Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo star makes it through to Britain’s Got Talent sem-final

Fife musician Cammy Barnes is the only Scot to make it to the live shows and returns to Edinburgh Castle to record special video performance

A talented musician who wowed crowds at last year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has become the only Scot to make it through to the Britain’s Got Talent live semi-finals.

Cammy Barnes, 32, from Fife, won over the BGT judges with a passionate performance of Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Drivers Licence’ and will now vie for a place in Saturday’s live final.

A barber by trade and gifted bagpiper, Cammy was part of the Electro Pipes performers at last year’s Tattoo, who provided a fresh addition to the Show on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, mixing the traditional bagpipes with modern, electronic music, combined with state-of-the-art projection and lighting.

To celebrate his success on the show, the Tattoo welcomed Cammy back to Edinburgh Castle to record a special video performance of Wild Mountain Thyme. Cammy was joined by Stevie Small, Production Manager at the Tattoo, who played the pipes, set against the stunning Edinburgh skyline.

The Tattoo is committed to supporting emerging talent and providing talented performers – like Cammy – with a platform to play to audiences from around the world. He also played a starring role in the Show’s finale last year, singing Walking on the Waves in an emotional and powerful performance alongside Tattoo acts from around the world.

Cammy said: “It was always my dream to play at Edinburgh Castle so I’m forever indebted to the Tattoo and the whole team there for giving me the opportunity to play in such an iconic Show alongside so many talented people from around the world.

“My Dad was actually a lone piper at the Tattoo back in the day, so for it to come full circle, with me performing on the same Castle Esplanade was something really special. The team at the Tattoo are so good about giving fresh talent like me a chance to showcase their skills.

“Little did I know just a year on I’d be auditioning in front of Simon Cowell and the other judges and there’s no doubt that my time performing last year in the Tattoo really helped build my confidence to just go for it. I’d really urge people to snap up tickets for this year’s Show as the whole experience of the Tattoo, whether performing or watching, is a spectacle to behold.

“I can’t thank everyone at the Tattoo enough for their support so far and for giving me the opportunity to come back to perform at Edinburgh Castle alongside Stevie. I really hope I can do them and the whole of the country proud at the semi-finals. I’ll definitely be giving it my all for Scotland!”

Cammy recently became a father to his young daughter Bonnie and aims to make her proud throughout his BGT experience.

Buster Howes, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “Cammy’s one of those personalities you instantly warm to and we couldn’t be prouder of him and his efforts on Britain’s Got Talent.

“We’re an organisation that places an emphasis on emerging talent so to see Cammy’s talent continue to flourish is fantastic. We were only too happy to help facilitate his special performance of Wild Mountain Thyme at the iconic Edinburgh Castle.

“His energy during both the Electro Pipes and his singing in the finale really captured the imagination at our Show last year and you could feel the buzz he brought to the Esplanade when he and his fellow performers showcased their talents.

“On behalf of everyone at the Tattoo, I wish Cammy all the best in the semi-finals and would urge everyone to get behind him and give him their vote.”

The 2023 Show, Stories will be staged between 4-26 August, and will be a celebration of sagas, myths, and legends, transporting audiences on a journey of ideas – from the earliest campfire stories through to the world stage.

Building on last year’s successful return show, Voices, the 2023 performance, with Presenting Partner, Innis & Gunn, will showcase performers from around the globe, telling tales that connect us through our unique and shared military and cultural heritages.

Tickets for Stories can be purchased online at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188. To watch Cammy’s special Edinburgh Castle performance, please visit edintattoo.co.uk or the Tattoo’s social channels.

Fire Brigades Union: Governments must ‘heed stark warning’ of Scottish wildfire visible from space

This week, firefighters have battled a wildfire that started burning on Sunday afternoon near Cannich, south of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. 7,400 hectares have burned so far, with images of the 22-mile long plume of smoke captured by NASA from space.

Two firefighters injured tackling the blaze have since been released from hospital.

Wildfires require a significant number of firefighters to respond due to the extensive terrain, physically demanding work over long periods of time, transporting equipment by hand while being exposed to significant temperatures.

A decade of budget cuts has left Fire and Rescue Services stretched for resources while climate related incidents have increased in frequency and severity. J

uly 2022 saw the temperature in parts of the UK exceed 40 degrees centigrade for the first time in recorded history, increasing the risk of wildfires.

Last week the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service announced further cuts on top of a decade of austerity. These cuts will see the loss of ten fire appliances, reducing fire cover and impacting firefighters’ ability to respond to incidents.

Since 2010, 11,500 firefighters have been cut across the UK, and Scotland alone has lost 1,100 firefighters since 2013.

Matt Wrack, FBU General Secretary said: “Throughout this week, firefighters in Scotland have bravely battled what is now believed to be one of the biggest wildfires in UK history and which can be seen from space.

“Two of our members have already been injured working in these extreme conditions. Thankfully both have now returned home. However, this shows us the real dangers of the climate emergency. 

“Wildfires, such as the ones we are seeing in Cannich at the moment, are on the rise year on year. 

“All governments must heed this stark warning: the climate crisis is here now. We need urgent climate action to prevent loss of life, and that must also involve serious investment in our fire services.”

Lothian MSP supports Hugo’s Law to give cats the same protection as dogs and other animals

Scottish Conservative & Unionist MSP Miles Briggs is supporting calls for ‘Hugo’s Law’ to pass in the Scottish Parliament, making it law that drivers must contact a vet, the police and the RSPCA in the event that they hit a cat.

The calls come after Hugo, a much-loved cat that stalked the streets of Edinburgh’s West End, sadly died last month after being struck by a car. Those who loved Hugo are now leading the calls for a change in the law.

At present, motorists are obliged to inform the authorities if they hit dogs, horses, sheep, pigs, foxes, badgers, mules, cows and goats with their vehicle, under a section of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which applies to England, Scotland and Wales. A vet must also be contacted to look over the animals and treat them for injuries, however this section does not apply to cats.

Mr. Briggs has already written to the Scottish Government requesting a meeting so that discussions around the law change can begin.

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs said: “I wholeheartedly support the campaign for ‘Hugo’s Law’ to change the law on stopping for animals to include cats.

“A cat’s life is worth no less than a dog’s and a change in the law would increase the chances of survival for cats who are struck by vehicles.

“It is imperative we include cats so that more people are not left bereft like Hugo’s family.

“A change in the law would bring comfort to Hugo’s family and other cat owners who will be safe in the knowledge that tragic incidents such as Hugo’s passing can be avoided, and that is why I am seeking a meeting with government officials to push this through”. 

Hidden Door Festival: Opening Night

TONIGHT’S EVENT NOW SOLD OUT

Thank you to everyone who came along last night – we had a blast!

Here’s a few nice things people said online:

“Best gig ever!”
“Absolutely brilliant this year”
“My tip – make sure you get to the sub-basement floor”
“Another amazing venue. Totally blown away”
“Amazing immersive performances”

Here’s a few pics from the night – 4 more days to come down and explore!

PS Friday night has just SOLD OUT – grab your tickets for the other nights whilst you can.

FRIDAY PROGRAMME:*

1:00pm – Doors Open (free entry until 5pm)
6:00pm – The Environments Open (on a loop until late)
6:15pm – Berta Kennedy (Music, Cabaret Stage)
6:30pm – The Micro Band (Music, Loading Bay Stage)
7:00pm – Bibi June (Spoken Word, Poetry Stage)
7:15pm – Azamiah (Music, Cabaret Stage)
7:30pm – Fiona Robertson (Spoken Word, Poetry Stage)
7:30pm – Flasher (Music, Loading Bay Stage)
8:30pm – AKU! (Music, Cabaret Stage)
8:30pm – Jay Whittaker (Spoken Word, Poetry Stage)
8:30pm – Solar Panel (Music, Basement)
9:00pm – Butch Kassidy (Music, Loading Bay Stage)
9:30pm – Exterior (Music, Basement)
10:00pm – Hot 8 Brass Band (Music, Cabaret Stage)
10:00pm – Samedia Shebeen (Music, Club Space)
11:30pm – BUTHO THE WARRIOR (Music, Club Space)
11:45pm – O. (Music, Cabaret Stage)
1:00am – Close
BUY TICKETS FOR TONIGHT

Last few tickets remain for Book Festival’s Schools Programme

We’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible response to this year’s Baillie Gifford Schools Programme: our packed programme of FREE book events for schools.

Thank you to everyone who has signed up for in-person tickets so far, we can’t wait to welcome you and your pupils to the Edinburgh College of Art for some inspiring author events this August.

We have limitied availability remaining but if you would still like to attend in-person please get in touch with our Schools Booking Coordinator directly asap to check availability by emailing schools@edbookfest.co.uk.

And don’t forget, if your class is unable to make it along in-person, selected events will also be livestreamed for schools to watch in the classroom live, or on-demand. Events will be visable on edbookfest.co.uk from Wednesday 14 June and you can book your place any time from then until just before the event starts.

Council ‘driving forward’ plans to tackle the impact of poverty on women and girls

A key factor in the bid to end poverty in the Capital by 2030 is the steps being taken by the Council and partners to prevent and mitigate the impacts on women.

The Impact of Poverty on Women and Girls report highlights that women show a higher risk of poverty, and deeper experience of poverty, than men across Scotland.

This is closely linked to child poverty, given there is a proportionately high share of caring responsibilities adopted by women in general – 90% of lone parents are women, 38% of those in Scotland live in poverty.

Women have also been disproportionately affected by the cost of living crisis and, alongside childcare, these patterns are strongly driven by gender inequalities in the workplace. Women account for 60% of all low paid workers in Edinburgh and 78% of all part time workers.

In response to these challenges, actions in the Council’s End Poverty in Edinburgh Delivery Plan, and other plans, which are expected to prevent or mitigate the impact of poverty on women and girls, include:

  • Raising awareness of the gender impacts of poverty
  • Helping to increase incomes for women in poverty
  • Reducing the costs and impact of childcare responsibilities

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Tackling poverty is one of our key priorities as a Council and our 2030 target is ambitious but one I’m convinced can be achieved. We have to act decisively if we’re to eradicate poverty in Edinburgh.

“It’s a fact that women are more likely to experience poverty and thus it was important that we had a separate update on specific actions being taken to help to further highlight this issue.

“It’s also of course not just the material constraints of living in poverty that make things hard, it’s the emotional strain and it is important that we do all we can to tackle this.

“This update on actions currently underway was well received by councillors who fully support the work of the End Poverty in Edinburgh Delivery Plan which gives an important overview of where we are. We know that we can’t achieve our goals in insolation.

“That’s why we are working with partners such as the End Poverty Edinburgh citizen’s group who help us make sure that the real experiences of people who live in poverty are at the centre of shaping the actions we take to tackle poverty and inequality in the capital city.

“Analysis of these actions will be continued, and I look forward to the update on the wider End Poverty in Edinburgh progress later in the year where will look at all households and priority groups.”

NO Poverty concerns for one new council employee. Edinburgh’s interim Director of Adult Social Care will be paid no less than £403,390 A YEAR!

I’m sure that will go down really well with the capital’s care workers, the majority of whom are women! – Ed.

Plans to extend protections for tenants

Emergency measures to protect tenants during the cost of living crisis, including the private rent cap and additional eviction protections, will be extended for a further six months if approved by Parliament.

Tenants’ Rights Minister Patrick Harvie has confirmed proposals to keep the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Act measures in place until 31 March 2024 at the latest. This would mean:

  • Most in-tenancy private rent increases would continue to be capped at 3%
  • Alternatively, private landlords could apply for increases of up to 6% to help cover certain increases in costs in a specified time period where these costs can be evidenced
  • Enforcement of evictions would continue to be paused for six months for most tenants, except in a number of specified circumstances
  • Increased damages for unlawful evictions of up to 36 months’ worth of rent would continue to be applicable

Social rented sector tenants are protected by the voluntary agreement reached with social landlords on below-inflation rent increases for this financial year.

Mr Harvie said: “As the cost of living crisis continues, these measures are giving important support to tenants, providing them with much-needed stability in their housing costs and additional eviction protections.

“As the social housing sector have agreed their rents in consultation with their tenants, the focus of this temporary legislation is on providing private renters with similar protection. We know some landlords are impacted by rising costs too.

“The option of increasing rents by 6% in specified circumstances ensures landlords who may be impacted by the cost of living crisis can recover some increased costs associated with their let property.

“The final date of 31 March 2024 would be as long as the rent cap and eviction protections could run if approved by Parliament. The necessity of these measures is being kept under review and we will continue to assess whether they remain justified, balanced and proportionate based on the financial pressures rented households and landlords are facing.

“We are also looking at how to transition out of the emergency measures, and we continue to listen to and work hard with stakeholders to develop and deliver rental sector reform.”

Tears of Laughter

Project helps families find solace during dementia journey

An Edinburgh Napier degree show project is helping families find solace during a dementia diagnosis – by bringing laughter to the fore.

Tears of Laughter, by fourth year graphic design student Claire Todd, encourages families to journal the lighter, funnier moments they experience with someone affected by dementia as an alternative coping method for the condition.

Alongside the journal, Claire has also designed a series of stickers and shapes that can be used to illustrate the book with memories. Storytelling dice also act as a prompt for those wishing to use the resource.

The eye-catching journal – which is currently on display as part of Edinburgh Napier’s 2023 Degree Show at its Merchiston campus – is bright, tactile, and full of fun and has been developed with the support of several families who currently have a loved one affected by dementia.

Claire was inspired by her own experiences with dementia after her gran, Gladys’ own journey with the condition sadly came to an end in 2021.

Although she didn’t journal at the time, the 21-year-old and her family from Fauldhouse, West Lothian would regularly reminisce about some of the funnier things her Gran had said during their many visits to see her.

And it was from here, and a desire to document many of these memories, that the idea for Tears of Laughter was born.

Claire said: “The idea for Tears of Laughter really stemmed from my own experience of watching my gran suffer from dementia. It was a really tough time for the family, but the funny things she’d say and do would make us laugh and lighten the situation by a fraction for a moment.

“It was those moments that helped us cope and provided us with lighter memories during a tough time. The funny things she said made care home visits bearable and it strengthened the bond with my gran at a time when it was difficult to bond.

“Tears of Laughter is a resource that allows adults and grandchildren affected by dementia to document the funny and lighter memories during their loved one’s dementia journey. Ultimately it creates a personal journal of nicer memories to look back on during a tough time. The journal is somewhere to escape the darkness of dementia for a moment and is a space to reflect on those nicer memories.

“As a family, I feel we had to use humour to cope. It was the only way of finding some light during that time. Dementia is a really upsetting disease to watch someone you love suffer from, so using humour would sometimes reduce its full impact.

“I really hope the idea behind this journal can help families find just a little bit of happiness during this tough time. I love how my knowledge in graphic design through my studies has given me the toolkit to design material to potentially help those who are struggling.”

Claire’s project, along with many others, is currently on display at Edinburgh Napier’s 2023 Degree Show as its Merchiston campus. The show, which is an annual celebration of talent from its School of Arts and Creative Industries, until 8pm on 1 June.

More information on the show can be found at www.napier.ac.uk/degreeshow.

Boost to confidence for Scots following Help To Grow: Management Course


·       More than 300 Scottish SME leaders complete Help to Grow: Management Course

·       Recently published data1 from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) reveals nine in 10 (91%) would recommend Help to Grow: Management to other business leaders

·       Scottish SMEs looking for support are encouraged to sign-up to next cohort

·       Edinburgh-based narrowboat operator doubles turnover after completing course

More than 300 business leaders across Scotland have now completed the Help to Grow: Management Course in a bid to strengthen resilience and innovation, according to new figures from the Department for Business and Trade. 

The 12-week Help to Grow: Management Course was founded in April 2021 to help business leaders and senior managers to increase resilience, innovation, and growth within their organisations. 

In Scotland, 320 SME leaders had finished the course by February 2023 across six Scottish business schools at University of Strathclyde, University of the West Scotland, Heriot-Watt University, Robert Gordon University and University of Stirling*. Throughout the UK, 3,340 people had completed the course across 52 UK business schools. 

Research2, published in May and undertaken by Ipsos, highlights the impact Help to Grow: Management has had on UK businesses. Seven in 10 (69%) report greater confidence in leading and managing their business while two thirds (66%) felt their leadership and management skills had improved. 

SME leaders across a variety of sectors have benefitted from taking part in the training including those in manufacturing, construction, professional services, scientific, and technical industries, and information and communication. Help to Grow: Management compromises four waves of three modules, 1-2-1 business mentoring, peer-learning and access to the Alumni Network.  

Encouragingly, six in 10 (61%) UK business leaders now have a better understanding of how to innovate their business model and are more aware of factors that drive business productivity and growth. Over nine in 10 (92%) say they have shared what they learned or gained with others in their business within six weeks of completing the programme. 

The advice given to help business leaders embrace working in a post-Covid era also resulted in almost four in five (78%) reporting improved employee engagement.  

Help to Grow: Management has supported leaders from often under-represented demographics. More than a fifth (17%) of participants identified as being from ethnic minority backgrounds, compared to 6% of all UK SME owners, whilst a third (34%) were women, compared to 24% of UK SME owners. A broad range of ages were also welcomed to the course with one in five aged between 50-65 and a quarter aged between 25-34.  

Report findings3 also showed that 91% of participants would recommend Help to Grow: Management to other business leaders.   

Clare Halliday, Managing Director of Refreshing Scotland Ltd, in Roslin, participated in the course at Strathclyde University Business School. She said: “I signed up for the Help to Grow: Management Course because I wanted to find out how to take my business forward.

“One of my biggest takeaways was that it taught me how to say no and offload customers that weren’t the right fit for us, and that’s a really difficult thing to do when you haven’t got a very big business.  

“It definitely made me brave and it’s paid off, in the full financial year since I did the course we have doubled Refreshing Scotland’s turnover.” 

Michael Hayman MBE, Chair, Small Business Charter, said: “The success of the UK’s SME sector is critical to the growth of the wider economy. The Help to Grow: Management Course is designed to directly benefit our vibrant SME sector, equipping today’s leaders and future leaders with the tools, knowledge and confidence to identify and lead change, innovation and growth.

“It’s also brilliant to see the course attracting a wider diversity of business leaders, something we want to continue embracing as the programme progresses.  

“We look forward to continuing to support business leaders across Scotland and the rest of the UK as they take the steps needed to introduce change that will help them for years to come.” 

Delivered by Small Business Charter-accredited business schools, the course is available in more than 50 locations across the UK with 90% of the fee participants pay covered by the government.  

The value of the programme continues long after participants have finished the course with the majority (86%) continuing to interact with other SME leaders outside of their firm through networking and informal discussions.  

Almost one in four (23%) also continue to be mentored by their Help to Grow: Management mentor while many are exploring further courses (67%), attending alumni events (59%) and gaining new accreditations (43%). 

*Scottish business schools that now offer the Help to Grow: Management Course include: 

·      Aberdeen Business School at Robert Gordon University;  

·      School of Business at University of Dundee; 

·      School of Business, Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University; 

·      School of Business & Creative Industries at University of the West of Scotland; 

·      Strathclyde Business School at University of Strathclyde; 

·      Stirling Management School at University of Stirling.

One Year to Go: Capital counts down to LEZ introduction

As Glasgow introduces Scotland’s first LEZ today, Edinburgh is counting down to the introduction of our own Low Emission Zone, which will restrict the most polluting vehicles from driving in the city centre, benefiting everyone’s health.

The City of Edinburgh Council and NHS Lothian have joined together to highlight the positive impact clean air can have on health and wellbeing.

Restricting the most polluting vehicles will significantly reduce harmful emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from vehicles by up to 50% within the LEZ. Further air quality improvements are expected beyond the boundary, improving public health around the city.

While Edinburgh is moving closer to consistently meeting the minimum air quality standard set by the Scottish Government, it has some way to go before it meets the World Health Organisation’s targets.

Reducing air pollution is especially important for those most vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution, including children, older people and those with underlying health conditions.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “As Glasgow begins to enforce its LEZ, and with one year to go until our own LEZ comes into force, it’s a chance to reflect on the reasons for introducing an LEZ in Edinburgh.

“Research has shown that air pollution negatively affects everyone’s health and we have a responsibility to address this. In two weeks, we’ll mark Clean Air Day, which this year focuses on the fact that poor air quality not only affects our physical health, but our mental health too.

“By restricting the most polluting vehicles in the city centre the LEZ will create a healthier, more welcoming place to be – and we’re expecting benefits to spread across the wider city. I’m encouraged by the fact that compliance with our emissions standards continues to increase, and I’d like to thank people making the switch to cleaner modes of transport.

“However, there’s still work to be done, and over the next year we’ll be supporting even more people to consider greener, more sustainable ways to travel. I want to use the extra year Edinburgh has to get ready for this change, and ensure residents and businesses are fully prepared.”

Dona Milne, Director of Public Health, NHS Lothian, said: “The links between transport and health are clear and the LEZ will help to improve health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities for the people of Edinburgh.

“Tackling air quality, alongside commitments in the City Mobility Plan and associated draft Action Plans, will have multiple benefits. Health and wellbeing will be improved as a result of reduced levels of air and noise pollution; improved road safety; more inclusive opportunities for people to travel by walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport; and the increased vibrancy of local communities and economies.”

Earlier this year, data analysed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) revealed that overall compliance with Edinburgh’s LEZ emissions standards had increased from 48% to 78% over the last six years. Compliance is particularly high amongst buses (97% – Lothian Buses is 100% compliant), petrol cars (95%) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (86%).

However, more than half of diesel cars and a third of light goods vehicles (including vans) travelling on the main routes into Edinburgh don’t comply with the requirements of the LEZ.

A city centre LEZ was introduced in Edinburgh on 31 May 2022, along with LEZs in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee. In Edinburgh, a two-year grace period is in place, meaning no penalty charges will be issued during this time. 

LEZ restrictions will apply to motor vehicles, except motorcycles and mopeds. Vehicles must meet the minimum emissions standards to drive within the zone, though national exemptions apply including for blue badge holders and emergency vehicles.

A consultation is currently underway on suite of action plans designed to support the delivery of the City Mobility Plan to 2030, addressing everything from air quality to road safety, public transport to active travel. 

Environmental campaigners have welcomed the start of Glasgow’s low emission zone.

Gracie Bradley, director at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “The beginning of Glasgow’s low emission zone is a moment to celebrate real progress in the city. Glasgow has persistent air pollution problems caused by transport, and people who live and work here have been breathing toxic air for many years. Finally, after years of promises, the council is taking action.

“We know that low emission zones work because they’ve been successful in hundreds of places across Europe. Glasgow’s zone has already had a positive impact since it began restricting the most polluting buses, but there is no safe level of air pollution.

“Changing the way we get around the city needs to remain a priority – we want to see better public transport, the end of developments that require cars, and safer cycling routes to tackle toxic air, reduce our impact on the planet and make Glasgow a better place to live.”

Find out more about the LEZ. 

Clean Air Day takes place on 15 June.