Category: Uncategorized

UN body backs campaigners’ calls to review unfair planning appeal rights in Scotland

A top UN body has backed calls from environmental and community campaigners to review planning appeal rights across Scotland. This intervention follows repeated calls for equal rights of appeal which have been ignored by the Scottish Government.

In August 2022, the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland, Planning Democracy, Friends of the Earth Scotland and RSPB Scotland submitted a formal complaint to the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee (ACCC), a UN body tasked with upholding environmental rights. The complaint has now been accepted by the committee, and they have now written to the government who must respond by 21 July 2023.

The complaint sets out why planning appeal rights in Scotland are not ‘fair’ and therefore in breach of the Aarhus Convention’s access to justice requirements. It points to a ruling by the ACCC in Northern Ireland concluding that a lack of equal rights was in breach of the Convention. Campaigners believe that the same applies to Scotland.

Currently, only applicants (usually developers) enjoy statutory appeal rights if their planning permission is refused. Members of the public do not enjoy equivalent rights to appeal if a development is approved, even if the development will negatively impact their health and environment, or if the decision-making process was flawed. The only option available to affected communities is to go to court via a judicial review in the Court of Session, which the Convention’s governing bodies have already ruled as ‘prohibitively expensive’.

The complaint to the UN follows over a decade of civil society campaigning and the passage of two planning bills, neither of which addressed the issue. An amendment proposing to add equal rights of appeal to the 2019 Planning (Scotland) Act was voted down by Conservative and SNP MSPs.

Campaigners are now calling for legislative reforms to finally achieve equal rights for communities.

Benji Brown, Policy & Advocacy Officer at the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland, said: ‘Under Scotland’s rigged planning system, developers have the upper hand. They can request a full merits review on decisions they dislike, while members of the public do not have the same appeal rights.

“If people want to speak out in defence of their environment or their community, their only option is to go to court – an action that is unaffordable for most. This situation is blatantly unfair, and in violation of the Aarhus Convention.

“The UK government’s cynical attempt to stall our complaint has failed, and we welcome the Committee’s recognition that the issue must be urgently investigated. There can be no more delays – it’s time for Scotland to deliver equal rights for all.’

Clare Symonds, Chair of Planning Democracy, said: ‘Planning Democracy have campaigned for years for an equal right of appeal, and we are pleased that the Compliance Committee has agreed to take our case further.

“The lack of equal rights of appeal is a cause of much anger and frustration for communities, who experience discrimination in planning decisions. For years, the system has been blatantly unfair – it really is time for Scotland to resolve this longstanding injustice.’

Mary Church, Head of Campaigns at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “It’s an absolute scandal that communities and NGOs can’t appeal against developments that harm the environment, while developers can wage a war of attrition through appeals and repeat applications if their proposal gets knocked back.

“This lack of equal rights undermines the planning system and leads to decisions that are bad for people and planet. The Scottish Government shouldn’t wait for the UN to rap its knuckles again, but should take action to level the playing field as part of its agenda to enshrine human rights in Scots Law.”

Aedan Smith, Head of Policy and Advocacy at RSPB Scotland, said: “Planning appeal rights in Scotland are archaic and wholly unfit for purpose given the imperative need to tackle the nature and climate emergency.

“Scotland’s appeal rights date back to a time when landowners could do almost anything they wanted with their land, no matter the impact on neighbours, communities or the environment. 

“It is essential this outdated and fundamentally unfair system is reviewed to ensure that individuals, environmental organisations and communities at least have a comparable right to developers and can access a mechanism to have the most harmful decisions reconsidered.”

Brighten up your spring with Sunflowers at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Free sustainable Little Seedlings session for kids

On Sunday 5 March, Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, will host a free session for its Little Seedlings Club in its Edinburgh store. Children aged 4 to 10 will learn how to grow Sunflowers, to inject some sunshine into gardens  this spring.  

Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club offers exciting educational activities that give children a greater appreciation for the  nature, plants, and wildlife around them. March is a great time to get the gardening gloves on and start sowing  seeds to help brighten your outside space. 

Dobbies’ Super Sunflowers workshop will cover the history of these striking blooms which can grow up to 10 feet  tall, what they represent, their influence on art, and their significance for our gardens and wildlife. Dobbies’  horticultural experts will educate the children in Edinburgh on how to successfully sow and plant a Sunflower  seed, alongside top care tips. 

Children will also learn about how Sunflowers can survive in space, how edible Sunflowers can be enjoyed in  recipes, and the nutritional value, vitamins and minerals that come from this wonderful plant. Attendees in  Edinburgh will also get to taste test Sunflower seeds. 

Sarah Murray, Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager said: “Our Little Seedling Club is really popular as we  strive to inspire and encourage young people and families in Edinburgh to enjoy gardening, no matter the space  they have.

“Sunflowers are fantastic for city, coastal and cottage gardens, ideal for beds, borders and pots, making  them great for all. We’ll be encouraging our club members to measure their Sunflowers as they grow and keep  their fellow Little Seedlings updated each month!” 

Advance booking is required to secure a free spot at Dobbies’ March Little Seedlings Club session.

For more  information on how children can participate visit, events.dobbies.com

Chancellor attends his first G20 Finance Meeting in India

  • UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt met with finance ministers and central bank governors from world’s major economies at G20 in Bengaluru, India
  • Chancellor also met with Indian technology business leaders on first overseas trip to deepen UK/India economic ties
  • Chancellor set out the UK’s growth agenda ahead of Spring Budget next month

Jeremy Hunt has concluded his first international visit as Chancellor to Bengaluru, India, for the first G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting held under India’s 2023 Presidency.

The Chancellor, alongside Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England, attended a meeting of G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors on Thursday 23 February.

They were joined virtually by Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko. Their statement sent a strong message of condemnation for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, announced an increase of financial support for the Ukrainian government to a total of US$39 billion in 2023 and committed to continue supporting vulnerable countries hardest hit by the economic impact of the war.

On Friday, the UK announced a fresh wave of internationally co-ordinated sanctions and trade measures, to further restrict Russia’s capability to wage war in Ukraine both now and in the future.

The Chancellor also attended the first G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting under the Indian Presidency. He condemned Russia’s brutal acts in the strongest terms, emphasising– like many other Ministers present – that securing peace was the most important action for global growth.

He also underscored the need for bilateral official creditors and private sector to urgently help address low and middle-income country debt vulnerabilities in developing countries; the importance of multilateral development banks boosting lending from their existing balance sheets; and called on the G20 to fulfil its pledge to channel $100 billion of IMF Special Drawing Rights in support of developing countries.

The Indian Presidency issued a Chair’s statement at the end of the meeting. It highlighted, among other things, the continued need to fight inflation, and the importance of supply-side policies, especially those that increase labour supply, boost growth and alleviate price pressures.

There was also G20 consensus, including China, on the need for swift resolution of existing debt restructuring cases and to work on the impacts of food and energy insecurity on the global economy.

While in Bengaluru, the Chancellor had productive bilateral meetings with U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, French Minister of Economy and Finance Bruno Le Maire and Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. He also met with Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers.

At a meeting with Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, both sides agreed to make further progress on the UK-India Free Trade Agreement and deepen bilateral economic and financial ties. They agreed to make swift progress on setting up the next UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue.

The Chancellor took the opportunity whilst in Bengaluru to meet with business leaders, home to India’s fast-growing tech hub. He visited the offices of Indian consultancy and tech multinational Wipro, which employs over 4,000 people in the UK.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said: “Meeting fellow Finance Ministers face to face is an excellent opportunity to make real progress on the key global economic issues of our time.

“I first visited India 38 years ago, and it’s been fascinating to see how much the country has changed in this time – there are positive lessons to be learnt from their successful rapid development.

“It’s been great to hear from Indian technology business leaders here in Bengaluru how they are pushing the country’s economy forward, and I look forward to further collaboration between India and the UK as we continue to trade and create jobs – delivering on the government’s plan to grow the economy”

While speaking at the meetings, the Chancellor set out the UK government’s intention to protect the most vulnerable from cost-of-living pressures, whilst maintaining fiscal sustainability with debt falling and not adding to inflationary pressure.

He added that the upcoming Spring Budget on 15 March will drive economic growth , focusing on skills, business and infrastructure investment and research and innovation, as well as reviewing regulations of the UK’s key growth industries.

What’s On at Blackhall Library

Here’s what’s on in Blackhall Library for the week beginning 27th of February.

There are still tickets available for the author’s talk with Harry Fisher tomorrow (Monday 27th February) at 5:30pm.

Please join us, you can book tickets through this link:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/539648953547

Have a nice week everyone! 😊

Edinburgh McDonald’s restaurants donate £15,000 to local cause

The funds were raised by the McDonald’s in the Community Foundation – utilising proceeds from the 10p carrier bag charge across Scotland

McDonald’s restaurants in Newbridge and Corstorphine have made a significant contribution to local charity, Neil’s Hugs Foundation. The charity received a total of £15,000, from the McDonald’s teams.

Neil’s Hugs Foundation run support groups across West Lothian and Clackmannanshire to help, understand and support families and friends affected by suicide. The funds given will go towards continuing to provide face-to-face and telephone support services for the local community.

The donation was made possible by the ‘McDonald’s in the Community Foundation’, set up by 16 Scottish McDonald’s Franchisees, and the 20 McDonald’s-owned restaurants in Scotland. The foundation provides a central hub to help distribute funds, raised by the 10p carrier bag charge, to different charities and organisations across Scotland.

McDonald’s franchisee Elliot Jardine, who owns and operates the Newbridge and Corstorphine restaurants, said: “Supporting our local community is of upmost importance to my team and me, which is why I was so pleased to see the McDonald’s in the Community Foundation officially launched last year.

“It means that each restaurant group can make meaningful contributions to charities in the communities that we operate in. Neil’s Hugs provides a wonderful service to people in the local area and we hope this money will help them to continue this terrific work.

“We’re so proud to be able to work with charities such as Neil’s Hugs and look forward to continuing to do so.”

To date, the proceeds from the 10p carrier bag charge across Scotland McDonald’s restaurants, has been donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK. Donations totalled £3.9m by 2021, and went towards building the brand new RMHC House in Edinburgh.

Eat Out Edinburgh partners with Kids Operating Room

Eat Out Edinburgh has announced a new charity partnership for its 2023 campaign with the Scottish charity Kids Operating Room (KidsOR) – an organisation that installs colourful, child-friendly operating theatres in some of the world’s poorest countries.

Since 2018, KidsOR has installed 59 paediatric operating rooms across 23 countries, providing over 75,000 lifesaving operations. Eat Out Edinburgh’s partnership with the organisation aims to support KidsOR in their 2023 goal of providing vital operations to 100,000 children.

At a cost of only £75 to provide operations to one child, the partnership allows restaurants participating in the Eat Out Edinburgh campaign to engage their customers in efforts to support the charity.

Participating venues can give guests the option to donate through venues by adding £1 to each bill, QR donation codes, tap-to-donate options or through bespoke drinks or menu items with proceeds going to KidsOR.

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive & Director, Essential Edinburgh, said: “Partnering with such an impactful organisation as KidsOR means that Eat Out Edinburgh can create an impact far beyond the city centre.

“KidsOR has changed the lives of children and families across the globe. Our hope is that – through the generosity of Edinburgh residents and visitors – we can help make that impact just a bit stronger.”

Frances Irvine, Director of Campaigns at Kids Operating Room said: “We’re honoured to be chosen as charity partner for Eat Out Edinburgh.

“As an Edinburgh-based charity, we really benefit from the generosity of our city and love the idea that eating out in some of Edinburgh’s best bars and restaurants will support children’s life changing operations around the world.

“We would like to thank Eat Out Edinburgh and everyone who contributes throughout the event – your kindness and support allows us to expand our life-saving work”.

The Eat Out Edinburgh 2023 campaign will run for two weeks from 13th to 26th March within the capital’s dedicated Business Improvement District (BID).

A list of participating Edinburgh venues will be announced in the coming weeks, promoting special tasting menus, set menus, events and exclusive offers to attract bookings and increased footfall throughout the campaign period.

KidsOR is a Scottish registered charity with offices in Edinburgh, Dundee, and Nairobi, working with governments and health organisations to solve the global surgical crisis for children worldwide.

For more information and to keep up to date with the campaign, visit: 

www.EatOutEdinburgh.com and www.EdinburghCityCentre.co.uk

Celebrate Women’s History Month at The Real Mary King’s Close with special Herstory Tours

Hear the stories of Edinburgh’s most influential women

The Real Mary King’s Close is celebrating Women’s History Month this March with specially curated Herstory Tours. The underground experience is inviting you to journey underneath The Royal Mile and learn all about the incredible lives of the women who once lived, worked and died on the now hidden streets of Edinburgh.

The one-hour tour will include fascinating revelations about some of the most famous women in Scottish history. The tour is guided by residents of The Close, including Jonet Nimmo, the youngest daughter of Mary King, and Janet Chesney, a member of the last family to leave the historic street behind.

Guests will even get to meet Mary King herself, and find out how she obtained voting rights nearly 300 years ahead of her time. Also hear about the revolutionary Edinburgh Seven who fought for women’s education and the right to practice medicine, and more.

The Herstory Tour shares stories of the women who faced suppression and persecution over the centuries but also of how the City’s most influential women pioneered gender equality, shaped the city’s history and impacted our lives today. 

Mary King’s Close is known for having been “a haven for independent women” with 45% of properties having a female head of the household. The Close is the perfect place to celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, learning about the achievements of the women of the Close.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “We’re so excited to be celebrating International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month here at The Real Mary King’s Close by shining a light on all the remarkable and powerful women who once occupied the Close. 

Telling stories of the past and educating people about Edinburgh’s history and those who came before us are things we are extremely passionate about. We can’t wait to welcome everyone on the Herstory Tours and explore a hidden world together.”

Tours will be running throughout March, every Friday and Saturday at 17.30 and 19.00. Prices are £25 per adult / £19 per child (5 to 15yo – no under 5 allowed). There will also be an additional tour on Wednesday 8th March (International Women’s Day) with tours starting at 17.15 and 17.30

For more information and bookings please visit: 

https://bookings.realmarykingsclose.com/book/guided-tour-tickets/a-herstory-tour—womens-history-month/152

Edinburgh schoolgirls aiming to be Scotland’s best new business brains

Local pupils in finals of contest to find the next generation of female investors 

Pupils from schools in Edinburgh and East Lothian are among the finalists in a hotly contested competition to find Scotland’s next generation of female investors.

The Growing Future Assets contest, which encourages young women to consider a career in the world of investment management, has attracted record entries this year but teams from Preston Lodge High School (Prestonpans, East Lothian),   North Berwick High School (East Lothian) and George Watson’s College (Edinburgh), have beaten off stiff competition from across the country to be in the running for top spots.

They have already presented their case in a research report and three-minute elevator pitch video and will face the judges next month (March) to deliver an extended pitch in a live final.

Competition organisers and educators Future Asset believes that being female should never be a barrier to progressing in a chosen career and the contest introduces senior schoolgirls to potential careers in investment, showing how working in the sector can change the world for the better and give young women valuable, transferable skills.

During the competition, youngsters must prove their ability to spot the next big investment prospect by researching, analysing and pitching a company they think will be a lucrative long-term bet.

During the process, all students were assisted by their teachers and through mentoring from investment management professionals who shared their experience and provided career insights, advice and inspiration.

George Watson’s College paired with investment management experts Baillie Gifford, Preston Lodge High School with Nikko Asset Management, and North Berwick High School with specialist fund manager firm Artemis.

Preston Lodge High School has two teams contesting the senior 16-18 year category and Business Education Teacher , Kate Gascoigne, says: “I am delighted that both of the Preston Lodge senior teams have reached the finals of the Future Assets competition.

“The high quality of their submissions illustrates how hardworking, dedicated and creative the students are. The whole school community is proud of their success and will be rooting for them in the final.”

A team from George Watson’s College is also competing in the senior category while girls from North Berwick High are contesting the junior 14-16 year age group.

Future Asset has had a tough task whittling down the contestants from 660 participants in a total of 144 teams – a 90% increase on last year’s numbers.

Sally Greig, Investment Manager at Baillie Gifford and Senior School judge for the Growing Future Assets competition, commented: “The competition sees groups of young women from schools across Scotland doing the kind of work that is an investor’s day job: analysing a company and presenting on it.

“I was hugely impressed by the quality and creativity of the entries – in particular, the importance they placed on how companies are dealing with Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) and the ability to identify what might drive a company’s success in the future – and hope to see some of them applying to Baillie Gifford in the future!

“Future Asset plays an important role in demystifying the fund management industry for young women and helping to plant those seeds of interest early on. Diversity of thought is core to successful investing and a career in investment management is a great option for both women and men from all backgrounds.”

The finals take place on 9 March with the winners announced on 10 March.

The top teams will receive £1000 for the top senior school and £200-worth of vouchers of the students’ choice for each team member; £800 for the best junior school and £150-worth of vouchers each.  Senior and junior runners-up receive £500 and £100 of vouchers and £400 and £75 of vouchers, respectively.

Helen Bradley, Future Asset Programme Manager, says: “This year’s competition is the most hotly contested yet. It’s been enormously gratifying to see the surge in interest from the youngsters and the commitment and dedication of their teachers and mentors.

“The popularity of the contest, particularly in state schools, means that youngsters who may not otherwise have had contacts in the industry are now plugged in to the potential that a career in investment management holds.”

For more information visit https://www.futureasset.org.uk/

Gorgeous Gregor’s gold star report from foster carers

An eight-year-old Shar-pei who has received a gold star report from his Dogs Trust foster carers is hoping being on his best behaviour will help him find his forever home.  

Gorgeous Gregor arrived at the charity’s West Calder Rehoming Centre in May 2022 after being found as a stray. It didn’t take long for staff to realise Gregor wasn’t suited to life in kennels, so a temporary foster home was sought. 

Gregor landed on his paws when he first went into foster care in July 2022 with Fiona Jardine from Grangemouth. She said Gregor was a very well-behaved boy and perfect house guest.   

Gregor is now enjoying life in a foster home with Meta Brockie from Dunfermline who said: “Gregor is a wonderful, calm, gentle and easy going dog. He has a very sweet nature and is friends with everyone he meets whether dog or human.

“”When out walking he takes his time and loves to stop and look at what people are doing rather like a nosey neighbour.  He is also very funny, loves his food and sleeps through the night.  There really is nothing not to like about Gregor.”

Shona Crosbie, Home from Home Coordinator at Dogs Trust West Calder said: “Gregor’s personality is now shining bright after what has been an unsettling time in his life. He has lived in two foster homes now with both of his foster carers agreeing what a delight he is in the home. 

“A dog can be in foster from a few days to a few weeks, with the average time being 21 days.  Gregor has been in foster nearly eight months and we cannot understand why he hasn’t been snapped up.  He has the looks, a loving nature, is housetrained and is very well-mannered. We are keen to hear from anyone who thinks our gorgeous boy could be the canine companion for them. 

“We are so grateful to Fiona, Meta and all our foster carers for everything they do for dogs like Gregor.  For dogs that cannot adapt to life in a rehoming centre having the option of a foster home is vital for their happiness and wellbeing.  We learn so much more about our dogs when they are in a home environment and this also helps with finding them the right forever home.  Our foster carers are simply the best.” 

While Gregor is friendly on his walks, happily saying hello to dogs of all shapes and sizes, he is looking for a home where he is the only pet.

He could live in a home with children aged 16 and over. Gregor isn’t keen on the rain so prefers to go for walks in fair weather. He appreciates a little time to meet new people but once the bond is made, he is loyal and loving. Gregor is on medication for arthritis which he takes no problem at what is one of his favourite times of day, food time.    

If you are interested in rehoming Gregor you can apply here: 

https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/dogs/shar-pei/1257238 

For more information about fostering for Dogs Trust email:

HFHWestCalder@dogstrust.org.uk 

Kidnapped stars stop by Stevenson Statue

KIDNAPPED: A Swashbuckling Rom-Com Adventure 

Adapted by Isobel McArthur with Michael John McCarthy  

Co-directed by Isobel McArthur and Gareth Nicholls   

Based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson  

Cast includes Malcolm Cumming, Christina Gordon, Kim Ismay, Danielle Jam, Fatima Jawara, Ryan J Mackay, Grant O’Rourke, David Rankine, Isaac Savage, and Karen Young.  

Composer and Music Supervisor Michael John McCarthy Set and Costume Design Anna Orton, Sound Design Clare Hibbert Video Design Tim Reid Lighting Design Ben Ormerod Casting by Michael Howell  

Supported by Sir Ewan and Lady Brown  

Touring the UK from Tuesday 28 March to Saturday 13 May 2023  

Opening at the Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock and touring to Theatre Royal, Glasgow; Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh; Eden Court, Inverness; Perth Theatre and Northern Stage, Newcastle from March to May 2023.    

Opening Performance at the Beacon Arts Centre on 31 March 2023  

 Kidnapped, Robert Louis Stevenson’s adventure-classic is touring Scotland and Northern England in a riotous new retelling for 2023. 

19-year-old Davie Balfour has never left home, never been kissed and never fired a gun. Armed with nothing but a hand-drawn map, he heads off on an adventure like no other – quickly realising that he has a lot of catching up to do. The production follows Davie on a journey of eye-opening discovery as he navigates murderous foes, Jacobite outlaws and the most inept crew of pirates this side of the Atlantic.    

Kidnapped was originally written as serialised fiction in the magazine Young Folks from May to July 1886, then first appeared in book form published by Cassell and Company in July 1886. The novel, and author Robert Louis Stevenson, both have a number of local connections to the city of Edinburgh. Stevenson was born and raised in the City, studying at the University of Edinburgh. The city and the surrounding geography influenced his writing, and Kidnapped takes place in locations familiar to Edinburgh locals.

In 2004, Edinburgh was designated the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, and to celebrate, almost 15,000 copies of Kidnapped were given away as part of a city reading campaign in 2006. The Writer’s Museum in Edinburgh presents the lives of three prominent of Scottish writers, one of them being Robert Louis Stevenson. Visitors to the museum can see a collection of portraits, photographs, personal possessions and treasures that Stevenson found on his own travels.

The climax of the novel, Kidnapped takes place upon Corstorphine Hill, where a statue dedicated to Robert Louis Stevenson now stands, on Corstorphine Road. The 15-foot-tall statue was sculpted by Alexander Stoddart and depicts principal characters Alan Breck Stewart and Davie Balfour.

A number of the streets in Dumbrae and Clermiston area take their names from locations and characters in the novel.

Rannoch Road, Duror Drive and Morven Street are named after real locations that Alan and Davie visit, and Essendean Place and Terrace are named after a fictional location created by Stevenson. Hoseason Gardens plays tribute to character Captain Hoseason, Ransome Gardens to fictional cabin boy Ransome and Alan Breck Gardens to Alan Breck Stewart.

Actors Malcolm Cumming and Ryan J Mackay recently visited the statue, ahead of the new stage reimagining of Kidnapped coming to the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh. Malcolm and Ryan are playing Alan Breck Stewart and Davie Balfour, respectively.

Kidnapped has been reimagined by Isobel McArthur with Michael John McCarthy, who previously teamed up for the Olivier award-winning Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), in a colourful new take on the classic historical novella and is packed full of 20th century pop music and 18th century romance, all performed by a dynamic ensemble of actor-musicians.

This vibrant production is a coming-of-age romcom for today, which celebrates the poetry, humour, and heart of Stevenson’s writing. Edinburgh audiences can see Kidnapped when it visits the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh from the 11 to 22 April 2023, after opening in Greenock, or catch the show on tour in Glasgow, Inverness, Perth, and Newcastle from March to May.

Ryan J Mackay, who is playing Davie Balfour, was most recently seen on stage in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and he will be joined by Malcolm Cumming as Alan Breck Stewart, familiar to Scottish audiences from the acclaimed James IV: Queen of the Fight, (Raw Material and Capital Theatres, in association with National Theatre of Scotland) which toured Scotland in late 2022.  

They will be joined on this adventure by a talented ensemble including: Christina Gordon, who will be reuniting with Isobel McArthur and Michael John McCarthy after her run as an original cast member of Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), for which she was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role; David Rankine who is a Scottish actor most recently seen in the revival of the National Theatre of Scotland production of Rocket Post, which featured song arrangements from Michael John McCarthy; Kim Ismay is perhaps most familiar to audiences for playing the role of Tanya in the West End production of Mamma Mia, and Madame Morrible in the international and UK & Ireland tours of Wicked; Danielle Jam, who recently worked with Raw Material, Capital Theatres and National Theatre of Scotland as one of the lead roles in James IV: Queen of the Fight and will be reunited with her James IV co-star Malcolm Cumming in Kidnapped; Grant O’Rourke has done extensive work in theatre, television, film and radio, and is most familiar to Scottish audiences for his role in Outlander, and more recently, Shetland; Isaac Savage is an actor, musician and composer who will joining the ensemble as the Performing Musical Director for Kidnapped, and last year was the Performing Musical Director for Cinderella at Dundee Rep; Karen Young is a Scottish actress, recently appeared in Cinderella at Dundee Rep; Fatima Jawara was most recently seen as the titular role in Eastern Angles’ Christmas production of Little Red.

Join the conversation: #Kidnapped  

Touring to Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock (previews Tue 28, Wed 29, Thurs 30 March) Fri 31 March – Sat 1 April 2023; 

Theatre Royal, Glasgow Wed 5 – Sat 8 April 2023,

Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh Tue 11 – Sat 22 April 2023; 

Eden Court, Inverness Wed 26 – Sat 29 April 2023; 

Perth Theatre Wed 3 – Sat 6 May 2023 and 

Northern Stage, Newcastle Tues 9 – Sat 13 May 2023.   

Full tour information here.