We would like to wish The Makaton Charity a very happy birthday. The Makaton language programme uses symbols, signs and speech to help people with communication and learning difficulties to communicate, and this Sunday 28th August, marks 50 years since the language programme first began.
It has been an honour to work with The Makaton Charity this year to create Makaton resources for NSPCC Talk PANTS. At the NSPCC, we have been supporting parents to Talk PANTS and help keep children safe from sexual abuse for nearly 10 years.
The new resources using Makaton were launched here in Scotland earlier this summer, particularly within our Inter Islands PANTS campaign, and will help keep more young people safe, by supporting children with a range of special educational needs to understand and talk about the PANTS rules.
With the help of Pantosaurus, the NSPCC’s friendly dinosaur, Talk PANTS with Makaton helps children with special educational needs to understand that their body belongs to them, and they can tell someone they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried. The resources include a series of six short films fronted by staff and pupils.
Children with disabilities are over three times more likely to suffer abuse than their non-disabled peers and helping children with a range of needs to access our preventative messages is really important to us. We’re really grateful for the all the support from The Makaton Charity to create these resources to keep children safe.
For more information and to download the Talk PANTS with Makaton resources, visit nspcc.org.uk/pantsguides
We would like to wish all our friends at The Makaton Charity and all families who use Makaton a very happy Makaton International Awareness Day!
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued a strong reminder to members of the public about the serious disease risks from importing dogs from abroad and is urging all prospective dog owners to protect the health of dogs and humans in the UK by rehoming dogs from within the country instead. BVA is also re-issuing its calls to Government to tighten pet import rules.
The advice follows news earlier this month about a positive Brucella canis test in a rescue dog imported from Belarus in March this year. The woman fostering the dog was hospitalised after coming into close contact with it, in the UK’s first confirmed dog-to-human transmission of this zoonotic disease. The foster animal and four pet dogs who were exposed to the disease all had to be euthanised.
Stray dogs in some European countries and other parts of the world often live in harsh conditions. Along with Brucella canis, they may harbour other undetected and potentially life-threatening exotic diseases not found in the UK, such as leishmaniasis, rabies, canine babesiosis and heartworm, without showing any outward clinical symptoms.
When imported into the UK, such chronically infected ‘Trojan’, or carrier, dogs risk passing on the infections to susceptible pets and, in the case of some diseases, to humans as well. These infections can be difficult to detect or successfully treat in such carrier dogs.
Data released by the Government* shows a steep rise in confirmed Brucella canis cases since the start of 2020, rising from just three before that year to 107 till July this year. The dogs were all either imported from countries such as Romania, Bosnia, Greece, and Belarus, returned from holiday overseas, or been bred with an imported dog.
The Brucella canis bacterium causes canine brucellosis, an infectious disease that leads to often painful and chronic illness in dogs, as well as serious health risks to humans and other dogs exposed to them.
Symptoms in dogs include reproductive issues, including miscarriages during the last trimester of pregnancy in females and inflammation of the prostrate and testicles in males, as well as spinal problems in chronic cases.
Treatment is often unsuccessful, and, in many cases, vets will recommend euthanasia keeping in mind the welfare of the dog.
British Veterinary Association President Justine Shotton said:“This recent case of Brucella canis in a foster dog is extremely tragic and highlights why vets have long raised concerns over the real and serious risks of importing ‘Trojan’ rescue dogs with unknown health histories into the UK.
“We are a nation of animal lovers, and so the desire to rescue stray, neglected or abused animals from other countries and give them loving homes in this country is completely understandable. Unfortunately, as this case shows, the hidden consequence of this can be disastrous for the health and welfare of other pets as well as humans here. This includes the risk to veterinary teams who treat and handle these animals.
“With thousands of dogs needing homes within the UK, the British Veterinary Association is strongly urging prospective owners to adopt from a UK-based rehoming charity instead. You can also support organisations in countries abroad to rescue and rehabilitate any stray animals locally.
“If you already own an imported dog, be vigilant to symptoms of Brucella canis and other exotic diseases and call your local vet for advice on testing and treatment for any underlying conditions.”
While rescue dogs are a particular risk group for Brucella canis, importing any dog from countries with high levels of stray dog populations and known presence of the disease will carry a risk.
This includes puppies bred for commercial sale in such countries. BVA advises anyone looking to adopt or buy an imported dog to make sure it has been tested for this disease and neutered before being brought into the UK.
A BVA survey of vets in 2018 showed that more than nine out of ten companion animal vets in the UK were concerned about the import of rescue dogs. Worryingly, 40% of these vets had seen new or rare conditions in their practice over the previous year that are associated with dog import.
BVA calls on the government to impose strict restrictions on the movement of pets, including testing in stray dogs for any such diseases as a mandatory before travel to the UK. It also calls for the strengthening of enforcement provisions and checks on dogs brought in through the commercial route.
Dr Shotton added:“While some charities do carry out some pre-import health tests, there’s currently no requirement to test for diseases not commonly found in the UK. We would ask all rescue charities to test dogs for Brucella canis and other exotic diseases of concern before importing them to the UK, and to seek advice from a vet here to ensure compliance with import best practice.
“We at the British Veterinary Association continue to call on the Government to take urgent action to introduce stricter pet import measures, including mandatory pre-import testing for dogs coming into the UK, so we can minimise the spread of such emerging diseases.”
As part of the wider regeneration of Meadowbank, the site of the former St Margaret’s Locomotive Railway Depot and Works is being excavated and preserved for archaeological posterity.
The site at Meadowbank is being redeveloped to make way for a new housing development which will become one of the Capital’s “greenest neighbourhoods” by incorporating low-car, low-carbon infrastructure with energy efficient homes.
Members of the public will be able to drop-in to see the work of AOC Archaeology at the remains of the St Margaret’s Locomotive Engine turntable between 10am and 4pm this Saturday 27 August.
The turntable is one of the earliest examples of a its kind and a rare archaeological survival dating from the earliest days of the development of Britain’s Railways. The c.20m diameter structure was at the core of the St Margaret’s works and was used to store up to 14 railway-engines at a time awaiting repair.
This free event will provide an opportunity for members of the community to learn about this part of Edinburgh’s industrial heritage, before parts of the site are preserved and showcased as part of the Council’s public green space design for new homes in Meadowbank.
Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “It feels appropriate, somehow, that we’re transforming what must have been one of the most polluted parts of the city into one of the greenest neighbourhoods in Edinburgh!
“We’re excavating the area because we’re investing in the future of Meadowbank, building affordable eco-friendly new homes next to our state-of-the-art new sports centre, which has also been built in line with our ambitious target to reach net-zero emissions by 2030.
“It’s really fascinating to get a glimpse of the area’s past as we do this. Wherever we build in Edinburgh, others have gone before us and in this case it’s quite the trip through time – to the 1970s when the original Meadowbank Stadium was built, to the 1960s when coal powered engines had mainly been replaced by electric lines and the old engine shed shut down, all the way back to the 1840s and the dawn of Edinburgh’s first railway lines.
“Council officers are working with local people to look at how we might be able to memorialise some of the findings, which I think is fantastic. They hope to be able to keep parts of the wheel on show and create a focal point for residents who move into the 675 new homes being built for sale and rent, at least 35% of which will be affordable and a number fully wheelchair adapted.
“We’re also creating community amenities too, with space for a new GP surgery and shops, at least 14 new job positions and seven apprenticeships, active travel routes through to Restalrig and over £100,000 in community benefit donations by contractors to local groups.
The Council’s Archaeologist, John Lawson, said: “The remains of the engine turntable are a rare survival and take us back to the beginnings of our Victorian Railways in the 1840’s.
“The turntable in use until the closure of the works in 1967 formed part of one of the most important Locomotive works on the East Coast of Scotland. Our work with AOC Archaeology will help us not only to understand both the development of the structure but will also give us a window into the day to day hard work of our railway engineers during the age of steam.
“We regard these remains as being of potentially national archaeological significance and these investigations will help us in preserving and interpreting the remains within the new development.
“We know from our earlier consultations with the local community that the history of the former St Margaret’s Works is important. It is therefore an exciting opportunity for us to open up the excavations to the public on 27 August. “
Lindsay Dunbar, Fieldwork Project Manager at AOC Archaeology, said: “The St. Margaret’s Railway Depot and Workshop was the largest railway depot in Edinburgh and for well over 100 years, from 1845 until its closure in 1967, was a focal point within Edinburgh.
“In its heyday the yards could have had over 200 steam locomotives on site. The works would have employed a large number of the local populace as engineers and workers keeping them busy on site with maintenance of the locomotives and running gear with numerous workshops for truck building, carriage building, wheel rights, metal working, joiners, painters as well as offices and stores.
“Much of the activity would have been focused around the turntable and the associated engine sheds. It is amazing to think how this now empty brownfield site was such a hive of industrial activity and these excavation works are looking to expose what remains of the long demolished turntable which had been crucial to the running of the depot.”
Tony Jervis, from the Scottish Industrial Heritage Society (SIHS), said: “St Margaret’s Works was the chief railway depot in South-East Scotland, so it is exciting to hear that the turntable has been uncovered and is to be conserved for future generations.
“There are only three railway engine turntables surviving in Scotland, the nearest to Edinburgh being at Aberdeen.”
John Wilson, Secretary of The North British Railway Study Group, said: “This is a remarkable discovery, recalling 120 years of railway history, which began when the North British Railway opened its line from Edinburgh to Berwick in 1846 and located its locomotive depot and works at what became known as St Margaret’s.As well as occupying an area north of the main line, the engine shed south of the line remained well-known until the 1960s.“
Access to the public drop-in will be from the gate along from the pedestrian entrance to the new Meadowbank Sports Centre, at the site of what was the old stadium’s car park. Find the location on Google Maps.
Royal Mail postal workers are striking today in a dispute over pay.It is the first of four days of planned industrial action, with further walkouts also scheduled for 31 August and 8 and 9 September.
Letters will not be delivered on strike days and some parcels will be delayed.
Posties overwhelmingly rejected a pay increase offer of 5.5% with conditions attached. The CWU union, which represents the postal workers, is calling for a pay rise that more closely reflects the current rate of inflation.
Royal Mail has apologised to customers and said it has contingency plans to minimise the disruption.
It said: “We’re really sorry for the disruption that this strike action is likely to cause to you. We want to reassure you we will do everything we can to minimise disruption and get our services back to normal as quickly as possible.
“Royal Mail has well-developed contingency plans, but they cannot fully replace the daily efforts of its frontline workforce. We will be doing what we can to keep services running, but customers should expect significant disruption.”
£1.2 million to ensure households and businesses get support
Immediate funding is being awarded to key energy advice organisations to make sure energy customers can access crucial support and advice to deal with rising energy bills and heating costs.
More than £1.2 million will be distributed to help key agencies, including Advice Direct Scotland, Home Energy Scotland and Citizen’s Advice Scotland, reach more people who need help.
The funding will also support a training programme for staff from third sector organisations to expand the reach of expert advice.
The Scottish Government committed to providing additional support to advice agencies at the Scottish Energy Summit hosted by the First Minister on Tuesday 23 August, at which a series of further actions to mitigate the energy price rises were agreed with energy companies and advice organisations.
The additional funding announced today is on top of the Scottish Government’s existing investment in free income, welfare and debt advice services, including support to Money Advice Scotland and the Welfare Advice and Health Partnerships Programme.
Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings and Tenants Rights Patrick Harvie visited Home Energy Scotland’s Edinburgh offices to speak to advisors who have been supporting households.
Mr Harvie said: “We know that this is an incredibly unsettling time for all households and businesses and it is imperative that those worried about or struggling with heating their homes access the information and support they need to reduce their energy bills.
“A further energy price cap increase announcement will only serve to escalate concerns, making the need for impartial, expert advice and support even more vital.
“The Scottish Government is clear that energy customers simply cannot be expected to carry the burden of further price rises in October, and that the UK Government must now commit to freeze the cap for all households and to support energy companies to deliver that.
“In the meantime, the cost crisis is already hitting energy customers hard and the Scottish Government will continue to do everything within our means to support the people of Scotland through it.
“This funding will ensure that expert advisors across the country stand ready to provide crucial support and guidance to those understandably worried about their energy bills. I would urge everyone who has concerns to access these services and get the support they need.”
A total of £1.268 million will be distributed across energy advice services as follows:
£220,000 to Advice Direct Scotland to fund new staff in its contact centres for consumers, including vulnerable consumers, in need of help.
£50,000 to Advice Direct Scotland to create a user-friendly online digital journey for customers
£220,000 to Citizen’s Advice Scotland to enhance capacity in their local advice bureaus enabling them to provide advice on both energy debt and energy efficiency measures.
£280,000 to expand the Home Energy Scotland advice Service
£198,000 for Home Energy Scotland recruits who will provide training to staff from third sector organisations on energy efficiency, which will see around 200 local community groups and organisations benefit
£300,000 to enhance support for businesses through Business Energy Scotland
The Scottish Government estimates that 906,000 or 36% of all households will be in fuel poverty in October 2022, based on an Ofgem price cap of £2,800 and taking into account previously announced government mitigations.
The Scottish Government has allocated almost £3 billion in this financial year that will help households face the increased cost of living. This includes the provision of services and financial support not available elsewhere in the UK that is helping to reduce everyday costs and increase incomes.
It also includes £10 million to continue the Fuel Insecurity Fund which helps households at risk of severely rationing their energy use, or self-disconnecting entirely. This includes direct support for households using any tariff or fuel type, and is delivered via trusted third sector partners the Fuel Bank Foundation, Advice Direct Scotland and the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations.
Monarch butterfly inspired performers from Banda Monumental De México, part of this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo cast, landed at Ross Fountain in Princes Street Gardens today ahead of the final weekend of this year’s Show, Voices.
In full colourful costume and traditional Day of the Dead makeup, the magnificent monarch butterfly performers dazzled onlookers in the shadow of the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the home of the Tattoo. Banda Monumental de México has captured the imaginations of audiences throughout August with over 100 performers bringing the bright carnival atmosphere of Mexico to their show-stopping performance.
The butterfly costumes are a tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh and Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, inspired by an image of the late Duke of Edinburgh watching the butterflies migration during a trip he attended to support conservation of the species.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs until Saturday 27 August 2022.
Limited tickets remain for the final weekend and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.
Pianodrome, Edinburgh Fringe Festival 24-28th August 5pm.
Celtic sensation Jasmine Power from West Wales takes you on an ethereal musical journey at the piano with her own magnificent cinematic pop songs.
Since collaborating with legendary Amanda Palmer in New York, Jasmine’s been composing in Nashville with Broadway and Disney stars and hit writers like Melissa Manchester, Luke Dick, Nina Ossoff and Kyle Lehning.
Power is known for her emotive and uplifting melodies and lyrics drawn from life experiences. ‘Something beautifully British about her music, great songwriting, great voice and a unique sound’ (Jamie Cullum, BBC Radio 2). ‘Jasmine’s songs are very good and she sings them wonderfully’ (Sir Paul McCartney).
Jasmine Power is a Welsh singer, pianist and songwriter, and one of today’s most unique and engaging artists to emerge from the UK music scene.
Daughter of a Welsh sailor and an English musician, she grew up in rural West Wales, where she has been composing music and songs continuously since the age of 10.
Since then, life has taken her to train at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff followed by Trinity and Laban Conservatory of Music and Dance, London. After graduating, Power walked a Spanish pilgrimage alone.
She later went travelling for some musical South American adventures to complete her album, and late 2019 moved to Nashville Tennessee, where she has worked as a songwriter for other artists, TV and film during the pandemic. She takes the wild spirit of West Wales with her wherever she goes and still recalls those days of dreaming on her windowsill at home.
After several years of writing songs for herself and others in Nashville, New York and LA and collaborating with artists and songwriters including Melissa Manchester (Grammy-Award Winning Singer/Songwriter), Luke Dick (Kasey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert, Dirks Bentley), Robin Eaton, Chris Roberts (H.E.R), Amanda Palmer (Dresden Dolls) and Laura Osnes (Broadway star), Power has returned with an even greater voice and a uniquely striking set of songs, ready to share her music with the world.
‘Her songs are very good and she sings them wonderfully’ – Sir Paul McCartney
‘Something beautifully British about her music, great song writing, great voice and a unique sound.’ – Jamie Cullum (BBC Radio2)
‘Absolutely love it, my favorite track from the BBC Radio Wales A-list playlist, Jasmine Power – The Verge of the Unknown.’ (Jason Mohammad – BBC RadioWales)
‘Power’s voice has that kind of emotional urgency that sells records’ – (James Sanger – Grammy Award –Winning Songwriter/Producer – Dido, Madonna, Keane, Phil Collins)
‘One to watch.’ ‘Such a great voice and band!’ – Giles Peterson (BBC Radio 6)
‘The song I co-wrote with Jasmine is one of my best yet. Power is an extraordinary storyteller; her unique voice stands alone and reminisces the beauty of a cello’ – Amanda Palmer (Dresden Dolls)
Power’s singles ‘Stars & Stripes’ & ‘Leap’ have been recently aired and accompanied by interviews on BBC Radio London, BBC Radio Bristol, BBC Radio Wales and Lightning 100 (Nashville), to be followed in quick succession by the rest of her new album.
Power will be performing a 5-night solo show run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 24-28th August (Pianodrome.)
Counter at Native Edinburgh launches new student offerings including free, unlimited coffee and a Nuisance Drinks takeover this Friday!
Following the news that Edinburgh has been named the most expensive city in the UK for students to live, Native Edinburgh is aiming to soften the blow with a host of new offers for students including free, unlimited coffee!
The aparthotel’s new plush cafe and bar Counter is throwing open its doors to Edinburgh’s students and offering a home away from home to complete that all important course work.
The student offers to include free WiFi and co-working space plus free, unlimited coffee with a valid student ID Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm. For students looking to unwind after a long day in the city, they can also enjoy £5 cocktails Monday – Wednesday with a valid student ID from 4pm.
Open to all students, including non-residents, Native Edinburgh’s new offers are aiming to welcome students back into the city following the news that Edinburgh has been named the most expensive city in the UK to live in, by NatWest’s Student Living Index.
The study found students spending exceeds their income in Edinburgh, and so the newly renovated space at Counter aims to offer a sophisticated, peaceful space for co-working or unwinding – with unlimited coffee set to be a major draw.
Counter serves up coffee by day and cocktails by night, highlighting local produce in the daytime and spotlighting local talent at night. Students can take their pick of Counter’s artisan coffee, enjoying a Cappuccino, Latte or Americano, or use their student ID to enjoy a free hot tea or hot chocolate.
Counter’s luxurious space is the perfect spot to take on some co-working, with its green hues and botanical-themed prints inspired by the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens. For post-work cocktails, students can enjoy £5 cocktails Monday – Wednesday including negronis and clover club drinks.
The stylish speakeasy will also be hosting an exclusive takeover with botanical soft drink brand, Nuisance Drinks this Friday 26th with live funky music from Edinburgh-based The Rockettes, and a range of brilliant Nuisance spiked cocktails.
Nuisance was born in 2020, when founder, Hugo, swapped his city desk for gardening gloves. Armed with his mum’s recipe and a pocket full of dock leaf, he spent lockdown foraging nettles before launching their trademark Wild Nettle soda. Last year, Nuisance launched a trio of sparkling botanical soft drinks that celebrate the wild side of nature and they are now bringing these to Native Places!
The event is free on a first come, first served basis from 7pm until late in Counter at Native Edinburgh. View all upcoming events at www.nativeplaces.com/whats-on-edinburgh/
With 82 apartments comprising studios, one bedrooms, and ground floor leisure and co-working spaces, Native Edinburgh provides the flexibility and amenities of a design-led boutique hotel, coupled with the space, comfort and privacy of a home from home.
Ts&Cs: Free, unlimited coffee or hot drinks including tea and hot chocolate with valid student ID card, 9am- 5pm, Monday – Friday. £5 on selected cocktails from 4pm Monday – Wednesday with valid student ID card. Subject to availability.
Native’s show-stopping new rooms are available to book now via www.nativeplaces.com and Counter is open seven days a week.
Aldi supported charities in Edinburgh during the school summer holidays by donating more than 8,800 meals to people in need.
The supermarket paired its stores up with local charities, foodbanks and community groups via community giving platform Neighbourly to donate surplus food to good causes.
Since the partnership with Neighbourly began in 2019, Aldi’s UK stores have already donated more than 25 million meals to over 3,600 local causes.
Liz Fox, Corporate Responsibility Director at Aldi UK,said: “Our food donations scheme with Neighbourly operates year-round, but we know that school holidays are a particularly hard time for families, especially as many continue to experience greater hardship due to the cost-of-living crisis.
“This is why we committed to supporting even more amazing causes in Edinburgh over the school holidays, helping them to provide meals to those who needed them most.”
Steve Butterworth, from Neighbourly, added:“School holidays are often a time when demand on charities and foodbanks drastically increases, particularly during summer when children are at home for six weeks or more.
“This push in donations from Aldi was therefore essential in helping these organisations support families during this time.”
Thousands of businesses can now apply for up to £15,000 to help retrain and upskill their workforce.
The Scottish Government’s Flexible Workforce Development Fund provides workers in organisations of all sizes with access to training courses through local colleges, the Open University in Scotland and Skills Development Scotland.
Now entering its sixth year, the fund is open to organisations who pay the UK Apprenticeship Levy and small-to-medium size business (SMEs).
The initiative plays a crucial role in Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation, which outlines how the Scottish Government will work to develop the best economic performance possible over the decade ahead.
Youth Employment and Training Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “We know times are tough for many businesses, so this funding will help them to continue investing in their workforce – addressing skills gaps and improving productivity. A skilled workforce is vital to our economy and we want as many businesses as possible to benefit from this scheme.
“For the first time, all eligible employers can access training available via local colleges, Skills Development Scotland and the Open University, tailored to their needs. This provides an incredible opportunity for workers to upskill at a time when many businesses are opting for new ways of working.
“I would encourage all employers to find out more about the opportunities available to them.”
The Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF) was introduced in 2017-18 and aims to provide employers with flexible workforce development training opportunities tailored to their needs to support inclusive economic growth through upskilling and reskilling of employees.
