Category: North Edinburgh News

Glasgow’s Alana Jackson wins So You Think You’re Funny 2024

 Karen & Katy Koren and the Gilded Balloon are delighted to announce ALANA JACKSON as winner of the 37th edition of the iconic So You Think You’re Funny? – the UK’s most prestigious comedy newcomer competition. 

Ciara O’Connor and Ayo Adenekan came second and third place respectively, coming out top from an initial 597 applications and entertaining a sold out crowd at this year’s final at Patter House, hosted by former SYTYF? winner Maisie Adam. 

Following hilarious heats across the UK, Glaswegian comic Alana Jackson claimed the crown for this year’s competition after a judging panel including special guest judge Sue Perkins (Comedian and TV Star) plus Susan Provan (Director of Melbourne International Comedy Festival), Bruce Dessau (Editor of Beyond the Joke), Arusa Qureshi (Editor of Fest Mag), Julia Chamberlain (So You Think You’re Funny? Producer) as well as Karen and Katy Koren (Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon) watched 6 minute sets from all 10 finalists, before convening to choose the winner. 

The SYTYF? finalists entertained a sold out crowd at Gilded Balloon’s Patter House, expertly compered by 2017 winner Maisie Adam, marking her only live appearance at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Since it began in 1988, previous winners of SYTYF? have included Aisling Bea, Peter Kay, Tommy Tiernan, Lee Mack and more, with the competition renowned for kickstarting the careers of dozens of the UK’s top comics and providing essential support to comedy newcomers. 

Karen & Katy Koren and the So You Think You’re Funny? team would like to offer a huge congratulations to 2024’s finalists (in alphabetical order) : 

Alana Jackson – WINNER 

Alex Gogarty

Ayo Adenekan – 2ND RUNNER UP

Bert Broadbent

Ciara O’Connor – 1ST RUNNER UP 

Fab Goualin

Kate Sharp

Laurie Brewster

Paras Patel

Sophia Wren

Katy and Karen Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon and So You Think You’re Funny? said: “Huge congratulations to Alana Jackson – this year’s very deserving winner of So You Think You’re Funny?

“2024’s competition was one of our biggest and most competitive ever, with an outstanding 597 applicants this year so it’s an incredible feat for these 10 finalists to have made it this far and performed in front of tonight’s sold out crowd. 

“So You Think You’re Funny? is the UK’s longest running competition of its kind and year on year it’s wonderful to see alumni return to Gilded Balloon for their debut shows including Joshua Bethania, Kathleen Hughes, Nate Kitch and more this year. 

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to every comic who entered the competition this year – it was such a talented crop of comedians and we’re sure this year’s finalists will go on to do big things!” 

Celebrity guest judge Sue Perkins said, “This was a very tough decision. I was a small part of the judging process and there were so many talented people for us to choose from.

“Well done to everyone who put themselves out there tonight. It’s terrifying and they were brilliant!”

Judges who chose this year’s finalists included: comedians Mark Watson and Jay Lafferty, journalists Arusa Qureshi and Kate Copstick, plus Katy and Karen Koren and more. 

Since it began in 1988, So You Think You’re Funny? has kick-started the careers of dozens of the country’s top comics including Dylan Moran, Peter Kay, Maisie Adam, Rhod Gilbert, Tommy Tiernan and many more. It is the longest running and most established comedy competition of its kind, solely funded by Gilded Balloon without external sponsors. This year’s winner will receive…

  • A cash prize.
  • A fully paid for solo show (or mixed bill) run as part of the Gilded Balloon’s Fringe programme.
  • A place on Soho Theatre’s coveted Comedy Plus Lab 10-week course supporting emerging comedian’s to develop skills featuring industry advice and masterclasses in the year following the final.
  • Up to 4 mentorship meetings (virtual or in person) with Channel 4’s Comedy Commissioning team in the year following the final.
  • A paid performance slot in the Comedy Arena and weekend pass at Latitude Festival in the year following the competition thanks to Festival Republic.
  • Other paid performance slots at the UK’s best comedy clubs including the Glee Club, the Boat Show and more. 
  • Complimentary headshot photoshoot by professional photographer to the stars, Steve Ullathorne.
  • Complimentary filmed copy and professional photographs of their spot from the Final to use in their show-reel.
  • Mentorship and support from Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors at Gilded Balloon and Julia Chamberlain, the So You Think You’re Funny? producer for over 20 years.

There are also prizes for the runners-up including;

  • A cash prize for the first and second runner up.
  • Potential to be invited to take part in a fully paid for mixed bill show as part of Gilded Balloon’s Fringe programme.
  • Mentorship and support from Karen and Katy Koren and Julia Chamberlain, the So You Think You’re Funny? producer.

For more information on So You Think You’re Funny? visit:

www.soyouthinkyourefunny.co.uk 

Scottish yard opens free to the public to celebrate National Racehorse Week

  • Jackie Stephen Racing is one of three yards open to the public in Scotland to showcase what life as a racehorse is really like   
  • Free tickets are available for Saturday 14 September 2024 (10am – 12:30pm) to celebrate National Racehorse Week – via nationalracehorseweek.uk/yard/jackie-stephen/ 
  • Activities include a yard tour, live demonstrations, and a chance to meet the racehorses  
  • Address: Firth Farm, Lilliesleaf, Melrose, Scottish Borders, TD6 9JW 
  • National Racehorse Week runs across Britian between 7th – 15th September  
  • Watch here 

Jackie Stephen’s Firth Farm training yard in Melrose to open its doors free to the public on Saturday 14 September to show what life as a racehorse is really like, with free tickets available via nationalracehorseweek.uk. 

The event, taking place between 10am – 12:30pm, will showcase the inner workings of a racehorse yard to allow people to experience the life of an equine athlete in training. Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to meet the stars of the sport up close, talk with the trainers and ask questions of the staff who care for the horses 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  

Jackie Stephen said: “We take a very hands-on approach, working with each horse individually over a period. Learning to understand its temperament, how to get the best response from each one and to gain its confidence and trust to get the best out of them, while keeping them fit, healthy in body and happy in mind.” 

Jackie has been working with horses all her life. Following many years caring for thoroughbreds for other yards, she took the decision to take out a full license in 2015. Since then, she has been successfully training racehorses initially from Aberdeenshire, and now from the Scottish Borders. She continues to ride out every day and is very hands on, planning a programme for each individual horse for every day of the week. 

The event is part of the week-long National Racehorse Week programme, with over 100 open days taking place across the country between 7th and 15th September.

Great British Racing, who run National Racehorse Week, will also be carrying out more than 50 community events over the week. 

Community events will include racing yards hosting school visits, youth groups, charities and urban equestrian centres. Many trainers and owners of former racehorses will also take horses into schools and care homes, offering those who would not ordinarily have the chance to see a racehorse up close the opportunity to be part of the weeklong initiative. 

TV personality Chris Hughes, who is a racehorse owner and ambassador for National Racehorse Week said: “The impact of getting up close to a horse cannot be underestimated.

“And racing has created a unique opportunity through National Racehorse Week to help people meet these incredible animals, experience the life of a thoroughbred and talk to the dedicated teams who care for them 365 days a year.

“There is nothing quite like this in any other sport. It is fantastic that the events are free to attend with everyone welcome to join.” 

To find out more and to claim your tickets, visit nationalracehorseweek.uk. 

Two more Tory MSPs endorse Tom Tugendhat to be Conservative Leader

  • Two more Scottish MSPs announce they are endorsing Tom Tugendhat’s bid to become the next Leader of the Conservative Party
  • They argue that they’re supporting Tom because he understands the challenges facing Scotland including those around food and energy security, rural communities, and Scotland’s farmers and fishing industries
  • Joining the eight Conservative MSPs who endorsed Tugendhat earlier this week, demonstrating the strength of support he’s building across Scotland

Two more Members of the Scottish Parliament – Brian Whittle MSP and Alexander Stewart MSP – have announced that they are backing Shadow Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat MP to be the next Leader of the Conservative Party, bringing his total MSP support to 10.

Reiterating their colleagues’ comments, the two MSPs said they want to see an end to 17 years of nationalist SNP rule that has led to failing public services and a government distracted by unnecessary constitutional debates. Scotland needs a government that serves the Scottish people and delivers on their priorities. They believe Tom is the only candidate who will help deliver this. 

Celebrating Tom’s passion for Scotland and the wider Union, they said that he is the only candidate who has spent the time needed to understand the challenges facing Scotland, including those surrounding energy security, fisheries, farming and rural communities. Likewise, he is the only candidate who has taken the time to meet with Scottish Conservative Party members, regularly campaign in the country and attend Scottish Conservative Party Conference multiple times. 

The MSPs explained they wanted someone who would not only protect and fight for the Union, but understood that if Scotland fails, everyone across the United Kingdom would feel the consequences. With Tugendhat as Leader, they argue they would always have a champion for the Union – and the priorities of Scotland – at the helm in Westminster.

As a soldier, Tugendhat spent over 10 years keeping the entire United Kingdom safe before entering Parliament. He was one of the first MPs to warn about the threat of Russia and China. As Security Minister, he was responsible for the National Security Act, which resulted in Britain arresting and charging more Russian and Chinese spies in his time as Minister than in the previous decade.

The MSPs said they were supporting Tom as they know he will deliver for the Scottish people, ensuring energy security and economic rejuvenation, and support rural communities, including Scotland’s cherished farming and fishing industries. 

Tom recognises that the Conservative Party has been undermined by infighting and factionalism in Westminster, which led to a failure to deliver and a breakdown in trust with the public. He has made it clear that this leadership election is about choice. A choice between drawing a line under the infighting and a future focused on uniting the Party and rebuilding it around core Conservative values. He argues that people across the United Kingdom deserve better and as Leader of the Conservative Party, he promised to rebuild our party, regain trust and beat Labour at the next election.

The MSPs outlined that they want a leader who will end the infighting in Westminster and return the Party to traditional conservative values, something Tugendhat has always fought for, including when he voted against Covid vaccine passports and did not support the National Insurance rise.

 They also believe the Scottish people rejected the SNP in a sign they want to move on from the independence debate and want their government to focus on delivery. As a man who delivers on his promises and can unite the party, the MSPs argue thatTom will be an electoral asset for the Scottish Conservatives at the next 2026 Holyrood elections. They believe Scotland deserves better and that Tugendhat will take the Scottish Conservatives and Scotland into a new era. 

In a joint statement, Brian Whittle MSP and Alexander Stewart MSP said: “We are proud to join eight of our Conservative MSP colleagues who are endorsing Tom Tugendhat to be the next Leader of the UK Conservative Party. 

“Together with our colleagues, we represent all parts of the Scottish Party and recognise the need to have a Conservative Leader at the helm in Westminster who not only champions our successes, but also recognises that if any part of the Union fails, we all fail. 

“Tom is that Leader. He is a man of principle, service and duty. Someone who says what he will do, then gets it done. Someone who knows that Scottish people deserve more, who will champion our nation and is an asset to the Party in Scotland. He understands the challenges our nation faces and will offer real solutions. 

“The journey ahead of us is immense. But, this is our opportunity to reset our Party under a new leader who can take the fight to the SNP. Under Tom’s leadership, we can win the hearts and minds of the Scottish people at the Holyrood elections in 2026 and local elections the following year.”

Welcoming the MSPs’ support, Tom Tugendhat said: “It is an absolute privilege to have Brian and Alexander backing me to be the next Leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party. 

“I am thrilled to have their support, along with  8 of their Conservative MSP colleagues, who announced their support for me earlier this week.  

“Unionism is indivisible from Conservatism and as the Conservative Leader, I promise to always fight for the Union and deliver on the priorities of the Scottish people.”

Scottish Parliament to visit Shetland

The Presiding Officer will continue her series of visits to all eight Scottish Parliament regions with a visit to Shetland in the Highlands and Islands to speak to local people about the future of their Scottish Parliament.

The visits, which form part of the Scottish Parliament’s 25th anniversary commemorations, are to hear people’s reflections on the Parliament and devolution and their aspirations for the future.

Taking place on Monday (26 August), the visit has been set up in collaboration with community partners Shetland Community Bike Project and Voluntary Action Shetland.

The Presiding Officer and Highlands and Islands MSPs will meet with Shetland Community Bike Project at Lerwick Town Hall. This session will involve discussions, workshops and an opportunity to network, followed by a guided tour of Lerwick.

The event will mark both the Parliament’s 25th anniversary and that of Shetland Community Bike Project.

In the afternoon, the Presiding Officer and MSPs will hear more about the work of Voluntary Action Shetland, which supports a local Third Sector Forum made up of organisations delivering services to the community. This is an opportunity to recognise the work of the Third Sector Forum and for members of the Parliament to meet and hear from local organisations and people.

Participants will include those involved in: Ability Shetland, Shetland Carers, COPE Ltd, Shetland Community Connections, Mind your Health, Moving On, Shetland Link Up, Shetland Befriending Scheme, OPEN Project, school pupils and MSYPs.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Presiding Officer Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP said: “As we reflect on the Parliament’s achievements over the last 25 years, I want us to be focused on the future by hearing from people in Shetland and all over the country about their aspirations for their Parliament.

“I am particularly pleased to be visiting the Highlands and Islands region, to listen to people living in rural and island communities about the challenges facing them and how their Parliament can best meet the needs of their communities.

“This visit is also an opportunity to learn about the achievements of community groups working in Shetland, whose work provides vital support for many people.”

Caroline Adamson, Manager of the Shetland Community Bike Project, said: “I have been in this position since the project started 25 years ago.

“The Bike Project is much more than a bike repair shop. It provides paid and volunteer placements for people facing barriers to employment, equipping them with transferable skills, experience and confidence to help them get back into work.

“We support them to lead a healthier lifestyle and enable them to feel and be part of the community. This is not only of benefit to them but also the ripple effect which extends to their friends and family. So, one supported placement reaches out to many more in the community.

“We support up to 30 people in any one year and have a good success rate, on average, of 90% them being supported into mainstream employment, education and volunteering.

“At the event on 26th August we want to celebrate what we have achieved and say thank you to all who have supported us over the years. And we will hear from some of our service users whose stories highlight how the supportive environment that is provided by the Bike Project can lead to meaningful and lasting employment opportunities and benefit our community.”

Lynn Tulloch, Executive Officer at Voluntary Action Shetland, said: “We are delighted to support the Parliament visit in engaging in a range of third sector groups from Shetland.

“Part of Voluntary Action Shetland’s role is about ensuring the voice of the community and third sector is heard, and we look forward to the event this month.”

Lecturers balloted on new pay offer

TRADE UNION URGES ACCEPTANCE OF IMPROVED OFFER

The EIS will open an indicative ballot on a revised ‘full and final’ pay offer from college employers, and will recommend to its members in the EIS Further Education Lecturers’ Association (EIS-FELA) to vote to accept the offer, the trade union announced yesterday.

The improved offer, which was received by EIS-FELA on Friday, was discussed at a special meeting of the EIS-FELA Executive Committee. Following discussion, it was agreed to recommend acceptance of the offer to members, in light of the significant improvement upon the previous offer and the repayment of any salary deducted by ‘deeming’ in response to Action Short of Strike.

Commenting, EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said, “We will open an indicative ballot of our EIS-FELA members today, reflecting the EIS-FELA Executive’s decision to recommend that members accept this improved offer.

“This has been a long and painful campaign, with EIS-FELA members forced to engage in a long-running programme of industrial action to secure a fair pay offer from college employers and assurance that this will not come at the cost of jobs. The gains which have been achieved in this offer have been hard-won, and it is of great credit to our members that they have taken this stand and fought hard to secure this improved offer from colleges.

“The intervention of the Scottish Government, and their commitment of an additional £4.5M in funding, was key to the improvements in this offer. It will now be for EIS-FELA members to decide whether to accept the offer and bring this dispute and campaign of industrial action to an end.”

Ms Bradley continued, “Lecturers never wanted to be in this position, but were left with no choice but to engage in this programme of action as an option of last resort. During the worst cost of living crisis in living memory, our members have waited two years for a pay increase from their employers and have taken strike action and action short of strike to compel their colleges to come up with a fair offer.

“In addition to the significant increase in the value of the offer in Year 4 and the assurance in relation to no compulsory redundancies as a result of this deal, it would also compel all colleges who have ‘deemed’ pay from lecturers taking Action Short of Strike to repay that money to our members.

“This clearly highlights the unacceptable nature of the process of deeming – an anti-trade union tactic which has absolutely no place in our public sector or in any civilised society that respects and values the essential role that trade unions play in ensuring that our workplaces are fair.”

Ms Bradley added, “Our members in EIS-FELA should look out in their email inboxes for ballot information arriving this afternoon. It is important that all members have their say in this ballot, and use their vote to make their view known.

“The EIS-FELA Executive Committee is recommending that members should vote to accept the offer but, ultimately, it is our members themselves who will determine the result of this ballot.”

Note – While all planned strike action has been suspended for week beginning 26th August, the programme of Action Short of Strike (ASOS) currently remains in place, including the ongoing resulting boycott, pending the result of the indicative ballot.

Edinburgh reflects on its past and looks to the future

The UNESCO International Day of Remembrance

Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group

Edinburgh joined cities across the world yesterday in remembering the slave trade and its lasting impact on our society.

The UNESCO International Day of Remembrance, is an annual opportunity to reflect on the historic causes, methods and consequences of slavery.

A minutes silence was observed by many in Edinburgh including the Culture and Communities Special Committee at 11am, followed by an evening event at Cornerstone Centre, St John’s Church. 

The event, hosted by the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group, and supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, remembered the victims of the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism and its legacy in our city, while honouring those who fought so hard for its abolition.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge delivered a message of unity, which was followed poetry readings as part of Disrupting the Narrative from outgoing Edinburgh Makar Hannah Lavery, Jeda Pearl Lewis and Shasta Ali and a keynote speech by Briana Pegado, Author of Make Good Trouble: A Guide to the Energetics of Disruption.

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge said: “Today marked an important and poignant opportunity for us to reflect on our past, while reminding us that we must do everything in our power to ensure that such horrific and degrading exploitation can never, ever happen again.  

“Back in 2020, the Council agreed to address historic racial injustices in Edinburgh and stem modern day discrimination. This led to a comprehensive review, involving a huge amount of research and public consultation, and to a series of recommendations – one of which was for me to make a public apology on behalf of the city of Edinburgh. 

“I’m extremely grateful to the members of the Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group for their ongoing commitment and support – helping us to ensure Edinburgh remains a welcoming and diverse city, where people from different backgrounds and beliefs can continue to get on well together.

Irene Mosota, Chair of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Implementation Group, said: “As the City of Edinburgh marks the second-year observance of the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, it is a chance to inspire and give hope to our future generations as our city faces its troubling history.  

“The Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group has a number of recommendations that require action to address this troubling past. This year must be the one we now make progress in delivering a future that is equitable for those who are forging a life in our city from both the trauma and privilege of our city’s past. 

“Though the slave trade has been abolished, its pernicious legacy persists, continuing to perpetuate racism, discrimination, social exclusion, and inequality. We all have the responsibility to confront and address racism promptly and firmly within our city. 

“Education is essential in reconciling with the past and is vital to our collective goal of creating a better, more inclusive future for everyone in our city.”

Scottish Youth Parliament priorities – have your say!

All 12 – 25 year olds living in Scotland can respond to our #SYPHaveYourSay survey today!

We will then use your responses to further consult on individual policies to be included in our manifesto later this year.

Have your say here: http://bit.ly/sypyourviews

Pair convicted of human trafficking offences

A woman and man have been convicted of human trafficking offences in Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh.

Mananchaya Wanitthanawet, 40 and Cameron Wilson, 30, were convicted at the High Court in Dundee on Thursday, 22 August, 2024.

They are due to be sentenced at a later date.

The offences took place between November, 2019 and December, 2020.

Detective Inspector Simon Murray said: “Human trafficking has no place in Scotland.

“We will continue target criminals who abuse, control and exploit people, working with partners nationally and internationally to bring offenders to justice, and to raise public awareness to help identify victims and ensure they get the support they need.

“People within local communities are often the first to spot when someone may be trafficked or is being exploited.

“If you have concerns, or information, please report this to us on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 so we can investigate and take action.”

Edinburgh International Film Festival draws to a close – and celebrates a new beginning

 The relaunched Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has drawn to a close following a seven-day programme of sold out premieres, talks, retrospectives and well-received industry events.

The Festival ran from 15 – 21 August with 37 new feature films, 18 World Premieres including 10 World Premieres competing for the new Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence,  won by Jack King’s The Ceremony and 5 short film programmes including the new Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence competition, won by Trevor Neuhoff’s Manny Wolfe.

The Festival hosted 6 special retrospective screenings with introductions from special guests plus packed In Conversation events with iconic filmmaker Gaspar Noé, legendary editor Thelma Schoonmaker and filmmaker Alex Garland and producer Andrew Macdonald in conversation.

The Festival launched a strand of thrilling Midnight Madness screenings beginning with the UK Premiere of Fede Alvarez’s Alien: Romulus and concluding with Corelie Fargeat’s The Substance which added to the seven-day celebration of world-class new cinema championing a new generation of UK and international talent and seeing audiences, press and industry engage with the best of Edinburgh’s other arts and cultural Festivals.

The Festival captured audiences’ imagination across the city who responded with support, attendance and admiration. EIFF this year initiated groundbreaking new collaborations working with venue partners Cameo Cinema, Summerhall; 50 George Square in partnership with Assembly Festival; Inspace in partnership with Monkey Barrel Comedy; and Tollcross Central Hall, in a programme which embedded the Festival in the heart of the Fringe landscape.

With 170 screenings and 13 Industry events, the Festival saw a total in person attendance of over 12,000.

The Industry Programme was very well received by attending guests with praise for EIFF as a place to gather and share ideas whilst championing the spirit of independent cinema on a global and local level.

Well-attended events running across the first weekend of the Festival included a Scrapper to Screen: A Case Study panel event which explored the development to distribution of the hit 2023 film Scrapper; a Stand Up To Screen panel involving creatives who have transitioned from live performance/TV to filmmaking, a documentary panel in partnership with Scottish Documentary Institute and networking events in partnership with Screen Fringe, Summerhall, Monkey Barrel Comedy, BBC Film, Screen Academy Scotland and NFTS Scotland.

The Festival kicked off on 15 August with Nora Fingscheidt’s The Outrun starring Saoirse Ronan and presented a selection of compelling new and established voices in cinema including 18 World Premieres and 19 UK Premieres. Closing the Festival was the World Premiere of Carla J. Easton and Blair Young’s powerful new documentary Since Yesterday: The Untold Story Of Scotland’s Girl Bands, which sat within a programme with a strong presence for Scottish filmmakers and Scottish talent.

The Festival programme showcased new work from filmmakers from Scotland, UK, US, Canada, Mexico, Norway, China, Kazakhstan, Belgium, Iran and beyond. 

Every film screening was introduced by a member of the team, and BSL interpretation was offered at all screenings that were presented with Descriptive Subtitles.

The Festival welcomed over 100 filmmakers, producers and distributors to present their films.

Filmmakers and actors attending the Festival included Thelma Schoonmaker, Alex Garland, Andrew Macdonald, Gaspar Noé, Saoirse Ronan, Brian Cox, Nora Fingscheidt, Amy Liptrot, Damian Lewis, Euros Lyn, Kelly Macdonald, Nina Conti, Alice Lowe, Kate Dickie, Fionn O’Shea, Mark Cousins, Sophie Fiennes, Ben Rivers, Greg Kwedar, Lauren Lyle, Abdolreza Kahani and many more.

EIFF Director, Paul Ridd said: “I am thrilled with what has been achieved these past seven days after months of hard work, dedication and diligence from my incredible team.

“From packed out screenings of Competition Titles from all over the world to fascinating talks with film legends, from lively industry panels and networking events to Midnight Madness and especially introduced classics, we have celebrated film and film culture in all its glory in a host of different spaces with lively, enthusiastic audiences.

“We are so excited for the future and expanding on the collaborative, cooperative spirit of our new festival. EIFF 2025, bring it on.”

Isabel Davis, Executive Director, Screen Scotland said: “A massive congratulations to Paul and his very talented team on this first edition of the resurgent Edinburgh Film Festival.

“The calibre and diversity of international and local filmmaking talent represented across the programme, from Thelma Schoonmaker, Gaspar Noé, Alex Garland and Mark Cousins, the new energy coming through the collaboration with the Fringe and venues across town have set the direction and ambition for the festival. Congratulations to all involved.”

EIFF 2024 is supported by Screen Scotland and the BFI Audience Projects Fund, awarding National Lottery funding, the Industry Programme is backed by EXPO funding from the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland, and EventScotland part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.

Edinburgh International Film Festival ran from Thursday 15 to Wednesday 21 August 2024.

Helmed by Festival Director Paul Ridd and Festival Producer Emma Boa, EIFF creates a world-class showcase for independent film and filmmaking talent.

Former Acquisitions Executive Ridd is supported by an expanding Board, including Chair Andrew Macdonald of DNA Films, producer of the iconic Edinburgh-based film Trainspotting; Peter Rice, former Chairman of General Entertainment at Disney and President of 21st Century Fox; and Amy Jackson, producer of last year’s BAFTA award-winning indie, Aftersun. 

Appeal to help identify man found dead in River Tay

Police are appealing to the public to help identify a man whose body was discovered in the River Tay at Aberfeldy last Saturday, 17 August, 2024.

The man’s body was discovered by a member of the public near to Wades Bridge around 9.40am. He is described as white and likely in his late 50’s or older, around 6ft 4ins in height and of medium build with sandy blonde and grey wavy hair. When he was found he was wearing black underwear.

His death is not believed to be suspicious.

Detective Inspector Simon Murray said: “Unfortunately, despite significant enquiries, we have not yet been able to establish who the man is. We want to establish his identity as soon as possible to inform his family of his death.

“There were no personal belongings near to where he was found, and no-one has reported anyone matching his description missing to police.

“We are continuing to carry out enquiries to help us identify where he may have entered the water. We would ask any local residents if this description resembles anyone they know lives locally? For any wider public who have been in the Aberfeldy area over the past couple of weeks, does this resemble anyone they may have seen in the area?

“Has anyone seen personal items either washed up on the shore or discarded near the water? Have you have seen a car parked in either a car park or a layby in the area that has been there for a few days? Abandoned tents or anything out else of the ordinary?

“He may have been on holiday or visiting the Aberfeldy area, so if you have any information or if you have not heard from a friend or family member and this is unusual, please contact us. Anyone with any information that may be relevant is urged to contact 101 quoting incident number 1094 of 17 August.”