Month: October 2025

British Council launches international artistic residency programme for those affected by war and conflict

Initiative will provide vital support and creative sanctuary for artists from conflict-affected regions

The British Council, in partnership with Arts Council England, Creative Scotland and Arts Council of Wales/Wales Arts International, today announces the launch of a major new residency programme designed to support artists and cultural professionals whose work has been impacted by war and conflict.

The programme will see nine artists and cultural professionals from Lebanon, Yemen, Palestine, and Ukraine undertake residencies at leading cultural institutions across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The initiative builds upon a successful pilot project held in Scotland in 2023 during the UK/Ukraine Season of Culture, which was delivered by the British Council in partnership with Creative Scotland and Ukrainian Institute.

Starting this month and running until July 2026, the residencies will take place at prominent institutions renowned for their expertise in supporting artists across diverse art forms, from contemporary art to literature and film.

Each residency will last between four and twelve weeks, tailored to meet the specific requirements of both the host organisation and the visiting creative professional.

The programme aims to provide creative practitioners from countries affected by war and conflict with essential quiet time, care, and connections within the UK cultural sector.

This support is designed not only to nurture their individual practice and build their networks, but also to strengthen the communities they work with in their home countries.

Host organisations participating in the programme include Ulster University/Belfast Film Festival (Northern Ireland); Llenyddiaeth Cymru | Literature Wales (Wales); Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop (Scotland); Cove Park (Scotland); Moniack Mhor (Scotland); Pier Arts Centre (Orkney Island, Scotland); Delfina Foundation (England); ACME Studios (England); and Baltic Centre for Contemporary ArtEngland).

The programme also offers host organisations a valuable opportunity to expand their understanding of new cultural contexts, demonstrate solidarity with fellow artists, and develop expertise in supporting colleagues working under extremely challenging conditions.

It also helps connect participants to the wider arts sector, offering fresh insights that can spark new collaborations – benefiting not only the individuals involved but also enriching the host institutions and the sector more broadly.

This initiative reflects the British Council’s commitment to supporting international cultural exchange and providing support for artists whose creative work continues despite the pressures of conflict and displacement.

Artist Yasmine Rifaii, who will be hosted at Cove Park, said: “I have been craving distance from the noise of cities for a while now, so that I may sit with myself and let my thoughts brew into formation.

“The Cove Park residency came at the right time. I look forward to immersing myself with both the silence of nature, and the presence of fellow artists seeking the same experience.”

Anastasiya Gruba, who will be hosted by Ulster University, said: “This residency gives me the opportunity to complete a new version of the script for my tragicomic feature film Women Suicide Season, which I hope will be my feature directorial debut.

“I’m especially excited that the Belfast Film Festival will take place during my stay – it’s a wonderful chance to connect with the Northern Irish film community and international industry professionals.

“And I must admit, I’ve always dreamed of seeing the stunning landscapes of the Emerald Isle firsthand! There’s so much to do, and I can’t wait to dive in.

“I’m truly grateful to the British Council, Belfast Film Festival, and Ulster University for making this possible.”

Tania Rodionova, who will be hosted by Literature Wales, said: “Being a cultural manager doesn’t always allow for having time and space for my personal creative work. And life in Ukraine during the war time makes it even harder.

“So, my expectations for the residency in Ty Newydd is mainly to have this special space however my professional interest in local literature organisations and future cooperation opportunities cannot be ignored!”

Ruth Mackenzie, Director of Arts at the British Council said: “This residency programme recognises that supporting these artists and creatives is about building bridges across our global arts community and contributing to peace and prosperity.

“Just as the British Council was established in 1934 to support artists and creatives in countries across the world in the face of political danger, we continue this mission today. This programme provides space for artistic practice while strengthening the communities these artists support and nourish in their home countries.”

Laura Mackenzie-Stuart, Head of International at Creative Scotland said: “We are delighted to continue this residency programme through our on-going partnership with the British Council.

“The pilot programme in 2023 provided vital access to creative opportunity for artists in Ukraine at a time when accessing facilities in their home country was a huge challenge.

“The five selected artists made Scotland their home for a few weeks but left having made friends and colleagues for life. We wish the next (expanded) round of artists the same creative joy and success in their residencies across the UK.”

Dafydd Rhys, Chief Executive of Arts Council of Wales, said: “This programme embodies the spirit of collaboration that sits at the heart of Arts Council of Wales’s work, and in terms of international connections, the work of our international arm Wales Arts International.

“Through our partnership with Literature Wales, we’re delighted to take part in this initiative to create a space of care and creative exchange, linking Wales with artists whose stories speak to our shared humanity across borders.

“The residency will give Tania time to develop her practice and share her experiences, while enriching Wales’s own literary community with fresh perspectives on resilience, language and the role of art in uncertain times.”

Simon Mellor, Deputy CEO Arts Council England, said: “Arts Council England is proud to be a partner in this important residency scheme, offering artists coming from places of conflict the opportunity to make new connections and to build new networks of support.

“We are particularly glad to join with our sister agencies in extending this initiative across the whole UK, building a body of relationships between creatives and communities both here and in Ukraine.”

Springfield Golf Society marks 43 years of fundraising for Scotland’s children

The Springfield Golf Society celebrated an incredible 43 years of fundraising for Scotland’s national children’s charity at its annual golf tournament at Linlithgow Golf Club on Sunday 12 October.

This year’s event brought together more than 100 players and sponsors as part of a proud tradition of enjoying friendly competition while helping raise vital funds for Children First.

Founded in 1982 by four golf-loving neighbours from the Springfield Estate in Linlithgow, Frank Donnelly, Bill Thomson, Bobby Adair and George McKellar, the golf society began its charitable journey in 1986, raising a modest £45 for Children First, then known as the Royal Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

That first effort sparked a legacy that has now raised over £150,000, helping Children First provide practical, emotional and financial support to children and families when they need it most.

Frank Donnelly, now 81, is the last surviving founding member and remains a cherished figure in the society.

Reflecting on the early days and how it started with a golf professional running a competition to see who could raise the most money for charity, Frank said: “Being fathers ourselves, myself and the other three co-founders chose Scotland’s national children’s charity when we entered that first competition.

“We didn’t win that day, but we went on to do many, many fundraisers for Children First over the years and it’s become a great tradition. I’m proud that the society has grown since those early days and of every one of the past and current members who have played a huge part in raising funds for a worthy cause, which the local community has really got behind. The rest as they say is history.”

Frank’s wife, Cathie Donnelly also plays a key role, captaining the Springfield Ladies Golf Society, which was formed 25 years ago and has significantly contributed to the fundraising total.

While the society has held a variety of fundraisers over the years from whisky tastings to afternoon teas, the annual tournament at Linlithgow Golf Club remains the society’s flagship event.

This year’s competition featured sponsorship on all 18 holes and player entry fees that included donations to Children First.

Michelle Supple, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Children First, praised the society’s enduring commitment to supporting the charity. She said “Our heartfelt thanks go to both sections of the Society and every single person involved in fundraising for Children First at Springfield Golf Society over the past four decades. Their dedication means the world to us.

“Their incredible efforts have raised over £150,000 to help protect Scotland’s children and give them a brighter future.”

To donate to Children First go to www.childrenfirst.org.uk/donate

FINAL WEEK: Touch Woods exhibition at Edinburgh’s Central Library

HILLSIDE ART GROUP’s EXHIBTION RUNS UNTIL 31st OCTOBER

Hello friends,

I’m letting you know that our art group’s new exhibition, TOUCH WOODS, is in the last week

📅 Thursday 2nd – Friday 31st October 2025

📍 Art & Design Department, Central Library, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.

This time we’ve been exploring the theme of the forest. The works include paintings, clay footprints, sculptures, and imaginative tactile pieces. Visitors are welcome to touch and experience the art — something that is especially important to us as visually impaired artists.

It would mean a lot if you could come along, spread the word, or even bring a friend.

We have a selection of fridge magnets that are availible for donation and all proceeds will go to our materials fund.

Hope to see you there!

💚Hillside Art Group facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/hillsideartgroup

Youtube Alan McIntyre Studio Art channel – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRXJKjXf67BktrsTmhwd-sA

My Music Youtube – neonmyth channel – https://www.youtube.com/@neonmyth

INSTAGRAM – @alanmcintyrestudio

Alan McIntyre

Hillside Visual Impaired Art Group is a weekly meeting point for those who wish to practise their creative skills though visually impaired.

The group is based at the RNIB Scotland’s headquarters in Edinburgh.

New composition to premiere at Railway 200 celebration event

LNER has been announced as sponsor of the world premiere of a new music composition celebrating 200 years of the modern railway called ‘Engine Shed’.

The piece, composed by Shildon-born Edinburgh-based composer Deborah Shaw (aka AURORA ENGINE), will be performed by the Linlithgow String Orchestra at a free public concert on Sunday 9 November 2025.

The project is supported by the charity Making Music and their ‘Adopt a Music Creator’ programme.

As well as supporting Railway 200, the concert also celebrates the 10th anniversary of the founding of the string orchestra and 90 years of the charity Making Music.

The concert will take place at the historic St. Michael’s Parish Church, Linlithgow with the performance starting at 7pm on Sunday 9 November 2025.

You can book your free tickets via the orchestra’s website here. 

Deborah Shaw, the composer of the new celebratory piece of music, is from the historic railway town of Shildon, situated on the original route of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, which is front and centre of this year’s celebratory Railway 200 events. Her new striking work explores Scotland’s rail history through music while amplifying often unheard voices.

Commissioned through Making Music’s ‘Adopt a Music Creator’ initiative and developed in collaboration with the Linlithgow String Orchestra, their musical director Bill Jones, and with mentorship from composer Ailie Robertson, the composition explores sounds of the railways, whilst reimagining stories of trains, industry, and identity.

Deborah explains: “The piece incorporates snippets of archival recordings and field sounds from the steam engine ‘Twizell’ which was built by Robert Stephenson & Company and is now lovingly cared for by the Tanfield Railway. Orchestral cues are directed with authentic LNER guards whistles and traditional railway hand signals.

“This new composition is so much more than a celebration of trains, I wanted my work to shine a light on the underrepresented voices in both rail and music, from women and marginalised workers to African American railroad traditions.”

Edinburgh-based harpist, songwriter and sonic artist Aurora Engine  (Deborah Shaw) releases her new single ‘Coal Dust’, the first from an upcoming EP  ‘Railway Queen‘ exploring women’s roles in industrial towns 

 LISTEN HERE

WAV MP3 HERE

VIDEO SHORT TEASER HERE

Raw, mechanical textures intertwine with harp, electronics, and voice, creating a sonic landscape that merges the industrial and magical. The EP has been written, recorded and produced by Deb mixing  collected industrial sounds. 

‘Coal Dust’ single draws inspiration from women like the Winterton Sisters early pioneers in railway signalling engineering, as well as the countless women who kept domestic and emotional labour turning while industrial progress was built around them.

Field recordings from steam trains collected by Deborah herself can be heard as a steady undercurrent, collected from railways towns where she was brought up. Lyrics blend nursery rhymes with story of labour and graft.

Funded by Stockton and Darlington Railway for Rail 200 celebrations, and PRS Foundation

Aurora Engine www.auroraengine.com

Aurora Engine / Deborah Shaw is a composer, harpist and pianist based in Edinburgh originally from CO. Durham.

Fusing real instruments, voice and progressive electronica, her work encapsulates a singular and striking sonic landscape. Currently with Hen Hoose as a mentee, recent performances include Celtic Collections, Belladrum and Hidden Door Festival.

Her 2024 work Flutter  about women and Torette’s syndrome is being programmed at CRYPTIC  2026. 

‘Magical and Delicate’ Tom Robinson BBC 6 Music

‘Splendid….mellifluous harp playing elegantly woven around electronic fizzles…dark magic abounds’ – Electronic Sound Magazine (Feb 2024)

COSLA launches Holyrood Election 2026 Manifesto

For our communities to live well locally, councils are essential. Councils provide safer communities, housing, roads and transportation, education, social work and social care, environmental health, trading standards, mental health services, advice services, employability, recycling and waste services, libraries, leisure facilities and many more vital services that support and create opportunities for every community in Scotland.

This manifesto sets out what local government needs from Scottish Government to continue to serve local communities and enable us all to live well locally.

Our key asks are grouped under six priority areas, divided into ‘enabling priorities’ focusing on key levers at our disposal (finance, workforce and democratic powers) which enable delivery of our ‘outcomes-focused priorities’ (future generations, thriving places and thriving communities).

We need Scottish Government to work together with local government, as equal partners, to deliver lasting change and improve outcomes.

COSLA-Manifesto-2026v2Download

Wes Streeting hails use of private sector in England’s NHS

STREETING: “WEALTH SHOUDN’T DETERMINE HEALTH”

FASTER CARE FOR THOUSANDS THROUGH NHS USE OF INDEPENDENT SECTOR

  • A total of 6.15 million appointments, tests and operations were delivered by independent providers for NHS patients this year.
  • The almost 500,000 increase on last year is helping to cut waiting times, free up NHS capacity and deliver national renewal through the government’s Plan for Change
  • Patients able to cut waiting times by up to five months by switching to nearby hospital with shorter queues.

Hundreds of thousands of people are receiving faster care thanks to the Labour government’s partnership with the private sector, which is helping provide the treatment they need to get back on their feet – free at the point of use.

More than 6 million tests and operations for NHS patients were delivered by independent healthcare providers over the past year – almost 500,000 more than last year.

Independent healthcare providers delivered an average of 19,000 surgical procedures and 100,000 outpatient appointments every week this financial year – helping to treat more than 1.1 million people

This is all part of the drive to use every resource available to stop patients suffering on the unacceptably long waiting lists this government inherited – which have now fallen by 206,000 over the past year.

Using spare capacity in the private sector is central to the government’s goal that 92% of patients in England should wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to treatment – which is fundamental to delivering the renewal this country needs.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “I’ll do everything I can to get NHS patients treated faster, free at the point of use.

“This is a principled, progressive position, not just a pragmatic one. We’re not prepared to continue two-tier healthcare, when those who can afford it get treated on time, and those who can’t are left behind. Wealth shouldn’t determine health.

“This is just one reform which has helped deliver 5 million more appointments, grown NHS productivity, and cut waiting lists by 200,000.

“We are also investing in growing the NHS capacity, opening up CDCs and operating theatres at evenings and weekends, and bringing in modern technology like robotic surgery. Through investment and relentless reform, we will make sure every patient is treated on time, not just those who can afford to pay.”

The partnership with the private sector comes alongside the other UK government measures to cut waiting times and expand NHS capacity in England, including:

  • Opening more Community Diagnostic Centres seven days a week, 12 hours a day. They have delivered over 8.7 million diagnostic tests since July 2024, closer to where people live, freeing up hospitals.
  • Opening new 22 new surgical hubs and expanding a further 12.
  • Introducing a national programme of weekend High-Intensity Theatre (HIT) lists once a month in 50 hospitals to get through a week’s worth of planned operations in a day
  • Setting up NHS Online, which will deliver up to 8.5 million appointments in its first three years and allow patients to digitally connect to expert clinicians anywhere in England.

The partnership with the independent sector strengthens the commitment set out in the 10 Year Health Plan to boost patients right to choose where they are treated, with new research showing patients are cutting their wait for an NHS operation by up to five months by switching to a nearby hospital with shorter queues.

Sir Jim Mackey, NHS Chief Executive, said: “The independent sector is playing a vital role in supporting our efforts to bring down waiting lists and ensure patients can get the NHS care they need faster.

“Thanks to the ambition and hard work of NHS teams, we are seeing early signs of progress with waiting lists falling for the first time in years – but we are determined to go further and faster to improve patients’ experiences and this data shows clearly that maximising use of this capacity is an approach that is working for patients.”

Research from the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN), alongside the Patients Association and Arthritis UK, found patients need to travel on average just under 13 miles – typically under 30 minutes by car – to cut over two and a half months off their waiting time for treatment.

For particular treatments, patients can cut their wait even further. For example, in the South East, patients requiring general surgery such as a hernia operation could cut their wait from an average of 27 weeks to just 6 weeks – a reduction of almost five months – by travelling from the areas with the longest waiting times to shortest.

David Hare, Chief Executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network, said: “These latest figures demonstrate just how important the independent sector is in providing much-needed NHS treatment – delivering around 10% of all NHS elective activity, and a record amount of appointments, tests and scans – all free at the point of use to patients.  

“In committing to better commissioning, patient choice and clear incentives, the recent NHS & Independent Sector Partnership is having real benefits to patients and by sticking to these principles, the Government and the independent sector can continue to drive down NHS waiting lists long into the future.”

Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Arthritis UK said: “Thousands of people with arthritis in need of life changing hip and knee replacements are waiting in unnecessary pain.

“We know that the longer people wait, the more impact this has on their lives and causes a further deterioration in their joints which results in more complicated and expensive surgery and too often worse health outcomes.

“Promoting patient choice, including being able to be treated by independent providers, is therefore an important tool which may ensure that people can get faster access to the treatment they so desperately need.”

Sarah Tilsed, Head of Partnerships and Involvement, The Patients Association: “It’s encouraging to see more patients receiving the care they need sooner, with over six million NHS appointments, tests, and operations delivered through the independent sector in the past year.

£Every patient who has their treatment brought forward no longer has their life on pause and is able to take the next step in their care journey.

“As the NHS continues working to reduce the backlog, it’s vital that patients are supported with clear information and real choice about their options. Using all available capacity to deliver care sooner is essential, as long as patients are well informed of their right to choose and feel in control of their care journey.”

  • All figures above relate to the period September 2024 to August 2025
  • Independent healthcare providers deliver NHS care free at the point of use under contract to the NHS
  • 7.6 MILLION people were on NHS England waiting lists last month

Mental Health Foundation: The four pillars of good sleep

With the clocks going back this weekend, many of us will relish the extra hour in bed. 🛌

Sleep helps us process our thoughts and feelings and gives our minds a chance to heal. 💜

But too many of us are struggling to get good sleep, with serious impacts for how we feel and function. 🧠

Our free guide to getting a better night’s sleep is full of tips for anyone struggling with their sleep.

Check it out now: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/…/publ…/how-sleep-better

#SleepGuide

#SleepBetter

#MentalHealthMatters

#MindfulRest

#SleepWell

REMEMBER – Clocks go BACK this Sunday!

Aldi celebrates 30 years serving the Musselburgh community

Popular discount supermarket, Aldi, is celebrating 30 years of trading in Musselburgh, marking three decades since the store first opened its doors to local shoppers on 26 October 1995.

Since welcoming its first customers, Aldi’s Musselburgh storehas become a staple in the community, providing high-quality products at unbeatable prices while supporting jobs and investment in the local area.

Over the years, Aldi has grown from its first Scottish store in Kilmarnock in 1994 to a household name, with more than 100 stores across the country today. The business is a major employer in Scotland with over 3,600 staff located between its stores and headquarters in Bathgate.

Aldi is consistently recognised by shoppers and the industry for its championing of locally produced Scottish food and drink. It is the only retailer to have a dedicated Scottish Buying Department, and it currently works with more than 90 Scottish suppliers and stocks 450 Scottish products.

In 2016, Aldi’s Musselburgh store underwent a major extension to meet growing demand, increasing its shop floor space from 760 sqm to 960 sqm, allowing it to offer an even wider range of Aldi favourites to local shoppers.

As well as serving customers for three decades, Aldi’s Musselburgh store has been at the heart of the local community. In 2023, the store was one of the branches selected for Aldi’s popular Supermarket Sweep initiative, which saw a Musselburgh local raise over £650 for The Pennypit Trust Foodbank. That same year, the Musselburgh Windsor 2011 Girls Team was awarded the top amount of £2,500 from Aldi’s Scottish Sports Fund.   

Peter Greasley, Store Manager, said: “It’s been a pleasure to serve the people of Musselburgh for the past 30 years.

“Over the past three decades, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming generations of customers through our doors, and their loyalty and support have made this milestone possible. We are very much looking forward to continuing to serve the community for many more years to come.”

Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “It’s really special to look back at how far we’ve come as a business since we first opened our doors in Scotland.

“We are incredibly grateful to our loyal customers and devoted team members in Musselburghwho have been with us every step of the way.”

SCVO partners with AccountsIQ to modernise finance operations

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the national membership body representing over 3,800 voluntary sector organisations in Scotland, has partnered with cloud accounting software leader AccountsIQ, to modernise its finance operations and drive efficiency.

SCVO needed to replace its legacy, server-based finance system, which was costly to maintain and relied heavily on manual processes across sales, purchase ledgers, banking, and reporting. With Salesforce already embedded as SCVO’s CRM system, it was critical to implement a financial management platform with proven integration, flexibility, and ease of use.

AccountsIQ was selected for its cloud-native architecture, intuitive interface, and seamless Salesforce integration as well as smart automation features and data-driven reporting capabilities. The onboarding process included bespoke support to configure general ledger and reporting structures tailored to SCVO’s needs.

Since implementation, the platform has automated repetitive workflows, eliminating time-consuming manual data entry and freeing the finance team to focus on higher-value tasks. Bank reconciliations have been streamlined through automated feeds, significantly reducing errors. Integration with Excel also enables fast, accurate, real-time reporting, giving the finance team instant visibility across the organisation.

Martin McComb, Head of Finance at SCVO, said: “AccountsIQ stood out because of its intuitive platform and proven history of Salesforce integration.

“The onboarding process was smooth and efficient, and we now have far greater automation across our finance function. It has saved us significant time, reduced errors, and allowed our team to focus on strategic, value-added work.

“I would absolutely recommend AccountsIQ to any organisation looking for a scalable, cloud-based solution.”

The system is agile and continues to evolve alongside SCVO’s operational requirements, ensuring that the finance function remains efficient and future-ready. The result is a single, integrated finance ecosystem where reports can be generated in seconds, routine processes are automated and the finance team can concentrate on analysis and strategic priorities rather than administrative tasks.

Darren Cran, CEO at AccountsIQ, added: “We’re proud to be supporting SCVO in its mission to champion Scotland’s voluntary sector.

“By integrating seamlessly with Salesforce and automating critical finance processes, AccountsIQ is enabling SCVO’s finance team to save time, improve accuracy and focus on what really matters – supporting members and driving social impact.”