Category: Uncategorized

Grateful Edinburgh mum backs Sick Kids Christmas Appeal


An Edinburgh mum whose son has been in hospital at Christmas time every year since he was born is supporting a charity appeal to make this Christmas as magical as possible for children at the Sick Kids.

Claire Narrie’s son Josh, age 3, was born with a complex heart condition and has spent much of his short life in and out of intensive care.

Claire said: “When Josh was born in 2017, he spent six months in intensive care, so we knew his first Christmas would be in hospital.

“In December 2018 though, things were looking good. We allowed ourselves to get excited to finally be at home for Christmas. Josh had been invited to some little parties with his friends, we had bought lots of presents and we were desperate to take him to see the Christmas lights in town – something we’d tried to do the year before but missed out on.

“But Josh became really unwell and we found ourselves back in intensive care at the Sick Kids. He had a common virus but because of his heart, lung and immune system problems, it floored him.

“It’s devastating to be robbed of Christmas. Every year, as Josh’s friends have put their Christmas jammies on and laid out mince pies and milk for Santa, we have sat at our little boy’s bedside, willing him to keep fighting.”

Claire and husband John will always be grateful for all the care and support both they and Josh received while in hospital over the festive period.

Now, the family are backing Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity’s (ECHC) new Christmas appeal, which aims to “give Christmas back” to those children and young people who are unfortunately too ill to spend it at home this year.

Claire continued: “When you’re in hospital, everything goes on hold. Time just stops. Your baby is all that matters. Especially when you’re upstairs in critical care, it is isolating and the days are long. But the support provided by ECHC has made such a difference to every Christmas we have spent in hospital. 

“The activities and visitors arranged by the charity throughout December have always given us things to look forward to, and break up the day. On the most difficult days, we have left the hospital feeling uplifted.


“Josh had met the Scotland Rugby Team in the past and when they came to the ward they remembered him and spent special time with him. Christina the ballerina was wonderful and he loved Rhys the musician who sang songs with him. When he was well enough, we would go for little walks and he loved to find the charity’s Living Advent Calendar Doors hidden around the hospital.

“This year, we are desperate for Josh to be well and at home but the anxiety is crippling. We really hope we don’t have to spend another Christmas in hospital but we know if we do, ECHC will be there for us and all the children like Josh. Alongside the amazing NHS teams, they’ll make sure that families won’t miss out on the magic and joy. The kids will be treated like the heroes they are.”

Victoria Buchanan, from ECHC, said: “After such a difficult year, ECHC needs help now to give Christmas back to children at the Sick Kids. Due to the pandemic, restricted visiting is in place on hospital wards, which means no visits from siblings, grandparents or friends.

“With all the worry and limitations of lockdown and shielding for thousands of families this year, it is more important than ever that we ensure no child or young person in hospital misses out on the joy of the festive season.

“Every year, ECHC makes Christmas magical for children in hospital by creating a living advent calendar around the wards with a new surprise behind each door. It’s going to be a little different this year as we are unfortunately unable to have visits from large groups, such as Edinburgh’s football and rugby teams, but we are determined to make this the biggest and best Christmas yet, with everything from a real ballerina to festive magic sessions and a samba band!

“We also fund the parents’ accommodation so families can stay close to their children at Christmas, the hospital play team and Christmas gifts to make sure treats and distractions are always available to bring smiles and comfort.

“We rely solely on donations in order to do this. Please help by making a donation to ECHC this Christmas. You could give a child in hospital their Christmas back.”

To donate now to ECHC’s Give Christmas Back appeal, visit 

www.echcharity.org/christmas

#GiveChristmasBack

WHAT MADE IT BETTER? Edinburgh urged to get on board with anti-bullying drive

People in Edinburgh are being encouraged to support a campaign to address bullying behaviour among Scotland’s young people which has launched during Anti Bullying Week 2020 (16-20 November).

Led by Scotland’s anti-bullying service respectme, #WhatMadeItBetter? launches amid a changing landscape of bullying as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic, with 47% of young people in Scotland reporting that they saw or experienced online bullying during lockdown and 59% witnessing an increase in prejudice-based posts, comments and/or attitudes*.

The campaign seeks to empower young people with advice and approaches from those who have experienced bullying, after a consultation with young people and professionals highlighted that the management of bullying related incidents was a key area of concern.

With this in mind, respectme has created a suite of resources for primary and secondary aged children to help approach and guide conversations at a time when learning supervision is has been reduced, while also supporting young people with advice from those who have been there themselves.

Anyone involved in influencing the life of a young person is invited to download the free resources available at www.whatmadeitbetter.com.

Supporting the call is the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, John Swinney, who said: “Anti-Bullying Week is an ideal opportunity to send a clear message that bullying of any kind is completely unacceptable and when it occurs we all have a responsibility to address it.

“Children and young people need to be educated about all faiths and beliefs and learn about tolerance, respect, kindness and good citizenship. We want all children and young people to be able to speak to someone they trust when bullying happens and that is why campaigns like this are so important.

“I look forward to taking part in Anti-Bullying week to highlight to those being bullied, that things will get better, and how we can be that person that did make things better.”

Wendy Harrington, Director of respectme, said: “Young people are heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, with every aspect of their lives – from school to home to social activities – affected in some way.

“There’s a wealth of evidence highlighting a rise in bullying behaviour since lockdown, particularly in an online setting, which has no time boundary and is difficult to monitor and supervise. This makes Anti-Bullying Week and the campaign all the more poignant as we seek to start the conversation and share valuable advice.

“The #WhatMadeItBetter? resources are free for anyone to explore, and we’d urge adults who have experienced bulling to get involved and help us shape future resources by taking our online survey which looks at what more can be done to support young people.”

Take part in the #WhatMadeItBetter? survey at: www.whatmadeitbetter.com/resources

Speaking out to young people is James Allan, frontman of award-winning Scottish indie band Glasvegas, who shared his personal advice: “As humans, we carry so many experiences with us, and in some way can blame ourselves or believe what other people say.

“If anybody does experience these things, try and challenge that insecurity or doubt in yourself and to know it’s the way we’re wired up. Things will get better and, in the meantime, be yourself, stay true to yourself and believe in yourself.” 

While the campaign launches during Anti-Bullying Week, it will run across the school year until July 2021 to continuously highlight the options available to young people and remind them that things can and will get better.

Stay up to date with the campaign and Anti-Bullying Week activities by following respectme on Facebook and Twitter. 

UK Government secures 5 million doses of Moderna vaccine

  • UK Government concludes negotiations with Moderna to secure access to 5 million doses of its promising coronavirus vaccine
  • vaccine could be delivered to the UK from Spring 2021, if approved by the medicines regulator
  • deal increases total number of doses secured by the UK to 355 million, as part of the government’s strategy to build a diverse portfolio of promising vaccines

The UK government has completed negotiations with biotech company Moderna to secure access to 5 million doses of its promising vaccine, enough for around 2.5 million people, the Business Secretary announced last night.

If it meets robust standards of safety and effectiveness and approved by the medicines regulator, the vaccine could be delivered to the UK and Europe as early as Spring 2021 with the potential for the government to procure more doses next year.

This would follow the first deliveries of the Pfizer/BioNTech and the Oxford University/AstraZenece vaccines which, once final data from their phase 3 clinical trials has been published and if they receive regulatory approval, could be available before the end of the year.

The agreement is part of the government’s strategy to develop a diverse portfolio of vaccines, increasing the UK’s chances of securing access to a promising vaccine. Today’s deal means the government has put in place agreements with 7 different developers and has secured 355 million vaccine doses, giving the UK the best possible chance of protecting the public from coronavirus as soon as possible.

The news comes as Moderna today publishes initial data showing that its candidate is nearly 95% effective in protecting against COVID-19, with no safety issues identified to date. The safety data is still to be released by Moderna to show whether the vaccine is both safe and effective.

Until a vaccine is found to meet robust standards of safety and effectiveness, the public must continue to take necessary actions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, including following the Hands, Face, Space guidance and other public health advice.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma (top) said: “Today’s announcement is on top of the 350 million doses the UK has already secured from a range of other vaccine developers, putting us towards the front of the international pack on a per capita basis.

“The speed at which scientists around the world have worked on a vaccine has been incredible, and it is thanks to their ingenuity that we are on the cusp of one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs in recent years.

“While this is exciting news, I urge the public to not be complacent – we are at a critical point in the pandemic and in order to save lives we must continue to follow guidance by maintaining social distancing, wearing face masks and washing our hands regularly.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Today’s announcement is excellent news and an encouraging step forward in our fight against COVID-19.

“We have moved swiftly to secure 5 million doses of this hugely promising vaccine meaning we are even better placed to vaccinate everyone who will benefit should the rigorous safety standards be met.

“But we are not there yet. Until science can make us safe, we must remain vigilant and keep following the rules that we know can keep this virus under control.”

Moderna is currently conducting phase 3 clinical trials of its vaccine and is using mRNA vaccine technology.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has started a rolling review of Moderna’s vaccine. MHRA will carefully and scientifically review the safety, quality and effectiveness data once it has all been submitted to determine how it protects people from COVID-19 and the level of protection it provides.

The data must include results from the lab and clinical trials; manufacturing and quality controls, product sampling, and testing of the final product.

Once they have thoroughly reviewed the data, the MHRA will seek advice from the government’s independent advisory body, the Commission on Human Medicines. They will critically assess the data too before advising the government on the safety, quality and effectiveness of any potential vaccine.

The MHRA is globally recognised for requiring the highest standards of safety, quality and effectiveness for any vaccine.

Chair of the government’s Vaccine Taskforce Kate Bingham said: “Today’s news from Moderna is very encouraging. The Moderna mRNA vaccine has posted excellent efficacy data to date from its initial phase 3 readout. The vaccine uses mRNA technology demonstrating that these novel vaccines are showing early promise in being effective against COVID-19.

“The government has now signed agreements with seven vaccine developers to secure the most promising vaccines for the UK. The government’s Vaccine Taskforce are pursuing a portfolio approach to obtaining vaccines for the UK across different vaccine formats, to maximise the chances of finding safe and effective vaccines.

“We will continue to monitor the field of promising vaccines, and are very encouraged by the effectiveness shown by these early frontrunners, but we must remain vigilant to the fact that no vaccine is yet approved for use by regulators.”

Save Our Jobs: Casino industry appeals to Scottish Government to lift closure restrictions

·         ‘The Chips Are Down: Save Our Casinos, Save Our Jobs’ campaign is urging First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon to lift restrictions and allow casino venues to reopen in Level 2

·         More than 700 people employed by the casino industry face job uncertainty whilst venues stay closed

After weeks of closure and with hundreds of jobs at risk, the casino industry in Scotland has joined forces to urge the Scottish Government to change its current tiering restrictions which are forcing venues to remain closed.

11 casino venues in Scotland which support more than 700 jobs in Aberdeen, Dundee Edinburgh and Glasgow, have launched a petition encouraging its customers to write to the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, to enable the recovery of the sector by allowing casinos to open in Level 2.

Led by Scotland’s largest casino operator, Grosvenor Casinos and with the support of Genting Casinos, Caesars Entertainment and trade association Betting and Gaming Council, ‘The Chips Are Down: Save Our Casinos, Save Our Jobs’ campaign points to the belief that the casino industry is being unfairly singled out.

Whilst pubs, bars, restaurants and cinemas are able to continue to trade in Level 2 or below, the shutters came down on casino venues when the Scotland Strategic Framework was announced, putting jobs and livelihoods at risk.

Casinos are stressing the urgent need for the Scottish Government to lift the current restrictions imposed and allow venues to open in Level 2, and are asking the government to better understand the evidence which clearly points to casinos as ultra-safe venues.

Jonathon Swaine, Managing Director of Grosvenor Casinos, said: “We cannot stress enough how damaging it is that casinos across Scotland are being imposed with these arbitrary restrictions.

“As an industry we provide ultra-safe venues for colleagues and customers to visit. There is not a shred of scientific evidence which supports the decision to keep casinos closed in Level 2 while other hospitality venues are able to stay open.

“If Scottish casinos are forced to remain closed it will have a devastating impact on those customers who enjoy their local venues as a community hub, on team members who will lose their jobs, on the local suppliers it serves, on the charities that they are proud to support, as well as on the wider economy which will lose millions of pounds in tax receipts.”

Out of 30,000 unique admissions through the doors since reopening in August, there has been just one recorded case of coronavirus transmission within any casino in Scotland, with 87% of casino customers saying that they feel safe in a casino compared to other entertainment and hospitality venues.*

Casino businesses have invested millions of pounds to ensure venues are safe for its colleagues and customers to play, installing PPE such as plexiglass screens between gaming tables, ID scanning technology upon entry, hand sanitiser stations and social distancing signage throughout venues.

The casino industry in Scotland contributed £30m in tax a year to the UK economy, but the continued and unjustified closure of casinos in Scotland is threatening to shut their doors for good.

Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “Casinos in Scotland safely re-opened in August, with excellent anti-Covid measures in place, and there is absolutely no evidence that they contribute to the spread of virus.

“Closing them makes no sense, especially when other parts of the hospitality sector are being allowed to stay open. That’s why the industry is rallying together to urge the Scottish Government to think again, remove casinos from Level 2 and let them get back to business.”

To add your support to ‘The Chips Are Down: Save Our Casinos, Save Our Jobs’ campaign petition and for more information www.savecasinossavejobs.com

Game of Thrones star supports children and families in exclusive video

Game of Thrones star Rose Leslie supports vulnerable children and families across Scotland by backing charity fundraiser

  • Pregnant Game of Thrones star supports vulnerable children and families in Scotland
  • Charity says funds are needed to keep children safe now more than ever.

Scottish actor Rose Leslie has pledged her support to the Banchory Bangle – an annual fundraising raffle in aid of Children 1st, a charity which works with families across Scotland to protect children from harm and help them recover from trauma and abuse.

Rose, who is expecting her first child with her husband and fellow Game of Thrones star Kit Harington, said ‘now more than ever’ vulnerable children and families across the country need support.

In an exclusive video for the charity, Rose, who also stars in Death on the Nile, a film adaptation of the Agatha Christie novel, says: “I’m thrilled to be involved with this Children 1st fundraiser for the Banchory Bangle raffle.

Every penny raised goes to Children 1st who do incredible work with children, families and communities across Scotland. Now more than ever they need our help. If you can, please buy some online raffle tickets and support children and families this year!”

For the first time in 43 years, Deeside’s annual Banchory Bangle fundraiser has gone online to ensure the charity can continue to keep children safe and families strong through the coronavirus pandemic.

The Banchory Bangle, which is designed by prominent Perthshire artist and engraver, Dr Malcolm Appleby MBE, and raffled annually by the Children 1st Deeside Committee has raised over £160,000 funds for the children’s charity since it began in 1977.

In previous years raffle tickets for the bangle have been sold through local Deeside shops, but with coronavirus measures leading to closures of many stores, the Children 1st Deeside Committee decided to sell tickets online and by email.

Nicky Bradford, from the Children 1st Deeside Committee hopes that with Rose’s support, they can raise more money for the children and families in Scotland who need it most.

She said: “We are incredibly grateful to Rose for supporting the 43rd Banchory Bangle. This is an amazing opportunity to win an iconic piece of jewellery and support Scotland’s children and families. We are really excited to be holding this raffle online for the first time and can’t wait to see those sales coming in.”

Susan Bradley, Head of Public Fundraising, Children 1st said: “We are absolutely delighted with the support Rose Leslie is giving to Children 1st. The bangle is an incredible piece of artwork with has been lovingly crafted.

“The decision to make the bangle tickets available online is fantastic. Not only can people purchase tickets safely during this very difficult time, but anyone, no matter where they are, can purchase one.”

First prize in the raffle is the original 2020 Banchory Bangle in silver and 18ct gold made by Malcolm Appleby, second prize is a copy of the bangle in silver and third prize a copy of the bangle in bronze.

The draw will take place on 29th November and you can find out more about the online event, which includes a Q&A with Malcolm Appleby at https://banchory-bangle-2020.eventbrite.co.uk/

To be in with a chance buy raffle tickets today at https://bit.ly/bangleraffle

Scottish Government emergency funds for Edinburgh youth arts

Emergency funds from the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland are enabling youth arts and music organisations to roll out new activities and initiatives for young people in the Edinburgh area.

Drake Music, Tinderbox Collective and Starcatchers* are among 18 youth music and wider youth arts organisations receiving a share of £1,053,000 to deliver a range of local and national projects, all of which target priority groups of children and young people and provide important work for freelance artists.

Thursa Sanderson, Chief Executive, Drake Music Scotland said: “This funding will enable us to forge ahead with Sound Explorers, a new programme of online activity. It responds positively to the changed learning landscape for young people with additional support needs – offering an interactive and fun way to make music.

“It will directly tackle the lack of access to music making for young people with disabilities and additional support needs caused by the Covid pandemic removing the barriers for those isolating at home and those in the classroom.”

Jack Nissan, Director, Tinderbox Collective said: “The Youth Arts Targeted fund is an invaluable support that will enable us to provide a range of music projects, youth clubs and creative opportunities to hundreds of children and young people at this time, both on-line and in person, as we adapt to the changing circumstances of the pandemic.

“It is so important that all young people have access to positive, social and creative activities like this, and that we do whatever we can to keep these going at this time.”

Rhona Matheson, Chief Executive, Starcatchers said: “On behalf of Starcatchers, Imaginate and Lyra I am delighted that we have secured the Youth Arts funding to deliver the Where We Are project together.

“As well as providing children and young people with the opportunity to engage with, and participate in creative activities in their own communities, it will also provide more than 15 jobs for artists and freelance practitioners over the next year.

“Given the challenges we are all facing as a result of the Covid pandemic, this is an exciting opportunity to initiate a new project that fosters collaboration, creativity and connection.”

Opportunities for young people are also being provided on a nationwide basis through other Fund recipients including Engage, Film Access Scotland, National Piping Centre, National Youth Choir, Scottish Book Trust, Scottish Brass Band Association, Scottish Music Centre, Scottish Youth Theatre and Youth Theatre Arts.

Culture Secretary, Fiona Hyslop said: “Youth music and youth arts organisations across Scotland are playing an important role in the lives of young people during these difficult times.

“This funding will support these organisations to expand their work and provide creative opportunities to young people as well as work and income for the artists and practitioners working with them through these projects.”

These awards are the first to be announced from the Scottish Government’s £3million funding package for Youth Arts. Further announcements will follow regarding recipients of at least £1.2million through the Access to Youth Arts Fund, the £700,000 Small Grants Scheme and £50,000 assigned to the Time to Shine Nurturing Talent Fund.

Iain Munro, CEO, Creative Scotland said: “All the emergency funds currently being delivered by Creative Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government are vital in addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I’m particularly pleased that we are able to announce today the first recipients of this Youth Arts funding which will reach some of the children and young people most adversely affected by the pandemic and provide important work for freelance artists whose opportunities have been so severely impacted by Covid-19.”

The full list of Fund recipients:

Organisation (Trading name) Local Authority Area Funding Amount 
Drake Music Scotland Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Highland £61,880 
Engage National £40,744 
Fèisean nan Gàidheal Highland, National £30,000 
Fèis Rois Highland £64,820 
Film Access Scotland   National £40,744 
National Piping Centre National £37,477 
National Youth Choir of Scotland   Aberdeen, Glasgow, National £64,820 
National Youth Orchestra of Scotland Glasgow, Stirling £30,000 
Scottish Book Trust National £64,820 
Scottish Brass Band Association National £50,680 
Scottish Music Centre National £64,820 
Scottish Youth Theatre National £64,079 
Sistema Scotland Dundee, Aberdeen £50,805 
Starcatchers* Edinburgh, Fife £193,605 
Tinderbox Collective Edinburgh, Perth and Kinross £64,820 
Toonspeak Young Peoples Theatre Glasgow £44,448 
YDance North Lanarkshire £35,892 
Youth Theatre Arts Scotland National £48,939 
  Total: £1,053,393.00 

*Starcatchers led consortium working in partnership with Imaginate and Lyra.

Updates on all emergency funds are being published regularly on this website and publicised through media and social media communications.

Photograph: Anne Binckebanck, courtesy of Drake Music

Local groups receive awards for Keeping Scotland Beautiful

The efforts of 14 Edinburgh groups have been acknowledged by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful at an online seminar yesterday.

North Edinburgh is well represented among these green-fingered groups, with awards for Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre, Fresh Start Growers, Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden, Friends of Lauriston Castle Estate, Friends of Starbank Park and North Edinburgh Arts Gardening Group.

The other capital groups to receive awards are Balerno Village Gardeners, Craigentinny Community Gardening Project, Craigentinny Primary Parent Council, Friends of Morningside Cemetery, Friends of Saughton Park, Inch View Care Home, Inspiring Hillside and Northfield Community Growing Group.

Annually Keep Scotland Beautiful runs two community environmental improvement programmes in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society; the competitive Beautiful Scotland campaign and the It’s Your Neighbourhood initiative.

In total 197 groups, those who would in previous years have been out creating and maintaining community gardens or allotments, looking after habitats for wildlife and adopting streets, have been issued with Certificates of Recognition for the work volunteers and supporters did manage to carry out to brighten up and pull their neighbourhoods together during this year’s health pandemic.

A full list of the 14 groups from Edinburgh can be found in the attached table (below).

Edinburgh-groupsDownload

Faced with the challenges of 2020, there has never been a more important time to recognise and celebrate the achievements of communities and individuals across Edinburgh. 

Throughout lockdown and the following months, groups have worked tirelessly to improve their communities through horticulture, environmental responsibility and working in partnership for the benefit of residents, visitors and our natural environment. 

Despite circumstances this year, 47 new entrants were welcomed to the network, and although judging and mentoring visits were not able to take place due to restrictions across Scotland, groups were still supported with online seminars, networking events, question and answer sessions and a weekly e-newsletter.

Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful said, “We know that lockdown resulted in many people reconnecting with green and blue spaces local to them.  Yet, it has also been a particularly challenging year for the communities who strive every year to protect and enhance the places they live and work in. 

“We have been amazed by the desire of communities, volunteers and local authorities to stay connected, motivated and inspired by each other, all with a steadfast determination to do things to make a difference, even if this had to be done differently this year.  

“I’d like to thank all the groups in Edinburgh for the efforts they have made to keep Scotland beautiful this year.”

Although many of the groups had to stop or curtail their planned activities for the year, we have been blown away by what they have managed to achieve – whether that be setting up a food bank, encouraging and supporting others to grow their own, creating virtual garden tours, connecting their members through online catch ups and keeping their neighbourhoods bright and cheerful. 

Andrea Van Sittart, RHS Head of Community Outreach said: “It’s truly inspiring that so many Scottish communities continued to support others in need this year.

“From a phone box larder in Muthill to planter kits for others in Inverkip, the groups have shown incredible creativity and ingenuity responding to the needs of their diverse communities through this challenging time. Congratulations to all groups on their amazing efforts.”

If you’d like to join the network in 2021, check out the website for inspiration and details on how to get involved:

www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/BeautifulScotland or www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/IYN

Changes to COVID-19 protection levels

Fife, Perth & Kinross and Angus move to Level 3

Three council areas are to move up a protection level as cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to rise in their areas.

Fife, Perth & Kinross and Angus local authority areas will move from Level 2 – where they have been since the new levels system was announced – to Level 3 with the change coming into effect from 6am on Friday 13 November.

All other local authority protection levels are unchanged. The city of Edinburgh remains at Level 3.

Within Level 1, those living in Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles will, from Friday, be able to meet one other household inside their homes, up to a maximum of six people. Guidance will issue for anyone who travels to the mainland to avoid in-home socialising for a period after their return.

Speaking in parliament this afternoon, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said there was no immediate requirement to move any local authorities into Level 4 – the highest level – but that this was being kept under strict review.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The sacrifices everyone is making are hard – and they feel never-ending. But they are helping. They have made a difference, and they are saving lives. There is no doubt that the restrictions we have put in place have dramatically slowed the spread of the virus.

“But hospital admissions are still too high. The number of new cases we are seeing – more than 1,000 a day on average – is also too high. And we cannot be sure that we are seeing a sustained fall in cases.

“As I have said repeatedly in recent days, a rising or even plateauing rate of infection is not a stable position. We want to see a decline in cases. And so we will be monitoring the situation carefully in the days ahead.

“In light of the situation I have just outlined, it would clearly not be prudent to ease restrictions today.”

The First Minister again stressed the importance of travel restrictions in bringing down the infection rate of the virus.

Those in Levels 3 and 4 should not travel outside their local authority area unless travelling for essential reasons such as work, healthcare, or caring responsibilities, while those in a Level 1 or 2, should not be going into a Level 3 or Level 4 council area, except for those same essential purposes.

She added that these will remain in guidance over the next week but preparation for regulations will continue in the event they are required to be put into law.

Level allocations from 6am Friday 13 November:

Level 1:

  • Highland
  • Moray
  • Western Isles
  • Orkney
  • Shetland

Level 2:

  • Aberdeenshire
  • Aberdeen
  • Scottish Borders
  • Dumfries & Galloway
  • Argyll & Bute

Level 3:

  • Fife
  • Angus
  • Perth & Kinross
  • Inverclyde
  • East Dunbartonshire
  • West Dunbartonshire
  • Renfrewshire
  • East Renfrewshire
  • City of Glasgow
  • South Ayrshire
  • East Ayrshire
  • North Ayrshire
  • Stirling
  • Falkirk
  • Clackmannanshire
  • City of Edinburgh
  • Midlothian
  • West Lothian
  • East Lothian
  • Dundee
  • North Lanarkshire
  • South Lanarkshire

The assessment of what level of protection should be applied to each local authority is broadly based on an analysis of five key indicators:

  • number of positive COVID-19 cases per hundred thousand people over the last week
  • percentage of positive tests
  • forecast for new cases in the weeks ahead
  • capacity of local hospitals
  • capacity of local intensive care facilities

These factors are assessed alongside the advice and recommendations of local public health officials, National Incident Management Team, the Scottish Government’s chief clinical and policy advisors, and consideration of local circumstances, such as: specific COVID-19 outbreaks; travel and work patterns; and the extent to which health services are provided by neighbouring health boards.

Final decisions are based on all of these factors.

Alongside a table setting out the levels, a detailed analysis paper has also been published setting out the Scottish Government’s assessment and overall decision for each local authority.

Find out more about the COVID protection levels and what you can and cannot do at each level.

Scotland’s Greatest Songs Top 10 revealed

The debate over which song should take the title of ‘Scotland’s Greatest Song’ is set to begin as the shortlist of ten is unveiled.

The ten songs were selected by four judges including Jackie Bird, singer and actress, Clare Grogan as well as journalist and presenter, Gordon Smart and Aarti Joshi of DF Concerts after many hours of debate and discussion.

The top ten songs have been named as:

  1. Dignity: Deacon Blue
  1. Whole of The Moon: The Waterboys
  1. Loaded: Primal Scream  
  1. Tinseltown in the Rain: The Blue Nile
  1. Baker Street: Gerry Rafferty
  1. Sunshine on Leith: The Proclaimers
  1. In a Big Country: Big Country
  1. This is the Life: Amy MacDonald
  1. Black Eyed Boy: Texas
  1. Somewhere in My Heart: Aztec Camera

The shortlist was announced by Ewen Cameron who was joined by the judges on his breakfast show, ‘Ewen Cameron In The Morning’ across the Greatest Hits Network including Forth 2, Clyde 2 and Tay 2.

A podcast has also just been launched where the judges talk about their struggle to narrow the list down to just ten.

On Sunday 15th November from 4pm to 7pm the judges will also come together for a special one-off show across the Greatest Hits stations in Scotland. Hosted by head judge, Jackie Bird, she will be joined by her three fellow judges to discuss their shortlist, how they came to their decisions and to play the final ten.

One of the judges joining Jackie will be Gordon Smart, who said: “It was a such a pleasure to debate ‘Scotland’s Greatest Song’ with two women I love and respect, Clare Grogan and Aarti Joshi. If it wasn’t for Jackie Bird, we’d still be arguing about our top 10 now!

“It was a reminder of how incredible the canon of work Scotland has produced really is. I’ve not slept well since for excluding some brilliant stuff from bands and artists I love. If you like our final choice, I was Gordon Smart. If you don’t, I’m Ewen Cameron.”

Aarti Joshi, of DF Concerts also commented: “I was honoured to be helping to decide ‘Scotland’s Greatest Song’. We were feeling the pressure as judges to choose the final ten songs, especially when this country has produced so many absolute bangers.

“The rest of the panel are really excellent people so locking horns with them was fun with lots of discussion, swearing and laughter – I can’t wait to hear what the public have got to say!”

Voting will open on Sunday 15th November and the winner will be announced by Ewen Cameron on ‘Ewen Cameron in the Morning’ on St. Andrew’s Day.

You will be able to listen on AM*, online, on DAB radio, via the station app or on your Smart Speaker.

*West Sound Dumfries is on FM (and not available on DAB). Northsound 2 is a digital station and not available on AM.

Foundation Scotland’s crisis support surpasses £6 Million

Over 1.3 million people reached to date and essential ‘winter-ready’ funding available

Foundation Scotland, Scotland’s community foundation, has announced the total amount distributed through their dedicated crisis fund now exceeds £6 million to date. 

This significant level of funding breaks all its previous records and illustrates the continued and growing needs coming from groups supporting those most vulnerable throughout the country.

The community foundation is today stressing that the Response, Recovery and Resilience fund remains open. 

Foundation Scotland is now particularly eager to support groups to get ‘winter-ready’, so they’re better equipped to deliver essential services through the darker, colder, winter months ahead.

For example, to enable groups to extend counselling and wellbeing services remotely, to purchase all-weather protective clothing, to create virtual energising activities through the cold dark months or to offer phone-based companionship for the isolated.

Helen Wray, Head of Programmes at Foundation Scotland, said: “It’s been a long seven months since the crisis began, we hoped we’d be able to get back to a little more normality by now.  However, it looks unlikely that restrictions will ease any time soon and we’re painfully aware the next few months will bring even more significant challenges as the nights get longer, darker and colder.

“The emotional, physical and financial impacts of lockdown are becoming increasingly problematic, lives have been turned upside down.  Sadly, there are even more people in Scotland experiencing extreme hardship, isolation, loneliness and fear.  

“However, we’re always encouraged by the resilience and strength we see in our communities.  Groups across the country are coming together to urgently deliver essential and critical services to those most in need.  

“We understand our support is needed more than ever. Crisis grants enable dedicated groups to offer vital services in protecting the most vulnerable from long-term impacts.  Therefore, our fund will remain open to applications for support where it is needed most.   

“For example, wellbeing services like virtual counselling and befriending will be even more important. Volunteers might need all-weather protective clothing to support those in need safely and awnings and heaters to provide services outside.  We are, however encouraging groups to apply as soon as they can.” 

The community foundation’s Response, Recovery and Resilience fund, delivered in partnership with the National Emergencies Trust, has to date supported over 1.3 million people across Scotland. 

A total of £4.6 million in small grants have been distributed to 1,188 dedicated organisations delivering vital support to some of the most isolated and vulnerable people across the country.  A further £1.4 Million has been invested in strategic grants to national charities such as Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland, Shelter Scotland and the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) to deliver higher-level strategic support throughout the pandemic.

With the pandemic likely to impact on services well into 2021, the Foundation is now preparing to enter the Resilience phase of the fund. 

From 1st December the fund’s renewed focus will be on providing support to organisations to look even further ahead, to future proof their services more long term.

The continued restrictions will undoubtedly increase demand for many services delivered by small organisations, so it’s vital they’re equipped to continue meeting the needs of their local communities. More details on the Resilience phase will be available on the Foundation’s website in the coming weeks.

Since launching the dedicated Response, Recovery & Resilience Fund in March, the Foundation Scotland team have worked hard to assess an overwhelming level of applications ensuring vital support reaches those most in need as quickly as possible. 

Recent figures revealed that since the start of the crisis the Scottish funder has received almost the same number of applications in the last six months as it received in the whole of the previous financial year.

The Foundation Scotland Response, Recovery & Resilience Fund continues to welcome applications between £1,000-£5,000 from constituted community groups and registered charities. 

The funder is eager to distribute funds quickly and is appealing to eligible groups to apply as soon as they can.  Unlikely many other funding streams previous applicants are eligible to reapply to access further support needed. 

For more details, eligibility criteria and to apply online visit https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/