Day: August 24, 2024

Plan for luxury lodge development aims to boost Scottish Borders

Revised proposals for a market-leading luxury holiday lodge development have been submitted to Scottish Borders Council (Aerial CGI of Rutherford Park and other as CGI of proposed luxury lodges).

Rutherford Park, located between Carlops and West Linton, is situated on the former Rutherford Castle Estate, and development is being progressed by landowner Sandy Lane Resort Rutherford Ltd.

The fresh planning application for Rutherford Park greatly reduces the scale of development to 79 lodges, from the over 250 originally proposed, with the lodges only occupying 10 hectares of the 80-hectare site.

The development will be in the vanguard of new era of luxury lodge destinations and will amount to an investment of around £11.6 million in the Scottish Borders.

The revised application comprises:

  • 79 luxury lodges (10 per cent adapted for mobility use), as well as supplies shop and reception/office
  • 18-hole golf course reduced to a pitch and putt offering, plus two tennis and a padel court
  • Demolition of two redundant outbuildings and reuse of golf clubhouse to include limited catering and gym facilities

While a planning application for over 250 lodges plus camping was initially submitted to the Council in 2019, this was revised in 2023 down to 150 units, including 100 lodges, tree houses, pods and camping.

Taking account of both the tourist market, recent tourism research with its emphasis on the highest quality, and community feedback, this has been further reduced to the current 79 luxury lodges.

This new modern style venue reflects a growing short break ‘staycation’ market in an area that is recognised as currently being poorly served by high-quality outdoor accommodation.

The expectation Is that the majority of visitors will stay for between two and four days, with occupancy limited to a maximum of three months, controlled by a planning condition.

Around half the site (40-hectares) will be rewilded, including the planting of a minimum of 80,000 trees, with woodland walks and cycle paths. In addition to this will be large areas of parkland, with open spaces and lake areas.

Delivery of this will greatly enhance the ecological value of the site, with increasing bird and native wildlife populations. Original concerns relating to flooding have also been removed due to this being a significantly smaller scheme. As a highly sustainable development, Rutherford Park will also adopt the latest low-carbon technologies, including solar panels and air source heat pumps.

A frequent minibus service to West Linton will be provided for visitors, as well as electric bikes. In addition, a bus stop and pull-in area will also be delivered, with discussions taking place with the local bus company, Houston’s Coaches, regarding enhancing the service. A Transport Assessment has been accepted by the Council and Transport Scotland.

It has been estimated that around 27 jobs will be created once Rutherford Park is built, with spin-off opportunities for local businesses, and a Gross Value Added (GVA) of £1.1 million to the economy based on the jobs created.

There is also the opportunity for apprenticeships and training, and discussions gave taken place with Scottish Borders College on joint working opportunities.

The company has pledged to buy locally at all times where possible, with a community fund on offer to invest in community-led projects.

A spokesperson for Sandy Lane Resort Rutherford Ltd commented: “Our revised application for Rutherford Park seeks to deliver a high-quality luxury lodge development that aims to attract visitors to the Scottish Borders, as well as to Scotland as a whole.

“The Scottish Borders is a region that has a unique history, culture and landscape, but is frequently ignored as a destination, often due to a lack of high-quality outdoor accommodation. A development such as Rutherford Park will serve to take advantage of the growing short break staycation market, as well as increased visitor demand generally, boosting bed nights and spend in the region.

“What is being proposed is a greatly reduced scheme from the one originally envisaged, taking account of community concerns, and will not only deliver an economic boost to the Borders, but also provide major ecological enhancements for the site, including the delivery of a minimum of 80,000 trees.

“We look forward to continuing to engage with the Council and local community as our application progresses through the planning process.”

Edinburgh campaign has had over 3,000 conversations with people to help keep children safe from abuse

A campaign to help protect young children from sexual abuse has resulted in approximately 3,240 Talk PANTS conversations with people in Edinburgh since it launched last September.

Edinburgh, Talk PANTS is being delivered by NSPCC Scotland, the Edinburgh Child Protection Committee and a wide range of partners across the city to spread the NSPCC’s Talk PANTS message.

Talk PANTS gives parents, carers and professionals advice on how to have simple, age-appropriate conversations with children to help keep them safe from sexual abuse.

With the use of a colourful animated dinosaur, called Pantosaurus, it helps children to understand that their body belongs to them, that they have a right to say no, and they should tell a safe adult they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried. 

During the past year, local PANTS professionals have been trained to deliver the campaign messages and resources to other professionals and families across Edinburgh through webinars and workshops.

And several awareness raising events have been held across the city for parents, carers and children, including a fun family day with Pantosuarus at Edinburgh Zoo in July when more than 370 adults and children attended, and family sessions at Edinburgh Book Festival.

Carla Malseed, NSPCC Scotland Local Campaigns Manager, said: “A simple conversation can make a big difference and that’s what Talk PANTS is all about.

“With the help of our fun, loving dino – Pantosaurus – we’ve reached thousands of people across the city. 

“We have been really pleased to see so much engagement with the campaign from families and professionals in Edinburgh, and we’re looking forward to having more conversations with Edinburgh residents at our upcoming family events.”

Other upcoming Talk PANTS events in Edinburgh include a family day at Sighthill Library on Friday, August 30, when popular children’s author Bruna De Luca will read ‘Pantosaurus and the Power of PANTS’ and from her own book ‘I’m Not Cute, I’m Dangerous.’

Bruna De Luca, who lives in Melrose in the Scottish Borders, said: “I’m a parent of young children and I love how the TalkPANTS message is tailored to a young audience in a fun, positive, and reassuring way.

“I can’t wait because it’s not every day you get to meet a Pantosaurus. I also think my feisty crocodile character – Fifi – would fully support the TalkPANTS message. She might be little and cute, but she is NOT to be underestimated!

“The TalkPANTS message is so crucial in preventing abuse because it helps children to have the confidence to speak up if they feel unsafe.”

Lillian Cringles, Chair of the Edinburgh Child Protection Committee, said: “It’s fantastic that this campaign has helped thousands of parents, carers and professionals to have such important conversations with children about their bodies and how to stay safe. 

“I’d urge families to come along to this fun event at Sighthill Library or look out for other events on our web pages to learn more about the TalkPANTS message.”

As well as book readings there will be facepainting, colouring, games and singing and dancing at the event which runs from 1pm until 2.30pm.

For more information about other events taking place in Edinburgh, visit: 

EdinburghTalkPANTS

Anyone with concerns about the welfare of a child can call the NSPCC’s free and confidential helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email: help@NSPCC.org.uk for advice.

Children and young people can contact Childline about anything that may be worrying them by calling 0800 1111 or by visiting: www.childline.org.uk

The NSPCC would like to thank Baker-Ross for their donation of children’s craft packs.

Council launches wellbeing platform for children and young people

Education, Children and Families Convener pictured with Emily Horsburgh, George Buchan and Lily Douglas.

The platform, which provides a safe place to find advice, local support, tips, and tools to help maintain positive wellbeing, was launched at Bonaly Primary School this week (Wednesday 21 August).

The online space features a series of short films where children and young people from Edinburgh schools discuss why it’s important to talk about feelings and share their tips for emotional wellbeing.

There is also advice on apps, information on local supports and signposting to other websites that provide other sources of helpful advice and resources which include helplines and chat-based support.

It follows research which shows that understanding our emotions and learning coping mechanisms can help prevent more serious health problems later in life.

Education, Children and Families Convener Joan Griffiths said: “The wellbeing of our children and young people is at the heart of everything we do, and we understand they’ll face challenges which might cause them to struggle with their feelings and emotions.

“The launch of this new online platform marks a positive step forward in providing them with the tools and resources they need to take care of their mental health and wellbeing.

“Whether they’re seeking advice, finding support or want to connect with others, the platform is designed to be a go-to digital space. I’m confident it will make a real difference to the lives of Edinburgh’s children and young people.”

Gillian Barclay, Depute Principal Psychologist, said: “It’s normal to feel anxious, angry, sad, or frustrated some of the time, but recognising that we are struggling with feelings or emotions is really important. The new platform aims to support children, young people, and the adults around them to maintain positive wellbeing. 

“I hope children, young people and their families in Edinburgh will find it helpful. We’ll continue adding information, support and resources and welcome feedback, particularly from young people and families, to help us do this.”

Glasgow’s Alana Jackson wins So You Think You’re Funny 2024

 Karen & Katy Koren and the Gilded Balloon are delighted to announce ALANA JACKSON as winner of the 37th edition of the iconic So You Think You’re Funny? – the UK’s most prestigious comedy newcomer competition. 

Ciara O’Connor and Ayo Adenekan came second and third place respectively, coming out top from an initial 597 applications and entertaining a sold out crowd at this year’s final at Patter House, hosted by former SYTYF? winner Maisie Adam. 

Following hilarious heats across the UK, Glaswegian comic Alana Jackson claimed the crown for this year’s competition after a judging panel including special guest judge Sue Perkins (Comedian and TV Star) plus Susan Provan (Director of Melbourne International Comedy Festival), Bruce Dessau (Editor of Beyond the Joke), Arusa Qureshi (Editor of Fest Mag), Julia Chamberlain (So You Think You’re Funny? Producer) as well as Karen and Katy Koren (Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon) watched 6 minute sets from all 10 finalists, before convening to choose the winner. 

The SYTYF? finalists entertained a sold out crowd at Gilded Balloon’s Patter House, expertly compered by 2017 winner Maisie Adam, marking her only live appearance at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Since it began in 1988, previous winners of SYTYF? have included Aisling Bea, Peter Kay, Tommy Tiernan, Lee Mack and more, with the competition renowned for kickstarting the careers of dozens of the UK’s top comics and providing essential support to comedy newcomers. 

Karen & Katy Koren and the So You Think You’re Funny? team would like to offer a huge congratulations to 2024’s finalists (in alphabetical order) : 

Alana Jackson – WINNER 

Alex Gogarty

Ayo Adenekan – 2ND RUNNER UP

Bert Broadbent

Ciara O’Connor – 1ST RUNNER UP 

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: “Huge congratulations to Alana Jackson – this year’s very deserving winner of So You Think You’re Funny?

“2024’s competition was one of our biggest and most competitive ever, with an outstanding 597 applicants this year so it’s an incredible feat for these 10 finalists to have made it this far and performed in front of tonight’s sold out crowd. 

“So You Think You’re Funny? is the UK’s longest running competition of its kind and year on year it’s wonderful to see alumni return to Gilded Balloon for their debut shows including Joshua Bethania, Kathleen Hughes, Nate Kitch and more this year. 

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to every comic who entered the competition this year – it was such a talented crop of comedians and we’re sure this year’s finalists will go on to do big things!” 

Celebrity guest judge Sue Perkins said, “This was a very tough decision. I was a small part of the judging process and there were so many talented people for us to choose from.

“Well done to everyone who put themselves out there tonight. It’s terrifying and they were brilliant!”

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, Rhod Gilbert, Tommy Tiernan and many more. It is the longest running and most established comedy competition of its kind, solely funded by Gilded Balloon without external sponsors. This year’s winner 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 more information on So You Think You’re Funny? visit:

www.soyouthinkyourefunny.co.uk 

Scottish yard opens free to the public to celebrate National Racehorse Week

  • Jackie Stephen Racing is one of three yards open to the public in Scotland to showcase what life as a racehorse is really like   
  • Free tickets are available for Saturday 14 September 2024 (10am – 12:30pm) to celebrate National Racehorse Week – via nationalracehorseweek.uk/yard/jackie-stephen/ 
  • Activities include a yard tour, live demonstrations, and a chance to meet the racehorses  
  • Address: Firth Farm, Lilliesleaf, Melrose, Scottish Borders, TD6 9JW 
  • National Racehorse Week runs across Britian between 7th – 15th September  
  • Watch here 

Jackie Stephen’s Firth Farm training yard in Melrose to open its doors free to the public on Saturday 14 September to show what life as a racehorse is really like, with free tickets available via nationalracehorseweek.uk. 

The event, taking place between 10am – 12:30pm, will showcase the inner workings of a racehorse yard to allow people to experience the life of an equine athlete in training. Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to meet the stars of the sport up close, talk with the trainers and ask questions of the staff who care for the horses 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  

Jackie Stephen said: “We take a very hands-on approach, working with each horse individually over a period. Learning to understand its temperament, how to get the best response from each one and to gain its confidence and trust to get the best out of them, while keeping them fit, healthy in body and happy in mind.” 

Jackie has been working with horses all her life. Following many years caring for thoroughbreds for other yards, she took the decision to take out a full license in 2015. Since then, she has been successfully training racehorses initially from Aberdeenshire, and now from the Scottish Borders. She continues to ride out every day and is very hands on, planning a programme for each individual horse for every day of the week. 

The event is part of the week-long National Racehorse Week programme, with over 100 open days taking place across the country between 7th and 15th September.

Great British Racing, who run National Racehorse Week, will also be carrying out more than 50 community events over the week. 

Community events will include racing yards hosting school visits, youth groups, charities and urban equestrian centres. Many trainers and owners of former racehorses will also take horses into schools and care homes, offering those who would not ordinarily have the chance to see a racehorse up close the opportunity to be part of the weeklong initiative. 

TV personality Chris Hughes, who is a racehorse owner and ambassador for National Racehorse Week said: “The impact of getting up close to a horse cannot be underestimated.

“And racing has created a unique opportunity through National Racehorse Week to help people meet these incredible animals, experience the life of a thoroughbred and talk to the dedicated teams who care for them 365 days a year.

“There is nothing quite like this in any other sport. It is fantastic that the events are free to attend with everyone welcome to join.” 

To find out more and to claim your tickets, visit nationalracehorseweek.uk. 

Two more Tory MSPs endorse Tom Tugendhat to be Conservative Leader

  • Two more Scottish MSPs announce they are endorsing Tom Tugendhat’s bid to become the next Leader of the Conservative Party
  • They argue that they’re supporting Tom because he understands the challenges facing Scotland including those around food and energy security, rural communities, and Scotland’s farmers and fishing industries
  • Joining the eight Conservative MSPs who endorsed Tugendhat earlier this week, demonstrating the strength of support he’s building across Scotland

Two more Members of the Scottish Parliament – Brian Whittle MSP and Alexander Stewart MSP – have announced that they are backing Shadow Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat MP to be the next Leader of the Conservative Party, bringing his total MSP support to 10.

Reiterating their colleagues’ comments, the two MSPs said they want to see an end to 17 years of nationalist SNP rule that has led to failing public services and a government distracted by unnecessary constitutional debates. Scotland needs a government that serves the Scottish people and delivers on their priorities. They believe Tom is the only candidate who will help deliver this. 

Celebrating Tom’s passion for Scotland and the wider Union, they said that he is the only candidate who has spent the time needed to understand the challenges facing Scotland, including those surrounding energy security, fisheries, farming and rural communities. Likewise, he is the only candidate who has taken the time to meet with Scottish Conservative Party members, regularly campaign in the country and attend Scottish Conservative Party Conference multiple times. 

The MSPs explained they wanted someone who would not only protect and fight for the Union, but understood that if Scotland fails, everyone across the United Kingdom would feel the consequences. With Tugendhat as Leader, they argue they would always have a champion for the Union – and the priorities of Scotland – at the helm in Westminster.

As a soldier, Tugendhat spent over 10 years keeping the entire United Kingdom safe before entering Parliament. He was one of the first MPs to warn about the threat of Russia and China. As Security Minister, he was responsible for the National Security Act, which resulted in Britain arresting and charging more Russian and Chinese spies in his time as Minister than in the previous decade.

The MSPs said they were supporting Tom as they know he will deliver for the Scottish people, ensuring energy security and economic rejuvenation, and support rural communities, including Scotland’s cherished farming and fishing industries. 

Tom recognises that the Conservative Party has been undermined by infighting and factionalism in Westminster, which led to a failure to deliver and a breakdown in trust with the public. He has made it clear that this leadership election is about choice. A choice between drawing a line under the infighting and a future focused on uniting the Party and rebuilding it around core Conservative values. He argues that people across the United Kingdom deserve better and as Leader of the Conservative Party, he promised to rebuild our party, regain trust and beat Labour at the next election.

The MSPs outlined that they want a leader who will end the infighting in Westminster and return the Party to traditional conservative values, something Tugendhat has always fought for, including when he voted against Covid vaccine passports and did not support the National Insurance rise.

 They also believe the Scottish people rejected the SNP in a sign they want to move on from the independence debate and want their government to focus on delivery. As a man who delivers on his promises and can unite the party, the MSPs argue thatTom will be an electoral asset for the Scottish Conservatives at the next 2026 Holyrood elections. They believe Scotland deserves better and that Tugendhat will take the Scottish Conservatives and Scotland into a new era. 

In a joint statement, Brian Whittle MSP and Alexander Stewart MSP said: “We are proud to join eight of our Conservative MSP colleagues who are endorsing Tom Tugendhat to be the next Leader of the UK Conservative Party. 

“Together with our colleagues, we represent all parts of the Scottish Party and recognise the need to have a Conservative Leader at the helm in Westminster who not only champions our successes, but also recognises that if any part of the Union fails, we all fail. 

“Tom is that Leader. He is a man of principle, service and duty. Someone who says what he will do, then gets it done. Someone who knows that Scottish people deserve more, who will champion our nation and is an asset to the Party in Scotland. He understands the challenges our nation faces and will offer real solutions. 

“The journey ahead of us is immense. But, this is our opportunity to reset our Party under a new leader who can take the fight to the SNP. Under Tom’s leadership, we can win the hearts and minds of the Scottish people at the Holyrood elections in 2026 and local elections the following year.”

Welcoming the MSPs’ support, Tom Tugendhat said: “It is an absolute privilege to have Brian and Alexander backing me to be the next Leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party. 

“I am thrilled to have their support, along with  8 of their Conservative MSP colleagues, who announced their support for me earlier this week.  

“Unionism is indivisible from Conservatism and as the Conservative Leader, I promise to always fight for the Union and deliver on the priorities of the Scottish people.”

Scottish Parliament to visit Shetland

The Presiding Officer will continue her series of visits to all eight Scottish Parliament regions with a visit to Shetland in the Highlands and Islands to speak to local people about the future of their Scottish Parliament.

The visits, which form part of the Scottish Parliament’s 25th anniversary commemorations, are to hear people’s reflections on the Parliament and devolution and their aspirations for the future.

Taking place on Monday (26 August), the visit has been set up in collaboration with community partners Shetland Community Bike Project and Voluntary Action Shetland.

The Presiding Officer and Highlands and Islands MSPs will meet with Shetland Community Bike Project at Lerwick Town Hall. This session will involve discussions, workshops and an opportunity to network, followed by a guided tour of Lerwick.

The event will mark both the Parliament’s 25th anniversary and that of Shetland Community Bike Project.

In the afternoon, the Presiding Officer and MSPs will hear more about the work of Voluntary Action Shetland, which supports a local Third Sector Forum made up of organisations delivering services to the community. This is an opportunity to recognise the work of the Third Sector Forum and for members of the Parliament to meet and hear from local organisations and people.

Participants will include those involved in: Ability Shetland, Shetland Carers, COPE Ltd, Shetland Community Connections, Mind your Health, Moving On, Shetland Link Up, Shetland Befriending Scheme, OPEN Project, school pupils and MSYPs.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Presiding Officer Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP said: “As we reflect on the Parliament’s achievements over the last 25 years, I want us to be focused on the future by hearing from people in Shetland and all over the country about their aspirations for their Parliament.

“I am particularly pleased to be visiting the Highlands and Islands region, to listen to people living in rural and island communities about the challenges facing them and how their Parliament can best meet the needs of their communities.

“This visit is also an opportunity to learn about the achievements of community groups working in Shetland, whose work provides vital support for many people.”

Caroline Adamson, Manager of the Shetland Community Bike Project, said: “I have been in this position since the project started 25 years ago.

“The Bike Project is much more than a bike repair shop. It provides paid and volunteer placements for people facing barriers to employment, equipping them with transferable skills, experience and confidence to help them get back into work.

“We support them to lead a healthier lifestyle and enable them to feel and be part of the community. This is not only of benefit to them but also the ripple effect which extends to their friends and family. So, one supported placement reaches out to many more in the community.

“We support up to 30 people in any one year and have a good success rate, on average, of 90% them being supported into mainstream employment, education and volunteering.

“At the event on 26th August we want to celebrate what we have achieved and say thank you to all who have supported us over the years. And we will hear from some of our service users whose stories highlight how the supportive environment that is provided by the Bike Project can lead to meaningful and lasting employment opportunities and benefit our community.”

Lynn Tulloch, Executive Officer at Voluntary Action Shetland, said: “We are delighted to support the Parliament visit in engaging in a range of third sector groups from Shetland.

“Part of Voluntary Action Shetland’s role is about ensuring the voice of the community and third sector is heard, and we look forward to the event this month.”

Lecturers balloted on new pay offer

TRADE UNION URGES ACCEPTANCE OF IMPROVED OFFER

The EIS will open an indicative ballot on a revised ‘full and final’ pay offer from college employers, and will recommend to its members in the EIS Further Education Lecturers’ Association (EIS-FELA) to vote to accept the offer, the trade union announced yesterday.

The improved offer, which was received by EIS-FELA on Friday, was discussed at a special meeting of the EIS-FELA Executive Committee. Following discussion, it was agreed to recommend acceptance of the offer to members, in light of the significant improvement upon the previous offer and the repayment of any salary deducted by ‘deeming’ in response to Action Short of Strike.

Commenting, EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said, “We will open an indicative ballot of our EIS-FELA members today, reflecting the EIS-FELA Executive’s decision to recommend that members accept this improved offer.

“This has been a long and painful campaign, with EIS-FELA members forced to engage in a long-running programme of industrial action to secure a fair pay offer from college employers and assurance that this will not come at the cost of jobs. The gains which have been achieved in this offer have been hard-won, and it is of great credit to our members that they have taken this stand and fought hard to secure this improved offer from colleges.

“The intervention of the Scottish Government, and their commitment of an additional £4.5M in funding, was key to the improvements in this offer. It will now be for EIS-FELA members to decide whether to accept the offer and bring this dispute and campaign of industrial action to an end.”

Ms Bradley continued, “Lecturers never wanted to be in this position, but were left with no choice but to engage in this programme of action as an option of last resort. During the worst cost of living crisis in living memory, our members have waited two years for a pay increase from their employers and have taken strike action and action short of strike to compel their colleges to come up with a fair offer.

“In addition to the significant increase in the value of the offer in Year 4 and the assurance in relation to no compulsory redundancies as a result of this deal, it would also compel all colleges who have ‘deemed’ pay from lecturers taking Action Short of Strike to repay that money to our members.

“This clearly highlights the unacceptable nature of the process of deeming – an anti-trade union tactic which has absolutely no place in our public sector or in any civilised society that respects and values the essential role that trade unions play in ensuring that our workplaces are fair.”

Ms Bradley added, “Our members in EIS-FELA should look out in their email inboxes for ballot information arriving this afternoon. It is important that all members have their say in this ballot, and use their vote to make their view known.

“The EIS-FELA Executive Committee is recommending that members should vote to accept the offer but, ultimately, it is our members themselves who will determine the result of this ballot.”

Note – While all planned strike action has been suspended for week beginning 26th August, the programme of Action Short of Strike (ASOS) currently remains in place, including the ongoing resulting boycott, pending the result of the indicative ballot.

Edinburgh reflects on its past and looks to the future

The UNESCO International Day of Remembrance

Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group

Edinburgh joined cities across the world yesterday in remembering the slave trade and its lasting impact on our society.

The UNESCO International Day of Remembrance, is an annual opportunity to reflect on the historic causes, methods and consequences of slavery.

A minutes silence was observed by many in Edinburgh including the Culture and Communities Special Committee at 11am, followed by an evening event at Cornerstone Centre, St John’s Church. 

The event, hosted by the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group, and supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, remembered the victims of the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism and its legacy in our city, while honouring those who fought so hard for its abolition.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge delivered a message of unity, which was followed poetry readings as part of Disrupting the Narrative from outgoing Edinburgh Makar Hannah Lavery, Jeda Pearl Lewis and Shasta Ali and a keynote speech by Briana Pegado, Author of Make Good Trouble: A Guide to the Energetics of Disruption.

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge said: “Today marked an important and poignant opportunity for us to reflect on our past, while reminding us that we must do everything in our power to ensure that such horrific and degrading exploitation can never, ever happen again.  

“Back in 2020, the Council agreed to address historic racial injustices in Edinburgh and stem modern day discrimination. This led to a comprehensive review, involving a huge amount of research and public consultation, and to a series of recommendations – one of which was for me to make a public apology on behalf of the city of Edinburgh. 

“I’m extremely grateful to the members of the Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group for their ongoing commitment and support – helping us to ensure Edinburgh remains a welcoming and diverse city, where people from different backgrounds and beliefs can continue to get on well together.

Irene Mosota, Chair of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Implementation Group, said: “As the City of Edinburgh marks the second-year observance of the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, it is a chance to inspire and give hope to our future generations as our city faces its troubling history.  

“The Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group has a number of recommendations that require action to address this troubling past. This year must be the one we now make progress in delivering a future that is equitable for those who are forging a life in our city from both the trauma and privilege of our city’s past. 

“Though the slave trade has been abolished, its pernicious legacy persists, continuing to perpetuate racism, discrimination, social exclusion, and inequality. We all have the responsibility to confront and address racism promptly and firmly within our city. 

“Education is essential in reconciling with the past and is vital to our collective goal of creating a better, more inclusive future for everyone in our city.”