Students! The College’s Professional Cookery and Hospitality department are hosting a coffee morning in the Apprentice Restaurant at Granton Campus on Wednesday 2 October.
You are invited to come along from 10.30am-11.30am to grab a coffee and a cake for just £2.50.
Established in 2008, Leith-based charity Strange Town uses theatre and the arts as a creative catalyst to nurture talent and increase access to opportunities for all children and young people, whatever their background or experience.
Founded by local Directors Steve Small and Ruth Hollyman, together they set up Strange Town with a mission to increase access to life-enriching experiences in the arts for everyone, offering accessible activities, a range of bursaries and financial assistance for young actors who are at an early stage in their careers but often find the financial outlays prohibitive to launching their careers.
The organisation has expanded across the last 15 years and now reaches over 2,000 local young people every year. Activities include youth theatre classes, holiday programmes, a touring company and agency support for young actors.
The charity has helped develop the careers of some of the Capital’s best-known local talent including Tallulah Greive and Lewis Gribben.
Strange Town proudly creates work of the highest quality that is both daring and entertaining, tackling subjects of importance to young people’s lives, such as consent, climate change anxiety and knife crime, vitally involving and commissioning emerging writers.
The charity will mark the finale of their fifteenth year with a special three-night run of their acclaimed play ‘HER’, written by award-winning playwright Jennifer Adam.
Initially touring secondary schools across the city, HER is an important play about the damaging effects of gender inequality, the truth about consent and asks; “how can you be the change you want to see in the world when you feel like the world is fighting against you?”
Steve Small, co-Founder of Strange Town, said: “We are so proud of the activities and support we have delivered across the last fifteen years.
“Edinburgh is well-known as an epicentre for creative talent and opportunity; we have just had one of the busiest ever Fringe festivals where our city comes alive with performance and celebration of the arts, yet for many young people living here all year round these opportunities just do not exist.
“Arts organisations are struggling to sustain their support. We are seriously under-funded in this country and without programmes like ours, young people, especially those from socio-economically deprived backgrounds would be unable to benefit from the life-enriching experiences of participating in youth theatre.
“When young people join Strange Town, they are given the opportunity to connect with others in-person, to have fun, build key life skills, grow in confidence and feel a sense of belonging. Many would never contemplate a career in the arts without our support.
“Our touring company productions are carefully created to engage to spark discussion and debate around difficult subject matter. We are delighted that we’ve been given the opportunity to revive ‘HER’ this October and encourage all local people, theatre-goers and those keen to learn more about us, to come to a show and help support our work across the next 15-years.”
Strange Town’s Touring Company will perform ‘HER’ at the Tech Cube in Summerhall for three-nights only Tues 8th – Thurs 10th October.
Open to everyone age 14+, ticket can be purchased on the Summerhall website. All proceeds go towards the charity’s vital work with young people living across Edinburgh.
On Tuesday 1st October 2024, the energy price cap will rise by 10%, taking a typical annual household bill to £1,717. One Edinburgh Community Interest Company predicts this increase will push many struggling families over the edge.
To help in the fight against poverty, The Leith Collective is launching its Winter Coat Exchange on Tuesday 1st October to coincide with this energy price cap rise. Having redistributed almost 10,000 free coats last winter, founder Sara Thomson predicts even more will be needed this year to provide warmth and comfort to those in desperate need.
According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, more than one million people live in poverty in Scotland, with nearly half of those people (490,000) living in very deep poverty. The energy price cap rise will hit those trapped in poverty the hardest and will no doubt force many to sacrifice basic essentials such as a warm winter coat.
And so, The Leith Collective is calling on businesses, organisations, charities and community groups across Scotland to register as an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point. That way, they can redistribute good quality coats to those who need them – free of charge, no questions asked – and provide much-needed comfort this winter.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Sara said; “This is the fourth year of running the Winter Coat Exchange and sadly I think our help will be needed more than ever this year.
“So many people are already at breaking point because of the cost of living crisis, and now gas and electric bills are set to rise yet again. Last year we redistributed almost 10,000 coats to those in need and we’re bracing ourselves for even greater demand this winter.”
One of the first organisations to sign up to the scheme this year was the Edinburgh CIC, Let the People Sing. Founder Vicky Scoular said; “Going without basic necessities such as a warm winter coat can have a hugely detrimental impact on a person’s dignity and on their mental wellbeing.
“So we’re proud to be playing our part in the fight against poverty by signing up to be an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point and we implore as many other local organisations to do the same so we can make a real difference.”
Organisations can sign up to become an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point at www.we-relove.com, the sustainable online marketplace from The Leith Collective.
The website also enables individuals in need to enter their postcode and find their nearest collection point, so they can get a quality coat without charge and without judgement.
Healthcare workers, support staff and volunteers who have gone the ‘extra mile’ have been recognised at NHS Lothian’s annual Celebrating Success Awards.
Hundreds of nominations were received over 12 categories, with the winners announced at a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday evening (26 September).
The Emergency Department Frailty Service picked up the Team of the Year award, recognising their collaborative efforts in supporting frail older people who attend the Emergency Department.
The multidisciplinary team was established in February 2023 and works to deliver safe alternatives to hospital admission and care closer to home.
Dr Amy Armstrong, Consultant, ED Frailty Team, NHS Lothian said: “We are absolutely delighted to win the Team of the Year award. It’s really nice recognition of everyone’s hard work.
“We are lucky to meet lovely patients who are often very grateful for our input on the day, but it’s nice to have that recognised at an organisational level.”
The Staff Member of the Year award was scooped up by Kate Farquharson, Unit Co-ordinator, Anaesthetic Department, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh.
Kate has been in her role for 30 years and coordinates over 120 anaesthetists who work across the department, ensuring safe cover to multiple clinical areas across three different hospital sites. She was commended by her colleagues for ensuring the smooth running of an incredibly complex ship with warmth, kindness and fun.
Kate said: “I’m absolutely delighted to win Staff Member of the Year. I was really emotional and overwhelmed; it was really lovely. I’m nearing the end of my NHS career and I’m so proud and privileged to have been part of it all.”
Competition for the prestigious Health Hero award, nominated by the public, was tough with three outstanding candidates. The winner was Susanne Crichton, Team Lead Occupational Therapist & Disability Case Manager.
Susanne was nominated by Marika Komori, who she has been supporting for over two years.
Marika said: “Susanne has been instrumental in supporting me and helping me to manage my condition within the workplace. Susanne has gone above and beyond her role to give me the support, the expertise, and the advice I have needed.
“I can honestly say she has saved my life. She’s absolutely my Health Hero.”
Susanne said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this award and a little embarrassed. It’s so lovely that someone, who was dealing with their own challenges, has taken the time to make this nomination.
“To have the opportunity to share the impact that vocational rehabilitation can have on someone’s life is brilliant. I love my job and winning this award is the icing on the cake, but I was already truly flattered and proud just to have been nominated.”
Professor John Connaghan CBE, Chair of NHS Lothian Board explained: “The Celebrating Success Awards are an important event in our calendar. They are an opportunity to recognise and honour the people working across all areas of our local health service for their tremendous contribution in helping others.
“Our finalists were chosen by their fellow colleagues, or the public, because of the invaluable role they play. They have been shortlisted from hundreds of award entries and should be incredibly proud of their amazing achievements.”
The 2024 Awards are the first for NHS Lothian Chief Executive Caroline Hiscox, who said: “The NHS is undoubtedly facing some of its most challenging times, however it is still incredibly important that we celebrate our collective achievements and honour colleagues for the exceptional things they have done.
“It was fantastic to see so many staff coming together to watch this year’s virtual Celebrating Success Awards ceremony. Thank you for making the night so special for all those who were nominated.”
For the full list of NHS Lothian’s award winners please visit:
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.
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.
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, 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/
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.
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.”
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:
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
