Thirteen upgraded masts to transform rural connectivity across the Scottish countryside
The UK Government has today [Wednesday 28 May] announced a significant boost to mobile connectivity across Scotland’s rural areas, with 13 mobile masts upgraded to provide coverage from all four mobile network operators.
Previously, these masts only connected EE customers and those making 999 calls. The upgrades will transform connectivity in remote areas of Scotland that have long suffered from poor signal.
The areas benefiting from the upgrades include Argyll and Bute, Ayrshire, and the South of Scotland – including parts of the Southern Upland Way.
This major connectivity improvement will cover an area equivalent to thousands of football pitches, providing reliable 4G service to residents and visitors in these remote communities.
The UK Government will upgrade over 50 existing mobile masts across England, Scotland and Wales including in UK’s most renowned natural parks, such as Snowdonia and Lake District.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “This significant mobile connectivity boost, funded by the UK Government, will help people in some of Scotland’s most rural communities.
“It will support local businesses, and improve access and safety for residents and visitors alike. Improving digital connectivity – including in our most remote communities – is a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change – it is vital to delivering jobs and economic growth.
“And upgrading existing masts rather than building new ones, there will be minimal environmental impact in what are some of Scotland’s most scenic areas.”
The upgrades are part of the UK Government’s Shared Rural Network programme, a partnership with mobile network operators aimed at improving connectivity in rural areas throughout Britain. The programme has already delivered coverage to more than 95% of the UK’s landmass, with further improvements planned until early 2027.
The enhanced connectivity will bring numerous benefits to Scottish communities, from supporting local tourism and business opportunities to enabling more flexible working arrangements and improving access to essential online services.
Scotland areas are:
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “The growth potential of our areas of outstanding natural beauty must not be stunted by patchy internet.
“This milestone is a major step forward for better connectivity for all corners of the UK meaning everyone can reap the benefits of the digital age. From boosting tourism and business opportunities to providing safer outdoors experiences for visitors to our treasured countryside.”
For more information on the Shared Rural Network please visit https://srn.org.uk/
Edinburgh College’s HND Contemporary Art Practice (CAP) students invite you to their upcoming graduate exhibition What’s at Stake at Mote 102.
Join the CAP year 2 students for their opening event on 29th May as they celebrate an exciting new exhibition, marking the end of their time at Edinburgh College. The launch will take place between 6pm – 8pm, and all are welcome to attend.
The opening event at artist space and gallery Mote 102 (102 Ferry Road, EH6 4PG) will allow guests to see a preview of the work, as well as meet the next wave of contemporary artists over drinks and nibbles.
The exhibition will then run from 30th May – 1st June, daily from 11am to 5pm, where viewers will get the opportunity to appreciate the work before it moves to the group’s second exhibition space at City Art Centre on the 11th June.
CAP lecturer Alan Holligan said: “What’s at Stake is a testament to the dedication and vision of our graduating artists.
“This exhibition not only showcases the depth of their creative exploration but marks a bold step into the wider art world. We’re immensely proud of their achievements and excited for what lies ahead.”
What’s at Stake will feature contemporary artwork on a variety of themes, including 2D, 3D, and installation/video, so come along and join the CAP graduates in celebrating the end of two incredible years. It’s going to be quite a party!
CAP year 2 student Bronwen Winter Phoenix said: “I’m so excited to see everyone’s art on display at Mote 102 – we’ve all worked really hard, and we’ve got some great work we can’t wait to show you!”
Mote 102 is a not-for-profit, curated, changing artist space in a former chemist shop in Leith. The gallery hosts local artists, makers and gardeners with an eye to the wider world.
Exhibitions, events, residencies and the pop-up shop Made by Hand are in occupation on a rolling programme throughout the year.
Accessibility Information:
Venue Access:
Single step access at the front of the venue will have a temporary ramp at the opening event and upon request during general opening times
Internally the rear of the venue is accessible via 2 steps which will have a temporary ramp for wheelchair users during the opening event and upon request during general opening times.
Toilet Facilities:
There are no public toilet facilities in the venue.
Parking: A mix of paid and free on street parking are availble in the surrounding area:
Public Transport:
7, 14, 21 busses stop on Ferry Road withing 20m of the venue
10 bus stops on Great Junction Street approx 200m from Venue
11 bus stop on Newhaven Road approx 200m from the venue
Funding to support local councils and the third sector
A funding package to support Ukrainian communities and culture in Scotland to flourish has been announced by Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart.
Funding of over £600,000 will support third sector organisations working to support displaced Ukrainians, including community and cultural activities, while a further £3.5m funding for local authorities and COSLA will support displaced Ukrainians, as well as refugees and people seeking asylum, to settle into communities.
The funding was announced at an event hosted by COSLA, marking a visit to Scotland by a civic delegation of mayors from Ukraine.
Speaking ahead of the event, Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “Scotland stands in unwavering solidarity with Ukraine, as it has since Russia’s illegal invasion in 2022.
“More than 28,000 displaced Ukrainians with a Scottish-sponsored visa have arrived in the UK, and we are helping people rebuild their lives here.
“Many of those who left Ukraine shortly after the war outbreak have now been in Scotland for several years, forming thriving Ukrainian communities right across the country. We want those communities to flourish, and this funding will support cultural and social activities and events to strengthen. It will also support services to help people recover from the trauma of fleeing war.
“I’m very pleased to be announcing this funding at the same time as a visit from the Ukrainian rebirth delegation, and I look forward to exploring further opportunities for connection and partnership between Scotland and Ukraine.”
COSLA Community Wellbeing Spokesperson Councillor Maureen Chalmers said: “COSLA is so very pleased to welcome colleagues from Local Government in Ukraine to Verity House today.
“We are also delighted to be working with Scottish Government to host this event, coming together to show our commitment across government in Scotland.
“COSLA has expressed full support and solidarity to the Ukrainian people and our peers in local and regional government, standing ready to support those affected and play a very active part in Ukrainian refugee resettlement.
“COSLA welcomes Scottish Government’s announcement of the continuation of £3.4m resettlement funding for Local Authorities for 2025-26. This funding will play an important role in enabling councils’ ongoing work supporting the integration of Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s illegal war, as well as other people seeking protection in this country.
“We are also very grateful for confirmation of continued funding for COSLA to support the work that we do with our member councils and with Scottish Government in relation to the integration of people displaced from Ukraine, as well as others who are seeking sanctuary here and migrants who are at risk of destitution.”
Funding to support local authority resettlement support
£ 3,400,000
Funding for COSLA
£ 175,400
This funding is part of a broader package of funding this financial year, which will support Ukrainians and displaced people from all backgrounds settle into life in Scotland.
From Monday June 9, the city council will begin implementing a series of speed reduction measures, from 40mph to 30mph, in locations across the city.
The new speed limit signs will be installed through June and July, beginning with Biggar Road. Once the new 30mph speed limit signs are in place, the new speed limits will be enforceable.
Motorists are being urged to look out for the new signage and respect the speed limit.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said:“Road safety is a key priority for us and I’m glad that we’re moving ahead with this important process. Whilst this has taken longer than we initially anticipated, I’m confident that these measures will make many of our roads across the city safer.
“The evidence is clear – lower speed limits make roads safer for everyone. A pedestrian or cyclist has twice the chance of surviving a collision at 30mph compared to 40mph. Any action that we can take to make sure all road users are safer is a positive step.”
You can view a map of the roads with new 30mph speed limits on our website.
The full list of streets and road where the city council is installing new signage and reducing the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph is below:
Biggar Road
Calder Road
Frogston Brae
Glasgow Road (East section)
Glasgow Road (West section and Old Liston Road)
Gogar Station Road
Hawes Brae and Bankhead Road
Hillhouse Road
Lang Loan (section at the junction with Lasswade Road)
Following the family funeral for Sir Tom Farmer this morning, the hearse will pass by Easter Road Stadium at 12:45pm to allow members of the public and Hibernian supporters to pay their respects to the Club’s former owner.
This Christmas, Love Actually, perhaps one of the most quotable and adored Christmas films of all time, will be presented live in concert, with a full orchestra playing its score live-to-film.
The film will be brought to life on a 16-date UK wide tour, following a sell-out run last Christmas. Kicking off on 28th November in Poole and taking in all major cities across the UK, the tour will run right up until the 17th December.
‘A stunning orchestra provides the perfect festive ambience.’Yorkshire Live
‘The whole performance was simply spectacular, enhancing the magic of this classic Christmas movie tenfold’Bournemouth Echo
The score for Love Actually was written by Golden Globe®, BAFTA and Emmy-winning Scottish composer Craig Armstrong OBE, known for his work on films such as Me Before You, Moulin Rouge, Far From The Madding Crowd and Elizabeth: The Golden Age.
The score and music for Love Actually is considered some of the most recognisable across the modern romcom genre, featuring covers of Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You and the Troggs’ Love Is all Around.
Written and directed by Richard Curtis, Love Actually follows 10 different, yet interweaving stories of love around the festive period, involving a variety of individuals, many of whom are interlinked as the plot progresses.
The film boasts an all-star cast, featuring Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Bill Nighy, Martine McCutcheon, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Rowan Atkinson, Martin Freeman and many more.
Tour dates:
28th November Poole Lighthouse 29th November Portsmouth Guildhall 30th November Brighton Centre
1st December Liverpool Philharmonic Hall 3rd December Manchester Bridgewater Hall 4th December Southend Cliffs Pavilion 5th December Bath Forum 6th December London Eventim Apollo *Matinee and evening performances 7th December Sheffield City Hall 8th December Glasgow Royal Concert Hall 10th December Aberdeen P&J Live 12th December Birmingham Symphony Hall 14th December Edinburgh Usher Hall 15th December Nottingham Royal Concert Hall 16th December York Barbican 17th December Bradford Live
CONSUMER EXPERT OFFERS TOP TIPS FOR THAT GREAT VALUE SUMMER GETAWAY
Many of us will be looking to grab a late holiday deal over the coming weeks. But according to a leading travel expert and consumer guru we must be on the lookout for scams and it is worth remembering that if something looks too good to be true, it probably is.
“In the UK we have seen a surge in scams, particularly on social media platforms and online marketplaces with UK residents losing a staggering £11.4 billion to scams in the last 12 months.
“Whether it’s holiday phishing scams or booking with a provider who is not a regulated travel agency or registered company, it’s not worth the risk when you can get great deals through reputable companies.
“There are lots of ways to get a great deal on a getaway particularly if you are prepared to be flexible and avoid holiday hotspots.
“Most of us want good weather, a clean beach and somewhere nice to eat in the evening. You don’t need to travel to expensive places like Santorini or Capri to get those.”
“Never skimp on travel insurance. We don’t know what’s around the corner. It’s simply not worth saving a few pounds not getting travel insurance when you can shop around for a great deal which will cover you should something happen.”
Here are my top tips to consumers looking for that great deal are:
1. Watch out for scams: if it’s too good to be true it usually is!
There are lots of holiday scams to watch out for including:
Holiday phishing scams which are used to gain control of financial details. Scammers can cleverly mimic emails and correspondence and make them look authentic. Equally, links to make bookings are very convincing and AI can generate really realistic photos and wording that can catch out the savviest of consumers.
Use a reverse-image search to check authenticity of images of resorts and accommodation and identify source of any images as scammers can easily create a fake ad to draw you in.
2. Don’t pay by bank transfer
Be wary of websites which don’t work properly or have sections missing or try to force you to make time pressured decisions. You should refuse any requests to move communication away on a site such as AirBnb to Whatsapp or other means.
NEVER action a bank transfer or provide your bank details in response to one of these ads. But always use a credit card. If the offer is legitimate you will then benefit from the section 75 cover for payments. Don’t agree to Paypal transfers especially if the transfer is made as ‘Paypal Friends and Family’ as this reduces the protection Paypal can offer.
3. Book a package holiday
Avoid DIY by booking flights and accommodation separately. Book a package holiday with a trusted travel agent (preferably one you can actually pick up the phone and speak to) for the most consumer protection under the Package and Linked Travel Arrangements 2018. Online Travel agents may offer the widest range of deals but they don’t offer the same personalised service and it can be a lot harder to get in touch when you need to.
Package holidays provide the most financial protection in the event of delays, cancellations or if your travel company goes bust. If you’ve booked a package which includes a flight, then you will also benefit from ATOL protection. With package holidays, travel companies are responsible for ensuring you get the holiday you have been promised and have paid for.
It’s worth taking a look at package holiday deals just to see if they work out cheaper than the cost of a flight on its own. There’s no obligation to stay in the hotel or use any associated car hire and transfers if you have alternate plans.
4. Do your homework before booking
Check the reviews not just of the accommodation but also the travel provider and check to see if a range of contact details are available – not just online chat. If it’s hard to get through to a company to discuss general queries, it could create a lot more stress and hassle if things go wrong and you need to make contact urgently.
I have lots of ways to get through to companies quickly and easily over on the blog including how to cheat chatbots and get through to a real person https://ladyjaney.co.uk/category/how-to-contact/
5. Be flexible
If you want to save money, flexibility is key in everything from destination, activities, accommodation and transport to the insurance and booking policies of the providers you choose.
Opting for alternate destinations can be a real money saver. For example, choosing Bulgaria rather than that instagrammable Greek Island can save you hundreds of pounds. Parts of Croatia are inexpensive but every bit as appealing as the Greek islands or the Balearics.
You should always take out travel insurance but shop around as the average cost of cover taken out via a comparison site can be 40 to 50% lower than if bought direct from an insurer.
Some multi cover policies include travel insurance cover. You can reduce the cost of the policy by increasing the excess, purchasing single trip insurance or family cover. Ensure you have a valid GHIC (formerly EHIC) card for travel within the EU.
7. Clear your online cookies
If you’ve been looking at flights and hotels for a while clear your browser cookies before booking. This means that websites don’t hike up prices simply because they can see you’ve visited before and are looking to book. You could also use incognito or private browsing.
8. Check out all-inclusive offers
If you don’t mind eating primarily in the hotel it’s worth looking to see if you can save by going all-inclusive on holiday, factoring in local costs and exchange rates. All-inclusive deals generally include all meals, snacks and drinks (although not always alcoholic ones) and often airport transfers too. These costs can quickly add up, especially when it’s a family trip.
9. Travel for less with air miles and points
You can collect points and air miles using credit cards, supermarket loyalty schemes or retail portals to travel for less. Points can be accrued not just through travel but through your everyday shopping too!
You can also sign up also to loyalty programmes for your preferred hotels and airlines to benefit from any discounts and offers as a member,
10. Book timely
Travel companies reduce their rates about 8-10 weeks before departure so instead of leaving it last minute, aim to book within this window.
However, booking early can mean you get more choice and better prices. The best deals, especially during school holidays, tend to be snapped up quickly.
For flights, the first quarter of the year is often the best time to book with many companies offering sales in January. Also, avoid flying out on Fridays (the most popular day) and try unusual trip lengths (not seven or 14 days) to find the best value prices.
The Chippendale International School of Furniture, a globally recognised woodworking school based in East Lothian, Scotland will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025 with a milestone 40th Graduate Exhibition and Fine Furniture Sale, taking place between 12 – 14 June.
The much-anticipated event will showcase exceptional hand-crafted furniture from this year’s graduating cohort, which includes students hailing from Brazil, Hawaii, Edinburgh and beyond.
Founded in 1985 by Anselm Fraser, the school has become a hub for aspiring furniture makers worldwide, where traditional woodworking techniques inspire contemporary furniture designs and exquisite one-off pieces.
Now led by his son, Tom Fraser, the school’s flagship nine-month Professional Course has produced some of the most exciting woodworkers on the scene, from Ewan Ogilvie of Ogilvies of Haddington to Kevin Tronel of Wedge Designs, winner of the Best Chair at the 2024 Young Furniture Makers exhibition.
Covering everything from woodturning and CAD to business skills, the 9-month course seeks to equip students with the skills to launch their own furniture making business. The graduate exhibition is a culmination of over 1400 hours of studying, tuition and craftwork.
Tom Fraser,Principal of the Chippendale School, reflected on the anniversary: “We have welcomed students from around the world to our Professional Course for decades, and yet each year I am amazed by the talent and determination of our woodworkers.
“This year’s exhibition not only showcases the immense skill of this year’s graduates but also pays homage to the generations of woodworkers that have passed through our doors.”
Founder Anselm Fraser added: “When I first established the school, I dreamed of creating a space where talent could grow. Seeing this vision come to life through the hands of these aspiring woodworkers has been incredibly rewarding.
“The 40th exhibition is a celebration of their stories and those before them.”
Event Details
The public is invited to explore the exhibition and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces at the school’s East Lothian campus.
This year the school will welcome North Berwick’s Steampunk Coffee and The Big Blu Artisan Pizza from Dunbar, keeping guests fuelled with delicious coffee, cakes, and pizza while they explore the collection.
Date: 12–14 June 2025
Location: Chippendale International School of Furniture, East Lothian
Admission: Entry is free, but all visitors must book a time-slotted ticket in advance via Eventbrite.
For those unable to attend in person, the Exhibition will also be showcased online via the School’s website, Facebook, and Instagram channels.
HIBS HEROES SUMMER CAMP IS BACK
