Edinburgh Leisure launches new membership campaign
If the recent Olympics and Paralympics happening in Tokyo have inspired you to up your fitness game, Edinburgh Leisureâs latest membership offer may be just what you need to spur you on.
For those of you who may have neglected your fitness routine during lockdown, or for those who may have cancelled their gym memberships in a bid to save a few pounds but want to get active again, the enticing âno joining feeâ offer is available on new memberships from Wednesday, 1 September to Thursday, 30 September 2021.
Applicable to all fitness, swim, gym, class and climb memberships, the offer can be bought online via the Edinburgh Leisure website.
And if you want to share your fitness journey with a friend, existing members who refer a friend who then joins, will receive ÂŁ25 cash back. For the first time, the âRefer a Friendâ offer will be processed using an online form.
With 50+ venues across the city, including a world class climbing centre; 8 swimming pools, which include four modernised Victorian pools and the Royal Commonwealth Pool in their portfolio; 12 state-of-the-art gyms; and 800+ fitness classes per week including Les Mills programmes across the various centres, Edinburgh Leisure is the biggest club in town, with something for everyone to enjoy moving and getting fitter.
With adult memberships starting from as little as ÂŁ33.50, there is a range of packages, including swim, fitness, gym and climbing.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, is urging the UK Government to use the 160 unused homes, formerly used as accommodation for MoD staff, to house refugees fleeing the situation in Afghanistan.
Edinburgh Council leader, Adam McVey, recently wrote to the UK Government calling for an increase in the number of Afghan refugees the UK should be welcoming and Gordon MacDonald has said âthere is a clear opportunity here to use the empty MoD houses to house these refugee families in the Capital.â
The homes, which are mostly situated around Redford Barracks, have been left empty for numerous years and the local MSP has repeatedly called for action to bring this vacant housing into use. MacDonald has said âitâs not right that these homes lie empty and it is in the gift of the UK government to put them to good use.â
Earlier this year it was revealed that nearly 11,000 MoD homes were empty across the UK, with 900 unused in Scotland.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, said: âFor years now, I have been doing everything I can to get the empty MoD homes in my constituency â and right across Scotland â to be used to help people whose lives would benefit immensely from being housed in the properties.
“Yet again, we see another example where the UK government could make the most of the hundreds of empty properties across our country.
âThe situation in Afghanistan is truly horrific. The refugees are fleeing a horrific situation and we need to be doing everything we can to accept our responsibility and help those who arrive in this country.
âIn Edinburgh, we are ready to accept and welcome Afghan families â and as we currently have around 160 homes that are still owned by the MoD but no one has lived in them for at least five years, it seems like a missed opportunity to not use this housing to house refugees in safe and warm homes where they can start to rebuild their lives.
âBoris Johnson should commit to maximising these unused sites like the one at Redford Barracks to allow the UK to take in more refugees, who have had their lives turned upside down, and take responsibility for the situation.â
More than 108,000 children have benefited from the Scottish Governmentâs new Scottish Child Payment according to the latest official statistics. The figures highlight how many families and children received the payment from introduction in February to 30 June 2021.
The ÂŁ10 per week benefit, unique to Scotland, has the potential to help around 133,000 children (averaged over this financial year) according to Scottish Fiscal Commission forecasts published last week.
The Scottish Child Payment supports low-income families with children aged under six. It provides regular, additional financial support for families in receipt of qualifying benefits to assist with the costs of caring for a child. The payment will be made available to children aged 6-15 by the end of 2022.
Parents and carers are able to apply for all eligible children in their household in a single application and can also apply for other benefits for children under six – Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods at the same time.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government, Shona Robison said: âTackling child poverty is a national mission for this government and I am proud that we are already supporting over one hundred thousand children through this brand new benefit. The Scottish Child Payment is unparalleled across the UK and unique in being a benefit to tackle child poverty head on.
âAhead of the rollout to under 16s by the end of 2022, we have introduced bridging payments worth the same as Scottish Child Payment. This ÂŁ520 a year will be paid in 2021 and 2022 to provide immediate support to around 145,000 children and young people of school age.
âWe are making significant investment to tackle child poverty. Taken together, our investment in bridging payments and the Scottish Child Payment will total ÂŁ145 million this year, allowing us to reach as many low income families as possible right now.
âThe Scottish Child Payment together with the three Best Start Grant payments and Best Start Foods could give families on low incomes up to ÂŁ5,200 by the time their first child turns six.
âWe have also committed to significantly increasing the level of Scottish Child Payment, following the planned rollout to 6 to 15 year olds, in order to maximise the impact on child poverty, with the full ÂŁ20 payment being achieved within the lifetime of the Parliament.
âThis Government will continue to use the limited powers we have to tackle poverty and inequality and create a fairer Scotland.â
A joint statement from NHS Lothian and Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation:
We are aware that hospitals across Lothian have benefited from funds realised from the Atlantic slave trade.
With colonialism and slavery being central to the national economy from the 17th to the 19th centuries, both Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation and NHS Lothian can be considered as joint descendants of the legacies of these donations and endowments.
We do not believe that there is a limitation period on such contributions and have a responsibility to address this legacy of colonialism, racism and slavery and use this learning to help remove inequality and shape a positive future for all.
We have made a commitment to research, understand and acknowledge our history so that we can learn from it and act. We will:
create a consultative advisory group, with representation from staff, patient, and community groups, to help guide and shape the research, learning and related outputs.
fund a research post to review archive evidence and secondary sources to compile a thorough documented history of the links between the old Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and the Atlantic slave trade. (Funded by Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation)
use the research to guide outcomes and outputs and make recommendations for action to the NHS Board
seek to work alongside other institutions (such as the University of Edinburgh) who are undertaking similar reflective exercises.
The impact of the roots of the slave trade is evident in the inequalities that we see today, with COVID-19 exacerbating and giving a public spotlight to these inequalities.
As an employer and healthcare provider we state without reservation that all staff and patients must be treated equally, irrespective of skin colour, culture, religion, sexuality, age, disability or gender.
We support the fundamental need for equality and inclusion at the heart of what we stand for. It is important that all staff and representatives of NHS Lothian, treat one another with care, compassion, dignity, and respect. These are a key part of our organisation values.
Working to embed diversity, equity and inclusion in everything we do
We believe better health for all is within our reach and in no way condone the actions of historical donors. Acknowledging and understanding this history and using this learning to inform our corporate objectives will support us to become a more diverse and inclusive organisation and help us to tackle racism, discrimination and inequality.
Though we have much to learn and more work to do, ongoing reviews of our internal processes and systems have already led to positive, practical changes in the way we work.
The following examples outline work that is already taking place:
Staff Networks We have established four Equalities Staff Networks, and committed to increasing support for them, and potentially further networks in the coming year. At present we have vibrant groups as follows;
Black & Ethnic Minority Staff Network
Disabled Employee Network
LGBT+ Staff & Allies Network
Youth Staff Network
Corporate Objective and Workplans Our Corporate Objective 2021 â 22 on race ethnicity and diversity demonstrate our commitment to act now â starting with a facilitated series of one to one and group discussions involving our Corporate Management Team and Staff Network members
Our detailed Advancing Equality Action Plan 2021-22 was devised and agreed with members of all our staff networks over a series of workshops in Spring 2021
360 Visions – Managed by Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation’s Tonic Arts programme, 360 Visions uses theatre, storytelling, music and filmmaking to understand NHS Lothian BME staff experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic from an equalities perspective and explores the multi-faceted challenges faced not only by BME staff, but also by Disabled, LGBT+ and Youth staff members. The aim is to help open a door for all colleagues to gain awareness of the difficulties faced on a daily basis, both in and outside of work, and why change needs to happen. It bridges a gap to enable staff to further educate themselves about the daily struggles, in order to create a culture of inclusivity, diversity and acceptance which allows positive changes to be achieved. NHS Lothian has come a long way to improve culture and diversity, but COVID-19 has reinforced that there is still work to be done. As part of this ongoing work, the 360 Visions creative programme will help provide a platform for diverse viewpoints to be voiced and heard, celebrating the incredible work and diversity of NHS Lothian.
Reflecting Diversity in our Art Collection – Our Art Collection plays an important role in the improved health and wellbeing of staff, patients and visitors with over 2,750 artworks displayed across over 40 NHS Lothian sites. We have undertaken a review of our collection to ensure this is reflective of a wide and diverse culture.
Review of EDI practices within our funded programmes Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation’s Tonic Arts team is working with Knowledge Bridge to help embed EDI as a core part of the Tonic Arts programme. Knowledge Bridge is working with the Tonic Arts team to review the current programme and develop an inclusive strategy, advising on how to develop a more diverse and inclusive Arts in Health programme for NHS Lothian.
The National Trust for Scotland recently played host to a Classic Car and Transport Show â the first of its kind at Newhailes House & Gardens in Musselburgh.
Families and fans of classic cars flocked to the historic house and gardens to admire gleaming automobiles on Sunday 29 August. This is the latest stellar event hosted at Newhailes â from the adorable Doghailes, celebrating our best furry friends, and a concert by the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra.
Claire Grant, Operations Manager Edinburgh, for the National Trust for Scotland, said: âWe love Newhailes â it’s a special place for our community. Weâve been delighted to showcase the house and gardens by holding exciting events through the summer.
“From crowning the best dog lookalike, to poignant fiddle music, to the gorgeous vehicles on display at our latest event â Newhailes has played host to diverse events and audiences. We love welcoming visitors to Newhailes â look out for future fun family events!â
Newhailes House & Gardens is a stunning place which played a prominent role in the Scottish Enlightenment.
Edinburgh Art Festival 2021 closed on Sunday 29 August, following an extremely successful return which saw the month-long programme of 35+ exhibitions programmed in partnership with the cityâs visual art community secure hugely enthusiastic responses from audiences and critics alike.
Following cancellation of the 2020 edition as a result of the global pandemic, the 2021 edition returned to showcase Edinburghâs vibrant year-round visual arts scene, with a programme which included major new commissions and premieres by leading Scottish, UK and international artists alongside support for early career artists.
Taking place at over 25 venues across the city, the programme also included a special programme of online events and presentations.
While the 17th edition of the festival has now drawn to a close, a selection of participating exhibitions across the capital continue their run into September and beyond, including the acclaimed Lessons of the Hour, from artist Isaac Julien, presented by the festival in partnership with National Galleries of Scotland â with its UK premiere continuing at Modern One until 10 October.
Sorcha Carey, Director of Edinburgh Art Festival said: âIt felt so important to return this year, to play our part in supporting Scotlandâs creative ecosystem after an exceptionally challenging time, as well as to offer a vital space for reflection, following the upheavals of the past year.
“The drive to make and enjoy art is something which, to paraphrase Frederick Douglass, is uniquely human â and as we come back together following long periods of isolation, separation, and uncertainty, it has been wonderful to cast a spotlight on this most human of activities.
“Throughout, our focus has been to find ways to safely reunite art with audiences, and while this has meant that festival venues have, of necessity, been welcoming smaller numbers of visitors, we know audiences have really valued the chance to return to galleries, to celebrate the extraordinary community of artists and freelancers on whom our creative ecosystem depends.â
Festival highlights included:
The festival-led programming featured major new commissions and presentations by leading international artists, including the UK & European premiere of Lessons of the Hour by Isaac Julien, a film celebrating the 19th century self-liberated freedom fighter Frederick Douglass, in partnership with National Galleries of Scotland; and two new festival co-commissions, with work by Sean Lynch casting a spotlight on Edinburghâs public monuments and sculptures, in collaboration with Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop; and a sound installation by Emeka Ogboh with Talbot Rice Gallery at the Burns Monument, responding to the UKâs departure from the European Union.
This year the festival took a new approach, collaborating with Glasgow based artist, film-maker and programmer Tako Taal as Associate Artist who formed a response to the festivalâs invitation to reflect on themes and ideas emerging from Isaac Julienâs work by in turn commissioning work by a new generation of artists living and working in Scotland: Chizu Anucha, Sequoia Barnes, Francis Dosoo, Thulani Rachia, Camara Taylor and Matthew Arthur Williams.
The festivalâs annual showcase supporting artists in the early stages of their careers to make and present new work returned â with Jessica Higgins, Danny Pagarani, Kirsty Russell and Isabella Widger invited to create new work for Platform: 2021 at Institut français dâEcosse.
Partner galleries across Edinburgh offered the chance to discover a new generation of artists, including the work of Satellite participant Alison Scott at Collective, Sekai Machache at Stills, Andrew Gannon at Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop and gobscure at Edinburgh Printmakers.
Solo presentations across the capital included Christine Borland at Inverleith House, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Alberta Whittle and Rachel Maclean at Jupiter Artland, Frank Walter at Ingleby Gallery, Ian Hamilton Finlay at The City Art Centre, Sonia Mehra Chawla at Edinburgh Printmakers, Jock McFadyen at Dovecot Studios, a major exhibition by the artist Karla Black for the newly developed and reopened Fruitmarket and Alison Watt at Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
This yearâs edition also featured important retrospectives and major survey shows including The Galloway Hoard: Viking-age Treasure at National Museum of Scotland, Victoria & Albert: Our Lives in Watercolour at The Queenâs Gallery and Archie Brennan at Dovecot Studios.
Edinburghâs commercial galleries presented a richly diverse offering including a new group show from Arusha Gallery and Ella Walker, Shaun Fraser and Will Maclean at The Fine Art Society, Leon Morrocco at Open Eye Gallery and the centenary of the birth of Joan Eardley, marked with an extensive new show at The Scottish Gallery.
Alongside exhibitions across the capital, this year saw the return of Art Late, the festivalâs celebrated evening culture-crawls across the programme featuring exhibition tours, artist talks, workshops and unique performances, now digitally reimagined to allow wider audiences to engage with the festival.
The online programme also presented a series of Artist in-conversation events, with Isaac Julien, Sean Lynch, Emeka Ogboh and Associate Artist Tako Taal and the projectâs invited artists, each discussing their work â all of which can still be watched on our website through our Event Archive.
For more information, please visit www.edinburghartfestival.com or follow the festival on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @EdArtFest #EdArtFest.
A man has passed on his heartfelt thanks to the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) emergency responders, including  who attended to him after a horror mountain bike accident which left him with five broken ribs.
David Turpin, of Gateshead, was visiting Scotland and out cycling on the Glentress Mountain Bike Trail, near Peebles, on August 13 when he came off his bike.
Immediately after the accident, the 47-year-old could not move. He ended up breaking five ribs and also punctured his lung.
He spent five days in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary before returning south of the border, where he continues his recovery.
The 47-year-old wanted to thank Rhona Clement and Mary Griffin, both technicians at Penicuik Ambulance Station, alongside our Helimed ambulance.
David, who was transported to hospital via the Penicuik crew, said: âI want to pass on my heartfelt thanks to the SAS staff for rescuing me. I had come off my mountain bike, damaging my back and could not move.
âI broke five ribs, one of them in three places and displaced them. I also have a punctured lung. I spent five days in hospital in lots of pain but I am now back in Gateshead at home recovering.
âIf it had not been for the Scottish Ambulance Service, and the many kind members of the public, I do not know what I would have done.
âI possibly would have tried to move and caused further damage. The service and all staff are fantastic and so reassuring. I also apologise for swearing in the ambulance!
âThank you so much for everything. There are so many people to thank and it is difficult to know where to start.â
The Scottish Parliament has launched its âEmerging Leadersâ programme to improve minority ethnic diversity and seniority amongst Holyrood staff.
In a dual approach, the initiative aims to develop existing minority ethnic talent within the organisation and seeks to attract future employees from a wider range of backgrounds.
While the diversity of MSPs increased at the 2021 Scottish Election, diversity monitoring within the Parliament found minority ethnic staff were under-represented in its staff group compared to the national population, along with an ethnicity pay gap.
The new scheme will help develop the leadership skills of existing staff, while a paid internship programme for 18 to 29 year olds aims to promote the Parliamentâs profile as an employer for people from black and minority ethnic communities.
Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone MSP said: âWe now have a Parliament of MSPs that better reflects the diversity of Scotland. Itâs fundamentally important however that the talented staff who make the Scottish Parliament function also reflect the diversity of our country, and further progress must be made on that front.
âI wholeheartedly welcome the Emerging Leaders programme and the steps being taken to improve ethnic diversity at all levels of seniority within the Scottish Parliament.â
Lothian Tory MSP, Miles Briggs, has warned that NHS Lothian needs a record level of financial support to match a record number of patients waiting for treatments.
The number of patients waiting for an outpatient appointment in NHS Lothian has risen to almost 75,000 people, 74,546. This is an increase of 19,873 patients from 54,673 at the end of June 2020, an increase of 36%. The number of patients waiting for an appointment has increased from 65,855 at the end of June 2019, pre the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the last ten years, the number of patients waiting for an outpatient appointment in NHS Lothian has almost doubled, from 38,880 at the end of June 2011.
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has repeatedly called for NHS Lothian to receive fairer funding from the Scottish Government with the health board receiving a lower percentage of funding than other health boards due to the formula used to work out allocations.
The Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Spice) found the gap between the amount NHS Lothian should receive and its actual allocation added up to a total of ÂŁ365.7m, over the last 10 years.
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said:âUnder this SNP Government the number of patients waiting for an outpatient appointment has almost doubled.
âOver the last decade NHS Lothian has been underfunded by SNP Ministers and it is patients in Edinburgh and the Lothianâs who are suffering.
âNHS Lothian staff have made an incredible effort over the last year and a half and patients waiting numbers are still growing.
âSignificant investment will be needed to return services to even where they were five years ago and this SNP/ Green government -who is independence first and recovery second – isnât up to the job.â
Detectives are continuing enquiries and appealing for information after a serious assault which took place in the Grassmarket area on Sunday (29 August)
Around 5.45am a 25-year-old woman was with friends near to the junction of Cowgatehead and Victoria Street when she was approached by a group of three men and a woman. An altercation took place which resulted in the woman sustaining a broken wrist.
The victim attended the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and was released after treatment.
Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe of Gayfield CID said: âEnquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and I am appealing to any witnesses to come forward.
âWe believe the group involved in the assault made off along King Stables Road and I would urge anyone who may have seen a group of three men and a woman acting suspiciously to please get in touch.
âAnyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident numer 1129 of Sunday, 29 August, 2021.
“Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.â
