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Ripple Project and University of Edinburgh launch Community Enhancement Project

The Ripple Project is proud to announce a new Community Enhancement Partnership with the University of Edinburgh.

The pioneering new initiative has seen three University of Edinburgh Master of Architecture students work with The Ripple Project and its Restalrig residents to design and construct new social structures to enhance the wellbeing of the local community.

Made from recycled and sustainable materials, this year’s students created a new community noticeboard and seating area, as well as a set of hand-crafted stools, moulded with earth clay and decorated by local residents.

Tristan Green, Community Action Worker, at The Ripple, commented: ‘We’re excited to partner with the University of Edinburgh and are thankful for the support of the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA) at Edinburgh College of Art.

“Art and wellbeing are at the beating heart of The Ripple Project, and we’re excited to work together to give students valuable practical experience whilst enriching the local area with their fantastic creations.

“The hand-made ‘storage stools’ were made with clay earth and designed with local residents, whilst the community noticeboard has enhanced our ability to inform local residents of our new refillery, key social activities and lifeline services including foodbanks and councillor surgeries.”

Dr Simone Ferracina from the University of Edinburgh commented: ‘Our partnership with The Ripple focuses reflects on our ambition to turn architectural design into a form of resource stewardship and care, and to help Edinburgh become a more sustainable and equitable city.

‘The Ripple was identified as an ideal partner as it is a pioneering local charity, with a progressive and sustainable vision for the city. The partnership has offered our students valuable practical experience to enhance their coursework and future employability, whilst benefitting the local community.’

See the comments from the students about their own projects:

“This structure was designed and built by hand using locally sourced ’waste materials’ from various spaces across and outside of Edinburgh.

“Using recycled scaffolding boards and retired climbing ropes, ’Noticing: The Ripple Project’ was specifically designed following time spent at the project – gaining an understanding of what they do and building connections with those who work and visit here – in order to better advertise the amazing work, space and groups that they offer to the local community.

“This structure aims to provide space for advertising of local events & activities. I hope to have provided a necessary space and structure for this purpose and look forward to seeing it in use”.

“Modular Earth: Co-Designing Through Surfaces is the result of a year-long immersive collaboration interaction with the ongoing activities, integrating with volunteers, and visitors at The Ripple Project.

“It culminates in a modular system that addresses the client’s need for additional storage as well as seating, and this design response provides punctual interventions which can act independently and aggregate to form larger social and functional installations.

“The design is comprised of a timber frame, which was adapted from locally sourced and dismantled pallets, faced with light earth (a mixture of subsoil and fibres), and earth plaster with glazed finishes made from natural vegetable pigments.

“The project aims to create moments of ownership and interaction, through easy-to-learn plastering techniques, with finishes serving as tactile, stimulating interfaces for sharing memories and ideas.

“Community members participated in the finishing of the modules through hands-on workshop sessions, fostering a sense of ownership and pride, embedding the participants’ identities within the work.”

More women taking part in breast screening programme

New statistics show increase in uptake of appointments in Scotland

The number of women being tested for breast cancer is at its highest ever level in Scotland.

More than three in four women (75.9%) took up their screening invitations over the three-year period 2020 to 2023, Scottish breast screening programme statistics indicate.

This is an increase on the previous three-year period (2019-22) when uptake was 74.5% and pre-pandemic (2017-20) when uptake was 72.2%.

The figures also show that all NHS boards individually have met the acceptable uptake standard of 70% for a second year in a row.

Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “I am pleased that more women are attending breast screening appointments and that boards have individually met their target for a second year in a row.

“However, there is more work to be done to reach the achievable target of 80% and to encourage people from more deprived areas to attend their appointments.

“We will continue to work with health boards to encourage more women to participate in breast screening and address any barriers they may face in doing so.”

Breast screening is offered to women aged 50 to 70 approximately every 36 months. This is in line with the recommendation from the UK National Screening Committee. Screening was paused between March and August 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The programme continues to offer appointments at six breast screening centres across Scotland, as well as the mobile screening units which allow women in more remote areas to access screening more easily.

Strachan House Care Home says goodbye and good luck to Liz

MUCH-LOVED NURSE RETIRES AFTER 25 YEARS SERVICE

After 25 years of continuous service at Strachan House in Edinburgh, much-loved Nurse Liz Agrebi has made the decision to retire.

Staff and residents at the home sent Liz off in style with prosecco, food and lots of singing and dancing, the home had amazing musician Nicky Murray serenading staff and residents alike. Everyone at the home has very fond memories of Liz and she will be sadly missed.

Liz 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!”

During her time at Strachan House Liz has worked across lots of different roles, even spending a period of time as the deputy, by far the most impactful role Liz had here was a mentor for student nurses who all describe Liz as the most wonderful teacher.

Frances Fisher, General Manager at Strachan House said: “Liz 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 and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Energy Charitable Trust creates more than £250 MILLION in societal benefits since 2020

HELPING HOUSEHOLDS ESCAPE FUEL POVERTY

· British Gas Energy Trust, incorporating the Scottish Gas Energy Trust, created more than £7 million in societal impact in Scotland over the past four years.

· Number of fuel poor households in Scotland has increased by 60% in past four years, rising from 610,000 to 980,000.

· 46% of direct grant recipients live in the most deprived areas of Scotland.

· Almost two thirds (64%) of beneficiaries in Scotland agreed that they were more satisfied with their lives after receiving support, compared to 54% who said the same before help.

British Gas Energy Trust, the independent charitable trust funded solely by British Gas, has created £264 million in societal impact – more than £7 million in Scotland – over the past four years, according to new analysis by Oxford Economics.

The report comes as the number of fuel poor households in Scotland has increased by 60% between 2020 and 2024¹, rising from 610,000 to 980,000, due to rises in fuel prices and cost of living. The analysis by Oxford Economics found that, at the peak of the crisis, more than two-fifths (41%) nationwide reported difficulty in paying their bills during this time.²

In response, British Gas Energy Trust, which incorporates Scottish Gas Energy Trust, has tripled its expenditure across the UK, enabled by boosted funding from British Gas, to provide essential support to those who need it most. Since the launch of the Trust in 2004, the energy provider has contributed over £200 million in donations, helping more than 2.2 million nationwide.

In the past financial year 2023/24, British Gas Energy Trust created £40 million in net benefits to society in England, £7 million in Scotland and £2 million in Wales. The impact of the Trust is seen particularly in areas of acute need where people are more likely to be at risk of fuel poverty, with 46% of direct grant recipients living in the most deprived areas of Scotland.

The social return on investment (SROI) in the Trust during this time is 5.5. For every £1 spent by the British Gas Energy Trust, it created £5.50 in value for society – more than double that of the previous report undertaken by Oxford Economics which was 2.4 for the financial year 2014/15. When breaking down the impact of each of the Trust’s programmes, the scheme which provides grants to support-focused organisations saw the highest SROI at £6.50.

Looking at the Trust’s broader economic benefits to society in the last four years, £11 million of additional gains has been made for the exchequer across the UK through additional tax revenue and savings to the NHS by alleviating pressures which negatively impact people’s wellbeing.

Amongst beneficiaries of British Gas Energy Trust, almost two thirds (64%) of beneficiaries in Scotland agreed that they were more satisfied with their lives after receiving the support and guidance, compared with 54% who said the same before receiving support.

The purpose of the British Gas Energy Trust is to alleviate the detrimental impact of fuel poverty through three main programmes. This includes:

· Direct grants programme, helping people to clear fuel debt arrears;

· Financial Assistance Payments (FAP) programme, offering fuel vouchers directly to individuals and families;

· and the Supporting Communities at Risk Programme (SCARP) which funds charity advice agencies across Britain who provide holistic money and energy advice to individuals who have been disproportionately impacted by fuel poverty. This includes those with additional needs such as electrical medical health requirements or disabilities

Jessica Taplin CEO of British Gas Energy Trust said:

“We had a clear goal for the Trust when it was set up 20 years ago – to alleviate the detrimental impact of fuel poverty. With the support of our grant and funded organisation programmes, this new report brings home the positive impact we’ve made so far – but it doesn’t end there.

“Our fight to help people in fuel poverty continues and this year to mark our 20^th anniversary, we’re building on our understanding of the issue from the front line, by visiting charities and third sector organisations who support those most at risk of fuel poverty, and hearing from people affected, to take stock on what really helps and the barriers we still need to overcome.

“The aim is to identify and fund future interventions that are proven to support the most vulnerable communities while gathering meaningful lessons to influence societal change and see significant reductions in fuel poverty over the next decade.”

Chris O’Shea, Chief Executive of Centrica, parent company of British Gas and Scottish Gas, said: “The impact that the British Gas Energy Trust has had has been phenomenal. Not only is it reaching people in some of the most deprived areas across the country, it is also positively impacting people’s lives, supporting them with financial aid and guidance in their time of need.

“While it’s been good news that food and energy prices are falling, for many households the cost-of-living crisis is far from over. That’s why we’ve put £140 million into supporting those who need help the most. We will be continuing to work closely with the Trust to ensure that this work continues and to help alleviate the pressures so many are facing – now and in the future.”

Chris Warner, Lead Economist at Oxford Economics, said: “The report underscores the efficacy of interventions targeting fuel poverty to create social value and demonstrates the profound effect of British Gas Energy Trust’s programmes on its beneficiaries’ sense of wellbeing.

“Ultimately, it showcases why charities such as the Trust should collect comprehensive yet proportionate data on their beneficiaries in order to understand and communicate their impact.”

In the upcoming months, British Gas Energy Trust – which incorporates Scottish Gas Energy Trust – is hosting a series of roundtables throughout the year in some of the UK’s deprived areas with its funded organisations to gather insights to help drive further systemic change to reduce fuel poverty.

The locations include, London (Bromley-by-Bow), Glasgow, Doncaster, Newcastle, Bristol, Cardiff, and Leicester.

To find out more to apply for financial grants or support from the British Gas Energy Trust, visit:

https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/who-can-apply/

TUC: Government must end its cruel assault on sick and disabled people

The latest government announcement on reforms to financial support for those with ill health or disability is misleading rhetoric. The lives of those with ill health or disability are completely misrepresented, and the language they use is divisive, (writes TUC’s ANJUM KLAIR).

Mel Stride announced the consultation on reform of Personal Independent Payments (PIP). Two immediate observations from us are:

The Government has deliberately confused the purpose of this benefit in order to ramp up its benefit scrounger rhetoric. PIP is not an out-of-work benefit: disabled people in full-time employment can be, and are, assessed as eligible for PIP. It assesses whether someone’s impairment or health conditions affects their day-to-day life and is intended to cover some of the additional costs incurred as a result of being disabled. It is not for assessing if you are capable of work- or work-related activity.
The idea that you can claim PIP for mild mental illness is untrue. The criteria for accessing PIP is stringent. You have to be suffering from severe mental illness. It is a complex application process and have to provide medical evidence.

If the current data is showing rising numbers of those with severe depression and anxiety claiming PIP, you don’t change the eligibility criteria to reduce claimant numbers – you look at the underlying drivers of ill health.

More than a decade of austerity under the Conservatives has resulted in crumbling public services.

NHS waiting lists are at record highs, food insecurity and destitution has increased, and poverty levels are rising. This will inevitably affect physical and mental health. Data shows life expectancy and healthy life expectancy falling, and this is more profound in deprived areas.

The approach by government is to blame individuals. Only recently the Prime Minister attacked those too sick to work, by saying UK had a sick note culture, yet the data on workplace sickness absence does not suggest any substantial challenges.

And again, government conflates two separate areas, sick notes look at short-term illness for those in work and not long-term illness and disability.  It is the rise in long-term sickness and disability which is alarming. 

The ideas proposed in the consultation also include the insulting suggestion that disabled people are not to be trusted with spending their benefits on essential support. As it moves away from a fixed cash benefit and proposes to reimburse for extra costs, this also assumes that disabled people have the money to pay up front for this.

The consultation also proposes accessing treatments rather than receiving benefits for ill health, yet it is the lack of access to treatment which is exacerbating the increase in ill health. The long delays are well documented. Just for mental health support there is around1.9 million people waiting for support in England,

The PIP consultation also adds a further layer of confusion for people not working due to ill health, as the government already set out a plan for health and disability benefits reform last year. This is proposed for the new Parliament, and includes:

The Work Capability Assessment (WCA) to be abolished and eligibility for the health top-up in Universal Credit (UC) ( in this case the health element) will be passported (i.e. approved) via PIP.
The current UC Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element will be replaced with a new UC health element.
Introduce more tailored conversations for claimants with work coaches, to enter suitable employment.

While we have issues with the validity of WCA decisions, it is supposed to assess people’s ability to work, while PIP clearly does not do this. This proposed change would amount to a huge financial cut to those not well enough to work. The IFS estimates that one million disabled or seriously unwell people who can’t get PIP would lose out by £350 a month.

Wider problems in the Government’s plan include the proposed introduction of a new personalised health conditionality approach. Disabled people will also face a higher risk of sanctions, as at present people currently identified as being unable to work and prepare for work are protected but could lose this right under the changes.

Such measures do not consider the structural barriers that stop disabled people from entering into the workplace, such as discrimination from employers, a failure to put in place reasonable adjustments, and inaccessible transport. The result will be many disabled people whose health makes it difficult or impossible to carry out work activity without a realistic chance of getting a job, being threatened with sanctions.

Separately the Government has made changes to descriptors in the WCA to apply from September 2025 for new claimants. As a result, 424,000 fewer people are expected to be assessed as having limited capability for work and work-related activity by 2028 to 2029.

The theme by the Conservative government is to constantly reduce eligibility to cut social security entitlement for disabled people or those with ill health. Government needs to end this cruel assault on sick and disabled people.

Justice for Post Office Horizon victims in Scotland

Bill to exonerate wrongly convicted sub-postmasters

Sub-postmasters wrongly convicted as a result of the faulty Horizon IT system will automatically be exonerated under proposed legislation introduced to the Scottish Parliament today.

Those whose convictions are quashed under the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences (Scotland) Bill will then be able to access the UK Government financial redress scheme.

The Bill’s passage through the Scottish Parliament will be expedited to allow justice and redress to be delivered to victims as swiftly as possible in line with the UK Bill, which was not extended to cover sub-postmasters in Scotland.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Innocent sub-postmasters had their lives ruined by being wrongly convicted of offences of dishonesty on the evidence of the faulty Post Office Horizon system.

“The quickest, easiest route to overturn these miscarriages of justice would have been for the UK Government to extend their Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill to cover sub-postmasters in Scotland.

“However, our repeated requests for this were refused. Our Bill, therefore, mirrors that of UK legislation to ensure parity for affected sub-postmasters in Scotland with those elsewhere in the UK and to ensure access to the UK Government’s compensation scheme.

“The scale of the scandal and the length of time that the victims have waited for justice means we are taking an unprecedented step of introducing legislation to right this terrible wrong and asking Parliament for it to be processed as an emergency Bill.

“The Scottish Government will not do anything to jeopardise equality and parity for victims, so the final stage of the Bill cannot be considered in the Scottish Parliament until after the UK legislation has been passed. This will ensure that MSPs can take account of any amendments made to the UK Bill.”

If passed, the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences (Scotland) Bill will mean relevant convictions are automatically quashed on the day the legislation comes into force and those exonerated will then be able to access the UK Government financial redress scheme, in line with its requirements.

The legislation will exonerate convicted sub-postmasters where the following criteria are met:

the conviction was for embezzlement, fraud, theft, uttering or an ancillary offence committed between 23 September 1996 and 31 December 2018
the person was carrying on a Post Office business, or working in a Post Office for the purpose of a Post Office business
the conviction was in connection with carrying on, or working for the purpose of the Post Office business
the Horizon system was being used for the purposes of the Post Office business in the relevant Post Office
the conviction has not been considered by the High Court in connection with an appeal.

Post Office (Horizon System) Offences (Scotland) Bill

Once a Scottish Government Bill is introduced, responsibility for the scrutiny process, including timescales, rests with the Parliament. The Stage 1 debate and vote on the general principles of the Bill is expected to take place in the Scottish Parliament on 21 May; Stage 2 amendments will be considered on 22 May.

New prison punishments introduced to curb bad behaviour

Prisoners who break the rules while behind bars face new community payback-style punishments like repair work and litter picking, under tough prison rules to be set out this week

community payback-style punishments to be imposed for the first time in prisons
repairs, cleaning and litter-picking among new penalties for bad behaviour
tougher penalties, including additional prison time, remain for more serious offences

For the first time, Governors will be able to impose “payback punishments” on prisoners who behave badly in jail, such as damaging prison property or being disrespectful to staff.

Punishments will vary from prison to prison, but could include repairing broken items, clearing shared or disused spaces, and litter picking. Offenders who refuse to carry out their payback punishment could have their prison work earnings blocked or privileges forfeited.

These new powers will build on the action Governors can already take if an offender commits a crime while behind bars.

It will remain the case that in the most serious incidents, for example sexual assault or selling drugs, tougher prison punishments could be handed out. In these cases, the crime will be reported to the police and perpetrators face the prospect of new convictions and time behind bars.

Prisons and Probation Minister Ed Argar said: “Discipline is the cornerstone of a prison that is safe for staff and where offenders are put on track to become law-abiding citizens.

“Unruly behaviour is not tolerated and these new punishments will help force prisoners to realise their disruptive actions have tough consequences.”

These punishments are inspired by the community payback schemes running in communities up and down the country where offenders are forced to clean up graffiti or fly-tipping and visibly atone for their crimes.

UK-first Double Championship Dog Show held at Royal Highland Centre

Royal Highland Centre and Scottish Kennel Club celebrate 50 years together

Scottish Kennel Club: Double Championship Dog Show

Royal Highland Centre

Thursday 16 – Sunday 19 May: Doors open 7.30am

The Scottish Kennel Club (SKC) is holding its prestigious Championship Show at the Royal Highland Centre next weekend. The occasion marks the 50^th year of the SKC’s relationship with the Ingliston venue and promises to be a historic weekend in the canine calendar.

This year, SKC was granted permission by the Royal Kennel Club in London to hold a double championship with challenge certificates being awarded in both shows, a first for dog shows in the UK.

Both their General and All-Breed Championship Shows will be held in conjunction with each other over the four-day weekend, an exciting initiative which hopes to be beneficial to all exhibitors participating.

First formed back in 1881, the SKC is the cornerstone of the dog-loving community in Scotland and beyond and has grown into an institution dedicated to promoting responsible dog ownership. From prestigious championship shows to specialty breed exhibitions, obedience competitions, and agility competitions, the SKC’s events showcase the beauty, grace, and diversity of all pedigree dogs while providing a platform for breeders, exhibitors, and spectators to come together and celebrate their shared love of dogs.

The Royal Highland Centre has been the perfect setting to host these events for the last 50 years, with the first SKC outdoor championship event held at the showground in 1974. Historically, these shows were outdoor events – however, in 2012, SKC made the decision to move the Breed Championship Show indoors to the Highland and Lowland Halls of the Royal Highland Centre, where it has remained since. Trade stalls are also hosted within the venue’s Central Halls, providing exhibitors and attendees alike the chance to browse pet food, accessories, and more from more than 40 businesses.

Beyond its role in dog shows, the SKC has played a vital role in protecting and promoting the interests and well-being of dogs in Scotland.

Through educational programs, outreach initiatives, and partnerships with veterinary professionals, the club has worked tirelessly to ensure that all dogs receive the care, love, and respect they deserve.

From championing legislation, to protecting dogs, to providing resources and support to dog owners in need, the SKC has made a tangible difference in the lives of countless dogs and their human companions.

Mark Currie, Director of Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston said: “Over 50 years Royal Highland Centre and Scottish Kennel Club have built a brilliant partnership together, growing the event and using lots of different spaces across the site over the years.

“These dog shows have now become fixtures on the canine calendar and showcase the very best. There is lots for those that love dogs to enjoy and to celebrate from agility competitions to the beauty and grace of the pedigree dogs. The event this year spans four days and is bigger than ever, so do come along and enjoy.”

Spectators and their furry friends alike are welcome to the show.

Tickets are payable at the gate on entry to the showground, with all details of prices and show timings available on the Royal Highland Centre website here.

Jack Russell Terrier rescued after being injured by an escaped dog

Whilst we might not like to think about the prospect, sadly sometimes dogs do injure each other. With the summer months ahead, a national vet charity, PDSA, is offering advice on what to do if your pet-pooch is embroiled in a fight with another dog, after a small terrier encountered an escaped dog out on a spring walk.

When Lucy, a 13-year-old Jack Russell Terrier from Gateshead, and her owner, Janine Webb, headed out for their routine evening walk, neither expected them to come into contact with a roaming dog without an owner in sight.

Thankfully, vets at Gateshead PDSA Pet Hospital were on hand to provide the emergency care needed to tend to Lucy’s sustained injuries following the dog bites. The vet charity is sharing Lucy’s story as the warmer weather lures more dog owners out for lovely walks, meaning more dogs come into contact with one-another.

Janine, Lucy’s devoted owner, said: “We only managed to take a few steps out of my garden when the dog from over the road who had escaped, darted over, and latched onto Lucy. I tried to get Lucy away, but the dog shook her like a rag doll. I quickly realised that he wasn’t going to let go.”

Once Lucy had been freed by two local police offers who happened to be passing, it was clear she had been seriously injured and needed emergency veterinary treatment. Janine contacted her local Gateshead PDSA Pet Hospital for help, and they advised her to visit straight away. Upon arrival, Lucy was thoroughly assessed, and Janine was advised she would need to receive overnight emergency treatment.

“I was heartbroken leaving the Pet Hospital alone. It was the first time we had ever been apart, and I was terrified that we may have said goodbye for good.”

Faith Willsher, a Vet Surgeon at Gateshead PDSA Pet Hospital, said: “Lucy’s injuries were severe. On first examination, she had very prominent bite wounds along her back, some of which were deep. She was admitted for pain relief, antibiotics, a drip, and sedation so we could further assess her wounds.

“Luckily, X-rays showed no internal injuries. However, three deep wounds had caused Lucy’s skin to rip away from the muscle over her back. If left untreated, as well as being extremely painful, they risked becoming infected, which could lead to life-threatening sepsis. All three wounds were carefully cleaned under anaesthetic and stitched up. A drain was placed under the skin to help clear any fluid build-up and prevent infection.”

After a second night of care and monitoring in the Pet Hospital, Lucy returned home to Janine with instructions to rest, wear a cone collar to prevent her licking her stitches, and continue her pain relief and antibiotics. The pair were thrilled to be reunited after a troubling 48 hours apart.

As part of her recovery, Lucy regularly returned to the Pet Hospital to have her wounds cleaned and her dressings reapplied. Unfortunately, as is a common complication following dog bites, the wound became infected despite antibiotics and regular check-ups.

Lucy had to have another anaesthetic to assess the extent of the damage, and sadly, the vet had to remove a large amount of infected skin. A special dressing was applied to protect the area and to help manage the infection and promote healing, which following regular check-ups was soon under control.

One month after the incident, PDSA vets were delighted with Lucy’s progress and signed her off from further treatment.

Janine said: “I honestly don’t know what I would have done if PDSA didn’t exist. I receive benefits, so there’s no way I would have been able to pay for the treatment she needed – it’s money I don’t have to spare.

“I would have gotten into debt or been forced to do the unthinkable and put Lucy to sleep. But she is my world and best friend; she’s the gentlest, loving dog I’ve ever known.”

Faith concluded: “A well-socialised dog will not normally be actively aggressive towards other dogs and won’t go around looking to attack others. But any dog can become aggressive if they are afraid and feel there is no other way out of the situation. This can be due to a current perceived threat or even past experience making them uncomfortable.

“Although it can be distressing if a dog becomes aggressive, try not to panic. Panic can make the circumstances worse – and if you try to pull your dog out of harm’s way both of you could end up with some nasty injuries. Instead, making a loud noise from a distance can help to distract the other dog, but don’t shout at or make eye contact with them, as this can make them feel more threatened and worsen the situation.

“Luckily, Lucy’s devoted owner ensured she received emergency treatment that allowed her to recover quickly.”

For more expert PDSA advice on what to do if your dog is attacked by another, visit: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/dog-attacks

Opportunities to visit Insect Collection at National Museums Centre Granton

An exclusive opportunity to visit the National Museums Collection Centre in Granton to see the vast and awe-inspiring insect collection, with experts from National Museums Scotland and Granton Gas Tower-shortlisted artist Natalie Taylor.

Workshop One: a focus on the biodiversity of our UK pollinators. Photography allowed for research. 1.00 hr

Workshop Two: UK pollinators and a chance to draw from still life. Photography allowed for research. 1.5 hrs

Where: National Museums Collection Centre in Granton

When: Thursday 13th June.

Workshop 1: 1:30-2:30pm;

Workshop 2: 3.00-4:30pm

Who: Over 16’s, unless with carer/adult

Exclusive: two opportunities to visit this Scottish Collection with the opportunity to learn more about local biodiversity and see some incredible insects up close. Workshop 2 will have an additional half an hour to draw from museum specimens.

If you are interested in this opportunity with limited places, please put the first three letters/ numbers of your postcode in the comments and I will DM you a code to access the Eventbrite listing.

FREE. PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF YOU HAVE TO CANCEL.