Month: February 2025

Discover ‘The Benefit of Books’ with Rachel Hazell at Fruitmarket Gallery’s Annual Bookmarket 

On Saturday 15 February, Rachel Hazell, The Travelling Bookbinder, will be sharing all she has learnt about the power of creativity at her talk The Benefit of Books at the Fruitmarket Gallery’s annual Artists’ Bookmarket. 

The talk is free to attend, tickets can be booked HERE.  

Rachel Hazell, The Travelling Bookbinder said: “I’m excited to attend the Artists’ Bookmarket – it’s the social highlight of my year – a fantastic event to see inspiring work, familiar faces and new innovations is the artist’ book world- reconnecting with my tribe! 

“After twenty-seven years of using the book as a creative medium, this talk distils what why and how books are so great.

“I’m passionate about sharing the art of bookbinding with others and hope to inspire them to create something, in whatever form, that brings relaxation and mindfulness.”    

Based between Edinburgh and the Hebridean Isle of Iona, Rachel has explored and taught this ancient craft of bookbinding all over the world, and her talk will explore the physical, mental, practical and emotional impact practising the artform can have. Whether as a meditative process or a means of self-expression she will share how bookbinding nurtures well-being and personal growth and can be a key tool in pursuit of mindfulness.   

Rachel’s approach to bookbinding puts a modern spin on the artform, and at the workshops she hosts across the world – from Shetland to Venice – she encourages participants to take inspiration and materials from their unique surroundings and incorporate them in their work.

Whether that’s driftwood for the cover, or maps for the pages, nothing is off the table when it comes to making it a part of your bound story.  

Rachel’s fine craftmanship has made her a sought-after figure in the world of bookbinding, artistry, and wellness and she has featured in publications including Condé Nast Traveller, the Financial Times, Selvedge and The Simple Things.

In 2024 she published a book of photos of her daily swims, taken on Iona during lockdown. Today’s Changing Room featured in The Scotsman among others. All the proceeds go to the mental health charity BlueTonic.   

As teacher, author and traveller, books, words and the power of imagination have always been central to Rachel’s life and the day she was taught how to make her first book; she knew she’d be a bookbinder for the rest of her life. Hear a bit about her story and how and she believes that everyone has a book inside them.  

What: Rachel Hazell: ‘The Benefit of Books’ at Artists’ Bookmarket 2025 

When: Saturday 15 February, 1:45pm – 2:15pm 

Where: Fruitmarket Gallery, 45 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH11DF 

Tickets: Free to attend, book here  

Volkswagen Polo wins Best Car of the Half Century award

  • Volkswagen’s ‘evergreen’ supermini receives major accolade
  • This year the Polo is celebrating its 50th anniversary
  • With 20 million sales to date, the Polo has become an international bestseller over the course of six generations

The Volkswagen Polo has started 2025 with a bang, after being named the Best Car of the Half Century as part of the Best Cars of the Year – The New Car World Championships. It means the UK’s number-one motor manufacturer can celebrate back-to-back wins for this prestigious award, after the Golf received the same accolade last year.

The Best Car of the Half Century title plays a significant part in the annual British Motor Show, which this year is due to take place at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre from 15 to 17 August. Visitors to the show will be able to see the Polo for themselves and learn why it has been the supermini of choice for millions of people for the past 50 years.

The judging panel responsible for the award comprises a who’s who of international motoring experts, including car designers and engineers, auto industry figureheads, motorsport personalities, journalists, broadcasters, media professionals, vehicle retailers, automotive consultants, motor club chiefs and motoring event organisers.

One of the judges was automotive journalist Mike Rutherford, who founded the awards. He said: “The 20 million motorists who’ve been buying Volkswagen Polos since 1975 can’t be wrong.

“It’s been the most consistently credible supermini of the past 50 years and has repeatedly hit the sweet spot in terms of design, overall dimensions, build quality, competitive retail pricing, efficiency and low standing and running costs.

“It’s a real-world car for budget-conscious real-world motorists who appreciate the affordability and durability of their long-lasting Polos. And it’s fair to say that since the birth of the Mk 1 version in 1975, it has grown in size, stature and market relevance.

“No longer is Polo a basic supermini to be driven on tight, slow streets in busy towns and cities across the world. At more than four metres long in its current Mk 6 guise, it’s more of a small, credible, borderline premium-quality family hatchback.”

Rod McLeod, Director of Volkswagen UK, said: “We are delighted to see the Polo claim this award; it’s a great way to kick off its 50th anniversary celebrations.

“The Polo is not just a pioneer in terms of technical innovations, but also represents affordable mobility for all. These attributes and values are as relevant and important to customers today as they were half a century ago, and we believe that’s why our evergreen supermini has stood the test of time.”

With more than 20 million vehicles sold worldwide since 1975, the Polo has established itself as one of the most successful models in its class. The car has gone from strength to strength over six generations, combining everyday reliability, comfort and affordability with technological breakthroughs and high-performance GTI thrills. In motorsport guise, the Polo R WRC secured four World Rally Championship titles in a row from 2013.

A total of 166,304 new Volkswagen passenger vehicles were registered in the UK in 2024, making Volkswagen the UK’s best-selling new-car brand for the fourth year running. Almost 29,000 of those were Polos, second only to the Golf (32,370) among Volkswagen sales in the UK last year.

First Minister opens Scotland’s first hydrogen homes

  • New demonstration homes showcase hydrogen appliances which enable households to cook and heat their homes without any carbon emissions
  • Homes are part of H100 Fife, a world-first green energy project which will see hundreds of households switch from natural gas to hydrogen 
  • Local residents taking part in project can get hands-on experience ahead of appliances being installed in their own homes later this year
  • Opening marks a major milestone for H100 Fife and Scotland’s net zero ambitions

The First Minister John Swinney has hailed the opening of Scotland’s first hydrogen homes as a ‘shining example’ of how the country is leading the way in solutions to tackle climate change. 

The homes are part of gas network company SGN’s H100 Fife project and showcase the potential for hydrogen to reduce carbon emissions in households and businesses across Scotland and the UK.

Located in Levenmouth on Fife’s east coast, the demonstration homes showcase how hydrogen can provide heating and cooking experiences very similar to natural gas. Familiar appliances like gas boilers and hobs are installed in the homes delivering the instant and responsive heat customers are used to, but with zero carbon emissions.

H100 Fife is a world-first green hydrogen project which will see up to 300 households switch to hydrogen for cooking and heating.  Residents involved in the trial can now visit the demonstration homes to get hands-on experience ahead of appliances being installed in their own homes later this year.

The First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, opened the homes alongside SGN’s CEO Simon Kilonback and members of the community.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, First Minister John Swinney said: “Scotland’s net zero future depends on our ability to create innovative solutions to tackle climate change; and the H100 Fife project is a shining example of this ambition.

“These demonstration homes offer residents a glimpse of the role that hydrogen can play in delivering warm and comfortable homes with zero carbon emissions. 

“I welcome this significant milestone in the project’s journey and look forward to its completion.” 

Residents who have signed up for the project and those who live locally1 can visit the homes to see hydrogen boilers and hobs from leading manufacturers Baxi, Worcester Bosch, and Bosch Home Appliances. These are the appliances that will be installed in their own homes later this year.

SGN’s CEO Simon Kilonback said: “SGN is incredibly proud to mark this important milestone for green energy in Scotland with the First Minister. We are working in partnership with the local community and look forward to welcoming them to our demonstration homes.

“We believe H100 Fife can act as a catalyst for regional decarbonisation, positioning Scotland at the forefront of the transition to net zero.

“However, this project is also far more than just a hydrogen for home heating trial and will provide key evidence to support the development of the hydrogen economy, whether that be production, storage, distribution or operations.”

SGN is partnering with Fife College to open the UK’s first hydrogen training facility in the coming months, located just a mile away from the H100 Fife network in the college’s Levenmouth campus.

Existing Gas Safe engineers in the region will be upskilled at the facility on how to fit new hydrogen appliances and connect homes taking part in H100 Fife to the new 8.4km hydrogen network which was completed last year.

During the event, the street on which the newly constructed homes are built was officially named ‘Newhaven Street’2 by students from local school Denbeath Primary, highlighting historic links to nearby Methil docks.

A perfect wedding for local couple at Surgeons Hall

A BEAUTIFUL city centre wedding recently brought together family, friends, and culture, as a couple celebrated their special day in one of Edinburgh’s most iconic venues.

Ciara and Morgan Bywater, a couple with ties to both the arts and the British Army, tied the knot surrounded by friends, family, and the rich history of the Royal College of Surgeons in the heart of Edinburgh at the prestigious Surgeons Quarter.

Ciara Bywater, 30, a Strategic Partnerships Manager in the Cultural Sector, and Morgan Bywater, 32, a British Army Officer, have called Edinburgh home since 2019, settling in the vibrant Morningside area. Their love story began at Leeds University, where they met in the final week of their last year, eventually leading to a romantic proposal in Puglia, Italy, in 2022.

Reflecting on their decision to host their wedding at Surgeons Quarter, Ciara explained: “We wanted a city-centre wedding, somewhere easily accessible for our family and friends.

“Surgeons Quarter, with its connection to Edinburgh’s cultural heritage and stunning architecture, felt like the perfect fit.”

Surgeons Quarter, located in the heart of Edinburgh, is known not only for its historic venues but also for its ability to host events of any scale.

The venue is a hidden gem, offering a perfect blend of tradition and modern elegance, catering to weddings, conferences, and special events with accommodation available at its on-site Ten Hill Place Hotel.

One of the couple’s highlights was the incredible food provided by Surgeons Quarter’s talented culinary team.

Morgan said: “The food was one of the best parts of our experience.

“We’ve been to a lot of weddings, and this was by far the best we’ve ever tasted. The tasting session was fun and generous, and the Surgeons Quarter team made the whole process feel seamless.”

The couple chose the venue not just for its beauty, but also for its practicality. With friends in the medical field who recommended Surgeons Quarter, it made sense to have their celebration at a venue so closely linked to Edinburgh’s medical and cultural history.

Ciara, who works in the cultural sector, was drawn to the venue’s proximity to the Festival Theatre and the artistic atmosphere surrounding Surgeons Quarter.

She added, “The architecture, the columns, and the courtyard made it feel special. It tied in so well with my love of the arts and Edinburgh’s rich cultural heritage.”

The flexibility of the venue allowed the couple to transition from the day’s formalities into a lively evening celebration in a different part of the venue.

The couple added: “We appreciated how the day flowed, moving from one beautiful space to another. It made for a refreshing change of scenery and kept our guests excited throughout the evening.”

Surgeons Quarter has been a prime choice for couples looking for an affordable, yet elegant wedding venue in the heart of Edinburgh. Morgan emphasised: “It’s tough to find a wedding venue in any city centre, let alone a capital like Edinburgh, and Surgeons Quarter was both beautiful and affordable. Their team did everything to make the day as stress-free as possible.”

With profits from Surgeons Quarter going towards the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh’s charitable objectives to improve surgical standards worldwide, the Bywaters felt their wedding was contributing to a greater cause.

Ashley Mok, Events Co-Ordinator at Surgeons Quarter said: “It was a pleasure to help Ciara and Morgan bring their wedding vision to life.

“At our venue, we pride ourselves on offering more than just a beautiful space — it’s about delivering a seamless experience from start to finish.

“From the stunning architecture to the exceptional culinary offerings, our team is dedicated to ensuring that every detail of the day is perfect.

“We were thrilled to see their guests enjoying both the unique atmosphere and the central location that makes our venue so special.”

Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells, and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus.

These include facilities for conferences, meetings, private events, parties, and weddings, as well as its own four-star hotel, Ten Hill Place, Café 1505, and SQ Travel.

To find out more about hosting a wedding at Surgeons Quarter and its available wedding offerings, visit: https://www.surgeonsquarter.com/weddings/

Fairer funding for charities

More than £60 million for pilot projects focusing on essential services and eradicating child poverty

A new Fairer Funding pilot to deliver on the Scottish Government’s top priority of eradicating child poverty will provide additional multi-year funding in the form of 45 grants to organisations across Scotland.

The funding, subject to budget approval, will support projects in areas including health, education, poverty and culture and have a total value of £61.7 million in 2025-26 and £63.2 million in 2026- 27.

Speaking on her visit today to the Gathering, the largest third sector event in the UK, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “I know many charities, faced with rising costs and falling donations, need more security and stability to enable them to plan and develop.

“Child poverty, in particular, requires longer-term interventions to help achieve the solutions we want to see. For that, the third sector needs financial stability and certainty. That’s why I have prioritised delivering on our commitment to provide more multi-year funding where we can to support the vital work of the third sector in Scotland, as part of our fairer funding approach.

“The pilot is the first step in mainstreaming multi-year funding agreements more widely across the third sector. It will give organisations the ability to plan for the future and make the most of their resources.

“The pilot’s focus on grants connected to tackling child poverty and the delivery of frontline services to our communities will maximise the impact of longer term funding and support the delivery of our number one priority, eradicating child poverty.”  

Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) Chief Executive Anna Fowlie said: “The voluntary sector has a crucial role to play in delivering essential services across Scotland that people and communities rely on.

Multi-year funding models are vital, providing security to voluntary organisations and, crucially, allowing them to get on and deliver for people and communities.

 “We welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to piloting multi-year funding for a range of voluntary organisations across Scotland – a first step, we hope, towards rolling out Fair Funding principles to voluntary sector funding.”

Organisations to receive multi-year funding for 2025/26 and 2026/27

Social Justice

Scottish Refugee Council

Scottish Empty Homes Partnership

Homeless Network Scotland

Housing Options Scotland

Poverty Alliance

CentreStage – Social Innovation Partnership

COVEY – Social Innovation Partnership

Flexibility Works – Social Innovation Partnership

Heavy Sound – Social Innovation Partnership

MsMissMrs – Social Innovation Partnership

Street Soccer – Social Innovation Partnership

WorkingRite – Social Innovation Partnership

MCR Pathways

Economy and Gaelic

Scottish Mountain Rescue

Constitution, External Affairs and Culture

Youth Music Initiative

Sistema Scotland

Health and Social Care

Cruse Scotland Bereavement Helpline

Penumbra Self-harm support pilots

BASICS Funding PHEC BASICS Scotland

The Listening Service Samaritans

Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for adults

Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund Management

Autism Advice Line Scottish Autism

Young Scot Carer support funding

Active Play Development Programme Inspiring Scotland

Active Play Development Programme Actify

Community Food Networks Edinburgh Community Food

Community Food Networks Lanarkshire Community Food and Health Partnership

Community Food Networks Community Food Initiative North East

Community Food Networks Glasgow Community Food Network

Drugs Policy: Core Funding Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs

Drugs Policy: Family Recovery Initiative Fund Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder FASD Hub Scotland Service 

Finance and Local Government

Planning Aid Scotland

Education and Skills

Dyslexia Scotland

Children’s Advocacy for Children’s Hearings

Who Cares Scotland

Inspiring Scotland

Children in Scotland Enquire National Advice and Information Service on Additional Support for Learning

Scottish Book Trust Bookbug

Access to Childcare Fund

Scottish Association of Minority Ethnic Educators

Justice and Home Affairs

Victim Centred Approach Fund

Apex Scotland

Medics Against Violence

These pilots are in addition to the multi-year funding announced last week by Creative Scotland, which has been funded as part of a record £34 million uplift for culture in the draft 2025-26 Scottish Budget.

BBC One’s The Inner Circle: Scottish contestants wanted

I’m writing about a new, exciting BBC quiz show called The Inner Circle – we’re looking for contestants from Scotland and I wondered if this opportunity would be of interest to your audience?  

Hosted by TV & radio star Amanda Holden, we are looking for people with bags of personality to apply for this ultimate game of general knowledge, strategy and gut instinct that comes with a chance of winning a cash prize! 

Getting the questions right is only half the battle as players must also decide who they trust enough to keep in the game.

I hope I’ve made that sound exciting!

If this is of interest, anyone who wishes to apply should fill out the online application form here: 

https://eu.castitreach.com/a/terntv/theinnercircle/welcome 

Residential Outdoor Education Bill backed by Holyrood Committee

A Bill that would allow all pupils in state and grant-aided schools to have at least four nights and five days of residential outdoor education during their school career has been supported by a Holyrood committee.

Following a vote, members of the Education, Children and Young People Committee agreed with the general principles of the Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill. However, the Committee unanimously agreed that concerns related to the costs, provision for pupils with additional support needs and the impact on teachers need to be resolved if the Bill is to become law.

The Bill was introduced by Liz Smith MSP against a backdrop of declining provision of residential outdoor education, with only a quarter of Scotland’s primary pupils and a third of secondary pupils having the chance to attend.

During evidence the Committee heard strong arguments for the Bill based on the “life-changing benefits” residentials have on pupils’ confidence and resilience. Several witnesses also spoke about the positive impact this can have on pupil-teacher relationships and attainment.

The Committee heard that residential outdoor education could be particularly beneficial to pupils from more deprived areas, however these pupils were often not able to go on trips as they were unaffordable for many parents.

The Committee identified several practical concerns that would need to be overcome though for the Bill to be delivered, with costs proving a significant barrier.

Estimates suggest delivering the Bill would cost the Scottish Government between £20 million and just over £40 million a year. However, in its report, the Committee says that national funding of residential outdoor education is a good example of preventative spend where the benefits are well documented.

The report also raises concerns about staffing, which currently is provided by teachers on a voluntary basis. While teachers were positive about their experiences, if residential education became statutory it might lead to a renegotiating of teachers’ terms and conditions, adding further barriers to delivering the Bill.

Douglas Ross MSP, Convener of the Education, Children and Young People Committee: “Throughout this inquiry we heard about the hugely positive impact that outdoor residential education can have on the development and attainment of children and young people.

“While we agree with the general principles of the Bill, there are financial challenges attached to the delivery of outdoor residential education that need to be overcome for it to become law.

“We want to see the Scottish Government and the Member who introduced the Bill, Liz Smith MSP, work together to resolve these.”

New Tips for “making walking a habit”

80 percent of us drop our fitness resolutions by early February

  • The founder of one of the UK’s leading health charities is sharing her five brand new tips for making walking a habit 
  • Research conducted by YouGov* shows that by the second week in February, 80% of us have thrown in the towel, particularly in relation to fitness goals. 
  • But Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of health charity Walk the Walk has the perfect solution for us all – make walking part of your life! 

Nina’s new tips for making walking a habit:-

1.  Put a walk in your diary! 
Having a routine, no matter how small, makes it easier to turn going for a walk into a habit.  Pick a time of day which suits you best and add it into your diary as an appointment. 

2. Plan several walking routes for different distances and times
Whether you have time for a quick ten- minute walk or a longer session, having different routes planned means you will always know where you are going, how far and for how long

3. Have suitable comfortable clothing and shoes for any weather
Never let the weather stop you walking. The weather doesn’t change the impact a walk can have – some of the worst weather days can deliver the best walks! 

4. Invest in a tracking device or app
A device or app which can track your walking steps and distance each day can be really motivating, tracking how far you go each day and helping you watch your progress. 

5. Every step counts! 
Whether you walk one mile, or the distance from your desk to the kettle to make a tea – engage your core, allow your shoulders to relax and think about your posture! 

Nina’s tips are backed up by Public health expert Prof Nick Cavill, who is a huge advocate for physical activity including walking:-

“I’m often asked about what I think is the best exercise. My reply is that it’s the exercise you will do every day and keep doing for life. For most people that is walking – for fun, for relaxation, for exercise or for transport.

“Walking for half an hour a day is associated with improvements in over 20 health conditions, from reducing the risk of heart disease and some cancers to improving mental health and wellbeing.

“So, if you’ve ditched the New Year’s fitness resolutions, try the most natural exercise around – walking!”

*YouGov 2017

£35 million added to State Pension pots

  • Only two months left to boost State Pension by filling gaps in National Insurance records from 2006 onwards
  • Since the launch of the digital service last April, 37,000 people have topped up more than 68,000 years, worth £35 million

People wanting to maximise their State Pension by plugging gaps in their National Insurance record have contributed to a total of 68,673 years, worth £35 million, using the online service since April last year HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.  

Analysis of the digital service has shown:

  • more than 37,000 online payments have been made through the service
  • 65% of the years topped up by customers are from 2017 onwards 
  • the average online top-up payment is £1,835
  • the largest weekly State Pension increase is £113.76

HMRC and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are reminding customers they only have 2 months up until 5 April to check their National Insurance record and fill any gaps from 6 April 2006 onwards.

From 6 April 2025, people will only be able to make voluntary National Insurance contributions for the previous 6 tax years, in line with normal time limits.

The Check your State Pension forecast service on GOV.UK is the quickest and easiest way customers can check what their pension will be in retirement and take action if they need to. People can also use the HMRC app to check their State Pension forecast.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Second Permanent Secretary and Deputy Chief Executive, said: “There are just 2 months left to check and fill any gaps in your National Insurance record from 2006 onwards to boost your State Pension entitlement.

“Don’t delay – it is quick and easy to check your National Insurance record on GOV.UK and it could help your finances in retirement.”

Since the launch of the enhanced digital service in April last year, more than 4.3 million people have used it to check their State Pension forecast.

The end-to-end service means customers can also use it to check and view gaps in their National Insurance record, calculate the difference any payment will make to their State Pension and then make one payment for however many years they need to top up.

Everyone should be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.

Scotland’s national children’s charity urges the public to protect the future of Scotland’s children

With worrying levels of children experiencing anxiety, distress and fear, this children’s mental health week, Children First is asking people to leave a gift in their Will to help protect the next generation of children in Scotland.

With Scotland’s children in the grip of a mental health crisis, Scotland’s national children’s charity predicts their support services will be needed more than ever.

In November, the charity revealed that nearly 100 referrals a day were being made to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) across Scotland, following a freedom of information request (FOI). More than 60 percent of people who call Children First’s national support line are worried about a child’s emotional wellbeing.

The charity has launched a campaign asking the public to make their legacy a brighter future for Scotland’s children.

Michelle Supple, director of fundraising, marketing and communications at Children First, said: “There is a childhood emergency in Scotland and an increasing need for the vital services we offer children and families across Scotland.

“By leaving a gift in your Will to Children First, you are leaving a legacy to protect Scotland’s children and give them a brighter future, a gift for generations.

“These special gifts ensure we can keep babies, children and young people safe and help them recover from trauma today, tomorrow and in the years to come.”

For over 140 years Scotland’s national children’s charity has protected children from harm and supported them to recover from trauma and abuse through its national and local services, including a support line for anyone in Scotland who is worried about a child.

Thanks to gifts left in Wills to Children First, young people  can have a better future, due to the emotional and practical support the charity provides for children and young people to recover and move forward after difficult experiences.

Reflecting on their experience with Children First, one young person said: “Children First really helped me. I’ve grown more confidence, have volunteered at a mental wellbeing group and got my first proper job.”

Anyone interested in leaving a gift in their Will to Children First or receiving a free legacy guide can visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk/legacy.

Children First’s new legacy advert began airing on STV yesterday, which you can view here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRz7wEn6Qcc