Day: October 5, 2024

Scottish Opera presents The Puccini Collection

Scottish Opera – Puccini, Caird Hall, Dundee.

November 2024 marks 100 years since the death of Giacomo Puccini, one of opera’s most popular composers. Scottish Opera is offering audiences at Usher Hall in Edinburgh and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall a magnificent journey through beloved arias and ensembles from Puccini’s operas. 

The Company’s Music Director Stuart Stratford presents this carefully curated selection of highlights, which includes some of Puccini’s most famous works, such as La bohème, Manon Lescaut and Tosca.

Audiences can also enjoy a taster of his earlier compositions including Le villi and Edgar, as well as glorious excerpts from underappreciated masterpieces such as La fanciulla del West, and his final, unfinished opera Turandot.

This gala performance promises to be an unforgettable evening celebrating a century of passion, drama, and exquisite music that has captivated audiences worldwide, including here in Scotland. 

This concert is an ideal opportunity for anyone not familiar with Puccini — whose music is frequently incorporated into popular culture, including films and musicals — as well as seasoned operagoers.

Stuart Stratford conducts an exceptional cast of international talent including soprano Sinéad Campbell Wallace  (known for her stunning portrayal of diva Floria Tosca in Tosca 2019), tenor Mykhailo Malafii (performing the role of Cavaradossi in Lviv National Opera’s Tosca this October) making his Company debut and baritone Roland Wood, who in 2023 brought depth and nuance to the complex characters of Michele and Gianni Schicchi in the Company’s award- winning production of Il trittico. They are accompanied on stage by The Orchestra of Scottish Opera. 

Soprano Kira Kaplan, one of Scottish Opera’s Emerging Artists for the 2024/25 Season, who was in the Company’s recent production of Albert Herring, also joins the cast, along with tenor Fraser Simpson (La traviata 2024).  

‘This concert is big, passionate sections from one of opera’s greatest composers, sung by a first-rate cast, including Sinéad Campbell Wallace and Roland Wood,” said Stuart Stratford who curated The Puccini Collection with Scottish Opera’s Head of Music, Fiona MacSherry.

“Puccini’s music has stood the test of time, and this concert is a tremendous opportunity to see these brilliant singers onstage with a full orchestra, and mark the centenary of this iconic composer’s death, which is on 29 November this year,   

‘You’ll hear huge excerpts from Tosca and La bohème, and sections from Manon Lescaut and La fanciulla del West, among other arias and interludes. Whether you are looking to relive your Italia 90 moment, or discover even more about the great Italian master, it promises to be an evening of unforgettable treasures.’  

A Rich History of Puccini in Scotland 

The work of Puccini has a special place in the history of Scottish Opera: the Company’s very first production was Madama Butterfly in 1962. More recently, the Company’s staging of Il trittico received an International Opera Award Nomination, and won Outstanding Achievement in Opera at the Critics’ Circle Awards 2023.  

Other notable Scottish Opera productions of Puccini’s work include a contemporary La bohème outdoors in the car park of its Edington Street Production Studios in Glasgow during the pandemic, a new Madama Butterfly by Sir David McVicar in 2000, director Anthony Besch’s legendary staging of Tosca (first performed in 1980 and revived nine times since then), and it was in the Company’s 2010 concert staging of La fanciulla del West that acclaimed soprano Susan Bullock first performed the role of Minnie.  

Puccini’s music also helped Scottish Opera mark its 60th Anniversary. In 2022, the Company commissioned a custom made gin from Biggar Gin, called Suonare, featuring a red label with die-cut holes which when removed and placed in a music box played ‘Un bel di’ from Madama Butterfly, a favourite of Scottish Opera’s founder, Sir Alexander Gibson.

This rich history with Puccini’s works demonstrates Scottish Opera has developed a deep understanding and appreciation for the composer’s music.

The Puccini Collection was originally performed in Dundee in December 2021, under pandemic conditions. The Dundee Courier praised the concert as ‘a perfect tribute to a man whose melodies are to die for.’

To book your tickets, visit www.scottishopera.org.uk/shows/the-puccini-collection/  

The Puccini Collection is supported by Friends of Scottish Opera and The Scottish Opera Endowment Trust. 

Following the success of Daphne in 2023, the Opera in Concert series is rounded off for the 2024/25 Season, with The Strauss Collection in March, which features some of the finest pieces Richard Strauss ever wrote, with music from Ariadne auf Naxos, Arabella, and Der Rosenkavalier. 

The first half moves between a clash of artistically opposed theatre troupes in Ariadne to a nostalgic Viennese romance complete with disguises and mistaken identities in Arabella. The second half captures the highlights of Der Rosenkavalier’s three acts, following two colliding love stories with all the complications and grandeur of human relationships.    

Stuart Stratford conducts The Orchestra of Scottish Opera through these lush sound worlds. The all-star cast includes sopranos Helena Dix and Rhian Lois (La bohème 2020), mezzo-soprano Hanna Hipp (Kátya Kabanová 2019), and baritone Roland Wood (Oedipus Rex 2024), all making the most of Strauss’ astounding understanding of the human voice.    

The Puccini Collection cast and creative team  

Conductor Stuart Stratford   

Soprano Sinéad Campbell Wallace 

Tenor Mykhailo Malafii 

Baritone Roland Wood  

Soprano Kira Kaplan  

Tenor Fraser Simpson  

The Puccini Collection performance diary  

Usher Hall, Edinburgh 22 November 2024, 7.30pm  

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall 23 November 2024, 7.30pm  

Take a peek into world of animal welfare this Scottish Careers Week

A peek into the world of working in animal welfare is being offered to students as part of Scottish Careers Week (11-15 November).

Cats Protection, the UK’s largest cat welfare charity, is hosting a one-off free live event aimed at anyone over the age of 11.

The charity’s Education team is inviting teachers, lecturers and other education providers to sign up for the unique learning experience being hosted on  to sign up for the talk being hosted on Wednesday, 13 November from 1.45-2.45pm.

Coming live from Cats Protection Scotland Cat Centre in Glasgow, the session will see Community Education Officer Alison Cameron-Russell chatting to staff about their roles and their varied career paths into animal welfare.

Attendees will also be taken on a virtual tour of the centre, meeting the cats in care and seeing what goes on behind the scenes at a busy adoption centre.

Alison said: “It’s going to be a fun, engaging and informative event to inspire young people about the roles available working within a centre at an animal charity, and as an added bonus our audience get to see cats and kittens!

“There are so many rewarding jobs and volunteer opportunities that people may not realise exist, and this talk will offer a window into the fascinating world of animal welfare and the affects people can have in giving cats a better life. The talk is not just open to students so if you’re considering a job change and would like to explore animal welfare sign up.”

Classes, groups, and individuals can sign up to the live session knowing they have been devised to help young people understand and develop their career aspirations.

Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scottish-careers-week-live-cat-centre-tour-tickets-1005150782047?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Talks can also be arranged outside of Scottish Careers Week for young people of all ages. For more information visit www.education.cats.org.uk or email education@cats.org.uk.

ACAS: Industrial disputes becoming more polarised

Two new reports from workplace expert Acas show that groups involved in industrial disputes are increasingly polarised.

The reports look at people’s perceptions of group workplace conflict in Britain and Acas’s role in helping to resolve them.

Acas is the leading authority on workplace relations and dispute resolution in Great Britain.

Acas provides a free, impartial and voluntary collective conciliation service, which means when there is a disagreement between an employer and a group of employees, Acas can help both sides try to come to an agreement and settle the dispute.

The evaluation shows that Acas’s collective conciliation remains highly rated amongst those who use it; but those involved in workplace conflict are becoming more polarised and are increasingly unsure how to resolve the issue.

Decreasing negotiation skills, lack of experience of handling collective conflict, increasingly polarised starting positions and challenging economic and political factors have all contributed to an increase in parties seeking Acas’s help.

Acas Director of Dispute Resolution Kate Nowicki said: “Industrial disputes increased last year against a challenging economic and political backdrop, and we have seen the landscape of collective workplace conflict become more complex, with opposing positions often more entrenched.

“Despite this, our research shows that satisfaction levels amongst Acas customers remain very high. We are listening carefully to what people say about us, gaining new insights to make sure that our conciliation service is as good as it can be.

“This validation of the service comes at an important time, as the employment relations landscape faces significant change with the introduction of the government’s Employment Rights Bill.”

Acas Chief Conciliator Marina Glasgow added: “The report underlines the importance of Acas as an impartial, independent expert in workplace disputes and it reflects our success.

“I’m delighted that the research shows that the vast majority of our customers get good outcomes for their organisations. Turning to Acas is a hallmark of success, not failure, and this research validates that choice.

“It is extremely satisfying to be able to help people in heated, entrenched situations come out the other side able to shake hands and move forward.”

Acas was involved in 618 collective disputes between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024.

For more information, please visit: 

https://www.acas.org.uk/about-us/evaluations/acas-collective-conciliation-evaluation

https://www.acas.org.uk/research-and-commentary/workplace-conflict/continuity-and-change-in-collective-workplace-conflict

Three charities in the East of Scotland secure share of £25,000

Three good causes across the East of Scotland have secured a share of a £25,000 funding pot, thanks to Scotmid’s Community Connect initiative.

The funds were allocated to The Rosebery Centre, Leuchie House and Play Therapy Base following a vote by Scotmid Members.

The Rosebery Centre, based in Polbeth, West Lothian, has been awarded £15,000. The charity supports older people living with dementia in the community. This funding will be used to provide nutritious healthy lunches and snacks, offering members valuable time to socialise and helping to combat the isolation they face due to their condition.

Leuchie House, based in East Lothian, has been awarded £5,000. The charity provides people living with neurological conditions and their families with access to short respite breaks. The funding will go towards the tailored activities & entertainment provided with every break helping to improve health, enables independence and reduces loneliness.

The final good cause group in the East of Scotland to have been awarded £5,000 funding is Play Therapy Base.  The Dalkeith based charity works with children aged 3-14 who are experiencing emotional distress.

Services include weekly 1-1 play & art sessions with experienced therapists, either in the community or within one of the dedicated playrooms. Funding will contribute to the running and resourcing of these playrooms which are used by around 60 children each week.

Anne Marson, Centre Manager at The Rosebery Centre, said: “We are overwhelmed with this generous donation from Scotmid.

“The support will enable us to continue providing healthy meals to members while they socialise together, significantly improving the quality of life for dementia patients.”

Claire Williams, Head of Fundraising at Leuchie House, said: “We are so grateful for this incredible contribution from Scotmid.

“This support will enable Leuchie to reimagine respite as a service that delivers more, beyond the break, to improve the health of our guests, enable their independence and reduce the loneliness experienced by many as a result of their condition.”

Linda Cuthbert, Service Manager at Play Therapy Base, said: “Thanks to Scotmid’s generous funding, we can keep providing life-changing play and art therapy sessions to children who need it most.

“This £5,000 will go directly toward maintaining our playrooms, where dozens of young people find comfort, support, and emotional healing every week.”

Keen to support local good causes? Pop into your local Scotmid and pay £1 to become a member.

Trinity road crash: Man charged

A 41-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with road traffic offences following a crash in Edinburgh.

The incident occurred around 5.50pm on Wednesday, 10 April, 2024, in Trinity Crescent.

A 58-year-old man was injured in the collision and died on Monday, 29 April, 2024.

The man is due to appear at court at a later date.

Youths charged over West Granton fire

Two male youths, aged 13 and 14, have been charged in connection with a fire in Edinburgh. The incident happened around 5.15pm on Monday, 23 September, 2024 on West Granton Road.

A report will be submitted to the relevant authority.

New guide helps Scots seniors safeguard their finances as online scams soar

With statistics this year from Age Scotland showing that over 400,000 older people living in Scotland have been targeted by scammers, it has never been more important to protect yourself and others from falling victim to fraudsters. Crimes include crypto currency, scam text messages and fake phone calls or emails impersonating trusted organisations such as banks. 

While a rapid rise in cases were seen across all age groups, older people are particularly more susceptible. Incidences of fraud crime against this age demographic in Scotland are rising, as scammers take advantage of their relative unfamiliarity with technology, and potentially more trusting nature.  

To mark International Day of Older Persons on 1st October, Scottish charity the Cyber and Fraud Hub has relaunched its Older Person’s guide to encourage older residents to be vigilant when it comes to online scams.

Originally produced by the Cyber and Fraud Centre Scotland, A Guide to Avoiding Fraud and Scams for Older People addresses some of the most common forms of cyber and fraud crime, and will be distributed through local community networks as well as being available online.  

The guide aims to empower older adults to navigate the digital landscape safely and securely, and provides insights into common online scams, identifies red flags to watch out for, and outlines steps to take in case of suspected fraud.

The Cyber and Fraud Hub is the first charity of its kind in Scotland, offering comprehensive support tailored specifically to individuals affected by cyber and fraud crimes. The Hub is built on strong relationships with Police Scotland and the banking sector, and its mission is to ensure that members of the public across Scotland receive the support they need when they are most vulnerable.  

Since the Cyber and Fraud Hub launched, the team has dealt with around £250k of crypto frauds across all age groups and stopped or prevented around £60k from being transferred to fraudsters. Victims of crypto currency scams usually engage with individuals who are unknown to them through unsolicited approaches on WhatsApp, Facebook or dating apps, for example, or click on links by AI generated celebrities supposedly promoting crypto scams.  

Other common scam and fraud attempts affecting older people most commonly include telephone scams, banking scams, WhatsApp family and friends impersonation scams, parcel delivery scams and investment and pension scams.  

Alex Dowall, Head of Fraud and Cyber at the Cyber and Fraud Hub, said: “Anyone of any age can fall victim to a scam and fraud attempts are on the increase for all age groups, however we have noticed a huge increase in scammers repeatedly targeting older people.

“The Hub was launched to offer Scotland’s only dedicated cyber support for all members of the public. We understand that our older residents are less likely to access online and social media platforms, so we are encouraging people to have a conversation about our guide with their older friends, family and neighbours to empower them to be as vigilant as possible against fraud and scam attempts.”  

International Day of Older Persons raises awareness of opportunities and challenges faced by ageing populations, and to mobilise the wider community to address difficulties faced by older people.

While the day focuses on many issues, Cyber and Fraud Hub urges older people to:  

  • Be cautious of unexpected calls, emails, or letters.  
  • Never give out personal information over the phone or email.  
  • Be suspicious of any offers that sound too good to be true.  
  • Shred personal documents before throwing them away.  
  • Talk to someone you trust about your finances.   

To access the guide, visitthe Resources section on the Cyber and Fraud Hub at cyberfraudhub.org.

Anyone who finds themselves a victim of a cyber or fraud crime can call the incident response helpline on 0808 281 3580. 

Clowndoctors assemble in Edinburgh!

  Hearts & Minds have welcomed to Edinburgh delegates to the General Assembly of the European Federation of Healthcare Clowning Organisations. The General Assembly was held at The Scottish Storytelling Centre in the heart of the historic city from 2 – 4 October.

The General Assembly is an annual meeting for Artistic Directors and Chief Executives and General Managers from the 20 healthcare clowning organisations across Europe.

The Assembly took place over three days and included presentations by member organisations, artistic workshops and discussion groups where efhco members shared what is happening within their own countries and discuss impacts and outcomes of healthcare clowning.

Healthcare clowning is not unique to Scotland. It is an internationally recognised performing arts in health practice. Healthcare clowns always bring great joy and laughter, and the health benefits they bring are significant too. Research shows that the person-centred emotional engagement they offer each person they visit lessens loneliness and isolation, relieves distress and worry, and supports healthcare staff and families too.

Sean Donnelly, CEO, of host organization Hearts & Minds commented: “I am thrilled to have welcomed our colleagues from healthcare clown organisations across Europe to Edinburgh for this annual assembly.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for us to discuss and compare our work and the challenges we face and support each other with new ideas and shared research. 

“We are also delighted that while in Edinburgh we will introduce them to the history of Edinburgh’s Old Town and there will be a ceilidh where a few whiskies will be enjoyed”

G7 nations agree new plan to dismantle migrant smuggling gangs

The Home Secretary has agreed a major international plan to smash criminal gangs responsible for smuggling illegal migrants into G7 nations

The G7 Anti-Smuggling Action Plan will deliver a boost to UK law enforcement by fostering closer cooperation with G7 partners to bolster border security, combat transnational organised crime, and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation by migrant smugglers.

New joint investigative actions will be carried out by law enforcement teams to target criminal smuggling routes, while intelligence sharing between G7 nations will ensure faster identification and disruption of these dangerous networks.

This approach will enhance the capabilities of the Border Security Command and its new Commander Martin Hewitt CBE QPM in coordinating investigations with international partners to reduce illegal migration to the UK.

Other measures announced in the plan include: 

  • sharing best practice, including disrupting supply chains that facilitate people-smuggling, such as small boat parts, seizing the illegal financial assets of criminals, and improving cooperation across global transport routes
  • working with social media platforms and internet providers to remove harmful content that promotes illegal migration services or advertises fake job opportunities
  • strengthening capabilities to monitor and anticipate irregular migration flows at both global and regional levels

The agreement comes after discussions by the Home Secretary at the G7 Interior and Security Ministers’ meeting in Avellino, Italy, this week. It marks another step in the UK’s reset of relations with key allies and affirms a shared commitment to working together to tackle complex cross-border issues. 

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Criminal smuggling gangs who organise small boat crossings undermine our border security and put lives at risk. Our new government is rapidly accelerating cooperation with other countries to crack down on these dangerous gangs.

“Today’s newly agreed G7 action plan provides an important focus on international law enforcement and reflects our determination to work with global partners on these shared challenges. New international joint investigative teams will help coordinate cross-border action and supplement the measures we have already taken to set up the UK Border Security Command and back it with new funding.

“The plan will help to increase both voluntary and enforced returns of migrants to countries of origin. It aims to offer migrants more choices and improve the overall management of migration flows.”

Instrumental to delivery of this plan in the UK is the new Border Security Command, under the leadership of Martin Hewitt CBE QPM, which will be armed with enhanced powers and coordinate the work of law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

It will coordinate investigations with European counterparts and will benefit from a £75 million investment in cutting-edge technology, additional officers, and new covert capabilities.

In July, the government committed a further £84 million to addressing the root causes of irregular migration. This funding will go towards programmes aimed at tackling the drivers of migration at their source, reducing the need for dangerous and irregular journeys.

Since taking office, the Home Secretary has increased efforts to work with international partners to tackle the challenges posed by irregular migration.

This has included engagement with the United States Attorney General, Merrick Garland, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, and Executive Director of Europol, Catherine De Bolle.

The UK will continue to drive focus on tackling migrant smuggling with the G7 under Canada’s presidency next year, and at next month’s INTERPOL General Assembly in Glasgow.

Sight Loss Charities Demand Eye Hospital Closure Answers

‘Waiting Times Will Soar and Patient Care will Suffer’ 

Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans are urgently seeking answers from NHS Lothian regarding the temporary closure of the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion in Edinburgh due to emergency repair works.

The sight loss charities are questioning the six-month closure timeline and are warning that it will result in longer waiting times and declining patient care, putting the eye health and mental wellbeing of thousands at heightened risk. 

During a recent round table discussion in the Scottish Parliament on Monday 30th September, Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland, along with NHS Lothian’s Interim Chief Executive Jim Crombie, MSPs Sue Webber, Miles Briggs, and Sarah Boyack, and representatives from Visibility Scotland, RNIB Scotland, Sight Scotland’s Policy Group and the KEEP campaign, discussed the implications of the temporary closure. 

Key concerns raised included: 

  • Resilience and Contingency Plans: Clarity is needed on how NHS Lothian will handle patient reallocations, especially if moving patients to other locations becomes unviable, and what longer-term contingency plans exist if repairs exceed the 6-month timeframe. 
  • Relocation of Services: NHS Lothian must confirm where outpatient, inpatient, day care, and emergency services will be provided during the closure. 
  • Communication and Patient Support: Will NHS Lothian commit to timely, accessible updates and appointment information (e.g., large print, colour contrast, Braille, telephone calls) and ensure consistent patient support services throughout the disruption? 
  • Transport and Accessibility: What transport options will be available for patients, especially those struggling to reach new locations? Will NHS Lothian seek to secure additional funds from the Scottish Government for taxis and ambulances? 
  • Access to Medication: How will patients access medication from the specialist pharmacy, and will community pharmacies be an alternative? 
  • Patient Data: How will patient data records be secured and shared, and what system will ensure quick transfer of essential paperwork to prevent delays in CVI registration?  

Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, comments: “We are extremely concerned that the health and wellbeing of eye patients in Edinburgh and the Lothians is being overlooked once again.

“The temporary closure of the eye hospital raises serious questions about patient care, continuity of services, and access to essential treatments.

“This building has been deemed unfit for purpose for over a decade, yet NHS Lothian is set to pour millions into patching up a leaky roof, while the entire facility remains a disaster zone. 

“This is a significant blow to patients in a region where ophthalmology services are already severely strained. With waiting times at an all-time high, they are now expected to worsen, causing further delays to vital treatments and placing the eye health and mental wellbeing of thousands at serious risk.

“Since the building was declared unfit for purpose in 2014, outpatient waiting times have quadrupled. Now, less than a third of patients are seen within 12 weeks, compared to 90% ten years ago. Patients cannot afford to wait this long for critical treatments, and it’s only going to get worse. 

“There are so many urgent questions which need answered. What resilience plans are in place if some patient reallocations to alternative sites prove unviable?

“What contingency measures exist if the repairs extend beyond the planned six-month timeframe, will there be increased funding if the £1.8 million allocated for emergency repairs falls short? Where will those needing access to emergency eye care go?

“It is essential NHS Lothian works in partnership with third-sector organisations to support vulnerable patients during this difficult time, as many of them will be severely impacted.” 

“The recent roundtable made it clear that concerns are widespread, and there’s still no comprehensive plan to improve eye care in the capital. We must keep pushing NHS Lothian and the Scottish Government for answers, both for immediate solutions and long-term improvements.

“How many more lives must be disrupted before funding for a new eye hospital is finally secured?” 

For more information, visit sightscotland.org.uk