Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

William’s Marathon Mission: Running for Sofie and Sight Scotland

William Oviatt is running the Edinburgh Marathon to raise money for Sight Scotland to say thank you for all the help and support the charity gave to his family when his daughter, Sofie, was diagnosed with retinal dystrophy.​

William and his wife Debbi, both from Edinburgh, realised something was seriously wrong with Sofie’s vision when she was just six months old. Sofie had a noticeable wobble in her eyes and was struggling to track objects at baby classes.

Several months later Sofie was diagnosed with retinal dystrophy, a group of genetic eye conditions that affect the light sensitive cells in the retina. It is incredibly rare in children and something she will have for life.​

William, who is head of Business Development, and Income Generation at the Thistle Foundation, explains: “Discovering that your child has visual impairment is heartbreaking and can cause a whirlwind of emotions, and we are just so thankful we had Sight Scotland there to help and support us.

“On Sunday 26th May, I’ll be running twenty-six miles in the Edinburgh Marathon to raise funds for Sight Scotland and to support children like Sofie who are visually impaired, blind or suffer from sight loss.”​

William says the first appointment with the consultant, when it was confirmed that Sofie had vision impairment, was devastating.​

He says: “The first appointment with the consultant was heartbreaking, as we were told the devastating news that Sofie has visual impairment and that there was nothing they could do, as no treatment would help Sofie’s eyes.

“For Sofie to be given this lifechanging news at such an early age was extremely hard to take. It was such an emotional, confusing time, Sofie was just a typical, happy, baby so it was difficult to comprehend why this was happening to her.​

“But after that we were just left to it, we had been given the information by the doctors but were offered no help of what we should do next. Sofie was just your typical, happy, baby so we couldn’t understand why this was happening to her. So we reached out to various charities to try and build relationships and get a better understanding of what we were facing and what we could do to help Sofie.​

“Sight Scotland has been amazing; the charity has a real community and family feel. The emotional support has been just so important, just having someone to talk to, who understands what we are going through, has been invaluable.

“We are in a club that we didn’t want to be in, but we are now so proud to be in it. Whether it is signposting, listening, supporting or the policy group giving us a voice, they are always there to answer our questions and fill in the gaps. There is no way we would feel so strong if it wasn’t for Sight Scotland.​

“This is why I am running to raise money for Sight Scotland, as the support they have given to Sofie, and to Debbi and myself, has been life changing, and I can’t thank them enough and want to give something back.”​

To sponsor William for running the Edinburgh marathon, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/william-oviatt-1711574274491​

For more information on Sight Scotland please visit: sightscotland.org.uk  

Cramped, Cold and Damp: Too many UK homes are sub-standard, property association says

TOO many UK homes are “cramped, cold and prone to dampness” a leading property expert has said. Jonathan Rolande said a damning report which lambasted much of our housing stock, was “correct”.

The Resolution Foundation study concluded the UK’s housing stock is also the oldest in Europe with four-in-ten homes built before 1946 meaning many were poorly insulated as a result.

Commenting on the report Jonathan Rolande, founder of House Buy Fast, said: “The poor state of housing as highlighted by The Resolution Foundation Report shows that many of our homes are suffering in the same way as much of our other infrastructure – railways, roads, school buildings, water services, wherever we look we see a similar issue.

 “A huge proportion of our housing stock is pre-war, the typical Victorian terrace. Many that aren’t were hastily built immediately after the war to replace the two million lost to bombing. The Foundation explains that these properties are cramped, colder and more prone to dampness. This is correct.

“However, the reason that UK homeowners and tenants are more hard done by than their foreign counterparts isn’t simply because of the age or style of property, it is more deep rooted than that. The issue is not the stock, it is the price. 

“Newer homes – even brand new (perhaps especially brand new) have their own problems too. Older properties are usually well built, solid internal walls make them well soundproofed, and they have large lofts and large windows.

“Even the cheapest will usually have decent outside space. The issue is a lack of surplus income to carry out essential repairs and energy-saving upgrades. Those that are let suffer because landlords are not properly incentivised to improve their tenant’s homes. 

“The issue is supply, there are too few homes full stop, irrespective of their age. If more, many more, were built, prices and rents would be less volatile and gradually, our housing stock would become better value for money.”

According to the Resolution Foundation report, countries that have a similar level of prosperity to the UK consume more housing in terms of amount per person than we do here.

Britain’s total expenditure per capita is just 4 per cent lower than that of Austria, for example, but we spend 24 per cent less on housing per person than Austrians do. The equivalent figures for Canada are 2 per cent and 22 per cent respectively.

Overall, when it comes to housing, UK households are getting an inferior product in terms of both quantity and quality, the report claimed.

Compared to our general price levels, the UK was ranked by the Foundation as having the highest quality-adjusted price of housing of any developed economy.

Adam Corlett, Principal Economist at the Resolution Foundation, said: “Britain’s housing crisis is likely to be a big topic in the election campaign, as parties debate how to address the problems of high costs, poor quality and low security that face so many households.

“Britain is one of many countries apparently in the midst of a housing crisis, and it can be difficult to separate rhetoric from reality. But by looking at housing costs, floorspace and wider issues of quality, we find that the UK’s expensive, cramped and ageing housing stock offers the worst value for money of any advanced economy.

“Britain’s housing crisis is decades in the making, with successive governments failing to build enough new homes and modernise our existing stock. That now has to change.”

Charity fears over PVG proposals

“These changes will inevitably force a decline in the number of volunteering opportunities organisations are able to support in the future” – LifeCare CEO Sarah van Putten

Foysol Choudhury MSP, Co-Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Volunteering, has today raised alarm bells over Scottish Government proposals to replace the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) membership fee waiver, for volunteers in Qualifying Voluntary Organisations (QVOs), with a fee discount.

MSP Choudhury, who visited LifeCare Edinburgh last month, raised alarm bells over this proposal, which he said would hugely impact organisations such as LifeCare Edinburgh who carry out vital work and rely on volunteers to be able to deliver their services.

Following his visit to LifeCare Edinburgh, Mr Choudhury lodged a motion at the Scottish Parliament on Recognising LifeCare Edinburgh’s Contributions to Community Wellbeing. For these essential contributions to continue, however, Mr Choudhury says the Scottish Government must listen to the pleas of integral third sector organisations.

Mr Choudhury said: “LifeCare Edinburgh has worked tirelessly for 80 years providing uplifting, positive and practical support for older people, such as through day clubs, support with household tasks and home care, which allow older service users to thrive in their own homes and community.

“LifeCare Edinburgh and many other organisations foster community wellbeing, both by providing volunteering opportunities and by running essential services using volunteers.

“They therefore rely on the goodwill of volunteers being easily accepted by the system, such as via the PVG fee waiver system which allows volunteers to be easily and freely accredited for volunteering opportunities with vulnerable groups.

“The proposal to remove this fee waiver and replace it with a fee discount will, therefore, mean more barriers to volunteering, especially for those from economically deprived backgrounds, which will have a knock-on effect in terms of decreased wellbeing for volunteers and decreased services available to be run for the community.”

Sarah van Putten, LifeCare Edinburgh CEO, said: “LifeCare strongly opposes the Scottish Government’s proposals to remove the current fee waiver for volunteers and replace this with a fee discount.

“The price of a PVG application, even at the subsidised rate, is not inconsiderable, particularly for those from economically deprived backgrounds. 

“The proposed changes would create a further barrier at a time where the cost-of-living crisis is already limiting access to volunteering. Adopting the proposed changes would worsen this problem and further exclude marginalised and disadvantaged communities throughout Scotland.

“The only way volunteer-involving organisations could conceivably help to mitigate this barrier would be to reimburse the cost of the PVG application back to volunteers. However, the cost of even subsidised membership applications is a substantial burden for charities to bear – particularly for organisations like LifeCare who have been significantly impacted by funding cuts, increasing demand rising costs. 

“These changes will inevitably force a decline in the number of volunteering opportunities organisations are able to support in the future. 

“This will ultimately have an adverse impact on all those who benefit from volunteer-supported services across Scotland, and of course the volunteers themselves whose health and wellbeing benefits through the hugely rewarding experience volunteering can bring.”

Mr Choudhury, following his visit to LifeCare Edinburgh and the submission of his motion recognising their work, is joining LifeCare Edinburgh in highlighting concern over these PVG proposals.

Mr Choudhury says he will, as Co-Convener of the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Volunteering, continue to pursue this matter with the responsible Minister.

Thursday: Gasholder Public Art event

Granton Gasholder Public art event: 9th May 5:30 – 8:30pm at granton:hub

Contribute your ideas for the Granton Gasholder public artwork, commissioned by The City of Edinburgh Council.

No art experience required, suitable for all ages and abilities. This is your chance to get involved!

Featuturing an exhibition of artworks created as part of the Edinburgh Shoreline project.

For more information: www.svetlanakondakova.com/granton-gasholder

Missing Man: Body found near Forth

Around 4.35pm on Sunday (5th May 2024), the body of a man was discovered in a wooded area near Forth in Lanarkshire.

Formal identification is still to take place however the family of Robert Dickson (above), who had been reported missing from Edinburgh, have been informed.

There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity: ‘No Time To Wait’

Charity head: New children’s mental health service has “the potential to be transformational”

  • ECHC reports promising data showing children and families benefiting from ‘The Haven’ 
  • No Time To Wait pilot service attracts almost 1,300 visits in first six months  

A new pilot service set up to tackle the mental health crisis facing children and young people in Scotland has released promising data showing the numbers benefitting from its service in the first six months of operating. 

Developed by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC), ‘The Haven’ wellbeing and resilience service opened at The Fraser Centre in Tranent in September 2023. It is the first centre to open under the Charity’s ‘No Time To Wait’ strategy.

The Haven aims to support families with children struggling with their mental health and prevent problems escalating to the point where professional intervention is needed.

It is open for three afternoons a week and has attracted 1,264 visits in the first six months. 

Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHC said: “Children and young people in Scotland are in the midst of a mental health crisis, a crisis which doesn’t just impact the child, but the whole family who feel they have nowhere to turn. 

“We are staggered by the number of people we have been able to support through The Haven, and the impact the service has had on young people and their families. It really does have the potential to be transformational.

“We truly believe there is no time to wait. Allowing the mental health crisis to escalate just wasn’t an option.”

The service was developed in response to ECHC’s research which found that over half (59%) of Scottish families have a child who has experienced a mental health concern. It is hoped the service will be scaled and delivered in community settings and available to all children struggling with their mental health, and their families, across Scotland.

The Haven is open to any child or young person with a mental health concern, and any member of their family, including parents, carers, siblings and grandparents. It offers support in a relaxed and informal setting and provides interventions including family support groups, signposting, fun activities and a drop-in service for those who may just need a cup of tea and a listening ear.

Roslyn Neely added: “While we are humbled by the results of the first six months, this is just one pilot service in one small town. We want to see a Haven available for every child who needs it, in every community.”

The Haven is being piloted in Tranent for two years to ascertain the scale of demand. It is modelled on the charity’s existing Hospital Hub, which delivers very similar interventions to children and families visiting Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP).

At its best, The Haven may negate a family’s need for future access to medical support, alleviating the pressures on Scotland’s CAMHS.

Fiona O’Sullivan, Director of Children’s Wellbeing at ECHC, said: “The Haven exists to support the whole family; the child, the parent, the grandparent, the auntie, the carer, whomever is closest to the child in need. 

“We have supported people suffering from a range of issues including anxiety, depression, self-harming, challenges with education and school attendance, and eating disorders. Without any medical intervention we have provided young people and their families coping mechanisms to deal with these issues, and crucially, we are seeing positive results.”

Applications for Firework Control Zones in Edinburgh now open

Community groups in Edinburgh can now apply to have a Firework Control Zone (FCZ) in their local area.

The Scottish Government has brought into place powers for local authorities to implement FCZs, under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022.

A FCZ is a specified area within a local authority. Under the legislation it is a criminal offence for a member of the public to use a firework within a FCZ. Organised public displays will still be permitted.

Communities can ask for a FCZ to be considered for the following reasons: misuse of fireworks, injuries from fireworks, impact on vulnerable groups, environmental protection, and animal welfare.

To apply please email fireworkscontrolzone@edinburgh.gov.uk for an application pack. Full guidance for applications is available on our website.

Community groups have until June 30, 2024, to submit their FCZ applications.

Applications will then be reviewed by the Council in conjunction with Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Following these reviews, there will then be a community consultation period within the proposed areas. The full decision list on FCZs in Edinburgh is due to be announced in October 2024.

For any questions on FCZs please contact: fireworkscontrolzone@edinburgh.gov.uk

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I’m really pleased that we’re reaching the next stage in implementing Fireworks Control Zones here in Edinburgh. We all remember vividly the shocking and unprecedented scenes we saw in Niddrie last year with emergency services being attacked and I’m determined to do everything within our power to prevent similar occurrences this November.

“Whilst these powers from the Scottish Government are welcome, I’ve been clear that we need to go further on the issue of fireworks and ban their public sale, such is the current risk to public safety and order.

“Alongside these measures, it’s more important than ever that we supplement these new powers with our ongoing community work. Over the coming months with our partners, we’ll be undertaking targeted engagement and intervention work in our schools, youth associations and wider communities.”

Le Petit Beefbar to launch ‘Taylor’s Version’ cocktail menu

Are you ready for it? In honour of global pop sensation Taylor Swift’s Eras tour hitting Edinburgh this summer, Le Petit Beefbar is launching ‘Taylor’s Version’ of its renowned cocktail menu.

The Taylor’s Version menu will be available from the 13th May, when fans and cocktail enthusiasts alike will be able to enjoy a carefully curated selection of drinks inspired by the chart-topper’s iconic discography.

From the nostalgia of Fearless and Speak Now, to the delicate storytelling of The Tortured Poets Department, the menu has something for everyone and every era.

Lovers of a sweet spritz can try Champagne Problems, made with Edinburgh Gin, fresh lemon and topped with Moët Rosé and a cloud of candy floss, and for a quick pick me up, the Bad Bloody Mary customised with your choice of spirit, is sure to hit the spot.

The Lavender Haze is the vision of summer with flower syrup, gin and homemade Lillet Rosé soda, and for those partial to a mocktail, the Anti-Hero combines delicious Amarena Juice and sparkling Nosecco.

To celebrate Taylor’s most recent album drop, the team have transformed their Beefbar Espresso Martini into a cocktail strong enough to spark the genius of any tortured poet.

While enjoying a pre-concert cocktail, Swiftie’s can also take advantage of the delicious bar snacks on offer, from the 45-day cured croque sando, to the baby quesadillas with Kobe karasumi and coveted tempura insane rock corn accompanied by sriracha mayo. All will be sure to set up concert goers for an evening of dancing until midnight.

To celebrate in style, bookings can be made at: 

https://beefbar.com/le-petit-beefbar-edinburgh/#reservations 

or by calling +44 131 240 7177.

Shō and the Demons of the Deep coming to Edinburgh International Children’s Festival

*** World Premiere ***

Independent Arts Projects (IAP) in association with National Theatre of Scotland present  

Shō and the Demons of the Deep

Written by Zoë Bullock, adapted from the work by Annouchka Gravel Galouchko

Directed by Shilpa T-Hyland

Designer – Claire Halleran, Lighting Design – Kate Bonney, Composer and Sound Design – Niroshini Thambar, Movement Director – Mele Broomes, Design Assistant – Morven McLeod

Cast: Itxaso Moreno, Christina Strachan and Rebecca Wilkie

Touring Scotland in April and May 2024

Coming to Edinburgh International Children’s Festival on Monday 27 – Thursday 30 May.

Independent Arts Projects (IAP) in association with National Theatre of Scotland present Shō and the Demons of the Deep, a timely new production for younger audiences aged 8 and over, written by Zoë Bullock, touring across Scotland in April and May 2024.

Sho and the Demons of the Deep PR Image - Photo credit Mihaela Bodlovic

Shō and the Demons of the Deep is a visual adventure story about overcoming fear, and how the actions of one generation can affect the next. The production is inspired by the powerful picture book of the same name by Annouchka Gravel Galouchko.

“A dream. A dream of a hand reaching into the future and shaping it. A dream of change”

Shō’s city has been plagued by nightmares for as long as she can remember, but hers are the worst of all. One day, Shō had enough. She throws her nightmares away into the river, where they wash out to sea. Soon people start copying her; the city is rid of its nightmares, and everyone is delighted. But sixty years later, when the river becomes poisoned, to save her home, Shō’s granddaughter Hana must face her greatest fears.

Sho’s story unfolds through a magical mix of movement, music and miniature worlds, taking the audience from big cities to the ocean floor on a very big adventure!

Shō and the Demons of the Deep is a perfect story for the times we are living through; about young people dealing with anxiety and how to be a small brave person in a big scary world.

Zoe Bullock, writer, said: “Shō and the Demons of the Deep is a hopeful, joyous show about how we can work together to confront what scares us.

“It’s based on a beautiful picture book, and we’ve worked hard to do that justice and make something magical.

“Creating it with a wonderful team and the support of the NTS has been an absolute pleasure, and I can’t wait to share the story with people across Scotland.”

The production was supported through a National Theatre of Scotland Develop Residency in 2022.

Zoë Bullock is an award-winning writer based in Glasgow. Her writing for theatre includes The Listening Tree (Imaginate/Eco Drama, Edinburgh International Children’s Festival), Puss in Boots: A Solar Punk Pantomime (Hopscotch Theatre), Island Chains (New Earth Theatre, New Stories Festival), Octopus (Alpine Fellowship Award finalist). Her short films include: The Air We Breathe (Short Circuit, Grand Prize winner of The Script Lab Free Screenplay Contest 2023), Granny Fenella (Imaginate), Little Spoon’s Big Adventures (Visible Fictions), and the VR/360 experience Chamber 404 (Vroom Theatre/Camden People’s Theatre).

Shilpa T-Hyland’s directing credits include Wickies: The Vanishing Men of Eilean Mor (Paul Morrissey, Christopher Wheeler, Molly Morris), Kissing Linford Christie (Catherine Wheels, co-director), The Guns of Johnny Diablo, The Prognostications of Mikey Noyce and Oscar (A Play, A Pie and A Pint), Revolution Days (Bijli), We’ll Meet in Moscow (Traverse) and Miss Julie (Horsecross). She previously worked with NTS as an Associate Director on Burn and The 306: Dusk (NTS, Horsecross).

Itxaso Moreno trained at Bizkaiko Antzerki Ikastegia in Bilbao, Basque Country. Theatre includes Sleeping Beauty (Platform), The Tempest (Tron Theatre), Low Pay? Don’t Pay! (Glasgow Live/Tron Theatre) and has previously worked with National Theatre of Scotland on This Restless House (a co-production with The Citizens Theatre) and Home (NTS).

Christina Strachan has appeared in Forever Home by Pauline Lockhart, the critically acclaimed one-woman show Rose (Òran Mór and Milan), Department Q (Netflix), Payback (STV), Ghost Crew (Hex Media).

Rebecca Wilkie graduated from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, winning their prestigious James Bridie Gold Medal award. Her recent theatre credits include Everything Under the Sun (Army at the Fringe) winning a Scotsman Fringe First award, The Infernal Serpent (A Play, A Pie, and A Pint) and Nightlands & Fallen Angels of the Moine (Dogstar Theatre).

Independent Arts Projects (IAP) works with some of Scotland’s most talented and innovative artists and theatre makers to develop, produce and tour a programme of productions, arts projects, events, and opportunities for people across Scotland and beyond.

Shō and the Demons of the Deep is supported by Creative Scotland’s Touring Fund and Federation of Scottish Theatre. Development has been supported by Imaginate and Playwrights’ Studio Scotland.

Touring in 2024 to Platform, Easterhouse, Glasgow (Fri 12 & Sat 13 April); Lemon Tree, Aberdeen (Wed 17 April); Mareel, Shetland (Wed 24 April ); Mull Theatre (Tue 30 April); Dunoon Burgh Hall (Fri 3 May); Birnam Arts Dunkeld (Wed 8 May); Melrose Corn Exchange (Sat 11 May); Lyth Arts Centre, Wick (Fri 17 May) The Bridge, Dumfries (Tue 21 & Wed 22 May); Edinburgh International Children’s Festival  (Mon 27 May – Thurs 30 May); Eden Court Theatre, Inverness (Mon 3 June) and Byre Theatre, St Andrews (Wed 5 June).

Opening Performance on Friday 12 September at Platform, Easterhouse, Glasgow

Tour information and full cast and creative biogs and access info here.

On social: #SHO

Golf Society and Slavery – A talk by author Richard Blake

‘GOLF, SOCIETY AND SLAVERY’

A TALK BY AUTHOR RICHARD BLAKE

AT ROYAL SCOTS CLUB COFFEE MORNING, SATURDAY 18 MAY 2024 at 10:30am

Illustrated talk about a controversial Scottish Society family and their historic golfing links by Richard Blake, author of Sugar, Slaves and High Society: The Grants of Kilgraston, on 18th May 2024, at The Royal Scots Club, starting at 10:30am.

Blake’s book follows three generations of an upwardly mobile Scottish family and describes how fortunes were made, wealth squandered, lives lost at home and abroad, and two brothers made knights of the realm.

More than an account of a Scottish Society family, this is an exploration of opportunism, fortune, hypocrisy and tragedy, all viewed against the backdrop of the slavery in Jamaica that generated the wealth.

Blake’s talk at The Royal Scots Club will be about three Grant brothers and their shared passion for Golf.

Captains of three Royal Golf Clubs and winners of medals at St Andrews, Blackheath, Perth and North Berwick, John is pictured in the centre of arguably the most famous painting about early golf, a famous portrait by Sir Francis, the only Scottish President of the Royal Academy hangs in the Big Room of the R & A and a golf hole is named after General Sir Hope. The brothers had strong connections with the famous East Lothian golf courses: Muirfield, Archerfield, Gullane Links and North Berwick.

The literary coffee morning with author Richard Blake will be held on Saturday 18th May 2024 at The Royal Scots Club, 29-31 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6QE starting at 10:30am.

The event is free and is open to all, members and non-members alike, with numbers limited by venue capacity only.

Reservations should be made by via Eventbrite or by emailing The Royal Scots Club on events@royalscotsclub.com

Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase from the author on the day.