Interested in learning how to cook sustainable, healthy and tasty meals for less? Our experienced chef Sophie will guide you in preparing food with minimal seasonal ingredients.
In the upcoming three workshops, we’ll be making Shortbread Sandwich Biscuits with Chocolate & Lemon Buttercream Fillings, Chicken & Mushroom Pie and Spring Greens Risotto. All ingredients and equipment will be provided.
Come along, enjoy delicious food, learn new skills and have some fun!
Date: 29 February (Thursday), 12 & 19 March 2024 (Tuesdays)
BBC ALBA stars, Lana Pheutan and Hannah McKirdy, are set to host Gaelic film’s biggest night of the year: the FilmG Awards.The presenters will oversee the awards ceremony on Friday (23 February) where winners will be crowned for the 16th annual iteration of the Gaelic short-film competition.
With the awards historically held at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow and hosted by BBC ALBA stalwarts Fiona MacKenzie and Niall Iain MacDonald, the event this year takes place at the SEC with Lana and Hannah welcoming the audience of almost 500 filmmakers, industry professionals and FilmG devotees.
Lana and Hannah themselves participated in FilmG over the years, both picking up awards that helped propel them into their media careers.
Hannah picked up a Best Performance trophy in 2017 for Cheating our Language while Lana has won numerous awards, including winning two in 2017 (Best Comedy and People’s Choice Award), three in 2018 (Best Performance, Best Student Film and People’s Choice Award) and the prestigious Best Film award in 2019 for her film Sòlas.
Since then, Lana and Hannah have worked together regularly, as actors, podcasters and most recently as co-creators and stars of the BBC ALBA mockumentary Glan Fhèin, and as co-hosts of the successful BBC Radio nan Gàidheal podcast Fad Botal Fìon.
New FilmG co-host, Lana Pheutan, said: “This is the first year that myself and Hannah are presenting the FilmG Awards and I’m really excited, and a bit nervous, for what has historically been a fantastic night.
“We’ve both attended many FilmG ceremonies over the years and it’s always a great chance for young Gaelic speakers to meet, mingle, and celebrate the language. It’s up to us to keep the crowd entertained whilst guiding the FilmG nominees through a seamless night of celebrating Gaelic short films.”
New FilmG co-host, Hannah McKirdy, said:“FilmG is a fantastic vehicle for developing Gaelic talent, and Lana and I both benefited from the experience we gained through creating films, writing scripts, and later winning awards.
“This year, over 50 films have been shortlisted across the categories, which demonstrates the wealth of Gaelic Filmmaking talent in Scotland and beyond. We know exactly how excited and nervous the nominees will be – we’ve been in their shoes – so Lana and I will be there on the night to ensure everyone has a good time.”
The FilmG Awards will take place on the evening of Friday 23 February in the Lomond Auditorium of the SEC in Glasgow.
The awards will be live-streamed to BBC ALBA’s YouTube and FilmG’s Facebook, with a highlights programme to be broadcast two days later on BBC ALBA (8pm on Sunday 25 February): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001wsfr.
RNLI & SCOTMID LAUNCH ART COMPETITION TO CELEBRATE 200 YEARS OF THE RNLI
Scotmid and RNLI are inviting young artists across Edinburgh to let their imaginations set sail ahead of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary.
Scotmid, in partnership with RNLI, has launched a nationwide competition for U18s to design the front cover of its magazine, Jigsaw, and asking them to create an image which they feel encapsulates the RNLI’s legacy, as it celebrates two centuries of heroic rescues and dedicated volunteering.
The competition launch is celebrating Scotmid’s charity partnership with RNLI, which got underway last year and will run until August 2024.
Budding artists are invited to design a front cover that highlights the spirit of the RNLI’s work over the years within its communities, emphasising elements of inspiration, courage, and community spirit. The winning design will reach thousands of Scotmid members. In addition, the winner will receive an exclusive package of RNLI prizes.
Entry details are as follows:
Who Can Enter: Anyone aged 18 years and under.
The Theme: Artwork that embodies the spirit of the RNLI and its 200 years of brave, life-saving endeavours. The RNLI values are selflessness, courage, dependability and trustworthiness
Deadline for Entries: Make sure your masterpieces are submitted to Scotmid by 19 April 2024.
Submission Guidelines: Send your artwork to competition@scotmid.co.uk or by post to the Scotmid Membership Team, Hillwood House, Harvest Drive, Newbridge, EH28 8QJ. If you email a submission, keep the original in a safe place in case you win!
Kirsty Connell, Membership and Community Manager at Scotmid, said: “This competition is a wonderful way to commemorate such a huge milestone for the RNLI and our shared commitment to our communities.
“Partnering with the RNLI has been a privilege, as their tireless efforts serve as a lifeline. We’re excited to provide young artists a platform to express their creativity and honour the invaluable work of RNLI volunteers.”
Paul McKeown, Fundraising and Partnership Lead for the RNLI in Scotland, said: “What a fantastic way for young people to showcase their creativity and join us in celebrating this significant milestone.
“We eagerly anticipate seeing the entries and appreciate Scotmid’s support and dedication to our cause.”
Funds raised over the course of the charity partnership will enable the RNLI to purchase a new Atlantic 85 lifeboat, which will form part of its relief fleet and will be used by stations to assist in critical rescues during times when vessels are undergoing repairs or maintenance.
Save the date – our Community Grant scheme will open for applications on Monday 25 March 2024!
Our scheme helps the development of projects, community activities and sustainable local action through funding and collaboration. We support local people’s vision for a better Edinburgh.
We award project grants of up to a maximum of £5,000, but welcome applications for less
The application process is simple and a member of the Community team will be on hand to support you if you have any questions, just contact local@ed.ac.uk or call us on 0131 651 5000.
Applicants may only receive one grant per project
Please read our guidance notes before applying, to check eligibility criteria and other helpful information
We do not fund projects that have already been completed
Please note: You should aim to start your project around four months after the deadline.
Our micro-grant scheme is open all year round for applications for funding of up to £500: apply for a micro-grant here
If you require application materials in an alternative format, please email local@ed.ac.uk or call 0131 651 5000, or ask a friend or family member to do so for you.
We can send you a printed copy of the form by post on request.
If you need any help completing the form, we are happy to try and help.
We can talk with you online, over the phone or in person (at a mutually suitable venue).
It’s likely we’ve all heard them before. Reasons why men might not get medical help when they need it, or why isolation grows around them like a dark cloak.
How many times have you or a man in your life said something like this?
“Ach, it’s only a cough.”
“Get help? Nah, I don’t want to waste anyone’s time.”
“I’ll just stay in – I prefer my own company anyway.”
Recent news about the health of the King has put men’s health into the spotlight, but every year tens of thousands of men put off getting the care they need until it is urgent – either because they don’t know where to go or because they’re reluctant or embarrassed to reach out.
Members of the Men’s Shed in Govan want to change that, and they’ve teamed up with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to help men get over their embarrassment, or put aside their reluctance, and get the help they need.
Here four members, each of whom has a particular reason to be thankful to the Shed, tell their stories – and share a simple message that might just save a life.
Martin Haddow,age 72 Govan Men’s Shed Chairman
Martin is a survivor of prostate cancer, and its aggressive nature meant doctors had to act fast.
He said: “It all started when I noticed I needed to pee more often than usual, and when I needed to go it was quite urgent.
“I also experience a slight weight loss and a few other things associated with prostate cancer so, rather than leave it, I sought immediate help from my doctor.
“I was referred to the urology department at Glasgow Royal Infirmary where I had the works – scans, blood tests etc.
“When the results came back I was told I had cancer, and it was aggressive. The urologist told me I needed to get my prostate removed and if I didn’t I would maybe live five or six years.”
For Martin there really was no choice to make and he opted to go ahead with the surgery.
“It ultimately saved my life,” he said – and because of that life-saving decision, Martin is encouraging all other men not to wait, and to get checked out if they have any doubts about their health.
“Don’t put it off, because you never know when it will be too late. Your health can’t wait – it’s as simple as that.”
Frank Murphy, age 62 Founder member
Frank is a survivor of testicular cancer, and he knows the value of going to get checked out.
“When I found a lump I went straight down to the GP. Yes it’s embarrassing, but this is what they’re trained for. That was in 2005 and because I got in there early I’ve never had a problem since.”
He’s heard far too many men saying they’d leave a problem – sometimes until it’s too late.
“If only they’d said ‘hing on a minute, something’s no’ right here’ and got straight down to the doctor,” he said.
“If you have a cough that won’t go away, or find a lump or something, acting macho won’t help you. We have the best docs and nurses, but there’s only so much they can do. So, please, get seen early – don’t leave it until it’s too late.
“Don’t be the guy who died of embarrassment because you were too feart to go to go to the doctor.”
John Devlin, 65 Founder member
John also had a lump on his testicle and got it checked out.
“People think the lump will go away,” he said, “but then six months later it might have spread. You cannae shirk on your own health, so if you have any worries, go and see someone.
“My motto is if in doubt check it out.”
But for John, a cancer scare was only part of the story – the bigger issue in his life was mental rather than physical.
“I was going through a bad time before we opened this Men’s Shed. It was the isolation – I was struggling.
“But this place has been a huge help. I come here, and there’s so much going on – so much laughter – that it really helps.”
Arthur Bisset, 62 Member for two years
Arthur had a stroke at work seven or eight years ago, and from that day he started on a path to serious isolation.
“I just shut myself away,” he said. “The stroke left me with some physical difficulties, and because of that I wouldn’t leave the house.
“I was so embarrassed – worried and frightened what people would say, that they would see me in a different light and as disabled.”
Eventually a friend persuaded Arthur to go along to the Govan Shed – and within weeks it had completely changed his life.
“Looking back I was terrified to leave the house, but once I got here it was great. Here I was just one of the boys. They treated me like I was normal, and within a month I wouldn’t be without it.
“This place has given me my confidence and independence back.”
And Arthur’s message to anyone who might be in the same position as him?
“At some point you might think you’re useless, that everything’s behind you – but that’s not true. Never give up on yourself, because you’re worth mair than that.
“Reach out – find a place like this. You’ll never regret it.”
The inspiration behind the Shed
Sarah Everett works four days a week as a practice nurse at the nearby Govan Health Centre and has seen first-hand the particular issues that men face. That was the driver for the Men’s Shed.
“A lot of men come to see me for a range of things, and I realised that one of the main problems was isolation – many of them were bored, very disconnected, and as a result they didn’t have a lot of self-worth.
“When I heard about Men’s Shed I thought, that’s what we need here, so after securing funding we set up a group in the practice.
“At first there were five men, but that five quickly became 15 and we began to run out of room. Then we found our current premises and moved in on 1st January 2018.
“It was little more than a shell, but the men have turned it into a fantastic facility. The sense of pride for everyone is huge, and when I listen to the banter here – the laughter – it’s so rewarding.”
And Sarah is clear about the value of a place like the Shed – so much so that she commits one day a week as volunteer funding manager.
“Men need to feel like they have a purpose – that’s huge for them. When someone starts saying it’s easier just to stay at home that’s a real problem, and places like this are so important to prevent men getting into a downward spiral.
“Within five minutes you’re made to feel very welcome and instantly start to build relationships with other people, to join in with things and feel better about yourself.
“But on top of that, men are terrible for not looking after their health – I hear all the time it’s only a cough or I don’t want to bother the doctor. But that’s their job – you’re not wasting their time. And the experiences of the men here really help others to go and get a problem checked earlier.”
The doctor
Dr Kerri Neylon, a GP in Govan, is well aware of men’s reluctance to seek help early, but she knows that the example and support of others can be an important factor in encouraging them to overcome their fears.
Dr Neylon, who is Deputy Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, also hopes recent news about the health of the King, and his willingness to speak early about it, could help men to come forward.
She said: “Often I am told by patients that they didn’t want to come to see a GP because they were embarrassed, and it’s often the encouragement of others that acts as a catalyst for men to see about a health worry they have been putting off.
“In speaking so candidly about his own health issues, I have no doubt the King will be an important example, encouraging others to take a lead from him and make that first appointment. We wish him and his family well for whatever lies ahead.”
Dr Neylon often encourages her patients to attend the Men’s Shed, as she knows how valuable it can be for their mental and physical health.
She said: “The Men’s Shed in Govan is a really important resource for men to receive support and encouragement with issues affecting their health and wellbeing.
“Availability of easily accessible facilities such as these are of huge importance in tackling isolation and loneliness and provide a sense of belonging, and most importantly some laughter and fun.”
Two-thirds of parents in the UK are worried about their children’s mental health. And rightly so, as 1 in 6 children in the UK are experiencing mental health problems.
When children are anxious and stressed, parents are often anxious and stressed.
That’s why Edinburgh Leisure is taking a whole family approach to wellbeing and empowering employees to support their children’s mental health.
Employees now have access to the Wee Seeds Mini-Minds Wellbeing Toolbox. It’s a programme of fun and easy mindfulness exercises for children, all about bringing calm and connection to families.
Helen Macfarlane, Director of Wellbeing at Edinburgh Leisure said: Encouraging and supporting people’s health and wellbeing is at the heart of what we do at Edinburgh Leisure.
“We deliver a range of wellbeing initiatives to support our customers’ and employees’ health and wellbeing.
!We’re investing in our employees’ mental health. So, we’re taking a whole family approach to mental health and empowering our employees to support their children by giving them access to the @WeeSeeds Mini-Minds Wellbeing Toolbox. Our staff deserve good mental health and so do their children.”
Wee Seeds Founder, Christina Cran, said: “We believe it’s time for employers to take a whole family approach to mental health.
“All the areas of our life, work, home, and social life, intersect with each other. By working on having a calm family environment at home, we can improve all areas of our lives. Calm families, equal calm staff. That’s why we’re delighted to support Edinburgh Leisure with their staff and their families’ wellbeing.
“Our Mini-Minds Toolbox is designed to help shape the next generation’s mental health. The mental health crisis starts with our children, it’s time we tackle that early.”
Mindfulness can help children:
– Focus more easily and be ready to learn – Sleep better – Feel less anxious – Feel more connected to their family – Build resilience – Understand their emotions – Deal with frustration better – Become kinder to others and themselves
These are skills children can use today and for the rest of their lives so we are also investing in the future of the workforce.
As a social enterprise, all profits Wee Seeds makes go back into its social impact programme.
So, by partnering with Wee Seeds, Edinburgh Leisure will also contribute to Wee Seeds’ social impact programme Growing Good, which will support families in poverty or struggling with their mental health to nurture their mental well-being.
To find out more about how Wee Seeds is improving mental health, visit weeseeds.co.uk
A new Citizens Advice Scotland campaign is encouraging people to seek advice if they are worried about their debts, as research shows over 660,000 people cite debt as impacting their mental health.
Analysis of polling from research company YouGov suggests around 665,148 people in Scotland have seen their mental health and wellbeing affected by debt.
The “Stressed about Debt?” campaign aims to encourage people who are worried about their bills or stressed about debt to seek advice from the Citizens Advice network.
People can go to www.cas.org.uk/stressed and pick an advice route that works for them, such as online self-help tools, online advice pages or one to one advice from their local CAB.
The CAB Service helps improve people’s financial situation and for some this includes debt write -off. Since last spring CABs have helped write off over £11 million worth of debt, with the average amount written off being over £12,600 per client.
https://youtu.be/Os-Qv09KO_0
CAS Financial Health spokesperson Sarah Jayne Dunn said:“There is a clear link between money and mental health and that will have been exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis.
“Hundreds of thousands of people across the country, through no fault of their own have fallen behind on bills and find themselves in debt. Some people will be in debt for the first time, others will have seen their existing debt get worse.
“There’s no shame in having debt, and it’s completely understandable to be stressed and anxious about it. For many people, debt is something they ignore until it builds up and becomes overwhelming.
“That’s why we’ve launched the Stressed about Debt campaign, to encourage people who are worried to seek advice and not let those worries build up until they are suffocating.
“You don’t need to go to a CAB to get advice, instead you can check our online advice pages or use our interactive self-help tools.
“Our network gets real results for people – last year people who saw a gain having sought advice were more than £3,700 better off. Our advice is impartial, confidential, and crucially free – we don’t charge for our advice, and we never will.”
Scottish Government Housing Minister Paul McLennan MSP said:“I welcome this important and timely campaign from Citizens Advice Scotland.
“Advice services play a critical role in helping people to navigate the current cost crisis and to access the support and information they need. The cost-of-living crisis is putting a huge strain on households which is why the Scottish Government is doing all it can to deliver support.
“This year we will invest over £12.5 million in a range of advice services providing free income maximisation, welfare and debt advice. This includes more than £4.45 million to Citizens Advice Scotland and the network of Bureaux for the Money Talk Team, which offers free confidential and holistic advice. Access to free, confidential and impartial advice through the CAB network, either online or in person, can make a massive difference for people.”
Alex Cumming, Executive Director of Operations at SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), said:“Poor mental health can be a factor in building up debt, and debt can result in mental health problems, including stress and anxiety. Debt and mental health problems often form a vicious circle, and it’s important to seek help for both.
“At SAMH, we hear time and again from the people we support, including those who contact our information service, that they are experiencing issues with money at the same time as needing help with their mental health.
“We welcome Citizens Advice Scotland’s campaign and encourage anyone who is stressed about debt to take that first step towards getting the support they need.”
As well as Citizen Advice Bureaux across the city, free and independent local debt advice is also available from a number of organisations including CHAI, Granton Information Centre and the city council’s Advice Shop.
This Mother’s Day, forget flowers and chocolates that only last a few days, and instead, share lifetime memory-making experiences. Rabbie’s offers tours to treat your mum across the UK and Ireland, available to book now.
Book the perfect day trip to sample some of the country’s most iconic sweet treats, visit destinations that double as some of our favourite on-screen locations, and to celebrate the special lady in your life. Rabbie’s day trips include:
Explore England’s most famous pudding and finest tea rooms – link
Derbyshire and the Peak District are home to quaint villages and even quainter tea rooms, the perfect place to enjoy cake and tea with mum. On this one-day tour departing from Manchester, visit and indulge in the village of Bakewell, homeplace of the famous Bakewell Pudding.
A unique vista awaits at Monsal Head, as an old rail line viaduct cuts dramatically through the green hills. To make a memorable Mother’s Day, why not try something new with your mum, and at Poole’s Cavern explore the enormous limestone cave system that has been described as one of the wonders of the Peak District.
Departing from Manchester, prices for the one-day Idyllic England: Derbyshire & the Peak District tour is available from £51 per person.
Bath leaves visitors spoiled for choice for Mother’s Day. Boutique shops, extravagant afternoon teas, and grand Georgian avenues offer options for however you and your mum wish to spend the afternoon.
But before this, Rabbie’s begins the day with style, with a visit to the largest stone circle in the world in Avebury. Choose to spend a quiet moment among the stones or visit the nearby village shops. Next is the picturesque village of Lacock, a rural setting so beautiful that it’s been used as setting for everything from Downton Abbey, to Harry Potter, and Pride and Prejudice.
Whether you’ve snacked on delicious cakes and sandwiches from Lacock’s renowned bakery and inns, or have saved yourself for Bath’s luxurious coffee houses and patisseries, your afternoon is guaranteed to be a delight.
The one-day Bath, Avebury & Lacock Village tour departs from London, with prices from £76 per person.
Extended breaks are a great way for siblings to treat their mum together, and create whole new memories. Rabbie’s offers extended trips across the UK and Ireland, including:
Dingle, Killarney & the Wild Atlantic Way
Find out why the Wild Atlantic Way is known as one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world on this three-day tour of breath-taking views and vibrant Irish culture.
Explore the mountains, lakes, and ancient spiritual structures in Glendalough, and amble through ‘Ireland’s Prettiest Village’, Adare, where classic thatched cottages abound. Use the local knowledge of the driver-guide to discover the best of the peninsula including highlights such as Conor Pass, Tóchar Maothaithe, the Beehive Huts, Slea Head, and Gallarus Oratory.
And enjoy the lively town of Killarney, a thriving town that welcomes visitors all year round and is the perfect spot to make a toast – celebrating and thanking mum.
The three-day Dingle, Killarney & the Wild Atlantic Way tour departs from Dublin, with prices starting from €389.
Rabbie’s offers small group tours that are driven by curiosity and guided by storytellers. The tours take guests beyond the standard tick-list landmarks to explore the lesser-known and uncover the hidden gems across the UK, Ireland and Europe.
For more information about Rabbie’s and to book, visit www.rabbies.com.
The recent legislation banning XL Bullies in the UK has sparked heated debate across the country and has left many owners feeling frustrated and confused.
Viral dog behaviourist, Will Atherton has shared his positive advice and solutions to help owners move forward and regain some control during this difficult situation:
Although controversial, the rationale behind banning certain breeds stems from fears over public safety. Nevertheless, any dog, regardless of its breed, can exhibit aggressive tendencies if they’re not properly socialised and trained.
An outright ban unfairly penalises responsible owners and dogs that have never demonstrated aggression. However, with the ban in place, the one thing owners do have control over is ensuring they and their dogs become guiding examples of just how good these breeds can be with the right training and safeguarding measures in place.
As a behaviourist, Will doesn’t differentiate by breed, he simply addresses behaviours through loving leadership based training methods. With thoughtful training and management, even dogs predisposed to aggression can become safe, controlled companions.
The key is differentiating between aggressive behaviour and a dog with an innate aggressive personality. Even the friendliest dog may react with aggression in certain situations, while a dog predisposed to aggression may never show it with proper management.
As we all know, you can’t necessarily train a dog’s inherent personality. However, you can train behaviours and use strategies to prevent aggression from surfacing. With an emphasis on implementing effective training, focusing on obedience training, muzzle training, and setting clear boundaries.
Obedience Training
Teaching them to sit and stay patiently is a fundamental skill every dog should know. It allows them to be safe and the people around them to feel comfortable. As always, communication is important between owners and their dogs – they should always be looking to you for guidance.
If your dog tends to pull on the lead, it’s important to involve loose lead training. It allows you to be in control and show others that your dog isn’t threatening. This is a vital piece of training because banned or aggressive dogs shouldn’t be off the lead, so it allows them to move freely and calmly while still enjoying the benefits of a walk and the outdoors.
Muzzle Training
As of the start of this month, it’s illegal in the UK to walk an XL Bully type dog without a muzzle. There are safe and positive ways to incorporate muzzle training and make it a fun experience for your dog. Introducing them to the muzzle through treats and getting them used to wearing it, makes walkies that much easier.
Will offers a complimentary, comprehensive online course on positive muzzle training for all breeds, you can find further information here.
Clear Boundaries
You need to show your XL bully or aggressive dog that you are in control. As the owner, you have a duty of care to your dog and those around you.
Use the “four on the floor” method – praise your dog when all four paws are on the floor and interrupt the jumping behaviour.
If your dog is prone to problem behaviours like jumping up at other people, Will utilises his 3-step process of interrupting the bad behaviour, so it doesn’t become further established or get worse – then redirecting them to a desirable behaviour we want them to display, such as sitting nicely when they see someone.
You can then reward that desirable behaviour with treats or the attention they were looking for in the first place, so that the next time they see a new person they know what not to do, and what they should do instead – and doing the right thing will be amazing!
If your dog reacts to other dogs by barking or lunging, it can scare people. This is especially true for banned breeds due to unfair stereotypes. Start at home by rewarding your dog for focusing on you instead of zoning out onto distractions. This will allow you both to better enjoy walks and have peace of mind for others.
These training tips don’t just apply to XL Bullies. Any dog displaying aggressive tendencies should follow these tips to ensure future dogs aren’t subjected to banning laws. You can begin training from your living room or garden, however, if you’re struggling it’s advised to reach out to a trainer for peace of mind.
As for XL Bullies, they tend to be powerful, muscular dogs that need extensive socialisation and training. With proper handling, they can make wonderful companions. Will has worked with many XL Bullies and their dedicated owners who prioritise controlling their dogs in public spaces.
Instead of stigmatising specific breeds, Will thinks that legislation should target irresponsible owners. He encourages the XL Bully community to lead by example, being advocates for proper training and management to show what the breed is capable of with the right care and guidance.
For further guidance and training on XL Bullies or concerns regarding dog aggression, readers are encouraged to refer to Will’s video on the subject here.
Our experienced chef Sophie will guide you in preparing food with minimal seasonal ingredients. 
我們將提供所有食材和煮食用具。齊來享受美食兼學習新技能吧！
