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Applications open for Scottish Charity Awards 2024 

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.” 

Afternoon Teas at St Columba’s

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 becomes Scotland’s first local authority to enforce against pavement parking

A parking attendant walks down a street

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.

Find out more about the new parking rules, and report incorrectly parked vehicles, on the Council website.

Red Plaque unveiled for Firefighter Barry Martin

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.”

New experiential events showcase comes to Edinburgh

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

Fearne Cotton and Sarah Jayne Dunn join PDSA’s ‘Vet Your Clothes’ campaign – will you join in?

In an effort to raise awareness of shopping pre-loved, this month will see the re-launch of Vet Your Clothes, a UK campaign whereby PDSA are calling on the local community to ‘vet their clothes’ – by having a purposeful clear out, donating items they no longer need to its charity outlets.

The campaign is backed by PDSA supporters, and animal lovers, Fearne Cotton and Sarah Jayne Dunn, who have taken on the challenge and vetted their clothes – both donating an item from their wardrobe they no longer need. They are hoping this will encourage many to join in, making some closet space before adding any more fresh finds!

The items up for grabs are a gorgeous, sparkly Olivia Rubin dress that had everyone talking when worn by Fearne, and almost immediately sold out. Now, there’s a unique opportunity to get your hands on this pre-loved by Fearne, highly desired, and no-longer available to purchase, total show-stopper dress.

There’s also a beautiful electric blue textured mini dress, resembling a heap of hydrangea flowers, worn by Sarah. This fabulous dress was from a Forever Unique collaboration with fashion and lifestyle influencer, Tara Maynard. As the collection has come to an end, it’s an opportunity to get your hands on a pre-loved by Sarah, unique, and again, no-longer available to purchase dress.

The items donated by the campaign ambassadors, Fearne and Sarah, will go up for sale in an online auction event, hosted on 4 February.

In the run up to the auction, PDSA is calling on the rest of the UK to also take on the challenge of ‘vetting their clothes’ for a great cause! PDSA has 116 charity shops throughout the UK, so plenty of locations to drop off any unwanted goodies.

Items sold in PDSA’s charity shops go a long way to support pets in need:

  • Just one item sold for £3 in a PDSA charity shop would pay for a small bottle of a local anaesthetic to provide essential pain relief to a much-loved pet during dental procedures and minor surgery.
  • An item sold for £5 would provide a poorly cat with anti-sickness to ease their symptoms.
  • And an item sold for £10 would pay for a heat pad that would help keep a pet warm and cosy following surgery.

PDSA’s Vet Your Clothes campaign runs through January and February 2024. Visit the Vet Your Clothes campaign page on PDSA’s website to find out more: www.pdsa.org.uk/vetyourclothes

The online auction will go live on 4 February 2024 at 8pm through PDSA’s eBay store: www.ebay.co.uk/str/pdsacharityshop

Celebrate 100 years of Scottish art icon Eduardo Paolozzi at National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two

Paolozzi at 100 

National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two 

27 January – 21 April 2024 

Admission Free  

Paolozzi at 100 | National Galleries of Scotland

Visit the National Galleries of Scotland to mark the centenary of the birth of one of Scotland’s most well-known artists, Eduardo Paolozzi. Opening on Saturday (27 January), Paolozzi at 100 is a tribute to the father of Pop Art.

Taking over the ground floor of Modern Two in Edinburgh, this free exhibition takes visitors on a journey through some of Paolozzi’s most popular artworks, including his collages, prints, textiles, ceramics and sculptures. 

Of Italian descent, Paolozzi was born in Leith in 1924, and is a much-loved son of the city. He studied in Edinburgh and London before spending two years in Paris. There, he produced enigmatic, bronze sculptures and Dada and Surrealist-inspired collages that combined magazine advertisements with cartoons and machine parts.

Returning to London to teach at several art schools, Paolozzi continued to develop his printmaking and sculpture techniques, with a particular interest in the mass media and in science and technology, developing a style that would become known as Pop Art. Paolozzi was knighted in 1989 and gifted a major bequest of his works to the National Galleries of Scotland in 1995.  

In Paolozzi at 100 at Modern Two, visitors can explore 60 vibrant artworks across two rooms and a special display in the Keiller Library.

Discover the colourful life of a cultural icon through a selection of works drawn from Scotland’s national collection. The exhibition begins with the years following Paolozzi’s first visit to Paris in 1947 and travels through his life. Learn about his eclectic take on popular culture and the machine age.

Examine the highly detailed Mickey tapestry made with Dovecot Tapestry Studio and marvel in vibrant graphic and gold ceramic plate collaborations designed for Wedgwood. Don’t miss the kinetic energy of the Calcium Light Night and Moonstrip Empire News screenprints.

Complete the tour with a look into Paolozzi’s epic public art projects, including the vibrant mosaics designed for Tottenham Court Road Underground Station. In the Penrose Gallery, a large projection will focus on Paolozzi’s 1971 collaboration with fashion house, Lanvin. 

All this can be seen alongside the recreation of Paolozzi’s London art studio, the towering Vulcan and the Cleish Castle Ceiling Panels, all permanently on display at Modern Two for visitors to enjoy all year round.

Indulge in a coffee at Paolozzi’s Kitchen, named in tribute to the artist himself, then take a stroll through the grounds and see if you can spot Paolozzi’s imposing sculpture Master of the Universe. Visitors can also delve deeper into the artworks with an eight stop free audioguide on Smartify.

Anne Lyden, Director-General at the National Galleries of Scotland said: “Eduardo Paolozzi is one of Scotland’s best-known artists and was an Edinburgh icon. His powerful influence can still be seen across the city today in everything from sculptures and architecture to fashion to food and drink brands.

“The National Galleries of Scotland is delighted to be celebrating his 100th birthday with an exhibition that brings together 60 key Paolozzi works from Scotland’s national collection. We hope everyone will take the opportunity to enjoy this free glimpse into the phenomenal art that is Paolozzi at 100.” 

Paolozzi at 100 opens at National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two on Saturday 27 January 2024.

Join us and discover how high art became part of the everyday; from towering sculptures and chaotic prints to luxurious textiles and iconic collages, it’s time to celebrate the city’s favourite artist in style.    

Scottish Government announces funding for projects to tackle poverty and inequality

Supporting people in need

An initiative which will support low income families to take part in community action and advise on improvements in local services is being funded as part of a wider programme to help develop new approaches to child poverty.

The project, led by Midlothian Sure Start in partnership with Midlothian Council, is one of nine successful applicants to the Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund – which was set up to explore promising approaches or redesign services to maximise their impact on child poverty.

A Cash First Fund, which aims to reduce the need for emergency food parcels and food banks, will also fund eight partnerships to provide help to low income families. Six of these will provide new sources of cash-first support.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said yesterday: “These two funds exemplify the innovative approach the Scottish Government is taking to tackling poverty and delivering for the people of Scotland.

“The Midlothian partnership will give local families the opportunity to get involved in and influence local services. It will aim to identify improvements which will ensure help on offer is joined-up and people are supported in a dignified way to reduce stigma.

“Other projects will help to accelerate progress in tackling poverty, including by making it easier for people to access cash in a crisis and by connecting people with advice to prevent future hardship.

“We are investing £3 billion this financial year to tackle poverty and protect people from the cost of living crisis. We are taking all the action we can to support people within our limited powers and fixed budget.”

Cash First Fund: successful proposals

AreaLead partner
AberdeenAberdeen Voluntary Action (TSI)
AberdeenshireAberdeenshire Council
EdinburghEdinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership
FifeFife Council
GlasgowGlasgow Centre for Population Health
North LanarkshireNorth Lanarkshire Council
OrkneyVoluntary Action Orkney (TSI)
West DunbartonshireWest Dunbartonshire Council

Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund: successful proposals

AreaProject
Aberdeen CityData driven identification of households experiencing child poverty to inform and direct intervention and support.
Argyll and ButeEvaluating the usefulness of third-party datasets for identifying communities in need of financial support.
EdinburghIncome Maximisation Outreach
InverclydeParent Centred Early and Intensive Intervention – supporting parents with children and babies under 5 years
MidlothianMidlothian Peer Research – A Case for Change through a Place Based Approach Building Skills and Influencing
MorayImproved identification of families affected by disability and delivery of support to maximise income
North AyrshireNorth Ayrshire Single Shared Assessment (NASSA)
Perth & KinrossBeyond Emergency Support to Sustainable Livelihoods – Capacity Building Programme for Local Communities
South LanarkshirePaths out of Poverty’ – empowering parent/carers of disabled children through innovative, holistic, strengths-based approach.

Good Food Nation plans published

Proposals to improve access to healthy, locally produced food

Ensuring everyone in Scotland can access nutritious, sustainable food is at the heart of new plans to transform the country’s food system.

The Good Food Nation Plan sets out the ways in which the Scottish Government will work with businesses and organisations across society to help connect people to locally produced, high-quality food.

The Plan will cover everything from farm to fork and beyond, and draw together a range of different policies. It will also require key public bodies, particularly local authorities and health boards, to set out their plans.

Small Business, Innovation, Tourism and Trade Minister Richard Lochhead launched the consultation during a visit to City of Glasgow College where he helped National Chef Gary Maclean and catering students prepare a Burns Supper.

Mr Lochhead said: “This week the world will celebrate Burns Night which contributes to a thriving food culture and interest in Scottish cuisine. Supermarkets will offer Scottish dishes to shoppers, and many will use Scottish ingredients to prepare their traditional Burns Suppers.

 “In a Good Food Nation, this celebration of good quality and sustainable Scottish produce will be the norm. People across the nation will be able to easily access high quality food and drink, and will benefit from the food they produce, buy, cook and eat each day.

 “We have come far in this journey but we recognise that more needs to be done. That’s why we are seeking views on our fresh approach to food policy to make this vision for our food system a reality.”

The consultation on the national Good Food Nation Plan was published on the Scottish Government website and on Citizen Space yesterday (Wednesday 24 January). 

The consultation will be open for responses until Monday 22 April 2024.