John Cooper Clarke celebrates 50 years in showbiz with the Get Him While He’s Alive Tour
Tour coming to Queens Hall in Edinburgh on 12th & 13th April 2024
John Cooper Clarke released brand new poetry collection -”What” published by Picador on 8th Feb 2024
Literary phenomenon John Cooper Clarke is back and better than ever, returning with a brand new tour and poetry collection this 2024. John will be performing at Queens Hall in Edinburgh on 12th & 13th April 2024.
John’s new show will take fans on a completely one-of-a-kind journey through poetry and comedy. John’s live touring career has gone from strength to strength, with John recently returning from an epic North America tour in September 2023.
This year he’s back on home turf, as he continues to sell out theatres and halls across the UK, with a stretch of shows in Ireland also recently added.
It’s a chance to see one of the world’s most important and entertaining spoken word artists at his bold and brilliant best.
‘WHAT’ is the new collection from Britain’s “Poet Laureate of Punk” and will be published on 8th February to coincide with John’s 2024 national theatre tour celebrating 50 years of showbiz.
Venues for the “Get Him While He’s Alive” tour include the Edinburgh Queens Hall, a reunion show with very special guest Linton Kwesi Johnson at the London Palladium and three nights at Salford’s Lowry Theatre.
John’s new collection “What”, which will be published by Picador, is full of John’s much-loved sardonic wit and hilarious ponderings on modern life and follows on from John’s bestselling The Luckiest Guy Alive.
The original people’s poet, John’s cultural influence spans literature, music, and fashion, and his unique poetry and delivery style transcends generations.
From creating some of the most iconic poetry of the modern era, including “I Wanna Be Yours” (recently celebrating over a billion streams in its incarnation as a hit record by the Arctic Monkeys) to sharing his life story through his 120k selling memoir of the same name, John is still as relevant as he was when he shot to prominence in the 1970s.”
Reshuffle combines Economy, Net Zero and Energy in a new portfolio
Unleashing Scotland’s renewable potential and building Scotland’s economy will be overseen by a single portfolio headed by Màiri McAllan as Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and Energy.
Setting out portfolio changes to the Scottish Government, First Minister Humza Yousaf has appointed Neil Gray as Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, while Transport becomes a standalone portfolio at Cabinet level, with Fiona Hyslop as Cabinet Secretary.
The reshaped Cabinet of ten – the same number as before – will include seven women, believed to be the highest proportion of any government in the world.
Kaukab Stewart becomes the first Woman of Colour to enter the Scottish Government as Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, in place of Christina McKelvie, who has been appointed as Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy.
Jim Fairlie will also join the government as Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity.
Parliament will be asked to approve the new appointments of Fiona Hyslop, Kaukab Stewart and Jim Fairlie after recess.
The First Minister said: “The new, green economy is a massive economic opportunity for Scotland. If we grasp it, we can help the world tackle climate change while delivering well-paid jobs and sustainable growth in Scotland for generations to come.
“That’s why we will now bring these two portfolios together, and Màiri McAllan is the right person to drive it forward.
“As Economy Secretary, Neil Gray has been widely praised for resetting the relationship with business. Now at the helm of the NHS – our most precious institution – and social care, Neil will be charged with continuing its recovery from Covid, driving down waiting times, and reforming the service to improve outcomes for patients.
“I am elevating Transport to a Cabinet level post in its own right, given the importance of the issues within this portfolio. Fiona Hyslop is one of the most experienced and accomplished ministers in government. I am deeply proud of the fact this means Cabinet will become world-leading with seven out of ten women in it.
“I am proud to bring the first ever Woman of Colour into government in Scotland – I believe another sign of the progress we are making as a nation, with the appointment of Kaukab Stewart as Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development. Kaukab takes this role on from Christina McKelvie, who will now report directly to me as Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy.
“And I am delighted to welcome Jim Fairlie to government, who brings a wealth of business and rural knowledge to his new role as Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity.
“These new appointments reflect this government’s priorities and the missions that drive them – equality, opportunity and community – and I look forward to working with them as we continue to deliver for the people of Scotland.”
A new initiative is underway to provide greater support to persistent callers to the 999 service in an effort to direct patients to the best health service provider for their needs.
The Scottish Ambulance Service’s new High Intensity Users team has been set up to try and improve care for patients with complex needs, whilst reducing demand on 999 services.
During a 12-week period, the team identified 137 patients who regularly call 999 for assistance whose needs to be better met by other parts of the health service. The team provided intervention and support to them, educated them on how to access best healthcare services for their needs and encouraged them to only call 999 in an emergency.
Prior to the team’s help and support in their care, these patients had collectively generated 4502 emergency calls. Following engagement and education, these patients generated 2017 emergency calls – a 55% reduction.
Neil Reid, Clinical Effectiveness Lead High Intensity Users, said the SAS process for identifying persistent callers was first to gather intelligence on the user’s call data and then make the patient and GP aware. This was followed by intervention, escalating support and then a case review.
He said: “Many of these callers have complex needs and call 999 regularly throughout the day for assistance. By engaging directly with them to better understand their needs and reasons for calling 999, we were able to educate them on some alternatives more suited to their needs.
“In some cases, we have found that we have been able to identify unmet social needs or mental health crisis earlier, patients are involved in decisions relating to their care and this has led to better outcomes.
“This work is vital as it improves care and support for patients across the country.”
A Glasgow-based company which is developing a diagnostic tool to detect brain tumours is one of the organisations taking part in roundtable discussions today – 5 February – to review the brain tumour diagnosis pathway in Scotland.
GPs, NHS representatives, researchers, representatives from the Chief Scientist’s Office, the Scottish Steering Committee and The Brain Tumour Charity – representing the patient voice – are also taking part in the meeting at The Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh.
More than 1,000 people in Scotland are diagnosed with a brain or central nervous system tumour each year1 so there is an urgent need to prioritise better care. In addition, The Charity’s Improving Brain Tumour Care surveys show one in three people visit their GP more than five times before they are diagnosed.
Now Dxcover Limited is working alongside researchers at the University of Edinburgh to develop a blood test and AI algorithms that could enable earlier diagnosis in primary care settings by analysing blood samples to look for signs of a brain tumour. Early research suggests that this technology could offer a promising diagnostic tool, although more testing is required.
Cameron Miller, Director of Policy and Strategy at The Brain Tumour Charity said: “This roundtable is a stepping stone to ensure that the right conversations are taking place while these diagnostic tools are being developed.
“When they are ready for patients, we want to ensure that they can access them as quickly as possible. It is also key to ensuring policymakers truly understand the barriers to brain tumour diagnosis and the need to improve current diagnostic pathways.”
Brain tumours can be hard to diagnose due to their non-specific symptoms, including headaches, vomiting and visual disturbances. An early diagnostic test to help identify which people with these symptoms are most likely to have a brain tumour would help prioritise demand on imaging facilities such as MRI and CT scans.
Dxcover is currently running a performance evaluation study across seven sites in the UK and Europe, to understand the effectiveness and viability of their technology.
Prof. Matthew J. Baker, CEO of Dxcover said: “Dxcover has patients at the heart of its thinking. This roundtable is key to changing the picture for brain tumour patients and one which we are excited to be a part of.
“We have recently launched our EMBRACE study – a pan-Europe 2,200 patient performance evaluation of the Dxcover® brain cancer liquid biopsy which will enable CE marking and provide a much-needed tool for patients.”
Dr Paul Brennan, Reader and Honorary Consultant Neurosurgeon at the University of Edinburgh said: “During several clinical studies involving patients in Scotland we have demonstrated that the Dxcover test is an efficient and effective strategy for brain tumour detection.
“The next step is to find the best route to implement this test into routine care and this roundtable brings together the stakeholders needed to achieve that.”
To find out more about The Brain Tumour Charity’s work with policymakers and healthcare professionals, visit thebraintumourcharity.org
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is calling for voluntary organisations and individuals across the country to apply for its annual Scottish Charity Awards.
Now in its 18th year, the Scottish Charity Awards are designed to celebrate the best of the voluntary sector, and to highlight the incredible organisations, inspiring people and innovative projects that have made an immeasurable difference to the communities they support over the past year.
Applications are now being accepted for 2024, with SCVO placing particular importance on hearing from voluntary organisations and individuals that reflect the diversity of this essential sector.
All registered charities, social enterprises, campaigning groups, community interest companies and people who work/volunteer in these spaces are eligible to enter.
This year SCVO has also tried to make the awards simpler and more accessible to as many people and organisations as possible, with a number of improvements to the application and judging process – including the introduction of a new Small Charity of the Year award in recognition of charities with turnover of £500k and below.
The award categories are Charity of the Year, Small Charity of the Year Trustee of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Employee of the Year, Partnership of the Year, Campaign of the Year, Community Impact, Climate Impact, and Digital Difference; with the winners to be decided by a panel of judges.
All finalists will also be entered into the running for the People’s Choice Award, giving members of the public a chance to vote for their favourite finalist to win.
SCVO received an overwhelming response last year with hundreds of applications and over 14,000 votes cast for the People’s Choice Award, and hopes that even more organisations will be inspired to apply this year.
This year, SCVO will be bringing its celebratory awards ceremony, hosted by Sally Magnusson, to Glasgow on 20 June.
Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), said: “In these stormy times, it’s great to have something to look forward to. The Scottish Charity Awards always light up our calendars and remind us of the invaluable, inspiring work voluntary organisations across the country are doing every day.
“Being shortlisted for an award spotlights your story and celebrates the massive contribution of people and organisations to our communities and our country.
“Every year I’m blown away by the diversity, dedication, expertise and passion that runs through every part of our sector and I’m sure 2024 will be no different – maybe even better! Prove me right and enter or nominate for this year’s awards.”
Applications are open until 12pm on Friday 15 March 2023 and can be completed on the SCVO website: scvo.scot/scottish-charity-awards/apply.
Nicole Scottsville, co-founder and chair of 2023 Charity of the Year Diversified, added: “Since winning Charity of the Year at the Scottish Charity Awards 2023, our organisation has gone from strength to strength and it has brought national recognition to the work we do.
“As a small and young charity, we never expected to win Charity of the Year, and were absolutely thrilled that we did! Winning such a prestigious award has helped us demonstrate to our wider community that we are passionate about what we do and that we provide exceptional services to our autistic youth community.”
Our first Afternoon Tea was a resounding success last Friday, and spaces are filling up for the next one! So much so that we’ve added a new date on Saturday 17th February!
These delicious teas are made by our chefs in house, and as well as being a delicious treat to brighten up any weekend, they also raise funds for the Hospice!
You can book yours today by emailing iona@stcolumbashospice.org.uk , booking in person in the Iona Cafe, or by going to our online shop!
Edinburgh became the first Scottish local authority to enforce against parking on pavements, parking at pedestrian crossing points and double parking yesterday (Monday 29 January).
Parking attendants have begun monitoring streets across the city, along with existing duties. Anyone found to be contravening the new rules could be subject to a £100 fine, reduced to £50 if paid within the first 14 days.
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Scott Arthur joined parking attendants yesterday to see the impact of the changes. He also met representatives from Guide Dogs Scotland and Living Streets, with whom the Council collaborated to lobby for the introduction of controls in Scotland.
National regulations giving councils the power to enforce the new rules came into effect on 11 December. The change addresses the inconvenience inconsiderate parking causes to all road users, in particular those with mobility issues, visual impairments, and people with pushchairs.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said:“We’re leading the way as Scotland’s first local authority to enforce against pavement parking, as well as parking at crossing points and double parking.
“This is a change that we’ve wanted to make for a long time, and I’ve heard from many people who say it will make their day-to-day life much easier. It will make our streets safer for everyone, in particular those with visual impairments or mobility issues, and I’m delighted that reports of pavement parking are already coming down.
“Now the restrictions are in place, we are relying on the public to park safely and considerately, making sure not to block any roads. We’ll continue to monitor streets across the city to make sure the impacts on the wider network are minimal.”
People who have been affected by pavement parking have also welcomed the ban.
Edinburgh-based guide dog owner Elaine MacKenzie said she and guide dog Tessy are often forced out onto the road when their path is blocked by a parked vehicle, putting them in real danger.
Elaine said:“I remember a time when there was a work van parked on the pavement. It was a very busy road but we didn’t have any other option to get past. I had to go on the road to actually get to where I needed to go, and I was terrified.
“Sometimes you’re walking towards traffic or you can be walking with traffic coming from behind you, which is really scary if you can’t see.
“I’m so glad the City of Edinburgh Council are doing something to end pavement parking. The new legislation will make a real difference to my everyday life. It will be one less thing to worry about when I am out and about with Tessy.”
Local parent Euan Reid added: “The ban on pavement parking will make a big difference for parents who are using prams in Edinburgh.
“There have been occasions where I have had to use the road to navigate our pram past cars parked on the pavement, this creates an unnecessary risk to parents and their children, and I am pleased that the City of Edinburgh Council have taken action to make the streets safer for everyone.”
Mike Moore, Policy and Campaigns Manager at Guide Dogs Scotland, said: “We applaud the City of Edinburgh Council’s swift and decisive action to use its new powers to tackle pavement parking in the city.
“These measures will be a huge help for people with sight loss, who are often discouraged from getting out and about by the fear of badly parked vehicles.
“While pavement parking creates problems for everyone, it is especially dangerous if you have sight loss and can’t see whether traffic is coming towards you.
“Removing the barrier of vehicles blocking the way for pedestrians will make Edinburgh a more accessible city and sets a strong precedent for all local authorities in Scotland to follow.”
David Hunter, Convener of the Living Streets Edinburgh Group, said:“It’s been a long road to getting a ban on pavement parking.
“Living Streets has campaigned for this for well over ten years so it is gratifying to see the day arrive when we should no longer see this kind of anti-social parking. Pavements are for people and cars don’t belong on them.
“We are especially pleased to see the City of Edinburgh Council leading the way by applying the ban to every street, without exception.”
Officers have identified a small number of streets where there is significant pavement parking and have written to these properties to help them prepare for the measures. Now the ban is in place monitoring will continue to ascertain whether any mitigation measures are required to minimise potential negative impacts on the wider road network.
The restrictions will help ensure Edinburgh’s roads and footways are accessible for all, which is central to our vision of an equal, accessible and sustainable city as part of the City Mobility Plan.
The prohibitions first featured in the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, though the necessary regulations required to support the enforcement and appeals procedures have only recently been finalised by Transport Scotland.
On Saturday (27 January), memorial plaques were unveiled to commemorate and celebrate the life of firefighter Barry Martin, one year on from his death in the line of duty.
A Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Red Plaque was unveiled alongside a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Memorial Plaque at McDonald Road Fire Station on Saturday at a private ceremony attended by members of Barry’s family, fire service colleagues and their families, along with representatives from the Fire Brigades Union and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
The Red Plaque project is funded by the Firefighters 100 Lottery and creates memorials for firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty across the UK.
Shelley Martin, wife of Barry Martin, said:“Barry Martin was, and will always remain, the heart and soul of our family. There is nothing right about our profound loss, but what we must do, is do right with what we are forced to live with. That is, living a life without his physically here to have and to hold.
“Therefore, what is right, is to celebrate our extraordinary Barry, who shines through his beautiful sons Oliver and Daniel, and forever blazes with a ferocious love in our hearts. We thank everyone who helped us to make this day, about Our Barry.”
Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary said:“As we mark one year since he lost his life in the line of duty, Barry Martin and his loved ones will be in the thoughts of firefighters everywhere.
“The plaques unveiled in his memory will provide a place of reflection and remembrance for all who knew him, and for future generations of firefighters to pay their respects.
“The Fire Brigades Union honours Barry’s dedication and bravery. We commemorate his life and work with pride, and we will ensure he is remembered always.”
Seona Hart, Fire Brigades Union Scotland treasurer said:“The Red Plaques play an important role for the loved ones of the firefighters they remember, as well as sharing their stories with the community.
“As we unveil the FBU Red Plaque at McDonald Road Fire Station, we are not only gathered to remember Barry, but also to celebrate him as husband, father, son, comrade, brother and friend.”
EXPERIENCEit, the new initiative designed to support the growing market for experiential events in Scotland and across the UK, will showcase its debut event in Edinburgh next month.
Organised by EVENTIT, this unique event will take place on Thursday 8 February 2024 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC).
EXPERIENCEit celebrates the rise in the desire for experiential events in the UK events industry.
This is a key trend in the industry, with 74% of experiential event attendees saying that they are left with a more positive opinion of the organisation and its offerings afterwards (Event Marketing Institute).
Judith Wilson, Events Director of EVENTIT said: “We’ve launched EXPERIENCEit to bring events professionals together to be inspired, share ideas and insights, and drive our sector forward. We will take people on a journey of incredible sights, great tastes, new smells, fantastic sounds, and numerous opportunities to touch and test.
“The desire for experiential events is continuing to rise and from the plans we’ve seen so far from EXPERIENCEit exhibitors it’s easy to see why. With just two weeks to go until we’re all at the EICC, any last-minute sign-ups don’t have long left as spaces are limited!”
Experiential events often generate significant social media buzz, with attendees more likely to share their experiences on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, amplifying the reach and impact of the event for the brand.
Exhibitors have been encouraged to create immersive and experiential activities, offering delegates a glimpse into the future of event experiences and include Vue Cinemas, Social Jungle, Topgolf Glasgow, Iventis, Kimpton Hotels and Newsquest.
The event will bring together professionals from diverse industries to offer a platform to share, learn and collaborate on the future of experiential events.
EXPERIENCEit will be held on Tuesday 8 February 2024 from 8.30am – 4pm at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) in Edinburgh with tickets costing £75 plus VAT. For more information and to secure your place visit eventit.org.uk
