Scottish artist, Suzanne Taylor, is the latest in a series of artists to exhibit at the Townhouse. Her collection, “Visual Ticks”, will be available to view until the 4th of December.
“Visual Ticks” is a collection of hand-crafted collages which bring together unique elements of vintage nostalgia. The collages are made up of ready-made images Taylor found through countless hours spent in second hand bookstores searching for the perfect elements to put together.
Suzanne studied at Glasgow University and went on to gain her Masters in Fine Art from Glasgow School of Art where she now teaches. She began making collages as a way of formulating her final ideas and compositions for paintings. Taylor loved the medium so much that the collages then became the final piece, as she felt the idea she was trying to encapsulate in a painting was better conveyed within her collages.
Suzanne’s work follows themes of femininity, sexuality, consumption, and climate change and is Taylor’s ode to the glamour years. Her work certainly encourages a sense of nostalgia to the pre digital era and its aesthetics and culture.
The collages are made from a selection of images that may relate in some sense but contradict in others. Taylor describes them as “a visual oxymoron with uncanny tendencies”; some images are in complete opposition to one another whereas others somehow have a relationship to one another if you look close enough. Her pieces play with social ideas both current and past, such as one of a carefree dancer placed in a kitchen, which is symbolic of 1950’s female servitude. The size of the images she chooses is just as important as the image itself, and plays a huge part in how she puts together her final compositions.
Taylor recently exhibited at Saatchi as part of The Other Art Fair in London. Suzanne Taylor’s works are now available to view until the 4th of December at Gleneagles Townhouse, St Andrew Square for Townhouse members, hotel guests and diners at the Spence.
Welcome to Leith Creative Trail – A day when you can hit up the best of Leith’s Markets and Open Studios.
It will be a jammy time, when you can visit some of Leith’s wonderful creative venues, filled to the brim of artists and craftspeople selling and exhibiting their products.
Take the trail in whatever order you desire. We recommend starting at Coburg House Open Studios, scooting to Leith Farmers Market, hopping up to see Ruth Lesile at Custom Lane, sliding across the road to Edinburgh Open Workshop Makers Market and then meandering your way through to Out of the Blue – Drill Hall Market.
Experience the Water of Leith, Quay and the vibrant, sunny (100% guaranteed) streets of Leith with fresh eyes.
Ready to get planning? You can download a digital map HERE, or can also pick up a paper copy of the map at any of the participating venues.
Shoppers looking for a bargain are being advised to make the most of Cyber Monday deals with tips on how to make the most of the event:
Anxious Brits who are worried about Christmas spending costs are being advised to start shopping early to make the most of early sales this November.
The frugal team at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have revealed 10 top tips for shoppers to follow to help them grab the best deals and spare the extra cash.
With the biggest sales event of the year soon approaching, shoppers are being advised to browse carefully and plan early to secure the best bargains available.
As the cost-of-living crisis deepens this winter, a large number of retailers have launched special discount events from the start of November to help people grab the best deals throughout the entire month.
Many of these deals are taking place online due to changing shopping habits, with eager shoppers being encouraged to start early to avoid lengthy online queues and gain early access to the top deals.
Making accounts before the discounts go live and setting up your banking details before the discount event are just some of the savvy tips shoppers can follow to make the most out of the seasonal offers.
Rebecca Bebbington, online consumer expert atNetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “With the cost-of-living crisis deepening this winter, many are worried about the costs of the festive spending period.
“We’re advising people to start shopping as early as possible – Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great opportunities to grab a bargain and save on buying Christmas gifts by shopping in advance.
“Using simple shopping tactics such as having a plan in place on what you want to buy and keeping an eye out for special deals on social media can help buyers to check off the Christmas list without breaking the bank.”
“However, we’re noticing brands offering discount codes and reducing their prices as early as now so it’s best to get on top of these special deals at the earliest possibility.”
Here are 10 useful ways for shoppers to make the most of Cyber Monday from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk:
Start early
Many retailers now start their sales up to a week or two before the big day. Keep an eye for bargains in the lead up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday in order to not miss out on a great bargain.
Have a plan
Calculating what you want to buy, the price you want to buy it at, and where you want to get it from is essential if you want to avoid any stressful situations on the day. Try to set a budget to help control overspending, especially in the run-up to Christmas.
Hold off the impulse buys
Impulse buying on Black Friday can be a dangerous game, so creating a list of products to purchase prior to the sales can help to avoid any impulse purchases.
Use discount codes
Many retailers allow shoppers to use multiple discount codes at the checkout, so there is no harm in checking voucher websites for an extra few quid off an item. Even if there aren’t any codes to use, voucher sites may reveal exclusive deals only available through them.
Research the price
More than often, retailers can sometimes change the original price of products before big sales to make them appear to be a better deal. So make sure to evaluate the prices in the lead up to Black Friday to make sure you get more for your buck.
Make accounts in advance
Online retailers typically ask shoppers to create accounts in order to purchase products. Creating these accounts early can save precious time at the checkouts, before items quickly become out of stock.
Check the returns policy
It’s vital to check the returns policy for any items bought both in-store and online. Most stores will offer you a full refund or exchange however, they’re not obliged to so it’s always best to check with the retailer before you buy.
Remember Cyber Monday
If you’re busy on Black Friday, don’t panic. Due to the rising popularity of the seasonal discount event as well as the marketing opportunities for companies, deals usually span the weekend and into Cyber Monday too.
Don’t use a debit card
When you’re buying items during the sales, try to use a credit card or a trusted payment system. This provides extra protection when shopping on the web especially on sites that may not be protected while making it easier to manage monthly payments if you don’t have the full amount in the bank.
Monitor social media
A quick scroll of the Instagram, Twitter or Facebook feed can reveal some offers and discounts exclusive to social media users. Brands will also provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding stock, opening times and even how busy their retail stores are.
Two care professionals representing Randolph Hill nursing homes have been given accolades at this year’s Scottish Care Awards held earlier this month.
Matthew McCanny, Manager of the group’sKirk Lane Nursing Home in Livingston, was named this year’s Positive Impact award winner, whileSharai Chingoma, Deputy Manager at its Blenham House Nursing Home in Edinburgh, was one of three finalists in the Nurse of the Year category.
Matthew received a number of glowing testimonials for his uplifting contribution towards residents, families, staff and the wider community served by Kirk Lane. This included one from resident Chris Cosgrove, who asked Randolph Hill to nominate Matthew for looking after her so well since arriving at the home. Chris also attended the Scottish Care Awards dinner and ceremony, where she was overjoyed to see Matthew receive his award.
Sharai’s name was put forward by colleagues within the Randolph Hill group, because of the exceptional relationships she has built with residents, families and staff as well as her positivity and dedication in learning and teaching others excellence in nursing care delivery.
Randolph Hill currently cares for more than 350 residents and employs over 600 members of staff at its seven sites across east and central Scotland.
Randolph Hill Managing Director Peter McCormick said: “We’re delighted with the achievements of Matthew and Sharai at this year’s Scottish Care Awards.
“They are both dedicated professionals who are admired by the residents in their care, the residents’ families, and their fellow colleagues. I warmly congratulate them on their success which recognises their commitment and dedication to their important roles.”
A community football club in Bonnyrigg has received a £5,000 donation from the team at Amazon Development Centre Scotland in Edinburgh.
Bonnyrigg Rose Community Football Club trains teams from ages 5 to 20 years old with the aim of creating social opportunities for children and young people in the community.
The donation from Amazon will be used to allow the club to offer one to one counselling and support for those that reach out for help.
Oliver Masting, Managing Director at Amazon Development Centre Scotland, said: “Bonnyrigg Rose Community Football Club is a pillar of the community in Midlothian and we are pleased to support the club’s staff, players and volunteers with this donation.”
Trish Sime from Bonnyrigg Rose Community Football Club, added: “I want to say a big thank you to the team at Amazon for choosing us to receive this support. It’s allowed us to offer help to both children and adults.
“People have contacted us to access the support – so in effect it’s been a lifeline for some people.”
MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Colin Beattie, added: ““I am pleased to see local football club Bonnyrigg Rose receive this donation from Amazon Development Centre Scotland and for the club’s work to be recognised in this way. This funding will go a long way to ensure it can continue its great work.”
Community donations are one of several ways in which Amazon supports the communities in and around its operating locations across the UK.
Amazon provides students, teachers and parents with free computer science and STEM education programmes and has teamed up with charity partner Magic Breakfast to deliver more than six million healthy breakfasts to children at risk of hunger in disadvantaged areas of the country.
Much-loved Edinburgh institution recognised by the Papa Industry Awards
For the second year in a row, family-owned Edinburgh restaurant Vittoria on the Bridge has been awarded ‘Best Independent Italian Restaurant in Britain’ by The Papa Industry Awards.
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town on George IV Bridge, the much-loved eatery has been serving up delicious, authentic Italian cuisine since it opened its doors in 2007.
The well-known industry awards celebrate restaurants serving very best Italian food, bringing friends and family together over authentic dishes and a shared love of Italian cuisine. Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner for almost 15 years, Vittoria on the Bridge was recognised as a strong family business which has become a favourite with both Edinburgh locals and tourists alike.
Vittoria’s menu is full of comforting Italian classics with some recipes – like the Tagliatelle Vittoria and Lasagna di Mamma – having been in the family and served in their restaurants since the 1970s. They source the very best of Italian ingredients to create authentic cuisine, bringing a true taste of Italy to Scotland.
Alberto Crolla, Director of the Vittoria Group, said: “We are extremely proud to have won this award two years in a row now. We feel so lucky to do what we love and to share incredible Italian food with everyone who walks through the door at Vittoria.
“Awards like this are testament to the team and their hard work and determination to provide an excellent service for customers when they visit into our restaurant. It’s great to be recognised for this especially after the challenges of the last two years.”
The Crolla family have been at the forefront of Italian hospitality in the capital since Vittoria on the Walk first opened by Nonno Alberto in Leith more than 50 years ago. Now three generations of the family have expanded the Vittoria group across the city.
These award-winning restaurants, run by sons Alberto and Leandro, each offer something unique while honouring the traditions of great Italian hospitality with artisan suppliers and winemakers bringing authentic Italian dining to stylish and comfortable surroundings.
For more information on Vittoria on The Bridge, please visit:
John Lewis click and collect orders can now be picked up from selected Dobbies’ stores. Customers at Dobbies in Edinburgh and little dobbies in Stockbridge can now collect their John Lewis parcels in store.
This expands the relationship between Dobbies and the John Lewis Partnership after it was announced in July that Waitrose would have a dedicated area offering more than 2,000 products in 50 of the garden centre’s foodhalls. The roll out is already underway having been launched in 12 Dobbies’ stores, including Edinburgh.
Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: “We’re committed to providing convenience to our customers and this new collaboration enables us to further develop this focus. It’s important that we share a commitment to great value, quality and customer service with our partners.
“We hope our customers in Edinburgh find this new development beneficial.”
Ged Keogh-Peters, Director of Supply Chain Planning & Development for the John Lewis Partnership, adds: “The introduction of click and collect further strengthens our partnership with Dobbies and underlines our ambition to find new ways to be more convenient for our customers.
“The service is growing in popularity every year with customers increasingly wanting the ease of being able to pick up their order at a time and place which works for them.”
Dobbies is the latest retailer to join the existing network of over 350 John Lewis and Waitrose Click & Collect points, along with over 800 Co-op, Shell and Booths locations.
The other Dobbies’ stores offering Click & Collect are Dunfermline, Aberdeen, Gillingham, Atherstone, Brighton, and little dobbies in Westbourne Grove, London.
The number of overdue invoices in Scotland has reached its highest level for this year, according to new research from R3, the insolvency and restructuring trade body.
R3’s analysis of data provided by Creditsafe shows the number of invoices in Scotland that have gone past their payment deadline rose to 593,114 in October – the highest recorded monthly figure in 2022, and 13,941 more than September’s figure of 579, 173.
The monthly rise in late payments has been mirrored across the UK, with the South East of England and Scotland seeing the biggest jump between September and October rising 4.1% and 2.4% respectively.
The number of Scottish-based firms with overdue invoices on their books has also risen, with 101,835 companies failing to meet payments on time between August and October – an increase of 1,016 companies from the previous three months.
Richard Bathgate, Chair of insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 in Scotland, says: “The increase in late payments we’ve seen in October 2022 suggests that more and more businesses are either financially distressed or potentially concerned about their cash flows and that more businesses – those on the receiving end of the late payment – are going to potentially have issues paying their own staff and suppliers.
Richard, who is Restructuring Partner at Johnston Carmichael, continues: “Those businesses that are struggling – whether that’s because they’re behind on payments or because they’re waiting for overdue invoices to be paid –need to have a contingency plan in place for mitigating the issue.
“I urge any directors worried about their company’s cash flows or finances to seek advice from a qualified restructuring professional as soon as they can.
“It can take courage but having an early discussion whilst pressures in the business aren’t severe can be the difference between a successful turnaround or a decline into financial distress.
“You won’t know what tools are available in the toolkit of a restructuring professional unless you ask and if anyone knows how to avoid an insolvency it’s professionals who deal with them every day.”
Until Thursday 22nd December, anyone aged 65 or over and anyone aged 12 or over with an eligible health condition can drop-in to a vaccination clinic (listed below).
Please be advised that there may be a wait to be seen if you drop-in.
If you are required to queue and have mobility issues, or need any support or assistance, please make yourself known to a member of staff.
You are welcome to bring a carer, family member or friend along if you wish.
If you prefer to book an appointment, you can still do so online via the booking portal or by calling the National Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013.
