Royal Mail postal workers are striking today in a dispute over pay.It is the first of four days of planned industrial action, with further walkouts also scheduled for 31 August and 8 and 9 September.
Letters will not be delivered on strike days and some parcels will be delayed.
Posties overwhelmingly rejected a pay increase offer of 5.5% with conditions attached. The CWU union, which represents the postal workers, is calling for a pay rise that more closely reflects the current rate of inflation.
Royal Mail has apologised to customers and said it has contingency plans to minimise the disruption.
It said: “We’re really sorry for the disruption that this strike action is likely to cause to you. We want to reassure you we will do everything we can to minimise disruption and get our services back to normal as quickly as possible.
“Royal Mail has well-developed contingency plans, but they cannot fully replace the daily efforts of its frontline workforce. We will be doing what we can to keep services running, but customers should expect significant disruption.”
£1.2 million to ensure households and businesses get support
Immediate funding is being awarded to key energy advice organisations to make sure energy customers can access crucial support and advice to deal with rising energy bills and heating costs.
More than £1.2 million will be distributed to help key agencies, including Advice Direct Scotland, Home Energy Scotland and Citizen’s Advice Scotland, reach more people who need help.
The funding will also support a training programme for staff from third sector organisations to expand the reach of expert advice.
The Scottish Government committed to providing additional support to advice agencies at the Scottish Energy Summit hosted by the First Minister on Tuesday 23 August, at which a series of further actions to mitigate the energy price rises were agreed with energy companies and advice organisations.
The additional funding announced today is on top of the Scottish Government’s existing investment in free income, welfare and debt advice services, including support to Money Advice Scotland and the Welfare Advice and Health Partnerships Programme.
Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings and Tenants Rights Patrick Harvie visited Home Energy Scotland’s Edinburgh offices to speak to advisors who have been supporting households.
Mr Harvie said: “We know that this is an incredibly unsettling time for all households and businesses and it is imperative that those worried about or struggling with heating their homes access the information and support they need to reduce their energy bills.
“A further energy price cap increase announcement will only serve to escalate concerns, making the need for impartial, expert advice and support even more vital.
“The Scottish Government is clear that energy customers simply cannot be expected to carry the burden of further price rises in October, and that the UK Government must now commit to freeze the cap for all households and to support energy companies to deliver that.
“In the meantime, the cost crisis is already hitting energy customers hard and the Scottish Government will continue to do everything within our means to support the people of Scotland through it.
“This funding will ensure that expert advisors across the country stand ready to provide crucial support and guidance to those understandably worried about their energy bills. I would urge everyone who has concerns to access these services and get the support they need.”
A total of £1.268 million will be distributed across energy advice services as follows:
£220,000 to Advice Direct Scotland to fund new staff in its contact centres for consumers, including vulnerable consumers, in need of help.
£50,000 to Advice Direct Scotland to create a user-friendly online digital journey for customers
£220,000 to Citizen’s Advice Scotland to enhance capacity in their local advice bureaus enabling them to provide advice on both energy debt and energy efficiency measures.
£280,000 to expand the Home Energy Scotland advice Service
£198,000 for Home Energy Scotland recruits who will provide training to staff from third sector organisations on energy efficiency, which will see around 200 local community groups and organisations benefit
£300,000 to enhance support for businesses through Business Energy Scotland
The Scottish Government estimates that 906,000 or 36% of all households will be in fuel poverty in October 2022, based on an Ofgem price cap of £2,800 and taking into account previously announced government mitigations.
The Scottish Government has allocated almost £3 billion in this financial year that will help households face the increased cost of living. This includes the provision of services and financial support not available elsewhere in the UK that is helping to reduce everyday costs and increase incomes.
It also includes £10 million to continue the Fuel Insecurity Fund which helps households at risk of severely rationing their energy use, or self-disconnecting entirely. This includes direct support for households using any tariff or fuel type, and is delivered via trusted third sector partners the Fuel Bank Foundation, Advice Direct Scotland and the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations.
Monarch butterfly inspired performers from Banda Monumental De México, part of this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo cast, landed at Ross Fountain in Princes Street Gardens today ahead of the final weekend of this year’s Show, Voices.
In full colourful costume and traditional Day of the Dead makeup, the magnificent monarch butterfly performers dazzled onlookers in the shadow of the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the home of the Tattoo. Banda Monumental de México has captured the imaginations of audiences throughout August with over 100 performers bringing the bright carnival atmosphere of Mexico to their show-stopping performance.
The butterfly costumes are a tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh and Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, inspired by an image of the late Duke of Edinburgh watching the butterflies migration during a trip he attended to support conservation of the species.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs until Saturday 27 August 2022.
Limited tickets remain for the final weekend and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.
Pianodrome, Edinburgh Fringe Festival 24-28th August 5pm.
Celtic sensation Jasmine Power from West Wales takes you on an ethereal musical journey at the piano with her own magnificent cinematic pop songs.
Since collaborating with legendary Amanda Palmer in New York, Jasmine’s been composing in Nashville with Broadway and Disney stars and hit writers like Melissa Manchester, Luke Dick, Nina Ossoff and Kyle Lehning.
Power is known for her emotive and uplifting melodies and lyrics drawn from life experiences. ‘Something beautifully British about her music, great songwriting, great voice and a unique sound’ (Jamie Cullum, BBC Radio 2). ‘Jasmine’s songs are very good and she sings them wonderfully’ (Sir Paul McCartney).
Jasmine Power is a Welsh singer, pianist and songwriter, and one of today’s most unique and engaging artists to emerge from the UK music scene.
Daughter of a Welsh sailor and an English musician, she grew up in rural West Wales, where she has been composing music and songs continuously since the age of 10.
Since then, life has taken her to train at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff followed by Trinity and Laban Conservatory of Music and Dance, London. After graduating, Power walked a Spanish pilgrimage alone.
She later went travelling for some musical South American adventures to complete her album, and late 2019 moved to Nashville Tennessee, where she has worked as a songwriter for other artists, TV and film during the pandemic. She takes the wild spirit of West Wales with her wherever she goes and still recalls those days of dreaming on her windowsill at home.
After several years of writing songs for herself and others in Nashville, New York and LA and collaborating with artists and songwriters including Melissa Manchester (Grammy-Award Winning Singer/Songwriter), Luke Dick (Kasey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert, Dirks Bentley), Robin Eaton, Chris Roberts (H.E.R), Amanda Palmer (Dresden Dolls) and Laura Osnes (Broadway star), Power has returned with an even greater voice and a uniquely striking set of songs, ready to share her music with the world.
‘Her songs are very good and she sings them wonderfully’ – Sir Paul McCartney
‘Something beautifully British about her music, great song writing, great voice and a unique sound.’ – Jamie Cullum (BBC Radio2)
‘Absolutely love it, my favorite track from the BBC Radio Wales A-list playlist, Jasmine Power – The Verge of the Unknown.’ (Jason Mohammad – BBC RadioWales)
‘Power’s voice has that kind of emotional urgency that sells records’ – (James Sanger – Grammy Award –Winning Songwriter/Producer – Dido, Madonna, Keane, Phil Collins)
‘One to watch.’ ‘Such a great voice and band!’ – Giles Peterson (BBC Radio 6)
‘The song I co-wrote with Jasmine is one of my best yet. Power is an extraordinary storyteller; her unique voice stands alone and reminisces the beauty of a cello’ – Amanda Palmer (Dresden Dolls)
Power’s singles ‘Stars & Stripes’ & ‘Leap’ have been recently aired and accompanied by interviews on BBC Radio London, BBC Radio Bristol, BBC Radio Wales and Lightning 100 (Nashville), to be followed in quick succession by the rest of her new album.
Power will be performing a 5-night solo show run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 24-28th August (Pianodrome.)
Counter at Native Edinburgh launches new student offerings including free, unlimited coffee and a Nuisance Drinks takeover this Friday!
Following the news that Edinburgh has been named the most expensive city in the UK for students to live, Native Edinburgh is aiming to soften the blow with a host of new offers for students including free, unlimited coffee!
The aparthotel’s new plush cafe and bar Counter is throwing open its doors to Edinburgh’s students and offering a home away from home to complete that all important course work.
The student offers to include free WiFi and co-working space plus free, unlimited coffee with a valid student ID Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm. For students looking to unwind after a long day in the city, they can also enjoy £5 cocktails Monday – Wednesday with a valid student ID from 4pm.
Open to all students, including non-residents, Native Edinburgh’s new offers are aiming to welcome students back into the city following the news that Edinburgh has been named the most expensive city in the UK to live in, by NatWest’s Student Living Index.
The study found students spending exceeds their income in Edinburgh, and so the newly renovated space at Counter aims to offer a sophisticated, peaceful space for co-working or unwinding – with unlimited coffee set to be a major draw.
Counter serves up coffee by day and cocktails by night, highlighting local produce in the daytime and spotlighting local talent at night. Students can take their pick of Counter’s artisan coffee, enjoying a Cappuccino, Latte or Americano, or use their student ID to enjoy a free hot tea or hot chocolate.
Counter’s luxurious space is the perfect spot to take on some co-working, with its green hues and botanical-themed prints inspired by the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens. For post-work cocktails, students can enjoy £5 cocktails Monday – Wednesday including negronis and clover club drinks.
The stylish speakeasy will also be hosting an exclusive takeover with botanical soft drink brand, Nuisance Drinks this Friday 26th with live funky music from Edinburgh-based The Rockettes, and a range of brilliant Nuisance spiked cocktails.
Nuisance was born in 2020, when founder, Hugo, swapped his city desk for gardening gloves. Armed with his mum’s recipe and a pocket full of dock leaf, he spent lockdown foraging nettles before launching their trademark Wild Nettle soda. Last year, Nuisance launched a trio of sparkling botanical soft drinks that celebrate the wild side of nature and they are now bringing these to Native Places!
The event is free on a first come, first served basis from 7pm until late in Counter at Native Edinburgh. View all upcoming events at www.nativeplaces.com/whats-on-edinburgh/
With 82 apartments comprising studios, one bedrooms, and ground floor leisure and co-working spaces, Native Edinburgh provides the flexibility and amenities of a design-led boutique hotel, coupled with the space, comfort and privacy of a home from home.
Ts&Cs: Free, unlimited coffee or hot drinks including tea and hot chocolate with valid student ID card, 9am- 5pm, Monday – Friday. £5 on selected cocktails from 4pm Monday – Wednesday with valid student ID card. Subject to availability.
Native’s show-stopping new rooms are available to book now via www.nativeplaces.com and Counter is open seven days a week.
Aldi supported charities in Edinburgh during the school summer holidays by donating more than 8,800 meals to people in need.
The supermarket paired its stores up with local charities, foodbanks and community groups via community giving platform Neighbourly to donate surplus food to good causes.
Since the partnership with Neighbourly began in 2019, Aldi’s UK stores have already donated more than 25 million meals to over 3,600 local causes.
Liz Fox, Corporate Responsibility Director at Aldi UK,said: “Our food donations scheme with Neighbourly operates year-round, but we know that school holidays are a particularly hard time for families, especially as many continue to experience greater hardship due to the cost-of-living crisis.
“This is why we committed to supporting even more amazing causes in Edinburgh over the school holidays, helping them to provide meals to those who needed them most.”
Steve Butterworth, from Neighbourly, added:“School holidays are often a time when demand on charities and foodbanks drastically increases, particularly during summer when children are at home for six weeks or more.
“This push in donations from Aldi was therefore essential in helping these organisations support families during this time.”
Thousands of businesses can now apply for up to £15,000 to help retrain and upskill their workforce.
The Scottish Government’s Flexible Workforce Development Fund provides workers in organisations of all sizes with access to training courses through local colleges, the Open University in Scotland and Skills Development Scotland.
Now entering its sixth year, the fund is open to organisations who pay the UK Apprenticeship Levy and small-to-medium size business (SMEs).
The initiative plays a crucial role in Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation, which outlines how the Scottish Government will work to develop the best economic performance possible over the decade ahead.
Youth Employment and Training Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “We know times are tough for many businesses, so this funding will help them to continue investing in their workforce – addressing skills gaps and improving productivity. A skilled workforce is vital to our economy and we want as many businesses as possible to benefit from this scheme.
“For the first time, all eligible employers can access training available via local colleges, Skills Development Scotland and the Open University, tailored to their needs. This provides an incredible opportunity for workers to upskill at a time when many businesses are opting for new ways of working.
“I would encourage all employers to find out more about the opportunities available to them.”
The Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF) was introduced in 2017-18 and aims to provide employers with flexible workforce development training opportunities tailored to their needs to support inclusive economic growth through upskilling and reskilling of employees.
Come and enjoy a programme of short animations, films and documentaries created in Muirhouse & Pilton, followed by a visit and art workshop at Talbot Rice Gallery.
You can book for just the film screening or join us for the whole day (screening & gallery visit).
This is a free event but booking is advised.
Suitable for adults, families and young people over 9 years old (children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult).
Free bus tickets provided when travelling with us.
Snacks, treats and drinks provided.
This event, and the Art for Grown-Ups year round programme is supported by Creative Scotland www.creativescotland.com
What to expect:
This screening is the result of Art for Grown Ups recent Summer Project (18th – 25th July) and other creative workshops at North Edinburgh Arts. We will also show work by other local film makers.
The exhibition at Talbot Rice by Celine Conorelli explores transformation, labour, leisure, colour, play and design. You can learn more by clicking here. After visiting the exhibtion we’ll make a bit of our own art too.
Joseph Tawadros, oud virtuoso, performs at a House of Oz dinner. Returning 27 August
Part of the UK / Australia Season, a major cultural exchange, House of Oz celebrates the Season theme “Who Are we Now?” in its richly diverse programming. The schedule is family-skewed in daytime (Circa’s Carnival of the Animals, The Listies’ Hamlet: Prince of Skidmark), serious in the afternoon (EGG, FEMME) and heaps of fun by night (BROAD by Geraldine Quinn, Gabbi Bolt, Haus Party, OZmosis).
MUSICAL LINE-UP FROM TUESDAY 22 AUGUST – further info below
☆ STRINGS VIRTUOSI
THE GRIGORIYAN BROTHERS: Kazakh-born classical guitar and strings virtuosi who have created a musical masterpiece celebrating objects from the National Museum of Australia. Watch The Grigoryan Brothers on YouTube.
JOSEPH TAWADROS: Egyptian-Australian oud virtuoso returns to House of Oz for a jazz-inspired performance with the Grigoryan Brothers. Watch Joseph Tawadros Live at the Sydney Opera House on YouTube.
☆ MUSICAL COMEDY
GERALDINE QUINN: Returning after a 12-year hiatus, the vocal and comedic genius and Melbourne International Comedy Awards nominee brings her new show BROAD to the Fringe. Watch Geraldine at House of Oz here.
GABBI BOLT: After sold-out seasons in Australia, rising star Gabbi Bolt (Best Newcomer at this year’s Sydney Comedy Festival) brings her unique style of musical comedy to the stage in her first solo UK show. Watch Gabbi Bolt on YouTube.
THE GRIGORYAN BROTHERS
To mark the National Museum of Australia’s 20th anniversary, the nation’s most respected classical guitarists, the Grigoryan Brothers, composed 18 musical works inspired by items from the museum’s vast collection: each accompanied by a high-definition 3D video projection of the item. From ancient Arnhem Land ochre to Don Bradman’s first cricket bat; from a convict love token to a lifebuoy from the Tampa, This Is Us is an evocative and unforgettable audio-visual journey through Australia’s complex history and heritage.
In addition to the three shows above, siblings Slava and Leonard Grigoryan are also performing a one-off show with oud-master Joseph Tawadros. Their collaboration celebrates lifelong friendships, a shared common sense of humour, and musical sensibilities that defy explanation. With their collective Egyptian and Russian heritages, rigorous training in Eastern and Western classics, fluency in jazz and traditional improvisational styles, their music is a beautiful portrait of contemporary Australia.
Nominated for Most Outstanding Show and the Golden Gibbo Award at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Awards, Geraldine Quinn brings her powerful vocals back to the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time in 12 years. Her one-woman show BROAD channels the brassy broads she admired in her youth, taking the audience on a hilarious and thought-provoking journey through the challenges of womanhood.
After sold-out seasons in Australia, rising star Gabbi (Ratatouille, The TikTok Musical) brings her unique style of musical comedy to the stage in her first solo UK show. Armed with a keyboard, mic and a fear of disappointing people, this songstress puts the sing in chasing validation.
No topic is off limits: climate change, feminism, why small towns have too many pubs. “Gabbi is legitimately a good composer and lyricist” (Wayne Brady, Whose Line Is It Anyway). Winner: Best Newcomer, 2022 Sydney Comedy Festival.
41a South Clerk Street, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9NZ
Houseofoz.co.uk House of Oz is at King’s Hall from Friday 5th – Monday 29th August hosting live performances and cultural experiences, with a special focus on the culinary arts. Drama, live music, comedy, cabaret, circus, art, film, poetry, family shows & kids’ workshops; all authentically and unmistakably Australian, with a fun tone of voice.
House of Oz welcomes artists and audiences alike, promoting entertainment, dialogue, learning and of course an intense desire to visit Australia. This all-Australian showcase for the creative arts in all forms is part of the important UK/Australia Season 2021-22, the largest ever cultural exchange between the UK and Australia.
UK/AUSTRALIA SEASON
The UK/Australia Season is landmark cultural exchange, a joint initiative by the British Council and the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Season highlights the breadth of partnership between Australia and the UK and aims to deepen and extend cultural connections.
The Season started in September 2021 and concluded in March 2022 in Australia and will conclude in December 2022 in the UK. The theme ‘Who Are We Now?’ reflects on our history, explores our current relationship, and imagines our future together.
The Season features programming for all ages, celebrating the diversity of cultures and languages in both countries.
It emphasises Australia’s First Nations voices, enables cultural exchange with Wales, Scotland, England and Northern Ireland, and the diverse societies that have emerged in both Australia and the UK through migration.
From nervous beginnings, and the rewarding elation of performing at the Fringe for the first time, to the butterflies of finding new or everlasting love. The Fringe Society is delighted to share amazing moments gathered from artists and audiences, from the past 75 years of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Anecdotes have been gathered over the last few months and include memories such as the excitement of bumping into a favourite celebrity, to taking inspiration from a performance and setting out on a new career journey.
“I first discovered street performing at the Edinburgh Fringe. I was there for the first Fringe Sunday in 1981 and that’s where I first saw a street band called Pookiesnackenburger (from whom Steve McNicholas and Luke Cresswell later became STOMP) who played huge gigs on the street. That got me interested in street performing.” Eddie Izzard
“Whilst here I met a guy who was working at the same venue, we hit it off… 19 years later we are married, have two girls, two cats and we both work in the arts and cultural sector in Edinburgh. I would just like to say thank you to the Fringe for positively changing my life.” Sharon May
“I love the unexpected, the chaos, the anarchy of the Fringe. Trying to find your way through the programme knowing that while you’ll see excellent shows, you’ll always miss other great ones; talking to strangers while queuing up about their favourite performances so far and sharing yours; watching the audience and actors mix … All of this with the dramatic and incredibly beautiful backdrop that is Edinburgh, a perfect place for the festival.” Uta Bretsch
“We have attended the Fringe every year since 1998 and it is something of an obsession for us. So much so that we decided to get married there… in secret.”Richard Brownsecret
“Edinburgh Fringe has been a highlight of our summer since we moved to Edinburgh in 2013, an opportunity for our whole family to indulge in culture and the arts together, to dip our toes into new experiences and deep dive into some familiar favourites. Come rain or shine, we pack our rucksacks and disappear into the crowd and into another world of magic and endless possibilities.” Julia Whitaker
“It’s just great being part of it; it’s the biggest arts event in the world. It’s the only place to be in August – the two years I didn’t go at all, I just felt like my friends were having a big party and I decided not to go. I would feel like I was in the wrong place, not being in Edinburgh.” Arthur Smith
“This year will be our 20th visit since first coming up to see our son in a college production. Every time is magical, trying to take in as many diverse shows as we can.”Merlyn Anne Goudie
“There is no place in the world like Edinburgh Fringe in August. The energy is fantastic and you feel alive doing what you love, during the height of summer.”Clare Harrison Mccartney
“To this day I have met lifelong friends and some of the most inspirational people at the Edinburgh Fringe having participated in more than 10 Fringes. The Fringe tests your resolve, your patience, your abilities and your energy. Yet it also rewards you with an amazing experience that will forever leave a mark on your soul.”Paul Perez
Shona McCarthy, CEO of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “It has been an absolute joy to read memories from audiences and artists from across the years, and it is testament to the resilience of this great festival, and all those who have played a part in building it, that it is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
“The stories that have been shared with our team highlight the impact the Fringe can have on inspiring young people, captivating audiences, and being the place to be every August.
“From childhood memories, to the transformational affect the festival has had on artist careers, we thank each person for taking the time to share their favourite Fringe memory.”
We encourage the public, and those performing at this year’s Fringe to share their own memory on social media and tag it #FringeMoments.
