Month: September 2024

City Art Centre exhibition – ‘Inked Up: Printmaking in Scotland’

This autumn, Edinburgh’s City Art Centre opens a captivating new exhibition exploring Scottish printmaking.

Inked Up: Printmaking in Scotland presents a fascinating selection of historic and contemporary prints from the City Art Centre’s renowned collection of Scottish art.

Over 30 different artists feature in the exhibition, including: Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Muirhead Bone, D.Y. Cameron, Victoria Crowe, Anupa Gardner, Jane Hyslop, Walter Geikie, Leena Nammari, Eduardo Paolozzi, Anne Redpath, Willie Rodger, Mabel Royds, Paul Sandby and William Wilson.

Printmaking is one of the most richly diverse areas of the visual arts. For centuries, artists have employed different printmaking techniques and processes to create a variety of effects – experimenting with line, tone, texture and colour. The results range from highly detailed topographical images to vibrant abstract compositions, and from atmospheric impressions to quirky characterisations. In Scotland, this has long been recognised and embraced, with Scottish printmakers offering valuable contributions to the discipline.

Inked Up: Printmaking in Scotland celebrates this versatile, ever evolving artform. The exhibition showcases examples of relief printing, intaglio printing, lithography and screenprinting, dating from the 18th century to present day.

Among the highlights are a unique woodcut print of Edinburgh Castle by Mabel Royds, an enormous linocut map of Midlothian by Jane Hyslop, and a vivid screenprint by Wilhemina Barns-Graham, produced when she was in her 80s.

Many of the artworks are new additions to the collection are on display at the City Art Centre for the very first time. These include compositions by Eduardo Paolozzi, Ian Fleming and James Munro, as well as a group of prints by Willie Rodger, donated in 2023 by the Willie Rodger Art Trust.

Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Val Walker said: “It’s always such a delight to see a selection of works from the City Art Centre’s permanent collection of fine art being presented for residents and visitors alike to enjoy and connect with. 

“The Inked Up: Printmaking in Scotland exhibition celebrates this versatile and ever evolving artform and is a fantastic opportunity to see over 30 different artist’s work. The extensive collection of work is a mix of existing and new additions to the collection, on display for the very first time.

“I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to visit our City Art Centre and explore and reflect on the variety of artwork and experience the diversity of printmaking in Scotland.”

Edinburgh City Art Centre Curator, Dr Helen Scott said: “Printmaking is such a dynamic artform – it covers an incredibly varied range of techniques and can be used by artists in so many different ways.

“There are minutely detailed landscape views by 18th century artists like Paul Sandby and Thomas Donaldson, and then there are the evocative etchings of Muirhead Bone and D.Y. Cameron in the early 20th century, with their deep contrasts of light and shadow. 

“The exhibition includes pieces by post-war printmaking innovators such as Eduardo Paolozzi and Philip Reeves. And there’s also a good selection of recent works by contemporary printmakers like Leena Nammari, Bronwen Sleigh and Adrian Wiszniewski. 

“I’m really looking forward to sharing this exhibition with visitors – revealing the creative scope of printmaking and unpicking some of the practical techniques behind the artworks.”

Admission to the exhibition is free (donations are of course most welcome to enable free access for all!) and opens on Saturday 14 September 2024 and continues until 1 June 2025.

Addressing racism as a significant public health issue

Measures to reduce health inequalities

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray has issued a statement identifying racism as a significant public health challenge, and a key cause of health inequalities.

Echoing the First Minister and other Scottish Government ministers’ comments on racism in the wake of recent violence in other parts of the United Kingdom, the Health Secretary has outlined various measures, including asking health boards to develop and deliver their own anti-racism plans.

Mr Gray said: “These changes can’t come fast enough. Racism already has a life-threatening effect on minority ethnic communities across the UK. That has been the case for generations.  

“The only way we can make a difference now is to actively work against racism. This work is just one step in the right direction. There is no place in Scotland for hatred or racism of any kind.”

Earlier in the week, the Scottish Government’s 2024/25 Programme for Government included plans to embed anti-racism across the public sector.

The full text of the Health Secretary’s statement

Khasha Smith disappearance: Man charged

A man arrested by detectives investigating the disappearance of Khasha Smith has been charged.

Khasha, of Edinburgh, was last seen to be safe and well on a FaceTime call on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023, aged 35.

Following extensive enquiries, Khasha is believed to be dead. However, her body is yet to be found.

A 39-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with her death. He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 9 September, 2024.

Khasha’s family have been made aware and have asked that their privacy is respected.

Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, is appealing to the public for information.

He said: “Our thoughts remain with Khasha’s family at this extremely difficult time and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.

“They are understandably devastated and it is vital we get answers for them.

“Extensive enquiries remain ongoing to trace Khasha and I would again encourage anyone with any information regarding her disappearance to contact police, as a matter of urgency.

“Any piece of information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could prove vital, so please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3915 of 5 January 2024.

Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

2024 Cllr Awards: One week left to nominate a councillor

Nominations close for the 2024 Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and CCLA Cllr Awards at midnight on Friday 13th September. 

The Cllr Awards will once again shine a light on the achievements of local elected representatives who have made a tangible impact in their communities. 

Every year the LGIU receives hundreds of nominations – each acknowledging a councillor’s exceptional commitment to improving their community and achieving remarkable results over the past year. 

The Cllr Awards are the only national ceremony that celebrate the outstanding contributions of councillors across England, Wales and Scotland and nominations can be made by members of the public, friends and family, colleagues or residents.

Submitting a nomination is free and takes just eight minutes. Applicants must provide details about the nominated councillor, outlining why they deserve recognition and how their initiatives have positively impacted the community. 

The 2024 Cllr Awards has five categories: Community Champion, Leader of the Year, Young Councillor of the Year, Innovator of the Year and Lifetime Legend. Shortlisted candidates will be announced in the autumn. 

Winners in England & Wales will be announced at the Guildhall in London on Wednesday 20 November while winners in Scotland will be revealed at the City Chambers in Edinburgh on Thursday 14 November.

To submit a nomination or for more information, please visit the Cllr Awards website.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU, said: “Now is the time to shine a light on the incredible work of councillors across our communities.

“They are working tirelessly behind the scenes, day in and day out, to make positive contributions that impact our daily lives in so many important ways, from maintaining streets to funding community projects and shaping the character of our towns.

“Now, more than ever before, local communities rely on elected members and their work too often goes unnoticed and unrecognised, making the Cllr Awards essential in highlighting their invaluable work. 

“That is why we are proud to once again host the annual Cllr Awards, paying tribute to our locally elected representatives and sharing examples of the innovation and dedication of our councillors. 

“We anticipate a wave of nominations this year before the 13 September deadline and look forward to hearing the remarkable stories behind them. These awards are made possible through the generous support of our founding partners, CCLA.”

Safe access to abortion services

New protected zones come into force on 24 September

From 24 September 2024 it will be an offence to intentionally or recklessly influence, harass or prevent anyone from accessing or providing abortion services in protected zones around certain hospitals and clinics.

The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act 2024 comes into force and creates protected zones of 200 metres around all premises providing abortion services.

Within those zones, it will be a criminal offence to behave in ways that could influence the decisions of women and staff to access services; impede their access; or otherwise cause alarm, harassment or distress.

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto said: “I thank Gillian Mackay for all her hard work in progressing the Act and I am eternally grateful to all the women and staff who contributed to that process.

“It is unacceptable for women to face any unwanted influence, distress or alarm when accessing abortion services. In bringing the Act into force, I hope women across Scotland hear the clear message that the Scottish Government will protect their access to healthcare.

“People continue to have the right to free speech and protest in a democracy – however, no one has the right to interfere in women’s personal medical decisions. This Act makes that clear.”

Police Scotland will be responsible for enforcing Safe Access Zones. Anyone who breaks Safe Access Zone laws could be fined up to £10,000 under summary procedure or to an unlimited amount under solemn procedure. Full details of the penalties that apply for committing an offence.

Full list of the locations of zones:

Hospital
University Hospital Crosshouse – Kilmarnock
Borders General Hospital – Melrose
Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary
Galashiels Health Centre
Oak Tree Family Health Centre – Stranraer
Queen Margaret Hospital – Dunfermline
Victoria Hospital – Kirkcaldy
Forth Valley Royal Hospital – Larbert
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
Aberdeen Community Hospital
Aberdeen Maternity Hospital
Dr Gray’s Hospital – Elgin
Inverclyde Hospital – Greenock
Royal Alexandra Hospital – Paisley
Sandyford Sexual Health Clinic – Glasgow
Princess Royal Maternity Hospital – Glasgow
Ross Hall – Glasgow
New Victoria Hospital – Glasgow
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital – Glasgow
Stobhill Hospital – Glasgow
Vale of Leven Hospital – West Dunbartonshire
Raigmore Hospital – Inverness
University Hospital Wishaw
Royal Infirmary Edinburgh
Chalmers Sexual Health Centre – Edinburgh
St John’s Hospital – Livingston
The Balfour – Livingston
Gilbert Bain Hospital – Lerwick
Ninewells Hospital – Dundee
Western Isles Hospital – Stornoway

Prime Minister to visit Dublin today

  • Keir Starmer is the first British Prime Minister to visit Ireland in 5 years
  • Prime Minister to continue the charge to boost the UK’s economic growth, his key mission for government, by resetting our relationship with another key international partner
  • Visit marks a new era of co-operation and friendship between Britain and Ireland

Prime Minister Keir Starmer will travel to Dublin today to meet the Taoiseach, Simon Harris, in his first official visit to Ireland.

Continuing his ‘drive to reset the UK’s relationships with its key international partners and deliver for hard-working British people’, he will welcome a new era in the British-Irish relationship and highlight the opportunity it presents to drive forward economic growth. 

Ireland is one of the UK’s top trading partners and the trading relationship is worth 100 billion euros a year – supporting thousands of jobs for British and Irish people.  

Boosting growth is the Prime Minister’s key mission of government, and the visit is another example of his personal commitment to drive up the UK’s standing in the world in order to attract investment to the UK and create more jobs for British people. 

The Prime Minister and the Taoiseach will also meet Irish business leaders from companies including Accenture, Keelings and Primark today, to encourage enhanced bilateral trade and investment in pursuit of growth. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The UK and Ireland share the strongest of ties – through our close geography, shared culture and the friendships of our people. 

“Our relationship has never reached its full potential, but I want to change that. We have a clear opportunity to go further and faster to make sure our partnership is fully delivering on behalf of the British and Irish people – driving growth and prosperity in both our countries. 

“The Taoiseach and I are in lockstep about our future, and we look forward to deepening our collaboration further.”

The Taoiseach was the first international leader hosted by the Prime Minister in the UK following the July election – demonstrating the Prime Minister’s personal commitment to a strong UK-Ireland relationship.

Today’s visit comes after the Prime Minister’s visit to Berlin and Paris last week to continue the UK’s reset with its key European partners.

The leaders will attend the Republic of Ireland vs England Nations’ League football match on Saturday evening. 

Hilary O’Meara, Country Managing Director of Accenture in Ireland said: “Accenture is delighted to be invited, alongside other business leaders in Ireland, to join UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Taoiseach, Simon Harris to discuss mutual business opportunity across our two countries.

“It is encouraging to see the Prime Minister travel to Ireland so early in his premiership to join us for what promises to a great sporting occasion.”

Care home resident celebrates 100th birthday at Milford Care Home

A cherished resident of Milford Care Home in Edinburgh marked a special milestone as she celebrated her 100th birthday with a beautiful afternoon tea, surrounded by her loving family and fellow residents.

Doris Moffat was born and raised in Dagenham, East London. She spent her early years working as a dental technician before dedicating herself to raising her loving son, Alex. She became a proud grandmother of two and has always placed family at the heart of her life.

Reflecting on her century-long journey, Doris shared the secret to her long life, which she attributes to “eating well, walking, and the love of my family.” This simple yet profound philosophy has guided her through the many stages of her life, from her career in East London to her retirement in Scotland.

Doris moved to Scotland with her husband in October 2008, a decision she made to be closer to her immediate family. Tragically, just two months after their move, Doris’ husband passed away. Despite this heartache, she found solace in her family and the beautiful surroundings of Scotland.

The centenarian’s birthday celebration at Milford Care Home was a heartwarming affair as Doris was joined by her family, some of whom had travelled from as far as Cornwall to celebrate with her. Together they enjoyed a special afternoon tea in her honour.

Doris, 100, said: “Turning 100 is such an exciting milestone, but what truly makes it special is having my loving family here with me. I’m overjoyed that they’ve travelled all the way from England to Edinburgh to celebrate this day together. Being surrounded by those I love means the world to me.”

Doris also shared one of her fondest memories—a humorous anecdote involving her late husband. She said: “I’ll never forget the time I saw my husband bump into a lamppost after a good night out. He looked at it and said, ‘Excuse me, sir.’ That always brought a smile to my face!”

Kelly Skellet, manager at Milford Care Home, said: ” Doris is such a wonderful person, and it’s heartwarming to see her surrounded by her loved ones on her 100th birthday.

“The afternoon tea with her family and fellow residents truly reflects the close-knit community we have here, and we’re honoured to share in her joy on this special day.”

Renaissance Care has 17 homes across Scotland in areas including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Lanarkshire.

The private care homes vary in size and style, ranging from small boutique-style residential care homes with 20 rooms to larger purpose-built care homes for assisted living offering specialist nursing and dementia care.

For more information about Renaissance Care facilities, please visit:

 https://www.renaissance-care.co.uk/our-homes

Crewe Road homes get climate ready as Council improves social housing

Hundreds of homes in Edinburgh are undergoing major energy upgrades – helping to tackle fuel poverty and carbon emissions in some of the city’s most deprived areas.

Edinburgh’s ambitious multi-million-pound retrofitting roll-out and mixed tenure improvements will make council homes ‘net zero ready’ in the coming years, with measures such as external wall insulation and solar panels being installed to improve living standards in many low-rise buildings and multi-storey blocks. 

Marking the Council’s latest set of insulation upgrades, the Housing, Homeless and Fair Work Convener Jane Meagher visited tenants in the North of the city to see how their homes have been transformed.

Along Crewe Road North and Crewe Road Gardens, at least £2.23 million has been invested this year towards making 90 homes in mixed tenure buildings warmer and cheaper to heat. The vast majority of these (70) are Council homes.

Funded by a mix of EES/ABS grants, owner contributions and Council funding, properties in the area have benefited from external wall insulation and in many cases replacement roofing, with all works delivered by Insulated Render Systems (IRS) in partnership with the Council, Changeworks and Home Energy Scotland.

Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “It’s hard to describe the huge difference these measures will make: to the fabric and warmth of these homes, to people’s fuel bills and to the environment, and of course to the lives of everyone who lives in them now and in the future.

“By bringing these older homes up to a newer energy efficiency standard, we’re not only driving down carbon emissions, we’re clamping down on issues like damp and fuel poverty. It’s complex work but it’s vital because it prioritises our tenants and their living standards.

“It has been a pleasure to meet with some of the residents and to hear their feedback and I’m pleased to see the real difference the building work is making. The works taking place along Crewe Road are an indication of more upgrades to come. Just think what we could achieve if we were to receive the funding we need to roll this programme out even further, to improve even more of our tenants’ homes?

“I’m grateful to the partners involved in supporting this roll-out and to our tenants, whose rents help towards paying for improvements to council homes alongside grant funding. Edinburgh faces a Housing Emergency and we need to tackle it together.”

Josiah Lockhart, Chief Executive of Changeworks, said: “Changeworks has worked in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council on a number of EES ABS projects and it’s great to see the fabric improvements made to properties here on Crewe Road.

“Ongoing high energy costs mean that these energy efficiency projects make a real difference to householders, helping them stay warm and save energy as well as reducing carbon emissions.”

Green measures have also been installed to homes in Gilmerton, where over 180 eligible private home owners and tenants are benefitting from £2.5 million investment over two years towards solar PV panels and battery energy storage, external wall insulation and upgrades to the look of buildings. Future upgrades with Changeworks are also planned for homes in the Liberton area in the year ahead.

Elsewhere in the city, at least £2.2 million has been invested by the Council to transform a block of 36 homes in Oxgangs into a modern looking, sustainable building with upgrades to the roof and coverings, external walls, stairwells, and common landings.

The Council is now looking to undertake a whole house retrofit of the multistorey blocks May and Gunnet and is carrying out design work for blocks in Leith, Mixed tenure improvements also taking place in Lochend, Restalrig and in Wester Hailes.

UK National Memorial to Queen Elizabeth II to be located in St James’s Park, London

  • St James’s Park, London announced as location for the UK’s national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II 
  • The site was chosen due to its historical significance and personal connection to the late Queen, as well as its proximity to the ceremonial route of The Mall
  • The memorial will reflect Queen Elizabeth II’s extraordinary life of service and provide a space for pause and reflection

The site for the new national Queen Elizabeth II Memorial has today (7th September 2024) been announced as St James’s Park, London.

The memorial site will include the area of St James’s Park adjacent to The Mall at Marlborough Gate, and land surrounding the pathway down to the lake, including the Blue Bridge.

The site was chosen because of its close proximity to the ceremonial route of The Mall, its historical and constitutional significance and personal connection to Queen Elizabeth. It is close to Buckingham Palace – the Monarch’s official residence – the Commonwealth headquarters, and statues of her parents King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

The Committee – established by the UK Government and Royal Household in 2023 – considered various options for the location and engaged with the wider public and with key stakeholders and experts across the four nations of the UK to ensure their feedback was considered. 

The UK Government will support the successful proposals, and will work closely with the Committee as plans develop. In recognition of the impact Her late Majesty had across the UK, the UK Government will also make available funding for memorial projects in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Further details on how this will be taken forward will be available in due course.

The memorial is intended to provide not only a fitting monument but also a space for contemplation and community, and will be of an appropriate scale and ambition to match the impact of Queen Elizabeth II on national life, The Commonwealth and indeed the rest of the world. 

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Queen Elizabeth II’s enduring legacy of service and devotion to our country will never be forgotten.

“The national memorial will be located in St James’s Park, right in the heart of the capital, providing everyone with a place to honour the Late Queen and connect with the shared history we cherish.”

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Rt Hon Pat McFadden, said: “Queen Elizabeth II was our longest reigning monarch, and gave her life in service to our nation.

“It is only right that the memorial is situated in a location that represents the scale of Her role at the heart of British society, and provides a place of reflection for the public.”

The UK has a proud tradition of memorialising its monarchs and other significant historical figures, from the Royal Albert Hall and the Victoria Memorial, to Millicent Fawcett. London hosts permanent memorials to recent monarchs including George V, George VI, as well as Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.

The creation of a permanent memorial to Queen Elizabeth II will continue this tradition. The announcement of the final design will coincide with what would have been Queen Elizabeth’s hundredth birthday year in 2026.

Later this year the design phase of the memorial will be launched, when architects, artists and designers will be invited to submit design proposals for the memorial.

Lord Janvrin GCB GCVO PC, Committee Chair and former Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth said: “The Mall and St James’s Park at the ceremonial heart of our capital provides a location closely identified with so many events of the late Queen’s life. 

“It is a fitting site for the national memorial in her honour to remember and celebrate her extraordinary contribution to our lives throughout her long reign.

Baroness Amos LG CH PC,  Committee member and former Lord President of the Council said: “As Lord President of the Council I met the late Queen regularly. As our Head of State she played an important global leadership role over many decades.

“She understood the importance of integrity, understanding and values in decision making. She also knew how to connect to people and bring communities together.

!I admired her resilience and steadfastness, her belief in the people of Britain and the Commonwealth, her quiet diplomacy, her subtle use of power and ‘common sense’ approach.

Alex Holmes, Committee member and Queen’s Young Leader, said: “When I met her I was struck by Queen Elizabeth’s ability to connect with so many people – young and old, here and abroad.

“Her memorial, sitting in the heart of London, will create a lasting legacy and celebrate her long life of public service.”

The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee is tasked with the responsibility to present formal recommendations for a UK national memorial and legacy programme to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II.

The Committee comprises eight senior figures from across British public life, selected for their expertise, and chaired by the late Queen’s former Private Secretary Lord Robin Janvrin. 

The Committee is also continuing its work to develop proposals for a UK-wide legacy programme to commemorate Queen Elizabeth.

The Committee is expected to report final design and legacy programme recommendations to the Prime Minister and His Majesty The King in 2026.

Andrew Scattergood CBE, Chief Executive of The Royal Parks, said: “We are honoured that St James’s Park has been chosen as the location for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II. 

“The park is steeped in rich Royal history, renowned worldwide for hosting spectacular Royal and ceremonial events, so it feels fitting that the memorial should be situated here, close to where our longest-reigning monarch spent a great deal of time.

“With a peaceful lake at its centre, the park enjoys an outstanding view of Buckingham Palace and provides a wonderful natural haven for wildlife in the centre of London. We hope that the memorial area will provide people with a tranquil space for reflection and contemplation.”

Have you seen Sophie?

Officers are appealing for the assistance of the public to trace a 19-year-old woman missing from Edinburgh.

Sophie Webster was last seen leaving a property in the Dryden Street area of Edinburgh around 2.45pm this afternoon, on Friday, 6 September, 2024.

She is described as being around 5ft 7in tall, of slim build and has short hair with blonde highlights. She was last seen wearing a black hoodie with a white “BB” logo on the chest, black shorts with a white logo on the left leg, white trainers and was carrying a blue rucksack.

Inspector Grant McCulloch said: “We are growing increasingly concerned for Sophie’s welfare and we are asking anyone who has seen her or knows where she is to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information is urged to contact 101, quoting incident 2439 of 6 September.