Citizens’ Panel on Public Participation to meet in the Scottish Parliament

A newly established Citizens’ Panel will meet for the first time this weekend (28th – 30th October) in the Scottish Parliament to help shape how Parliament engages with the people of Scotland.

The Citizens’ Panel, comprised of 22 people broadly reflecting the demographic make-up of Scotland, will come together to deliberate how the Scottish Parliament can best work with communities to ensure their needs are reflected in its work.

The Citizens’ Panel will meet for two full weekends at the Scottish Parliament and three shorter evening sessions online.

Earlier this year, the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee launched an inquiry into Public Participation, looking at how people’s voices are heard in the work of the Parliament.

The Citizens’ Panel will assist the inquiry by making recommendations on improving how Holyrood’s work involves, reflects, and meets the needs of the full range of communities it represents, focusing on improving engagement for those currently under-represented.

Throughout the sittings, the Citizen’s Panel will have the opportunity to hear from MSPs and leading academics about democracy and public participation to help facilitate discussion and inform their findings.

Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Convener Jackson Carlaw, MSP, said: “Our inquiry into Public Participation is important because we know that the Parliament doesn’t hear enough from some groups and communities.

“We want to make sure that the views and opinions of everyone in Scotland are included in the work of the Parliament, and the Citizens’ Panel will be crucial to helping us understand how we can improve this.

“Ensuring the Scottish Parliament is accessible to a diverse range of people, particularly when developing new laws or policies that affect them, is essential and the Committee will eagerly anticipate the Citizens’ Panel recommendations.”

City Council: ‘Slavery – We’re Sorry’

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge opened yesterday’s meeting of the City Council by apologising on behalf of the city for its past role in sustaining slavery and colonialism.

The civic apology follows ten recommendations and an action plan made by the independent Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Group which were accepted by the Policy and Sustainability Committee in August.

The first recommendation made by the review group was that the Council publicly acknowledges the city’s past role in sustaining slavery and colonialism, and issues an apology to those places and people who suffered.

Statement by the Lord Provost in full:

‘The decision of the Policy and Sustainability Committee on 30 August 2022 provides a welcome opportunity to reflect on the city’s role in the rise of colonialism and the part played by some of our forefathers in slavery and the economic benefits of it.

‘It is impossible to look out from this building across the city and not see how the landscape of the city was shaped by the wealth generated from colonialism and slavery.

‘The effects of colonialism and slavery are deeply embedded in the fabric of our city, in the buildings, in the institutions and even in the way that Edinburgh is laid out.

‘We cannot deny the benefits that the city has accrued over the years from the exploitation of others and in particular the continent and peoples of Africa.

‘Coming to terms with our past and recognising the detriment our ancestors have wrought through colonialism and slavery is very difficult for us all.

‘But try we must to reconcile our past with the generations of today in order that we can move forward, united in our common goals of equality, fraternity and liberty.

‘Through the establishment of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review, led by Professor Geoff Palmer, Edinburgh is aiming to fill the gap in knowledge and understanding about the city’s past.

‘I wish to thank Geoff and his team most sincerely for producing a world leading piece of work on the subject which will help shape policy and engagement in our city for the foreseeable future.

‘It is appropriate to start this process with a formal apology.

‘So as Civic Leader of the city and Convener of the Council, I apologise to all those who suffered profound physical and mental abuse from the City’s past involvement in colonialism and slavery.’

Following the apology, the next action will be the creation of an independent Legacy Commission, supported by the Council.

This group will oversee prioritisation and co-ordination of the remaining actions, liaise with the many stakeholders in addressing this legacy across the city and beyond and provide regular updates on progress.

Samhuinn Fire Festival to descend down Arthur’s Seat

 The Beltane Fire Society (BFS) will host its renowned Autumnal celebration in Holyrood Park, bringing more fire, acrobatic stage performances and mystical creatures than ever before … 

Starting at 7pm on Halloween Eve, the 2022 Samhuinn Fire Festival will brighten thousands of colourful faces in Holyrood Park with its immersive fire-play performance and ancient Celtic storytelling around Summer’s transition into Winter.

Audience registration is through Citizen Ticket, with full details revealed at check out. 

● Citizen Ticket event registration link: 

https://www.citizenticket.co.uk/events/beltane-fire-society/samhuinn-fire-festival-2022/

● Visit www.Beltane.org for festival information and updates. High-quality photos are available of past festivals on request. 

“The society is excited to be continuing these traditions in Edinburgh, this time on and under Hagg’s Knowe in Holyrood Park,” said 2022 Samhuinn Fire Festival Event Coordinator Tom Watton.

“As our events happen alongside an audience in collective celebration of the changing seasons, we welcome as many people as possible to come in fire-safe guises on this coming Samhuinn night.” 

Samhuinn involves 200+ volunteers performing in wild costumes with captivating fire-play, acrobatics and drumming.

This year, the finale will be performed on a raised stage, meaning many more people will witness the festival’s key moments including the fierce duel between our Summer King and Winter King, and the unveiling of the Cailleach.

ABOUT BELTANE FIRE SOCIETY 

The Beltane Fire Society is a registered Scottish charity run by volunteers, dedicated to keeping the ancient Celtic calendar alive and sharing skills of street theatre, costume-making, folklore, music and immersive performance. The charity relies on donations from their live events, and there is a suggested £5 donation to attend – or whatever you can afford. 

The Samhuinn Fire Festival has been held in Edinburgh since 1995. Its Summer counterpart, Beltane, takes place on Calton Hill on the last day of April each year, and has been running since 1988. The festival celebrates one of the four Celtic quarter day festivals and marks the end of Summer and beginning of Winter. 

2022 Samhuinn Fire Festival to take place in Holyrood Park 

Large fire stages and a dramatic Arthur’s Seat descent ensures that all attending will have a good experience witnessing Summer’s mystical transition into Winter. 

News Facts 

● Beltane Fire Society hosting our 2022 Samhuinn Fire Festival in Holyrood Park

● Festival takes place at 19:00 on the evening of Monday 31st October 2022.

● Samhuinn is a unique re-imagining of an ancient festival, celebrating the turn of the seasons and its Celtic New Year. 

● A procession of fire, drums and costumed volunteers will make way to the heart of Holyrood Park where characters from ancient lore enact the end of summer and the rise of winter. 

● Register for festival with Citizen Ticket, suggested donation £5.00. 

Related Links 

● Citizen Ticket event registration link: 

https://www.citizenticket.co.uk/events/beltane-fire-society/samhuinn-fire-festival-2022/

Multimedia 

● BFS Website: https://beltane.org/ 

● 2022 Samhuinn Digital Festival link: 

https://beltane.org/2022/10/03/enjoy-our-digital-2022-samhuinn-festival/ ● Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/dhj9UnDVE 

● Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/beltanefiresociety/ 

● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beltanefiresociety/ 

● Twitter: https://twitter.com/beltanefs 

● YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMiXgZlYz4eTkbL2fAeM80Q We welcome the press to attend and photograph the festival. We will hold a short briefing on the day of Samhuinn at 18:00. Please email comms@beltane.org if interested in receiving more details.

Vet charity’s Edinburgh shop is set to open next week

PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, has revealed it will be opening the doors of its new shop in Edinburgh next week.

Bargain-loving customers will have the opportunity to pick-up an array of pre-loved and new items when they are welcomed into the South Bridge store for the first time on Thursday 3 November.

The charity shop will support PDSA’s vital veterinary work across its 48 Pet Hospitals – including its local centre in the city​​ – which care for thousands of pets whose owners struggle to afford essential treatments.

Cluster Shop Manager Fiona Lawrie said the new store will provide cash-conscious customers with the opportunity to purchase high-quality, cut-price products while supporting a vital veterinary service.

She added: “We are absolutely delighted to be opening our new shop in South Bridge and supporting the important work carried out by PDSA’s Pet Hospitals which help thousands of poorly pets and support their owners through challenging times.

“We understand that many people are struggling financially due to the rising cost of living and are looking forward to helping those who are feeling the squeeze by offering a wealth of pre-loved and brand-new items at great prices. From clothes and books to homeware and toys, we are certain that shoppers will find some incredible hidden treasures.”

Volunteer roles, which offer a great opportunity for people to boost their CV, gain valuable work experience, and grow in confidence while helping sick and injured pets, are available at the new charity shop.

Fiona said: “We’re looking for friendly and dedicated people aged 18 or over to join our team at South Bridge in Edinburgh. Volunteering with us is a great way to give something back to the community and make a real difference to the lives of people and pets.

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t have previous retail experience – we provide full training, and we’ll reimburse your travel expenses so you’re not out of pocket. All you need is a few spare hours a week, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn.

“The pandemic had a huge impact on PDSA’s fundraising activities which is why the support provided by our retail volunteers is so important. We don’t receive any government funding towards running our vital veterinary services so the generosity of the community who donate items to our shops, and the time dedicated to us by our volunteers, mean we can be there for pets and their owners when they are most in need.”

The new shop will be open from 9.30am-5.30pm Monday to Saturday.

To find out about volunteering opportunities at the new store, please contact Fiona Lawrie by calling 07557 196831 or email lawrie.fiona@pdsa.org.uk.

Alternatively, visit the following link to apply for a role online: 

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/volunteer-south-bridge.

No pet owner should be faced with losing a beloved pet because they can no longer afford to pay for treatment. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn.

PDSA encourages all supporters to sign up for Gift Aid* if they are a UK tax-payer, to help their donations go even further. Gift Aid allows PDSA to claim an additional 25 per cent of the value of each item sold.

To find out more visit PDSA’s charity shops page.

Spire Healthcare renews healthcare partnership with Scottish Rugby

Spire Healthcare is delighted to announce our continued partnership with Scottish Rugby.

The partnership began in 2008 and has been extended until 2025. As the official healthcare partner for the Scotland Men, Scotland Women, Scotland U20s, Edinburgh Rugby, FOSROC Super6 & FOSROC Academies, Spire Healthcare – through our Edinburgh Hospitals – will continue to provide the country’s top rugby players with outpatient consultations, imaging, and surgical treatments.

Spire Healthcare continues to undertake a multi-million pound investment programme at Spire Edinburgh Hospitals. The development across Spire Murrayfield and Shawfair Park Hospitals is creating additional theatre, outpatient and imaging capacity, which will help meet the increasing demand for healthcare services in Central Scotland.

Scottish Rugby’s Chief Medical Officer and Scotland Team Doctor James Robson MBE said, “We are delighted to continue working with Spire Healthcare. The level of care that our players receive from Spire is always fantastic and with the recent investment that has gone into the Hospitals, it ensures that our players are always receiving first-class treatment.

“Player welfare is a top priority at Scottish Rugby and I am looking forward to continuing to work with the team at Spire Healthcare.”

Acting Hospital Hub Director of Spire Edinburgh Hospitals, Alison Green, added: “Renewing this partnership with Scottish Rugby allows us to provide exceptionally high standards of care to Scotland’s elite rugby players.

“This is yet again a huge privilege for us and demonstrates the confidence shown in our facilities, the experience of our colleagues and reputation for delivering excellent healthcare.

“Through the recent upgrades at Spire Murrayfield and Shawfair Park Hospitals, our exceptional surgeons and wider healthcare teams are ready to help players manage their injuries and return to form as quickly as possible.”

Secret singers wanted for BBC’s Scotland Sings

BBC Scotland are on a mission to create a unique choir led by vocal coach to the stars, Yvie Burnett, for her new series, ‘Scotland Sings’.

For the past 20 years, Yvie has worked with a range of stars from Katy Perry to Susan Boyle, Lewis Capaldi to Leona Lewis, and has appeared on The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent along the way.

Now, Yvie is taking on her biggest challenge yet – to form and coach a choir from some of Scotland’s hidden talents, those who have kept their vocal talents a secret, until now …

We need you to help us find our country’s finest ‘secret’ singers – those who’ve kept their talents hidden away, who lack the confidence to ever sing in public but would benefit both physically and mentally from coaching and singing in a group led by Yvie, even if this is the first time they’ve let their vocals be heard outside of the shower!

So if that sounds like you or even someone you know – a family member or friend – now is the time the act!

To be considered, all you have to do is record a video or send us the email address of your nominee by heading to this address: bbc.co.uk/scotlandsings and follow the instructions.

We can’t wait to hear all the unheard voices from across Scotland!

The closing date for applications is the 31st of October 2022 at midnight and all applicants must be 18 +.

NOMINATIONS LINK: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u121359722

PROGRAMME PAGE: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0cxrhc2

BBC SCOTLAND TWEET : https://twitter.com/BBCScotComms/status/1577240863494635521

BBC SCOTLAND FACEBOOK REEL : https://www.facebook.com/reel/5166495953462049

Special Bookbug event at Drumbrae Library Hub this Saturday

We have a super Bookbug surprise happening this Saturday!

Author Emma-Louise Beeson will come read us her new book “Goldie Locks & the bears at No. 3” a wonderful revisit of the original fairy tale.

The story will be part of our regular Bookbug session, so come along to it this Saturday at 10.30, you can book either via Facebook Messenger or by giving us a call at 0131 529 5244.

See yous then!

Amazon’s Development Centre in Edinburgh supports community recycling project

A community organisation in Campbeltown has received a £5,000 donation from the team at Amazon Development Centre Scotland in Edinburgh. 

Kintyre Recycling was formed as a response to the need for inclusive employment for those with special needs. The community-led organisation delivers opportunities and support for people who are facing barriers to employment.

The opportunities provided by Kintyre Recycling are funded through the recycling of waste, generating an income for the charity’s community support programmes. 

In addition to creating employment opportunities, Kintyre Recycling also supports the community through a number of programmes, including the charity’s current drive to provide school uniforms for families in need. 

The donation from Amazon was used to enable Kintyre Recycling Limited to work along with Argyll and Bute Council in delivering the School Uniform Project in the Kintyre area.

The aim of this project is to work towards the reduction of waste, whilst helping families with the cost of school uniforms for their children from Nursery up to senior school age.

The company collects, sorts, organises cleaning and presenting used uniform items for collection from the Kintyre Recycling’s’ Hazelburn premises in Campbeltown.

This has created an employment opportunity for a member of staff who was encountering some issues due to learning difficulties in finding suitable work in Campbeltown. This person is now currently employed to work for 2 days each week on this project.

Tricia McNicol-Cook, from Kintyre Recycling, said: “I would like to say thank you to Amazon for supporting us with this donation.

“Gestures like this enable our team to help more people in our community and everyone at Kintyre Recycling appreciates the support of the Amazon team.”

Jenni Minto, MSP for Argyll and Bute, added: “I am so pleased to see that Amazon has recognised the important work that Kintyre Recycling does within the community.

“I have had the pleasure of visiting the team and have seen how much their work means to them all and the benefits it gives the wider community.”

Speaking on the donation, Oliver Masting, Managing Director at Amazon Development Centre Scotland, said: “We are proud to support Kintyre Recycling and we hope that with this donation, the team can continue its great work.”

The charities received the donations as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities around its operating locations across the UK. 

Amazon is providing disadvantaged students with online STEM courses as well as teaming up with charity partner Magic Breakfast and delivering more than five million healthy meals to families in disadvantaged areas across the country.

Shell profits ‘show scale of the pain’ of cost of living crisis

Environmental campaigners have reacted to the announcement that oil giant Shell has made £8.19bn ($9.5 Billion) in profits in the third quarter of this year.

Campaigners say that the forthcoming Scottish Energy Strategy is a chance for Scotland to ‘chart a clear path’ away from the oil and gas companies who are harming people and the planet to instead create an energy system that runs on renewable energy.

Climate science is clear that we urgently need to transition away from our broken fossil fuel energy system in order to stay within safe climate limits. Analysis has shown that renewable energy is 9 times cheaper than new fossil fuel energy.

Independent climate advisors have made it clear that increasing UK supply of oil and gas will have almost no impact on UK bills as prices are set by the international market. However, continued reliance on volatile fossil fuels will leave millions vulnerable to spikes in their prices.

Shell’s profits for the previous 3 months of 2022 (Q2) were £9.5billion ($11.5billion).

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Oil and Gas campaigner Freya Aitchison said: “The announcement of yet another obscene profit for Shell shows the scale of the pain that these companies are inflicting on the public.

“While oil companies continue to make record breaking profits, ordinary people are facing skyrocketing energy bills and millions are being pushed into fuel poverty.

“Bosses and shareholders at Shell are being allowed to get even richer by exploiting one of our most basic needs. Shell is also worsening climate breakdown and extreme weather by continuing to invest and lock us into new oil and gas projects for decades to come.

“The Scottish Government must use the opportunity of its forthcoming Energy Strategy to chart a clear path away from fossil fuels and towards an energy system that is built on clean, reliable renewables.

“They must listen to the science which tells us that to meet climate targets in a fair way, fossil fuel extraction needs to be phased out in the next decade.”