Month: October 2024

Granton Information Centre: Benefits Awareness session in Clermiston

Join us on Halloween for our FREE Benefits Awareness Workshop!

THURSDAY 31st OCTOBER from 10am – 12 noon

at Clermiston Church of the Nazarene, Rannoch Terrace

Lifelong braille user pays tribute to “excellent” writing system

Sight loss charity RNIB Scotland is celebrating 200 years of braille, the revolutionary writing system for blind and partially sighted people.

Developed by Louis Braille in 1824, it uses raised dots to represent letters, numbers, punctuation, and abbreviations. Braille has not only stood the test of time but continues to evolve, offering individuals with sight loss a vital means of communication, independence, and empowerment.

Jim McCafferty, a long-standing advocate for accessible formats who is originally from Glasgow but has spent most of his life in Edinburgh, reflects on his lifelong relationship with braille: “Braille has had a massive and very positive impact on my life, and to be perfectly honest, I really do not know how I could do without it. It has allowed me to enjoy an independent and varied life, both personally and professionally.”

Jim, who was registered blind at age three and first learned braille at the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh, went on to build a career in braille production and proofreading, working for over 40 years. His dedication to promoting accessible formats also saw him serve on the board of UKAAF (UK Association for Accessible Formats), where he edited the magazine Format Matters for nearly 11 years.

Reflecting on his experiences, Jim credits braille with being an indispensable tool that enables people with sight loss to remain engaged in daily life. “I use braille to keep my records up to date—whether it’s bank details, utility information, or passport numbers. I still read a lot, but if I want to ensure that information is kept confidential, I write it in braille.”

As a champion of braille, Jim highlights the urgent need for more braille teachers to ensure this essential skill continues to benefit future generations. “There just aren’t enough braille teachers. If more people could spread the word and teach this marvellous means of communication, more vision-impaired people—and even their sighted peers—would be encouraged to learn it.”

Jim also speaks of the evolving role of braille in the modern digital world. “In recent years, devices containing a braille keyboard and display have been developed, which has helped to promote the reading and writing system. What I find gratifying is the introduction of reasonably priced note-takers, such as the Orbit and Braille Me, making braille more accessible to people around the world.”

The anniversary of braille’s invention also provides an opportunity for sight loss organisations to come together and promote its importance. Jim states, “It is my firm belief that all organisations of or for vision impaired people should work together more closely. If this is done with braille, an excellent method of communication will have a great future—hopefully for the next 200 years.”

For those just starting their journey with braille, Jim offers some heartfelt advice: “Give learning braille all you’ve got. You don’t need to know the system intricately, but learning the alphabet and numbers will allow you to communicate and keep track of important information. It will help you maintain your independence and improve your life skills.”

Scotland’s national chef shows nation how to cook a delicious gourmet meal deal for under £4

Gary Maclean is encouraging amateur chefs across Scotland to take part in the Mary’s Meals Deals Challenge in support of hungry children 

MasterChef and long-time Mary’s Meals supporter, Gary Maclean, is asking the nation to take part in the Mary’s Meals Deals Challenge this lunchtime in support of hungry children living in the world’s poorest countries. 

Scotland’s national chef, who won MasterChef: The Professionals in 2016, is backing the charity’s Mary’s Meals Deals campaign which encourages people to help transform the lives of 40 hungry children by making a one-off donation or setting up a regular gift equal to the cost of a £4 supermarket meal deal. 

Mary’s Meals, founded in a shed in the Scottish Highlands, feeds more than 2.4 million children in 17 of the world’s poorest countries including Ethiopia, Lebanon and South Sudan. Donations ensure that the charity can keep its promise of a daily school meal to the children they feed, while striving to reach the next child waiting.

As well as donating to the international school feeding charity, Gary is encouraging the public to take on the Mary’s Meals Deals Challenge by making a delicious gourmet lunch equivalent to the price of a classic British meal deal.  

Gary recently rustled up a scrumptious lunch in the kitchen to inspire others to take part, with a mouth-watering twist on the classic supermarket sandwich, snack and a drink combo.

The celebrity chef prepared a flavour-packed chicken curry accompanied with braised rice and flatbreads, finished with a sweet and healthy raspberry sorbet as a dessert, all for the cost of under £4. You can watch Gary in action in the kitchen on Mary’s Meals’ website. 

Gary says: “We all know that a supermarket meal deal is easy and convenient, especially when life gets busy, but nothing beats a home-cooked lunch that all the family can enjoy. And it’s even better when it’s healthy! 

“My chicken curry is packed with vegetables and spices that you’ll likely have in your kitchen already. Paired with braised rice and easy to make flatbreads, you’ll have a filling lunch that won’t break the bank. For those who have a sweet tooth, my raspberry sorbet made with yoghurt is the perfect dessert to leave you satisfied. 

“Plus, the money saved on a daily meal deal from the supermarket can have a life-changing impact on the lives of vulnerable children around the world. Your donation, no matter how big or small, can give food, education and hope to those who need it most.” 

Gary, who is Executive Chef at the City of Glasgow College, has been a long-time supporter of Mary’s Meals. 

He says: “The link between education and food is so powerful. The little ones receive a daily school meal which gives them the energy to focus on their studies and gain an education that can lead to a brighter future. That’s why I’m delighted to be supporting Mary’s Meals Deals.  

“Every child should have enough to eat and the chance to learn, and by donating even as little as £4 you can help Mary’s Meals ensure that every child is given this opportunity.” 

Although the majority of big-name supermarkets offer budget meal deals for less than £4, a survey conducted on behalf of Mary’s Meals found that 70% of Brits are willing to spend even more on the lunchtime offering. And with the food-to-go market expected to grow by 40% by 2028 (1), it’s no surprise that the survey further revealed that 20% of Brits treat themselves to more than one meal deal a week.   

By making a donation equal to the cost of a meal deal, supporters can give Mary’s Meals the confidence to plan for the future and serve nutritious school meals to young learners like Chimwemwe from Malawi. 

Chimwemwe says: “I love Mary’s Meals porridge because it is nutritious. It makes me healthy and gives me energy while at school!” 

This year, any new regular gifts to Mary’s Meals will be matched by a generous donor, up to a value of £250,000, meaning the kindness of supporters will go twice as far.    

To find out more about Mary’s Meals Deals and how to make a donation or set up a regular gift, please visit www.marysmeals.org.uk/meal-deal   

  1. Meal deal madness: food-to-go market expected to grow by 40% by 2028 | AHDB   

Gary Maclean’s chicken curry with braised rice and flatbreads, and raspberry sorbet recipe:

Main 

Chicken curry  

  • 500g Chicken Thighs (boneless) 
  • 1 onion chopped  
  • 2 whole garlic cloves, peeled 
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped 
  • 1 red pepper, chopped 
  • 1 packet of green beans 
  • 1 packet of sugar snap peas 
  • 2 tbs plain flour  
  • 2 tsp madras curry powder  
  • 600ml chicken stock (2 chicken stock cubes) 
  • 2 tsp honey  
  • 1 tbs soy sauce  
  • 1 bay leaf  
  • ½ tsp garam masala 

Method: 

  1. To make the sauce, heat the oil in a small pan.  
  2. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2 minutes, then add in the carrots and sweat slowly for 10 minutes with the lid on, stir until softened and has started to caramelize.  
  3. Stir in the flour and curry powder and cook for a minute.  
  4. Slowly pour in the stock until combined.  
  5. Add the honey, soy sauce and bay leaf and bring to the boil.  
  6. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, so the sauce thickens but is still of pouring consistency.  
  7. Add the Garam masala, blend and then pass the sauce through a sieve. 
  8. Chop the chicken thighs into four, heat a frying pan add a little oil and drown the chicken pieces until golden brown, alternatively you could also do this in the air fryer if you have one.  
  9. Add the browned chicken, packet of green beans, sugar snap peas and chopped red pepper to your sauce and simmer until the chicken is tender. 

Rice  

  • 1 mug long grain rice   
  • 1 ½ mugs water/stock 

Method: 

  1. I am using a regular coffee mug and that is a great measurement for four people. 
  2. Once the rice has soaked place into a pot with a tight-fitting lid, add the water and a pinch of salt.  
  3. Place on the lid and slowly cook in the oven @ 170°C for 18 minutes until the rice is cooked. 
  4. Once cooked give the rice a stir and add another tablespoon of water and give the rice a stir with a wooden spoon then place the lid back on for at least 15 minutes. 

Side 

Flat breads 

  • 350g self-raising flour 
  • 1 ½ tsp sugar 
  • 1 tsp salt 
  • ½ tsp baking powder 
  • 7g sachet dried yeast 
  • 160g milk  
  • 142ml greek yoghurt 
  • Butter for cooking 

Method: 

  1. Sieve all dry ingredients together into a large bowl. 
  2. Heat the Milk for 1 minute on full power in the microwave and stir in the yoghurt, then dissolve in the yeast making sure the mixture is not too hot.  
  3. Add this mixture to the flour and mix with a spoon to bring it together to form a dough.  
  4. Knead until smooth then cover with cling film and set to one side until doubled in size.  
  5. Divide mixture into 12 ball shaped pieces and roll into the classic tear drop shape.  
  6. In a warmed non-stick frying pan brush the naan with the butter and add to the pan colour lightly brush the other side of the naan bread then flip over and colour on both side. I like to get loads of colour onto the bread as I think it tastes like the real thing with lots of colour.  
  7. Place into a hot oven at 180˚C for 5-6 minutes. 

Dessert  

Raspberry sorbet 

  • 300g frozen raspberries 
  • 150g greek yogurt 
  • 50g honey 

Method:  

  1. The key to this instant sorbet is to make sure the fruit is frozen solid place the raspberries into the blender or food. 
  2. Blitz on full power for a few seconds until completely broke down. The fruit should be like a powder. 
  3. Next add the yogurt and the honey. Blitz until smooth. 
  4. Remove from the machine and pop into a tub, it might need an hour or so in the freezer before use, you can make this in advance and leave in the freezer but it will need to be put in the fridge to soften up for a couple of hours before use.    

Using a percentage of each of these purchased ingredients, Gary created his meal deal for under £4.  

Hectors reopens with a fresh new look

Hectors in Stockbridge has officially reopened following an extensive 5 week refurbishment, giving the iconic pub an exciting new look. 

The pub has been given a facelift while keeping its traditional look and feel inside. Changes include a new hand-carved wooden gantry, brand new furniture and fresh frontage colour scheme. 

Hectors is renowned for its friendly and welcoming team, as well as the selection of comforting Scottish pub fayre. The pub itself takes its name from Sir James Hector, a Scottish-New Zealand geologist, naturalist, and surgeon who originated from Stockbridge in 1834. 

Guests can tuck into all the pub classics, a chicken and truffled oyster mushroom pie, classic fish and chips and delicious beef brisket burgers, as well as a delectable range of Sunday roasts. 

Along with the new food menu, guests will also be greeted with an extensive drinks’ menu, boasting a wide selection of craft beers, British Gins and an exciting range of whisky. 

Speaking about the refurbishment, General Manager Alex Bruce at Hectors said: ‘This is an exciting time, not only for Hectors, but for the people of Stockbridge. Our aim is simple, to serve delicious food, great drinks, and friendly service to all of our guests.

“Our fresh new look, matched with our welcoming team, will go hand in hand to provide Stockbridge with an excellent local pub where everyone is welcome.” 

Following the extensive refurbishment and significant investment made at the pub, several new jobs have been created for the local area, with the team now ready to pour pints and serve delicious food to guests. 

For more information about Hectors please visit: 

https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/scotlandandnorthernireland/hectorsedinburgh

Strollers up for the Cup

The Civil Service Strollers who are based at Christie Gillies Park on Marine Drive are on their way to Ayrshire this Saturday as they take on Irvine Meadow in the 2nd round of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup (writes CHARLES LAING).

The Strollers have been in fine form this month,  winning their last 4 games and moving up to 9th in the Scottish Lowland League after defeating Broxburn on Saturday.

They also beat Dalry Thisle also from Ayrshire to reach the 4th round of the South Scottish Challenge Cup – thanks in no small part to striker Mackie Scott, who bagged 5 goals in 3 games!

So it’s fingers crossed for a good result and one step closer to a final at Hampden Park versus Hibs or Hearts!

Five Sisters Zoo to welcome rescued lionesses from Ukraine

Luna and Plusza Find Refuge at Five Sisters Zoo After Being Rescued from Conflict Zones in Ukraine

For nearly a decade, Five Sisters Zoo has been at the forefront of lion rescue in Scotland, providing sanctuary and care for lions who have faced immense hardship.

This journey began in October 2015, when Five Sisters Zoo welcomed four lions—Boss, Skinny, Twin 1, and Twin 2—from Belgium, where they had been rescued from a life of suffering in a traveling circus. These resilient animals found peace in a purpose-built habitat, free from their traumatic pasts.

As Five Sisters Zoo marks nine years since the rescue, only Skinny remains of the original pride, following the passing of Boss and the two brothers, Twin 1 and Twin 2. Their rescue stands as a proud milestone for the zoo, which has continued to dedicate resources to the welfare and rehabilitation of animals in need.

In a significant next chapter, Five Sisters Zoo is pleased to announce the upcoming arrival of two four-year-old lionesses, Luna and Plusza, who were rescued from Ukraine. After enduring the distress of conflict and displacement, these lionesses are being given a new home at Five Sisters Zoo.

Luna and Plusza were initially evacuated from an area affected by heavy shelling in Eastern Ukraine in 2022. They were first sheltered in Kyiv before moving to Poland and later to Natuurhulpcentrum in Belgium, where Five Sisters Zoo has partnered once again to offer the lionesses a permanent sanctuary in Scotland.

“The arrival of Luna and Plusza is a continuation of our long-standing commitment to giving lions a second chance at life,” said Gary Curran, Head of Carnivores at Five Sisters Zoo.

“Our team is prepared to provide these lionesses with the best care possible, ensuring that they are able to live out their lives in peace, just as we did for Boss, Skinny, and the others.”

The lionesses’ new home at Five Sisters Zoo will feature a specially designed habitat, providing ample space and comfort after their challenging journey across multiple countries.

Five Sisters Zoo remains dedicated to animal welfare and looks forward to giving the public the opportunity to learn about the importance of its rescue and conservation efforts.

Luna and Plusza’s arrival continues Five Sisters Zoo’s proud tradition of collaborating with international rescue organisations to ensure animals in need are given a safe and nurturing home.

For updates on Luna and Plusza’s journey, and for more information on how to support Five Sisters Zoo’s animal welfare initiatives please visit www.fivesisterszoo.co.uk.

Lord Provost opens Edinburgh Garden of Remembrance

The Right Honourable Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, led a special group of wreath-layers at the annual Opening Ceremony of the Edinburgh Garden of Remembrance, at the Scott Monument, Princes Street Gardens, yesterday. 

Members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, attended the poignant event, organised by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, to remember those who have fallen in conflicts, with more than 40 wreaths laid at a service which was also well attended by members of the public. 

Among those that joined Edinburgh’s Lord Provost was Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, National Padre of the Royal British Legion Scotland, who led the service, along with attendees from Scottish Government, Police Scotland and other dignitaries.

Music was provided by The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, as well as piper Rory Cairns, who led the wreath-layers into the garden. 

Commenting on the service, Legion Scotland Events Manager, Brian Ward, said: “Despite a weather warning in place and a few gusts of wind, this was a wonderful occasion which was very well attended by representatives of the Armed Forces and other dignitaries from across our capital city and of course Scotland.

“It was truly lovely to see so many people turn out, as well as the many passers-by who stopped to reflect and pay their respects to our fallen.” 

The Garden features thousands of poppy crosses and other remembrance symbols with personal dedications from across Scotland. It will remain open until the Armistice Day service on Monday, November 11 for residents and visitors to pay their own tributes.

The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with more than three million poppies already being distributed around the country. All funds raised will go to support Poppyscotland’s work, providing life-changing support and advice to veterans, servicemen and women, and their families.

UK strengthens national security and bolsters Ukraine’s war chest with £2.26bn military loan

  • UK announces £2.26bn loan to Ukraine backed by profits from sanctioned Russian sovereign assets
  • Forms Britain’s contribution to the $50bn loan announced at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in June
  • New money for Ukraine will bolster equipment on the frontline

Ukraine will receive further funding to purchase essential military equipment to defend itself against Russia’s illegal invasion, as the Chancellor today announces that the Government will loan a further £2.26bn in new money to Ukraine.

The new £2.26bn is the UK’s contribution to the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans to Ukraine scheme, in which $50bn from G7 countries will be delivered to Ukraine for its military, budget and reconstruction needs. The loan will be repaid using the extraordinary profits on immobilised Russian sovereign assets.

The Chancellor Rachel Reeves made the announcement alongside Defence Secretary John Healey while visiting Ukrainian personnel who are being trained in the UK. More than 45,000 personnel have been trained in the UK under Operation INTERFLEX and the scheme has been extended to at least the end of 2025.

The UK’s £2.26bn loan is earmarked as budgetary support for Ukraine’s military spending, enabling the Ukrainians to invest in key equipment to support their efforts against Russia, such as air defence, artillery and wider equipment support. It comes on top of the UK’s existing £3bn a year military aid for Ukraine, which the Prime Minister re-committed to within his first week in office.

The UK has sent around 400 different capabilities to Ukraine, with Defence Secretary John Healey MP recently announcing that the UK will supply 650 Lightweight Multirole Missile systems to Ukraine to boost the country’s air defences.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves: “Our support for Ukraine and her men and women in their fight for freedom from Putin’s aggression is unwavering and will remain so for as long as it takes.

“This new money is in Britain’s national interest because the frontline of our defence – the defence of our democracy and shared values – is in the Ukrainian trenches. A safe and secure Ukraine is a safe and secure United Kingdom.”

The $50bn G7 ERA scheme was first announced at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Apulia, Italy, in June this year. Russia’s obligation under international law to pay for the damage it has caused to Ukraine is clear and this G7 agreement is an important step to ensuring this happens.

Today the UK has announced its contribution to the scheme and will introduce domestic legislation in the coming weeks to enable the transfer of the new funds to Ukraine as quickly as possible.

The loan is on top of the £12.8bn already committed in military, economic and humanitarian support to Ukraine.

The funding comes alongside the UK and international partners introducing the largest and most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on a major economy. Without this, Russia would have over $400 billion more for its war machine – enough to fund its illegal invasion for a further four years.

The war is having an economic and human cost for Russia; it is soaking up 40% of Russia’s annual budget and last month the country suffered its highest rate of daily casualties since the war began.

The loan announcement comes ahead of the Chancellor’s attendance of the International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington D.C. later this week, at which she will underline on the international stage that the UK and its partners stand united and will not let aggressors like Putin succeed.

Earlier this month Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Downing Street to discuss his victory plan for Ukraine.

Defence Secretary John Healey, said: “By using the money generated from these sanctioned Russian assets, we can help turn the tables on Putin’s war machine. This urgent funding will directly support Ukraine’s defence using the proceeds from assets that had helped fuel Putin’s aggression.

“The UK is stepping up our support to Ukraine, speeding up supplies of vital equipment and boosting our defence industries. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”

Edinburgh projects supercharged by National Lottery funding boost

Today (22nd October), 587 community groups across Scotland are celebrating a share of £19.3 million from The National Lottery Community Fund. The funding set to power up local projects comes as the National Lottery prepares to celebrate its 30th birthday next month.   

Across Edinburgh, 55 groups are picking up grants totalling £1.7 million. Among them are Citadel Youth Centre in Leith (£166,909), CHAI (£73,120) LifeCare in Stockbridge (£40,696) and Granton’s Empty Kitchens Full Hearts (£19,972).

A full list of awards is attached. 

From historic walled gardens to derelict playgrounds, some of the successful projects will help people reconnect with nature and each other.

They include Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden who receive £10,000 to host events and gardening sessions at this unique historic site.

Local people have campaigned for eleven years to save the abandoned medieval garden from commercial development. The last vestiges of a once grand estate (the 15th century castle collapsed in 1928), the garden itself had been neglected, for decades.

Like the plot from the beloved children’s novel “The Secret Garden”, Isla Brown led a group of local volunteers, to re-discover and to revive the lost garden of Granton.

“It was thrilling to finally have the keys. When we opened the gate the garden was completely covered with bindweed and brambles. It was so overgrown that it felt like walking into a small woodland, though the old paths remained clear enough to guide us through the wild.”

Isla and her team immediately set about reviving the Garden. 

“We’ve planted apple trees as part of our efforts to restore the garden’s fruit-growing heritage. As a botanist, I’ve identified and catalogued the wildflowers that naturally grow here and we make a concerted effort to ensure none are lost as we work to increase biodiversity.

“Bees and butterflies are also thriving in the garden. 

“It’s surprising how many people say they never knew the garden was here because it’s so hidden from view. It really is a secret garden. We also harvest produce from the garden and donate it to local organizations like Pilton Community Health Project and Fresh Start, who use the food for community meals.” 

The garden may have been lost in the twentieth century but a hundred and sixty years ago, the “lost Garden of Granton” was very much on the map. Isla said.

“We have records of tourists arriving by boat in Granton, staying at a nearby hotel, and visiting the garden. We even have a 17th-century doocot (dovecote) on the site.

“The first gardening manual published in Scotland, The Scots Gardner (1683), includes detailed instructions for setting up a kitchen garden. We’ve tried to follow some of those instructions ourselves, adding a historical twist to our modern gardening efforts. 

“Looking to the future, we’d love to plant more native flowers, like snowdrops and primroses, and continue caring for the lovely old roses that date back to the garden’s market garden era. This place has an incredibly rich history, and it’s delightful to see it coming back to life.” 

Mental health support charity Growing Matters also acquired a lease on an historic walled garden attached to Gilmerton House, an 18th-century estate in East Lothian.

Today, the charity receives an award of £10,100 to build a pond which they plan to supply with fresh water by restoring a historic well on the site. Once completed the pond will enhance the garden’s biodiversity and host pond dipping sessions for local children.

The once verdant Victorian garden had been left wild and neglected for decades. Once they got the keys in 2016 the group quickly set to work clearing the brambles and bringing the garden back to life. 

Gary Biggar, 59, is one of the volunteers helping to regenerate the garden. He said: “The garden has become a safe haven for many in the community.

“Our project offers a tranquil, non-judgmental space where people can reconnect with nature and build mental resilience. After the sessions, we gather for tea and cake and a chat. It’s a chance for people to come together and not feel isolated.” 

Gary like many of the volunteers loves learning about the history of the garden: “We discovered an old report from the Caledonian Horticultural Society, dating back to 1885. It detailed an apple and pear congress in Edinburgh where a gardener from Gilmerton presented a new apple variety, named Lady Kinloch, which was met with high praise. This suggests that the garden likely had an orchard in the past.” 

With a focus on sustainability the group have added several features to the garden including a herb garden, alongside vegetable plots, a polytunnel, a native tree forest and a bee area with six hives. They have also built an open-fronted craft shelter, where they host workshops in willow weaving and beekeeping. 

Commenting on the funding Gary said: “None of this would have been possible without the support of National Lottery funding.

“We celebrated this achievement with our community during our recent open day, marking the occasion with flags and festivities.” 

Disability charity, get2gether are another of the lucky groups. They have secured an incredible £195,000 to run social events, exercise classes and workshops for adults with disabilities.

The group works to reduce social isolation and increase the resilience, emotional wellbeing and self-determination of its members.  

Natalie aged, 37, regularly attends events hosted by the group. Natalie said: “Before joining get2gether I was stuck in a pretty lonely, confusing and isolated life.

“My life has changed in so many amazing ways since joining. I now have a supportive community around me where I’m seen as a whole person. get2gether gave me a safe space to learn who I am and recognise my worth.   

“Since joining get2gether I have gained some huge achievements that I never thought possible for me. I am now doing a college course. I never thought I’d be able to do that. The group has made me realise that I do have a future and a place in the world. I have so many good things to say about get2gether, it’s hard to get it across. It has changed my life.”  

Commenting on today’s funding from The National Lottery Community Fund Director of get2gether, Mojca Becaj said: “This funding enables us to continue creating inclusive and accessible social events that foster connections and empower adults with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.

“Thanks to the Lottery funding, we can further enhance our members confidence and increase community engagement, making a real and lasting impact on our members’ lives.”  

The Royal Scots Regimental Trust were also recipients of funding, being awarded £2,982 to create an interactive exhibition in partnership with Hearts Football Club.

The exhibition will explore the local people including Hearts players who were impacted by the First World War. The exhibition will be held at Tynecastle in the European Suite and will support the football club’s 150th celebrations.

Colonel Martin Gibson OBE DL, Lead from The Royal Scots Museum Outreach Team came up with the idea for the project. “I was determined to reach out from our Regimental Museum in Edinburgh Castle to engage with the Edinburgh community, by telling the unique story of The Royal Scots 373 years of service. 

“Hosted by Hearts FC as part of the Club’s 150th Celebrations, our interactive exhibition focussed on soldiers stories, many who were from the local area. Visitors of all ages came along and were reminded of the close synergy between the Regiment and Hearts, originating from the outbreak of the Great War in 1914 when Hearts players were the first to be allowed to enlist, and the famous McRae’s Battalion was raised in Edinburgh. The National Lottery funding enabled our dedicated team of volunteers to design and produce real quality displays.” 

Retired Regimental Sergeant Major, Gordon Lumsden, 73, from West Lothian contributed to the exhibition.“I shared my military story with the really interested visitors who clearly enjoyed the exhibition experience.

“It was good to bring our story to the heart of where we used to recruit. I met several people from our former recruiting area whose family had served in The Royal Scots.”

Announcing the £19.3 million package of grants, Kate Still, Scotland Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “This November, the National Lottery celebrates its 30th birthday. For three decades, communities have come together, supporting one another and transforming lives through National Lottery funding—a truly inspiring achievement. 

“National Lottery players can take pride in knowing that their contributions have helped groups like get2gether and The Royal Scots Regimental Trust to support people to lead more fulfilling and connected lives.” 

National Lottery players raise over £30 million a week for good causes across the UK. Thanks to them, last year (2023/24) The National Lottery Community Fund awarded over half a billion pounds (£686.3 million) of life-changing funding to communities across the UK, supporting over 13,700 projects to turn their great ideas into reality.  

TNLCF-October-2024-PRDownload

     

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk    

Keeping children safe this firework season

As Bonfire Night approaches, make sure you know how to keep you and your family safe.

Nearly half of firework injuries happen to children.

Always follow the Firework Code and read instructions before use.

Find more safety advice here ➡️bit.ly/fireworksafety2024