Drag Race royalty Kitty Scott-Claus brought the house down at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh, tonight with a fabulously fierce performance at the five-star visitor attraction to celebrate Pride Edinburgh which kicks off this weekend (22ndJune).
The talented queen took to the stage in an all singing, all dancing extravaganza for visitors to the Pride Edinburgh pre-show hosted in the Label Studio, one of the World’s Leading Spirit Experience’s first-class event spaces.
Head to Johnnie Walker Princes Street this Pride weekend to enjoy the best view of Edinburgh Castle in the city, cocktails, mocktails and so much more:
People across Edinburgh and the Lothians are being urged to turn the spotlight on their heroes of the high street.
Nominations have opened for the 2024 Scotland Loves Local Awards, which will see the nation’s town of the year crowned, alongside other accolades.
Organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the awards recognise and reward the dedication, determination and innovation which is making communities fit for the future.
The categories nationally are:
Town of the Year
Most Enterprising Community
Place Leader of the Year
Eight High Street Hero Awards will also be presented – one in each of the Scottish Parliament electoral regions.
This will recognise a person or organisation who has gone above and beyond to support people and make their community a better place to live, work and visit.
STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “There are people working tirelessly across Edinburgh and throughout the Lothians whose desire to make a difference is driving a new future for their community.
“Hard work and innovation is helping people and places to manage the cost of living, tackle the climate emergency while transforming places to become better, fairer, more attractive and successful.
“The Scotland Loves Local Awards are a chance to shine a spotlight on the determination and collaboration which really is improving lives in so many ways.”
Spearheaded by STP and supported by the Scottish Government, Scotland Loves Local is the movement encouraging people to create a better future for their community by choosing local. This is the fourth year in which the awards have been held.
Technology solutions company Vicinity, which works with councils and business improvement districts to provide data and audience insights to promote local places and economies, is sponsoring the Town of the Year category.
Chief Executive Henry Jinmansaid: “Our work gives us a fascinating insight into what makes places tick and we are delighted to work alongside STP to help foster a culture of innovation and collaboration in Scotland’s Towns and Places.
“That is why we are delighted to be supporting the Town of the Year category, to shine a spotlight on fantastic work being carried out by organisations and individuals across the country, making a real difference to places and the people who live there.”
Award nominations can be made at www.lovelocal.scot/awards, where full category criteria can also be found. There, you can briefly share the details of your nominee and why you would like to see them recognised.
The closing date for nominations is 5pm on Friday, August 23rd 2024. Finalists will be announced in September with presentations made to winners in October.
The achievements of finalists will also be celebrated at the Scotland’s Towns Conference in Perth on November 27th.
Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS)’s 2024 Rocking Horse Ball, sponsored by Thorntons Solicitors, has raised £95,000 (after costs) to help support children with life-shortening conditions and their families.
The annual event, which had an Aladdin ’Whole New World’ theme this year, took place at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh on Friday 7 June.
Guests at the event, which is recognised as one of the capital’s most-loved charity dinners, enjoyed a night of wonder with Aladdin-themed games amongst a backdrop of flying carpets and magic lamps.
Comedian and singer Jess Robinson hosted the event, supported by compere Alex Fleming, who entertained guests throughout evening, including during the live auction, while music was provided by Edinburgh band duo BLEEKER.
Guest of honour at the event was CHAS parent speaker, Andy White from Fife who spoke about the care and support he received from Rachel House hospice in Kinross when his son Leo died in March 2022, aged just six years old.
Leading full-service law firm Thorntons offers a full range of legal services to businesses and private clients across the country, with partners regularly volunteering and raising money for CHAS. Lead partner at the firm’s Edinburgh office, Clare Macpherson, is also a member of the Rocking Horse Ball’s event committee.
Diane Alton, CHAS’s high-profile events manager, said: “We are proud and privileged to have the continued support from Thorntons for a third year for our seventh Rocking Horse Ball.
“With their very generous sponsorship, we were able to wow our guests from start to finish, creating an incredible and memorable event that raised an incredible £95,000 after costs for CHAS.”
Clare Macpherson said: “It’s remarkable and humbling to witness the difference CHAS makes to families across Scotland.
“We’ve long supported the CHAS Rocking Horse Ball and this year’s event was yet another success, entertaining all who attended and raising funds for a very important cause. We look forward to continuing our partnership with CHAS and supporting its life-changing work.”
SCOTLAND star Scott McTominay paid a surprise visit to a Glasgow primary school prior to starring in the Tartan Army’s Euro 2024 adventure to send an important message about contact lenses.
The Manchester United midfielder, who is currently in action for his country in Germany and scored in Scotland’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland, visited Riverbank Primary School in Glasgow’s East End to spread awareness about the benefits and safe use of contact lenses.
A contact lens user himself, Scott enjoyed the special day, arranged by Specsavers as a part of their sponsorship of the Scotland National Team, joining in with fun sports day activities, including races and a football egg and spoon race, to show how lenses helped him on his journey to become a professional footballer.
Discussing his own need for contacts, Scott says: ‘I wore glasses at school but didn’t wear them as much as I should. Then at 15, I switched to contact lenses, and it truly transformed my life—especially on the pitch.
‘If I did try to play sports in them I did sometimes find it a little bit difficult. That’s why the contact lenses have made a huge difference – as soon as I got used to putting them in it did genuinely change my life.
‘I had a great day with the kids, sharing my experiences. It’s important for me to do what I can to help younger generations.’
Scott’s need for contacts is well documented – during a recent Champions League match, McTominay faced an unusual challenge. After an accidental collision with Neymar, he lost a lens, leaving him partially sighted. Needing a clean face and hands to safely put in a fresh contact lens, Scott had to see out the first half using just one eye.
Speaking about the experience, he adds: ‘I panicked a bit and I didn’t know what to do. To change them, you need clean hands and a clean face, so I rushed in during half-time to wash.
“It’s probably the craziest experience I’ve had on a football field. We’ll have to review the footage to see if there were any wayward passes!
‘Genuinely, having contact lenses is my superpower because if I didn’t have them, and playing at the elite standard of football that I play in, I wouldn’t be able to play.
‘Glasses are amazing and I love winding down in the evening in them, but the contact lenses are a game changer. They open so many doors in my life and I wouldn’t be in this position today if I didn’t have them.
‘Your eyesight should never hold you back from doing anything that you love.’
Delighted to have Scott visit the school, head teacher Tommy Hynes says: ‘Having such an inspirational figure and leader as Scott visit the school was a special moment for the pupils.
‘It was heartening to hear his tales of overcoming his eyesight to become a professional footballer and he was fantastic with the children on the day as we conducted a mini sports day.
‘We wish Scott and the rest of the Scotland team all the very best at the Euros.’
Cyrenians, NHS Lothians LEAP, and Edinburgh Alcohol and Drug Partnership have been successful in a recent Corra Foundation grant bid to develop and implement a Women’s Recovery House in Edinburgh.
The House, for patients moving on from residential recovery in the LEAP program, offers women who do not have a safe home to return to the opportunity to continue their recovery supported by their peers.
The first of its kind in Edinburgh, the house creates a level playing field for women, who until this point have had limited options available upon completing the 12 week LEAP programme.
Amy Hutton, Director of Services at Cyrenians said, “This is a fantastic step forward in supporting the recovery community, particularly women who have been underserved in this area for quite some time.
‘We know, from experience, that highly traumatised women don’t fare well in standard service delivery environments, so to be able to offer a bespoke, safe home, truly is groundbreaking.
‘Men in Edinburgh completing the LEAP programme have benefited from a similar model for many years, so this new Women’s House really levels the playing field and helps us continue providing peer support to women who otherwise would be isolated in their recovery.”
This new funding not only allows the partnership to provide accommodation beyond the LEAP programme, but will also support the development of a Wellbeing Coordinator, providing assistance to patients throughout the LEAP programme and during their stay at the Recovery House.
Viki Fox, LEAP Manager for Cyrenians added: “The number of women attending our LEAP programme has been increasing year on year. To have this move on option available for those who would otherwise be discharged into an unsafe home, or indeed, homelessness, is a fantastic step forward to improving their quality of life and ability to stay in recovery.
‘By providing additional support through our wellbeing coordinator we will be able to offer practical and emotional support that will help build self-esteem and independence.
‘Recovery is only the first step – learning to live again beyond addiction takes time, and without support can feel overwhelming and thankless. The support from Corra Foundation allows us to address this need directly, and ultimately will provide women in Edinburgh the chance to rebuild their lives on their own terms.”
Queensferry One’s storied past as a naval dockyard began in the early 1900s, supporting the Royal Navy’s operations throughout both World Wars. The Rosyth Dockyard played a crucial role in shipbuilding, repair and refitting, with its expansive dry docks and cranes becoming iconic landmarks. After the decline of naval activities, the site shifted focus, adapting to the needs of the modern industrial economy.
In recent years, Queensferry One has embraced its role as a hub for new industries. The shift from military to civilian use has paved the way for extensive redevelopment, positioning the site as a strategic asset within the Forth Green Freeport.
The Role of Scarborough Muir Group in Queensferry One’s Transformation
A driving force behind the redevelopment of Queensferry One has been Scarborough Muir Group (SMG), a 50:50 joint venture between the Yorkshire-based property developer, Scarborough Group International, and Inverkeithing-based contractor, Muir Group. Since acquiring the site in the late 1990s, SMG has been instrumental in transforming the former naval dockyard into an oven-ready development site.
Following planning permission for enabling works in 2003, SMG embarked on an extensive land remediation strategy to prepare the site for development.
This ambitious project included the challenging task of demolishing a bomb-proof bunker that had stored fuel for naval ships during wartime. The bunker, comprising over one million tonnes of reinforced concrete, was meticulously broken up using explosives.
The resulting material was repurposed as hardcore for various infrastructure projects throughout Fife, showcasing a sustainable approach to redevelopment.
The comprehensive remediation works were completed in early 2023, laying the groundwork for the creation of up to 1.2 million square feet of employment space across 120 acres of land.
A Strategic Gateway to Renewable Opportunities
With the designation of Special Tax Site status under the Forth Green Freeport, which became effective from 12 June 2024, Queensferry One is ideally positioned to attract a diverse range of businesses, particularly those in the renewable energy and advanced manufacturing sectors.
The Freeport’s incentives, including tax reliefs and streamlined customs processes, alongside the site’s oven-ready status, provide an attractive proposition for companies looking to invest in Scotland’s industrial and economic future.
Simon McCabe, Chief Executive at Scarborough Group, said: “Scotland’s push towards a net-zero future is accelerating and, with significant renewable energy projects slated for development, the demand for high-quality, strategically-located industrial and logistics space is at an all-time high.
“Queensferry One offers unparalleled opportunities for businesses to establish a presence within the Forth Green Freeport, providing a flexible accommodation options tailored to their operational needs.”
Spanning over 120 acres, Queensferry One boasts ample room for development, offering flexibility and space for businesses to grow and innovate. With its proximity to the Forth’s deep water access points, and excellent transport links including rail and motorway connections, the site is primed for companies in the renewables and manufacturing sectors.
A Vision for the Future
The inclusion of Queensferry One in the Forth Green Freeport initiative brings a wealth of opportunities not only for businesses but also for the local community. The expected influx of investment and development is set to create significant employment opportunities, reinvigorating the local economy and fostering long-term growth.
The strategic location of Queensferry One offers businesses direct access to the vibrant energy sector in Scotland. With the ongoing development of offshore wind farms and other renewable energy projects in the North Sea, the site provides an ideal base for companies looking to capitalise on Scotland’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable practices.
Simon McCabe added: “Our focus is on providing a platform where businesses can thrive in a supportive and innovative environment.
“The combination of Queensferry One’s rich history, strategic location and Freeport benefits creates a compelling case for companies seeking to relocate or expand their operations in Scotland.”
As Queensferry One continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of adaptation and growth. From its roots as a naval dockyard to its future as a linchpin in one of Scotland’s two Green Freeports, Queensferry One is set to play a pivotal role in the country’s journey towards a sustainable and prosperous future.
Supporting sustainable and regenerative farming and crofting
MSPs have backed legislation that will transform how the Scottish Government supports farming and food production.
The Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill will ensure the Scottish Government can help farmers and crofters to produce more food more sustainably, supporting their essential role in climate mitigation and nature restoration. It will allow for a framework of payments that is responsive to the sector’s needs.
This legislation will also drive support for rural communities, the economy, and for land management and the environment.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Agriculture is vital to our economy. Our Vision for Agriculture sets out how the Government will support farming and food production in Scotland to become a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture.
“The Bill provides a future framework that will help deliver this Vision, supporting farmers and crofters to meet our immediate and long-term food needs sustainably and to adapt to new opportunities and challenges. It will enable the delivery of support schemes that will ensure that agriculture continues to play its part in cutting emissions, mitigating climate change, enhancing nature and biodiversity, together with food production.
“Our food and farming sectors have a critical role to play in a sustainable, resilient food system. As we transition to a new framework of support, we will do this in a way that is just, that ensures no cliff edges in support and by taking our agricultural industry and rural communities with us.”
Road policing officers are appealing for information after an 83-year-old female pedestrian was seriously injured in a crash in the Colinton area.
The crash involving a red Vauxhall Corsa, happened on Woodhall Road, Edinburgh at the junction with Dreghorn Loan shortly after 3.44pm yesterday (Tuesday, 18 June).
The 47-year-old female driver of the Vauxhall was not injured.
The 83-year-old woman was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment.
The road was closed to allow for crash investigations to take place.
Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances and officers are appealing for witnesses.
Road Policing Sergeant Fraser Mitchell said: “Our investigation into this crash is ongoing and I would urge anyone who has information to get in touch.
“We would be keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the crash or saw the red Vauxhall before the crash occurred. If anyone has any dashcam footage from the area, please let us know.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2168 of 18 June, 2024.
EVOC has announced a strategic review that puts a renewed commitment to supporting the community and voluntary sector in Edinburgh at its heart.
The ongoing cost of living crisis is hitting groups and organisations hard and this is a chance to refocus on creating a strong sector for a strong city.
An engagement programme will take place in the coming months, involving the sector in shaping a new EVOC strategy, and to ensure stakeholders are fully briefed on the changes.
After 3 years, Bridie Ashrowan has decided to step down as Chief Executive of EVOC to concentrate on research interests around nature-based learning and biodiversity recovery.
In the meantime, two interims have been appointed to lead EVOC through this period of change – David Peace (Interim Chief Executive) and Claire Ritchie (Strategic Advisor to the Board).
Bridie’s tenure at EVOC has brought many successes. She has been a strong advocate for investment in the community and voluntary sector, to support organisations through the ongoing cost crisis, and to strengthen sector capabilities to lead change.
Against a background of decreased funding and increased running costs, EVOC is focused on reducing costs and delivering a balanced budget for the year ahead. This will include an analysis of the current organisational structure.
EVOC Convenor, Diarmaid Lawlor said:“Firstly, I would like to thank Bridie for her commitment, passion and advocacy for the voluntary sector during her tenure at EVOC and we wish her well in her next ventures.
“Our focus continues to be the wellbeing of the many community and voluntary organisations who play such a vital role in the city. We are working with partners and funders to make sure that remains our top priority throughout this strategic review.”
David Peace added: “As Interim Chief Executive, I will be working with staff, Claire and the Board to refocus our efforts and ensure we continue to support voluntary and community groups in delivering core programmes and activities in the city.
“As a sector leader we remain focused on building a strong, sustainable and resilient future for our sector. I welcome engagement with the sector, partners and funders to help shape the way ahead collectively.”
We are more used to seeing him sitting high up in the coach’s box at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on matchday, but Scotland Rugby Head Coach Gregor Townsend yesterday swapped one lofty position for another as he ascended the iconic Forth Bridge to help launch a much-loved Barnardo’s fundraiser.
The charity’s ‘Your View’ event – now in its sixth year – affords members of the public one of the most sought after and unique experiences in Scotland; namely the chance to ascend 361 feet up the historic bridge and enjoy an uninterrupted 360-degree panoramic view of the Edinburgh and Fife coastline.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience has brought joy to thousands and raised vital funds for the work of Barnardo’s Scotland.
Gregor Townsend said: “I have long admired the work that Barnardo’s Scotland undertakes to support thousands of children, young people and their families across the country, so it is a pleasure to be a part of the launch of this year’s Your View event.
“Standing on top of the world-famous Forth Bridge has been a superb experience – the views are amazing – and I would encourage people to take this rare opportunity to climb the bridge. As well as enjoying this bucket-list moment, you will also be contributing to the work of Barnardo’s as it continues to do so much to help young people all over Scotland.”
Your View 2024, which is run in conjunction with Network Rail and Balfour Beatty, will take place from Friday, 20th to Sunday, 22nd September, with tickets going on sale at 10am on Thursday (20th June).
To date, more than 5,200 visitors have experienced the event and there have been no fewer than ten marriage proposals on the vertiginous viewing platform.
Best of all, though, the event has raised more than £325,000 to fund the work of Barnardo’s Scotland. To find out more, or to book tickets for the event, please visit: www.barnardos.org.uk/events/your-view-forth-bridge.
Martin Crewe, Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “Your View is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event for those lucky enough to secure a ticket. Not only is it a never-to-be-forgotten experience for those atop the iconic bridge, it is also a crucial fundraiser for Barnardo’s Scotland as we continue to support children, young people and their families throughout the country.
“We cannot thank Gregor Townsend enough for his support for the event and the wider work of our charity. I must admit that it was one of the more surreal moments of my career to be alongside the Scotland Rugby Head Coach more than 350 feet above the Firth of Forth!”
Martin Crewe added: “As I am often reminded, tickets for Your View sell out very quickly indeed, so I would urge all of those keen to attend to sign up as quickly as possible. And, who knows, we might even get to enjoy another Your View wedding proposal this year!
“Your View would not be possible without the generosity of Network Rail and Balfour Beatty, and I wish to thank both organisations and our wonderful volunteers for making this special weekend happen.”
Colin Hardie, Construction Superintendent for Balfour Beatty, said: “At Balfour Beatty, we are committed to giving back to the communities we serve. The Your View event is one example of how we do just that, raising valuable funds to support disadvantaged children and families in Scotland.
“It has been an honour to work alongside Barnardo’s Scotland once again, to offer members of the public this memorable experience on one of the most iconic, unique and admired structures in the world – the Forth Bridge.”
Also featuring over the weekend will be the famous ‘Briggers’. The Briggers are a Forth Bridge research and presentation group of volunteers based in South Queensferry. Named after the bridge workers, the group was formed to identify the names of the 73 men and boys who died constructing the Forth Bridge, they provide details on the history of the bridge and the people involved in its construction.
In the past year, Barnardo’s has provided essential support to more than 11,500 children, young people, parents and carers in Scotland through more than 150 specialised community-based services and partnerships across the country.
The charity works to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life.
