The introduction of Adult Disability Payment, further automation and the increase and extension of Scottish Child Payment has seen more people apply for and get financial support they are entitled to.
Thousands of people have also had their benefit awards transferred to Social Security Scotland from the Department of Work and Pensions.
In March, Adult Disability Payment, which replaces the UK Government’s Personal Independence Payment and is the most complex benefit to be introduced so far, was launched as a pilot project before being made available to eligible disabled adults aged 16 to state pension age in Scotland at the end of August.
In November, Scottish Child Payment increased to £25 and was extended to include eligible children up to age 16 and around 385,000 children are now expected to be eligible.
At the same time, Social Security Scotland introduced further automation. Families and carers who already get Scottish Child Payment will now automatically be paid Best Start Grant Early Learning and School Age payments when their child is eligible.
Automatic payments continued for around 90,000 carers eligible for the December payment of Carers Allowance Supplement, as well as around 23,000 disabled children and young people who received Child Winter Heating Assistance to help heat their homes.
Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson said: “There is no doubt that 2022 has been the biggest and most complex year yet for Social Security Scotland. Creating a new social security system at pace has not been a simple task, but the progress made since 2018 has been substantial.
“Introducing Adult Disability Payment to replace the DWP’s Personal Independence Payment was a significant milestone in the growth of the Scottish social security system and marked a step change, delivering an improved experience for disabled people that is compassionate and rooted in trust.
“With many people facing financial hardship during the ongoing cost of living crisis, extending the Scottish Child Payment to under 16 year olds means that now hundreds of thousands more children will get much needed extra financial support.
“Investing in social security is a priority for the Scottish Government. Our commitment in the 2023-24 Budget to uprate benefits by 10.1% will mean more support going to people on low-incomes, disabled people, carers and young people right across Scotland at a time when many are facing tough financial challenges.
“Though there is still much work to do, we are creating a system to be proud of and building strong foundations to serve Scotland for generations to come, treating people with dignity, fairness and respect. Social security is a human right and an investment in creating a fairer society, together.”
Dad Martin, whose daughter has learning difficulties, says receiving benefits helped his daughter flourish.
He said: “I went on the website and applied for Child Disability Payment. When I got accepted I went from having nothing at the end of the month to having £97 left. This enabled me to do so many things with my daughter and because of that she has flourished.”
Another young woman who received the Young Carer’s Grant this year, said: “It had a positive impact because I needed new clothes so I spent about £100 on clothes and then I shared the rest of the grant with my brother and sister.”
A mum who received School Age Payment for their child said: “I applied for this grant for my child when she started primary one. It was a great help to us to cover the costs of school uniforms and accessories required for school. I would urge all parents to apply for this grant.”
Eligible families and carers can find out more and apply for social security payments at scot/benefits or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222
Love Learning released the following statement yesterday:
So sorry to release this folks
Love to withdraw from Gorgie Farm
Love Learning have regrettably announced that their intention to return the lease on Gorgie Farm to the City of Edinburgh Council. Love will begin a period of formal consultation with staff on 4 January 2023.
Love CEO, Lynn Bell, said: “We have tried everything to avoid this situation, however with Covid and now cost of living crisis we do not believe we are able to support the Farm alone moving forward.”
CEC funding for the Farm was withdrawn in 2020 and over recent months Love have been seeking detailed discussions with City of Edinburgh Council over funding and the future operations of the Farm. Love have developed a plan for the Farm, based on the development of a Care Farm and utilising buildings on the Farm for respite accommodation for Looked After Children.
However, on preparation of the Love Learning 2021-22 accounts it became clear that Love was not able to take this forward without assistance.
Lynn added: “The support for Gorgie Farm from the public has been tremendous, and I would like to thank every single person who has supported the Farm over the last few years. Gorgie Farm is unique, and it has the potential to deliver so much for so many.
“We know that changes could be made to raise funds and support wider Council objectives around looked after children and tackling poverty, but we are not able to take this proposal forward unaided.
“A partnership approach has always been central to our plans, but this partnership has not materialised. While we have had many positive individual conversations ultimately there is a need for detailed discussions and agreements to allow the redesign of the Farms operations to meet wider needs.”
Edinburgh Greens have pledged to work for sustainable future for Gorgie Farm.
The much-loved local community farm in Edinburgh has announced that they plan to hand their lease back to Edinburgh City Council when it comes to an end.
Gorgie Farm has been run by ‘LOVE Learning’ since the previous long-term owners entered financial difficulties in late 2019.
Since reopening in early 2020, LOVE Gorgie Farm has become a community hub with programmes for local people to connect, and a young people to learn.
Gorgie Green Councillor Dan Heap said:“After 50 years of operation, Gorgie Farm is an integral part of the Gorgie community, and it is impossible to imagine Gorgie without the fun, life and incredible services the Farm brings the area.
“I think it is absolutely possible we can find a sustainable model for the Farm, and it is vital that all partners, including the City of Edinburgh Council, work together to achieve this.
“I will be working closely with them to ensure this happens.”
Lothian Green MSP, Lorna Slater said:“I am sorry to hear that Gorgie Farm is facing closure.
“It was a pleasure to have visited the farm in September and to hear about the exciting future plans that had been set out for this much-loved community farm.
“When the farm was threatened with closure in 2019, Green MSPs and Councillors were at the heart of the campaign to save it. I will work closely with local councillor Dan Heap and all partners involved in the farm and do everything I can to help in ensuring that it can have a sustainable future.”
The Cabinet Office has published the 2023 New Year Honours List
The New Year Honours List 2023 marks the incredible public service of individuals from across the UK.
Recipients in the New Year Honours List have been awarded for their outstanding contributions across all parts of the UK for their work on areas including sustained public service, youth engagement and community work.
Such recipients include 100-year-old Peter Offord Davies from Macclesfield, who has been awarded a BEM for his work as a reading volunteer at Dean Valley Community Primary School in Bollington, Macclesfield.
Pamela Goldsmith from West Sussex is also being awarded an BEM, for raising more than £1.5 million for Macmillan in 20 years of volunteering. Jade Clarke, who represented the United Kingdom at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and glassblower John Reyntiens, who is most well-known for the bespoke stained-glass window at the North End of Westminster Hall which was gifted to Her Majesty the Queen for her 2012 Diamond Jubilee, receive MBEs.
Jawahir Roble, from London, and who grew up playing football in war-torn Mogadishu, has also been awarded an MBE for services to football, after becoming the first black, female, Muslim, hijab-wearing referee in the UK.
Following her commitment to help children and families fleeing Ukraine, Cambridgeshire resident Louenna Hood has been awarded a British Empire Medal. Her voluntary work has seen more than £170,000 raised to help people fleeing the war-torn country and she has helped to organise the delivery of five container loads of essentials directly to people in need.
Asrar Ul-Haq DL was one of the first Asian police officers in Greater Manchester Police and spent his career in policing building a positive relationship between marginalised communities and law enforcement. His work bringing together people from different faiths and backgrounds for a common good has earned him an OBE.
Jim Jones, who is also a police officer in Greater Manchester, has also been recognised with a BEM for his work to improve the way police forces work with military veterans. His close work with the veterans community has seen veterans encouraged to consider jobs within the police force and his approach has been followed by many other police forces across the country.
Key members of the England Lionesses football team are also honoured after their outstanding performance in the summer. Squad captain Leah Williamson receives an OBE, while star player Lucy Bronze, golden boot Beth Mead, and England women’s top international goal scorer Ellen White are all awarded MBEs.
A CBE has been awarded to Pat Jennings, for his football and charity service in Northern Ireland. MBEs go to Scotland’s football captain Andy Robertson for his work with young people and to Chris Kamara for his charity and anti-racism work.
At DBE there is an award for Virginia McKenna, for her work in wildlife conservation and amongst the knighthoods is an award for Robin Millar, for his work in music and disabilities and Grayson Perry for services to the arts.
There is a significant breadth of service recognised across the entirety of the UK. Recipients include MBEs for Gee Walker, founder and patron of the Anthony Walker Foundation; Charles Banks, Chair of the NorthWest Users Group and Secretary, Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association; and Judith Backus, the Founder of Hidden Help, a charity helping disadvantaged people in Cornwall.
The youngest recipient in the List is 18-year-old Dara Seamus McAnulty who receives a BEM for his environmental work and for his work with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The Scottish Secretary has congratulated the many people from across Scottish society who have been recognised in the New Year Honours List published last night.
Alister Jack said: “This year’s New Year Honours List underlines the outstanding contributions made by Scots to the life of the nation, from public service, through entertaining us and contributing to our cultural heritage, to assisting in Scotland’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and supporting business growth.
“It’s great to see recognition of our men’s football captain Andy Robertson [MBE], not just for his efforts on the pitch but for his work with young people. The UK’s Scottish Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss [CB] has been deservedly honoured for her work on behalf of the veterinary and farming industries, as has Dr Julie Maxton [DBE], the first female executive director of the Royal Society in its history of over 350 years.
“Many Scots have been recognised for their contributions to our cultural landscape. These include Sinclair Barbour from Dumfriesshire [BEM], who for more than four decades has inspired people to participate in and learn the skills of Scottish country dancing; James McEwan from Islay [MBE], four times Master Distiller of the Year and inductee to the Whisky Hall of Fame; and David Sutherland from Dundee [OBE], for services to illustrating the Beano.
“This is also, however, an important opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of those who selflessly serve the needs of others in our communities. Among those to have been honoured today are 28-year-old Lucy Lintott from Moray [BEM], for her tireless campaigning and fundraising in aid of tackling Motor Neurone Disease; and 79-year-old Joyce Murray from East Dunbartonshire [BEM] who has served her community for more than five decades – 50 years as a Boys’ Brigade officer and the last twenty years as a trusted school crossing patrol attendant.
“My sincerest congratulations go to all who have been recognised today.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has also paid tribute to Scotland’s recipients of The New Year’s Honours.
Among those receiving Knighthoods are Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, Professor Peter Mathieson, for services to higher education, and chairman of the Robertson Group, William Robertson CBE, for services to the construction industry and charity.
Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University, Dubai, Professor Heather McGregor, CBE, receives a Damehood for services to education, business and heritage.
Scotland’s former Chief Scientist, Professor David Crossman, receives a Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to public health, while Chief Executive of NHS Shetland, Michael Dickson receives an Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to healthcare during COVID-19.
OBEs have also been received by Beano illustrator David Sutherland for services to illustration, Usman Ali for services to equality and cohesion in Scotland and Remzije Sherifi for services to refugee integration in Glasgow.
Footballers Kim Little and Andy Robertson, who captains the Scottish national team, as well as artist Andrew Crummy and community activist Alana Stott are among those receiving a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
Receiving a Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) include Lucy Lintott for voluntary services to Motor Neurone Disease Research, Joyce Murray, school crossing patrol attendant, for service to the Boys’ Brigade and to the community in Glasgow and Elizabeth Wilson for services to handbell ringing.
Chief Superintendents Sean Scott and Sharon Milton, and Deputy Chief Constable Will Kerr receive The King’s Police Medal. The King’s Fire Service Medal is awarded to Watch Commander Alan Aitken and Volunteer Leader Robert Strang. Wendy Bathgate, Information Governance Officer and Trustee of the Benevolent Fund, receives The King’s Ambulance Service Medal.
The First Minister said: “Those recognised in The New Year’s Honours list have made exceptional contributions to communities across Scotland and beyond. These Honours are particularly poignant as they are the first to be awarded since the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, who reigned for over 70 years.
“The service and dedication of our successes, from the arts, education and sport to business, charity, community cohesion and science has helped to promote Scotland all over the world and benefited people throughout society.
“I also want to extend my congratulations to those personnel who have been awarded The King’s Fire, Police or Ambulance Service Medals. Our emergency services have displayed incredible fortitude throughout the pandemic, and deserve our continued appreciation for keeping people and communities across Scotland safe, every day of the year.”
POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for information following the serious assault of a man in Leith Street.
The assault took place around 7.45 pm on Thursday, 29 December 2022, at a bus stop outside the Omni Centre.
The 41-year-old victim was approached by two male youths and seriously assaulted. He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment and later discharged.
Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe, from Edinburgh CID, said: “We are keen to trace these two males, who ran off down past the Omni Centre in the direction of Leith Walk. They ran past a group of people.
“They are described as being in their late teens, wearing black tracksuits and white trainers.
“Our enquiries so far have established the area was busy at the time of the assault and witnessed by members of the public at the nearby bus stop. There was also a long traffic queue; motorists may have seen the assault or captured it on dash-cam.
“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area and has any information to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 3075 of Thursday, 29 December 2022. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.”
This New Year, The Royal Ballet’s Like Water for Chocolate will be broadcast to 909 cinemas in 33 countries around the world.
The critically acclaimed production is choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, the Company’s Artistic Associate, and inspired by Laura Esquivel’s captivating novel of the same name.
Like Water for Chocolate follows the story of Tita, whose emotions spill out through her cooking and influence those around her in startling and dramatic ways.
The production reunited Wheeldon with the creative team who transformed Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (2011) and The Winter’s Tale (2014) into dance – composer Joby Talbot, designer Bob Crowley, and lighting designer Natasha Katz. Mexican conductor Alondra de la Parra acted as musical consultant, and Esquivel worked closely with the team to reshape her richly layered story into an entertaining and engrossing new ballet.
Wheeldon is celebrated for his expressive choreography and theatricality, and has worked extensively with the world’s leading dance companies.
In 2014, he directed and choregraphed the stage version of the musical An American in Paris, and recently directed and choreographed MJ The Musical, which opened on Broadway in 2022. Both productions won Tony Awards. Like Water for Chocolate is his third full-length work for The Royal Ballet.
The cinema broadcast on Thursday 19 January 2023 stars Principal dancer Francesca Hayward as Tita, Principal dancer Marcelino Sambé as Pedro, and Mexican musician Tomás Barreiro on guitar.
Encore screenings will run from Sunday 22 January 2023.
Our cinema programme has brought opera and ballet to audiences across the globe since 2008. For the 2022/23 Season, an astonishing 13 productions from The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera will be broadcast to more than 1,300 cinemas from the UK all the way to New Zealand.
Each broadcast offers audiences the best seat in the house, and includes exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and insights into the rehearsal process.
The programme forms an integral part of our plan to secure our future, expand audiences and continue to help facilitate the vital recovery of cinema domestically and internationally.
Initiatives include the planting of over one million trees and over 1,000 hours volunteered
This year team collaboration and business services provider AnswerConnect has engaged in a range of activities as part of its ‘Giving Back’ initiative, including tree planting, fundraising and supported learning.
Set up in 2018, AnswerConnect’s “Giving Back” initiative was formed to facilitate the company’s commitment to putting people, planet and purpose first and going above and beyond commercial goals. In the past year, the AnswerConnect employees have dedicated in excess of 1,000 volunteer hours and planted over a million trees.
Their environmental outreach has resulted in a number of partnerships with tree-planting organisations across the globe, including the Trees for Life, TreePeople and Tree Aid. Alongside these partnerships, AnswerConnect works with Trees For The Future to plant a tree for every customer and every employee every month.
Angela Fee, Head of Mattering (Marketing) & Impact at AnswerConnect said; “We are passionate about our ongoing commitment to giving back, whether it be in local communities or across the globe.
“Volunteering our time and resources is one of the ways we can make a real difference to our surroundings and pressing issues. We’d encourage any other firms thinking about doing the same to take the leap. It’s been hugely rewarding, not only for the business but on a personal level as well.”
SKIDDLE HAS FOUND THE BEST NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS IN EDINBURGH – SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO!
The festive season can be stressful enough as it is, with Black Friday shopping, Christmas dinner planning and travelling the country to see your loved ones. And yet, to add to the stress, 38% of us leave looking for that perfect NYE party until the last minute – scrambling for tickets between 26th – 31st December.
Skiddle, the events discovery platform, has taken one thing off your to-do list for 2022 – and found the best NYE events in Edinburgh. Get ready to send this list to the group chat and start booking, you don’t want to miss out on ringing in the New Year in style!
Hogmanay Party ft. Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh Noir (Little White Pig)
Celebrate 2022 and welcome in the new year in style, in one of new town’s best kept secret venues. Soundtrack to your new year, provided by Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh, and local legends Mikey R, Bush, Mungo & David Lee.
Exclusive 4-course Pre-party dinner also available.
Head to Stramash this NYE for a Hogmanay Hoolie like no other. You will be greeted with a glass of Prosecco on arrival and then taught how to Ceilidh Dance like a true Scot. ‘The Jig Show’ – Rockin ceilidh band with a modern twist, will talk you through all the dance moves and even take a short break in the middle for light refreshments.
Includes access to Mad Ferret Hogmanay Hoolie 11pm until 5am.
The Mad Ferret Band are known on the Scottish music scene for their hard hitting blend of traditional and contemporary folk music. Their lively, energetic performances are packed with “blisteringly fast mandolin solos”, tight vocal harmonies, driving Cajon beats and earth-moving guitar sounds.
The Scottish capital’s biggest and best-loved indoor Hogmanay event is back for a 9th year on December 31st 2022. A cherished Edinburgh night, it’s the big one for glamour and kilts… the Real McCoy! If you’re looking for a truly top Scottish NYE event, you’ve just found it.
Treat yourself to a breathtaking night to end the old year and bring in the new – in the capital’s finest civic venue. There is, quite literally, nowhere else in town to compare. Twin ballrooms await you, sparkling in winter décor.
There’s a top, professional live ceilidh band in each magnificent ballroom: one is traditional, one contemporary. The superb Front Ballroom becomes a glitzy disco later in the night, while the dazzling Music Room Ballroom stays fully trad. Meanwhile, a spectacular drawing room becomes a silent disco – and all guests are welcome in anytime as it’s a new, fun addition.
Pop out to see the midnight fireworks, then rejoin things!
Tickets available here from £54.99 + BF.
Monsters Ball NYE 2022 Frankensteins Edinburgh
Join the monster for his annual Monster Ball this Hogmanay and join the biggest party in the city. Featuring live performers, drag queens, DJs on rotation, themed drinks and decor and much more this is an event not to be missed.
Dress to impress! Fancy dress is encouraged. (But not required).
The monster looks forward to welcoming you…
Tickets available here from £7.00 + BF.
Casino Royale – NYE 2022 LE MONDE
Le Monde is hosting an event you will not want to miss, Casino Royale – featuring casino, entertainment, themed drinks and more.
The bond themed event will include drinks reception, casino tables, entertainment, live DJs and much more.
Dress to impress, and join for the most glamourous Hogmanay party in the City.
Tickets available here from £7.50 + BF.
To find the biggest range of events in Edinburgh, including music, comedy, food + drink, festivals, attractions, theatre and more, head to the Skiddle website.
SKIDDLE HAS FOUND THE BEST NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS IN EDINBURGH – SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO!
The festive season can be stressful enough as it is, with Black Friday shopping, Christmas dinner planning and travelling the country to see your loved ones. And yet, to add to the stress, 38% of us leave looking for that perfect NYE party until the last minute – scrambling for tickets between 26th – 31st December.
Skiddle, the events discovery platform, has taken one thing off your to-do list for 2022 – and found the best NYE events in Edinburgh. Get ready to send this list to the group chat and start booking, you don’t want to miss out on ringing in the New Year in style!
Hogmanay Party ft. Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh
Noir (Little White Pig)
Celebrate 2022 and welcome in the new year in style, in one of new town’s best kept secret venues. Soundtrack to your new year, provided by Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh, and local legends Mikey R, Bush, Mungo & David Lee.
Exclusive 4-course Pre-party dinner also available.
Head to Stramash this NYE for a Hogmanay Hoolie like no other. You will be greeted with a glass of Prosecco on arrival and then taught how to Ceilidh Dance like a true Scot. ‘The Jig Show’ – Rockin ceilidh band with a modern twist, will talk you through all the dance moves and even take a short break in the middle for light refreshments.
Includes access to Mad Ferret Hogmanay Hoolie 11pm until 5am.
The Mad Ferret Band are known on the Scottish music scene for their hard hitting blend of traditional and contemporary folk music. Their lively, energetic performances are packed with “blisteringly fast mandolin solos”, tight vocal harmonies, driving Cajon beats and earth-moving guitar sounds.
The Scottish capital’s biggest and best-loved indoor Hogmanay event is back for a 9th year on December 31st 2022.A cherished Edinburgh night, it’s the big one for glamour and kilts… the Real McCoy! If you’re looking for a truly top Scottish NYE event, you’ve just found it.
Treat yourself to a breathtaking night to end the old year and bring in the new – in the capital’s finest civic venue. There is, quite literally, nowhere else in town to compare. Twin ballrooms await you, sparkling in winter décor.
There’s a top, professional live ceilidh band in each magnificent ballroom: one is traditional, one contemporary. The superb Front Ballroom becomes a glitzy disco later in the night, while the dazzling Music Room Ballroom stays fully trad. Meanwhile, a spectacular drawing room becomes a silent disco – and all guests are welcome in anytime as it’s a new, fun addition.
Pop out to see the midnight fireworks, then rejoin things!
Join the monster for his annual Monster Ball this Hogmanay and join the biggest party in the city. Featuring live performers, drag queens, DJs on rotation, themed drinks and decor and much more this is an event not to be missed.
Dress to impress! Fancy dress is encouraged. (But not required).
To find the biggest range of events in Edinburgh, including music, comedy, food + drink, festivals, attractions, theatre and more, head to the Skiddle website.
SKIDDLE HAS FOUND THE BEST NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS IN EDINBURGH – SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO!
The festive season can be stressful enough as it is, with Black Friday shopping, Christmas dinner planning and travelling the country to see your loved ones. And yet, to add to the stress, 38% of us leave looking for that perfect NYE party until the last minute – scrambling for tickets between 26th – 31st December.
Skiddle, the events discovery platform, has taken one thing off your to-do list for 2022 – and found the best NYE events in Edinburgh. Get ready to send this list to the group chat and start booking, you don’t want to miss out on ringing in the New Year in style!
Hogmanay Party ft. Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh
Noir (Little White Pig)
Celebrate 2022 and welcome in the new year in style, in one of new town’s best kept secret venues. Soundtrack to your new year, provided by Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh, and local legends Mikey R, Bush, Mungo & David Lee.
Exclusive 4-course Pre-party dinner also available.
Head to Stramash this NYE for a Hogmanay Hoolie like no other. You will be greeted with a glass of Prosecco on arrival and then taught how to Ceilidh Dance like a true Scot. ‘The Jig Show’ – Rockin ceilidh band with a modern twist, will talk you through all the dance moves and even take a short break in the middle for light refreshments.
Includes access to Mad Ferret Hogmanay Hoolie 11pm until 5am.
The Mad Ferret Band are known on the Scottish music scene for their hard hitting blend of traditional and contemporary folk music. Their lively, energetic performances are packed with “blisteringly fast mandolin solos”, tight vocal harmonies, driving Cajon beats and earth-moving guitar sounds.
The Scottish capital’s biggest and best-loved indoor Hogmanay event is back for a 9th year on December 31st 2022.A cherished Edinburgh night, it’s the big one for glamour and kilts… the Real McCoy! If you’re looking for a truly top Scottish NYE event, you’ve just found it.
Treat yourself to a breathtaking night to end the old year and bring in the new – in the capital’s finest civic venue. There is, quite literally, nowhere else in town to compare. Twin ballrooms await you, sparkling in winter décor.
There’s a top, professional live ceilidh band in each magnificent ballroom: one is traditional, one contemporary. The superb Front Ballroom becomes a glitzy disco later in the night, while the dazzling Music Room Ballroom stays fully trad. Meanwhile, a spectacular drawing room becomes a silent disco – and all guests are welcome in anytime as it’s a new, fun addition.
Pop out to see the midnight fireworks, then rejoin things!
Join the monster for his annual Monster Ball this Hogmanay and join the biggest party in the city. Featuring live performers, drag queens, DJs on rotation, themed drinks and decor and much more this is an event not to be missed.
Dress to impress! Fancy dress is encouraged. (But not required).
To find the biggest range of events in Edinburgh, including music, comedy, food + drink, festivals, attractions, theatre and more, head to the Skiddle website.
Vet charity’s top tips on coping with New Year celebrations
As New Year approaches, fireworks are bound to burst back into our lives once again. And while the dazzling displays are a hugely popular way to bring in the New Year, the UK’s largest veterinary charity, PDSA, is warning that they can cause fear among a large number of our pet population.
The charity – which helps more pets and owners than any other of its kind in the UK – is urging owners to prepare for the celebrations, which can last for several days in a row and potentially expose pets to a prolonged period of suffering.
The PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report revealed that a vast number of dogs and cats are scared by the unexpected bangs of fireworks, citing that 4.1 million dogs and 3.3 million cats are afraid of the noise. In total, 16 per cent of rabbit owners (160,000 rabbits) also reported that their bunnies were scared of the sounds associated with fireworks.
PDSA Veterinary Surgeon Lynne James said: “We may think our pets aren’t too bothered by firework displays, however their senses are much more acute than ours. The unexpected loud bangs and sudden flashes of light can cause distress for our four-legged family members.
“There are lots of things owners can do in the short term to make fireworks less frightening for their pets. Simple steps, from creating a den to introducing soothing sounds, can go a long way to making this firework season more pleasant for pets.”
PDSA’s top tips on tackling anxiety among pets this festive firework season:
Seek advice early – it is important to find out what works best for your pet as soon as possible. If they have previously struggled during firework displays, contact your vet for advice – they may be able to prescribe medication that can help.
Prepare for an early night – be sure to walk your dog before it gets dark and keep your cat at home. Bring any outdoor-living pets, for example rabbits and guinea pigs, inside for the night and enjoy a cosy evening in with your furry family members.
Secure your home –keep doors, windows, cat and dog flaps locked to ensure your pet doesn’t escape if scared.
Create a comfortable cosy space for hideouts – ensure your pet has somewhere they feel safe and secure where they can hide if they want to. It’s important that your pet knows this is a safe place that they can escape to ahead of fireworks season. For cats and dogs, you can make the space extra cosy with blankets and their favourite toys and treats while adding pillows or cushions can help to absorb the noise. You can also lessen the sound for smaller pets by adding extra bedding into their hutches and cages so that they can hide if they want to. If your pet chooses to hide, let them do so.
Be on hand to provide reassurance – if your pet takes comfort in attention and/or affection from you, continue to treat them as you normally would – never ignore them if they’re coming to you for support. Reassurance can only go so far though, so it is important to ensure other steps are taken to make the night as relaxing as possible.
Keep calm with relaxing sounds – playing a soundtrack to disguise the whizzes and bangs of fireworks can help to keep your pet calm. It’s also vital that you remain as stress-free as possible to avoid worrying your pet.
Use a pheromone plug-in – pheromones are scents that help to relax and calm pets, but we can’t smell them. They are available on the PDSA pet store.
Make note of what your pet prefers – as fireworks occur each year, it’s important to understand how your pet copes best during the festivities. Note down what their preferred action was, for example if they hid, so that next time you can ensure they have plenty of safe spots to escape to. Likewise, if they seek reassurance, always be on hand to comfort them.
Prepare for next year – once the celebrations are over for 2022, prepare for 2023! You can help your pet to be less anxious around fireworks season (this is called ‘desensitisation’) over a period of several months, ahead of expected celebrations.
The PAW Report also found that the vast majority of owners (82 per cent) agreed that fireworks should only be allowed on certain dates and times to enable them to prepare their pets in advance.
PDSA has created a FREEFirework Guide – packed with useful advice and tips – to assist owners with planning ahead of celebrations.
