Day: September 27, 2024

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Night Afore announces Hot Dub Time Machine’s only UK appearance

  • HOT DUB TIME MACHINE’S ONLY UK APPEARANCE FOR EDINBURGH HOGMANAY
  • GLOBAL SMASH HIT WILL BE JOINED BY SPECIAL GUESTS ‘THE CUBAN BROTHERS’ & EDINBURGH FUNK TRIO ‘HIGH FADE’ FOR A DANCE-FUELLED EXTRAVAGAZNA 

PRE-SALE SIGN UP VIA www.edinburghshogmanay.com  

Pre-sale Wednesday 2 October 10am

General sale Friday 4 October 10am

Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay today announced that global smash-hit and time-travelling DJ sensation Hot Dub Time Machine returns to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay for the first time in a decade to headline this year’s Night Afore Disco Party beneath the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, marking the Australian DJ’s only UK appearance in 2024.  

The Edinburgh Fringe sensation will bring his famous ‘dance through the decades’ audio-visual party to West Princes Street Gardens on Monday 30 December, joined by very special guests The Cuban Brothers and Edinburgh funk trio High Fade – sign up for pre-sale access via www.edinburghshogmanay.com.  

Since launching in 2011, Hot Dub Time Machine has become a global phenomenon with sell-out shows and festival appearances everywhere from T in the Park to Coachella. The self-proclaimed ‘best. party. ever’ and world’s first time-travelling DJ returns to Edinburgh with a show packed full of non-stop bangers from 1962 to 2024, making it the perfect party night out.  

DJ Tom Lowndes, Hot Dub Time Machine said: “Edinburgh! I’m coming back for Hogmanay! I’ve always wanted to play on the bandstand, and to do it around Hogmanay, ON MY BIRTHDAY, is a dream come true. And this time, it’s 100% BANGERS! Can’t wait to see you guys!”

Hot Dub Time Machine will be joined on the Night Afore by legendary music and comedy act The Cuban Brothers, who have played alongside the likes of Prince, Fatboy Slim and more. Having marked their 25th anniversary in 2023, the trio are renowned worldwide for their party-starting skills, funk-fuelled music and hilarious skits and stories.  

The Cuban Brothers said: “Yes international friends and beautiful Edina residents alike, it is very exciting to be performing back in the capital city for Hogmanay for the first time in a decade.

“The festive energy and good vibes are off the scale in Auld Reekie and we are bringing the full Cubano A-Team DJ Kengo San, Domenico and Big Miguelito for a show of Caledonian/Latin fun and action like never witnessed before … literally can’t wait….let’s go!!

Plus, Edinburgh’s own High Fade will kickstart the party with their inimitable brand of razor-sharp funk and disco, with their debut album set to be released 20 November, having honed their energetic live shows on a UK-wide tour.  

High Fade said: “From busking on the Mound to playing the Night Afore Party in our home city means the world to us, we can’t wait to play with some of our favourites and put on the show Edinburgh deserves.”

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is Hot Dub Time Machine’s only UK appearance for 2024, as DJ Tom Lowndes returns to the festival after a previous sold-out appearance at the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party in 2014.  

City of Edinburgh Council Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said:“Hot Dub Time Machine is always the best party in town and what better way to get ready for a brand new year by dancing your way through all the hits of years gone by.

“The Night Afore Disco Party in Princes Street Gardens has been a fantastic addition to the Edinburgh Hogmanay line up in recent years, and with the addition of The Cuban Brothers and High Fade – it will certainly be one to remember. This promises to be a spectacular night of genre melting music and I’d advise getting in early for tickets to avoid disappointment.  

“Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is a special time for the city and I’m really proud that we’re able to offer such an exciting and eclectic programme for our residents and visitors. Attracting top artists like these is testament to the pull that Edinburgh’s Hogmanay commands and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone working behind the scenes to make these celebrations possible.”

Tickets for the Night Afore Disco Party with Hot Dub Time Machine are on-sale from www.edinburghshogmanay.com from 10am, Friday 4 October priced from £30.00 plus booking fees.

Revellers who register at edinburghshogmanay.com will get early access to tickets from a pre-sale which opens at 10am, Wednesday 2 October.   

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay cheer will spread across Scotland’s capital for expanded celebrations catering to all ages this year, running from 29 December to New Year’s Day, following a huge win for the event at Visit Scotland’s Scottish Thistle Awards this week. 2023’s Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 30th anniversary celebrations picked up ‘Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival’ at the country’s national tourism awards, ahead of what is set to be another exceptional year at the Home of Hogmanay. 

Following the Night Afore, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party on 31 December will welcome 5,000 more attendees this year, with 45,000 revellers set to ring in the New Year in the city centre, enjoying a carnival atmosphere featuring funfair rides, street theatre and delicious food and drink.

Texas and special guest Callum Beattie will entertain music fans at Concert in the Gardens as the world counts down to the event’s Midnight Moment, featuring a firework display set to be seen around the world with the magnificent Edinburgh Castle as its backdrop.  

Plus, on New Year’s Day itself, the return of the First Footin’ culture trail and Sprogmanay will see the very first music gigs of 2025 in a packed programme of free music and events, set to expand to new venues outwith the city centre for the first time.  

Concert in the Gardens and Street Party tickets are on sale now, with more details of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay full programme set to be released in the next few weeks.  

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2024/25 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Partners the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Essential Edinburgh, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations for Scotland. 

Follow Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on social media – Facebook, X and Instagram.  

Community Planning Consultation

Invitation to Participate in Community Planning Transformation and Improvement Stakeholder Engagement Sessions

The Edinburgh Partnership agreed to look afresh at the role of Community Planning in Edinburgh to maximise the relationships between public sector agencies and the voluntary and community sectors to address poverty and inequality and the climate and nature emergency. We need your views to help shape the future of community planning in Edinburgh.

These sessions aim to bring together key partners to discuss, plan, and drive forward positive changes for communities. Your insights and contributions are highly valued, and we would be pleased if you could join us.

Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to book your place as soon as possible to secure your spot at your preferred session.

To register, please email communityplanning@edinburgh.gov.uk with your name, contact details, and the date of the session you would like to attend.

Thursday, 10th October | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Craigentinny Community Centre

or

Friday, 11th October | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre

or

Wednesday, 23rd October | 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM | St. Bride’s Community Centre

or

Thursday, 24th October | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | West Pilton N/hd Centre

or online

Monday, 28th October | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Microsoft Teams

Background Information on the Edinburgh Partnership Transformation and Improvement Programme –

Please share the invitation with your networks.

To register, please email communityplanning@edinburgh.gov.uk with your name, contact details, and the date of the session you would like to attend.

An update from EVOC

‘I hope that you will be with us as we begin drafting the pages of a new chapter‘

Edinburgh’s Third Sector is vital to the wellbeing of our city and communities. However, sustainability is significantly challenged by funding cuts, rising demands and increasing operating costs.

Across the Sector, organisations and groups are making painful choices to survive and thrive. As a partner in Edinburgh’s Third Sector Interface, EVOC is here to help you manage these challenges.

Since we announced that EVOC was undertaking a strategic review in June 2024, we have been working hard to secure the long-term future of the organisation. Like other groups and organisations in our sector, we’ve had to make some really difficult decisions to rapidly reduce EVOC’s running costs. We’ve also recognised the need to adapt our strategic approach in response to the needs of the sector in Edinburgh.

We’ve taken the time to get this right. Our focus has been to ensure EVOC can remain relevant and resilient to meet Sector needs. It has been a complicated and humbling process. We have found it difficult. We have also learned a lot about managing challenging change. We are happy to learn more from you and share learning as we take our next steps.

Managing our recent change has also meant that we have not been as active as usual over the summer and we are sorry for this. Thank you for your support, understanding and constructive challenge. I would like to pay particular tribute to the professionalism shown by the EVOC team. Unfortunately, the change means that some valued friends and colleagues have left or will be leaving EVOC.

Looking Ahead

Our enthusiastic and talented team are already hard at work delivering on our current commitments and looking forward to continuing to work with you our members, partners and colleagues. In the coming days, we will be reaching out to reconnect with those of you whom we work with directly.

Sustaining a strong sector for a strong city is vital. We recognise the challenges being experienced by members and partners now, but also the need to shape the future collaboratively to better support the sector. So, across the autumn and winter, we will be progressing engagement with the sector on your needs, on a vision for our shared future, and on the role EVOC and the TSI can play to make this happen.

This engagement will shape the new EVOC Strategy, which we aim to launch in early 2025. We will also begin recruitment for a new Chief Executive to help guide the future of the organisation, working in partnership with our members, the sector and city partners. We have already started the search for new Trustees to strengthen our Board and will continue that into the autumn.

We are excited to announce some immediate priorities to support you. Expressions of Interest are already open for the Edinburgh Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.

Our annual Meet the Funders event will be back in November. Plans are in place for a follow-up to last year’s New Scots Gathering in December. Registrations will be open in October for both events.

We also continue to deliver a year-round programme of training and development opportunities. Our team is here to offer support on a range of issues from governance advice to fundraising, and really look forward to continuing working with you.

As we embark on a real period of change for EVOC, we are ambitious in our role as a strong and resilient advocate for our sector. I hope that you will be with us as we begin drafting the pages of a new chapter.

Best wishes

Claire

Claire Ritchie (Interim Chief Executive)

Social Bite village is on the move

Social Bite has submitted Planning Application to move Edinburgh Village to new waterfront location in Granton

  • The application lays out plans to continue the essential support the charity provides to those experiencing homelessness

Social Bite, renowned for its groundbreaking efforts to combat homelessness, has submitted a planning application to relocate its Edinburgh Social Bite Village to a picturesque spot north of West Shore Road on the Granton Waterfront. If approved, the move is scheduled to take place from early 2025.

The plans for the relocation, made in consultation with charity partner Cyrenians, will ensure up to 16 residents, at any one time, who have experienced homelessness will continue to enjoy a stable and supported communal way of living with the bonus of extensive views of The Forth Bridges across the water – a sight many former and current villagers have grown fond of.

The new location would bring with it a refresh of the Hub, the communal area for villagers to cook, gather and relax. Additionally, the new location will see the phased introduction of seven new one-bedroom ‘Nest Houses’ which have been re-designed and improved, following resident feedback.

Social Bite and charity partner Cyrenians, a homelessness prevention organisation which has managed the village since its inception in 2018, have worked closely to ensure all relocation plans provide a smooth transition for current residents. Feedback from residents has also informed the choice of location.

The new site is less than a mile along the road and has been chosen as a great new location after the resident survey revealed the local amenities and greenspace in the area were important to those living there, allowing them to fulfil their daily tasks such as shopping and going to work, as well proximity to the charming Granton seaside.

The decision to relocate from the current area in Granton has been prompted by the planned end of the current contract for the land, donated by Edinburgh City Council, with the current location forming part of phase one of the Granton Waterfront development plans.

The lease-term was originally for four years and later extended by two additional years. The pre-fabricated houses were designed in a way that they can be easily relocated, enabling the charity to make use of a ‘meanwhile site,’ which would otherwise have been unoccupied.

This was a key part of Social Bite’s innovative approach.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, said: “The security and happiness of our residents always comes first, so we’ve worked with those living at the village and the Cyrenians to make sure they feel assured and have a chance to voice what they want and need from any move we make.

“The new site we’re entering an application for is a combination of all the best bits from our current position in Granton, with added greenspace, sea views and the introduction of some newly designed Nest Houses to meet our resident’s needs.

“The village is an important part of the North Edinburgh community and will continue to be a vibrant asset to that part of the city. We’re hopeful that our planning application is approved, and we can move forward quickly for the sake of the people who we provide accommodation for.”

Ewan Aitken, Chief Executive of Cyrenians, said: “Edinburgh is facing an acute shortage of supported housing for people experiencing homelessness.

“We are absolutely committed to working with the local authority to secure a new site which will allow us to continue to offer relationship-based support that makes a lasting difference to people facing homelessness in Edinburgh.”

The success of the Edinburgh Village serves as a blueprint for other similar projects planned by the charity. Its design offers those living in unsupported temporary accommodations, shelters, or B&Bs, and in need of help to break the cycle of homelessness, a safe and supportive community to be a part of.

At the end of their time at the village, residents are supported in transitioning to permanent accommodation and employment. So far, the Edinburgh Village has helped over 100 residents, many of whom have gone on to secure employment and move into their own permanent homes.

For more information on the Edinburgh Village, visit: 

https://www.social-bite.co.uk/what-we-do/the-edinburgh-social-bite-village/

Lost in France: The Princess Royal remembers fallen Scottish soldiers

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal pays her respects to fallen soldiers from the Scottish regiments in northern France

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal paid her respects yesterday (26 September 2024) as dozens of soldiers killed during World War One, many from Scottish regiments, were commemorated at a specially built cemetery extension in northern France.

The event, held under autumn skies, was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’, and was held at the newly built Loos British Cemetery Extension. It is only the second time the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has built a new cemetery since the end of World War 2.

HRH The Princess Royal, President of the CWGC, formally inaugurated the new cemetery as she honoured the soldiers who were laid to rest.

The new cemetery was commissioned and built after nearby hospital construction works discovered a large number of World War 1 remains. The CWGC wanted to ensure that, on reburial, all of the fallen would remain side by side.

Soldiers of The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland bear the coffin of an unknown Scottish soldier. Picture by Corporal Daryll Knott Crown Copyright.

The JCCC identification process established 48 separate sets of remains from the site. Although many Scottish Regimental artefacts were found, among them kilt pins, regimental buttons and shoulder titles, individual casualties could not be accurately identified by name.

With so many remains recovered, it was impossible for the CWGC to bury them all in one public ceremony, so 46 were buried privately at Loos British Cemetery Extension earlier this summer.

Today, one unknown soldier of The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) and a second unknown Scottish soldier were laid to rest by serving soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The service, which included a firing party and a piper, commemorated all 48 fallen soldiers.

Although none could be identified by name, JCCC continues efforts to identify several other casualties recovered at the same location, with the aim of burying them at Loos British Cemetery Extension.

The War Detectives attempt to find any living relatives when the remains of British personnel from historic conflicts are recovered. If identified, relatives are invited to the re-interment and memorial service. The CWGC is a world leader in commemoration which cares for war graves at 23,000 locations in more than 150 countries.

After today’s cemetery service, HRH The Princess Royal met with community representatives at Loos-en-Gohelle’s City Hall.

Tracey Bowers, MOD War Detective, said: “This was an incredibly important ceremony. It is a privilege to be here with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal as we bury these last two soldiers from, what was, a huge recovery of remains.

“They will now rest in the presence of their regimental family.”

Padre David Anderson, Senior Chaplain 51st Infantry Brigade and HQ Scotland, said: “It is a tremendous honour and privilege to be here having served with The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and toured Afghanistan with them, it has tremendous poignancy for me to be here to reinter the remains of two unknown soldiers one, known to be of the Black Watch, and another known only to be Scottish.

“It’s good that the soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland are here today to bury their comrades in arms.”

Director General of the CWGC, Claire Horton CBE, said: “We are truly grateful and deeply honoured to have welcomed our President, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, to inaugurate our new cemetery and pay her respects to the brave men who have now been laid to rest here.

“This occasion marks a significant milestone for the Commission, reflecting our unwavering commitment to honouring the sacrifices made by those who served. It also emphasises that our vital work to care for the fallen all around the world is very much ongoing.

“As we gather here today, we reaffirm our promise to maintain the graves of those interred in Loos British Cemetery Extension, and of their comrades, ensuring that their legacy will endure in perpetuity.”

Improving the lives of Scotland’s Gypsy/Travellers

Plan to tackle discrimination and social exclusion

Improved access to housing, education and health services and tackling discrimination are at the heart of a new Gypsy/Traveller Action Plan agreed between the Scottish Government and COSLA.

The voices of Gypsy/Travellers have helped shape the Plan, which acknowledges improvements in many of these areas, but recognises further progress needs to be made.  

The Scottish Government and COSLA will work with stakeholders to take forward measures in the Plan.

Key actions in the plan include:

  • Supporting Local Authorities to provide more and better accommodation, by taking steps for funding to be accessed under the Affordable Housing Supply Programme from 2026-27, and ensuring planners understand the needs of Gypsy/Traveller communities
  • Measures to remove barriers to education and improve educational outcomes for Gypsy/Traveller children and young people
  • Improving Gypsy/Travellers’ access to and experience of healthcare
  • Working to remove barriers to accessing benefits and build understanding among employers of the inequalities faced by Gypsy/Travellers, with practical tools to support recruitment and retention.
  • Challenging prejudice and discrimination and helping communities to influence decision-making

Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “Improving the lives of Scotland’s Gypsy/Traveller communities is a significant human rights commitment and is crucial in helping us deliver the fairer Scotland we want to see.

“The voices of Gypsy/Travellers across Scotland are at the centre of this second national joint action plan, and it is a testimony to the collaborative work of national and local government, third sector organisations, and most of all, the determination of Gypsy/Travellers to ensure better futures for their communities.

“We know current initiatives are having a positive impact on the lives of Gypsy/Traveller communities across Scotland, like the Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Fund and the success of the Community Health Worker project in overcoming barriers to accessing health and other statutory services.

“However, there is still work to do. Through the actions in this plan we will build on the successes we have had to date and make further progress in many areas such as accommodation, health, education and combating discrimination.”

Improving the Lives of Scotland’s Gypsy/Travellers Action Plan 2024-2026

Be quick off the mark to experience Edinburgh’s newest hybrid gym and Hyrox training club

Edinburgh Leisure, the biggest sports and leisure provider across the city, is revolutionising the fitness arena with the opening of a new hybrid gym and official Hyrox Affiliate Training Club in Edinburgh.

The global phenomenon of Hyrox, the fitness competition that’s sweeping the globe, has played a part in the increasing popularity of hybrid training, and Edinburgh Leisure will be the first leisure trust affiliated with Hyrox and will have classes for those new to Hyrox as well as for experienced Hyroxers and fitness enthusiasts.

Set to open at Meadowbank Sports Centre on 14th October, Evolve Meadowbank will feature all the equipment, training and classes required to train towards hybrid competitions such as Hyrox and Deadly Dozen, and to reach your fitness goals.

This new gym area will be a fully timetabled space with two different training methods. It will include coach-led, class-based sessions including Hyrox and Strength & Conditioning style classes or open gym sessions for following one’s own workout plan which is not coach-led. The timetable will be available on the app and online and bookings are made via the Edinburgh Leisure website or app.

Ally Strachan, Fitness Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “This is an exciting development in Edinburgh Leisure’s fitness offering. We will be one of the first leisure trust in the UK to offer such an experience.

“Our new Evolve Meadowbank will be the ultimate destination for fitness enthusiasts seeking a dynamic and inclusive environment whether it’s to improve their overall fitness, prepare for a competition, or simply try something new.

“We’ll be offering a unique blend of traditional hybrid gym equipment, and specialised Hyrox training programmes designed to elevate the workout experience.

“To celebrate the opening of our hybrid gym, we are offering free trial classes from 7th-13th October to members and non-members, available to book from TODAY Friday, 27th September.

“The trial classes are the perfect opportunity to explore our facility, meet our coaches, and experience the unique benefits of hybrid training at no cost.

“Spaces are limited and booking is advisable. Head to the Edinburgh Leisure website or app to book. Look for the Evolve Gym Bookings tile on the Meadowbank venue page.”

The classes on offer will include Hyrox Training classes and Beginner Hyrox sessions for those looking to learn more about the fitness craze that has gripped the nation.

The Evolve Meadowbank membership is separate from Edinburgh Leisure’s current fitness offering. For new members, the Evolve Membership, will cost £59.99 per month, It gives unlimited access to Edinburgh Leisure’s new state of the art hybrid gym facilities at Meadowbank Sports Centre; full access to all the official Hyrox training equipment including Sled Track, Concept 2 Ski and Row Ergs, Wall Balls and a bespoke rig; new and exclusive Evolve Cardio and Hybrid fitness classes; specialised Hyrox training classes; and access to Meadowbank’s leading indoor and outdoor athletics tracks for further training, subject to availability.

For current members of Edinburgh Leisure, a bolt-on is available to buy for an additional £39.99 per month to their existing membership.

Limited memberships will be available to ensure a personalised and high-quality experience for all members.  Memberships are available to be bought from Friday, 27th September. 

Evolve Meadowbank officially opens on Monday, 14th October with session and class bookings going live from Saturday, 4th October at 9 pm.

All sessions and classes are bookable, with the Evolve gym open every day at varying times to accommodate different schedules.

www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

Education Summit session held at Royal High School

The Atlantic Rim Collaboratory Summit is being co-hosted by @ScotGov this year. The annual gathering brings together pupils, teachers and education experts.

Over four days, participants will share ideas about how to improve schools in the different countries taking part.

First Minister @JohnSwinney and Education Secretary @JennyGilruth (a former teacher at RHS) met international delegates, pupils and teachers attending a Summit session at the Royal High School.

They discussed ways to improve attendance at school and help children get the most from their education.

Royal High School said on Twitter: “Our School Captain, Hannah & Vice Captains Hollie & Skye delivered exceptional speeches and were a credit to RHS. It was a pleasure to welcome delegates to our school.”

Grieving mother urges families to discuss organ donation after son saves three lives

A bereaved mother is calling on families to talk about organ and tissue donation after her “kind” son saved the lives of three people.

Lynn Campbell, 55, from Bathgate, lost her son Robbie, 30, in 2023 after a sudden fall. He suffered a brain bleed and tragically never regained consciousness.

However big-hearted Robbie had already registered as an organ donor which meant he was able to give the gift of life to three other people.

Lynn said: “Three people are still alive because of my son and I feel so proud of Robbie for saving their lives.

“Robbie was the most kind and caring person I’ve ever known. He would always buy me really thoughtful gifts for birthdays and Christmas and people often said to me that ‘everyone needs a Robbie in their life’.

“He was such an active guy, always running and golfing and he had a real zest for life. He was football mad and was a loyal supporter of Scotland and Falkirk football teams – he had watched their matches all over the world with the whole family.”

Robbie was rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Hospital after his fall, but the medical teams confirmed that there was no brain activity.

Despite the devastating loss of their son, Robbie’s family was informed that he had registered as an organ donor and could potentially be a match for patients on the transplant waiting list.

Specialist nurses supported Robbie’s family as transplant teams identified three patients in urgent need of a transplant, whose lives were saved by Robbie’s heart and kidneys.

One year on, Lynn a Director of a Recruitment company and mum of two, is still struggling to come to terms with the death of her son and is considering setting up a charity to support grieving families.

“After Robbie passed, my husband and I went to Loch Lomond for a break. When we asked for the bill, the waiter said our son had already paid for it. Robbie knew we were going before he died and wanted to treat us. That’s the kind of person he was, and I want to honour his kindness by helping other families.

“We were so grateful to receive so much support from Robbie’s colleagues, friends, and family but there are families out there who don’t have the same level of support. I recently gave a talk to families at The Order of St John’s Awards in Glasgow, and I wanted them to know that I’ve been where you are and that things do get better.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the NHS Organ Donor Register, with over 571,000 people in Lothian – approximately 63% of the population – registered as organ donors.

Lynn is urging others to consider what organs they would be happy to donate and to ensure that this decision is recorded on the organ donor register and shared with their family.

She added: “Every day I feel like I wake up in a nightmare but then I remember that Robbie’s heart still beats in someone else and that brings me so much comfort.

“I would really encourage everyone to register their organ donor selections online and to speak to their loved ones about this decision.”

James Powell, Associate Medical Director Surgical Services, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Consultant Transplant Surgeon, NHS Lothian, said: “Although we have an opt-out policy, it is still vital for individuals to make their wishes clear and have those conversations with their families.

“Robbie’s decision to join the Organ Donor Register is a powerful reminder of the positive impact one person can have, and how important it is to discuss organ donation with loved ones.”

For details about organ donation and to register your decision, visit:  

organdonationscotland.org.