The proposals in the UK Government’s Back to Work Plan contain a confusing mixture of devolved and reserved responsibilities, which leave us slightly mystified as to exactly how this is all going to work in practice (writes Fraser of Allander Institute’s MAIRI SPOWAGE):
In his speech, the Chancellor said: “… last week I announced our Back to Work Plan. We will reform the Fit Note process so that treatment rather than time off work becomes the default.
“We will reform the Work Capability Assessment to reflect greater flexibility and availability of home working after the pandemic. And we will spend £1.3 billion over the next five years to help nearly 700,000 people with health conditions find jobs.
“Over 180,000 more people will be helped through the Universal Support Programme and nearly 500,000 more people will be offered treatment for mental health conditions and employment support.
“Over the forecast period, the OBR judge these measures will more than halve the net flow of people who are signed off work with no work search requirements. At the same time, we will provide a further £1.3 billion of funding to offer extra help to the 300,000 people who have been unemployed for over a year without having sickness or a disability.
“But we will ask for something in return. If after 18 months of intensive support jobseekers have not found a job, we will roll out a programme requiring them to take part in a mandatory work placement to increase their skills and improve their employability. And if they choose not to engage with the work search process for six months, we will close their case and stop their benefits.”
These changes have the potential to impact recipients of Universal Credit. The complication is that UC is reserved, while many elements of employment support – the “extra help” that the Chancellor talks about – is, on the whole, devolved.
Because of this, many of the support mechanisms to help people avoid sanctions in England (& Wales in most cases) generated Barnett consequentials, including:
Restart: expand eligibility and extend the scheme for two years
Mandatory Work Placements: phased rollout
Universal Support: increase to 100,000 starts per year
Talking Therapies: expand access and increase provision
Individual Placement and Support (IPS): expand access
Sanctions: closing claims for disengaged claimants & end of scheme review
Fit Note Reform trial
So, in summary, it looks like the sanctions could be applied in a reserved benefit, following support that may or may not be provided by the Scottish devolved employability system as the Scottish Government could choose to spend the money on something else.
We wait for more details from both the UK & Scottish Governments about how this is going to work in practice.
NEW STORYTELLING PROJECTIONS UNVEILED AT EDINBURGH CASTLE
The capital’s enchanting atmosphere was kicked up a notch this weekend as Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery officially opened to the public, welcoming visitors from across the country to experience the interactive light trail at Edinburgh Castle during a sell-out opening weekend.
Greeted with captivating tales and intriguing stories, this year’s brand-new show focuses on the magic, mystery and spectacular sorcery from Scotland’s past. With myths and legends, from fortune-telling runes and Tarot readings to the inner workings of the Portcullis Gate depicted through immersive light and sound displays, the winter spectacular wowed, conjuring a charming start to the festive season.
Officially opening this year’s event for its six-week run, local resident Andew Neilson joined the team behind Castle of Light to ‘switch-on’ the unique after-dark trail, after securing the coveted opportunity to light up the skyline as a winner of the Castle of Light mystery ticket trail which took place in the run up to the event.
In keeping with this year’s theme of ‘Magic and Mystery’, Castle of Light partnered with local attractions and venues to create a mysterious trail around the city, with the chance to win tickets along the way.
Andrew was travelling on a Lothian bus into the city when he saw the clues posted on social media and identified the world-renowned tapestry studio, Dovecot Studios, as one of the venues hiding a magic card.
He said: “I happened to be scrolling on social media and came across the mystery ticket trail, it was then I put the clues together and realised that the magic card was hidden in Dovecot Studios – and my bus was just around the corner. I hopped off the bus and managed to find one of the winning magic cards!
“It was truly special to be involved in lighting up Edinburgh’s iconic castle. People from all over the world celebrate Christmas and Hogmanay in Edinburgh with the castle at the centre of the celebrations. Cheers to a brilliant festive season!”
Now in its fourth year, Castle of Light is brought together by a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland and further afield, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland.
With 8,000 visitors attending during opening weekend to experience the spellbinding installations, Castle of Light is set to bring magic to locals and visitors alike throughout the festive season.
Stephen Duncan, Director of Marketing and Engagement at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which cares for Edinburgh Castle, said: “The festive period is all about magic, joy and wonder and we wanted to bring this to life through Castle of Light.
“Now in our fourth year, it’s important for us to keep the show fresh so that locals and visitors alike can be transported into a world of wonder as a tapestry of all-new storytelling projections dance across the castle walls. And Andrew did a tremendous job in helping us build excitement and anticipation at the switch-on for the six week event run ahead.
“Celebrating Scotland’s rich heritage by inviting visitors to step into a history lesson like no other, from reawakening William Wallace and King Robert the Bruce, to exploring the lesser-known parts of the Castle, Castle of Light is a magical evening for all ages and we look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors this year.”
Castle of Light will light up the city’s skyline for six weeks throughout the festive season on select dates, until Wednesday 3 January 2024.
Tickets are available to purchase now (adult tickets: £22), with concession rates, family tickets and Historic Scotland members’ discounts available. Ticketed entry slots will run every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm each evening, with last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm. The event closes at 9pm.
Tickets for an ‘access night’ on Sunday 3 December are also available. Designed to cater for people with additional support needs, including autism and dementia, the evening will feature a range of specific support including British Sign Language interpretation, as well as a designated quiet space and ear defenders to help manage noise, in partnership with Scottish Autism.
The Scottish Ambulance Service is bringing in a range of extra initiatives this winter, including new frontline staff, ambulances and enhancements to 999 call centre operations.
The initiatives will come into place in the coming weeks to help SAS meet the increased demands on their services at a time which is traditionally the busiest for the NHS.
Recruitment is already well underway to support SAS’s dedicated frontline workforce with 317 new paramedics, technicians and advanced practice practitioners joining the Service by the end of March 2024.
Additional clinicians are also being introduced in the Service’s Integrated Clinical Hub. The Hub triages less seriously ill patients who don’t need to go to A&E to receive care and provides alternative routes for treatment, freeing up ambulances and reducing pressure on A&Es.
Michael Dickson OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “We know that winter will be an extremely challenging period for the NHS which is why we’ve introduced a range of initiatives to help our patients and support our staff this winter.
“Our patients are our priority, we will do everything we can to ensure patients are cared for and get the service they need quickly and efficiently.
“Not every call to 999 needs an ambulance or a trip to A&E and we are completely focussed on supporting patients to get care at home or close to home where it is safe to do so, ensuring patients get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
“The SAS workforce is essential as they carry out their roles often in extremely difficult circumstances and we will continue to support them during this high-pressure time.
“We urge the public to help our staff by remembering that 999 and A&E is for emergencies, if you need urgent care, but it’s not life-threatening, you can call NHS 24 on 111, day or night, or your GP during opening hours.”
Extra initiatives being brought in this winter include:
• New staff, including Advanced Practitioners into each region and 52 new vehicles such as Rapid Response Vehicles to help respond in a more flexible manner throughout the winter period.
• Maximising the use of trained volunteers such as Community First Responders, Cardiac Responders and BASICS, where appropriate.
• Utilising dedicated Patient Transport Service (PTS) resources for low acuity patients, freeing up ambulances to get help to very seriously unwell patients as quickly as possible.
• Connecting patients with local services and communicating pathway information to SAS clinicians.
• Daily meetings with health boards to respond to the challenges relating to hospital handover delays so that our highly-trained ambulance crews can be back out responding to the next patient in the community who needs our help.
• Hospital Ambulance Liaison Officers (HALOs) will work with senior hospital site managers and the Service, improving the hospital admission and discharge process.
• Ensuring the wellbeing of our crews, working with Health Board partners to provide refreshments for crews at hospitals in periods of high pressure and demand
• Piloting new processes to help staff finish on time to protect their wellbeing and having a wide range of health and wellbeing services available for them to access should they need them.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Rising Tide: Art and Environment in Oceania Until 14 Apr 2024 Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free
Delve into the most important and pressing issue of our time, humanity’s damaging relationship with planet Earth. This urgent issue is felt especially deeply in Australia and the Pacific Islands where sea levels are rising due to climate change and the oceans are filling with plastic.
Rising Tide considers our relationship to the natural environment through contemporary artistic responses to climate change and plastic waste by Indigenous Australian and Pacific Islander artists.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024 20 Jan – 6 May 2024 Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3 Ticketed
In this world-renowned exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, see exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.
Game On 29 Jun – 3 Nov 2024 Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3 Tickets on sale spring 2024
Get set for Game On – the largest interactive exhibition of the history and the culture of video games. Game On, an exhibition conceived and curated by Barbican Immersive, examines the creative and technological advances that have established a new medium and artform.
From Sonic the Hedgehog to Mario, explore gaming’s rich history by playing many of the key games produced over the last 50 years.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Curiosity Club 25 Nov – 24 Feb 2024 10:30 – 12:00 £10 (Members and Concessions £9)
Unleash your creativity and curiosity topic each month, we’ve captured some of the museum’s most exciting and child friendly collections and themes, for kids to explore through games, activities, and visits to some of our most interactive galleries.
Spotlight On: Rising Tide 07 Dec 14:00-15:0 Auditorium, Level 1 Age 14+ Ticketed
In this auditorium event, Dr Ali Clark will be joined virtually by artists featured in the exhibition, George Nuku, Fenton Lutunatabua and Angela Tiatia, as they discuss how Indigenous Australian and Pacific Islander artists are responding to the climate crisis with works that showcase the strength and resilience of their diverse communities. Highlighting examples from the exhibition, they will consider the use of art as a means of protest.
Drawn Together at the Museum 27 – 29 Dec 10:30-16:30 Grand Gallery, Level 1 Free, drop-in
Escape to the museum during the holidays and enjoy sketching around our galleries. Join us for this calming, creative activity in the heart of the busy holiday season. Meet our artist-in-residence then pick up a pencil and paper and explore the galleries.
Sprogmanay 1 Jan 2024 14:00-17:00 Grand Gallery, Leve l1 Free, drop in
Enjoy a warm welcome to 2024 with music and fun for all the family. Join us for lively performances and vibrant musical activities from the incredible Unicorn Dance Party and Sprog Rock.
Families can drop into this free, unticketed afternoon event to enjoy a programme of live music and fun, and then explore the museum’s galleries packed with fascinating, family-friendly exhibits.
Museum Late: Big Burns Ceilidh 26 Jan 2024 19:30-22:30 £16-£22 (including exhibition entry) Strictly 18+
Welcoming back the fantastic Jacobites Ceilidh Band, the Grand Gallery will be brought to life for an evening of music and dancing. The band will have late goers twirling and birling as they’re guided through Strip the Willow, Dashing White Sergeant and other traditional dances. Between the sets guests can enjoy drinks, food, activities and a chance to enjoy the museum galleries at night, plus our exhibition Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition will be free entry.
Friday Friends Until 28 Jun 2024 Selected Friday afternoons 14:00 – 16:00 Free, pre-booking required
Our Friday Friends programme offers a welcoming space for visually impaired and D/deaf children and their families. The groups meet monthly and explore the themes of the museum through objects, music, art and activities.
Council to contribute £60,000 towards renewed Edinburgh Filmhouse
£60,000 will be contributed to Filmhouse (Edinburgh) Ltd supporting the return of the Edinburgh Filmhouse building at 88 Lothian Road, the city council has announced.
Following the collapse of Edinburgh Filmhouse’s parent charity, the Centre for Moving Image (CMI), in October 2022, the Council has been working closely with key stakeholders to secure a future for cultural cinema in the Capital.
As a result of positive project development updates over the past few months, the Council has committed this support. The Council will continue to monitor progress in the coming months and work with Filmhouse (Edinburgh) Ltd, Screen Scotland, the Scottish Government, and other partners.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “We’re delighted to see the progress of the fundraising campaign and to be in a position to contribute as a Council.
“Crucially, this funding is in-budget and has been agreed by elected members. Alongside the wider stakeholder group, we look forward to our continued dialogue and working with Filmhouse (Edinburgh) Ltd.
“We’re committed to having a home for cultural cinema in the heart of the city and for the wider sector going forward. Edinburgh is rightly one of the great cultural cities of the world and cultural cinema is a key part of this landscape.”
The Directors of Filmhouse (Edinburgh) said:“This is fantastic news and everyone who has their heart in the campaign will want to thank the City of Edinburgh Council for this tangible commitment to opening the doors of Filmhouse once more.
“Filmhouse, as a cultural institution that celebrates the art of film alongside the other artforms supported in Edinburgh, aims to re-open as soon as the total necessary funds have been raised.
“We plan to provide the broad range of cultural cinema that the city is lacking just now, as well as to host the diverse group of specialist and community film festivals which have been missing their longstanding home on Lothian Road.
“The funds are needed for a full refurbishment of the cinemas and public areas, including the much-loved cafe-bar.”
Director of Screen Scotland, David Smith said: “Screen Scotland and City of Edinburgh Council have worked together across the last year to support the return of the Filmhouse.
“It is a vital resource for Edinburgh and Scotland; providing a home for filmmakers, film lovers and film festivals, and a hub for film education. Its absence is keenly felt by us all, and Screen Scotland continues to work for its revival.
“It’s return would signify not just the reopening of a cinema, but the return of a vital home for the artform.”
VISITORS to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments transformed with shimmering Christmas trees, garlands, and a magnificent table display to celebrate the festive season.
Highlights of Christmas at the Palace of Holyroodhouse:
A magnificent Christmas tree in the wood-panelled Throne Room is the centrepiece for the displays. Another glittering Nordmann Fir tree and two decorated mantelpieces create a festive atmosphere in the storied Great Gallery.
Velvet garlands, vibrant berries and seasonal foliage adorn the Great Stair leading to the historic State Apartments, and wreaths are hung in the windows in the enfilade of the King’s Rooms.
In the Royal Dining Room, the grand table is laid with a silver service and with sugared fruit and foliage.
In the Café at the Palace in the Mews courtyard, visitors can enjoy homemade mince pies, Christmas cake and mulled wine surrounded by wreaths and garlands. Decadent Christmas-themed Afternoon Tea can also be booked in advance.
Visitors interested in learning how monarchs have celebrated Christmas over the centuries – from exchanging Christmas cards and personal gifts to holding festive pantomimes – can hear short talks held on Thursdays throughout December.
A programme of festive music will be performed in evening Christmas concerts on Sunday, 10 and Monday, 11 December, concluding with a glass of wine and mince pies.
On Saturday, 2 December, a festive session of the Abbey Strand art club will allow families to see the beautiful decorations and discover some Christmas stories before decorating their own porcelain Christmas tree decoration.
A special version of Royal Rhyme Time on Monday, 4 December will give toddlers and their parents or carers the chance to celebrate through interactive storytelling, festive songs, and rhymes.
On Mary, Queen of Scots’ birthday, Friday, 8 December, a special evening event at the Palace will explore life at Mary’s court. Visitors will have the chance to join an intimate curator-led tour of Mary’s chambers as well as experience the sights and sounds of Mary’s court at Christmas through festive talks, music performances, and activities.
The Carols and Crafts: Christmas Activity Day on Saturday, 16 December gives families the chance to try their hand at making either clay decorations, inspired by the Palace’s 17th-century interiors, or Christmas crackers, a Victorian invention. There will also be local choirs performing songs.
New Christmas products are available in Royal Collection Trust’s shops, including festive home accessories, charming tree decorations, food hall favourites and luxury hampers: www.rct.uk/shop.
Granton’s Community Tree lighting event is on Sunday 3rd December at 5pm.
Once again we will kick off our Christmas season with the Community Tree lighting event.
We are preparing for a great night where the community gathers together to celebrate the start of Advent and the lead up to Christmas.
There will be singing, there will be mince pies, there will be fun and there will be a great gathering of people!
This year we are delighted to welcome the Ukranian Children’s choir who were a massive hit at our Summer Festival back in Juner.
Be part of your community by bringing your voice and your friends. Together we will remind each other why Granton is such a great place to be and this year the tree will be bigger than ever!
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.”
Mermaid storyteller and singer extraordinaire Siren Cuan is coming to Granton Library and she would love you to join her!
(The person behind the mermaid, Catherine Bapty, is a music and ASN teacher with over 10 years’ experience).
We can’t wait for this exciting event. Please note that this is in our usual Friday Bookbug slot but as it’s aimed largely at the same age group we hope that won’t be a problem!
We do ask you to book so we can be sure everyone has the space they need – but the event is free to attend. Places available through Eventbrite:
