To mark the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who, music royalty organisation PRS for Music has revealed a chart of the UK’s top 20 Most Played Sci-Fi TV Theme Tunes. With its distinctive electronic composition, exploring sound art, the iconic Doctor Who theme tune tops the chart.
Based on data provided by PRS for Music, the organisation which represents the rights of over 165,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers, the chart showcases the most popular sci-fi theme tunes that have been streamed, broadcast and publicly performed.
First broadcast on 23 November 1963, the Doctor Who theme has become one of the world’s most recognisable and enduring TV theme tunes.
Originally composed by Ron Grainer and arranged by Delia Derbyshire (both PRS members) at the world-famous BBC Radiophonic Workshop, the work is characterised by its eerie and otherworldly sound. Created using cutting-edge electronic music techniques, the composition was groundbreaking for its time.
The Doctor Who theme has been rearranged and reinterpreted numerous times over the years. Notable composers who have put their own spin on the theme include Dominic Glynn, Peter Howell and Keff McCulloch.
In 2005,award-winning composer Murray Gold captivated audiences with his interpretation by reimagining both the theme and TV series score. Gold became the show’s resident composer for over 12 years, and even filmed a cameo in the 2007 Christmas special, Voyage of the Damned, as a guitarist aboard the Max Capricorn Cruiseliners spaceship, the Titanic.
In 2018, Segun Akinola’s work brought a fresh and modern approach to the show’s musical landscape. Three special anniversary episodes, that are set to be broadcast from Saturday 25 November, see Gold return to score the show alongside the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
PRS for Music’s Most Played Sci-Fi TV Theme Tunes chart includes 20 of the most recognisable and spine-tingling scores on our screens today, from modern cult classics like The Last of Us to animated favourites Rick and Morty, as well as the vintage sounds of Red Dwarfand Star Trek.
PRS for Music: Most Played Sci-Fi TV Theme Tunes
1. Doctor Who
2. Red Dwarf
3. Star Trek
4. Stargate Atlantis
5. Rick And Morty
6. The 100
7. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
8. Heroes
9. Last Of Us
10. Fringe
11. Battlestar Galactica
12. The Expanse
13. Smallville
14. Torchwood
15. Better Off Ted
16. Star Wars Rebels
17. Manifest
18. Person Of Interest
19. Killjoys
20. The Twilight Zone
NB: Chart rank based on UK streams, broadcasts and public performance data provided by PRS for Music for the period 1 January 2023 – 14 November 2023.
Move over, Santa! There’s a new festive sensation in town, and she’s not coming down the chimney. Meet Nala the Station Cat, the four-legged feline viral phenomenon earning millions of views that’s unleashed the catchiest Christmas single for years!
Nala’s Musical Journey
This ginger tabby, whose adventures at Stevenage station have made her a viral sensation, is now gracing our ears with her debut single, “Check Meowt.” Move aside, Mariah, because Nala’s vocal prowess is set to give even the most seasoned divas a run for their money. Co-written and produced by industry heavyweights Danny Kirsch and Joe Killington, this purr-fect melody is guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit.
Exclusive First Play on BBC Three Counties Radio!
The cat’s out of the bag! BBC Three Counties Radio’s Justin Dealey gave Nala’s single an exclusive first play, leaving both the presenter and Nala’s owner, Natasha Ambler, momentarily tongue-tied. Forget speechless, they were “slightly lost for words.” Can Nala claw her way to the top of the charts? We’re all on the edge of our scratching posts!
All Aboard the Nala Express!
Nala, the station’s unofficial mascot, has been winning hearts and breaking down barriers faster than a speeding locomotive. She’s not just a cat; she’s a community builder, creating a purr-fectly cheerful atmosphere at Stevenage station. Station manager Shaun Smith says Nala is creating a “paw-sitive” vibe, making staff and customers alike feel part of a purr-fect local community.
Paws for a Cause: Charity at the Heart of Nala’s Mission
LadBaby just announced they’re not doing a number one this year, so there’s a new charity contender for the Christmas number one spot. All proceeds from “Check Meowt” will be generously donated to the RSPCA and Stevenage homelessness charity Feed Up Warm Up. Nala isn’t just winning our hearts; she’s making a difference in the lives of animals and humans alike.
Nala the Station Cat’s music video: Coming Soon to TikTok
Prepare to have your heart melted, one paw at a time. Nala’s viral adventures continue on TikTok, @nala_station_cat. The video is set to drop this week, and we predict it will be more viral than catnip. Get ready for the furriest, funniest, and most festive content of the season!
Join the Christmas Rescue with Nala and the RSPCA!
As we dance to the catchy beats of “Check Meowt” let’s not forget the bigger picture. Nala’s single comes at a time when the RSPCA needs our support more than ever.
An RSPCA spokesperson said: “It’s always lovely to see animals we have rescued thriving in their new homes so to see Nala doing so well and touching so many people’s hearts with his train station adventures is amazing to see.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Nala and his owners for releasing their purr-fect single Meow to raise funds for the RSPCA and a homeless charity – and give it our full backing for the Christmas number one spot!
“The launch of Nala’s song comes at a time when animal and neglect calls to the RSPCA have reached a three-year high and our rescue teams are set to be busier than ever this Christmas. That’s why we need people to Join the Christmas Rescue – and support our dedicated frontline teams.
“With the help of Nala, his owners, and other kind animal lovers who raise funds and donate to the RSPCA, we can help transform countless animals’ lives this Christmas.”
Festive campaign run by Make 2nds Count aims to raise £15,000 for Transformative Retreats to support Patients with Secondary Breast Cancer
Make 2nds Count, a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting individuals living with secondary breast cancer, has today announced the launch of its annual Christmas campaign, “Make Christmas Count” which aims to raise £15,000 for transformative retreats.
The heart-warming initiative invites individuals to join hands in adorning the Tree of Hope with special baubles, symbolising support and solidarity for families and patients facing the challenges of secondary breast cancer.
Every year, Make 2nds Count strives to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals battling secondary breast cancer. This year, the organisation is introducing a new initiative to extend its support, with the sale of specially designed Christmas baubles. All proceeds from these sales will directly contribute towards funding the organisation’s dedicated retreats for patients in 2024.
Make 2nds Count Retreats serve as invaluable sanctuaries for members of the community affected by secondary breast cancer. They offer a respite from the demanding routine of constant treatment, providing a nurturing environment for relaxation and emotional rejuvenation.
In 2023, Make 2nds Count was able to host Retreats for 106 guests in various locations across the UK. The goal for 2024 is to increase this offering, enabling even more individuals to benefit from these transformative experiences.
Recent feedback from the Castle Bromwich retreat, held in September 2023, highlights the importance of these Retreats:
“The Castle Bromwich retreat has been such a wonderful relaxing experience. We’ve met so many women just like us, at all stages of the ‘living with’ journey. We feel lifted and listened to, encouraged and most of all relaxed and happy.
“We’ve had led sessions and time to get to know each other. We are all leaving with a new family and friendships to support us.”
“This has been a wonderful time to relax and take time out. The care and cosseting we have had will not be forgotten and will keep me going for a long time. Thank you so much.”
Make 2nds Count is also proud to collaborate with Spark, a charitable organisation dedicated to combating social isolation within communities to create bespoke baubles.
These Christmas decorations will be crafted by the skilled hands at Spark, further illustrating the power of community-driven initiatives.
For more information on Make 2nds Count and their work, please visit:
A site at the corner of Hanover Street and Princes Street is potentially set for a new lease of life following the submission of a planning application to City of Edinburgh Council for an exciting mixed-use development.
Undertaken by innovative property developers, RRH Hanover A Limited, the series of five under-used buildings in Hanover Street and Rose Street will be carefully repurposed into a luxury hotel, with associated guest amenities and ancillary accommodation.
The hotel is designed to operate as a bespoke apartment style destination, with each room and suite unique and individually styled. The 60 bedrooms have been designed to be accommodated within the existing and proposed buildings which carefully knit together the fabric of the site, respecting the historical context.
The development will serve to consolidate the unused space above several commercial units into a series of interlinked properties, with ground floor units reorganised to make the most of their central location, giving opportunities to businesses leasing the ground floor retail units.
The key concept of adaptive re-use of existing properties is to be reinforced by new build additions at Rose Street and Rose Street Lane. These elements knit together the five blocks of accommodation while improving neglected rear portions of the site and improving the overall universal value of the site.
Development comprises 60 premium bespoke hotel rooms and will be operated by RÌGH Properties. The development also includes the reintroduction of a tearoom on Hanover Street, of benefit to both the local community and visitors. These were once occupied by Crawford’s Tearooms, and development returns these to their former glory, reviving the building’s historical charm.
The founder of the tearooms in the 1920s, William Crawford, wanted them to be an ‘oasis of calm’ in the city centre, and the rooms were decorated and furnished by the artist Robert Burns, a key figure in the Scottish Art Nouveau scene in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Other offers include rooftop terraces, providing dramatic skyline views, a fitness studio and guest lounge overlooking the Mound and Princes Street Gardens.
The development will complement the 27 luxury serviced apartments units which are currently being developed by RRH in a refurbished category-A listed at 71 George Street and will be operated under the RÌGH Properties brand. The company also plans to refurbish 73-75 George Street into luxury managed serviced apartments.
David Grieve from RRH commented: “We are incredibly excited to be submitting a planning application for this development, which includes the delivery of 60 unique and individually styled flexible stay hotel suites and luxury bedrooms, as well as returning the fabulous Crawford’s Tea Rooms to their former glory.
“It is anticipated that guests will be discerning and experienced travellers, looking for a boutique stay in a prime location, but without the fuss of a busy city centre hotel. Offering a calm, flexible and luxurious stay, they will have the opportunity to enjoy unique views across the New and Old Towns of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth beyond the capital’s skyline.
“Delivering a highly sustainable development, this will consolidate unused space above the retail units into a series of linked properties, and conscious of its location, we have been highly sensitive to retaining all buildings and features considered to be of architectural and historic merit.”
Push the Boat Out (PTBO), Edinburgh’s International Poetry Festival, is due to set sail this weekend (24-26 Nov) with a vibrant line-up of over 80 performers, artists and speakers and 50 events taking place across Edinburgh’s iconic Summerhall.
The 2023 Push the Boat Out programme, supported by Creative Scotland, continues to expand the festival’s mission to change perceptions of what poetry can be.
From poetry readings and discussions, to new commissions, singer-songwriter circles, music hybrid events, dance and hip hop, poetic cocktail-making classes, film screenings, beach walks, panels, workshops and development opportunities – the polyphonic line-up is a true fiesta of the vernacular, promising something for everyone.
This year, the programme celebrates the poetry of songwriting with multiple events championing the poetic power of lyrics, hip hop and the songwriting process. Singer-songwriter, Hamish Hawk offers an evening of lyrical enchantment in a solo show with support from Iona Zajac whilst Conscious Route, Queen of Harps and Dave Hook share the back stories of their songs in an in-depth Song Exploder event.
The Songwriters Circle welcomes Hamish Hawk back to the stage alongside legendary Scottish folk musician, Karine Polwart and poet and performer Inua Ellams, as the three break down their songwriting process and share some of their poetic influences, whilst British rapper, Dizraeli takes an honest look at human creation with sharp lyricism and a sense of the absurd in his event Animal Noises.
The programme this year also finds drama at the heart of poetic form, with a series of new commissions from Imogen Stirling, Alycia Pirmohamed and Ross McCleary in partnership with the National Theatre of Scotland. Developed on the theme of ‘seed’ and explicitly exploring poetry in conversation with other artistic disciplines, these new pieces promise to break new ground and plant some future discussions.
Audiences can also expect newly commissioned work that takes inspiration from the festival’s home base, Summerhall. Writer Ever Dundas and poets Harry Josephine Giles and Iona Lee celebrate the building’s history with a darkly gothic night of poetry and original music composed by David Paul Jones that offers a ‘cinema for the ears’.
Politics and poetry have platform too as Jeremy Corbyn and Len McCluskey posit that poetry is for the many in an event that sees the pair share their favourite poems from their newly co-edited anthology and discuss why poetry is for everyone. Yvonne Reddick’s urgent climate poetry will share words and exchanges on nature’s defiance and audiences can enjoy the pulsing poem-stories of William Letford as he speaks of the resilience of ordinary people as they adapt to strange and uncertain times.
Audiences are encouraged to embrace the cat life in an extra special event at Maison de Moggy cat cafe with The Cat Prince himself, prize-winning poet Michael Pedersen who will share work from his new collection and Scottish Makar, Kathleen Jamie aims to remind audiences that poetry is made for the ear, in an evening celebrating tradition, mentoring and passing on the baton
For the food lovers and cocktail connoisseurs, Joelle Taylor and Kate Fox will help shake up a poetic cocktail or two in events that mix your drinks as well as your words and poet and culinary enthusiast, Sean Wai Keung adds some flavour in a dumpling and poetry workshop.
Emma Collins, Director of Push the Boat Out, said: ‘In this third year, Push the Boat Out is definitely poetry placed firmly in a current tide. This year’s programme is a true showcasing of contemporary excellence. Modern, charged, alive, joyful and celebratory with events that are also vehicles for important and vital discussions.
“We’ve brought together over eighty of the most exciting poets from Scotland, the UK and beyond and we’ve continued to expand our notion of what poetry is, with eclectic events that celebrate words and language in their many glorious forms and in conversation with other artistic disciplines.
“Poetry is everywhere, it’s the lyrics in songs, our conversations and dialogues, the rhythm of spoken word, scripts and sonnets, proclamations and points of view, the stories we tell and the history around us.
“That’s what Push the Boat Out is primarily about… words, how we use them, a celebration of them and what they mean to us. We’ve endeavoured to capture that in this year’s programming.
“We also strive to make Push the Boat Out as accessible for audiences as possible. BSL interpreted events are indicated within the programme and once again, in addition to our in person and online programme, we will have a programme of events free to listen to at home via our partners EHFM Radio as well as a selected live stream event that showcases newly commissioned work.
“We’ve been overjoyed by the response from the incredible artists and poets who’ve agreed to come on board the boat this year and cannot wait to bring them all together for audiences this November.”
Harriet MacMillan, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland, said: ‘In its third year, the Push the Boat Out programme is brighter and more dynamic than ever, capturing the many dimensions of Scotland’s rich poetry scene.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, this unique and varied international suite of events is testament to the vital role poetry plays in all of our lives. Their increasing range of collaborations and activities continues to show us how words can connect us with each other and ourselves – the power of poetry will be felt by all who take part in this brilliant celebration.’
KEY EVENTS
Poetry that’s on your wavelength
Push the Boat Out, Edinburgh’s annual poetry festival launches on National Poetry Day. The festival will run 24-26 November. Tickets now on sale via Summerhall box office.
Neil Hanna
The full programme and artist line-up can be viewed: Here
Tickets can be purchased via pushtheboatout.org or from Summerhall Box Office. Prices range from 0-£20 with concessions available and free tickets for carers.
Push The Boat Out also offers a Pay What You Can Can option with tiered pricing selections. The Festival Pass (£40), gives access to the majority of the programme free of charge plus reduced price tickets for the higher priced and more intimate events.
The Cat Prince
Fri 24 Nov | 3pm & 4.15pm | Maison de Moggy (17 West Port, EH1 2JA)
Meow! Two extra-special off-site performances from The Cat Prince himself, poet and performer Michael Pedersen, celebrating his Forward Prize-nominated poem in a properly feline setting: Maison de Moggy Cat Cafe!
Cocktail Hour with Kate Fox
Fri 24 Nov | 5.30pm | Summerhall
Join us for our first Cocktail Hour of the festival, a heady mix of rum and rhyme. Mixologists from Ruma take you through the history and mixing of each cocktail, while poet, author and comedian Kate Fox creates a poem to accompany each drink. Ticket price covers the cocktails (and poetry).
A Summerhall Triptych: Tales From The Dissection Room
Fri 24 Nov | 8pm | Summerhall
A sublimely dark and gothic evening’s entertainment, as some of Scotland’s most exciting, fearless writers, including Ever Dundas, Harry Josephine Giles and Iona Lee, perform newly-commissioned works inspired by the history of Summerhall, each set to original music composed and performed by David Paul Jones in a ‘cinema for the ears’.
Double Bill: Majorie Lotfi & K Patrick
Sat 25 Nov | 11am | Summerhall
Two stunning debut collections meditating on beginnings and rebirths. K Patrick’s (Granta Best of Young British Novelists 2023) Three Births culminates in the powerful message that we should be able to inhabit the body we want to. Marjorie Lotfi’s The Wrong Person to Ask reflects on an Iranian childhood disrupted and uprooted by revolution and migration.
Songwriters Circle
Sat 25 Nov | 12pm | Summerhall
Three hugely talented lyricists – rising indie star Hamish Hawk, Scottish folk legend Karine Polwart and celebrated cross-disciplinary artist Inua Ellams – come together to offer rare insight into the processes behind creating a song. How do they make the language of words and music meet to tell stories, set moods and paint sonic landscapes?
Your Local Arena: Hair – Film screening and panel talk
Sat 25 Nov | 12.15pm | Summerhall
Delve into the BBC archives in this screening of pioneering film Hair. After the screening Hannah McGill, Nadine Aisha Jassat, Khadijah Ibrahiim and Joanna Bourke will discuss all things follicle, and poet Francesca Beard will read a new poem inspired by the film.
Double Bill: Kim Moore & Iona Lee
Sat 25 Nov | 1pm | Summerhall
A double bill of poems and lyrical essays written defiantly through the female gaze. In All The Men I Never Married, Kim Moore reckons with the harms and coercions of being female in a male-dominant world. Iona Lee’s debut collection Anamnesis charts a descent into adulthood, exploring truth and tale-telling, art and artifice. BSL Interpreted.
Poetry for the Many with Jeremy Corbyn and Len McCluskey
Sat 25 Nov | 2.15pm | Summerhall
As well as a shared belief in a fairer, more equal Britain, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and trade unionist Len McCluskey share a love of poetry. In this special event, they share poems from their new co-edited anthology Poetry for the Many and talk about why poetry is for everyone. BSL Interpreted.
Dizraeli: Animal Noises
Sat 25 Nov | 5pm | Summerhall
Rapper, songwriter and raconteur Dizraeli brings his new book Animal Noises to the Push the Boat Out stage. A searingly honest look at human creation, he confronts the messiness of fatherhood, sex and the end of the world. Expect ferociously sharp lyricism and a sense of the absurd. BSL Interpreted.
Cocktail Hour with Joelle Taylor
Sat 25 Nov | 6pm | Summerhall
We can’t think of better company for a cocktail than the legendary Joelle Taylor. As our Ruma mixologists shake a heady mix of delectable drinks, Joelle will offer up some stirring words to accompany each sip. Ticket price covers the cocktails (and poetry) at this workshop.
Poetry Jam with Leyla Josephine and band
Sat 25 Nov | 7pm | Summerhall
Want to try out your poetry in conversation with music? This event – part open mic, part jam session – gives you the opportunity to do just that. Bring a poem to share, liaise with the band about mood, rhythm and tempo, and then give it a go. Come to listen or perform.
Hamish Hawk Solo Show
Sat 25 Nov | 7.30pm | Summerhall
Hamish Hawk’s rich, poetic imagery, storytelling songs and velvety vocals have invited comparisons to Scott Walker, Jarvis Cocker and Ivor Cutler, so we’re thrilled to welcome this rising start of the UK music scene to close our Saturday night with a solo evening of lyrical enchantment. Support from Iona Zajac.
Rishi Dastidar: Walking with Neptune
Sun 26 Nov | 10am | Meet at Portobello Bookshop, 46 Portobello High Street EH15 1DAP
Poet Rishi Dastidar has spent a lot of time with Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. Join them for a Sunday morning stroll along the beach, where they will try and answer questions about waves, the apocalypse, and much, much more.
Song Exploder
Sun 26 Nov | 4pm | Summerhall
Understand the craft behind the bars in this panel with some of Scotland’s foremost rap and hip hop artists. Bemz, Queen of Harps and Dave Hook lift the lid on their lyrics, telling the backstory to their songs and explaining their process. Chaired by Arusa Qureshi. In association The Skinny
Seeds: New Poetic Performances
Sun 26 Nov | 5pm |Summerhall
Three new poetry-led performance pieces, commissioned by Push The Boat Out in association with National Theatre of Scotland. Featuring Imogen Stirling and Susan Bear’s drum & bass/ spoken word piece inspired by the myth of Persephone; Ross McCleary’s AI-era reinvention of the Biblical tale of Legion; and an ecopoetic collaboration between poet Alycia Pirmohamed & choreographer Gwynne Bilski, these pieces are all breaking new ground. BSL interpreted. This event will be live-streamed free of charge.
BELONGING: A Quines Cast Special
Sun 26 Nov | 6.15pm | Summerhall
Hannah Lavery and Caitlin Skinner host a one-off, live special of Quines Cast, the hugely successful Stellar Quines podcast. The theme is BELONGING, with poetry from RJ Hunter and an extract from a new work in progress by Hannah Lavery. Live music from a special guest. Come and find your place.
Inua Ellams: Search Party
Sun 26 Nov | 7.30pm | Summerhall
Inua Ellams – playwright, performer, poet, MBE, Nigerian-British wunderkind and polymathic award-winner – wants you to throw words at him. No, really. Welcome to Search Party, a magical, anarchic evening of reactive poetry created from his archive around whatever the audience suggests. Fresh from uproarious successes in London and NYC, Search Party is chaotic, exciting and always completely unique.
Join us for the NHS Facilities Information Event, where you can meet some of the hiring managers from various departments.
The event will be held on Wednesday 6 December 2023 and is your chance to discover a range of roles available within NHS Facilities.
We look forward to seeing you there. Please note you must have tickets for the event as we are limited to how many people we can accommodate at each session.
Members of the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee have visited Leith based businesses and social enterprises to learn more about the different ways in which businesses are evolving and adapting to help accelerate Scotland’s transition to a circular economy.
The visits form part of the Committee’s scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s Circular Economy Bill, as Parliament seeks to make sure the Bill encourages a new approach to the use and consumption of materials in a way that will ultimately help Scotland achieve it net zero goals.
Committee Members, Deputy Convener Ben Macpherson MSP (delegation lead) and Douglas Lumsden MSP began the visit at local refill shop WeighToGo, where Members looked back to a time before single use plastics and saw a simple and convenient solution to sustainable living.
Members then continued their research at the Edinburgh Remakery – a social enterprise which encourages regenerative practises linked to upcycling and the reuse of products. The visit ended at the Edinburgh Tool Library which offers the public access to all sorts of tools by promoting a ‘why buy when you can share’ ethos.
Following the visit Deputy Convener Ben Macpherson MSP, said: “Throughout our scrutiny of this Bill, we’re keen to understand each stage of the waste hierarchy – and what’s preventing reusing, recycling and recovering products and materials.
“It was great to hear more about the environmental benefits these organisations in Leith have generated, by offering more sustainable products and services for consumers. They’ve also helped social cohesion by bringing people together to share ideas and lived experiences, as well as learn new skills.”
“We want this Bill to support and drive change to reduce waste. Our thanks to all the hosting organisations for the invaluable insights they have shared.”
DFM calls for Autumn Statement funding to support key missions
The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement must deliver more funding for public services, net zero and cost of living support instead of cutting taxes, Deputy First Minister Shona Robison has urged.
Ahead of the Scottish Budget next month, the Deputy First Minister called for the Chancellor to provide a funding settlement to support the Scottish Government’s key missions of equality, opportunity and community.
Ms Robison, who is also Finance Secretary, is urging the Chancellor to:
increase the Scottish Government’s capital budget in line with inflation to help deliver vital infrastructure
deliver additional funding across the UK to fund public services and fair public sector pay awards
commit to increasing working-age benefits in line with inflation next year
legislate for an essentials guarantee giving basic necessities to those who need them most
prioritise investment in net zero, including funding for offshore wind projects in Scotland
The Deputy First Minister said: “The UK faces a combination of low growth and high interest rates. The Autumn Statement must learn the lessons from last year’s ‘mini budget’ – it must not compound these problems with ill-timed tax breaks which would place even greater pressure on the public finances.
“The Scottish Government is using the levers available to us to support people through this difficult time. However, it is important that the UK Government uses its full range of reserved powers to address these challenges. With many families continuing to struggle with the cost of living, the Chancellor must not use this statement to cut benefits.
“The Autumn Statement provides an important opportunity for the UK Government to support us to deliver the investment and services that Scotland needs, to demonstrate its commitment to net zero, and to help people and businesses with the economic challenges they face.”
Aye, I’m sure Jeremy Hunt will be hanging on to her every word! -Ed.
Additional Scottish Government funding to aid recovery efforts
Hundreds of households and businesses affected by the impact of Storm Babet will benefit from additional funding from the Scottish Government to help with recovery.
Impacted local authorities will be allocated additional funding to enable them to provide flat rate grants of:
£1,500 to people whose properties were most affected by flooding related to Storm Babet
£3,000 grants to businesses where there is evidence that ability to trade was severely impacted by flooding related to Storm Babet
This exceptional additional funding was discussed and agreed during the first formal meeting of the Storm Babet Ministerial Taskforce held today. Grants will be administered by local authorities; further information on when and how to access will be made available in due course.
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero Màiri McAllan said: “Storm Babet was a highly unusual weather event with severe impacts, and communities continue to suffer. Our thoughts are with all those dealing with the aftermath. We have been clear that Scotland’s response to and recovery from Storm Babet would be collaborative endeavour.
“That’s why we have been working with local authorities and those directly affected by the severe impact of Storm Babet to determine where the Scottish Government can provide additional support to local partners.
“Given the unprecedented scale of damage and impact caused by Storm Babet we have concluded that additional funding is required to support households and businesses.
“This is in addition to our long-standing annual funding of £42 million and the additional £150 million for flood risk management and £12 million for coastal change adaptation over the course of this parliament, and sits alongside the Bellwin Scheme, Scottish Welfare Fund, and additional funds to farming businesses and organisations. Our Taskforce will continue to oversee these matters and support local partners.
Leader of Angus Council, Cllr Beth Whiteside said: “We welcome these discussions with Ministers and have the reassurance that they are fully aware of the scale of impact across Angus.
“Recovery will be a lengthy process as we support people and communities to rebuild their lives and businesses from the unprecedented flooding and we will need ongoing support for years to come to rebuild our infrastructure and take action to protect Angus from such devastating flooding in the future.”
Work to assess and identify the damage caused by the exceptional level of rain caused by Storm Babet has been ongoing in partnership between local and national government.
Existing support which can be accessed as a result of adverse weather events includes:
Council Tax relief for up to 12 months for homes which are uninhabitable and discretionary Hardship Relief for non-domestic rates for businesses where the applicant would sustain financial difficulty without it
the Scottish Welfare Fund which exists to help people in Scotland on low incomes through crisis grants and community care grants, with £41 million invested into the scheme for 2023/24 and an average award of £715 for community care grants and £113 for crisis grants
The Bellwin Scheme has been activated; however, given the scale of damage endured Scottish Ministers have today agreed an extension period of eligible costs from two months from the date of the incident, to four months from the date of the incident, to further support local authorities with the cost of recovery.
The Scottish Government has already pledged support for the repair of damaged flood banks, in addition to providing an additional £50,000 to the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI) to help bolster the charity’s Flooding Crisis Fund supporting those affected by recent adverse weather in the agricultural sector.
Immersive VR experience, designed to empower bystanders to recognise and help combat sexual harassment on the railway, on show today at Edinburgh Waverley station.
Demonstrating how a small action could make a big difference is important – 85% of women would feel relieved if someone intervened when experiencing sexual harassment on public transport.
This is the latest in a series of nationwide events aimed at providing advice and tips on how bystanders can safely intervene and report a situation before police or rail staff are able to get involved.
As part of the rail industry and British Transport Police’s continued commitment to make sure every passenger feels safe when travelling by train, an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience is coming to Edinburgh today – Thursday 16th November.
The event is aimed at tackling all forms of sexual harassment by educating people to recognise how these situations occur for passengers and empower them to intervene safely and report perpetrators.
Sexual harassment is a real and far-reaching issue in society with seven in ten (71%) women in the UK having experienced some form of sexual harassment in a public space, the latest survey commissioned by UN Women UK finds.
The short VR film shows how small actions, such as asking the victim if they want to swap seats or distracting the perpetrator with a question, can prevent further escalation in the moment.
Following a successful initial launch of this innovative VR film earlier this year at London Waterloo station, Rail Delivery Group (RDG) together with British Transport Police (BTP) and local train operators are inviting people in Edinburgh to try the immersive VR experience in their local station.
Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive of Rail Delivery Group said: “As an industry we are actively tackling all forms of sexual harassment and are committed to making our passengers feel safe when onboard.
“By showcasing the ground-breaking VR experience in stations across the country we’re to equipping people with tips on how to safely intervene in situations as a bystander without putting themselves in harm’s way.
“Whether you see it or experience it, we ask everyone to report anything that makes you uncomfortable to British Transport Police by texting 61016 or using the Railway Guardian app.
“Passengers using Britain’s railways have a right to feel safe and confident to call out these behaviours without fear.”
Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Chief Operating Officer, said: “Everyone has the right to go about their day in peace without fear of harassment or abuse. ScotRail works very closely with British Transport Police and Network Rail to ensure that Scotland’s Railway is a safe environment for our customers and our staff.
“To assist us in tackling unacceptable behaviour, it’s important for anyone who witnesses it to report those responsible so that they can be brought to justice. This VR experience plays an important role in helping bystanders identify inappropriate behaviour when it takes place.”
Further events will be held in various cities in Great Britain over the coming weeks and months.
How to report
By reporting all incidents that occur, bystanders can help British Transport Police to identify perpetrators and reduce potential harm for others in the future.
To report an incident, contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or using the Railway Guardian app. In an emergency, always call 999.
To watch the full VR film, visit the National Rail YouTube channel here.
