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Girlguiding volunteers needed in Edinburgh

A new recruitment campaign looking for volunteers to join Girlguiding Scotland has launched – #ExploreDiscoverVolunteer – which will help support the return of face-to-face guiding in communities across Scotland.

Around 1000 girls and young women in Edinburgh are currently on the waiting list to join a Rainbow, Brownie, Guide or Ranger unit and to help fulfil this Girlguiding Scotland is looking for volunteers across the nation.

From adventure weekends away to earning new badges, Girlguiding Scotland wants to provide even more girls and young women a safe space to have fun, connect with their friends and build skills for their future.

According to Volunteer Scotland there are many benefits to volunteering including gaining confidence, meeting new people, being part of a community, taking on a challenge and having fun, all of which can be gained from being a volunteer with Girlguiding Scotland.

A survey carried out by Girlguiding found that nearly a third of girls and young women in Scotland felt lockdown has had a negative impact on their mental health – amidst high levels of worry, stress, and loneliness.

Tricia Forrester, Girlguiding Scotland volunteer said: “It has been especially hard during the pandemic; we have had to come up with new and innovative ways to help support girls and young women’s wellbeing during these uncertain times.

“Being a volunteer for Girlguiding Scotland has really helped me embed myself into the community as well as being so rewarding, knowing that I am providing girls and young women with a safe space to have fun, connect with their friends and build skills for their future.”

Moira McKenna, Chief Guide for Girlguiding Scotland said: “We currently have a strong team of around 10,000 volunteers, but with growing demand we want to ensure that all girls and young women have the opportunity to join Girlguiding. We are looking to increase the adult membership to help more girls and young women access the benefits that guiding has to offer.

“We are looking for more volunteers to get involved to make a meaningful impact in the lives of girls and young women, building on the incredible work during the pandemic.

“New volunteers can choose from opportunities to work directly with young members and lead on the delivery of activities; go on international trips and adventure weekends away; and access bespoke training.

“The campaign highlights how volunteering with Girlguiding Scotland supports people’s self-development and improves their confidence and wellbeing.”

Bringing the benefits of guiding to more girls and adults across Scotland is central to Girlguiding Scotland’s strategy which aims to ensuring every girl and young woman who wants to join guiding in Scotland, whatever their background, will have the opportunity to do so.

Anyone can get involved in guiding, whether they’ve previously been a member, and with a variety of volunteer roles to choose from people can give the time that suits them.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer or know a girl who would like to join guiding, please visit www.girlguidingscotland.org.uk/get-involved/ to find out how to get involved.

Climate Week ‘to put people at the heart of net zero journey’

Scotland’s Climate Week runs from Monday 13 September to Sunday 19 September

A week-long programme of events and initiatives launches across the country today to engage businesses, organisations and communities in Scotland’s response to the global climate emergency ahead of COP26.

Scotland’s Climate Week 2021 will turn the spotlight on the November summit by highlighting Scotland’s national and international actions on climate change while building awareness, generating conversations and encouraging commitment to further climate action.

Climate Week will include the launch of a series of Climate Festival events, part of a new engagement programme designed to empower local communities in the climate debate and ensure an inclusive approach which leaves no-one behind.

Businesses, organisations and individual groups are being encouraged to take to social media to make a pledge they will commit to during COP26 to tackle climate change.

Net Zero Secretary Michael Matheson said: “COP26 coming to Scotland is a unique opportunity to advance the society-wide transformation required for us to become a net zero nation.

“I am determined to make sure the conference reaches out far beyond the negotiations in Glasgow. It must reach every community and deliver a lasting legacy that accelerates our emissions reduction whilst making absolutely sure we do that in a way that’s fair and leaves no-one behind.

“Becoming a net zero nation will require a huge national effort with all of us embracing the significant changes and the chance to secure a better future for us all. It’s crucial that everyone takes this opportunity to get involved. Only by taking action together will we succeed in creating a fairer, greener and climate resilient society.

“In addition to being part of the events taking place up and down the country this week, businesses, organisations, community groups, and individuals can be part of the COP26 Call to Action by making a pledge on social media to commit to climate action for the two weeks of the summit and beyond.”

Scotland’s Climate Week runs from Monday 13 September to Sunday 19 September.

More details can be found at netzeronation.scot

Climate Week ‘to put people at the heart of net zero journey’

Scotland’s Climate Week runs from Monday 13 September to Sunday 19 September

Businesses, organisations and individual groups are being encouraged to take to social media to make a pledge they will commit to during COP26 to tackle climate change.

Net Zero Secretary Michael Matheson said: “COP26 coming to Scotland is a unique opportunity to advance the society-wide transformation required for us to become a net zero nation.

More details can be found at netzeronation.scot

Five injured in Rose Street hit and run incident

Driver arrested – due in court tomorrow

A 36 year old man has been arrested after five people were hit by a car in Edinburgh city centre in the early hours of this morning. He will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow.

Police Scotland received reports of the pedestrians being struck on Rose Street, near its junction with Frederick Street, at about 00:40 this morning.

Two men, aged 39 and 60-years old, and three women, aged 37, 22 and 65, were all taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

All five are in a ‘stable’ condition.

The car failed to stop at the scene and continued on to Lothian Road where it was involved in a crash with another vehicle. No further people were injured.

A 36-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow.

Lothian Road remains closed up to the West Approach Road junction.

Three new mobile vaccination buses target Scotland’s students

The Scottish Ambulance Service has launched three new mobile vaccination buses to cover the whole of Scotland – with a bus dedicated to the east, west and north of the country.

Over the last seven months, the Service has been working in partnership with health boards and local authorities to support the delivery of the national vaccination programme. With the launch of the new buses, one of the key priorities will be to ensure that students are able to access vaccines.

There will be further clinics at the University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, Glasgow Caledonian University and Glasgow University, where it will be parked up at different locations including Murano Street.

The east bus will be at locations in the Scottish Borders, including at Borders College in September, while the north bus will be working with secondary schools across the Highlands.

Pauline Howie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: “Our fantastic staff and our close working with Scottish Government, Health Boards and local authorities across Scotland has meant we can reach into communities via our mobile vaccination bus to ensure everyone has the chance to be vaccinated.

“With university students set to arrive on campuses across the country, we want to ensure they are protected, so over the coming months our vaccination buses will be located at universities and campuses to ensure every student can protect themselves, and others, from Covid-19.”

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “These new vaccine buses, along with those being run by some NHS boards, makes it even easier for students to get vaccinated. As well as going round schools in the Highlands, they will also visit university and college campuses around Scotland Earlier this year we announced the international students will also be included in our national programme.

“The increase in case numbers in recent weeks means it remains vital everyone who is offered a vaccine takes up the invitation. The vaccine buses has been an excellent addition to our national vaccination programme and I want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved for their hard work.”

Gillian Plunkett, Director for Student Experience at City of Glasgow College, said: “Throughout this global pandemic the health and welfare of our students has been our top priority. We are delighted to welcome the NHS Mobile Vaccination Unit. It offers immediate access for students and staff who have still to receive their first vaccine, or their second dose.

“While we continue with our hybrid learning and teaching approach this new academic year, we are encouraging our students to take up the vaccine which is strongly recommended by the NHS as providing the best protection against the effects of Covid-19.”

The mobile vaccination buses will also be helping communities across Scotland, so that everyone can receive the appropriate Covid 19 vaccines for their age group. New funding has been provided by the Scottish Government for the buses, in order to improve accessibility to vaccine clinics across the country.

Samba queen hangs up her whistle

AFTER 30 years pioneering the women’s Samba movement in Scotland, Beat That’s musical director, Erin Scrutton, is hanging up her whistle.

One of Scotland’s longest-running Samba bands, Beat That, is winding up too, going out with a bang at COP26 on Saturday 6 November 2021, playing in the parade for the Extinction Rebellion campaigners.

CALL TO SAMBA SISTERS 

Beat That is putting out a call to women Samba players, past and present, to join in the finale celebrations at COP26. Samba sisters are invited to sign up on the band’s team site (https://teamer.net/p/fbWeZgnIPx7Zslron) to join in.

They will be sent music files to listen to and will be invited to join rehearsals in Stirling in October in preparation for the COP26 parade on 6 November.

Banging the drum for 30 years

Popular with programmers and gig organisers across Scotland, Beat That regularly led the annual Glasgow Style Mile Christmas Parade and played at the Merchant City and West End festivals. They have been stalwarts at Paisley’s Sma’ Shot and Hallowe’en festivals – always game for a dress-up.

Back home, in Stirling, each year Beat That took to the stage and streets in Stirling for events like Reclaim the Night to Hogmanay celebrations.

They’ve performed at festivals in Dublin, Berlin, London, Liverpool, Amsterdam, Italy and Spain.

A key part of the women’s movement and an expression of feminism, women’s Samba bands have featured in many International Women’s Day celebrations over the decades. To celebrate 100 Years of International Women’s Day, Erin led the drumming for an event called HumDrum when 70 women came together to sing and drum on the steps of Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, part of the Scottish Wave of Change.

Making a noise for women and LGBTQ+ rights

Erin, and women’s Samba bands, have played a key role in promoting the Pride movement in Scotland and abroad, celebrating LGBTQ+ people. Erin led She Boom, Scotland’s first women’s Samba band, opening the Stonewall celebrations at the Royal Albert Hall, sharing the bill with Elton John and George Michael.

Erin and drummers attended the Stonewall 25th anniversary celebrations in New York.

Beat That’s last foreign foray was leading the first Pride festival in Manilva in 2019 and they were booked to return when Lockdown hit and live events were put on ice in 2020. Beat That continued to play together right throughout Lockdown, keeping spirits high with a weekly practice for the two dozen women from central Scotland on Zoom.

A leader in her field

Erin led, kicked-off, composed music for and coached the leaders of women’s bands in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Fife, Aberdeen, Irvine, Dumfries and Stirling.

Erin Scrutton Samba leader

Over the years, Erin studied percussion in Brazil, Cuba, Salvador. A skilled player and composer, she has performed with Jools Holland, The Pet Shop Boys and Horse. She has taught thousands of beginners in community and corporate workshops and been a guest tutor for groups from the Isle of Wight to Ireland and Wales.

She has been MD with Stirling-based Beat That for 30 years and in that role has taught scores of women who have become part of the Beat That family and performed at festivals, parades and gigs from Belladrum to Berlin, Ireland to Italy.

Says Jenn Pow, the community group’s chair: “We were lucky to keep Erin as our leader for 30 years. She’s been a field-leader and built a career as a samba drummer when no such thing existed. We feel privileged that she stayed loyal to our group all these years.

“Erin is an amazing teacher – a patient and kind soul. Many of us would never have lasted this long without her. Being in the band has been one of the best things in my life.

“We’re a strong tribe and we’ve grown together, supporting each other through major milestones and life’s ups and downs. We’ve gone through births and deaths together… and many a party night. With Erin calling time, it just felt like the right time to hang up our sticks and wind up the group. It’s been a blast and I’ve made friends for life.”

Recognition and legacy

Erin has a shelf dedicated to her as part of Glasgow Women’s Library’s Women on the Shelf project, recognising all she has done to ignite the women’s drumming movement in Scotland.

Film-maker, Dianne Barrie, has been commissioned by the band to document the COP26 finale and capture stories that recall the essence of the 30 year wave of change.

The band is talking to Macrobert Arts Centre about how they might plug a gap and provide drumming classes going forward, to meet the creative, social and political desires of local women. The band is prepared to donate all its kit and Erin is prepared to donate all her compositions and music files to support passing on a legacy.

£1.25 million funding to help Scotland’s libraries to reopen

A new fund worth more than £1 million that will help libraries re-open is being launched by the Scottish Government.

The Public Libraries COVID Recovery Fund will allow libraries to re-connect with their communities as part of Scotland’s recovery from the pandemic.

The fund, which will be distributed through the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), will support libraries in re-opening or extending their opening hours, as well as fund targeted plans for issues such as digital exclusion or mental health and wellbeing.

While priority will be given to applications which support deprived areas and communities, all library services across Scotland are invited to apply for the fund, which is a commitment made in the new Programme for Government.

Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “We hope that through this new fund the power of libraries to inform, educate, entertain and inspire can be unlocked again as part of the recovery from the COVID pandemic.

“We are aware that while many have returned, Scotland’s library services are currently operating below their pre-pandemic levels.

“The reasons for these closures are varied, complex and sometimes challenging – however we want to see as many libraries re-open as possible, and this fund will help the public library sector bounce back from a challenging time.”

Scottish Library and Information Council chair Ian Ruthven said: “The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the vital role public libraries play in communities across Scotland.

“Libraries are at the centre of the collective endeavour to improve literacy, close the attainment gap, promote health, champion wellbeing, pioneer sustainability, reduce inequality, and close the digital divide.

“SLIC is pleased to be working with the Scottish Government to administer the Public Library Covid Relief Fund which will support the public library sector to extend access to these vital services, and prioritise wellbeing as communities continue to rebuild and recover.”

Window of opportunity for better welfare for equines in Scotland

World Horse Welfare has launched its latest campaign today in Scotland and is encouraging people in the country to contact their recently elected Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and call on them to pledge to protect and improve equine welfare during the next five years.

Although significant advances in protecting equine welfare have already been made in Scotland, the charity’s #ActNow4Horses campaign is encouraging the new Scottish Parliament, elected in May this year, to build on these successes and position Scotland as a leader in equine welfare.

World Horse Welfare is encouraging MSPs to commit to actively supporting a number of proposed laws, and animal lovers across Scotland are encouraged to contact their local MSPs by email or letter and request that they pledge to #ActNow4Horses.

Roly Owers, Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare said: “A key focus for this campaign is ensuring all equines are identified and traceable, because our other proposals to improve equine welfare all depend on accurately identifying equines at all stages of their lives.

“The introduction of microchipping for all equines was a fantastic step forward but the legislation did not go far enough. We believe a frictionless and digitised equine ID system is the only answer and is a fundamental requirement for all other equine welfare legislation to work and be enforceable, so we urge people to ask their MSPs for this.”

The charity argues that the current paper passport system is too open to fraud, with evidence showing that horses are exported unnecessarily long distances on fake passports to slaughter and in poor welfare conditions. This needs to be addressed urgently, but without closing the loopholes in the Equine ID system it is simply not enforceable.

The other proposals include improved welfare during transport; the introduction of a centralised database of all premises where equines are kept, including recording the type of activity (such as breeder or dealer) taking place and updating 50-yr old riding establishment legislation with consideration of developments in equine welfare.

World Horse Welfare also believes that serious consideration should be given to the regulation of commercial equine establishments and breeders, which should be held to higher standards than the average horse owner, as they are profiting commercially and holding themselves out to be equine experts. This could include the licensing of stallions.

Collectively, the changes the charity is calling for have the potential to significantly improve the welfare of equines in Scotland, if they are acted upon.

For explanatory details around each of these points, you can read the Manifesto HERE.

You can also find out if your local and regional MSPs have already pledged HERE

World Horse Welfare highlighted some of the key issues for the welfare of horses, ponies, donkeys and their hybrids to prospective candidates ahead of the Scottish Parliamentary elections on 6 May this year. Now the charity needs the public’s support to ensure MSPs will act on these issues.

Since World Horse Welfare was formed in 1927, by working with horse owners, communities, organisations and governments it has influenced more than 50 pieces of legislation.

Long COVID Support Fund

£10 million for NHS Boards

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has announced a new £10 million Long COVID Support Fund to help health boards respond to the condition.

The announcement follows Mr Yousaf meeting with a range of healthcare professionals at Eastwood Health and Care Centre in East Renfrewshire and speaking with patient Pamela Bell who has been receiving support for long COVID since she contracted the virus almost a year ago.

The Long COVID Support Fund is designed to maximise and improve the co-ordination of a broad range of existing services across the health and social care system and Third Sector in response to the condition. It will be a flexible fund that will be tailored to local needs. It will strengthen the range of information and advice available, and ensure the right support is available within primary care, providing a response focused on each patient’s needs, with referrals to secondary care where necessary.

Mr Yousaf said:

“We know that long COVID can’t be handled with a one-size-fits-all approach. It can be complex and involve an array of diverse symptoms and combinations of those symptoms.

“The new Long COVID Support Fund will give our NHS Boards the flexibility to design and deliver the best care for those with long COVID, tailored to the specific needs of their populations.

“It’s been great to meet Pamela and hear how she has benefited from care and rehabilitation in a setting close to home. Long COVID patients are being supported by the full range of NHS services – primary care teams and community-based rehabilitation services with referrals to secondary care where necessary – and I want to thank our dedicated staff for their hard work.”

Mrs Bell, 62, from Glasgow, met with the Health Secretary to discuss her experience since testing positive for COVID last September. She has a mild chest condition – bronchiectasis – which meant she had to shield at the start of the pandemic. After contracting the virus she was admitted to hospital where she ended up in intensive care and intubated for almost three months.

By the time she was transferred to a respiratory ward on Hogmanay, she could not move and ultimately went to a Physical Disability Rehabilitation Unit for intensive physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.

She also received intervention and oxygen therapy in a respiratory ward, and returned home with long-term oxygen at the beginning of June, where she receives ongoing care from a Community Rehabilitation Team to support her to regain her independence, function and mobility. Mrs Bell, who previously worked in a children’s nursery, has had to retire due to ill health.

Mrs Bell, a mother-of-two who is due to become a grandmother next Spring, said:

“Recently I was able to walk for two minutes and 40 seconds – which is a huge achievement for me.

“Before COVID, I was a senior child development officer, which involved outdoor play. I’d be in the playground or taking the children on forest walks, doing at least 15,000 steps a day. I’d help out in my community. I was there for everybody.

“This last year has been a challenge, when I’ve had to let other people take care of me. But I’m blown away by everything I’ve been given by the NHS. They are just amazing. Some of them visit me weekly, some are at the end of the phone, they deliver my oxygen and really look after me.”

Details of the new Long COVID Support Fund will be shared with NHS Boards in due course.

Lung Ha Theatre Company and Plutôt La Vie present premiere of An Unexpected Hiccup

Edinburgh-based Lung Ha Theatre Company and touring theatre company Plutôt La Vie are pleased to announce their collaboration on An Unexpected Hiccup, a new play directed by Ian Cameron and Maria Oller and written by Michael Duke, based on a story by Ian Cameron and developed by the acting ensemble.

It is due to receive its World Premiere at The Studio in Edinburgh on 27 October.

Caught in a storm and miles from anywhere, Murdo decides to ask for the help of total strangers. But when he knocks on the door of a dark old house, the family inside seem to be expecting him. Whatever Murdo has stumbled upon, there’s no escaping it now. He steps into a long night of comic misunderstandings, sinister goings on and dangerous eccentricities.

Keep an eye on Kurt…Don’t worry about the noises in the cellar…And never ask Louisa why she’s crying…!

The play will feature Tim Licata from Plutôt La Vie working with Lung Ha Theatre Company performers Emma Clark, Emma McCaffrey, Nicola Tuxworth, Keith Watson, Gavin Yule and Ryan Duncan from the Lung Ha Theatre Company Support Team.

Ian Cameron said: “The original idea for this production grew from an experience I had many years ago which, although serious in itself, grew in my head into a dark comic farce about a rather dislocated family.

“This story became the catalyst for development by the company and the writer Michael Duke. What has been wonderful has been to see how the company has grown to own the story, and develop it through their imagination and humour, and this despite the constrictions of Covid!”

Maria Oller said: “An Unexpected Hiccup is the outcome of a long connection between Lung Ha Theatre Company and Plutôt La Vie. Farce, dark comedy and physical theatre is something that the actors at LHTC seems to enjoy and have a talent for.

“Combined with training on how to play farce, the actors have stepped up to master the skills required. Working together with Plutôt La Vie, playwright Michael Duke and the rest of the creative team has taken us from development weeks on Zoom, to a first face to face rehearsal and the return to the theatre room and very soon a performance in front of a live audience! This means more to us than just doing a show. We are back and on our first steps out of Covid! Hurray!”

Music for An Unexpected Hiccup is composed and performed by BAFTA Scotland award winning composer Andrew Cruickshank with set and costume design by one of Scotland’s leading artists in the field, Karen Tennent.

Lung Ha Theatre Company and Plutôt La Vie present the World Premiere of

An Unexpected Hiccup

A long night of comic misunderstandings, sinister goings on and dangerous eccentricities.

27 – 30 October 2021 (preview on 26th)

The Studio | 22 Potterrow, Edinburgh

Tickets from £10 available on capitaltheatres.com or by calling 0131 529 6000.