winner of MasterChef The Professionals and National Chef of Scotland, will also be judging the candidates on their performance.
The winner of this year’s Andrew Fairlie Scholarship will be taken on a 2-day educational trip to France with Grande Cuisine, gain hands-on experience at the 2-star Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, and undertake a stage at the 3-star Core by Clare Smyth in London. Held over two years, these educational experiences will inform and inspire the scholar’s professional development and knowledge over a period of time.
Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, commented:“The Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is Scotland’s finest Chef Scholarship.
“It is a true chance to showcase your talent and passion, along with the opportunity to help yourself be guided and nurtured into being as good a chef as you want to be. The prizes for this year’s scholarship recipient are some of the best educational and development driven learning experiences in the world!
“Be mindful in your application to stay true to yourself and to pull from all your resources to make sure that your application is as polished as it can be. Only the very best applicants will make it to finals day. Good luck Chefs and happy cooking!”
David Cochrane MBE, Chief Executive of HIT Scotland, added:“Applications for the 2024 Andrew Fairlie Scholarship are officially open, and with it, the chance for aspiring chefs in Scotland to advance their career and broaden their professional horizons.
“The scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for upcoming culinary talent to gain practical experience in the finest establishments and learn from the very best chefs the world has to offer. With so much at stake, applicants must give it their all to impress the judges!”
Candidates must complete an application form which can be found on the HIT Scotland website. They will be asked what inspires them to be the best chef they can be, and about their proudest career moment to date.
The applicants will also need to showcase their creativity and expertise by designing an autumnal sharing dish for four people, made from a short saddle of Scotch lamb. Those awarded a Finals Day place will be asked to recreate the recipe in real-time for the judges, along with some other culinary challenges which will be revealed on the day!
Up to 6 chefs will be chosen to take part in the Grand Final, a skills test on Wednesday 27th November at Perth College UHI, followed by a presentation to the winner at The Gleneagles Hotel.
The test will focus on the candidates’ technical skills, knowledge, and creativity, with the winner carefully striking a balance between passion and professionalism throughout.
Applications open 12 August 2024 and close 22 September 2024. Find out more information and apply here.
The UK’s leading comedy newcomer competition, So You Think You’re Funny? (SYTYF?) has revealed this year’s 10 finalists, plus confirmed comedian and TV star Sue Perkins will be 2024’s celebrity guest judge.
Following months of regional showcases and competitive heats, a panel of judges decided this year’s finalists as Gilded Balloon once again get set to crown comedy’s next rising star.
Plus, Gilded Balloon has announced SYTYF received an impressive 597 applications in 2024, an over 20% increase from 2023 meaning this year’s competition was tougher than ever.
The judges have confirmed 10 finalists for the second year in a row, and for only the third time in the competition’s history, with this year’s finalists set to perform in the So You Think You’re Funny? Grand Final hosted by Maisie Adam on 22nd August at Patter House.
TV star and one of Britain’s best loved comedians Sue Perkins will be this year’s guest judge, joining a panel including Katy and Karen Koren, journalists Arusa Qureshi and Bruce Dessau, Melbourne International Comedy Festival Director Susan Provan, SYTYF producer Julia Chamberlain and Sue Perkins.
Sue and her fellow judges will watch all 10 finalists perform a 7 minute spot on the night, before conferring and choosing the ultimate winner. The final will be hosted by 2017 SYTYF winner Maisie Adam, marking her only live appearance at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
2024’sSo You Think You’re Funny? Finalists (in alphabetical order) are:
Alana Jackson
Alex Gogarty
Ayo Adenekan
Bert Broadbent
Ciara O’Connor
Fab Goualin
Kate Sharp
Laurie Brewster
Paras Patel
Sophia Wren
Katy and Karen Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon and So You Think You’re Funny? said: “We’re thrilled to reveal this year’s SYTYF? finalists, with this year’s judging panel once again deciding to submit 10 finalists, instead of 9, for only the third time in the competition’s history.
“It’s extremely positive news for the UK’s comedy industry that our judges felt so strongly about the strength of these 10 comedy newcomers, and we hope that all 10 are set for a very bright future.
“We’re also ecstatic to welcome comedy legend Sue Perkins as this year’s celebrity guest judge, as well as our good friend and former SYTYF? winner Maisie Adam to host the final.
“It’s shaping up to be an incredible night of comedy and as always, it’s been extremely tough to whittle an astonishing 597 applicants down to this final 10, from regional showcases in London, Manchester, Glasgow and more, as well as heats throughout this year’s Fringe.
“We wish all of the finalists the very best of luck and can’t wait to see who claims this year’s crown!”
Judges who chose this year’s finalists included: comedians Mark Watson and Jay Lafferty, journalists Arusa Qureshi and Kate Copstick, plus Katy and Karen Koren and more.
Since it began in 1988, So You Think You’re Funny? has kick-started the careers of dozens of the country’s top comics including Dylan Moran, Peter Kay, Maisie Adam, Lee Mack, Tommy Tiernan and many more so this year’s Grand Final is the chance to see some of comedy’s next big stars at the beginning of their career.
Dedicated to providing a stage for emerging talent, the competition is only open to new acts who have performed less than 15 spots and are currently unsigned.
This year’s finalists performed at regional showcases across the UK, before performing in front of a panel of judges and audiences at Competition Heats throughout August at Gilded Balloon. The finalists now have one last chance to impress the judges with a 7 minute slot at the Grand Final next week.
On its 37th anniversary, the finale is a hugely popular night with two hours of top comedy and the chance to see the brightest rising stars before they make it big! Some of the UK’s most established and successful comedians and TV performers competed in So You Think You’re Funny? across the years – from Jason Byrne to Alan Carr, Rhod Gilbert to Russell Howard.
So You Think You’re Funny? is the longest running and most established comedy competition of its kind, solely funded by Gilded Balloon without external sponsors. Each year, the winner of the competition will receive…
A cash prize.
A fully paid for solo show (or mixed bill) run as part of the Gilded Balloon’s Fringe programme.
A place on Soho Theatre’s coveted Comedy Plus Lab 10-week course supporting emerging comedian’s to develop skills featuring industry advice and masterclasses in the year following the final.
Up to 4 mentorship meetings (virtual or in person) with Channel 4’s Comedy Commissioning team in the year following the final.
A paid performance slot in the Comedy Arena and weekend pass at Latitude Festival in the year following the competition thanks to Festival Republic.
Other paid performance slots at the UK’s best comedy clubs including the Glee Club, the Boat Show and more.
Complimentary headshot photoshoot by professional photographer to the stars, Steve Ullathorne.
Complimentary filmed copy and professional photographs of their spot from the Final to use in their show-reel.
Mentorship and support from Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors at Gilded Balloon and Julia Chamberlain, the So You Think You’re Funny? producer for over 20 years.
There are also prizes for the runners-up including;
A cash prize for the first and second runner up.
Potential to be invited to take part in a fully paid for mixed bill show as part of Gilded Balloon’s Fringe programme.
Mentorship and support from Karen and Katy Koren and Julia Chamberlain, the So You Think You’re Funny? producer.
For a taste of the country’s most exciting new comics, audiences can also see the top three acts from 2023’s competition at Best of So You Think You’re Funny? as Samira Banks, Lizzie Norm and Christopher Donovan perform in a line-up show at Gilded Balloon’s Patter House. Plus, SYTYF 2022 winner Joshua Bethania performs his debut hour every day at 5.20pm.
Charity joins Scottish Government to raise awareness of support
A cancer charity has joined forces with the Scottish Government to urge people with cancer to check if they could be eligible for disability benefits.
Cancer Card Scotland founder Jen Hardy MBE and Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, want people with cancer to ensure they’re getting the money they could be entitled to.
Both Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment are available in Scotland to help cover the extra costs of being disabled, having a long-term health condition or being terminally ill.
Importantly, Social Security Scotland fast tracks applications for disability payments from people who are terminally ill. A decision can take as little as 48 hours.
For people with cancer, who are applying under the standard rules, there is a qualifying period before they can be eligible.
Jen, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, set up Cancer Card Scotland as an online hub where people with cancer could find out about all the support available to them.
Sharing her experience of applying for benefits after her diagnosis, Jen said:“There is a perception that to get disability benefits someone needs to have a physical disability that is there all the time, but that’s not the case.
“Cancer can have a substantial and long-term effect on someone’s ability to do normal daily activities. It affects you not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. For most people, how they feel and the level of help they need changes.
“For example, every three weeks I have an infusion of life-extending Herceptin, which takes three or four hours. It’s exhausting and I get so tired I can’t move.
“Without my Blue Badge and my Adult Disability Payment I couldn’t do half the things I do. I want people with cancer to know that it’s okay to get financial support and it’s okay to apply for Child Disability Payment or Adult Disability Payment.
“Everyone needs help at some point in their life.”
Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, said:“Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment are there to help cover the extra costs that come with being disabled or having a long-term health condition such as cancer.
“Getting a cancer diagnosis is difficult enough without worrying about bills. This is money people are entitled to and I urge everyone who is eligible to apply for support.
“Many people with cancer have spoken about how attending appointments and getting treatment can be a full-time job. That’s why we fast track applications from people diagnosed with terminal cancer so that they can get the support they need as quickly as possible.
“Social Security Scotland can help people apply for these payments either over the phone or face-to-face in a location that suits them.
“We also fund independent advocacy service Voiceability to provide help to disabled people applying for Scottish benefits.”
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has kickstarted the second year of the Made to be Measured campaign, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote responsible consumption and tackle harmful drinking.
Following on from a successful first year, in which the campaign reached nearly 600,000 people and achieved 5.5 million impressions, the campaign will continue to target adults in Scotland and communicate the importance of measuring your drinks at home, to understand where they sit in relation to the Chief Medical Officer’s low risk drinking guidelines.
The SWA is taking an active role in ensuring the Made to Be Measured campaign supports industry professionals in communicating the importance of responsible drinking effectively with their audience, through a series of online and in-person workshops.
The collaborative nature of the events allows members the opportunity to share unique insight into the challenges faced by industry while SWA can help equip them with campaign tools and assets.
Working closely in this manner to ensure the campaign meets the needs of those working at the forefront is essential to the ongoing success of Made to Be Measured.
Initially launched in 2023, Made to be Measured is a responsible consumption campaign with Scotch Whisky at its heart.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the alcohol content of drinks and the recommended weekly guidelines (units). As Scotland’s national drink, carefully crafted and only released after many years of maturation in warehouses across the country, Scotch Whisky is there to be savoured and enjoyed responsibly.
The campaign, aimed at adults in Scotland, will continue to run across a range of digital and consumer platforms, all using creative advertising to help convey and clarify the units within Scotch Whisky and other alcoholic drinks.
One single 25ml measure of whisky (at 40% abv) comes in at one unit, with guidelines from Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer recommending consumers do not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week.
Fourteen units of alcohol equate to approximately 14 single measures (25ml) of spirits, one and a half bottles of wine or five pints of lager at average strength.
Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association,said: “We’re pleased to bring the second year of the campaign to audiences in Scotland.
“In order to make responsible choices about alcohol consumption it is important people understand what the unit guidelines are and how this equates to what they are drinking. Made to be Measured strives to inform people in Scotland about the guidelines and encourage them to track what they drink, particularly when consuming alcohol at home.
“The Scotch Whisky industry takes responsible consumption of its products extremely seriously and wants consumers to understand that it is a product that is meant to be sipped and savoured.
“Distillers take pride in producing each dram, and whether you enjoy it neat or in a cocktail, it should be consumed in a responsible manner.”
LIDL LAUNCHES 1,000 ‘MYSTERY BOXES’ EACH WORTH OVER £100
The supermarket is launching its first ever series of ‘Mystery Boxes’, packed full of characteristically random Middle of Lidl items for just £20
Fans will be able to get their hands on a wide selection of cult items, collectively worth over £100, from ukuleles to sandwich toasters and swimming goggles
Of the 1,000 limited edition boxes up for grabs, 50 lucky shoppers will also receive a high-value bonus item worth up to £199; anything from a swimming pool, to a dehumidifier, lawnmower or even a paddle board!
The Lidl Mystery Box will be available to purchase for £20 from 10am Thursday 15th August via www.lidlmysterybox.co.uk – but be quick!
The secret is out – Lidl is launching its first ever series of ‘Mystery Boxes’, each stuffed full of weird and wonderful ‘Middle of Lidl’ items, from coffee machines, ukuleles, goggles, crochet kits, massage guns and more!
Worth over £100 each, the launch will see just 1,000 limited edition boxes up for grabs, priced at just £20 each. The question is, what will be inside the box?
For 50 lucky dippers, a shiny Bonus Item Coupon will be hidden inside, unlocking a bigger bonus item worth up to a whopping £199. Coupon holders could receive anything from a Grillmeister 2-Burner Gas Barbeque to a Tower Air Fryer 5 in 1 Smokeless Grill, a Livarno Garden Furniture Set or even an Inflatable All-Round Stand-Up Paddle Board – so run don’t walk!
With Mystery Boxes bursting on to the scene with brands such as Candy Kittens* and Nike** jumping on the trend, the launch of the Lidl Mystery Box is a celebration of the beloved cult classic ‘Middle of Lidl’ which regularly grips the nation’s attention with its unpredictable product offering.
They have recently gained significant traction online, with #MysteryBoxes trending on social media with a whopping 175.9M posts***. Shoppers are clearly looking to add some additional Middle Aisle pizzazz to their shopping sprees, and Lidl’s latest drop provides just that.
In true ‘Middle of Lidl’ fashion, each box presents different surprises; fans could receive a Silvercrest Slushie Maker in one, whilst in another, shoppers could channel their inner Arnold Schwarzenegger and get DIY savvy with Parkside Spanners, or even learn a few chords with a Clifton Ukulele. Each box is a mystery just waiting to be solved…
Hopeful mystery-solvers can head to www.lidlmysterybox.co.ukto purchase one of the 1,000 Lidl Mystery Boxes from 10am Thursday 15th August for just £20 – available while stocks last.
All proceeds of the Mystery Boxes will be donated to the NSPCC.
