DRYLAW NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUBS
Free P1 – P7 Summer Programme at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre.
Call Lynda on 315 4989 to book spaces.
Get the bairns oot the hoose!
Community partnership shines new light on Gyle Park
Visitors to a west Edinburgh park can soon enjoy a safe and well-lit access route thanks to an innovative community partnership brought together by local residents.
The Friends of The Gyle Park have linked with local homebuilder Artisan Real Estate and building contractor Cruden Building East, as well as other partners, to raise the necessary funds to install twelve streetlamps along a busy walkway in and out of the park. Other contributors to the project include The Careys Foundation and Scottish Water, with support from the City of Edinburgh Council.
The newly illuminated pedestrian route links the Gyle Park Sports Pavilion, to the north of the park, to Gylemuir Road which is home to Artisan’s 93-apartment Rowanbank Gardens development, due for completion in spring 2023.
Welcoming the installation of the new street lighting, Tommy McLean, Chair of the Friends of The Gyle Park, said: “This is a well-used walkway which provides an essential pedestrian link between the residential developments and shops either side of the park.
“It is also a convenient cut-through to the train station at South Gyle and is used by children going to and from the two primary schools in the area, avoiding the busy A8.
“The new street lighting means that we can now have safe and well-lit access to the park throughout the year, which will be a huge benefit to local residents and everyone who uses the park on a regular basis.”
Artisan moved on site at the adjacent Rowanbank Gardens in 2021, and the company was keen to get involved in a project which added to the development’s already superb connectivity with the local area.
Artisan’s Development Director for Scotland David Westwater explained: “Rowanbank Gardens is already making headlines for its low-carbon and sustainability credentials, and an important part of that is how easily it connects to its wider neighbourhood and public transport network, reducing the need for car travel.
“As such, we were delighted to work in partnership with the local community to improve access into the park and beyond, bringing significant value both to existing residents and to potential home purchasers at Rowanbank Gardens.”
Cruden Building East is the on-site contractor for Artisan at Rowanbank Gardens and Senior Project Manager Mike Howlett was also keen for the company to become involved. He said: “Our work at Rowanbank Gardens is much more than building homes. It’s also about being part of the community, so we are very pleased to support this important local initiative.”
Prices for a two-bedroom apartment at Rowanbank Gardens start at just £245,000 making it a perfect destination for first-time buyers and downsizers wanting to live in well-connected, bustling community just minutes from the city centre.
To register interest and book an appointment at the new on-site sales and marketing suite, visit the development website at www.rowanbankgardens.com or call 0131 516 3302.
Park Life at West Pilton
PARK LIFE
West Pilton Park
Free activities and food for young people aged P7 – S3
Sports/ parkour/ circus skills/ bike obstacle course/ drumming/ graffiti art & more
Tuesdays 12th, 19th & 26th July, 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
Email for more information: booking.youth.talk@gmail.com
NSPCC warns of worrying levels of online child abuse as grooming crimes in Scotland continue to rise
- Freedom of Information data shows Police Scotland recorded 2,979 offences of Communicating Indecently with a Child since 2017
- Crimes against under 13s rise by more than 60% since 2017/18
- NSPCC sets out five-point action plan for the Online Safety Bill to systemically tackle sexual violence and prevent avoidable child abuse
Figures obtained by the NSPCC reveal online grooming crimes recorded by Police Scotland reach almost 3,000 in five years, with offences against under 13s rising by more than 60%.
Analysis of Freedom of Information data from Police Scotland shows that in 2021/22 there were 636 offences of Communicating Indecently with a Child, compared with 429 in 2017/18 – a 48% rise. For victims under the age of 13, there was a steeper rise with 369 in 2021/22 and 226 in 2017/18.
Data* from 41 UK police forces across the UK show an 84% rise in these crimes since 2017/18, with a total of more than 27,000 offences in the past five years.
The NSPCC says the sheer scale of offending shows the vital importance of ensuring that the Online Safety Bill effectively tackles child sexual abuse and has practical suggestions for how this is best done.
This should include giving the regulator, Ofcom, the powers to proactively tackle abuse in private messaging, making platforms work together to stop grooming pathways and stopping offenders from using social networks to organise abuse.
One 15-year-old girl who was groomed on multiple sites told Childline: “I’ve been chatting with this guy online who’s like twice my age. This all started on Instagram but lately all our chats have been on WhatsApp.
“He seemed really nice to begin with, but then he started making me do these things to ‘prove my trust’ to him, like doing video chats with my chest exposed. Every time I did these things for him, he would ask for more and I felt like it was too late to back out.
“This whole thing has been slowly destroying me and I’ve been having thoughts of hurting myself.”
Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC Chief Executive, said: “Online grooming is taking place at unprecedented levels and only concerted action will turn the tide on this tsunami of preventable abuse.
“The crucial Online Safety Bill is the opportunity to deliver the legislative change we urgently need to address head on these preventable crimes against children.
“We strongly welcome the Government’s ambition to deliver world-leading legislation. But as it seems increasingly clear that the pandemic has resulted in a long-term increase in the abuse threat, the current proposals must go further now to tackle online sexual violence and prevent avoidable abuse.”
The charity is asking the public to email their MP to support amendments to the legislation that aim to improve its response to child sexual abuse.
The NSPCC has set out a five-point action plan for the Online Safety Bill to systemically prevent avoidable child sexual abuse.
Polling shows widespread public support for the measures to be adopted so the legislation achieves its ambition of giving children receive a higher standard of protection online.
- Give the regulator powers to proactively tackle abuse in private messaging
Two thirds of child abuse is currently found in private messaging so the NSPCC welcomes that it will be in scope of the Bill.
But the charity wants Ofcom to be given power to proactively require firms to use technology to detect and disrupt grooming and the sharing of child abuse images.
- Make platforms work together to tackle grooming pathways
The NSPCC knows grooming doesn’t just happen on one site and offenders use well known grooming pathways to target children.
Companies should have a clear legal duty to address cross platform harm and legally co-operate with each other to disrupt grooming.
- Stop offenders from using social networks to organise abuse – breadcrumbing
Offenders perfectly legally use social media to form networks, then advertise a sexual interest in children and signpost to illegal child abuse content hosted on third party sites.
The NSPCC wants the Bill amended to combat the waysoffenders facilitate abuse on social media, which it says could prevent millions of interactions with accounts that contribute to grooming.
- Adopt a Violence Against Women and Girls Code of Practice
The Government should commit to a statutory code of practice on violence against women and girls to ensure the Online Safety Bill has a systemic and enforceable focus on online sexual violence.
- A children’s watchdog that represents children’s needs
Children make up one in five UK internet users but are inherently vulnerable, according to the NSPCC. The charity said the Online Safety Bill can achieve its ambition to give children a higher standard of protection by creating a statutory watchdog to promote children’s interests, funded by a levy on the tech industry.
This user advocacy body would ensure child protection is front and centre of regulation, prevent harm by acting as an early warning system to flag emerging risks and call for swift action. This would be similar to the role played by Citizens Advice in the energy and postal sectors.
Tax cut worth up to £330 comes in for 30 million workers
- 30 million people across the UK will benefit from the biggest personal tax cut in a decade from today
- ‘Hard working Brits’ will save up to £330 per year – 2.2 million lifted out of personal tax altogether
- 70% of UK workers now paying less National Insurance, even after accounting for the Health and Social Care Levy
- 30 million people across the UK will benefit from the biggest personal tax in a decade from today – with hard working Brits saving up to £330 per year.
The £6 billion tax cut will see the level at which people start paying National Insurance rise to £12,570 – lifting 2.2 million people out of paying any personal tax and ensuring people get to keep more of the money they earn.
The threshold change means that 70% of UK workers will pay less National Insurance, even after accounting for the Health and Social Care Levy that is funding the biggest catch up programme in NHS history and putting an end to spiralling social care costs.
Speaking before his resignation last night, former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “I know rising prices are putting pressure on hard-working families across the UK – which is why we’ve stepped in to help to ease the burden with a £37 billion package of support this year, including at least £1,200 going directly to the 8 million most vulnerable families.
“Today marks the next stage in that package, with the biggest personal tax cut in over a decade coming in to help millions of workers across the UK keep up to £330 more each year.”
The Prime Minister (at time of writing, anyway – Ed.) said: “We know it’s tough for many families across the UK, but we want you to know that this government is on your side.
“Today’s tax cut means around 70 per cent of British workers will pay less National Insurance – even after accounting for the Health and Social Care Levy that is funding the biggest catch up programme in NHS history and putting an end spiralling social care costs.
“So whether you are a receptionist, work in hospitality or are a delivery driver, this tax cut is likely to make you and your family better off.”
From today the level at which people start paying National Insurance has risen from £9,880 to £12,570.
This change means that millions of people working across hundreds of different industries across the UK will now be better off.
This includes bricklayers who’ll save £218, care workers who’ll save £324, hairdressers who will get a £118 benefit and nursery assistants who’ll get a £343 yearly boost.
Workers can check their salary in the government’s online tool to estimate the amount they could save between July 2022 to July 2023.
The last major personal tax cut of today’s magnitude was nearly ten years ago, when the income tax personal allowance increased by £1,100 in 2013. Today’s threshold change is more than double that, as working people are now able to hold on to an extra £2,690 free from tax.
Today’s change to National Insurance thresholds comes as part of the Chancellor’s wider vision for a lower tax economy. At the Spring Statement Mr Sunak announced a 1p income tax cut in 2024 – which will be the first cut to the basic rate in 16 years and will save the average taxpayer a further £175 a year.
The Chancellor also committed to cutting and reforming business taxes later this year in the autumn, to help spur business growth and productivity. The government is currently working with industry on how best to do that.
The increase to the National Insurance thresholds will leave around 76% of National Insurance payers in the North East better, 75% in the North West and Merseyside, and 62% in London.
Today’s landmark personal tax cut also comes as the government launched new Help for Households campaign designed to raise awareness and signpost people to the £37 billion in support on offer and targeted at those most in need.
The support provides millions of the most vulnerable households at least £1,200 of support in total this year to help with the cost of living, with all domestic electricity customers receiving at least £400 to help with their bills.
It also includes a 5p fuel duty cut – the biggest cut ever to fuel duty rates, a rise in the national living wage to give full time workers an extra £1,000 and a cut to the Universal Credit taper rate to provide over 1 million families an extra £1,000.
The NICs threshold change takes effect following the government making tough but responsible decisions to manage the public finances responsibly and choosing not to saddle future generations with almost £400 billion of debt used to protect jobs and the economy during the pandemic – worth around £5,500 for every person in the UK.
The government had planned for this good news story to be the big news event of today, but those plans were scuppered by the resignation of two senior cabinet ministers last night. As former Prime Minister Harold MacMillan once ruefully observed: “Events, dear boy. Events” …
Sinking ship? Sunak and Javid bail out
BELEAGUERED BORIS JOHNSON INSISTS HE’LL ‘GET ON WITH THE JOB’
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid resigned from Boris Johnson’s Tory government last night.
The mishandling of the former deputy Chief Whip Chris Pincher affair seems to have been the final straw for the two senior cabinet ministers, who submitted letters of resignation within minutes of each other last night.
Four junior ministers and Solicitor General Alex Chalk also resigned, piling pressure on the Prime Minister to step down.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has vowed to carry on, however, and promoted three loyalists in an attempt to shore up his teetering government. The following ministerial appointments have been made:
- Rt Hon Nadhim Zahawi MP to be Chancellor of the Exchequer
- Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP to be Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
- Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP to be Secretary of State for Education
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: “It is an honour to take up the position of Health and Social Care Secretary. Our NHS and social care staff have showed us time and again – throughout the pandemic and beyond – what it means to work with compassion and dedication to transform lives.
“This government is investing more than ever before in our NHS and care services to beat the Covid backlogs, recruit 50,000 more nurses, reform social care and ensure patients across the country can access the care they need.”
THE Government is collapsing and it has been “corrupted” by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said last night.
Speaking to GB News after the resignation of Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid, he also called for a General Election.
He told Darren McCaffrey: “It’s clear that this Tory government is now collapsing.
“Tory cabinet ministers have been cheerleaders for Johnson throughout this sorry saga. They backed him when he broke the law.
“They backed him when he lied. They backed him when he mocked the sacrifices of the British people, so they have been complicit as he has disgraced his office and let down his country.
“And frankly, if they had a shred of integrity, they would have gone months ago. The Tory Party is corrupted and tragic.
“One man at the top won’t fix it. We need a real change of government and a fresh start for Britain.”
Sir Keir added: “There’s anything but political stability, this government is collapsing. Cabinet members have been backing Boris Johnson through this.
“The Tory party is corrupted and we need not just a change at the top of the Tory party, we need a change of government and a fresh start for our country so we can actually address those big issues that are undoubtedly out there.”
He continued: “He isn’t fit to be Prime Minister. He’s not fit to govern the country.
“That is appalling for many people across the Conservative Party but they have to reflect on the fact that they have backed him for months and months and months and resigning today, it means nothing against their complicity for all those months when they should have seen him for what he was they knew who he was.”
Starmer called for a General Election: “We need a fresh start for Britain. We need a change of government and this government is collapsing. The Tory party is corrupted and changing one man at the top of the Tory party won’t make any difference. It won’t fix the problems.
“Let’s have a fresh start for Britain, let’s have a real change of government.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “Feels like end might be nigh for Johnson – not a moment too soon. Notable tho that the resigning ministers were only prepared to go when they were lied to – they defended him lying to public. The whole rotten lot need to go.
“And Scotland needs the permanent alternative of independence.”
Prime Minister’s Questions will be interesting today!
Wealth growth outstrips salaries by three times
- Average wealth has increased by 59% in the past decade while earnings have grown just 19%
- Even among the wealthiest the value of assets has grown by 64% compared with 20% for salaries
The growth in average wealth from assets including property and investments has been three times higher than the growth in average earnings over the past decade, new analysis* from Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management shows.
Figures show people are being out-earned by their homes and other investments, with average wealth rising 59% over the past decade compared with 19% growth in salaries over the same period, according to Handelsbanken Wealth Management & Asset Management’s analysis of the latest Government data on Britons’ wealth and assets and earnings.
Average wealth for Britons is estimated at £575,948 after a decade of growth from £361,831, with house price rises as well as increases in pensions, investments and physical wealth including possessions all appreciating in value since 2010. By contrast, average earnings have only increased to £31,840.
For the wealthiest 25% of the population, the growth in assets has been even more impressive – they now own wealth estimated at £733,800 compared with £447,900 a decade ago. They have seen their wealth increase 34% faster than the British average, while their salaries have increased 22% faster.
Of course, the growth in wealth has not been shared equally throughout the country – the wealthiest people in London have seen their wealth grow by 77% over the period to an average £902,400, compared with £495,200 in 2010.
The top 25% wealthiest in the North East have only seen growth of 30% during the same period, taking them to an average £459,500, which equates to an increase of £105,300. Growth among the top quartile of wealthiest people in the South East was 77% during the same period, compared with 69% in the East of England and 66% in the South and Wales. The North West saw growth of 45%.
PK Patel, Head of Wealth Management at Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management, said: “Earnings growth has on average been constrained over the past 10 years, with most people relying on their houses, investments, and possessions to boost their wealth.
“It is fascinating to see the gulf between the increase in asset values and the increase in average earnings over the past decade, and is instructive for advisers and their clients on how to plan their finances and assess their wealth.
“No matter how your total wealth is made up, it’s important to have a clear plan on how you want to use it for your own future and for the benefit of other family members.”
Table one: wealth and salary growth for the richest quartile by UK region, 2008-10 vs 2018-20
| Region | Top quartile average wealth | Top quartile average salary | ||||
| 2008-10 | 2018-20 | Growth | 2010 | 2020 | Growth | |
| North East | £354,200 | £459,500 | 30% | 27736.5 | £33,108 | 19% |
| North West | £387,400 | £561,400 | 45% | 29272 | £35,256 | 20% |
| Yorkshire & the Humber | £376,300 | £556,300 | 48% | 28591.5 | £33,890 | 19% |
| East Midlands | £415,500 | £617,900 | 49% | 29442 | £35,204 | 20% |
| West Midlands | £399,200 | £621,500 | 56% | 28654.5 | £35,003 | 22% |
| East of England | £511,500 | £864,700 | 69% | 33006.5 | £38,938 | 18% |
| London | £495,200 | £902,400 | 82% | 39157.5 | £47,423 | 21% |
| South East | £597,100 | £1,058,000 | 77% | 34775.5 | £40,834 | 17% |
| South West | £485,300 | £805,500 | 66% | 28887 | £34,434 | 19% |
| Wales | £383,900 | £635,700 | 66% | 27845.5 | £33,453 | 20% |
| Scotland | £364,000 | £584,800 | 61% | 30072.5 | £36,889 | 23% |
| Great Britain | £447,900 | £733,800 | 64% | 31401 | £37,625 | 20% |
Table two: average wealth and salary growth by UK region, 2008-10 vs 2018-20
| Region | Average wealth | Average salary | ||||
| 2008-10 | 2018-20 | Growth | 2010 | 2020 | Growth | |
| North East | £271,385 | £382,379 | 41% | £22,566 | £27,343 | 21% |
| North West | £303,074 | £452,151 | 49% | £24,074 | £28,782 | 20% |
| Yorkshire & the Humber | £310,994 | £444,366 | 43% | £23,433 | £28,072 | 20% |
| East Midlands | £337,125 | £473,284 | 40% | £24,294 | £28,997 | 19% |
| West Midlands | £322,423 | £471,564 | 46% | £23,733 | £29,399 | 24% |
| East of England | £411,000 | £680,549 | 66% | £28,095 | £33,065 | 18% |
| London | £395,352 | £678,545 | 72% | £37,746 | £42,565 | 13% |
| South East | £491,410 | £827,565 | 68% | £29,940 | £35,040 | 17% |
| South West | £382,253 | £630,258 | 65% | £23,980 | £28,258 | 18% |
| Wales | £326,424 | £515,767 | 58% | £22,381 | £26,995 | 21% |
| Scotland | £301,504 | £464,685 | 54% | £24,527 | £30,097 | 23% |
| Great Britain | £361,831 | £575,948 | 59% | £26,751 | £31,840 | 19% |
National Museums Scotland listings & summer holiday activities
The Scottish school holidays have started. The latest National Museums Scotland listings include ideas for the whole family this summer:
Family events
Summer of Stories
National Museum of Scotland,
Chambers Street, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
9 Jul – 23 Jul 2022
See below for dates and times
Free, drop-in
Gather round and settle in for our Summer of Stories with daily sessions to spark your little one’s imagination.
From trails to storytelling, origami to film screenings, there’s all sorts going on this summer at the National Museum of Scotland as part of the Year of Scotland’s Stories!
Supporting Year of Stories 2022 and supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Find out more about the programme at nms.ac.uk/summerofstories
‘Brave’ film screening
National Museum of Scotland,
Chambers Street, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
9 Jul – 23 Jul 2022
Auditorium, Level 1
Adult: £3.50, Members, Children and Concessions: £3
Enjoy this 2012 Disney Pixar classic on the big screen and then go and explore our Scotland galleries with a specially themed trail.
Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. “Brave” chronicles the story of Scottish princess Merida (Kelly Macdonald), a skilful and courageous archer with a decidedly impetuous nature.
This film has a PG certification. All children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Supporting Year of Stories 2022 and supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Book now nms.ac.uk/Brave
Bird Bingo
National Museum of Rural Life,
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
Until 31 Aug 2022
10:00-17:00
A trail around the museum
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Come and play Bird Bingo at the National Museum of Rural Life!
Can you find all the birds hiding around the museum? Using the clues on our family trail sheet, see if you can spot different birds in our museum galleries and learn fun facts about them on your journey.
This family event is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery
Find out more nms.ac.uk/birdbingo
Nature Track Packs
National Museum of Rural Life,
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
27 Jun – 19 Aug 2022
10:00 – 17:00
Borrow from the ticket desk
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Explore more at the National Museum of Rural Life this summer with our new Nature Track Packs.
Each pack contains fun ideas and activities to encourage children to engage all their senses to explore the countryside on a walk up to the farm.
Nature Track Packs are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis over the summer – just ask on arrival at our ticket desk, then return the pack to the desk once your Track Pack adventure is complete.
This family activity is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery .
Visit nms.ac.uk/trackpacks
Summer Satchels
National Museum of Flight,
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
2 Jul – 4 Sep 2022
10:00 – 17:00
Free with museum admission
Just ask at the desk in the Concorde Hangar
See the National Museum of Flight in a different way this summer with our new family activity satchels.
Each satchel contains all the equipment and simple instructions for five playful activities to help children explore the museum from a different perspective. The activities are designed to use outside on our spacious site.
This family activity is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery .
Visit nms.ac.uk/summersatchels
Exhibitions & Displays
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily
NOW OPEN Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life
Until 13 Nov 2022
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
Ticketed
“Gripping” 
The Guardian
“First-rate exhibition” The Telegraph
“Summer’s must-see exhibition” The Times
Explore the history of anatomical study, from artistic explorations by Leonardo da Vinci to the Burke and Hare murders.
This exhibition looks at the social and medical history surrounding the practice of dissection. It will trace the relationship between anatomy, its teaching and cultural context and the bodies that were dissected. Looking at Edinburgh’s role as an international centre for medical study, the exhibition will offer insight into the links between science and crime in the early 19th century.
Supported by Baillie Gifford Investment Managers.
Book now nms.ac.uk/Anatomy
The Silver Casket
Until 1 Aug 2022
Hawthornden Court
Free entry
See an iconic piece of Scotland’s national heritage, the silver casket believed to have been owned by Mary, Queen of Scots. Made in Paris, probably between 1493 and 1510, the casket is a superb and extremely rare work of early French silver. It is likely that its long-standing association with Mary and her downfall has kept it preserved for over 450 years.
Find out more nms.ac.uk/Silver-Casket
Book of Hours
Until 3 Aug 2022
Kingdom of the Scots gallery (Level 1)
Free entry
Explore the pages of an illustrated prayer book featuring a handwritten poem by a young Mary, Queen of Scots in this display.
Written in Latin on vellum, the Book of Hours contains 40 exquisite illuminations by a 16th-century Master artist. Used for private worship, it belonged to Mary’s great aunt Louise de Bourbon, Abbess of Fontevraud, who is believed to have gifted this precious volume to the young queen.
The Book of Hours is on loan to National Museums Scotland from The Pininski Foundation, Liechtenstein.
Visit nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events
E.Coli by Luke Jerram
3 Aug – 31 Aug 2022
Grand Gallery
Free entry
Part of the Edinburgh Art Festival programme, this 90ft long inflatable sculpture by Bristol-based Luke Jerram will be suspended from the ceiling of the National Museum of Scotland’s Grand Gallery. The E.coli is 5 million times bigger than the real bacteria. When standing next to it, does the bacteria alter our personal sense of scale? Does it look scary, beautiful, comical or alien? Will people be attracted or repelled by it?
Find out more nms.ac.uk/Ecoli
Japanese Contemporary Design
Until 5 Mar 2023
Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1
Free entry
From striking statement jewellery to prints and porcelain vases, this new free display considers how Japanese contemporary makers have combined innovative and traditional art, craft and design elements over the past five decades.
The star object is Hitomi Hosono’s A Large Pine Tree Pool, a sculptural porcelain bowl with complex hand-carving made and acquired in 2019. Further highlights include Junko Mori’s intricate New Pinecone Silver Organism, and colourful body adornments by jeweller Suō Emiko’s adapted from metalworking and engraving techniques traditionally used in the making of Japanese sword fittings.
Visit nms.ac.uk/JapaneseContemporaryDesign
The Typewriter Revolution
Until 11 Sep 2022
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Free entry
The typewriter’s social and technological influence is revealed in this exhibition and looks at its role in society, arts, and popular culture. It traces the effect and evolution of typewriters across more than 100 years, from weighty early machines to modern style icons.
The impact of the typewriter has been much wider than simply speeding up the way we write. It helped revolutionise the world of work and change the lives of working women in particular. Typewriters helped them launch their own businesses at a time when female employers were rare and became a vital weapon in the fight for the vote.
Visit nms.ac.uk/Typewriters
Inspiring Walter Scott
Until 8 Jan 2023
Exhibition Gallery 4, Level 1
Free entry
Following the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth, experience his novels through objects that inspired him. In this small exhibition we show how Scott drew upon real historical objects for inspiration, placing objects alongside Scott’s words, and the stories in which they feature. While you view these fascinating objects, you can listen to an actor reading extracts from these tales.
In association with Walter Scott 250: Celebrating 250 Years of Scotland’s Greatest Storyteller and supporting Year of Stories 2022.
Visit nms.ac.uk/WalterScottExhibition
Bernat Klein: Design in Colour
5 Nov 2022 – 23 Apr 2023
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Free entry
Marking the centenary of his birth, Bernat Klein: Design in Colour will celebrate the work of the influential émigré textile designer.
Visitors will be able to explore Klein’s creative process and varied career, from providing couture fabrics for fashion designers to his influence on modernist architecture and interior design in the UK and Scandinavia
Visit nms.ac.uk/BernatKlein
Events
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Spotlight On: Anatomy
13 Jul 2022
14:00 – 15:00
Auditorium, Level 1
Free, with optional donation
Join exhibition curators Tacye Phillipson and Sophie Goggins as they discuss our major exhibition Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life. Dig deeper into the themes explored in our summer exhibition in this free curator talk to kick off our Anatomy events programme. Revisit your favourite stories from the exhibition or find out more before your visit.
Find out more nms.ac.uk/spotlightanatomy
Gilded Balloon at the National Museum of Scotland
3 Aug – 28 Aug 2022
Ticketed
Gilded Balloon are back: bringing Festival fun to the National Museum of Scotland throughout August!
Brining a colourful line-up: from science for kids to satire for grown-ups, from chat shows to live podcasts. There’s an influencer, a ventriloquist, assorted Fringe favourites and of course a couple of Britain’s Got Talent winners.
Performers include Scottish treasures Fred MacAulay, Lynn Ferguson and Jack Docherty, alongside Paul Zerdin and assorted puppet pals, Lost Voice Guy, the one and only Chesney Hawkes and even Boris Johnson?! Plus, our own favourite – Comedy Night at the Museum where top comedians improvise a humorous look at our amazing collection.
Find out more on the Gilded Balloon website.
Museum Socials
19 Aug 2022
Third Friday of the month, 10:30–12:00
Free
Our Museum Socials events are created for anyone affected by Dementia and their relatives, friends and supporters.
Museum Socials create a friendly environment where everyone is welcome and all contributions are valued. They are suitable for first-time visitors and for those who might not regularly come to the museum, as well as people who have always loved visiting.
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Visit nms.ac.uk/museumsocials
Death and the City: Edinburgh, Anatomy and the Case of Burke and Hare
30 Aug 2022
Doors open 18:30, 19:00 – 21:30
£20 Adult, £18 Over 60, £16 concession and Members, £12.50 student
Age 14+
Experience an exclusive evening in The University of Edinburgh’s historic Anatomy Lecture Theatre and the National Museum of Scotland’s latest exhibition, as you discover the city’s unique role in the story of anatomy.
Take a journey through time to discover Edinburgh’s relationship with the search for understanding of the human body.
Soak up the atmosphere of The University of Edinburgh’s Anatomy Lecture Theatre before enjoying a welcome drink in the Discoveries gallery at the National Museum of Scotland, just five minutes’ walk away.
Complete your evening with a visit to the Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life exhibition.
Book now nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events
Hoarding Histories: Beyond the Galloway Hoard
10 Sep 2022
14:00 -16:30
Aged 14+ event
Ticketed
Join our expert panel as they discuss the process of hoarding across time and cultures.
From assembling and burying, to curating and displaying, our panel will give diverse perspectives on this fascinating practice.
The keynote address will be delivered by Professor Richard Bradley, Emeritus Professor of Archaeology at the University of Reading.
Find out more nms.ac.uk/hoarding-histories
Silent Teachers: The Story of Modern Body Donation
13 Sep 2022
19:30 – 20:30
Free, with optional donation
Online event
Inspired by our current exhibition, Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life, our expert panel will discuss the modern approach to anatomical study and body donation in this online event.
In the 18th century, Edinburgh was Britain’s leading centre for medical teaching. As anatomists sought to understand the human body, the demand for bodies to dissect and study vastly outstripped legitimate supply. As a result, grave robbing became common practice.Since then legislation has ensured bodies used today are acquired, with proper consent, through donation.
From their perspectives as exhibition curator, professor, medical student and living donor, our expert panel will discuss the modern approach to body donation and contrast the ethics, practices and beliefs of today with those from two centuries ago.
Book now nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events
National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Open daily 10:00 – 16:00
Behind the Scenes Tours
25 May – 26 Oct 2022
11:00–12:00 & 14:00–15:00
Object Store
Free with museum admission
Booking required
Find out about our collection of aero-engines and propellers on a curator-led tour of our Object Store. Join Aviation Curator Ian Brown for one of our regular guided tours of the museum’s Object Store. Explore some of the collections not normally on public view and discover the fascinating stories behind them.
Find out more nms.ac.uk/behind-the-scenes-tours
Follow us on Twitter…twitter.com/NtlMuseumsScot
Follow us on Facebook…facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland
Follow us on Instagram…instagram.com/nationalmuseumsscotland/
For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789
Joseph Coelho crowned Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2022-2024
Joseph Coelho, award-winning performance poet, playwright and children’s author, has today been crowned the Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2022 – 2024.
Coelho was presented with the bespoke silver Laureate medal by outgoing Waterstones Children’s Laureate, Cressida Cowell MBE, at a ceremony held at The Unicorn Theatre, London.
The Waterstones Children’s Laureate is the foremost representative of children’s literature, awarded biannually to a renowned writer or illustrator in recognition of exceptional talent.
Managed by BookTrust – the UK’s largest children’s reading charity – and sponsored by Waterstones, this prestigious role celebrates creativity and storytelling, promotes the vital importance of reading and children’s literature, and champions the right of every child to enjoy a lifetime enriched with books and stories.
Each Laureate brings their own passion and creativity to their tenure.
At yesterday’s ceremony, Joseph Coelho – who is acclaimed for his work including the Luna Loves picture books, middle grade series Fairy Tales Gone Bad, YA verse novel The Girl Who Became a Tree, as well as poetry collections for all ages including Overheard in a Tower Block and Poems Aloud – revealed that his tenure will celebrate the power of poetry, showcase new authors and illustrators to diversify bookshelves and inspire bookmakers of the future, and champion public libraries and the role they play in communities.
Joseph also performed a new poem written to mark the occasion, entitled ‘The Power of a Poem’.
Joseph Coelho, Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2022–2024, said: “Poetry is powerful, it is the medium we turn to at weddings, funerals and new births because it goes beyond mere words, poetry translates the soul.
“I want to use the prestigious platform of the Waterstones Children’s Laureate to highlight and celebrate the power of poetry. To invite the nation, young and old, to write poems, to become poets.
“I want to ensure that every child has the opportunity to see themselves in books and as bookmakers through the plethora of new and exciting voices we have coming out of the UK – to diversify bookshelves so that every child can imagine themselves as writers, illustrators and poets.
“And, finally I want to hug every library, these miraculous institutions where new horizons line the shelves, where minds go to grow. Libraries made me a writer and make communities thrive – I wish to champion the services of these essential launchpads of learning.
“I’m trying to connect with and heal my younger self – a self-unable to imagine a future writing and publishing books. Through this work, through the young people and families I am lucky enough to interact with, I’m trying to reach down through time and tell little Joe “You can write, you can be a writer, your voice is valid your words are waiting to be heard.” Because I know that when the youth of today hear that message, he’ll hear it too.”
To deliver Coelho’s ambitions, his Laureateship will focus on three major projects:
- ‘Bookmaker Like You’ will showcase new talent within the industry and spotlight their work, so that children are introduced to a range of creatives that truly reflect everyone in our diverse society, and ensure that every child can see themselves as a bookmaker.
- ‘Poetry Prompts’ will celebrate the power of poetry in all its forms, breaking down the fear often associated with reading and writing to show why poems are for everyone, and the joy that writing, reading and performing poetry can bring.
- Coelho will also champion local libraries, highlighting the vital role they play within the community and inspiring a love of reading in young people, by completing his ‘Library Marathon’ to join a library in every local authority in the UK, and encourage even more people to register with their local library.
Kate Edwards, Chair of the Waterstones Children’s Laureate Steering Group and Chair of the Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2022–24 Judging Panel, said: “Nominations for this prestigious role are invited from hundreds of literature, literacy and education organisations across the UK, and we are thrilled to welcome Joseph to the ‘League of Laureates’.
“His dynamic performance, passionate advocacy and engaging writing – which inspires children of all ages – cemented our choice for the next Waterstones Children’s Laurate, to champion the right of every child to enjoy a lifetime rich in books and stories.
“The Steering Group is looking forward to working with Joseph over the next two years to reach even more children and communities, following on from the wonderful work of the outgoing Laureate Cressida Cowell MBE. On behalf of the judges, I extend Joseph our warmest congratulations.”
Diana Gerald, CEO at BookTrust, said: “At BookTrust we believe all children should enjoy the life changing benefits of reading, and we are honoured to manage the Waterstones Children’s Laureate.
“Joseph Coelho is a truly wonderful successor to Cressida Cowell MBE as he becomes the twelfth Laureate. Joseph is an extraordinary advocate for making poetry accessible to all, celebrating creativity and storytelling and inspiring younger generations to find their voice, pick-up a pen, join a library and read a book.
“I have no doubt that the Laureate platform will help amplify his ability to reach even more young people, and show how books and reading can broaden horizons.”
Florentyna Martin, Head of Children’s at Waterstones, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Joseph Coelho to the post of Waterstones Children’s Laureate.
“His passion for stories and poetry brings a hefty dose of sunshine to readers, inspiring all those who experience his work. It is exciting to think what the next two years will bring and our booksellers are eager to support his Laureate ambitions from the off; Joseph’s term will undoubtedly be one for the history books.”
Joseph Coelho will deliver the Creative Keynote at The Children’s Media Conference on Wednesday 6 July in his inaugural appearance as the new Waterstones Children’s Laureate.
I AM THE 12TH WOMAN – new equality campaign ahead of Women’s Euro’s
One passion, one tournament and one subtle name change to a familiar football phrase that is being substituted by Heineken®
- Ellie Taylor, Harry Redknapp, Karen Carney, Jermaine Jenas, and AJ Odudu show fans of all genders how they can show their passion and be the ‘12th Woman’ for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.
- The unlikely group star in a new campaign from Heineken® that urges all fans of football to declare themselves the ‘12th Woman’ – starting with this summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tournament.
- Heineken is releasing an official ‘12th Woman’ tournament t-shirt – as worn by its celebrity squad – for public sale. Fans can wear the t-shirts to show their support at home, in pubs and at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 matches.
- All profits from the 12th Woman t-shirts will be donated to Women in Football, an NFP that supports the women’s game.
- The 12th Woman is part of a wider campaign entitled ‘Passion Knows No Gender – Cheers To All Fans’ where Heineken® is challenging bias and promoting equality in football, on and off the pitch, across all male and female UEFA competitions.
You’d look twice if you saw them enter a pub together for the big match, so what do Ellie Taylor, Harry Redknapp, AJ Odudu, Karen Carney and Jermaine Jenas all have in common? They’re passionate fans of football and for this summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 they are all showing their support for the beautiful game by becoming the ‘12th Woman’.
This eclectic all-star squad was enlisted by Heineken®, Official Partner of UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, to be ambassadors for its new ‘12th Woman’ campaign. Throughout the tournament, Heineken is rallying fans of all genders to get behind their national teams by displaying a twist on the term usually associated with collective, passionate fan support: the 12th man.
The ‘12th Woman’ is part of an ongoing campaign by Heineken® which shines a light on bias and challenges stereotypes in football culture.
Stephanie Dexter of Heineken® commented, “For so long football culture and fandom has been influenced by the men’s game. So, while the women’s game has grown massively, a legacy of terms such as ‘man on’ and the ‘the 12th man’ continue to dominate.
“Meanwhile the ‘12th woman’ is relatively unheard of. We want this campaign to help close the gender phrase gap in football language, but also invite a conversation about the entrenched bias and inequality that persists across football culture.”
The ensemble of Taylor, Redknapp, Carney, Jenas, and Odudu officially issue Heineken’s invitation in a new film wherein they all declare themselves to be ‘12th Women’. In the video they bring attention to the decades-long gender imbalance in football language and encourage other fans to join the 12th Woman movement in time for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.
The film shows Harry at the wheel of a van as he rounds up the celebrity fans to watch a tournament match at Wembley. Along the way the famous five question the unconscious bias in football terminology before exiting the van, walking down Wembley Way and proudly revealing their t-shirts – all emblazoned with the slogan ‘I Am The 12th Woman’.
But said Tees aren’t being reserved for the all-star cast – the good news for fans is that they’re being made available for public sale on Amazon for a price of £12.00 here with all profits donated to the NFP Women in Football.
Throughout the tournament supporters are encouraged to wear them in a show of allegiance, wherever they may be watching the action.
Karen Carney, who played 144 times for England said: “There are 11 women on the pitch who are giving everything to win for their country.
“Knowing that fans are cheering them on in the stands, at homes and in pubs across the country makes a difference and that’s why being a 12th Woman and saying it aloud really matters. Football fans’ approach to this tournament could be a major stepping-stone to real change in terms of how we all talk about football.”
Harry Redknapp said: “When I was playing professionally it really was a man’s game – women were banned from playing football in 1921 and the Women’s Football Association wasn’t even established until 1969.
“Thankfully times have changed, and in a big way, and I’m really proud to be a 12th woman and to wear the T-shirt for all to see. Some people could be confused by the term the ‘12th Woman’, they might have to stop and think. But that’s the whole point, that’s what Heineken is trying to do with this campaign.”
Yvonne Harrison, CEO at Women in Football said: “We’ve been really impressed by Heineken’s commitment to addressing gender inequality in football.
“That’s what Women in Football is all about too, so it’s fantastic to team up with them on the 12th Woman campaign.Every action that supports our work and amplifies our message helps to level the playing field and make football a fairer and better place.”
With two-thirds of women in football having experienced gender discrimination*, Heineken® is on a mission to evolve its sponsorships in the sport by addressing harmful stereotypes which are perpetuated by an outdated footballing phrasebook.
It’s time to tackle gender inequality in the beautiful game by interrogating the unconscious bias in the songs we sing, match reports we write and even the encouragement we give.
Stephanie Dexter concluded: “In its aim to be the most inclusive football sponsor, Heineken® is inviting supporters to confront the bias and promote equality.
“We’ve created this campaign and, with the support of our ambassadors, we hope that the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 is the first step in changing the way we think and speak about sport. We can see a future where football is just called football, no matter who is on the pitch or in the stands.”
Heineken®’s first move in correcting the gender bias in football was to address inaccurate statistics present across the internet that are often the source of the prejudice.
‘Fresher Football’ is a webpage in partnership with GOAL that provides correct responses to the most popular questions asked online about the UEFA Champions League. It includes key data and statistics on the women’s game, which are often overlooked.
The aim of Fresher Football is to encourage search engines and fan sites to recognise, amend and update their current information to give accurate answers, regardless of gender.
Jermaine Jenas, BBC presenter and former England footballer said: “The profile of the women’s game has risen massively over the past 10 to 15 years and players such as Lucy Bronze and Karen Carney have rightfully taken their places alongside some of the greats of the men’s game.
“But the culture and language attached to the women’s game still lags behind. Women’s football has inherited male-oriented terminology – phrases like ‘man on’, and, of course the ‘12th man’.
“I’m extremely proud to be part of a campaign that celebrates the women’s game and the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, but also one that addresses issues of gender inequality around our national sport.”
Presenter AJ Odudu, said: “The brilliant thing is that anyone can be a 12th Woman.
“I can’t wait for the tournament to start and I can’t wait to put on my 12th Woman Tee, head to the pub and enjoy what should be a true festival of football.”
TV comedian and writer, Ellie Taylor said: “It’s not every day you get recruited by the national treasure that is Harry Redknapp to join a cohort of fabulously talented people all committed to re-engineering an outdated football phrase – and celebrating the women’s game.
“Harry had me at hello to be honest. In all seriousness, I love watching big tournament football and I’m thrilled to be a 12th Woman. It might not be a thing, yet. But it will be”.