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BBC ALBA airs Eòrpa, Gaelic Census Special

2022’s Census saw the first increase in those able to speak Gaelic since 1971. The numbers were up from 57,375 to 69,701 – a 21% increase.

While the national data is welcome news for a language which has seen a long downward trend in speaker numbers, the picture is not as positive in the language’s heartland of the Western Isles.

There, Gaelic is now a minority language with 45% reported being able to speak it in 2022, compared to 52% in 2011 – a 7% decrease.

In this latest episode of BBC ALBA’s current affairs programme, Eòrpa, reporter Eileen Macdonald visits the Western Isles where she hears how depopulation and housing challenges are impacting traditional Gaelic-speaking communities.  In Glasgow Eileen hears the challenges faced by Gaelic speakers in Scotland’s cities when it comes to opportunities to use the language.

The northwest of the Isle of Lewis has traditionally been one of the areas in Scotland with the highest proportion of Gaelic speakers. There, Eileen met Kirsty and John, both plumbers and both part of a younger generation on which any improvement in the fortunes of the language depends.

Kirsty, a Gaelic speaker, told Eòrpa: “Not many people use it. If your parents or your gran or grandad have it, then you’ll probably speak it. But if your parents don’t have it, any the people you speak to regularly don’t either, then you won’t”.

John, who grew up with the language but rarely uses it, added: “I think if you’re not speaking it home, it’s definitely going to die down and I think less and less young people are out less and so they are not interacting with people who have Gaelic and they don’t know about it as well.”

Responding to the 21% growth nationally in Gaelic speakers, and sharp growth in parts of the the country with comparatively few Gaelic Services, Emeritus Professor Wilson McLeod of the University of Edinburgh said: “In places like Edinburgh and Glasgow, there are Gaelic schools and these places have always attracted Gaels from the islands for work and study.

“But in other parts of the mainland, there isn’t very much being done. Despite that, the biggest growth is seen in places like Aberdeenshire, Falkirk, Dundee and similar places where not much is happening in terms of Gaelic.”

Indeed, encouraging those able to speak the language to use it regularly remains a challenge. The Census tells us how many people in 2022 reported being able to speak the language, but not how many actually do.

In the Scottish Government, the responsibility for Gaelic is part of Deputy First Minister and Economy Secretary Kate Forbes’ brief.

Asked if she thinks Gaelic is in crisis, the Cabinet Secretary remarked: “You can be happy about the numbers that have gone up. People would always ask how best to provide more support for learners, and we’re seeing progress there. That’s good news.

“But a language has to be alive, like English is alive. Gaelic is alive in the traditional communities, but it’s bad news that the numbers there are falling. People ask if Gaelic is in crisis.

“I’m prepared to say “yes it is”, but that’s not going to make any difference if all it is is words. We need the right policies, as well as money and funding.

Reporter Eileen Macdonald: “Having visited communities, and met campaigners, experts, and poilicy-makers, it’s clear there are positives and negatives to take from the state of Gaelic today.

A national rise in speakers is good news, with Gaelic Medium Education continuing to play a large part in feeding that growth. However, there’s real concern about the decline of Gaelic in its heartlands and the fact that it is now a minority language in terms of speakers in the Western Isles.

“The challenge persists too, of how to make sure those able to speak it actually do.”

Eòrpa is BBC ALBA’s flagship current affairs programme, covering a range of domestic and European stories, ranging from the plight of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh, to the impact of mass tourism in the Canaries, and the issue of gender-based violence in rural Scotland.

The new episode of Eòrpa: Suas leis a’ Ghàidhlig? premiered on BBC iPlayer and BBC ALBA at 9.00pm on Wednesday 28 August (in Gaelic with English subtitles).

Watch on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006mvwb/eorpa

Council extends financial support for tenants struggling to pay rent

City councillors have announced plans to increase the Tenant Hardship Fund maximum average payment to around £480.

Launched in 2023, the Fund was created in response to the additional financial burden that tenants were facing from the cost-of-living crisis. It offers financial assistance to tenants struggling to make rent payments.

By 31 March 2024, the Council had received 2,741 applications to the Fund with 2,585 approved.

For 2024/25, the award has increased to a maximum of two fortnightly charges which will help tenants who need intervention to prevent court escalation and secure an affordable repayment plan.

Around 80% of Council tenants in Edinburgh receive assistance with their rent in the form of housing benefits or Universal Credit. The changes will also apply to new Universal Credit claimants, where deferred payments may create a rent pressure. 

The new two fortnightly payment is expected to support tenants during this period and protect them against an arrears spike.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Jane Meagher said: “We don’t want tenants to fall into a situation where their debt becomes unmanageable, and we absolutely want to help people remain in their home. It’s so important that we continue to collect rent but that we do everything we can to support tenants in arrears.

“By extending the fund, we are providing a vital lifeline for those facing difficult times, allowing them to stay in their homes and avoid the devastating impact of eviction. I want tenants and residents’ groups to know that they can come to us if they’re worried about being able to pay their rent or have already missed payments.”

Tenants who are struggling to pay rent can speak to their housing officer or contact tenanthardshipfund@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2024 Winners revealed

The winners of the 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards have been revealed! The winners picked up their trophies at a glittering ‘Grand Ole Opry’ themed event held at the Doubletree Hilton in Glasgow on Tuesday 27th August.

The awards, now in their 29th year, celebrate all that is good and great about the hospitality industry with more than 100 hospitality venues shortlisted as finalists at the event.

Industry veteran Stuart Ross, former Chief Executive of Belhaven received a Legend of the Industry Award while David and Ruth Wither, the founders of Edinburgh-based Montpelier Group, picked up the Lifetime Achievement Award.  

Other award winners came from as far apart as Carnoustie and Inverness!

There were celebrations in Glasgow as The Piper Whisky Bar won the double for Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year and with Gillian Kirkland becoming Deanston Whisky Guru 2024! The Absent Ear was named Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year, Shilling Brewing Company as Cold Town Craft Beer Pub of the Year, Boteco Do Brasil as Favela Latin American Venue of the Year and The Smokin’ Fox snatched the Sunday Mail Pub of the Year accolade. 

Fullbacks Sports and Pizza Bar in Milngavie was named Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year while Ayr venues Tempura and The Stravaig were also winners picking up the Casual Dining Award and Kopparberg New Bar of the year awards respectively. The Ship in Irvine was Dog Friendly Pub of the Year and Steven Muir of Beatbox Leisure was named Boss of The Year!

It was also a winning night for Stravaigin in Glasgow who proved they have some of the best staff around as Olivia Wong was named HOSPO Manager of the Year and Marquis Smith as Schweppes Bartender of the Year.

The party continued in Edinburgh where Black Ivy snatched the Best Outdoor area award for the second year in a row while Teuchters Landing was named Inverarity Morton’s Best Drinks offering and Lochrin Rooftop Bar (Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge) as Molinari Hotel Bar of the Year.  

In Aberdeen, Malones were crowned Jameson Best Irish bar, in Fife Hugo’s Bar and Pavilion collected the Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality and in Dundee Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort was awarded Family Business of the Year. There was also a special award for The Craw’s Nest in Carnoustie who scooped the ‘Community Pub of the Year’ accolade. 

Other big winners were two of the industry giants – Manorview Hotels who proved what a great company they are to work for by snatching the Hospitality Health Employer of the Year gong and Inverness based Cru Hospitality who won Drinks Express Independent Operator of the Year.

The late Janet Hood was posthumously named ‘Inspirational Woman of the Year’ and Gordon McIntyre received the Scottish Hospitality Group’s Contribution to the industry award. 

Susan Young organiser and Editor of industry publication DRAM, said, “These awards are all about the people that make the hospitality industry the success it is.

“This year we had an exceptional entry. All the finalists deserve credit for the great venues that they run, but the trophies were presented to the pubs, restaurants and people that impressed their customers, judges and mystery shoppers most. Congratulations to each and every one!”

The full list of winners is below:

Lifetime Achievement Award

David & Ruth Wither

Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year

 The Piper Whisky Bar – Glasgow

Black Ivy and Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year

Alex & Rachel Palumbo – Hey Palu & Chancho, Edinburgh

Brugal Best Cocktail Bar of the Year

The Absent Ear – Glasgow

Campari Bar Apprentice 2024

Finlay Paterson – Scotts South Queensferry

Cold Town Craft Beer Bar of the Year 

Shilling Brewing Company – Glasgow 

Deanston Whisky Guru 2024

Gillian Kirkland – The Piper Whisky Bar, Glasgow

DRAM Casual Dining Award 2024

Tempura – Ayr

Drinks Express Independent Operator of the Year

Cru Hospitality – Inverness

De Kuyper Liqueurs Mixologist of the Year

Fowwaz Ansari – Bittersweet, Edinburgh

Favela Latin American Venue of the Year

Boteco Do Brasil – Glasgow 

DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year

The Ship – Irvine

Hospitality Health Employer of the Year

Manorview Hotels – Howwood

HOSPO Manager of the Year

Olivia Wong – Stravaigin, Glasgow

Hotel Scotland Family Business of the Year

Forbes of Kingennie – Dundee

Unsung Hero Award

Jules Clark – Montpeliers

Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering

Teuchters Landing – Edinburgh

Jameson Best Irish Bar

Malones – Aberdeen

Kopparberg New Bar of the Year

The Stravaig – Ayr

Media World Best Outdoor Area

Black Ivy – Edinburgh  

Molinari Hotel Bar of the Year

Lochrin Rooftop Bar – Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge

Schweppes Bartender of the Year

Marquis Smith – Stravaigin, Glasgow

Scottish Hospitality Group Contribution To the Industry Award

Gordon McIntyre

Sims Automatic Sports Bar of the Year

Fullbacks Sports & Pizza Bar – Milngavie

Inspirational Woman of the Year

Janet Hood

Boss of the Year

Steven Muir – Beatbox Leisure, Ayr

Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality 

Hugo’s Bar and Pavilion – Dalgety Bay

Community Pub of the Year

The Craw’s Nest – Carnoustie

Sunday Mail Pub of the Year

The Smokin’ Fox – Glasgow

Gilded Balloon wraps up 2024 Fringe with over 128,000 tickets issued

OVER 128,912 TICKETS ISSUED AND 2484 PERFORMANCES FOR GILDED BALLOON’S 39TH FRINGE

One of Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s longest running venues, Gilded Balloon, has rounded off their 39th Fringe season, with over 128,912 tickets issued this month.

Operating in three venues including Patter House, the National Museum of Scotland and Edinburgh Street Food, Gilded Balloon’s programme hosted some of the biggest hits of the Fringe including Mhairi Black’s debut, a sold out run for Andy Gray tribute Chemo Savvy, and debuts from rising stars like Kim Blythe and Chris Weir. 

In a year which saw Gilded Balloon operate without their main venue Teviot Row House due to refurbishment, 2024’s Fringe Festival saw an impressive: 

  • over 128,914 tickets issued in 2024
  • 2484 performances from 31st July – 26th August 
  • 3 venues: Patter House, National Museum of Scotland and Edinburgh Comedy Social at Edinburgh Street Food 
  • 131 shows in 12 sub venues 
  • 1213 Support the Artist tickets sold – customers choosing to give an extra £2 per ticket which goes directly to artists
  • 440 sold out shows 
  • over 86 comedy shows, 23 theatre and music shows, plus a mix of kids shows, cabaret, spoken word and more 
  • 1 brand new So You Think You’re Funny? champion with Glaswegian Alana Jackson claiming this year’s crown alongside Ciara O’Connor and Ayo Adenekan in second and third place respectively. The three comics came out on top from an impressive 597 original applicants 
  • Khawla Ibraheem awarded the Filipa Bragança Award for her performance in Oliver Butler’s A Knock on the Roof
  • over 1500 cans of Gilded Balloon’s very own ‘Hiya Pals’ IPA from local brewers Newbarns
  • 1 new pop up bar, Lucky Penny, welcomed some of Edinburgh’s best foodies to the city with pop-ups from Spitaki’s, Alby’s and more
  • 1 new charity partner with this year’s Pink Wednesday charity day raising money for Waverley Care 

Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon said, “2024 was another fantastic year, and Gilded Balloon’s 39th, at Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

“We welcomed over 128,912 people to our venues to see some outstanding shows across comedy, theatre, musical and kids, as well as sell out runs for Scottish shows including Mhairi Black: Politics Isn’t For Me, Chemo Savvy and Jack Docherty in The Chief. We’ve cemented schemes like Support the Artist, which puts money back in our artists’ pockets and even introduced our own pop up bar this year in collaboration with local brewery Newbarns. 

“Our first year in over 23 years without our main venue Teviot Row House has, of course, seen changes to our capacity and amount of shows we could programme, so we’re really looking forward to returning for Fringe 2025. Next year will be Gilded Balloon’s 40th anniversary and we have some hugely exciting plans in the works for returning to a refreshed and refurbished Teviot Row House. 

“We’re also so proud to have crowned Glaswegian Alana Jackson as this year’s outstanding winner of So You Think You’re Funny? alongside Ciara O’Connor and Ayo Adenekan in second and third place. From 597 applicants to 10 finalists, it was a fiercely competitive year and, as ever, SYTYF? is a real bright spark for us as comedy producers with so many talented newcomers on the scene. 

“However, in a time of constant cuts facing the arts scene, the future of competitions like SYTYF? are precarious and it’s harder than ever for new artists to make their way in the industry.

“We’d like to say a huge thanks to everybody who has supported our artists this year by buying a ticket to their shows this Fringe – it’s more important than ever to support artists where you can, and we’ll see you next year for a pinktastic celebration back at Teviot!” 

Gilded Balloon’s 2024 Fringe programme saw debuts from rising comedy stars like Nate Kitch, Kathleen Hughes, Chris Weir, Kim Blythe, and Christopher Hall, as well as mainstays of the comedy scene like Jack Docherty, Michelle Brasier and Grace Campbell.

The month included sold out runs for Mhairi Black’s debut show, Paul Black’s brand new show,  and Chemo Savvy, the emotional comedy-play in tribute to Andy Gray. Plus, Fringe stars like Hypnotist Matt Hale and magician Cameron Young entertained audiences throughout August, whilst Gilded Balloon’s legendary Late’n’Live was once against hosted by an all-female and non-binary line-up, welcoming the very best acts from across the Fringe to the late night show

Social Security Scotland: Make sure you’re getting all the help you need

To be eligible for some of our payments you need to already be getting a qualifying tax credit or benefit.

Use one of these handy independent benefit calculators to check all the financial support that may be available to you:

http://bit.ly/BenefitCalculators

Safety Tips ahead of Bank Holiday Weekend casualty spike 

  • August sees over 350 more reported road casualties than the monthly average
  • Over last 10 years, July and August have been most frequent months for water-based fatalities
  • RoSPA has issued some lifesaving tips for how to stay safe ahead of busy long weekend

With August Bank Holiday approaching, many will have plans to head outdoors on road trips or splash about in waterways. But health and safety experts at The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accident (RoSPA) are warning the public to take heed of the hazards that often lay ahead during this busy weekend.

Typically, August sees a bump in incidents on the road and in water, with men overwhelmingly bearing the brunt of the casualty rate. According to the Water Incident Database (WAID), 83 per cent of people involved in water-based incidents over the last ten years have been male. [i]

Likewise, according to the Department for Transport’s provisional figures[ii], last year 75 per cent of fatalities and 61 per cent  of casualties of all severities were male, sparking concern among RoSPA’s road safety team ahead of the approaching long weekend. August also sees over 350 more reported road casualties than the monthly average.[iii]

Speaking on how to stay safe on the road, Caitlin Ann Taylor, Road Safety Manager, said: “As we approach the summer bank holiday, it’s crucial to remember that safe driving isn’t just about reaching your destination—it’s about protecting yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.

“Whether you’re heading off on a long journey or just popping out, take your time, stay alert, and make safety your top priority. With more road users out and about, including cyclists and motorcyclists, it’s vital to stay vigilant and share the road responsibly.

“We often see tragic collisions in the news and think that will never happen to us, but the reality is that it can. By driving carefully, staying alert, and respecting all road users, we can all contribute to making this holiday safer for everyone.”

Caitlin’s Road safety tips to stay safe:

  • Plan your journey in advance
  • Watch your speed
  • Check your coolant levels and tire pressure, especially if there is hot weather
  • Stay hydrated
  • Do not leave children or pets in the car

Regarding staying safe in and around water, Carlene McAvoy, Senior Policy Manager, said: “We urge everyone to follow the Water Safety Code, especially during busy weekends and hot weather. What is the water safety code? Can we link to our website here?

“Always swim in lifeguarded areas and remain within the designated zones. Never enter the water alone—ensure someone is aware of your intentions.

2Be mindful of the dangers of cold water shock, even on warm days, and avoid consuming alcohol before swimming. Check the conditions beforehand and be considerate of others in the water. By staying vigilant and adhering to safety guidelines, we can all enjoy the water safely.”

“Never enter the water alone, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer. Always let someone know where you are, and exit immediately if you feel unsafe. Before venturing into wild or open water, check the weather and tide conditions—if it’s rough, wait for calmer seas.

“For watersports, always use the proper safety gear. Listen to your body: if you feel tired, swim to shore; if short of breath, float until you’re in control, then swim to safety.”

For more information, on road safety during summer, visit our latest News & Views piece here: https://www.rospa.com/news-and-views/prepare-properly-to-ensure-a-safe-holiday-drive

Future Asset competition encourages schoolgirls across Scotland to tackle gender disparity in financial services

Now in its fifth year, the Growing Future Assets Investment Competition challenges 13-18-year-old schoolgirls in Scotland to become investment whiz kids by identifying and pitching a company with great investment potential.

Teenage girls in Scotland can register for the competition now and are in with a chance to win prizes of up to £1000 for their school and up to £200 in vouchers per student.

Until recently, there were more men named Dave working as UK fund managers than women in total. Today, only 12% of UK fund managers are women. Future Asset aims to close the gender gap in this sector, empowering teenage girls across the country by teaching them the skills they need to consider a career in investment management.

Scotland is the 2nd largest financial hub in the UK after London, yet a poll commissioned by Scottish Financial Enterprise found that almost 60% of 16-24-year-olds were unlikely to consider a career in financial services, while just under a quarter (23%) of people in Scotland do not believe financial services represents an attractive or secure career for young people.

Another study reveals that many women lack confidence around investing, with one quarter stating that they don’t know what to invest in, and 19% saying they don’t know how to invest.

However, there is clear evidence the sector would benefit from eliminating gender disparity. Analysis by Fidelity Investments found that on average women’s holding outperformed men’s annually by 0.40 percentage points.

Spaces in the competition are in high demand both in and outside the central belt. 110 teams competed last year from 30 out of 32 council areas of Scotland. Since inception in 2020, over 1800 students across the country have taken part.

Successful applicants will take part in a “Dragons’ Den” style competition over 10 weeks, which allows them to experience the role of an investment manager.

Competing teams each work with a professional “Competition Coach” – volunteer investment professionals from leading firms such as Martin Currie, Baillie Gifford and Stewart Investors who coach teams online and in person – to learn how to pitch a company with great investment potential.

Jen Mair, Chair of Future Asset and CEO of Martin Currie Investment Management, said: “Careers in finance can be rewarding, creative and lucrative, and we remain committed to eliminating gender disparity in this sector so that anyone can consider working in investment.

“In the last half-decade, it has been inspiring and encouraging to see girls from every corner of the country take advantage of the competition and the resources we have to offer, and we look forward to seeing them enjoy successful careers in the industry It’s clear that diversifying the financial workforce brings many benefits for all, and while there is still much work to be done,

“I believe the future of the investment sector looks very bright.”

Registration for the competition closes on 6 September 2024.

Competition Kick Off  workshops take place in August and September in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Inverness, and the competition deadline is on Friday 29 November 2024, with winners announced on Friday 07 March.