Month: April 2025

Historic Environment Scotland awards £3.9m to third-sector organisations

Seven projects will receive a share of funding through Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) Partnership Fund.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced over £3.9 million in funding to seven organisations with a track record of making a significant contribution to Scotland’s historic environment through its latest round of Partnership Fund grants.

The Partnership Fund was created in 2021, replacing HES’s Organisational Support Fund, to better help Scotland’s third sector promote, celebrate and enhance the country’s rich and diverse heritage. It funds organisations that engage with communities and make a national impact on Scotland’s historic environment through targeted activity, national programmes and financial support.

Alison Turnbull, Director of External Relations and Partnerships at HES, said: “Community engagement is at the heart of our work, and what better way to involve communities than by supporting the organisations that serve them?

“Our Partnership Fund has awarded grants to seven projects which reflect our commitment to strengthening the resilience of Scotland’s historic environment in different ways.

“These projects support investment into traditional skills and retrofitting, encourage communities to engage with their local archaeology and places of worship, and help communities adapt historic buildings for social and economic benefit.

“At their core, these initiatives embody the principle of heritage for all, ensuring that everyone can access, participate in, and benefit from Scotland’s rich historic environment.

“And this is just the beginning. We expect the benefits of these projects to have a long-lasting and sustainable impact on the historic environment and communities across Scotland for years to come.”

The largest single award, £1.9 million, was granted to the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) to support its ongoing efforts to help community-led groups across Scotland find sustainable new uses for historic buildings in ways that directly benefit local people and places.

The AHF’s ‘Heritage Developed & Sustained’ project enhances community engagement with historic environments and its use as a catalyst for climate action which supports key HES priorities in supporting Scotland’s journey to net zero.

AHF has a particular focus on supporting groups with developing projects that serve areas of multiple deprivation or involve a building’s energy efficiency or environmental sustainability.

HES has previously provided grant funding for this project through the Organisational Support Fund, the predecessor to the Partnership Fund. Through advice and the financial support that it can offer as a result of the grant, the AHF has helped repurpose buildings to be used as affordable housing, community centres, workspaces and childcare facilities.

Matthew McKeague, CEO of the AHF, said: “We are immensely grateful to Historic Environment Scotland for this renewed and increased investment in our grants and support programme.

“It will extend our valued long-term strategic partnership and will enable us to continue providing funding and guidance over the next three years to support communities across Scotland, to take control of and adapt historic buildings for sustainable social and economic impact.”

The announcement took place at Gracemount Mansion in Edinburgh, a community-led repair project supported by both HES and the AHF.

Further information on the Partnership Fund is available on the HES website. Organisations who are interested in applying to the Partnership Fund can submit an expression of interest no later than 15 August 2025.

Hop Into an Egg-ceptional Easter at Gravity Active Edinburgh

This Easter, get ready to bounce into an unforgettable adventure at Gravity Active.  Whether you’re planning a family day out, a meet-up with friends, or an action-packed treat for the kids, Gravity Active is the place to be for an egg-stra special Easter!

From bouncing challenges to egg hunts and Easter bunny visits, Gravity Active is packed with egg-citement for all ages. It’s the perfect way to burn off the Easter chocolate while having a cracking time too!

Visitors can look forward to a magical Easter Bunny Meet & Greet, offering the perfect chance to snap festive photos and create lasting memories.  The fun continues with a twist on the classic favourite, the Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza, where participants search for hidden Easter egg pictures around the park, each one unlocking a fun-filled challenge.

Adding to the egg-citement is the brand-new Bunny Bounce Challenge. Visitors must complete five bouncing tasks, from star jumps to 180-degree spins, culminating in a final jump pose in the designated photo zone.

Beyond the bounce, tuck into egg-citing Easter-themed treats at the café and hop to the groove at the high-energy daytime discos.

Plus, this year Gravity Active is set to energise the Easter break with its brand-new “Bunny Bounce Challenge”, a fun, high-energy activity designed for all the family. Shoppers are invited to take part in this interactive trampoline adventure, hopping and bouncing through the park to discover five hidden Easter egg pictures.

Each egg location presents a unique jump challenge, from star jumps and frog leaps to bunny hops and mid-air spins. The final task encourages participants to strike their best jump pose in a designated photo zone.

As an added bonus, those who complete the challenge can scan an on-site QR code to enter a prize draw for the chance to win a family pass for four.

With something for every-bunny to enjoy, Gravity Active is the go-to destination for families looking to make this Easter extra special. To book your trip, and for more information, please visit www.gravity-global.com.

Scotland’s Salute: VE80 – A Night to Remember at the Usher Hall

Scotland’s Salute: VE80 – A Night to Remember

Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland proudly present a special VE80 commemorative concert at Usher Hall, Edinburgh, on 6th May.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling as we mark 80 years since Victory in Europe.

Performing in the concert we have The Bands of HM Royal Marines Scotland, The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, RBLS Dunfermline Pipe Band, Military Wives Choirs from all over Scotland, Cammy Barnes, Amy Hawthorn, Iona McDonald from the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Nicholas Ralph from All Creatures Great and Small with Sadie Addington and Anaïs Doppel.

The event will be narrated by Alasdair Hutton OBE TD, previously the voice of the world renowned Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with broadcaster Mark Mckenzie from BFBS Scotland acting as the evenings compere.

This national tribute, endorsed by the Scottish Government, is not to be missed.

Date: 6th May

Venue: Usher Hall, Edinburgh

Tickets available now

Get yours today!

Independent Age: Pension Credit

Pension Credit can top up your income to a minimum level if you’ve reached State Pension age. Lots of people who qualify for it aren’t claiming it, so it’s worth checking if you can get it.

Who can claim Pension Credit?

To qualify for Pension Credit, you must have reached State Pension age. Use the Gov.uk online tool to check when you’ll reach State Pension age.

There are two types of Pension Credit:

  • Guarantee Credit
  • Savings Credit.

To qualify for Guarantee Credit, your weekly income will need to be less than the minimum amount the government says you need to live on. For 2025/26, this is £227.10 for a single person and £346.60 for a couple. This amount could be higher if you’re disabled, a carer, are responsible for children or have certain housing costs.

You can only get Savings Credit if:

  • you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016, or you have a partner who reached State Pension age before this date and was already getting it
  • and you have qualifying income of at least £198.27 a week for a single person and £314.34 a week for a couple.

Read our factsheet Pension Credit for more information.

Use our free benefits calculator to work out if you might be able to get Pension Credit. You can also call our free Helpline on 0800 319 6789 to speak to an adviser.

How much can you get?

Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to:

  • £227.10 for a single person
  • £346.60 for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or living together).

You might be able to get more than this if you’re disabled, a carer, are responsible for children or you have certain housing costs. See our factsheet Pension Credit for more information.

Savings Credit can give you up to:

  • £17.30 a week for a single person
  • £19.36 a week for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or living together).

The exact amount you’ll get depends on your income.

Savings, investments or other capital of more than £10,000 will also affect how much you get. For every £500 (or part of £500) you have over £10,000, it’s assumed you have an extra £1 of weekly income.

Here’s an example:

Mr Smith is 76 years old. He is not a carer and he has no health conditions or personal care needs. He is single, rents his home and has a State Pension of £140.18 a week and an occupational pension of £25 a week. He also has savings of £11,000. The first £10,000 are ignored, and an extra £1 of income is counted for every £500 above this. This means he has an assumed income from savings of £2 a week. So, his income is calculated as:

  • £140.18 State Pension + £25.00 occupational pension + £2.00 assumed income = £167.18 total income
  • Mr Smith’s appropriate minimum guarantee is £227.10
  • £227.10 appropriate minimum guarantee – £167.18 income = £59.92

This gives him Guarantee Credit of £59.92 a week.

Other entitlements if you get Pension Credit

If you get Pension Credit, you may qualify for other benefits, including:

If you’re 75 or over, you can also apply for a free TV licence.

How to claim Pension Credit

To apply for Pension Credit, call the claim line on 0800 99 1234. You can also claim online if you’ve already applied for your State Pension. Or you can download an application form to print out. You won’t need a stamp when you return your form.

You can apply for Pension Credit up to four months before you reach State Pension age, and any time after. Claims for Pension Credit can be backdated by up to three months if you qualified for it for the whole of that period. 

When you claim, you’ll need the following information:

  • your National Insurance number
  • information about your income, including your pensions
  • details of your savings, investments and other capital
  • your bank account details.

If you have a partner, you’ll need the same details for them too.

If you need support to fill in the form, one of our advisers can help you complete it over the phone. Call our Helpline on 0800 319 6789. Or you could get help from your local Citizens Advice. Search the Citizens Advice website for England and Wales or visit Citizens Advice Scotland to find your nearest branch.

Rules for mixed-age couples

You cannot usually make a new claim for Pension Credit if you live with a partner who is under State Pension age unless:

  1. one of you reached State Pension age before 15 May 2019, and
  2. one of you has been claiming pension age Housing Benefit since 15 May 2019 as part of the same couple. 

If you cannot claim Pension Credit, you may be able to claim Universal Credit instead, until you both reach State Pension age.

Contact the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644 for more information. 

Celebrate the build-up to Easter with limited edition “Build-A-Burger” offer

Luxford Burgers encourages kids to get creative with new menu

Easter is a time to gather all the family round the table. But if the thought of traditional roast lamb doesn’t appeal to your little ones, why not shake things up a bit this holiday and opt for a fun, customisable culinary experience that encourages the kids to get creative? 

Luxford Burgers is celebrating the build-up to Easter with a special Build-A-Burger offer. For a limited time only, children can grab an exclusive menu and design their dream burger. With a choice of beef, chicken or veggie patties, plus a combination of up to 12 toppings, this unmissable dining deal puts the kids firmly in control. 

From scrumptious smoked streaky bacon and classic crispy onions to mouth-watering mango salsa and chunky cheddar cheese, kids can get creative with their toppings of choice. Plus, they can colour in their personalised burger design while they wait for the award-winning chefs to cook and plate it up for them.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Luxford Burgers’ Executive Director, Alexander Galpin, said; “Experimenting with different flavour combinations is a great way for kids to learn about food in a fun and creative way.

“And what better way for them to do that than by stacking up a range of delicious toppings to create their own unique signature burger? We’re excited to see what they come up with!”

Each made-to-order Build-A-Burger costs just £8 and can be enjoyed at Luxford Burgers’ two Edinburgh locations at St. Leonard’s Street and Brandon Terrace.

Available for a limited time only, this exclusive Easter offer runs Monday – Thursday, 12-4pm, until Monday 21st April. Advanced booking is advised because this palate-pleasing offer is sure to prove popular!

Carers Trust Scotland: Be a Student Carer Ambassador

📢 Still undecided? Here’s why you should join the Student Carer Ambassador programme:

✅ Help improve support for student carers

✅ Work with decision-makers in education

✅ Meet and connect with other student carers

✅Flexible commitment – take part when you can

🌟 Applications are still open, but don’t wait too long!

Find out more and apply now: https://tinyurl.com/4775pe86

#StudentCarers

#CarersTrust

#FurtherEducation

#Scotland

Charity warns of increased risks of drowning during school holidays and warm weather

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is calling on members of the public to be safe around water this Easter holiday following an increase in drownings during warmer weather.

As temperatures rise, so do the number of drownings recorded per day. Research conducted by the water safety education charity has found that, on average, when temperatures reach 21 to 22.9°c, 2.5 times as many drownings occur each day, in comparison to cooler days.

With the weather expected to reach highs of 24°c in areas and schools across the UK entering Easter break, families and young people are being urged to stay safe whilst enjoying time around water.

The dangers of open water are clear as the charity’s National Drowning Update has reported that children aged five and over are more likely to drown in inland water, with those aged 13-17 years old most likely to be actively entering the water to swim.

With temperatures yet to hit peaks that it could do by summer, there are fears the number of drownings could surge.

The charity’s concerns follow the confirmed tragic loss of two young lives across England in the last week.

Matt Croxall, Interim Charity Director, said: “Whilst we recognise that during school holidays and nice weather it is easy for people to want to go open water swimming, it is important that individuals do so safely, not fatally.

“By following the Water Safety Code and knowing how to respond in an emergency, should the worst happen, the public can ensure accidental drownings remain preventable.”

RLSS UK is urging members of the public learn the Water Safety Code, never swim alone and strongly advises that people choose safe, lifeguarded sites to cool off.

If groups do choose to enter open water, water safety advice provided by RLSS UK includes considering surroundings, bearing in mind hazards, like currents, and the risk of cold-water shock. Further recommendations include entering the water slowly, carefully and staying within a standing depth if conditions change.

The charity advises that individuals who witness an emergency do not enter the water to attempt rescue anyone in trouble themselves. Instead, they should call 999 and if possible, throw the person in trouble something that floats. Importantly, for those who do get into difficulty in the water; stay calm, float on your back and call for help. 

Opportunities in TV production

Are you based in Scotland, aged 18 or over, and looking to gain hands-on experience working behind the camera in TV?

The #HETVSkillsFund is partnering with Screen Scotland on this training programme offering aspiring trainees the chance to work across various departments on a TV production filming in Scotland!

Trainees will have the unique opportunity to learn directly from some of the industry’s top technicians and creatives, gaining essential skills and on-set experience.

Read more about the programme and apply now:

https://www.screenskills.com/…/80a44e3e-7869-4f64-a6b7…/

Applications close on 21 April 2025

#TV

#Television

#CreativeIndustries

#BehindTheCamera

#HETV

#ScotlandTV

#TVproduction

Mighty Oaks Holiday Club is back at the Botanics

🌞 The Mighty Oaks Holiday Club is back this summer!

Let your little adventurers discover the magic of nature through a week of trails, games, crafts, and scavenger hunts, all set in our beautiful Botanic Garden 🌿

We’re running four five-day programmes, starting from Monday 7 July.

Find the full itineraries and book now: https://rbge.cc/holiday-club