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Young Scots given opportunity to meet acclaimed video games studios

16–18-year-olds will get the chance speak to major games companies and leading education providers about career opportunities

Event aims to encourage more diversity in the games industry

Ubisoft, SEGA HARDlight and Abertay University will be in attendance

Games Jobs Live, which connects talent to UK games companies, is hosting an event to inspire the younger generation to consider a career in the video games industry.

The free online event, which is taking place on Tuesday 7 November at 4.30pm, is keen to address the diversity and gender imbalance in the industry and encourage more people to consider a career in gaming. The latest figures show 70% of people working in the gaming industry are male.

It will giveyoung people, aged 16-18, the opportunity to meet and speak with acclaimed games companies and top universities.

Featured speakers include Craig Charsley, senior talent acquisition specialist at Ubisoft (Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry) and Sol Argüeso, lead recruiter from SEGA Hardlight (Sonic Dash and Sonic Forces). Mae Yup, co-founder of ERIC and Alex Perkins, art director at Avalanche Studios will also be discussing their careers and tips to get into the industry.

Escape Studios, Abertay University, Salford University and Glasgow School of Art will also discuss the video games courses they offer and will be available for the event duration to answer any questions they may have around apprenticeships, traineeships, personal development opportunities and skills needed.

Scotland is renowned for its game development with Grand Theft Auto being introduced to the world in 1997 by DMA Design (Rockstar North), and the University of Abertay which launched the world’s first computer games degree.

Today the Scottish games industry continues to grow and there are a whole host of games studios in the region offering plenty of job opportunities including Rockstar North, Outplay and Build a Rocket Boy.

Colin Macdonald, director of Games Jobs Live, said: “The global games market is worth $159 billion, with 2.7 billion people playing video games globally. So, there’s a real opportunity for diverse, young people to enter the thriving UK gaming industry but more needs to be done to communicate the wide-ranging opportunities available to them.

“The event’s main objective is to provide this information to the younger generation that are considering a possible future in the games industry but find it hard to get information that’s directly relevant to them.

“By bringing together some of the leading education providers, as well as prominent games studios, they can get advice and answers to their questions in one place and be better informed about their next career steps.

“There will be a range of support on hand from colleges, training providers and employers with available opportunities.”

Rona Whittet, student recruitment officer at Abertay University, said: “Abertay University is excited to be involved once again in the Getting into the Games Industry live event. We want to make more young people aware of the opportunities available to them.”

To sign up for free tickets, please visit – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-to-get-into-the-games-industry-2023-advice-from-industry-experts-tickets-741374329577

Edinburgh Science’s Careers Hive returns next week

Assemble a space satellite or perform a surgery: Edinburgh Science addresses the problem of pupils not choosing STEM subjects by getting them hands-on with science

Schools only 6 – 10 November

Public Open Day on Sat 11 November

www.sciencefestival.co.uk

#CareersHive

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Edinburgh Science is pleased to announce the return of its annual Careers Hive, a week-long free schools event with a Public Open Day on Saturday, 11 November.

Initially developed in 2016, Careers Hive inspires S1-S3 pupils to pursue a STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and maths) career through hands-on activities, discussions with STEM professionals and workshops to equip them with skills and confidence to progress in their chosen field. Careers Hive addresses the problem of young people not choosing STEM subjects by encouraging and showcasing where they will lead.

Between 6 and 10 of November at the National Museum of Scotland, Careers Hive can be accessed by pre-booked school groups only with a Public Open Day on Saturday, 11 November.

Thursday will also see the return of Teacher CLPL (Career Long Professional Learning) Session which will provide activity ideas and discussions to take back to the classroom. The session is free to attend for any educators (e.g. teachers, youth group leaders) and doesn’t require them to have attended Careers Hive itself to benefit from.

Pupils will be able to experience:

Grand Gallery Interactive Exhibition with four themed zones where they engage with STEM professional and try out different hands-on activities related to real jobs, e.g. perform a keyhole surgery, insulate a house, build a robot or assemble a model of a space satellite.
Panel Discussions in the Auditorium during which they hear from STEM professionals about their education and career stories;
Workshop in the Learning Centre where they explore how the skills and interests they are developing at school help them face the challenges in the future.

This year’s speakers include an award-winning climate activist, environmental scientist, and ethical influencer Laura Young aka Less Waste Laura who started, and continues to lead, the campaign to see single-use disposable vapes banned across Scotland and the UK;

Zoe Clark, Mission Manager within launch team for Spire Global, a space company harnessing the world’s largest constellation of 100+ multipurpose satellites collecting data to enable organisations to make smarter, better, faster decisions in a rapidly changing world impacted by climate change.

Zoe started at Spire Global through an apprenticeship programme, working alongside attending college and is very passionate about inspiring young minds to pursue a career in STEM;

Documentary director, tv presenter and wildlife photographer Libby Penman whose new documentary Back from the Brink, showcasing the amazing work of conservationists fighting to save wildlife across Europe, is now available on BBC iPlayer.

Laura McLister, Head of Learning at Edinburgh Science said: “Our world is facing some of its toughest challenges yet and whether it is tackling the climate emergency, harnessing the capabilities of AI or responding to global health crises, skills in STEM have never been so useful.

“However, despite so many inspiring opportunities out there many young people believe STEM subjects and jobs are not for them. Careers Hive challenges this perception head on.

“Over 2,500 young people from across Scotland will visit the National Museum of Scotland where we will help them discover what a job in STEM really entails and share the incredible opportunities that exist if they continue to study STEM topics at school.

“Aimed at inspiring the next generation of problem solvers, Careers Hive offers a unique chance for S1–S3 pupils to try hands on activities and speak directly to career professionals working in STEM industries, who will showcase some of the fascinating jobs available and inspire the young people to think about what problems they want to solve to help build a better world.”

A teacher participating in Careers Hive said: “One pupil told me as we entered the Museum ‘to be honest, I’m here for the day out of school’.

“Come the end of the visit, he was telling me which STEM careers he was interested in, and how the event changed his perceptions about STEM. It opened all the pupils’ eyes to the wider range of STEM jobs rather than just a scientist or an engineer.”

Careers Hive is supported by a range of funders.

Edinburgh Science Learning projects reach around 60,000 people every year.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service: Think Before You Act

Our crews sometimes come under attack when attending incidents. If a firefighter or fire engine is attacked they can’t help someone who needs them.

THINK BEFORE YOU ACT.

Keep everyone safe: https://firescotland.gov.uk/outdoors/fireworks-and-bonfires/…

#BonfireSafety

An invitation to explore jobs in cat welfare this Scottish Careers Week

Careers in animal welfare are being explored in a series of engaging and fun talks for Scottish Careers Week, aimed at learners aged 11 and upwards.

Cats Protection is running eight live events during the week (13 – 19 Nov) with employees from around the feline welfare charity, offering an insight into the variety of jobs it offers.

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

The live streams include talks by the Veterinary team, who will talk about how their work shapes the way cats are cared for; the Advocacy team, which works to influence politicians and policy makers to create a better world for cats; and the Retail team, which runs the charity’s shop chain that raises vital money to support cats in need.

During each 30-minute session, attendees will meet a different person who will give the inside scoop on the skills, experience and qualifications needed for their role as well as sharing some fun stories. Also featuring a live Q&A, attendees can discover more from the experts to inspire their future paths.

Cats Protection’s Scottish Community Education Officer Alison Cameron-Russell said: “We aim to help students to better understand the job market and how they can develop their strengths to be successful in developing their careers. While adhering to the Career Education Standard 3-18, the talks are designed to be insightful, engaging and fun.”

More information can be found on Cats Protection’s Education Team’s Eventbrite page: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/cats-protections-education-team-58533475123. The events are all free, but each event must be booked separately through Eventbrite.

Talks can also be arranged outside of Scottish Careers Week for young people of all ages.

For more information visit:

www.education.cats.org.uk or email education@cats.org.uk

Talk times and Cats Protection colleagues taking part:

o Monday, 13 November 2:00pm-2:30pm – Veterinary Team
o Tuesday, 14 November 9:30am-10:00am – Volunteering Team
o Tuesday, 14 November 2:00pm-2:30pm – Glasgow Adoption Centre
o Wednesday, 15 November 9:30am-10:00am – Advocacy Team
o Wednesday, 15 November 2:00pm-2:30pm – Behaviour Team
o Thursday, 16 November 9:30am-10:00am – Retail Team
o Thursday, 16 November 2:00pm-2:30pm – Community Engagement Team
o Friday, 17 November 9:30am-10:00am – Cat Welfare Learning Team

Strachan House Care Home says goodbye and good luck to retiring nurse Isobel

After almost 27 years of continuous service at Strachan House Care home in Blackhall, much-loved nurse and all-rounder, Isobel Huntly has decided to retire.

Staff and residents at the home sent Isobel off in style with flowers, chocolates, and big hugs, to thank her for many years of dedication. Everyone at the home has very fond memories of Isobel and she will be sadly missed.

During her time at Strachan House, Isobel has worked in a number of roles, exemplifying her adaptability and competency. Not only was Isobel a Unit manager and night nurse with Strachan, but she also worked with Barchester as a General Manager

Isobel said: “Strachan House is like a family to me and though I’m looking forward to retirement, I’m really going to miss everyone here so much!”

Gordon Philp General Manager at Strachan House said: “Isobel is one of those people who was born to care for others – she has such a huge heart and was greatly loved by the individuals living at Strachan House Care Home.

“She was an inspiration to her colleagues and we will all miss her. We wish her all the best!”

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing care, respite/short stay and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Bonfire Weekend Youth Hubs at Pilton Youth and Children’s Project

BONFIRE WEEKEND

This weekend PY will be running on BOTH Friday and Saturday night for our S1+ Drop In Hubs!

Muirhouse Youth Development Group will be with us, and Granton Youth will be doing street work so pop by and say hi!

Please stay safe this weekend, be careful of yourselves and mindful of your pals and other people in the community.

Thank you to LAYC for the funding to allow us to run these activities!

Greens welcome new Active Travel Route in North Edinburgh

Work has begun on the construction of the Western Villages Active Travel Route which is on the boundary of Forth and Almond Wards.

The work is part of the wider regeneration of Granton Waterfront and will improve infrastructure along Marine Drive and West Shore Road between Pennywell Road Roundabout and Gypsy Brae.

Work will include a fully segregated cycle route, improved pedestrian facilities including new footways and pedestrian connections, landscaping improvements including street trees and rain gardens.

This construction is being supported by Sustrans Places for Everyone Programme and is being carried out by CCG (Scotland) Ltd.

Green Councillor for Forth Ward, Kayleigh O’Neill said: “I’m really pleased that these are improvements are on the way. This work will create a coherent active travel network for people in my ward and anyone who wants to travel through.

“It is so important that these improvements are made as we need safe, accessible and well-connected routes for people to walk, wheel and cycle in.”

“Earlier this year the Scottish Government announced the allocation of £20 million as part of its active travel funding. With Greens in the room this issue is being taken seriously and it’s amazing to see on the ground.”

LifeCare launches Winter Warmer appeal

LifeCare encourages people to ‘share a little warmth’ through the charity’s Winter Warmer appeal

As the winter approaches older people are faced with difficult choices; colder weather and long dark nights make it harder to keep well and warm at home, and it can be trickier to safely get out and about, worsening issues of isolation.

As we face another winter of continued high prices, many local older people are struggling to make ends meet and are facing real choices around putting the heating on versus food shopping.

Local charity, LifeCare has over 80 years’ experience offering the vital care and support people need all year round, but with the organisation’s own costs rising they do not currently have the capacity to meet the increasing demands from a growing population of older people. The charity is calling on local people and businesses to get involved and help raise funds to support LifeCare and those struggling this winter.

Older people have been disproportionately affected through the recent covid, cost of living and health crises and charities such as LifeCare have never been needed more. LifeCare experienced a 250% increase in enquiries post-pandemic and recently a 67% increase in enquiries from people living on low incomes. LifeCare aims to keep service costs low, or free for those that most need it, so that they are accessible to everyone.

Recent research from Age Scotland shows that the numbers of older people living in poverty increased this year with approximately 1 in 6 older people living in relative poverty and 41% feeling financially squeezed (up from 26% in 2021).

70% of people surveyed were already cutting back on energy and heating costs, 50% said their standard of living had dropped and 38% were socialising less.

The long-term health and wellbeing impacts are still unknown, but with over 85% of LifeCare’s clients living alone, local older people in Edinburgh are becoming increasingly isolated and in desperate need of considered and caring support.

Originally established in 1941 as the Edinburgh and Leith Old People’s Welfare Council, LifeCare’s professional and high-quality services enable older people to thrive in their own homes and be active in their communities all year round.

Through its relationship-based approach the charity supports the growing numbers of people living with dementia, in isolation, with reduced mobilities, experiencing mental health, and those living on low-incomes.

Activities are delivered within the home, out and about within the community and from three registered day clubs across the city. Collectively the charity supports over 1,000 older people a year.

Through the ‘Winter Warmer’ campaign LifeCare aims to continue to deliver affordable care for those that need it most. This includes offering hot meals on wheels, unpaid carers support, dementia-friendly hairdressing and community engagement activities for those that need it.

And with support, the charity will continue to run CafeLife, the charity’s community café on Cheyne Street, as a welcoming Eat & Meet warm space offering free hot food, companionship and activities across weekends. The charity will also launch a series of workshops and groups such as ‘cooking on a budget’ and ‘mend and repair’ classes to help maximise limited incomes.

LifeCare is calling on everyone, from individuals to local businesses, to join their appeal, share a little warmth and give a donation to help deliver support to those that need it most this winter.

Sarah van Putten, Chief Executive of LifeCare said “We are extremely worried about local older people this winter, with continued high prices for food and fuel, it will be devastating for many. On top of the ‘heat or eat’ dilemma they are also at risk of serious social isolation. It’s times like these which highlight the critical need for services such as ours.

“LifeCare has a long history of supporting and empowering older people to live life to the full, but as a charity we rely on donations to enable us to deliver our vital support and care. Thanks to our services, we ensure that each older person receives the support they need.

“We make sure they are warm in their homes, they eat well, have company to look forward to and are able to get out and about to activities safely. Our regular, reliable and non-rushed support is delivered by the same friendly faces, so friendships are formed and care is consistent. And we know it works; in our recent survey over 91% of day club clients felt more social connected and 85% felt their health and wellbeing had improved.

“It’s frustrating because we know we can deliver the care that people want and need, but we are facing increased costs too. We are asking local people and businesses to consider giving a one-off or regular gift through our Winter Warmer appeal.

“Donations can be made on our website or alternatively people can come along to our community café to pledge their support. Even choosing to have your coffee or lunch from our café will help us to deliver the care local older people need to ensure they continue to thrive at home.”

Local MSP Jeremy Balfour is supporting the charity’s campaign encouraging people to get involved.

Jeremy Balfour MSP for Lothian said: “I am delighted to be supporting LifeCare’s Winter Warmer campaign.

“Winter can be a difficult time of year for people of all ages, however it is an especially tough period for older people and the work that LifeCare does to support them over the winter months is life changing.

“I would commend anyone who is able to support their work in any way that they are able.”

All money raised through Winter Warmer will go directly towards supporting older people in the city.

For more information about LifeCare’s services visit https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/ or call 0131 343 0940 to chat with the friendly team.

Rowanbank Gardens Welcomes First ‘Move Ins’

Initial phase of sustainable Edinburgh new homes development now complete

Edinburgh’s Rowanbank Gardens has welcomed its first residents – in little more than two years since construction started on the new homes’ development dubbed a ‘spectacular blueprint for low carbon living.’

Almost 80 per-cent of the development’s first ‘Appleberry’ homes phase is now sold and occupied, with the next phase due for completion this month.

Located in the heart of the bustling Edinburgh suburb of Corstorphine, Rowanbank Gardens is now delivering 93 apartments for private sale set around a large garden space filled with fruit trees and communal planting beds.

The development is proving to be a popular destination for first-time buyers and downsizers wanting to live in well-connected, vibrant community just minutes from the city centre.

Nearly half of all apartments have already been snapped up by savvy buyers, impressed by the combination of high-quality living, immaculate environmental credentials and central location, with just four apartments remaining of the completed Appleberry phase.

Developer Artisan Real Estate scooped the first ever ‘Excellence in Sustainability’ gong at this year’s Scottish Homes Awards. And while Artisan has been hitting the headlines for the impeccable environmental credentials of its developments, it is the high quality of the internal spaces which has been wooing buyers, according to Artisan’s New Homes Sales Advisor Izzy Bastiani.

“It’s wonderful to be welcoming our first Rowanbank Gardens residents into their new homes,” she says. “Our buyers are now experiencing at first-hand the light and airy living spaces, as well as the quality of the natural oak flooring and the fittings in the kitchen and bathroom, all of which come as standard.”

The new occupants of Rowanbank Gardens are also benefitting from the developer’s commitment to achieving zero carbon low-cost living. It is one of the first large developments in Scotland to employ individual air source heat pumps in all apartments, providing both heating and domestic hot water. Izzy adds: “As well as experiencing an extremely high quality of life at Rowanbank Gardens, homeowners can also save money as well as the environment.

“Energy costs have been predicted to cost up to 60% less than other new build apartments in the surrounding area, with research showing that average annual hot water and space heating costs for a two-bedroom apartment could be as low as £775 per year, or less than £65 per month*.”

Prices for a one-bedroom apartment at Rowanbank Gardens start from £245,000, with a two-bedroom from £325,000 and a three-bedroom from £422,500.

To discuss the incentives currently available or to book an appointment at the Rowanbank Gardens show home, visit the development website www.rowanbankgardens.com or call 0131 516 3302.

* Based on a typical two-bedroom apartment – figures correct as of Q4 2022.