September 2024 – Page 29 – The NEN

Edinburgh Theatre Services Lead Linda Hogg nominated for Sky Arts Hero Award

Behind-the-scenes champions of arts and culture celebrated as part of the inaugural Sky Arts Awards this September

Linda Hogg, Head of Customer Services and Front of House at Capital Theatres in Edinburgh, is one of five nominees shortlisted for the Sky Arts Hero Award

Sky has announced the nominees for its Arts Hero Award, a first-of-its-kind category for the new Sky Arts Awards.

The highly anticipated ceremony, taking place on 17th September at The Roundhouse, will celebrate the diverse and vibrant landscape of British and Irish arts and culture, rewarding excellence across all arts disciplines.

The event, which will be broadcast live on Sky Arts and Freeview, will be a showcase of the immense talent and dedication that fuel the arts industry – including the behind-the-scenes heroes whose efforts are integral to the success of the arts and culture scene.

Sky Arts invited the arts community to nominate their unsung heroes earlier this summer. Following an overwhelming response, they can now reveal the five nominees for the Arts Hero Award.

From a singer who supports children on life support to an art technician who mentors young curators, these extraordinary individuals were selected by the judging panel for their unwavering dedication and profound impact on the arts, often working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of countless productions, exhibitions and performances.

One of the nominees is Linda Hogg, Head of Customer Services and Front of House at Capital Theatres in Edinburgh, who has dedicated 30 years to enhancing the Scottish arts sector.

Known for her exceptional work ethic and kindness, Linda has created a welcoming atmosphere at Capital Theatres, earning high praise from audiences and colleagues alike. Her contributions extend beyond the theatre, including volunteer work during COVID and personal acts of kindness. Linda’s leadership and attention to detail have left a lasting mark on Edinburgh’s cultural scene.

Linda shared her reaction to being nominated: “When I heard about the nomination, I was genuinely touched.

“Every day in this role is a mix of challenges and rewards, and to have that dedication acknowledged is heartwarming. It’s not just about me, though – it’s about the entire team that makes the magic happen.

“This nomination feels like a win for all of us.”

Phil Edgar-Jones, Director of Sky Arts, commented on the importance of the Arts Hero Award: “We were incredibly moved by the nominations we received. Each story was a powerful reminder of the dedication, passion and often unseen work that goes into making our arts sector thrive.

“Selecting just five nominees was an immensely difficult task. Everyone put forward has made such a meaningful contribution. The Sky Arts Awards is our opportunity to celebrate these remarkable unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes, making our cultural experiences possible.”

The announcement follows recent findings that 84% of the UK population are unaware that the arts sector employs around 3.5 million people across hundreds of roles. The Arts Hero Award not only celebrates these essential workers but also highlights the vital roles they play within the arts ecosystem.

Building on the legacy of the South Bank Sky Arts Awards, the Sky Arts Awards is the only event in the world that recognises the full spectrum of artistic genres, including classical music, comedy, dance, film, literature, poetry, opera, popular music, television, theatre and visual art.

The winning Arts Hero will be revealed at the Sky Arts Awards, airing 17 September at 9pm on Sky Arts.

Lichen Walk in Granton

Granton Eastern Breakwater Lichen Walk: Wednesday 11 Sept, 5pm

Scotland is home to more than 1500 species of lichen, more than 85% of the total species found in the UK, and is recognized for its clean air quality and abundance of lichens.

Despite this prevalence, lichens are far less likely to be identified and surveyed by members of the public and citizen science initiatives than vascular plants.

This project seeks to increase awareness around lichen biology and ecology, uncovering the environmental importance of lichen species.

Join Lichen Biodiversity Scientist Dr Rebecca Yahr and researcher Toby Mills on a walk around Granton’s Eastern Breakwater to explore the abundant community of marine lichen species at the site.

The walk is accompanied by the creation of a new interactive digital guide. The interactive guide also forms part of the Art Walk’s UnderCurrent Exhibition at the Art Walk Porty Festival Hub (7/8 & 14/15 September).

Location: Starting from Granton Hub, Madelvic House
Date/Time: Wed 11 September, 5-7pm
Book via website – https://www.artwalkporty.co.uk/…/granton-eastern…/

Climate Change Bill published

Establishment of carbon budget approach to setting climate targets

Legislation to create a carbon budget approach to setting climate targets has been published.

The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill seeks to amend the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, in response to the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) advice that Scotland’s interim emissions reduction target for 2030 was beyond what could be achieved.

Annual emissions targets are vulnerable to year-to-year fluctuations in emissions such as a particularly cold winter or unexpected events such as a global pandemic.

Based on recommendations from the CCC, the Bill therefore seeks to set a limit on the amount of greenhouse gases emitted over a five-year period, to provide a more reliable framework for emissions reduction.

Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero Gillian Martin said: “Our commitment to ending Scotland’s contribution to global emissions by 2045 at the latest, as agreed by Parliament on a cross-party basis, is unwavering.

“We are now halfway to net zero and continue to be ahead of the UK as a whole in delivering long term emissions reductions.

“However, it is crucial that our target pathway to 2045 is set at a pace and scale that is feasible and reflects the latest independent advice.

“Carbon budgets are an established model for assessment of emissions reductions used by other nations including Japan, France, and Wales.

“We will continue leading on climate action that is fair, ambitious and capable of rising to the emergency before us, and reflects our commitment to the ambition of credible emissions reduction. We are maintaining our commitment to a just transition to net zero and progressing our international work on climate change.”

View the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill

UK to provide £162 million package of air defence missiles for Ukraine

DEFENCE SECRETARY MEETS INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS

The UK will supply 650 Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) systems to Ukraine to boost the country’s air defence capabilities, as part of the new government’s commitment to Ukraine.

The air defence package will be announced by Defence Secretary John Healey MP today at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) meeting at US Air Force Base in Ramstein – his first as Defence Secretary. At the 24th meeting of the group, the Defence Secretary will set out the UK’s ironclad commitment to Ukraine and urge allies to continue to supply Ukraine with vital equipment.

It comes following a bilateral meeting between John Healey and his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov in London earlier this week, where the pair discussed how the UK will continue to ramp-up support over the coming months. At that meeting, the Defence Secretary confirmed that £300 million worth of artillery ammunition will start to be delivered by the end of this year to support Ukraine’s war effort.

In keeping with the new government’s commitment to speed up deliveries of aid, the first batch of LMM missiles announced today are also expected to be delivered by the end of this year.

Today’s package is part of the UK’s work to help step up UK and European defence production – with today’s £162 million order helping to energise the supply chain for the future. Built by Thales at their Belfast factory, the missiles are highly versatile and can be fired from a variety of platforms on land, sea, and air.

The package is primarily funded through the UK’s £3 billion a year financial package for Ukraine, and contributions from Norway through the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU) and follows the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary’s commitment to stand by Ukraine will continue for as long as it takes.

It comes after the Defence Secretary signed a new Defence Export Support Treaty with his counterpart Umerov in July, during President Zelesnkyy’s visit to Downing Street. The agreement will fire up both the UK’s and Ukraine’s defence industrial bases and increase military hardware and weaponry production. The treaty will enable Ukraine to draw on £3.5 billion of export finance to support its war effort.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: “This new commitment will give an important boost to Ukraine’s air defences and demonstrates our new government’s commitment to stepping up support for Ukraine.

“In recent days we have seen the tragic cost of Russia’s indiscriminate strikes on Poltava and Lviv. These new UK-made missiles will support Ukraine to defend its people, infrastructure, and territory from Putin’s brutal attacks.

“With our international partners today, we will show that we are united for Ukraine. And we will discuss how best we can work together to improve support. Because the security of the UK and Europe starts in Ukraine.”

Ahead of the meeting with international partners, the Defence Secretary visited the Joint Intelligence Coordination Centre (JICC) at the Ramstein Air Base. UK Armed Forces personnel deployed at the JICC work alongside allies to analyse intelligence.

Since Russia’s illegal invasion, the UK has provided hundreds of LMM missiles to Ukraine for air defence, destroying hundreds of Russian drones and other air threats.

Travelling at Mach 1.5 with a range of more than 6km, the LMM is highly versatile against a wide range of threats, including Armoured Personnel Carriers, fast in-shore attack craft and Unmanned drones.

This contract with Thales in the UK will further prime the world leading British defence industry to increase production rates, enabling future production to be ramped up.

Addressing allies at the UCDG, the Defence Secretary will reiterate the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and ramping up the production and delivery of vital equipment.

A Thales spokesperson said: “As a strategic partner of UK Government, Thales is proud to be working with MoD to support defending democracy in Ukraine through the provision of our Lightweight Multi-role Missile, delivered from our Belfast site.

“Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, UK MoD and Thales have worked in close collaboration to support the Ukrainian effort by delivering key air defence systems at pace. We are pleased that this contract is the first to be signed under Task Force Hirst, which has been established to deliver a deeper defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine.

“Earlier this week, the Government confirmed a milestone moment in international support for Ukraine, with eight countries from across the world having now joined the UK to provide more than £1 billion to the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU), in a significant show of unity from Ukraine’s allies.”

The IFU was first launched by the UK and Denmark in 2022 to provide an efficient way for countries to pool resources to buy equipment and weapons to support Ukraine’s most urgent capability needs. The UK has donated £500 million to the Fund to date.

This is also the first contract approved under Task Force Hirst, a MOD initiative created to ramp up defence industrial capacity and capability, laying the foundation for larger sustained supply of missiles and other key capabilities to Ukraine and, in the longer term, enable industrial cooperation between our two countries.

Charity urges Secondary Schools to use new resource to inspire pupils’ confidence to live tobacco-free lives

ASH Scotland is encouraging secondary school teachers in Edinburgh to use a new resource pack as part of cross-curricular learning to inspire young people to make confident, informed decisions to protect their long-term health by not taking up smoking or vaping.

The Tobacco-free Schools pack, which features 28 engaging activities that can be used in group lessons, is being launched by the charity at a time when the major public health issues of youth smoking and, increasingly, vaping are causing great concern for teachers and other school staff working with children.

The pack provides up-to-date facts and statistics covering a range of topics such as ‘Understanding addiction’, ‘Smoking and mental health’, ‘Are e-cigarettes safe?’, ‘Being confidently nicotine-free’ and ‘Cigarette butts and e-cigarette waste’ to support the delivery of personal and social education classes or for classwork across various subjects.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive for ASH Scotland, said: “With concerned teachers across Scotland regularly contacting us for information and advice about tobacco and vapes, it is important that those working with young people in Edinburgh can access robust, evidence-based tailored resources to engage and empower youngsters to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

“We are pleased to launch our new Tobacco-free Schools resource pack which is specially designed to be an effective learning aid to enable teachers to facilitate classwork to help equip pupils to increase their knowledge about the risks associated with both smoking and vaping.

“The pack’s interactive resources offer opportunities for teachers to promote a smoke and vape-free culture on school campuses through building the confidence of students to prevent peer pressure from steering them in a harmful direction and, instead, make positive choices to protect their physical and mental health by not smoking or vaping.”

To download the pack, visit www.ashscotland.org.uk/schoolspack

The Force reawakens at Vue this September as the Star Wars saga returns to the big screen

Film fans are invited to revisit a galaxy far, far away this September as every main Star Wars film brings some of cinema’s most iconic heroes and villains back to the big screen.

Spanning over 46 years of epic moments and ground-breaking action launched from the mind of George Lucas, every episode of the iconic science fiction franchise will be screening at Vue sites in Edinburgh this Autumn as part of the Back on the Big Screen offering, telling the tale of the rises and falls of the mystical Jedi across ten films.

Blasting off with the original trilogy of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (September 7), Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (September 14) and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (September 21), heroes such as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca and the two loveable droids R2-D2 & C3PO must protect the universe from the nefarious Empire – led by legendary big screen villain Darth Vadar and Sith mastermind Emperor Palpatine.

Marking its 25^th anniversary since its release, Star Wars Episode I : The Phantom Menace kicks off the prequel trilogy on September 28, which retells the story behind Darth Vader and how the big bad got their origin from humble beginnings learning about the Force as a young boy. Alongside Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, revisit fantastical sci-fi worlds and take part in epic battles on September 28.

The third and final ‘sequel’ trilogy will bring the most recent Star Wars films to the big screen with Episode VII: The Force Awakens (October 1), Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (October 5) & Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (October 5) retuning to Vue as well. Following the events of the original films, a new threat emerges in the galaxy and it’s up to characters such as Ray, Finn and BB-8 to take on this new threat – led by the shadowy Kylo Ren.

Rey (Daisy Ridley) in STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER.

Alongside these mainline films, Vue will also be bringing the prequel Rogue One: A Star Wars Story to the big screen again on September 29.

This gripping crowd-pleaser tells the story behind the ragtag group of heroes who helped kickstart the original adventures by claiming top secret information for the Rebels about the Empire’s ultimate weapon – The Death Star.

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Ocean, said: ‘Generations of film fans have fallen in love with the Star Wars story on the big screen over the years, so we’re hugely excited to bring this sci-fi saga back to Vue – offering a way for families and fans to enjoy their favourite Jedi and Sith moments on the big screen.

“Whether you’re a fan of the originals, the prequels or the newer titles, we welcome fans to enjoy these films as they’re meant to be seen on the big screen so they can enjoy every lightsaber duel, every spaceship battle and every loveable character at home at Vue.’

Tickets for the Star Wars Back on the Big Screen releases start from £6.99 when booked online. To find out more visit www.myvue.com

Programme for Government: Crisis point for voluntary sector

‘We’re not a nice-to-have sector. We’re an essential sector‘

It all feels a bit grim (writes SCVO Chief Exec ANNA FOWLIE).

A few weeks ago, the Chancellor revealed a “black hole” in public finances across the UK and announced the end to the universal winter fuel allowance. This week the Cabinet Secretary for Finance announced significant cuts to programmes this year to enable the Scottish Government to fund public sector pay deals.

On Wednesday, John Swinney took to the lectern in the Scottish Parliament to present his first Programme for Government, having watched them being delivered from different seats across the Scottish Parliament in the previous 24 years.

I’m sure that was a novel experience for him, but I’m left with a sense of déjà vu.

There is no doubt that parts of our public sector need reform. It’s been more than 13 years since the Christie Commission said that reform must empower individuals, integrate service provision, prioritise expenditure on prevention and increase shared services. But have we seen significant shifts, or have the deckchairs just been rearranged and repainted while pointing towards little ‘pilots’ as evidence of progress?

The voluntary sector is often closest to the most vulnerable people in our society and best placed to support them, including helping them to navigate the baffling complexity of some public services.

Hundreds of organisations are rooted in communities, supporting families to help address the First Minister’s top priority of tackling child poverty. Indeed, the sector will be key to achieving all four of the First Minister’s priorities.

However, with resources increasingly being pulled into the public sector, much of the voluntary sector is resigned to getting scraps from the table.

With years of static funding, an inability to keep pace with public sector pay and constant inability to plan because of a lack of Fair Funding, it does feel like we’ve reached a crisis point.

There is no doubt Government sometimes needs to make difficult choices, but they’re avoiding the hard ones. If we are to turn the rhetoric on addressing poverty and public service reform into reality, we can’t expect current systems and structures to deliver the radical change we need, and we can’t imagine that the public sector can do it all alone.

Public sector staff deserve to be paid fairly, but the voluntary sector deserves to be treated fairly. We deserve more than warm words.

We need to channel the limited resources we have to the experts. People are the experts in their own lives – and most know what they need.

Those at the front-line know how best to support them, but we need to challenge the practice that the public sector is prioritised without truly thinking about how ‘public services’ are best delivered, and by whom.

We’re not a nice-to-have sector. We’re an essential sector.

Care Home celebrates International Day of Charity

Residents and staff at Strachan House in Edinburgh got together and collected food items, toiletries and treats for the local community charity L.I.F.T at Muirhouse Millennium Centre.

Staff and residents at Strachan House have given back to the local community today by donating these wonderful hampers to the local community charity L.I.F.T.

The local charity L.I.F.T supports the local community in a holistic way and ensures that children get the very best start to reach their full potential.

Frances Fisher, General Manager at Strachan House said: “We love to fundraise for charities throughout the year. We pick different causes to support that have been selected by staff, residents and friends of the home.

“Our staff and residents donated food items, treats and toiletries to the charity and our wonderful residents supported putting together the hamper!

“Everyone was overjoyed with the end product, and we hope that it brings comfort and joy to those who need it! Thank you to everyone who donated!”

Strachan House Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides dementia, residential care, and respite care.

Scottish Ministerial Code to be strengthened

Advisers to investigate potential breaches

Independent Advisers will be able to launch investigations into alleged breaches of the Ministerial Code under new powers being given to them by the First Minister.

Currently, investigations can only begin following a referral from the First Minister. Now, the Scottish Ministerial Code will be strengthened to enable independent advisers to investigate potential breaches whenever they feel it is warranted.

In a further reform, where a breach is established, advisers will be able to provide advice to the First Minister on appropriate sanctions.

The independent advisers will also be given a role in scrutinizing Ministers’ declarations of interests so they can offer advice on avoiding actual or perceived conflicts of interest.

First Minister John Swinney said: “The people of Scotland rightly expect Ministers, including myself, to be held to the highest standards.

“The 2023 Ministerial Code already set an extremely high bar in terms of standards in public life and these updates to the Scottish Ministerial Code, which are, collectively, the most significant since independent advisers were introduced in 2008, will further increase transparency and scrutiny.

“These changes, and others which will be confirmed when the new Code is published, will ensure we keep the public trust and continue to deliver for the people of Scotland.”

Background

Scottish Ministerial Code 2023 edition

Khasha Smith investigation: Man arrested

Detectives investigating the disappearance of Khasha Smith have arrested a man as they continue to appeal for information.

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 today, Friday, 6 September, 2024, been arrested in connection with her death and enquiries are ongoing.

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 are very much 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.