Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

47,000 young people to benefit from Big Bang at School Blueprint thanks to RAF Charitable Trust partnership

EngineeringUK is partnering with The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT) to expand the reach of its Big Bang at School Blueprint programme, where secondary schools can host their own exciting science and engineering days. 

With a skills and labour shortage in the engineering and technology sector, and EngineeringUK and Royal Society research showing some girls are switching off from science, the partnership with RAFCT aims to support up to 47,000 young people to enjoy their own Big Bang at School day with amazing science and engineering activities, workshops and projects and spark a passion and curiosity for all things STEM. 

The funding will enable Big Bang at School Blueprint, which aims to bring the same fun, excitement and interactive learning experience as The Big Bang Fair, held each year at the NEC, to the classroom to benefit 11 to 14 year-olds and bring to life science, engineering and technology careers through shows, workshops and activities. 

RAFCT aims to inspire young people to consider careers in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and is powered by the proceeds of the Royal International Air Tattoo.

Dr Kevin P Stenson, Director of RAFCT said, “The RAF Charitable Trust, powered by RIAT, is delighted to support EngineeringUK’s Big Bang School at School Blueprint programme.

“This new partnership, part of our aim to be able to support an annual National STEM programmes for 500,000 young people aged 5 – 25 years, represents a huge leap forward for us by enabling nearly 50,000 11 to 14-year-olds to be inspired to fulfil their potential in air, space and technology. 

“This secondary school programme builds upon existing programmes we enable with primary schools.”  

Bursaries for the Big Bang at School Blueprint are available for priority schools to help teachers host their own STEM project and workshops. 

Engineering UK Chief Executive, Dr Hilary Leevers said: “It’s fantastic to be partnering with the RAF Charitable Trust to help spread the reach of the Big Bang at School Blueprint.

“More young people from all backgrounds across the UK need to know about the exciting and impactful jobs to be had in science, technology and engineering.

“We greatly appreciate the support of the RAF Charitable Trust to help us make that happen through the Big Bang at School Blueprint – and we’ll make sure children have some fun along the way!” 

Double-jobbing no more?

Draft regulations to be laid at Holyrood in autumn

Views are being sought on the implementation of the ban on MSPs from also serving as MPs or in the House of Lords.

Following the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill being passed unanimously by the Scottish Parliament in December, a consultation seeking views on the principles and practical issues of ending dual mandates has launched.

The consultation, which runs until 23 March, looks at issues such as grace periods once elected and salary or parliamentary limitations during this period.

The Bill places a duty on Scottish Ministers to bring forward regulations which prohibit MSPs from also serving in the House of Commons or the House of Lords, and may additionally prohibit MSPs from also serving as councillors.

The regulations will be laid in autumn 2025 so they are in place for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, and will be subject to scrutiny and a vote by MSPs.

Minister for Parliamentary Business Jamie Hepburn said: “Following the unanimous passage of the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill in December, MSPs will be barred from also being an MP or Peer through regulations to be brought forward in autumn 2025.

“This consultation on the issue will allow political parties, local government and most importantly the public to comment on the details of how that will work in practice, ahead of the practice being ended before the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.”

The consultation paper is available at Consultation on Dual Mandates

Coaching opportunities at Spartans

Unleash your passion for football and make a real difference in North Edinburgh! We are on the hunt for dynamic and inspiring sessional coaches to join our thriving Football Development Department where, you’ll do more than coach, you’ll contributing to changing lives and supporting the community of North Edinburgh.

Be part of a team delivering top-tier commercial football programmes and driving social impact in local schools. We’re looking for enthusiastic, high-energy and engaging coaches who can ignite the love of the game in grassroots players aged 3-15 years.

If you’re ready to inspire the next generation of footballers and create a lasting impact in your community, this is your chance!

Applications close on 3rd February at 5pm.

Find out more about the opportunity here: https://www.spartanscf.com/…/we-are-hiring-community…

Chinese Lunar New Year Market at Out of the Blue Drill Hall

SATURDAY 1st FEBRUARY from 12 – 5pm

Chinese Lunar New Year Market

Saturday 1st February (12pm – 5pm)

  • Exciting new market, celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year
  • Featuring art and craft stalls and cultural workshops
  • Free to enter, taking place in the vibrant Out of the Blue Drill Hall in Leith

HelloArt is delighted to announce the Chinese Lunar New Year Market – the first of its kind in Edinburgh.

This vibrant and immersive event will take place on 1st February 2025 at the iconic Out of the Blue Drill Hall and promises to bring the rich traditions and cultural celebrations of the Lunar New Year to life for all to enjoy.

The market will feature:

  • Art and Craft Stalls: Unique Chinese-inspired creations by local and international artists.
  • Interactive Cultural Workshops: Hands-on experiences in traditional crafts like calligraphy, paper cutting, and lantern making.
  • Delicious Pre-Made Food Stalls: Authentic treats including tanghulu, steamed buns, and rice cakes.

The Lunar New Year Market is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of cultural exchange and community connection. By introducing Scottish residents to the lively traditions of the Lunar New Year, HelloArt aims to bridge cultural gaps, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation.

“We are thrilled to bring this unique celebration to Edinburgh,” said Ying Gao, Founder of HelloArt. “Our goal is to create a space where people from all backgrounds can come together to experience the joy and richness of Chinese culture, while also supporting local artists and vendors.”

This event highlights the importance of cultural inclusion, creating a platform for dialogue and connection through art, food, and shared traditions.

The market is open to all and promises to be a memorable experience for families, individuals, and anyone curious about the magic of the Lunar New Year.

Public Health Emergency: People’s panel calls for action on drug related harms

A cultural change and “brave and bold action” are required to tackle a “public health emergency” created by drug use in Scotland, according to a report sent to MSPs by a people’s panel.

The panellists’ report recognises that progress has been made, but says that further action is needed. It calls for public campaigns to raise awareness of drug harm and drug use, recommends funding should be ring fenced and prioritised on prevention and seeks improvements in information shared between government agencies.

However, the introduction of the Naloxone programme to prevent fatal drug overdoses, and the opening of the safer drug consumption room, The Thistle, are welcomed in the report.

The panel’s report also calls for greater involvement of the third sector and people with lived experience. It concludes that a lack of urgency in responding to drug harm and use reinforces the stigma already associated with these issues.

The creation of the people’s panel, formed of 23 people, was requested by the Cross-Committee on tackling drug deaths and drug harms. Members of the Criminal Justice Committee, Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, and Social Justice and Social Security Committee commissioned the panel to gather public views on the question, ‘What does Scotland need to do differently to reduce drug related harms?’. The panel met at the Parliament in October and November 2024.

Over the course of two weekends, members of the panel heard evidence from people with lived experience of drug harms, from academics and researchers, and from stakeholders who work in this area, before developing their report.

The panel’s report will help inform the cross-Committee’s scrutiny of matters related to reducing drug deaths and tackling problem drug use. It’s 19 recommendations cover rights and people’s lived experience, justice, access to treatment, care and support, prevention and harm reduction.

Panel Presentations Weekend 2Download

Mairi McIntosh, from the Highlands and Islands region, was one of the members of the People’s Panel. She said: “I found participating in the People’s Panel humbling.

“The team at the Scottish Parliament organised a diverse range of experts and worked hard to lay out the worrying and rapid escalation in drug related deaths and harms in Scotland. The wide range of speakers gave us great insight into the data and evidence about the complexity of the issue including the causes, impacts and ways they believed the Scottish government could help.

“Hearing from those such as Steph McCutcheon about having success with service users through the East Ayrshire Recovery Hub, matches up with what we heard from others about the importance not only of the third sector’s role in local based solutions but how it is imperative those with lived experiences are valued and involved in every stage of the planning and implementing of measures being taken.

“All the evidence we heard highlighted the urgency for action from the Scottish government to implement brave and lasting change. Change needed to seriously reduce the deaths, impacts of harms to individuals, their families and communities and the pressure this puts on health, care, police, justice, other services and the people who are working to help those suffering.

“I feel it would be a poor reflection on our country to allow this issue to further impact some of the most vulnerable groups in our society.

“I am hopeful that our report shows that as voices from across Scotland, representing different backgrounds and lives, some directly affected by the issues of drug harm and death and others not, that we want the Scottish government to acknowledge the causes and barriers like stigma and discrimination and realise that we cannot afford to not take bold action now.”

Reflecting on the publication of the panel’s findings Audrey Nicoll MSP, Convener of the Criminal Justice Committee said: “We would like to thank the panel for their focused and determined work in delivering this serious and well considered report.

“Our Committees look forward to thoroughly considering the panel’s findings and putting its report’s recommendations to the Scottish Government.”

Read the report

Read the Panel’s report

Report of the Peoples Panel on reducing drug harm and deaths in ScotlandDownload

Take 5 Tuesdays at PCHP

If you’d like to know more about healthy, sustainable and affordable food that is also DELICIOUS, then this is the group to come along to.

Anyone living in the area is welcome to join Sally on Tuesdays at 10am for this relaxed but fun activity.

We’ll start preparing and cooking from 10am, then at around midday we can either sit and enjoy the food together, or you can pack it up and take it away!

Home Secretary statement on Southport atrocity

YVETTE COOPER ANNOUNCES PUBLIC INQUIRY

Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said yesterday: “All our thoughts today must be with the families of little Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, and all those who were harmed by this truly horrendous, barbaric and cowardly attack.

Three innocent little girls who went to a summer dance club lost their lives in the most devastating way, other children faced terrible injuries, and they and all the parents and families have had to endure the most unimaginable trauma and grief.  

My thoughts are also with the entire community in Southport, which has shown such strength and courage in the face of the unspeakable act of violence visited on their town. I also want to take the opportunity to thank all the police, first responders, hospital staff and prosecutors who have worked in incredibly difficult circumstances from the day of the attack to support the families and bring this case to today’s trial.

It is important that justice has been served today. But nothing will ever take away the trauma and loss endured by the children and families and we will ensure that they continue to receive the support and care they need in the coming weeks, months and years. 

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has been clear that important information about the perpetrator’s past could not be made public before today to avoid jeopardising the legal proceedings or prejudicing the possible jury trial, in line with the normal rules of the British justice systems. Nothing has been more important than securing justice for the families.  

But now that there has been a guilty plea, it is essential that the families and the people of Southport can get answers about how this terrible attack could take place and about why this happened to their children. 

The responsibility for these terrible murders and the barbaric attack lies with Axel Rudakubana. The CPS has described him as “a young man with a sickening and sustained interest in death and violence” who has “shown no sign of remorse.” 

But the families and the people of Southport also need answers about what happened leading up to this attack. The perpetrator was in contact with a range of different state agencies throughout his teenage years.

He was referred 3 times to the Prevent programme between December 2019 and April 2021 aged 13 and 14. He also had contact with the police, the courts, the Youth Justice system, social services and mental health services. Yet between them, those agencies failed to identify the terrible risk and danger to others that he posed.  

This terrible case comes against a backdrop over a series of years in which growing numbers of teenagers have been referred to Prevent, investigated by counter-terror police, or referred to other agencies amid concerns around serious violence and extremism. We need to face up to why this has been happening and what needs to change.  

Although, in line with CPS advice to preserve the integrity of the prosecution, we were constrained in what we were able to say at the time, the Home Office commissioned an urgent Prevent Learning Review during the summer into the 3 referrals that took place and why they were closed.

We will publish further details this week, alongside new reforms to the Prevent programme.

But we also need more independent answers on both Prevent and all the other agencies that came into contact with this extremely violent teenager as well as answers on how he came to be so dangerous, including through a public inquiry that can get to the truth about what happened and what needs to change.  

This horrendous attack will leave a lasting impact on our country. We will all remember Alice, Bebe and Elsie, and we will always stand with the families and the community who are living with the pain of their loss. In our efforts to answer the questions that remain about this case, the need to see justice done for the victims and their families will remain at the forefront of our minds.”

PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER WILL MAKE A STATEMENT AT 8.30am (TUESDAY).

Darts wonderkid Luke Littler celebrates World Darts Championship with bespoke 24-carat gold Phone

Teen prodigy collaborates with luxury £5,000 brand strada x IDG to design a personalised gold device to mark his victory

Darts superstar Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler has marked his World Darts Championship triumph by awarding himself a bespoke 24-carat gold iPhone 16 Pro Max, valued at £5,000.

The extraordinary gesture celebrates the 17-year-old’s historic win, as he continues to take the darts world by storm and establish himself as one of the sport’s brightest talents.

Luke’s collaboration with luxury design brand strada x IDG has resulted in a one-of-a-kind phone, personalised with his name and championship details. 

The golden device serves as both a reward for his hard work and a symbol of his remarkable achievement at such a young age.

The celebration was taken to a global stage, with Luke unveiling the phone during his trip to Bahrain, where he competed in the prestigious Bahrain Darts Masters. 

The event showcased the teen sensation’s talent alongside the sport’s elite players, further solidifying his status as a darts prodigy.

Gary Allen, a spokesperson for strada x IDG, said: “Working with Luke Littler on this bespoke gold phone has been an incredible experience.

“His World Darts Championship victory was a momentous occasion, and we’re thrilled to create a unique luxury item that reflects his exceptional talent and dedication. This collaboration embodies our passion for crafting meaningful, high-end pieces that celebrate personal and professional milestones.”

The phone, crafted with strada x IDG’s signature precision and attention to detail, stands as a luxury statement piece. Beyond its cutting-edge functionality, it represents Luke’s relentless drive and the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary career in darts.

strada x IDG has become synonymous with bespoke luxury technology, catering to elite athletes, celebrities, and tastemakers worldwide. Renowned for their craftsmanship, the brand specialises in designing personalised tech that transcends utility to become symbols of achievement and style.

This collaboration highlights strada x IDG’s growing influence in the world of sport, as they continue to work with top names across various disciplines. From football legends like Lionel Messi, Kevin De Bruyne to NBA superstars, their clientele is a testament to their unparalleled quality and exclusivity.

With plans to expand into the Middle East and USA retail markets in 2024, strada x IDG is redefining luxury tech on a global scale.

For Luke Littler, this golden phone is more than a piece of technology, it’s a trophy that embodies his journey, his passion, and his meteoric rise in the sport of darts.

For more information on strada x IDG and their bespoke luxury devices, visit:

www.stradauae.

Police appeal following serious crash in Penicuik

POLICE are appealing for information following a serious injury collision on Bog Road, Penicuik yesterday (Sunday, January 19, 2025).

Around 3.20pm, police received a report of a collision involving three children, aged 11, 12 and 13, and a Volkswagen T-Cross on Bog Road, Penicuik.

Emergency services attended and an 11-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl were taken to the Royal Hospital for Children in Edinburgh where medical staff confirmed their injuries as serious. The 12-year-old girl was uninjured.

The road was closed to allow for collision investigators to examine the location.

Sergeant Fraser Mitchell said: “Our enquiries remain ongoing as we work to establish the full circumstances of this collision.

“Anyone with any information or dash cam footage should get in contact, no matter how insignificant it may seem.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1844 of 19 January, 2025.