Sir Jackie Stewart collected a special commission from Laings’ jewellery workshop ahead of the much-anticipated Sir Jackie Stewart Classic Festival of Motoring charity event.
The stunning 2ct carat white gold diamond and sapphire necklet helped raise funds for Race Against Dementia – the charity founded by Sir Jackie to fund research into prevention and treatment for dementia, a disease that affects 50 million people worldwide including his beloved wife, Helen.
Influenced by the rugged Scottish landscape, the showpiece features a dramatic thistle and stag inspired sapphire centrepiece, which has been carefully set alongside over 100 pavé diamonds.
With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, Sir Jackie worked closely with Laings on the contemporary piece, which also includes a hand engraving to mark the momentous weekend-long event at Thirlestane Castle.
Exploring his remarkable career through an exhibition of impressive memorabilia, this commission also reflects Sir Jackie’s personal treasures, having formed a long-standing relationship with family jeweller Laings early in his career.
He even marked his retirement from F1 motor racing in 1974 by gifting Lady Helen Stewart a custom-made Laings choker, featuring three rows of pearls for his three World Champion titles, 27 rubies for his 27 Grand Prix wins and 99 diamonds for the 99 Grand Prix he entered.
Sarah Alexandar, lead designer at Laings who conceptualised the Festival of Motoring necklet, said: “I have always been aware that the relationship between Sir Jackie and Laings dates back decades – not least because the newspaper cutting from the 1974 commission still adorns the showroom wall today.
“That’s why it was important for us to create a truly exceptional piece for such a worthy cause. A piece that can be cherished for generations.”
Christmas at the Botanics returns for 2022 with new and otherworldly installations
With fewer than 200 sleeps until Christmas, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is finalising plans to welcome back Christmas at the Botanics for its sixth year.
The annual festive marvel will once again light up the capital’s night sky with a one mile illuminated trail, running for six weeks from 17 November to 30 December (selected evenings only).
New installations at the Botanics for 2022 include:
· Floraison, from the French artistic collective, Pitaya, takes flora and fauna to a new level. A total of 240 red, glowing flowers will appear to blossom on trees along the path of the Chinese Hillside bringing an ethereal vibe to the trail.
· Aurora, from UK artists ITHACA, makes its first ever appearance in Scotland. A new overhead piece, the installation recreates the visual tones of the stunning Aurora Borealis with waves of colour.
· Feathers, by UK artists Pyrite Creative, sees UV feathers measuring up to two meters, appear to float gracefully in the trees above visitors as they pass by.
Returning festive favourites include the magnificent Christmas Cathedral, Inverleith House projection and – making its return for 2022 – the Laser Garden, which will for the first time in Edinburgh feature rainbow lasers casting beams and thousands of coloured dots across the surrounding landscape.
The 2021 trail attracted the biggest audience in its six-year history – welcoming more than 90,000 visitors over its five-week run. With the capital able to again welcome visitors from across the UK and internationally, organisers are aiming for another record-breaking year, as family and friends come together to enjoy the festivities.
Kari Coghill, Director of Enterprise and Communication, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh said: “We work hard all year to display the fruits of the seasons through our magnificent plant collections.
“Opening the Garden on a crisp winter’s evening continues to be special as visitors can experience this wonderful place in a very different light – all while enjoying a hot chocolate or toasting a marshmallow with friends or family.
“Ticket sales from Christmas at the Botanics help us to maintain the Garden and continue our work in plant research, conservation, horticulture and education. I look forward to throwing open our gates and welcoming everyone to the trail in November.”
Jonathan Marks, Director at Raymond Gubbay, a division of Sony Music, which promotes the event, added: “Creating festive traditions with family or friends is something to be cherished.
“Christmas at the Botanics has become a milestone moment which kicks off the season for so many people. It’s the perfect get-together for all ages. As with last year, we are again able to welcome larger groups and I can’t wait to see everyone enjoying the illuminated Garden.”
Tickets for this year’s show are on sale now. For further ticket information, pricing and timings, please visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Christmas at the Botanics is one of 14 illuminated trails staged across the UK by leading events promoter Raymond Gubbay Limited, a division of Sony Music. Christmas at the Botanics is presented in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and creative producer Culture Creative.
Military bands, veterans, and senior Armed Forces personnel will join a parade through Edinburgh’s centre tomorrow to show support for servicemen, women, and their families.
The Depute Lord Provost Cllr Lezley Cameron will take part in the event to celebrate Armed Forces Day, organised by Legion Scotland in partnership with the city council.
Starting in Charlotte Square, the Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Royal Air Force Central Scotland Pipes and Drums, and Legion Scotland standard bearers will lead the parade along George Street at 10:15am.
They will march to St Andrew Square for a short address by the Depute Lord Provost. This will be followed by entertainment from both bands, Legion Scotland Sweetheart Amy Hawthorn, Fiona Liddle, Jack Hinks and Maria Townley. There will also a variety of stalls, including from Poppyscotland, Legion Scotland, and other charities.
Formerly known as “Veterans Day”, the annual event is marked each year around the UK and is a chance to pay tribute to the Armed Forces community.
Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “This is a chance to come together and show our appreciation for all those who have served, past and present, and their families. It’s a day to remember the sacrifices that our Armed Forces make every day and commemorate their dedication and commitment.
“This is always an uplifting and morale-boosting event, and we’re especially delighted to return to normal after two difficult years. We’re pleased to be working with the City of Edinburgh Council and presenting an exciting and varied programme of entertainment.
“We’d encourage people throughout the city and beyond to come along, show their support, and enjoy a day out.”
Gordon Couch (57), was yesterday found guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court of Embezzlement after a three-week long trial.
Mr Couch has been convicted of embezzling £170,000 of funds from Marjorie Stewart, from Edinburgh, both prior to and after her death in September 2013 when he was acting as her Independent Financial Advisor, was her Power of Attorney and the Executor of her Will which afforded him trusted access to funds.
An investigation was launched in 2016 after Mrs Stewart’s family raised concerns about Mr Couch’s conduct including the misappropriation of funds.
Mr Couch had by this time moved to Hong Kong and officers began efforts to secure his return to the UK to face charges. He was finally arrested in 2019 after returning to the UK.
Detective Sergeant Craig Potter said: “This was a complex case covering a large number of years where the power and control afforded to one person was able to be abused.
“Marjorie Stewart’s family were key to uncovering the misappropriation and have shown exemplary conduct throughout the long wait for the case to come to court. Hopefully all the witnesses are afforded some closure by today’s verdict.”
Should you have criminal concerns with regard to Power of Attorney or financial issues, police should be contacted.
If you have concerns about anyone carrying out any of the roles for someone else then advice can always be sought from the relevant regulatory body:
A bumper summer of family fun awaits at Conifox Adventure Park where a host of eclectic events is scheduled to entertain everyone, from fans of fairies, Peter Pan and pirates to American car enthusiasts.
The amusement starts on June 29 with a magical evening of open-air theatre and a performance of David Walliams’ Awful Auntie. Adapted for the outdoors by Heartbreak Productions, the thrilling tale includes owls, ghosts, chases, escapes and motorcycle rides as heiress and orphan Stella Saxby outwits her awful Aunt Alberta and her giant owl.
Performed over two hours and suitable for age five years and upwards, it is an outdoor, all-weather event and attendees should bring picnic blankets or chairs.
FoxFest, specially designed for children and families, follows on July 2 and 3. Festival-goers can soak up the atmosphere in the Event Field during a bumper weekend of entertainment featuring: Magic Gareth, a family magic show; Ray Bubbles, world record-holding soap bubble artist; Comedy 4 Kids Club, a hilarious show for a family audience; Fun Scientists with the UK’s Number 1 science presenter, crazy experiments and crowd interaction; Dupa Lipa, a dazzling Dua Lipa tribute act and Rogue Circus including amazing acts by mirror men, stilt walkers and fire performers.
There are standard and VIP tickets available plus additional activities such as a funfair, climbing wall and face painting.
The following weekend, July 10, sees the Adventure Park rev up for the return of its American Car Show, which celebrates some of the best vintage and supercars from the United States. Don your cowboy boots and dance to the DJ’s sounds or grab a snack from the BBQs as you check out the motors. The Adventure Park and Activity Centre are also open alongside this event.
The car show is swiftly followed by a week of Dynamic Dinosaurs from July 11-17. Back bigger and better than ever, visitors can get up close and immerse themselves in a prehistoric world. Discover amazing fossils in the dig pit, meet friendly baby dinosaurs, see the Dinosaur Rangers introduce amazing “live” dinosaurs and listen to some fascinating facts and stories in a fun-packed 45-minute show. Pet the dinos and grab a photo or watch them as they roam around.
On July 23 the open-air theatre is back for llyria Theatre’s wonderful production of Peter Pan and takes place during the Conifox Cove Pirate Weekendof July 22-24. Suitable for ages five and upwards, the play starts at 5.30pm with a running time of approx. 1hr 40 mins. Again, picnic blankets and chairs are recommended for the all-weather event.
The performance is just one aspect of an unforgettable weekend when the infamous pirates of Conifox Cove take over the Adventure Park. Packed with pirate adventures, sea shanties and buried treasures, visitors can meet and interact with the spectacular inhabitants of Conifox and live out their own pirate story.
Head into the maze to the land of pirates, bumbling buccaneers and whole cast of colourful characters. Solve the interactive treasure trail for an exclusive prize – best of all, Conifox Cove is included with entry to the Adventure Park.
The Magic Forest comes to Conifox on Aug 5-7 with a Fairy Weekend, where the Fairy Godmother and her friends will be joining the team from the magical land of Fairy. Head into the magical forest maze and follow the interactive trail, meet the fairies and follow the clues to discover the Garden of the Fairy Godmother.
Once you find it, stop to hear stories and experience the wonderful world of the Magic Forest. And there will be prize for all children who can follow the magical trail and find their way!
James Gammell, Managing Director of Conifox Adventure Park, says: “We’ve had the most amazing fun dreaming up this fabulous programme of events and we can’t wait to see the reactions of all our visitors.
“There really is something for everyone this year. We’ve packed a lot in, but then we’ve had a lot of catching up to do over the last couple of years, and we’re making up for everything that we all missed out on – and more. It’s going to be just a fantastic summer of fun.”
For more details about all the events mentioned and to find ticket prices and terms and conditions, visit https://www.conifox.co.uk/whats-on/
A new sports and outdoor centre next to Trinity Academy in north Edinburgh will open its doors to pupils and the community in August.
Over £10m has been invested by the City of Edinburgh Council in the Bangholm Sports and Outdoor Centre which is part of a wider project which will see a new Trinity Academy school delivered by 2026.
The development is part of the Council’s ambitious Wave 4 new schools programme which will see a number of schools replaced or refurbished in the city over the next 10 years. The secondary schools are Liberton, Currie, Wester Hailes and Balerno.
As part of this programme the Council is progressing the project to replace and refurbish Trinity Academy in two phases. The first one will see the sports facility opening in August and then phase two will see the start of the design process for the replacement and refurbishment of the school on the main site.
The strategic plan is to keep and refurbish the original red sandstone Victorian building on Craighall Road, demolish all the other buildings and construct new facilities which will adjoin the original building ready for it opening in 2026.
There will be wide consultation with the school and wider community which included the Community Council meeting on Tuesday 13 June. Engagement work is ongoing with school staff and after the summer break there will be more detailed discussions with the school parents and cluster primary school communities.
In line with the Council’s commitment to creating 20-minute neighbourhoods the school will be designed to have wider community access. The next major milestone will be submission of the planning application at the end of the year with construction aiming to start in summer 2023.
Nick Burge, Head Teacher at Trinity Academy, said: “Having visited the site regularly over the last nine months, the new PE and Sport facilities at Bangholm look excellent. I have worked closely with the design team and feel very lucky to have seen the plans become a reality.
“We have a very healthy PE curriculum as well as our extensive after school competitive and recreational sports programme. The new facilities including the strength and condition suites, dance studio, gym and games hall, provide a wonderful environment for everyone in our school to access during and after the school day.
“This is fantastic new horizon for our school and I am very grateful to everyone, particularly the current project team, the PE staff and our parent body who have worked tirelessly to get us to this point. “
Of course this is only the first of a number of new and exciting horizons ahead of us as a school. The plans for developing the main school site are under way, with these being shared for feedback with the community early in the new academic session.
“I have and will continue to work closely with this new design team as we all work to deliver a school environment that ably delivers both excellence and equity for all of the young people and families we serve at Trinity Academy.”
Cllr Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener, for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “It’s great to hear that the new sports and outdoor centre will be opening after the summer as it will provide excellent facilities for both the school and wider community.
“This project is part of our exciting Wave 4 replacement school building programme which has already seen a new Castlebrae High School open at Easter. Work has started on a new Currie Community High School and plans are in place for more improvements at Liberton, Wester Hailes and Balerno.
“Despite the effects of the pandemic on the construction industry a number of new schools have opened in the past year, including both primary and special schools.
“We will carry on with our plans that will see more than £500m planned investment over the next decade as we’re committed to creating a first-class learning estate and ensuring all our children have the best possible learning environment in which to flourish.”
The Bangholm Sports and Outdoor Centre will include a four-court sports hall, gym hall, dance studio and fitness suite, and will become the new home to the school’s PE department.
The Council’s Sport and Outdoor Learning Unit will also have a base in the centre so they can support outdoor learning in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.
Dogs Trust is spending the summer honouring their fantastic foster carers by shouting Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday!
The charity’s bases in West Calder and Dundee are collaborating throughout the summer to share all the fantastic benefits fostering can bring to both people and dogs. The online celebration is inspired by the incredible efforts of the charity’s foster carers to help dogs prepare for the next stages of their rehoming journey.
Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday, shortened to TDIFF, is a play on the popular phrase ‘Thank God It’s Friday’ (TGIF), typically used to mark the end of the working week. But for Dogs Trust, the celebration of foster carers isn’t limited to the weekend.
Over the next six weeks, Dogs Trust West Calder and Dogs Trust Dundee will be highlighting success stories, real-life fostering experiences, and the joys of opening your heart and home to a dog in need across their social media pages. Followers will also get a peek at all the dogs in their area currently looking for foster homes.
“We couldn’t rehome as many dogs as we do without the help of our foster carers,” said Shona Crosbie, Home from Home Coordinator at Dogs Trust West Calder. “We’re thankful for everything our carers do to help get our dogs back on their paws. And we know our dogs are grateful for their love and support too!”
Foster carers play a major role in helping dogs prepare for a happy future in a new home. There are countless advantages of getting involved in the scheme. It is the perfect way for dog lovers to experience the joy of rehoming without the long-term commitment. Fosterers also receive the committed support of the Dogs Trust team, being provided with everything they need to support their foster dog, from food and bedding to covering veterinary costs.
The event will promote Dogs Trust’s continued fostering expansion throughout Scotland. Having successfully rehomed 140 dogs through their fostering scheme in 2021, Dogs Trust West Calder have recently extended their Home from Home reach across the whole of the Lothians and the Scottish Borders. Dogs Trust Dundee launched earlier this year, rehoming their first dog in the northeast of Scotland in May.
Susan Tonner, West Calder’s Centre Manager said: “We would love to invite more people to join our Home from Home scheme. By recruiting more foster carers, we can increase our support across Scotland and find even more perfect homes for dogs in need.”
The six-week-long celebration will conclude with in-person events on Friday 12 August between 2pm-3.30pm. These events will be an excellent chance for budding participants to meet current foster carers, hear about their experiences, and ask questions. Dogs Trust Home from Home Coordinators will be on hand to provide information and share more about the benefits of fostering.
People based in the Lothians and Scottish Borders can attend an event on 12 August between 2-3.30pm at the Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre in West Calder. Those based in the northeast of Scotland can join Dogs Trust Dundee at The Glass Pavilion in Broughty Ferry on 12 August between 2-3.30pm.
Follow the Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday celebration by keeping an eye on #TDIFF on Twitter and Instagram. See all the latest updates on Dogs Trust West Calder on twitter @DT_WestCalder and Insta @dogstrust_westcalder and Dogs Trust Dundee on twitter @DT_Dundee_ and Insta @dt_dundee
Zero Waste Scotland and the Scottish Government have today (Friday 24 June 2022) launched a new £2m fund to help reduce the environmental burden of textiles.
The Circular Textiles Fund will go directly to businesses across the textiles industry in Scotland, from fashion to upholstery.
Textiles have an extremely high environmental impact – with Zero Waste Scotland’s latest Carbon Metric report showing textiles, which make up just four per cent of waste by weight, account for nearly a third (32 per cent) of the carbon impact of Scotland’s household waste.
The Circular Textiles Fund will support innovative projects that have what it takes to be part of Scotland’s circular economy, in which resources are valued and made to last. Applications to the fund can be from individual businesses or represent a collaboration between businesses to achieve the objectives below.
Potential business models include those that:
reduce demand for new textiles, such as clothing and textile rental, reuse, and repair services;
employ sustainable manufacturing processes;
reduce in-life environmental impacts, such as mitigating the pollution from washing textiles and making them easier to reuse and repair; and
maximise the amount of textile waste that is captured and recycled.
Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said:“As a nation, we need to rethink the way we make, buy, and use products and take action to consume more responsibly. Businesses have a key role to play in facilitating that shift, helping customers make more sustainable purchasing decisions while also contributing to a greener economy.
“With textiles responsible for such a significant chunk of the carbon footprint of Scotland’s household waste it’s vital that we move away from a throwaway approach to products and materials and make things last instead. The Circular Textiles Fund is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to be part of the solution.”
This announcement comes shortly after the Scottish Government launched two public consultations on proposals for a Circular Economy Bill and Route Map to 2025. The consultations form part of strategic plans to deliver Scotland’s zero waste and circular economy ambitions.
Lorna Slater, Circular Economy Minister, said:“Every material that is wasted comes at a cost to our planet, but it’s clear that textiles are having a disproportionate environmental impact.
“From fashion to furniture, there are huge opportunities for businesses with creative ideas to help address that problem. That’s why we are creating the £2million Circular Textiles Fund, which will help businesses in Scotland turn their proposals into reality.
“Alongside our Circular Economy Bill, this will help grow the number of sustainable businesses in Scotland and help prevent textiles from ending up in landfill or incineration.”
Rebekah Chapman, Production Technician at Kalopsia Collective said:“The circular economy is a big deal for Kalopsia and we have worked hard to minimise every aspect of our environmental impact. For us it’s a passion, and it’s one we know is shared by many working in the Scottish textiles sector.
“We’re delighted to help launch the Circular Textiles Fund and look forward to seeing more businesses doing things differently for the future of people and planet.”
Businesses that are interested in applying for the fund must fill out an Expression of Interest form, which can be downloaded from the Zero Waste Scotland website and submitted it to textiles@zerowastescotland.org.uk by 29 July 2022.
Expressions of Interest will be assessed against the criteria and applicants will be notified if they have been invited to stage two by 28 August 2022.
TORIES HAVE LITTLE TO CELEBRATE FOLLOWING BY-ELECTION HAMMERINGS
The UK Government will show its support for Scotland’s agriculture, food, drink and farming sectors when it takes part in the Royal Highland Show.
The four-day event, the first full show since 2019, gives the rural industries and members of the public the chance to speak to Ministers and staff from a range of government departments about what is important to them.
They will also be able to find out more about how the UK Government is delivering for people in Scotland.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack and UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord toured the Ingliston showground yesterday, and today will see UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart in attendance and Environment Secretary George Eustice is also due at the show.
Between them they’ll be meeting with a range of key stakeholders to discuss issues across agriculture, farming and Scotland’s world famous food and drink sectors, including gene editing technology, which farmers and bodies like the James Hutton Institute have been vocal in supporting.
Ministers will continue to urge the Scottish Government to join the UK Government in introducing legislation to cut red tape and support the development of innovative tech to grow more resistant, more nutritious and more productive crops – reducing the need for pesticides and lowering costs to farmers.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “It’s fantastic that the Royal Highland Show is back, bigger and better than ever. It’s Scotland’s biggest agriculture event and made even more special this year with it being the 200th anniversary.
“The UK Government will be making full use of this opportunity to meet with key players from the various sectors who make such a huge contribution to our everyday lives and Scotland’s economy.
“It’s vital that the UK and Scottish Governments work together – as well as with businesses – to ensure our rural economy can continue to grow. Gene editing is an area where we can collaborate – and where we can really make a difference as we seek to strengthen our food security, tackle climate change and bring down food prices.
“Gene editing is not genetic modification. It is using science to speed up what farmers have done for generations – breeding new strains of crops that are more disease and drought resistant. The industry in Scotland is clear – it does not want to be left behind.”
Attracting almost 190,000 visitors, Scotland’s biggest outdoor event provides an important platform for show-goers to find out how the UK Government is delivering for people in Scotland.
This year representatives in the UK Government marquee include the department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Border Force, Her Majesty’s Coastguard, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the Department for Transport (DfT), the Department for International Trade (DIT), the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The British Armed Forces will also be present.
The Scottish Secretary will also host a reception with the Scotch Whisky Association, showcasing the best of the UK’s biggest food and drink export.
It’s unlikely that the Scottish Secretary, a loyal supporter of PM Boris Johnson, will be particularly keen to discuss last night’s cataclysmic by-election defeats. Doubtless we can expect: ‘mid term election by elections are an opportunity to give the government a kicking … we will listen to the public … we will learn the lessons … get on with the job … etc. .. etc. … etc.
