FANTASTICAL BOOK LAUNCH AT MERCHISTON CASTLE SCHOOL
Merchiston Castle School, Scotland’s leading independent school for boys, hosted best-selling author AF Steadman for a private book launch and signing on 1 May.
Author of the award-winning Skandar series, Ms Steadman held the exclusive event at the Edinburgh school to celebrate the launch of the third instalment of the collection, Skandar and The Chaos Trials.
Merchiston was one of just three venues to host the author during a fleeting visit to Edinburgh, before she proceeded with the remainder of her UK tour.
Extending the invitation to several local schools including St. George’s School for Girls, Cargilfield Prep School, and Longstone Primary School, Merchiston welcomed over 250 children into its impressive Memorial Hall.
During the event, the author read an excerpt from the highly anticipated third novel, bringing to life her fantastical world of adventure, fierce friendships, rivalries, and heroic deeds for the audience of school children. A question-and-answer session ensued, followed by a book signing to conclude the event.
Jonathan Anderson, Headmaster of Merchiston, said:“It was a privilege to host Annabel Steadman and fellow Edinburgh schools for this incredible special occasion.
“Words have the power to connect and transport us to other worlds, and with her incredible, fantastical descriptions of ferocious unicorns and heroes – Steadman’s books most certainly do that!
“This book reading and Q&A offered pupils the chance to engage with literature in an exciting and inspiring way, and to celebrate the pure joy of reading.”
Author Annabel Steadman commented on the book launch: “It was such a joy to return to Merchiston. The reading culture is truly phenomenal – encouraged by the school’s wonderful librarian Rachel.
“And as an author it was such an amazing opportunity to meet young readers from Merchiston as well as lots of pupils from schools in the nearby area who were invited along to mySkandar talk in the beautiful hall. Thank you!”
Council refuses to pass on uplift in Housing Benefit to charity housing provider as Scottish Government declares a housing emergency
Right There, a charity which helps prevent homelessness, has been forced to end its contract with City of Edinburgh Council, to provide critical housing in three locations for some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.
The charity, which was formerly called Ypeople, says this is its ‘absolute worst case scenario’, and ‘a last resort’ but after months of trying to negotiate with the Council, housing bosses are refusing to pass on its uplift in housing benefit to increase the Housing Management Payment.
The Housing Management Payment has remained unchanged since 2019 despite the cost of living skyrocketing in that time. Over the last five years, the local authority has received increased housing benefit which it refuses to pass on to providers to help deal with increased costs of running an assisted housing programme.
The housing facilities facing closure are one in Broomhouse and two residential units in Pilton. Their closure comes after the local authority failed to engage with the charity on contractual terms over recent weeks.
It will build pressure on the Council’s administration after a housing emergency was declared in the capital in November of last year, now even more so with the Scottish Government expected to announce a national housing emergency later today.
Janet Haugh, CEO of Right Theresaid: “We are devastated that we are having to pull the plug on this service, this is our absolute worst case scenario, especially when Scotland is at the brink of a national housing crisis.
“We have done everything in our power to resolve this with the Council but sadly as a charity we simply cannot absorb a projected £2.5 million deficit over the next five years and continue running this service.”
Housing Benefit levels have increased across Scotland to reflect the increased cost of living, utilities and general inflationary increases. Despite that, the Council expects Right There to subsidise the cost of an essential service despite being in receipt of additional payments to which the residents are entitled.
The project run by Right There provides accommodation support for 44 of Edinburgh’s most vulnerable people, who live with the consequences of family breakdowns, homelessness, poverty, addiction, and many other challenges. In addition, the jobs of 19 support workers are now at risk.
Janet Haughadded: “We have exhausted all avenues with the Council and bringing the contract to a conclusion by triggering the three months’ notice period is our last resort.
“Our priority now is to work with the Council to hand over the running of the programme to either the local authority or another provider to ensure as much continuity and as little distress as possible for the 44 residents affected, and the support workers whose jobs are at risk.”
Deidre Brock MP has called for compensation for the victims of the infected blood scandal to be put in place without further delay.
The Edinburgh North and Leith MP formally handed in a petition to the UK Parliament on behalf of her constituents, prior to the final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry being published on Monday May 20th.
The petition calls on the UK Government to implement the findings of the second interim report published in April 2023, which has already provided recommendations about compensation.
The inquiry Chair Sir Brian Langstaff made clear at the time that the compensation scheme should be set up straight away, to avoid adding to the decades-long delays people had already suffered, yet over a year later there is still no clarity and no timeframe has been set for payments.
The petition was led in Edinburgh North and Leith by Deidre Brock’s constituent Justine Gordon-Smith who, together with her sister Rachel lost their father, Mr Randolph Peter Gordon-Smith, to the contaminated blood scandal in deeply traumatic circumstances. They have been tirelessly campaigning ever since.
Ms Brock said: “I am handing in this petition on behalf of everyone in Edinburgh North and Leith who is working so hard for justice – people who received infected blood, their carers and the families of those who have been lost in the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS.
‘The moral case for compensation has long been accepted by government, so what are we waiting for? More delays merely worsen people’s suffering.
‘It’s a tragic truth that people who were infected are dying while the government dithers over the justice they and their families deserve.
‘The interim report was clear that they should go ahead with compensation immediately and that was published over a year ago.
“When will they lay out a clear – and short – timeframe for victims to get the compensation they’ve been waiting decades to receive? Or is the UK Government planning to kick this into the long grass again until they are kicked out of office?
‘I commend the efforts of my constituent Justine who has been tireless in her fight for equitable treatment for all those affected. I stand squarely with her, her sister and everyone who has suffered as a consequence of this scandal. They have already struggled enough and this battle for compensation is one they should not have to keep fighting.
‘I urge the government to finally do the right thing and deliver justice to the victims of the infected blood scandal.”
Proposals for a mixed-use development at Ocean Point in Leith have been granted planning consent, subject to conditions, by councillors on Edinburgh’s Development Management Sub-Committee yesterday (15th May).
The development at Ocean Point 2, being progressed by property developer S Harrison Developments, will comprise residential and purpose-built student accommodation, along with commercial uses/co-working and amenity space.
The over £80 million development will add to the ongoing transformation of Leth’s Waterfront through delivering a vibrant and sustainable neighbourhood.
Neighbouring Ocean Point 1, the development of the brownfield site will provide two buildings and comprise a mix of build-to-rent homes (BTR), including apartments specifically for families, alongside purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), delivering a truly mixed community.
In total, 112 BTR homes are proposed, providing a mix of studio, one-bed, two-bed and three-bed apartments to meet a range of housing needs. A quarter of these are three-bed apartments designed for families, and a quarter of the apartments will be affordable housing.
There are 404 PBSA beds on offer, split between cluster accommodation and studio bedrooms. The former accommodation is intended to be a mix of five and six bedrooms.
Commercial space/co-working and amenity space are also proposed as part of Ocean Point 2, offering fantastic active frontage to Ocean Drive, with greatly enhanced public realm encouraging active lifestyles.
In addition to delivering homes, the new development will deliver significant local spend, amounting to some £5.3 million by residents and visitors annually, supporting an estimated 60 retail and leisure jobs. It has been estimated that 325 jobs will be created directly in the construction of the overall scheme.
The development neighbours Ocean Terminal, which is undergoing a £100 million transformation, delivering a mixed-use development comprising residential, commercial, retail and hospitality.
The extension of the tram line between Edinburgh and Ocean Terminal also provides connectivity between the development and Edinburgh city centre within 20 minutes.
Harrison has a long pedigree of working in the city, ranging from delivering the Malmaison at St Andrew Square, to student developments at Westfield and Gorgie, and hotel development at Osborne House, Haymarket.
A spokesperson for Harrison Developments commented: “We are delighted that we have received a green light for our planning application. This will serve to deliver much-needed homes and student accommodation to an area which is undergoing a rapid transformation, delivering a truly mixed sustainable neighbourhood.
“Regenerating a current brownfield site, this development boasts excellent transport links, especially with the new tram line, and will deliver a significant investment into the local area.
“We look forward to continuing to engage with the local community and the Council as we seek to deliver this development.”
Planning and development consultancy Turley provided planning services for the project with CDA acting as architects.
LOTHIAN MSP CALLS FOR CRISIS SUMMIT ON FESTIVAL FUNDING
Foysol Choudhury, list MSP for Lothian and Shadow Culture Minster for Scottish Labour, has today pressed the Scottish Government to heed Scottish Labour’s calls for a crisis summit on festival funding.
Mr Choudhury questioned the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Angus Robertson MSP, in the Scottish Parliament’s Chamber today (15th May 2024).
MSP Choudhury said: “Although the Scottish Government may claim to support Scotland’s cultural sector, the situation on the ground is very different.
“It is clear that Scotland’s cultural sector is under enormous pressure, with cultural organisations crying out for support and venues and festivals under threat.
“Yet, the Scottish Government still won’t heed Scottish Labour’s calls for a crisis summit on festival funding.
“We need the concrete action of a festivals crisis summit now, not more weak platitudes from the Scottish Government.”
MSP Choudhury also raised concerns about the Scottish Government’s structure and governance and how this is impacting the culture sector.
Mr Choudhury echoed his Labour colleague Neil Bibby’s sentiments, which Mr Bibby raised in the Scottish Parliament today, about the Cabinet Secretary’s conflict of interest.
As Mr Robertson is MSP for Edinburgh Central, and Edinburgh is a major cultural hub, the Labour MSPs argue that the Cabinet Secretary should recuse himself from cultural matters pertaining to Edinburgh.
Something which will be made very difficult, they say, as there is now no specific Culture Minister in John Swinney’s new Scottish Government.
Mr Choudhury said: “Yet again we are seeing the Scottish Government’s contempt for culture as the Culture Minister role has been disposed of-meaning the Cabinet Secretary will have no Minister focused specially on culture to pass Edinburgh based cultural matters to, instead having to rely on the Deputy First Minister to pick up the pieces.
“This is not the first time we have seen the Scottish Government’s poor governance choices impact our cultural sector-whilst Creative Scotland funding is at a standstill level, the Scottish Government have been wasting nearly £2 million on staffing for the “Building New Scotland” Papers.
“Now that the Minister for Independence has been scrapped, which will hopefully stop wasting money which could have been spent to save our cultural sector, I am now also calling on the Scottish Government to scrap the independence papers altogether and reallocate the funds towards culture in Scotland.”
Mr Choudhury says he will continue to pursue the Scottish Government to take concrete action on the crisis hitting the cultural sector in Scotland and to recalibrate their governance priorities, to ensure money spent on party-driven ideologies like independence is instead spent on saving the cultural sector, which he says can benefit the whole of Scotland regardless of party allegiance.
The team at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline has donated products to Scot Baby Box appeal.
Scot Baby Box Appeal provides support to families with newborn babies in Ukraine. The charity distributes pre-loved baby boxes, supplies for relief efforts and other necessities across the country.
A group of 13 employees from Amazon in Dunfermline visited the charity’s hub in Coatbridge to deliver a donation of toiletries, vitamins and drinks.
As well as the donation, the team from Amazon in Dunfermline provided space management support to the charity to ensure safe and efficient working conditions for the staff and volunteers at Scot Baby Box Appeal.
Speaking on the donation, Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “Scot Baby Box Appeal holds a special place in our hearts at Amazon in Dunfermline, as we’ve supported its efforts in the past.
“I’m proud to have a team that shares its expertise with others and wants to help continue supporting an important cause.”
Alasdair Brown, an employee from Amazon in Dunfermline who visited the charity, said: “I always enjoy volunteering, and I’m so pleased to work at a company that allows me to follow my passion and support charities like Scot Baby Box Appeal.
“The team and I had a great time helping with the organisation of community donations and catching up with the charity’s team.”
Gill Cura, from Scot Baby Box Appeal, added: “I would like to say thank you to the team at Amazon in Dunfermline for taking time out of their day to deliver their donation and volunteer with us.
“Their support is always appreciated, and with this donation, we can continue to support people just like us who are dealing with difficult circumstances. It’s a great community effort.”
Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates.
Amazon co-founded the Multibank initiative with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families in poverty. The first Multibank, ‘The Big Hoose’, opened in Fife providing surplus essentials like nappies, toilet rolls, toothpaste and school uniforms, donated by Amazon and others, directly to those in need.
The initiative has gone on to donate more than 2 million goods to over 200,000 families across Scotland and Greater Manchester.
Amazon also helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good, including more than seven million healthy breakfasts to children at risk of hunger in partnership with Magic Breakfast.
Amazon partners with Comic Relief to help people tackle poverty and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Last year, together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and tackle issues such as homelessness, mental health problems, and food insecurity across the UK, and around the world.
The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has teamed up with several charities to fight for more accessible and affordable defibrillators in the United Kingdom.
As key stakeholders committed to the advancement of public health in the UK, RLSS UK, alongside nine other partners, have come together to lobby for the removal of Value of Added Tax (VAT) from defibrillators.
Research found that in the most deprived areas of England and Scotland, the nearest 24/7 accessible defibrillator is on average a round trip of over a mile, or 1.8km[1]. The past two years have also seen a surge in costs of automated external defibrillators from £750 to £950, which continues to impact the chance of surviving a cardiac arrest.
Pivotal in saving lives during emergencies, the current VAT on defibrillators poses a substantial barrier to their widespread availability, impeding community efforts to enhance public safety and why the group RLSS UK has written to all major parties asking for their support by pledging in their manifestos to reduce costs around this vital piece of lifesaving piece of equipment.
The letter has been signed by RLSS UK, alongside Air Ambulances UK, Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, British Heart Foundation, British Red Cross, Justin Edinburgh 3 Foundation, Resuscitation Council UK, St John Ambulance, St John Ambulance Cymru, St Andrew’s First Aid and Andy Reid, a Cardiac Arrest and Defibrillator Campaigner.
Robert Gofton, Chief Executive Officer at RLSS UK, said: “Here at the Royal Life Saving Society UK, our mission revolves around education, training and support for lifesaving initiatives – and promoting the accessibility and affordability of key lifesaving equipment in the UK is no exception.
“Defibrillators are indispensable in cardiac emergencies, where timely access can be the difference between life and death. Therefore, we are steadfast in our commitment to advocate for this critical cause.
“The significance of reducing VAT on such life-saving equipment is underscored by the unified stance of numerous organisations supporting this campaign. Together, we champion this change, ensuring our collective voice resonates clearly. It is imperative that our next government prioritises the removal of VAT from defibrillators.
“In this letter, we appeal to all major political parties to include support for VAT removal on defibrillators in their manifestos. Our goal is to narrow the accessibility gap for this vital equipment, ultimately saving lives and advancing a more equitable public health agenda across the UK.”
A copy of the letter sent to the Prime Minister:
The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP Prime Minister
10 Downing Street
London SW1A 2AA
May 2024
Dear Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, Prime Minister
We trust this letter finds you in good health. We write to you as representatives of key stakeholders deeply committed to the advancement of public health in the UK. Our collective mission revolves around education, training, and support for life-saving initiatives. Today, we bring to your attention a matter of paramount importance: the accessibility and affordability of defibrillators in the United Kingdom.
As you are undoubtedly aware, defibrillators play a pivotal role in saving lives during cardiac emergencies. The timely availability of these life-saving devices can significantly impact the survival rates of individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Regrettably, the current imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) on defibrillators poses a substantial barrier to their widespread availability, impeding community efforts to enhance public safety. Over the past two years, prices have surged from an average of £750 to £950 for an automated external defibrillator.
Please refer to the Appendix at the end of this letter, which underscores the critical influence of a person’s postcode on their or a loved one’s chance of surviving a cardiac arrest. Such disparities are incongruent with any equitable levelling-up agenda. Consequently, we respectfully request your party’s support in advocating for the removal of VAT on defibrillators. This seemingly modest yet impactful change would not only render these devices more affordable for individuals and organisations, particularly in the most deprived areas but would also contribute to fostering a safer and more prepared society.
We earnestly urge you to consider incorporating this commitment into your party’s next manifesto. Such proactive measures would exemplify your party’s dedication to improving public health, fortifying community resilience, and, most importantly, saving lives.
We acknowledge the myriad demands on your time and resources, but we firmly believe that prioritising this issue aligns seamlessly with the values of the Conservatives and its unwavering commitment to the well-being of our citizens. Your support on this matter would not only underscore a dedication to public health but also resonate positively with voters who prioritise community safety and emergency preparedness.
Your thoughtful consideration of this request is immensely appreciated, and we sincerely hope that the Conservative Party will assume a leading role in championing this vital cause. We eagerly await your response, and are looking forward to hearing about the Conservative’s stance on this issue and its commitment to improving access to life-saving defibrillators in the United Kingdom.
Thank you for your time and attention to this critical matter and we look forward to your manifesto support for this vital piece of lifesaving equipment.
Best wishes
For more information about our lifesaving aims, please visit our website www.rlss.org.uk.
BBC ALBA is delving into the ‘covert’ sexual history of the Gaelic language and it’s speakers in a new Trusadh documentary.
Feise ann an Gàidhlig | Sex in Gaelic explores the way sex has been perceived in Gaelic literature, poetry, music and customs across the centuries – studying language which has never been discussed on Gaelic TV.
Airing on Monday 20 May at 10pm, the fascinating, eye-opening, even shocking historic relationship between sex and the Gael will be uncovered with the help of artistic and academic experts.
Directed and presented by Scottish writer, Catriona Lexy Campbell, the 60-minute documentary will take audiences on a trip across Scotland to discover the Gaels who helped shape – or dispel – wider societal perceptions of and attitudes to sex.
At the University of St Andrews, Catriona meets Peter Mackay, co-author of The Little Blue Book – the first collection of ‘obscene and transgressive’ Gaelic poetry. Together they discuss the oldest erotic verse in the Gaelic language and learn about the colourful characters who wrote them.
In the Isle of Skye Catriona meets singer and folklorist, Anne Martin, to learn about how women dealt with sex and risk – through song.
In Inverness-shire, acclaimed author Sarah Fraser tells the story of Alexander Macdonald, one of the most renowned Gaelic poets who – thanks to some of his more expressive verses – is also one of the most censored.
Catriona said: “For the first time, we are uncovering language that hasn’t been discussed on Gaelic television before.
“Though there is sometimes the view that the Gaels are particularly reserved people when it comes to discussing emotions or sexuality, when we look closely at this historic literature, that’s not really the case.
“There is clear evidence of people being more expressive about sex than was previously thought. That’s why we’re putting a spotlight on understanding and preserving the explicit, and sometimes downright obscene, language used throughout our history.”
The documentary also looks at changes in attitudes towards individuals’ sexuality. Catriona reflects on how the past has impacted modern attitudes and even uncovered new connections.
Feise ann an Gàidhlig | Sex in Gaelic premieres on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer on Monday 20 May at 10pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles).
Take One ActionFilm Festivalis relaunching this summer, and people are invited to join us at a Summer Gathering in Edinburgh to find out about our exciting new plans for the next few years, how they can get involved as we relaunch, and help us decide the theme for our next festival.
The event, on Sunday 30th June at the Biscuit Factory, will kick off with a delicious vegan lunch and a presentation on our future activities, followed by a summer fair with tombola alongside exciting prizes to be revealed on the day, a jumble sale, screen printing for upcycling old t-shirts, games for social change, and an Imagining a Better World workshop.
It will finish with the Take One Action quiz hosted by the legendary Xuanlin, where people can test their film trivia and meme knowledge!
The first fifty people to sign up will receive a limited edition A3 riso print event poster, printed on carbon-neutral milkweed paper – which can be collected on the day of the event.
The Summer Gathering will take place from 1-6pm, with people encouraged to stay afterwards for drinks, board games, and music. Tickets are free with a suggested donation of £5.
BSL/English interpretation will be available and the venue is wheelchair accessible. The first part of the event (outlining our relaunch and plans for the coming years) will be livestreamed for anyone who can’t make it in person or travel to Edinburgh. We will share the link on the morning of 30th June on our social media channels.
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.”
