Families are being urged to get young people aged 12-15 their second dose of the COVID vaccine as early as possible in the New Year.
Drop-in sessions will be available for this age group from January 3 2022, while those who have already been given a date for their second jag can call a helpline to bring their appointment forward and get protection from the virus earlier.
Following JCVI advice, this age group can get their second vaccination from 12 weeks after their first dose. NHS Inform and local health board websites will provide further details of where drop-in sessions are available in each area.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Additional vaccinator capacity across Scotland means we are now in a position to offer second doses to the 12-15 age group earlier than previously planned.
“Eligible young people can get their second doses from next week, and before they return to school in many cases. I would urge them to take up the offer as early as they can, to receive greater protection from the virus.
“The festive season saw a major effort to get adults boosted by the bells. But we need to keep up momentum and make sure everyone is protected from the virus, particularly with the emergence of the new Omicron variant.”
Those who have already received a scheduled appointment can bring it forward by calling 0800 030 8013.
If you’re eligible, you can drop in for your booster at clinics all over Lothian. Learn whether you’re eligible, and find the closest clinic to you, at:
If I have one message for this government at the start of 2022, it is this: Britain needs a pay rise (writes TUC General Secretary FRANCES O’GRADY).
Families are bracing themselves for a cost of living storm in 2022. Bills are rising – fuel and energy bills fastest of all. Millions of working households have been hit by the cut to universal credit – and will be hit this year by the hike to national insurance.
As the Omicron variant sweeps through the country, over-worked and under-paid staff in the NHS and public services are put under intolerable strain. Industries like travel, hospitality and entertainment hit by government guidance need help targeted at protecting pay packets, not just business profits. And with self-isolation rates sky-high, too many families will be forced to survive on measly sick pay of just £96 per week – or no sick pay at all.
Our economy will only recover when working people can afford to spend in local shops and businesses. That’s the way to boost demand, grow the economy and protect jobs.
This Conservative government has had eleven years to get wages rising. And they have failed, over and over again.
We are still in the longest period of pay stagnation since the Napoleonic wars. Real wages for millions are less than they were before the bankers’ crisis in 2008.
And, unless ministers act now, the future looks bleak. Real wages are set to barely move between now and 2026. They will go up by a miserable £760 in total – about £150 a year.
So, in 2022, we need a long-term economic plan to get wages rising across the economy. If we could get real wage growth to mirror the average growth in the ten years before the global financial crash, real wages would grow by £500 per year – leaving workers £2500 per year better off by 2026.
If this Conservative government had achieved that over the past lost decade, workers would be around £8,000 better off today in real terms.
As always, the best way to get wages rising is to give workers the power to bargain for better pay from their employers.
Ministers should get round the table with unions and employers to hammer out sector-wide fair pay agreements – and every employer should be bound by them.
Take social care – where more than three in five are still paid less than £10 per hour. Let’s make every social care employer in the country sit down and negotiate fair wages with unions representing social care workers. And let’s make every employer in that sector pay the wage negotiated. That’s how we keep dedicated people working in social care – and reward them fairly.
Fair pay agreements work all over the world. And they could work here too. They are a sensible, modern solution to the problems of staff shortages, low skills, and low pay. And they will stop a race to the bottom on pay and conditions.
2022 is also the time for a new deal for working people. In 2022, let’s raise the minimum wage to at least £10 per hour immediately, ban the zero hours contracts that trap workers in poverty and insecurity, outlaw fire and rehire, and end outsourcing.
Key workers, who went beyond the call of duty, are exhausted and demoralised. If ministers can fast-track lucrative Covid contracts to their mates, they can afford to give hardworking key workers the real pay rise they have earned. Or we’ll see yet more dangerous staffing gaps open up in our precious public services.
The government can’t sit this wages crisis out. The pandemic showed us that our society keeps functioning because of the dedication of ordinary women and men, going to work day in day out.
After decades of real wage cuts and falling living standards, no one can seriously say working people don’t deserve a pay rise.
That’s my priority, and the priority of the whole union movement, in 2022. The prime minister should shape up and make it his priority too.
I wish you, your family and workmates happiness, good health and security in 2022 and always.
UKHSA Chief Executive, Dr Jenny Harries, has received the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her outstanding service to public health.
Jonathan Turner, Head of Scientific and Technical Services has been awarded an MBE with Professor Kevin Fenton, London Regional Director of Public Health, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, awarded a CBE.
Dr Harries has worked tirelessly to keep the nation safe during the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on providing advice and support to the most vulnerable people in the country. Throughout the pandemic, she has provided health advice to the public at critical times in her role as Deputy Chief Medical Officer.
Dr Harries is now the Chief Executive of the newly formed UK Health Security Agency which brings together Public Health England and NHS Test and Trace, including the Joint Biosecurity Centre, with a remit to plan and prepare for current and future threats to our health.
Dr Harries is uniquely placed to understand the national challenges the nation faces and the importance of working closely with local and regional colleagues to address them, particularly supporting the most vulnerable in our communities.
Prior to becoming Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Harries was the Deputy Medical Director at Public Health England, where she played a leading role in the UK’s response to Ebola in West Africa. She also provided crucial expertise to the Zika epidemic response, helping provide scientific advice and input to early studies to provide reassurance to expectant mothers across the UK at a time of considerable concern.
She also led the successful responses to the detection of MERS in the UK and the first UK cases of Monkeypox, ensuring dangerous infectious diseases were swiftly contained.
Using knowledge from her previous role as PHE Director for the South of England, Dr Harries was instrumental in shaping both the national and local public health response to the Novichok attack in Salisbury. Her public health advice helped contain the risk to the public.
Dame Dr Jenny Harries said: “I am hugely honoured to receive this award. It is accepted on behalf of the countless brilliant and committed colleagues in clinical and scientific communities as well as those who provide such dedicated operational response through every health protection incident and emergency.
“It is they, who have inspired and supported me throughout my career and who continue to work tirelessly to make the UK a safer place, often largely out of sight of the public.
“In the response to COVID-19, and in so much else, the unprecedented speed and diligence of scientific endeavour has saved many thousands of lives and I hope that today’s award will encourage more people, especially women, to pursue careers in science and public service.”
Ian Peters, UKHSA Chair, said: Jenny has made an enormous contribution to protecting the country’s health during an outstanding career. She has repeatedly provided leadership in helping to resolve the most challenging health issues in the UK and overseas, providing expert advice and a reassuring voice during incredibly critical times.
“From the outset in the pandemic firstly as Deputy CMO, and since April as CEO of UKHSA she has combined her public health knowledge and her wide experience, with an integrity and calmness of approach which has led to the saving of many lives. Her honour is thoroughly deserved
Jonathan Turner, Head of Scientific and Technical Services, has worked as a Biomedical Scientist for over 30 years to develop patient-centred and health protection focused public health microbiology services in the South West and across the national network.
Jonathan Turner said: “I am thrilled and honoured to accept this award but do so on behalf of the team in Bristol and the wider diagnostic community. I recognise the efforts of all the team, the support staff, our administrators, warehouse staff, logisticians, and managers as well as our clinicians and scientists.
“I also need to recognise the volunteers that came to our aid, without whom we would not have been able to achieve this response.”
Professor Kevin Fenton, London Regional Director of Public Health, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, has received a CBE for his 30 years of service and leadership across all domains of public health.
This includes a recognition of his work in improving health outcomes in complex public health programmes including HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, child obesity, mental health, health equity and social regeneration, and leading London’s public health response during COVID-19.
Professor Kevin Fenton said: “I am honoured and humbled to receive such a prestigious award alongside other outstanding individuals. As we enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic response I am continually inspired by the professionalism, resilience and contributions of so many amazing colleagues who work relentlessly to keep us all safe and well.
“I am accepting this award on behalf of all the incredible public health and NHS teams I am privileged to lead and work with in London and around the nation, who are committed to improving health, tackling health inequalities, building resilient communities and providing high quality health and care services to all.
“They exemplify the best of public health and should be proud of all they have achieved.”
Three Wee Forests, including two in North Edinburgh, are to provide a range of benefits in the fight against climate change.
The City of Edinburgh Council, Earthwatch Europe, NatureScot and Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust kickstarted planting “Wee Forests” in the autumn, creating densely packed native forests – covering the size of a tennis court – built into urban spaces.
Edinburgh’s first three “Wee Forests” were planted over the last couple of months. These forests have been made possible through support from the BlackRock Charitable Trust, OVO Foundation – the charity arm of OVO Energy – and the Scottish Government.
The three Wee (or Tiny) Forests – which were planted at East Pilton Park, West Pilton Park and Mount Vernon supported by local residents and primary school pupils – will not only be attractive locations for wildlife, but for people too, and provide a range of benefits in the fight against climate change.
Wee Forests in Scotland are part of the global family of “Miyawaki Forests” or “Tiny Forests”. Following the method – with its emphasis on community engagement, co-design and careful soil preparation – means that Wee Forests meet a consistent global standard so their benefits can be measured and shared.
A Wee Forest is made up of 600 densely packed native trees in a space the size of a tennis court and is capable of attracting over 500 animal and plant species within the first three years. It also provides rich opportunities for engaging young and old alike with the environment and sustainability.
Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Donald Wilson, said: “These new Wee Forests will allow residents to be directly involved in tackling the nature and climate crises by being involved in the planting, maintaining and development of the forests in their own community.
“The Wee Forests will also help us work towards our goal of being a Million Tree City by 2030 and contribute towards the Queen’s Green Canopy in celebration of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next year.
“For each Wee Forest, we look to engage a core group of volunteers called Tree Keepers to act as ambassadors for their local forest. Volunteering as a Tree Keeper is a great chance to get more involved in your Wee Forest’s development and track the amazing environmental impact of the site and I would encourage everyone to find out more by contacting Earthwatch.”
Culture and Communities Vice Convener, Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “Our green spaces are a hugely important part of our city and I’m delighted that we now have our first Wee Forests and are creating new spaces for people and wildlife.
“A Wee Forest brings the benefits of a forest – connecting people with nature, raising awareness of the environment, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change, and supporting urban wildlife – right in the heart of our community within urban spaces in the city.
“I’m delighted that more Wee Forests are planned and encourage our communities to get involved.”
Louise Hartley, Senior Programme Manager said: “Wee (Tiny) Forests provide rich opportunities for connecting young people with the environment and sustainability. It’s vital that we give people the knowledge and skills to protect our natural world and inspire them to take positive action from a young age.
“We are delighted to be working with Edinburgh City Council, the BlackRock Charitable Trust, OVO Foundation and NatureScot to bring these inspiring spaces to Edinburgh and other communities across the UK.”
Gemma Gooch, Co-Head Global Social Impact at BlackRock said: “As more and more people live in urban areas, Wee (Tiny) Forests have the potential to help capture carbon emissions, increase biodiversity and contribute to a more climate resilient society.
“We are very proud to support Earthwatch Europe with this initiative, reminding us that there are ways we can help fight climate change in our own local communities.
Gaby Sethi, Head of OVO Foundation, said: “We’re passionate about educating the younger generation on how to reduce their carbon footprint, protect the physical environment, and limit their impact on the planet.
“Tiny Forests help children learn about the environment and sustainability in a really accessible way. By planting Tiny Forests in urban communities across the UK with Earthwatch, we will help connect children with their local green spaces and show them how they can protect it for future generations.
NatureScot Chief Executive Francesca Osowska said: “The Covid 19 pandemic has shown us just how important it is for people’s health and well-being to have opportunities to connect with nature close to where they live.
“These Wee Forests are not only a great way to make space for nature in our towns and cities, but they’ll also help communities become more resilient to the impacts of climate change, which is particularly important as we look ahead to COP26 and the huge challenges and opportunities facing us.
Charlie Cumming, Chief Executive, Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust said: “We are delighted to be a local delivery partner for the Wee Forest project. The creation of the Wee Forest is very important for people and wildlife, particularly with it being in an urban environment.
“It will provide the local community and schools with the opportunity to help tackle nature loss and the current climate emergency as well as contributing to Scotland’s tree planting targets.
“It will enable people to engage with nature on their doorstep and inspire young people to take an active interest in their local environment.”
First Minister congratulates recipients of Queen’s New Year Honours 2022
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to the many recipients of The Queen’s New Year Honours in Scotland, in the year of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.
The recipients include:
Professor Gregor Smith, Chief Medical Officer, who is awarded a Knighthood for services to public health.
John-Paul Marks and Elizabeth Ditchburn who are among those who have been awarded a Companion of the Order of the Bath.
Those honoured with a CBE include Dr John Mitchell, Professor Anne Elizabeth Magurran, Norman Loch Murray, Dr Elizabeth Kelly Cameron and Grahame Smith.
Those honoured with an OBE include Dr Syed Ahmed, Professor Ailsa Hall, Rohini Sharma Joshi, Paul Robert Reddish and John Scott.
Laura Catherine Baxter, Hilda Campbell, Matthew John Clark, Michaela Collins, John David Vernon Dent, Kathleen Dawson, Owen Miller and Duncan William MacNaughton Scott are among those who will receive MBEs.
While those receiving BEMs include Anne Elizabeth Doherty, Joseph Freedman, Davina Mary MacInnes Gillies, Eileen Ross Haggarty, Mary Elizabeth Kenyon and Josephine Robson.
Assistant Chief Constable Judith Heaton, Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock and Chief Inspector Marlene Baillie will receive The Queen’s Police Medal and Patrick O’Meara, of the Scottish Ambulance Service, will receive The Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The Queen’s New Year Honours list illustrates the outstanding contributions of those across Scotland who have made a difference to their communities throughout the country and beyond.
“From those who work in the arts and music, community and charity, to those who have excelled in the fields of science and medicine, these Honours highlight truly exceptional service to the people of Scotland.
“I am particularly delighted to see Scotland’s athletes who excelled at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo so well represented.
“I’m also pleased to see those individuals who continue to do so much to help us in our fight against Covid receive the recognition they so richly deserve. We are all incredibly grateful for their selfless efforts and actions during a hugely challenging time, and it’s right that their outstanding contributions have been acknowledged in this way.
“I also want to extend my congratulations to those personnel who have been awarded The Queen’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.”
Recipients of The Queen’s New Year Honours in Scotland include:
A Knighthood for:
Professor Gregor Ian Smith for services to public health
Companions of the Order of the Bath (CB) include:
Elizabeth Jean Ditchburn for services to the Scottish economy
John-Paul Marks for services to welfare reform
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) include:
Dr Elizabeth KellyCameron for services to the promotion of Scotland and UK international trade
Professor Anne Elizabeth Magurran for services to biodiversity
Dr John Ruthven Mitchell for services to improving mental health in Scotland
Norman Loch Murray for services to the arts
Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) include:
Dr Syed Ahmed for services to the Covid-19 vaccination programme
Helene Alexandra Marshall for services to maternity education in Scotland
Paul Robert Reddish for services to the voluntary and community sector during Covid-19
John Scott for political and public service
Among those to be made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) are:
Hilda Campbell for services to mental health and wellbeing in the community in Scotland during Covid-19
Matthew John Clark for services for politics
Michaela Collins for services to the community in Glasgow during Covid-19
Kathleen Mary Dawson for services to swimming and women in sport
John David Vernon Dent for services to veterans, students and people with disabilities
Duncan William MacNaughton Scott for services to swimming
Owen Miller for services to athletics
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) include:
Anne Elizabeth Doherty for services to Yorkhill Children’s Hospital and to the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow
Joseph Freedman for services to the Jewish community in Glasgow during Covid-19
Davina Mary MacInnes Gillies for services to Marie Curie Cancer Care and the community in Inverness and Ross-shire
Eileen Ross Haggarty for services to education and to the community in Dundee during Covid-19
Mary Elizabeth Kenyon for voluntary service to ex-service personnel and to the community in eastern Scotland
Peter Hunter Law for voluntary services to advanced higher physics education in Glasgow
Josephine Robson for services to foster care in Tweeddale.
A miserable year for most, but here’s an uplifiting story to bring 2021 to a happier close …
Oscar Edgar might be six, but he has just spent his first year doing the things other little boys do – playing football, going camping and making new friends.
A year ago little Oscar left the hospital that had been his home for five years. He had been a patient of the Royal Hospital for Children since his birth in April 2015 with an undiagnosed neurological / muscular / respiratory condition which meant he was ventilated until he was four and a half.
Mum Megan, from Glasgow, is now looking back on the 12 months, marvelling at all the ‘firsts’ she has been able to enjoy with her son.
Megan said: “Oscar has had the best year ever. We have been camping, had a cabin holiday with a hot tub, he’s met alpacas and had lots of other adventures.
“He’s also started playing football in a wee team, which he loves. He’s playing with a younger group of kids but that’s fine and he’s growing in confidence. Ronaldo is his favourite player and Rangers is his team, but no doubt that will change soon!
“Oscar and his brother Theo were also ring boys at my friend’s wedding in September – it was a really emotional day as we realised just how far he had come.
“Most importantly, he’s made a best friend – Annie. They just love each other and have a very special bond. Annie can understand everything he says, even when I can’t, which is amazing.”
Oscar’s journey to here has been a complex one and has involved clinical input from a number of different specialities. Still, over the last year, Oscar has had a number of trips to the Royal Hospital for Children, but for the majority of the time he’s been home with his family.
Megan added: “Of course this last year would not have been possible without the incredible support we have had from the amazing hospital staff. Even now, we know we can rely on them.
“Oscar is still terminally ill and for the last six months has also developed problems with air in his stomach. He had to have one operation but even then he was in and out in a day, with great care from the staff.
“They have also made so many things possible. We were told we might never get Oscar home, but with their help we have had an amazing year at home with him. While there were some lows, there were so many more highs.”
Oscar’s doctor is Phil Davies, who has treated him since he was born.
Dr Davies said: “It has been wonderful seeing Oscar at home with his family. He’s had a few ups and downs over the year but has done so well off his ventilator and it is a joy to see him living life to the full.”
Council Leaders and NHS Lothian’s Director of Public Health echo Scottish Government guidance:
Ahead of the midnight moment on Friday, 31 December, Council Leader Adam McVey, Depute Leader Cammy Day and NHS Lothian’s Director of Public Health Dona Milne are reminding residents to adhere to ongoing public safety guidance and to bring in the bells safely and responsibly.
On Thursday, 30 December a further 16,857 people tested positive for Covid-19 in Scotland, by far the highest daily case number of the pandemic so far.
The latest public health guidance, which was effective from 26 December, limits the numbers at outdoor public events to 500, resulting in the cancellation of the live events planned for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay including the Torchlight Procession, Party at the Bells, midnight fireworks and the Loony Dook.
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “As we approach Hogmanay, case numbers are continuing to increase significantly and I want to echo the First Minister’s advice to stay at home as much as possible in the coming days in a bid to slow down the spread. And if we do get together with friends and family, please limit this to no more than three households.
“Large gatherings at Hogmanay risk increasing further transmissions in our communities and put further pressure on our NHS staff and other vital services. I can’t stress enough the importance of following the rules around handwashing, mask-wearing and ventilation and testing. Visit our website for details of community testing sites or to order a home testing kit.
“As 2021 comes to an end, and with more people getting vaccinated and boosted, we can look more positively towards 2022. But for now, and this Hogmanay, please keep following the guidance and keep yourself and your family safe and protect our NHS.”
Deputy Leader Cammy Day said: The safety of Edinburgh’s residents remains our priority as we continue the battle against Covid-19 and the latest Omicron variant. This has meant that sadly no live events, including the midnight fireworks, will be taking place this year.
“Following the cancellation, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have announced the release of a new film, ‘Journey Home’, which pays tribute to the hope, love and optimism that people feel when celebrating Hogmanay with those that matter most after such a challenging year, whilst expressing a positive look forward to the future.
“I would encourage you all to tune in as we bid farewell to 2021 – and look forward to a better and more positive 2022.”
Dona Milne, Director of Public Health, NHS Lothian, said: We know that everyone wants to welcome in 2022 and enjoy the festivities, however we would ask people to do so responsibly following public health guidance.
“Please do not mix in groups of more than three households and take a Lateral Flow Test before you go out or have people round. If you have not already done so, please make getting your booster your first priority of 2022.
“By taking these small steps, you can help stop the spread of Omicron.
“Remember, the Omicron variant is much more transmissible than previous strains. Although a smaller percentage of infected people may need hospital care, it is a smaller percentage of a far greater number of people, so still a lot of people.
So, even if the admission rate is a third of what we have seen with previous strains, it is expected that the scale of Omicron could still be higher than we have seen before. “
Community test centres and mobile test centres are open for people with no Covid symptoms. Full details of these, and how to order home lateral flow testing kits, are available online.
With GP practices closed on Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th, public are urged to be prepared for the long Hogmanay weekend
NHS 24 staff have been praised for their hard-work and dedication after the national service saw exceptional numbers of people using both its telephone and digital services over the Christmas period.
Like all other parts of the health and care service NHS 24 staff are affected by the impact of COVID-19 infection.
Over the four day festive weekend, 44 000 calls were made to the 111 service with 25% of all calls related to COVID.
NHS 24’s online information service, NHS inform, was also busy with 2 million page views across the four days. COVID content accounted for 1.2 million of those views and around 45,000 people completed the COVID self-help guide.
The COVID information-only helpline also saw heavy demand with over 3,000 calls on Monday and Tuesday – up 60% on last year.
Commenting on the efforts of NHS 24 staff working across Scotland, Medical Director Dr Laura Ryan said the weekend was challenging and that COVID related staff absences had inevitably affected the time it took for calls to be answered:
“We knew our 111 service was going to be busy, even before the Omicron variant, but now we have the added challenge of staff affected by COVID, which means we’ve had less available people to answer calls.
“Higher demand for the service, with fewer staff, meant some people had to wait longer than we would have liked for us to answer their call.
“It also meant those who could work, had to work even harder to help as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. I’m exceptionally proud of everyone for their efforts over the Festive weekend.
“We’re now planning for the Hogmanay weekend, which we know will also be busy, so we are urging people to be prepared. GP practices are not open until Wednesday 5th January so people should pick up any regular medications they rely on.
“Home remedies such as simple pain relief, antihistamines or rehydration salts are a good idea and if you think you might need help or advice for simple health matters, please use NHS inform as your first port of call, including all matters related to COVID-19.
“You may get the answer you need there without having to wait in a queue. It’s also important for people to remember that their local pharmacy is a great source of help for a wide range of conditions and many community pharmacies are open over the weekend. They can also help if you run out of your usual medicines
“If you do need to call us please do be patient – our staff are working as hard as they can and they need your continued support to deliver the best service they can every time, all the time.”
Following the global phenomenon of their 2021 film, Fare Well, and the cancellation of the live events, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will release a new filmtonight on Hogmanay at 5pm, providing a free and hopefully inspirational offerfor the new year celebrations.
Available to stream for free, the film will pay tribute to the hope, love and optimism that people feel at Hogmanay and the turn of the year with a positive look forward to Scotland’s and Edinburgh’s future.
This new artistic collaboration isdelivered by Edinburgh’s Hogmanay producer, Underbelly, on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council. Entitled ‘Journeys Home’, the project has been made possible with support from HM Government Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.
The film is based on a short story written by Kathleen Jamie, the current Scots Makar, and specially commissioned by Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, and it draws inspiration from the resilience and sense of communitythat Edinburgh residents and Scotland as a nation have shown throughout the pandemic.
The film also features a specially composed soundtrack by Rura, one of Scotland’s most highly acclaimed folk bands featuring Jack Smedley, Steven Blake, Adam Brown and David Foley. With their distinct blend of fiddle, Highland pipes, flute, bodhrán and guitar, Rura capture the true essence of Hogmanay whilst also starring in the film themselves.
The film follows Kathleen Jamie’s four characters; Cait, Donald, Nana Jean and Calum, who narrate their personal Hogmanay stories, contemplating Hogmanay’s past and loved ones lost, as well as their hope and optimism for future Hogmanays to come.
The film, co-conceived by Underbelly and Arms & Legs, produced by Underbellyand directed by Ross Addy will premiere this evening, 31 December, from 5pm on the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website here.
The new film has been created following the success of the 2020 production of Fare Well, which became a global phenomenon, seen by over 1 billion worldwide.
Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: “Journeys Home feels like the perfect theme for this year’s film, as people yearn to meet family and friends at Hogmanay at the end of yet another scunnered year.
“Collaborating with the creative brilliance of Kathleen Jamie, Rura, and Arms and Legs has been really special – together they have made a film which sings to the world the creativity of Scottish artists and the hope and optimism that Scotland has for the new year.”
Scots Makar and ‘Journeys Home’ Writer Kathleen Jamie said: “As a writer, I’m not a great believer in ‘inspiration’. You just have to look and listen. We all know New Year is a complex time, more than just a big party – though there is joy and excitement too!
“But even in my own circle we have people who’ll be spending Hogmanay working in hospitals, or grieving loved ones lost in 2021, or who have had to cancel family visits yet again. We all know people who can’t bear to be alone, and others who take solace in the natural world, or in art and music.
“In ‘Journeys Home‘ I hope you will find someone or something you recognise, as we take leave of 2021, and look forward to better days ahead.”
Rura, ‘Journeys Home’ soundtrack composer said: “We were thrilled to be involved in the making of ‘Journeys Home’ and to join forces with such a fantastic team of collaborators!
“Obviously Hogmanay is the biggest night of the year in Scotland, so to play a small part in Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations, especially in the context of the past 2 years, is a true honour.
“We always strive to write music that resonates with people, and this film provided the perfect excuse to sit down and build an arrangement that conveys hope, love and optimism. The stunning camera work and spoken word really did bring tears to our eyes when we first watched it.”
‘Journeys Home’ Director, Ross Addy said: “We wanted to produce a film that faithfully represents the characters in Kathleen’s texts. Each is on their own unique journey, on their way to reconnecting with the people that matter most to them.
“Shooting on location in and around Edinburgh — as well as on Schiehallion — we always endeavoured to articulate the characters’ inner voices, while tracking their journeys through the cityscape and across one of Scotland’s iconic mountain landscapes.
“Hogmanay and New Year mean different things to different people. But the over-arching theme of the film is hope — the hope to reconnect and once again enjoy the relationships that make us human.”
Following recent COVID19 updates from the Scottish Government around Hogmanay celebrations, there will no longer be a midnight firework display at Edinburgh Castle on 31st December.
New year’s resolutions are notoriously difficult to keep. January can feel gloomy enough without adding the pressure of ‘don’t do this’ and ‘you must do that’ to the mix.
Instead, Meadowlark Yoga is here to show you there is another way to harness the power of the fresh start without it feeling like a burden.
Meadowlark Yoga founder Karen Kirkness says: “Reframing our resolutions as an intention can be a great way to lighten the expectation and instead create opportunity.”
For many, it is a question of motivation – mainly, we aren’t really sure how to get any – but perhaps it is just a case of re-evaluating what it is we want to achieve and why.
“We often refer to the act of rolling out our mats and doing yoga as “practice”. The term reminds us that we are always in the process of learning, and that we will never reach an end goal or final posture. We are teaching ourselves that we approach this beautiful practice without expectation or ambition; we are just here to witness the experience – mindfulness, meditation and contentment. Indeed, yoga practice extends off the mat into our daily lives where we learn to apply the teachings to our ethical, moral and social lives.” – Karen Kirkness
Merging the ideas of ‘intention’ with the concept of ‘practice’ is a way to gently move into the New Year, without harsh agendas or prohibitive lists, just a soft opportunity to explore a new learning experience and a healthy habit.
“There’s no bad time to start a yoga practice but if you need that added momentum to get up off the sofa, step away from the Christmas leftovers and onto your yoga mat, there can be no time like January. You don’t need fancy gear or expensive equipment, just a yoga mat and some comfy clothes. Show up, roll out your mat and we’ll teach you everything you need to know.”
Meadowlark Yoga’s 6 Week Vinyasa Beginners Courses have seen hundreds of students move from their first time on the mat, into a regular, steady yoga practice. In these foundational courses students learn about breath, movement & alignment along with a sprinkling of the philosophy that goes behind the practice. After 6 weeks participants will be ready to join any yoga class or continue a home practice of their own.
Kirkness: “We invite you to join us in the New Year, here at Meadowlark Yoga to foster healthy habits, mindful movement and a lifelong practice, just for you.”
