On Thursday 14th September, The Advertising Association held LEAD Scotland 2023 at The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
The conference brought together key figures in the marketing and advertising industries as well as political leaders to discuss the future of the creative industries in Scotland.
The conference was opened with a keynote speech by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown followed by a cross-party panel discussion hosted by STV which included Foysol Choudhury, Labour MSP for Lothian, Murdo Fraser, Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife and Ben Macpherson, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith.
Speaking following his participation on the panel discussion, MSP Choudhury said: “The creative industries have a pivotal role to play in the future of the Scottish economy.
“Sadly, the full potential of Scotland’s creative industries has not been realised by two Governments-the SNP at Holyrood and the Tories at Westminster- who are sleeping at the wheel and have given up on trying to build a positive future for the country’s creative industries.
“An incoming Labour Government is listening and it has the vision and ambition to turbo charge these industries and ensure the next generation have the skills to thrive in the industry, providing a vital boost to our economy.
“Scottish Labour would ensure that the creative industries have their voice heard and that the industry does not become an investment vacuum, especially for local organisations who are losing out from a lack of stable funding.”
Mr Choudhury is calling on the Scottish and UK Government to work together with industry leaders to put the creative industries front and centre of the effort to grow the economy.
A 26-strong team from Johnston Carmichael, including ten graduates from the Audit team, will lace up their boots tomorrow for Kiltwalk, Scotland’s favourite mass participation charity event, to raise funds for Children 1st.
With a culture of investing in its people, and inspiring leaders and future leaders, the firm is also committed to supporting the communities in which its 850-plus people work and live and through Kiltwalk it has raised over £45,000 to date for numerous charities across Scotland.
The accountancy and business advisory firm has been a gold sponsor of the Kiltwalk, which takes place in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, and Aberdeen, for 7 years. In addition to each office nominating a local charity, the firm encourages its people to select a charity close to their hearts.
Audit Partner Grant Roger and his family have chosen to support LGBT Youth Scotland as they take on the 15-mile Big Stroll from Musselburgh to Murrayfield Stadium at Sunday’s event.
Grant has completed the walk every year since joining the firm in 2017 and has supported different local charities each year, including STV Children’s Appeal, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, and Maggie’s Edinburgh. He believes it is important to give back to those less fortunate than himself and this year his three children, Ailsa, Katy, and Maeve, chose the charity.
Grant explains: “My kids have supported me over the years, coming along to cheer me on during the walk, and this year all three are old enough to take part in the longer walk.
They’ve been learning about equality in school, and they recognise that discrimination still exists toward young people within the LGBTQ+ community so they’ve decided that we should walk in aid of LGBT Youth Scotland.
“Walking for six or seven hours is not a lot in the grand scheme of things and the money I have raised over the years goes towards helping people who may be struggling or those who are in a less fortunate position than we are as a family.”
LGBT Youth Scotland is Scotland’s national charity for LGBTQ+ young people and works with 13–25-year-olds across the country to support them to flourish and thrive in all aspects of their lives through the provision of youth work and supporting LGBTQ+ young people to use their voice and create change.
Nurturing, celebrating, and developing the individuality of its people, is integral to the culture at Johnston Carmichael and this goes beyond the company and into the communities where it works.
The firm aims to raise the aspirations and achievements of young people and it recently announced a partnership with Netball Scotland, to strengthen the reach and profile of netball in Scotland and engage a lost generation of players, particularly girls, who missed out on the sport due to the pandemic.
Supporting Netball Scotland and sponsoring Kiltwalk is part of the firm’s ambition to leave a legacy for future generations and this goes beyond fundraising. Events like Kiltwalk bring people from different stages of their careers together, which helps build camaraderie.
Grant said: “Since I joined Johnston Carmichael, I’ve always felt it was important to take part because the Kiltwalk is great for team building and I encourage our young graduates to get involved too.
“It’s a good way to meet and bring many people from across the company together at different levels of seniority, allowing junior and more experienced team members to do something challenging together.”
To sponsor Grant and his family and support LGBT Youth Scotland click here.
Community engagement funding to ensure groups are heard
Third sector organisations are being awarded new funding to help ensure as many voices as possible are contributing to the design of the National Care Service.
The funding will facilitate contributions from minority ethnic communities, LGBTI people, children and young people and those with experience of homelessness or the justice system.
Organisations will each receive £5,000 to encourage the communities they work with to have their say on how future community healthcare and social work services should look.
Social Care Minister Maree Todd said: “As we build a National Care Service that best fits the needs of everyone in Scotland, we need to hear from people directly.
“The new National Care Service will set the standards and guidance to support the design and delivery of community healthcare and social work services locally.
“The complexities of getting this right should not be underestimated. People with experience of the current system, whether receiving health and care support or delivering it, are the experts. We need to hear those voices – and those of groups who are often overlooked.
“We know that minority ethnic communities, LGBTI people, children and young people and those with experience of homelessness or the justice system are under-represented in our co-design work to date. We also know that people affected by dementia are a key group we want to hear more from and we will benefit from partnering with an organisation with expertise in this area.
“I am confident the funding to support co-design activity with seldom heard communities will help us shape a system we can all benefit from and be proud of.”
The partner organisations are:
LGBT Health and Wellbeing
Minority Ethnic Carers of People Project (MECOPP)
The Simon Community
Scottish Association for the Care and Resettlement of offenders (SACRO)
Thirteen tennis courts across four park tennis venues in Edinburgh, alongside a new booking system, have been officially launched after a £190,000 renovation.
This refurbishment was managed by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), and funded by the City of Edinburgh Council, the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation.
On Thursday (September 14) at the tennis courts in Leith Links, Culture and Communities Convener Councillor Val Walker, along with representatives from the LTA, saw in the official reopening of Edinburgh’s new courts.
There was also an opportunity for schoolchildren from the nearby Leith Primary alongside young leader pupils from Leith Academy, and other members of the local community to pick up a racket and get on court for a range of tennis sessions.
The Council contributed £33,000 towards the total investment, with the remaining £157,000 funds coming from the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation grant.
The courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, and a new gate system. This nationwide programme of investment is seeing thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.
As part of the partnership, the Council’s Parks and Greenspace service will manage the courts and adopt the LTA’s Clubspark booking system to manage community access which will be connected to a smart access gate at each of the refurbished venues.
The new booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability. The small booking fee of £1 will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come. The LTA and the Council will work together to ensure free park tennis sessions are also available on the courts providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.
As well as weekly free park tennis sessions, with equipment provided, the new courts will host Local Tennis Leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.
The refurbishment works for courts at Inverleith, Victoria Park, and Leith Links have now been completed. Works at St Margaret’s Park are expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “I was delighted to attend today’s launch at Leith Links and meet the local schoolchildren who will be some of the many in the community who will benefit from these newly refurbished courts.
“It is fantastic that courts at three out of four of the parks, Inverleith, Victoria Park, and Leith Links have now had works competed and have reopened, with St Margaret’s Park expected in the near future.
“We very much welcome the funding boost that the LTA project will bring to the city’s provision for tennis. Working together we’re investing in and improving four of our park tennis courts giving more opportunities for residents to get involved in the sport. I am looking forward to seeing residents and visitors take advantage of these fantastic new facilities.”
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Edinburgh officially back open to the public, and in better shape than ever.
“Public tennis courts are such vital facilities for getting active and we want as many people as possible, of all ages and abilities, to pick up a racket and enjoy playing tennis. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”
Stuart Andrew MP, Sports Minister, said: “We are committed to levelling up access to sport which is so important for the nation’s physical and mental health.
“The Government and the LTA are working together to deliver thousands of refurbished courts across Great Britain, supported by £30 million of investment including in £189,217 in the City of Edinburgh Council.
“These improved tennis facilities in Edinburgh will provide the local community with fun opportunities to get active and potentially become the next Andy Murray or Emma Raducanu.”
Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland Chief Executive, said:“With tennis participation and membership in Scotland at record levels, it’s important that we continue to invest in facilities to grow capacity.
“Park facilities are key to ensuring tennis is accessible to all, so we are delighted that these park courts in Edinburgh have opened following refurbishment.
“The appetite for tennis in Scotland has never been higher and these revamped courts, along with a number of other facilities being built and refurbished around the country, will help make sure more people are able to get access and play tennis across Scotland.”
‘American XL Bully’ dogs will be banned following a series of horrific attacks, the UK Government announced yesterday (15 September).
On the back of a number of shocking ‘American XL Bully’ attacks, the Environment Secretary will urgently convene experts to define the ‘American XL bully’ breed type in the next week.
This is a vital first step towards adding it to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
This group will include police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare stakeholders.
Environment Secretary Therese Coffey said: “Dog attacks are devastating for victims and their families and it is clear that more now needs to be done to stop them and protect the public. That is why we are taking decisive action to ban the American XL Bully.
“This is on top of the work the Government has been doing for some time with the police and local authorities to encourage responsible dog ownership and make sure the full force of the law is being applied.”
Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, a definition of the ‘American XL Bully’ breed type needs to be specified – including clear assessment criteria for enforcement authorities – in order to impose a ban.
The Government must then lay a Statutory Instrument to add it to the list of dogs banned under the Act. This will make it an offence to own, breed, gift or sell an XL bully. We will do this by the end of the year.
We need to safely manage the existing population of these dogs, therefore there will be a transition period. Further details on how the transition period will work will be provided in due course.
Current XL Bully dog owners do not need to take any action at this stage however, if XL Bully owners do not come forward during the transition period, they will be committing a criminal offence if they are subsequently found to be keeping one of these dogs.
Owners whose dogs are dangerously out of control are already breaking the law, and we already have a full range of powers to apply penalties to them. Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, people can be put in prison for up to 14 years, be disqualified from ownership or their dangerous dogs can be euthanised.
The Dog Control Coalition – which is made up of RSPCA, Blue Cross, Battersea, Dogs Trust, Hope Rescue, Scottish SPCA, The Kennel Club and British Veterinary Association – has long campaigned against banning specific types of dog, which fails as a solution to this urgent problem.
The Coalition, in a joint statement, said: “The recent incidents are deeply distressing and our thoughts are with all those involved and affected.
“The biggest priority for everyone involved is to protect the public – but banning the breed will sadly not stop these types of incidents recurring.
“For 32 years, the Dangerous Dogs Act has focused on banning types of dog and yet has coincided with an increase in dog bites and the recent deaths show that this approach isn’t working. The UK Government must tackle the root issue by dealing with the unscrupulous breeders, who are putting profit before welfare, and the irresponsible owners whose dogs are dangerously out of control.
“The coalition urges the Prime Minister to work with them to fully understand the wide-reaching consequences of his decision to ban American bully XLs, which will have significant impacts on owners, the animal welfare sector, vets, law enforcement and the public.
“It is also critical that any policy designed to protect public safety is based on robust evidence and we are deeply concerned about the lack of data behind this decision and its potential to prevent dog bites.”
Further detail on next steps for developing a ban and information for owners will be provided in due course.
POLICE are appealing for information after a 19-year-old man suffered serious injuries after being assaulted in Tollcross. The incident happened shortly after 12am yesterday (Friday, 15 September) in Brougham Street.
The man was approached by a group of three male youths and subsequently assaulted. He required treatment at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh to injuries sustained in the incident.
One of the youths is described as about 16-years-old, clean shaven, tall with brown hair and a fringe. He was of stocky build and wearing a black jacket, grey bottoms and black shoes.
The second was also about 16-years-old, white, clean shaven and wearing a grey hooded top with grey jogging bottoms. He was riding a dark coloured bike with white writing
The third was a younger male, white, small and of thin build with blonde hair. He was wearing a black hooded top and black tracksuit bottoms.
Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and I would urge anyone who may have information which could help to get in touch.
“Enquiries so far have established the three youths had been in the city centre on Lothian Road and the Meadows prior to and after the assault.
“If you believe you have may have seen them or have any other information relating to the assault please come forward. We would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam or private CCTV footage from the area.
“Anyone who can help is asked to call 101, quoting reference 0226 of 15 September, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Climate campaigners will march through Edinburgh today (16 /9/ 23) to demand the UK and Scottish Governments develop a plan for a fair and fast transition away from fossil fuels.
The protestors are demanding action to phase out oil and gas in the UK including a halt to controversial projects like the Rosebank oil field and a new gas-fired power station in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire.
Organisers say there must be a fair and fast transition for the workers and the communities most affected by the move away from fossil fuels and these people should be at the heart of planning this transition to ensure it meets their needs.
The march is one of 400 actions taking place around the world with millions of people involved this weekend ahead of a UN Climate Ambition Summit of world leaders in New York next week.
Scientists, energy experts and climate campaigners agree that there must be no new investment in oil, gas or coal anywhere if the world is to limit further climate breakdown. Despite this the UK Government wants to “max out” new North Sea oil and gas and grant over 100 new licences for further oil and gas exploration.
The march is organised by a coalition of groups including Edinburgh Climate Coalition, Friends of the Earth Scotland, Fridays for Future, Climate Justice Coalition, War on Want, Extinction Rebellion Edinburgh, Scot.E3, Greenpeace Edinburgh and Youth in Resistance.
Steve Gray, a delegate of Aberdeen Trades Union Council who will speak at the rally after the march said: “Aberdeen Trades Union Council welcomes the opportunity to march in solidarity with the climate justice movement and thanks everyone for their support for a just transition for workers employed by the fossil fuel industries.
“The tragic deaths caused by the Stonehaven trail derailment during a storm showed the devastating impacts of a changing climate. Aberdeen Trades Union Council, alongside our STUC allies, recognise that we cannot allow these hazards to multiply and threaten our communities.
“All our gains from free school education to votes for working people and equal pay for women have been won through collective struggles. We can once again win this shared fight and secure decent jobs for people building climate resilient communities in Scotland and around the world.”
Lucia Harrington, Lead Organiser of Fuel Poverty Action who campaign for insulated homes and clean, affordable energy for all commented: “Our households’ resources, and the earth’s resources, are being exploited by the profiteering fossil fuel industry, and this is driving fuel poverty and climate disaster.
“ One of the leading causes of the cost of living crisis was that fossil fuel powered energy companies were allowed to make record profits at the expense of millions of people who are forced to go without heating, hot water and electricity.
“We need a just transition now to an energy system that works for people and the planet. Many workers in the fossil fuel industry want to be part of this transition without losing their jobs and falling into fuel poverty.”
Friends of the Earth Scotland’s oil and gas campaigner Freya Aitchison said: “Millions of people will be in the streets around the world because politicians are failing to deliver the fast and fair transition away from the fossil fuels that are fuelling climate breakdown.
“ The near daily climate disasters we are witnessing from Libya, to Greece to China are driven by the burning of fossil fuels yet politicians are still cheerleading for fossil fuel companies. Rishi Sunak’s plan to ‘max out’ oil and gas will maximise climate destruction while the Scottish Government is considering approving a new gas plant at Peterhead in Aberdeenshire which will lock us into burning fossil fuels for decades to come.”
“Marchers in Edinburgh are calling for a properly planned transition away from oil and gas which is led by the workers and communities most affected. A credible plan to switch to renewables can deliver huge benefits to people such as more affordable energy, secure green jobs, warm homes and a safe climate.”
Two fundraisers with sight loss are taking on a 14-mile sponsored walk in tartan, thisSunday, September 17th.
The Kiltwalk is an annual multi-city event allowing anyone to raise funds for the charities and causes they care about. Shona Black (58) and Daryl Stewart (21) will be embarking on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk to raise funds for RNIB. It’s a cause that’s so important to them and over 180,000 other people who have sight loss in Scotland, as well as their families and friends.
The pair are up for a challenge, however, as they are not only participating in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk, but they have already taken part in the previous three events taking place across the year, in Glasgow, Dundee, and Aberdeen.
Their year-long Kiltwalk journey finishes with a 14-mile grand finale in Scotland’s capital.
Both long-time volunteers, Shona has been severely sight impaired (blind) for most of her adult life, and Daryl is partially sighted.
Shona says: “We are especially looking forward to Edinburgh as it’s our last Kiltwalk of the year. We have our fingers crossed for good weather and some other members of the sight loss community will be joining us too.
“Afterwards Daryl and I have promised ourselves we are going for a well-earned drink or two!”
All funds raised by Shona and Daryl will go towards helping RNIB to offer practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people, their families and carers.
* You can support Shona and Daryl’s Kiltwalk here:
Get ready to dance the night away at Cineworld with Barbie in 4DX! For one week only you can immerse yourself in Barbie Land with this multisensory cinematic experience across 35 Cineworld locations in the UK and Ireland. Tickets are now on sale for the 4DX release date TODAY – Friday, Sep 15.
Barbie is a dazzling and empowering tale for all ages with its inspiring storyline, incredible fashion, and unforgettable characters. Now, thanks to Cineworld’s state-of-the-art 4DX technology, viewers can be transported into the enchanting world of Barbie in the most immersive way imaginable.
What is 4DX, you ask? It’s a cutting-edge, multisensory experience which feels like a cinematic roller coaster with moving seats and 20 stimulating effects. Think: Beach. With water effects.
Barbies and Kens can also expect:
Motion Seats: Feel the excitement as your seats twist, sway, heave, shake and vibrate in sync with the on-screen action, whether Barbie is riding her dream car or dancing the night away.
Environmental Effects: Engage your senses and experience the magic as bubbles, misty smoke, gentle breezes, even captivating scents seamlessly blend into the cinematic adventure.
Lighting Effects: Synchronized lighting that transforms the atmosphere of the movie, immersing you in a giant blowout party where dazzling lights will leave you positively electrified.
The phenomenal success of Barbenheimer (Barbie and Oppenheimer), both released on July 21, saw a record breaking week for Cineworld which had its ‘best week ever!’ welcoming over 1.7 million guests over a 7 day period, making it the busiest in the exhibitor’s history. Cineworld came out on top as the number 1 exhibitor in the UK overall in terms of box office market share.
Customers are advised to book their Barbie 4DX tickets in advance to avoid disappointment at cineworld.com/4DX or using the Cineworld app.
Casey Cohen, Head of Marketingat Cineworld said: “Barbie has been the buzzworthy blockbuster of the year, and we’re tickled pink to welcome all of those who want to embark on an electrifying 4DX adventure with Barbie and Ken.
“Get ready for a rollercoaster of sensations, where your seats sway and your senses sway with them, propelling you headfirst into Barbie’s whimsical world. Whether it’s your Barbie movie debut or a thrilling reunion, this exhilarating format will have you bouncing in your seat with delight. We promise, it will be the best day ever!”
POLICE are appealing for information following reports of an assault at the football pitches on Muirhouse Parkway during a Craigroyston Community Youth Football game on Sunday, 10 September, 2023.
Anyone who witnessed this incident is asked to contact 101 and ask to speak to Gayfield CID or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
