Chancellor attends his first G20 Finance Meeting in India

  • UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt met with finance ministers and central bank governors from world’s major economies at G20 in Bengaluru, India
  • Chancellor also met with Indian technology business leaders on first overseas trip to deepen UK/India economic ties
  • Chancellor set out the UK’s growth agenda ahead of Spring Budget next month

Jeremy Hunt has concluded his first international visit as Chancellor to Bengaluru, India, for the first G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting held under India’s 2023 Presidency.

The Chancellor, alongside Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England, attended a meeting of G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors on Thursday 23 February.

They were joined virtually by Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko. Their statement sent a strong message of condemnation for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, announced an increase of financial support for the Ukrainian government to a total of US$39 billion in 2023 and committed to continue supporting vulnerable countries hardest hit by the economic impact of the war.

On Friday, the UK announced a fresh wave of internationally co-ordinated sanctions and trade measures, to further restrict Russia’s capability to wage war in Ukraine both now and in the future.

The Chancellor also attended the first G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting under the Indian Presidency. He condemned Russia’s brutal acts in the strongest terms, emphasising– like many other Ministers present – that securing peace was the most important action for global growth.

He also underscored the need for bilateral official creditors and private sector to urgently help address low and middle-income country debt vulnerabilities in developing countries; the importance of multilateral development banks boosting lending from their existing balance sheets; and called on the G20 to fulfil its pledge to channel $100 billion of IMF Special Drawing Rights in support of developing countries.

The Indian Presidency issued a Chair’s statement at the end of the meeting. It highlighted, among other things, the continued need to fight inflation, and the importance of supply-side policies, especially those that increase labour supply, boost growth and alleviate price pressures.

There was also G20 consensus, including China, on the need for swift resolution of existing debt restructuring cases and to work on the impacts of food and energy insecurity on the global economy.

While in Bengaluru, the Chancellor had productive bilateral meetings with U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, French Minister of Economy and Finance Bruno Le Maire and Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. He also met with Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers.

At a meeting with Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, both sides agreed to make further progress on the UK-India Free Trade Agreement and deepen bilateral economic and financial ties. They agreed to make swift progress on setting up the next UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue.

The Chancellor took the opportunity whilst in Bengaluru to meet with business leaders, home to India’s fast-growing tech hub. He visited the offices of Indian consultancy and tech multinational Wipro, which employs over 4,000 people in the UK.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said: “Meeting fellow Finance Ministers face to face is an excellent opportunity to make real progress on the key global economic issues of our time.

“I first visited India 38 years ago, and it’s been fascinating to see how much the country has changed in this time – there are positive lessons to be learnt from their successful rapid development.

“It’s been great to hear from Indian technology business leaders here in Bengaluru how they are pushing the country’s economy forward, and I look forward to further collaboration between India and the UK as we continue to trade and create jobs – delivering on the government’s plan to grow the economy”

While speaking at the meetings, the Chancellor set out the UK government’s intention to protect the most vulnerable from cost-of-living pressures, whilst maintaining fiscal sustainability with debt falling and not adding to inflationary pressure.

He added that the upcoming Spring Budget on 15 March will drive economic growth , focusing on skills, business and infrastructure investment and research and innovation, as well as reviewing regulations of the UK’s key growth industries.

Dream opportunity for aspiring foodies with The Cairn Distillery

‘Beacon of inspiration’ theme continues with chance to work with Tim Maddams

Three aspiring foodies are being offered the chance to fulfil a long-held ambition to collaborate with one of the UK’s leading chefs. Successful applicants will work alongside ‘free-range-foodie’ Tim Maddams – menu creator for The Cairn Distillery – to design a bespoke menu that will be served at the distillery’s ‘Grand Gathering’ event in summer 2023. 

Lucky winners will learn new skills and gain valuable insight into what it takes to become an esteemed chef, travelling with Tim on an all-expenses paid experience to meet local suppliers, learn insider tricks of the trade and develop an inspiring menu to celebrate the opening of the distillery.

The Cairn, which opened its doors in October 2022, is the first new distillery to be built in the Cairngorms National Park for more than a century. Its owners, Moray-based family business, Gordon & MacPhail, aims to build on its 127-year heritage of producing exceptional Scotch whisky by creating legacies that inspire future generations.  

Tim Maddams has developed the menu for ‘The Gathering’, located within The Cairn Distillery, which provides locally sourced tapas-style dishes devised to complement the whiskies tasted by visitors taking tours. He has previously worked in some very well-known London kitchens before taking his first head chef job for TV favourite, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

Tim Maddams, menu creator for The Cairn Distillery, said: “For millennia, cairns have inspired people to discover and explore, set new challenges, and guide people along new paths.

“To reflect that ethos, we are providing a series of opportunities to help people realise their long-held dreams – inspiring hopefuls from all walks of life to finally pursue that new path they’ve always wanted to follow.

“I’m looking forward to working with those looking to learn, explore Scotland’s natural larder, and join me in the pursuit of new dishes, that respect the local environment and reflect the inspirational nature of this wondrous place, to be served at a very special party event happening this summer at The Cairn.”

Ian Chapman, marketing director of Gordon & MacPhail explained: “Having secured such a beautiful and awe-inspiring location overlooking the river Spey, we wanted to make sure our food offering matches the quality of our whisky and inspires visitors as much as our surroundings. 

“We are delighted to work with Tim to create an ever-evolving menu for The Gathering. With that in mind we are thrilled to be able to give three aspiring foodies the chance to work with Tim, learn and be inspired by his work, and help create a unique new menu to celebrate the opening of the distillery doors.” 

The mission to discover three aspiring chefs is the second instalment of The Cairn’s initiative to inspire visitors to pursue long-held ambitions.

The first was launched last year when The Cairn brought together three artists who shared a goal to collaborate internationally and offered them the opportunity to create a unique track inspired by Scotland’s incredible landscape which encompasses the distillery. 

A personal invitation from Tim to apply can be found here:

 https://youtu.be/DVNs4ndTEVY

with the online application form with full Ts & Cs, found here 

https://www.thecairndistillery.com/tim-maddams

New government plan may save EV owners £1000 a year

Owners of electric vehicles are being told how they could save up to £1000 a year under the government’s latest plan to install smart charging across the UK.

Electric car experts at LeaseElectricCar.co.uk have researched how EV drivers can save money on their energy bills or make a profit from the National Grid under the new electric vehicle smart charging action plan.

The new government scheme sets out to unlock the potential of smart electric vehicle charging, helping owners of electric vehicles to save hundreds each year on their energy bills.

With the cap on the Energy Price Guarantee set to increase by 20% in April 2023, electric vehicle drivers will be able to minimise their spendings on energy bills.

The government states that the smart charging scheme plans to let motorists charge their EVs when the electricity is cheaper or cleaner.

Drivers can also use the electricity stored in their EVs to power their own homes, allowing them to benefit significantly from lower energy bills.

The scheme will also allow consumers to sell the electricity from their vehicles back to the National Grid for profit.

Bill payers who do not have an EV can also benefit from more sustainable and cheaper energy prices – reducing the demand when electricity is used on the grid from EV drivers will help contribute to reducing energy prices for everyone.

This new smart charging landmark initiative reports to use the latest energy innovations to deliver benefits to EV drivers as the country works towards its zero emissions target on UK roads.

With the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars being introduced in 2030, the smart charging plan aims to further encourage more drivers to make the switch to electric.

The report states that the average electric vehicle driver could save around £200 a year, and a high mileage driver £1000 a year, with the introduction of smarter charging across the UK.

The government is aiming to make smart charging commonplace for EV drivers by 2025 – further initiatives like smart lamppost charging on the street will help make this move happen.

To further the smart charging scheme, £16 million will be invested into these innovative technologies which will harness the potential of the new way of charging.

Alongside smart lampposts, projects to enable domestic appliances to be able to merge into a whole smart energy system, like heat pumps, charge points and batteries, which will also be funded.

Tim Alcock at LeaseElectricCar.co.uk said: “It’s a great win for EV drivers – under the new smart charging scheme you may save up to £1000 on energy bills.

“The government has announced that this scheme will allow you to use electricity to power your homes, energy which is otherwise stored in your vehicle, as well as being able to sell back electricity to the National Grid to make some money.”

He said that it’s good news for those who don’t own an electric vehicle too.

Mr Alcock added: “By reducing the demand for electricity, such as pumping electricity from EVs into the home, this will in turn help contribute to lowering the overall demand and costs for bill payers across the country.

“As we head towards an increase of the energy price cap, the smart charging scheme is a positive step forward for the country to help reduce costs for all consumers.

“Investment into the smart energy system is also going to help EV drivers in the long run too. Smart lampposts and merging domestic appliances into the system will help make smarter charging easier for motorists.

“This recent announcement gives the electric vehicle industry hope that the right infrastructure is being put in place as the country moves towards the ban of new petrol and diesel cars in just seven years time.”

For more on the smart charging scheme and to find out further benefits for EV owners, head over to https://leaseelectriccar.co.uk/

What’s On at Blackhall Library

Here’s what’s on in Blackhall Library for the week beginning 27th of February.

There are still tickets available for the author’s talk with Harry Fisher tomorrow (Monday 27th February) at 5:30pm.

Please join us, you can book tickets through this link:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/539648953547

Have a nice week everyone! 😊

City councillor’s King’s campaign wins Scottish Government support

THE SHOW WILL GO ON AS MUCH-LOVED THEATRE WINS REPRIEVE

Councillor Finlay McFarlane, the SNP representative for the city centre, has led the charge to find money to secure the future of the 117 year old Kings Theatre in Tollcross.

The councillor, who credits the theatre as giving him his first professional work after graduating Drama School, rallied council colleagues to offer financial support for the Edinburgh institution securing a pledge from all five political Parties in the recent budget to part-fund the and called on UK and Scottish Governments to meet the remainder.

The Kings restoration project was thrown into jeopardy when the UK Government rejected a City of Edinburgh Council bid for Levelling Up funds but Cllr McFarlane was delighted that, having called on Culture Minister Neil Gray to rescue the plans, the Scottish Government has announced £3.85 million to fully plug the hole and save the theatre from shutting its doors for good.

Cllr McFarlane said: “I am over the moon to see the cultural, economic and historic importance of the true people’s theatre recognised and supported by the Scottish Government.

“Since the outcome of the levelling up bid was known, I have been working with colleagues to explore options to find the remaining money needed. Closing the doors on The Kings Theatre for good was simply not an option. This shows the SNP’s commitment to culture in the capital city of Scotland”.

SNP voters back rapid move away from oil & gas, new polling shows

++ YouGov polling of SNP voters shows overwhelming support for UK to ‘get off oil and gas as quickly as possible’

++ First Minister candidates are urged to speed progress towards a fair and fast energy transition for workers and communities

A YouGov poll of 1,000 SNP voters has shown that there is huge support for a quicker move away from oil and gas to ensure access to reliable and affordable energy. A majority of respondents who expressed an opinion supported a ban on exploration for new oil and gas, and opposed the controversial Rosebank oil field.

Campaigners say that the candidates to be First Minister must lay out their vision for how Scotland will move away from oil and gas in a fair and fast way, in line with climate science. The next First Minister will be selected by SNP members in the coming weeks.

The respondents also back more support for affected workers and communities to help them benefit from the transition away from fossil fuels. The YouGov poll for Uplift/ Friends of the Earth Scotland was carried out on 22/23 Feb 2023.

Polling results:

  + 70% of SNP voters support the UK to ‘get off oil and gas as quickly as possible’ by ramping up efforts to improve energy efficiency and developing lots more renewable energy.
Just 4% thought the UK should ‘continue to meet its energy demand primarily with oil and gas for as long as is necessary’
  + 45% support for a ban on new exploration for oil and gas (compared to 39% who did not support, and 16% who said they didn’t know)
  + 86% of SNP voters thought more support should be given to oil and gas workers to transition to green jobs
  + 62% of respondents thought that not enough was being done to ensure communities in North East Scotland were ready and able to benefit from the transition away from oil and gas.
  + 89% of SNP voters were supportive of the creation of a ‘publicly owned company to produce energy’ which would ‘ensure the benefits of the transition to renewables are more widely shared’

Friends of the Earth Scotland head of campaigns Mary Church commented: “As the campaign to be the next First Minister hots up, any credible candidate must put the need for a fair and fast transition away from fossil fuels at the heart of their vision for Scotland’s future. Backsliding on fossil fuels or supporting UK Government plans to drill for more oil would only exacerbate the climate crisis.

“Rapidly bringing down emissions while protecting affected communities and workers through this transition will be one of the defining challenges of the coming decade. This transformation to a climate safe future must prioritise meeting the needs of ordinary people  rather than clinging on to an outdated energy system that only benefits profiteering oil companies.

“From banning fracking and opposing the Cambo field, to asking how soon to phase out oil and gas in the recent energy strategy, Nicola Sturgeon has started to steer the SNP away from its long-standing allegiance to fossil fuels. Her successor must continue in this direction and swiftly rule out support for any new fossil fuels, and put a plan in place to end reliance on oil and gas within this decade.”

Lauren MacDonald from Stop Rosebank commented: “People in Scotland understand that there is no future in new fields like Rosebank and are tired of being rinsed by oil and gas producers.

“They can see that the public harms outweigh the benefits, whether it’s the more than half a billion pounds in public subsidies Rosebank will get, despite the industry raking in billions, or the vast emissions from burning its reserves.”

“It’s also clear from this polling that people want a proper, managed transition, which won’t happen as long as new drilling is allowed to continue.

“Anyone aspiring to lead the party and Scotland needs to not just acknowledge these views but make sure they are heard loud and clear in Westminster.”

***

The UK Government’s decision is imminent on the approval of Rosebank, which is the largest undeveloped oil field in UK waters. The Scottish Government has said that new fossil fuels are not the answer to either the cost of living crisis or the climate emergency.

Nicola Sturgeon has said that her Government will end its support for drilling every last drop of oil and gas as part of its new Energy Strategy. The Scottish Government is also consulting on whether there should be a presumption against exploring for new oil and gas and limits on existing fields.  A quicker phase out of oil and gas is needed in order to limit global heating to the critical 1.5oC threshold.

Despite commitments by the Scottish Government to co-design the Just Transition Plan for the energy sector, direct involvement of oil and gas workers has been limited to an online survey so far. The chair of the Just Transition Commission wrote to the Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work about his ‘deep concern’ after the Government failed to consult with them on the development of the Plan. The Plan includes a number of Just Transition outcomes but no route map to delivering them.

In 2017, the Scottish Government announced they would support a publicly owned energy company but subsequently dropped the idea. There has been criticism that the huge Scotwind project has privatised the opportunity for offshore wind, risking a failure to deliver supply chain benefits, protections for workers and a long term source of revenue to the public purse.

UK Labour have pledged to create a Great British Energy company to generate ‘clean power’ if they get into UK Government.

Climate experts have been clear that there can be no new fossil fuel projects if the world is to stay within agreed climate limits of 1.5C of warming.

Displaced Ukrainians in line for tickets for Eurovision Song Contest

Thousands of tickets will be made available for displaced Ukrainians to attend the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool in May

  • Around 3,000 tickets will be made available for displaced Ukrainians living in the UK
  • Government also announces £10 million of support to help host Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine and showcase its culture and creativity
  • Announcements mark a year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine

Thousands of tickets will be made available for displaced Ukrainians to attend the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool in May.

The Government has agreed that around 3,000 tickets will be made available for those Ukrainians who have been forced from their homes and are living in the UK – meaning they can attend one of the live shows and help mark the Ukrainian group Kalush Orchestra’s victory at last year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

While Ukraine won the competition in 2022 it is unable to host because of Russia’s illegal invasion. The UK, who finished second in last year’s Eurovision Song Contest with the track ‘Space Man’ from Sam Ryder, agreed to host and create an event which honoured Ukraine’s culture and people.

This ticket allocation will see thousands of Ukrainians attending the live shows and is another example of the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine.

The news comes as the Government announces £10 million in funding to help ensure the event truly showcases Ukrainian culture. The money will support Liverpool City Council and the BBC’s partnerships with Ukrainian artists and performers to ensure a collaborative show celebrating music and how it unites people from around the world.

It will also support security, visa arrangements and other operational aspects of the contest, as well as Liverpool City Council’s schools, community and volunteering programmes.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “ Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine means the contest cannot be held where it should be. But we are honoured to be supporting the BBC and Liverpool in hosting it on their behalf, and are determined to make sure the Ukrainian people are at the heart of this event.

“ Today’s announcement means that thousands of tickets will be offered to those displaced by war, so that they can take part in a show honouring their homeland, their culture and their music. As always, we stand together with the Ukrainian people and their fight for freedom.”

Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK Vadym Prystaiko said: “The allocation of almost 3,000 tickets to displaced Ukrainians for the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool will allow our compatriots here to enjoy the event and celebrate our country’s rich culture and music.

“ The UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion has been exemplary and this gesture is another example of that commitment. The £10 million in funding to showcase Ukrainian culture is also greatly appreciated and will help to put on a collaborative show bringing people from around the world closer to each other.

“ We are grateful to the UK Government, Liverpool City Council, and the BBC for their efforts to honour Ukraine’s culture and people through this event.”

Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson said: “ Ukraine is at the heart of all our Eurovision host city plans.

“ Working with our Ukrainian community we are shaping a thought-provoking and powerful programme that is all-encompassing and representative of modern Ukraine – inspiring, poignant, funny, beautiful and moving.

“ We’re delighted with the news that displaced Ukrainians are being given the opportunity to come to the city in May – this is their Eurovision after all. Our team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes and we can’t wait to give them a warm Liverpool welcome and, fingers crossed, do them, the rest of the Ukraine and the UK proud.”

Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia a year ago, millions of Ukrainians have been forced from their homes, with many finding refuge in the UK.

Those who are based in the UK via the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, the Ukraine Family Scheme and the Ukraine Extension Scheme will be able to apply for tickets. Tickets will be offered for all nine live shows, including the semi-finals, the preview shows and the live final on Saturday 13 May.

The announcement comes after President Zelenskyy visited the UK during which the Prime Minister underlined the country’s commitment to support Ukraine and help secure lasting peace.

189 new police officers sworn in

Scotland’s Chief Constable welcomed almost 190 new officers into policing and thanked them for their commitment to public service yesterday.

Sir Iain Livingstone QPM greeted 189 new recruits as they were sworn into the office of constable during a ceremony at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan.

Addressing the officers, Sir Iain underlined Police Scotland’s core values of integrity, fairness, respect and a commitment to upholding human rights, and emphasised the duties of the office of constable.

Sir Iain, who announced his intention to retire this week, said: “Policing is a hugely rewarding vocation in which officers help our fellow citizens every day, right across Scotland.

“Making the Declaration of Constable is a significant day in the lives and careers of those who join this vital public service.

“I thank everyone who makes that important commitment to work for the benefit of others and to keep people safe. I am also grateful to the families and loved ones who support them.”

Of the new recruits, three were previously members of police staff with Police Scotland while five served as special constables. A further five have served with the armed forces.

Applications to become a Police Scotland officer can be submitted at any time. There is no upper age limit for potential recruits, who must have a good level of fitness and be at least 17.5 years old at the time of applying. More information can be found on our website.

Kidnapped Sets Sail!

World Premiere 

National Theatre of Scotland presents  

KIDNAPPED

A Swashbuckling Rom-Com Adventure 

Adapted by Isobel McArthur with Michael John McCarthy 

Co-directed by Isobel McArthur and Gareth Nicholls  

Based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson 

Full cast:  Malcolm Cumming, Christina Gordon, Kim Ismay, Danielle Jam, Fatima Jawara, Ryan J Mackay, Grant O’Rourke, David Rankine, Isaac Savage, and Karen Young. 

Composer and Music Supervisor Michael John McCarthy Set and Costume Design Anna Orton, Sound Design Clare Hibberd Movement Director Emily Jane Boyle Video Design Tim Reid Lighting Design Ben Ormerod Associate Director Isla Cowan Fight Director Claire Llewellyn Casting by Michael Howell 

Supported by Sir Ewan and Lady Brown 

Touring the UK from Tuesday 28 March to Saturday 20 May 2023 

Opening at the Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock and touring to Theatre Royal, Glasgow; Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh; Eden Court, Inverness; Perth Theatre; Northern Stage, Newcastle and Theatre Royal, Brighton, as part of Brighton Festival, from March to May 2023.   

 Opening Performance at the Beacon Arts Centre on 31 March 2023 

Kidnapped, Robert Louis Stevenson’s adventure-classic is touring Scotland and England in a riotous new retelling for 2023.  

This swashbuckling new production from the National Theatre of Scotland, adapted by Isobel McArthur with Michael John McCarthy, premieres at the Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock in March 2023 before touring to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Perth, Newcastle and Brighton. 

Kidnapped is a colourful new take on Stevenson’s historical novella about David Balfour who leaves home for the first time and must grow up fast to solve a family mystery and take revenge on an evil assailant. This vibrant production is a coming-of-age romcom for today, which celebrates the poetry, humour and heart of Stevenson’s writing.  

Co-created by Isobel McArthur and Michael John McCarthy, writer and musical supervisor of the Olivier award-winning Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of), Kidnapped is packed full of 20th century pop music and 18th century romance, all performed by a dynamic ensemble of actor-musicians. 

Kidnapped - Rehearsal Photos 11 - Photo credit Julie Howden

Davie Balfour will be played by Ryan J Mackay, who was most recently seen on stage in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and he will be joined by Malcolm Cumming as Alan Breck Stewart, familiar to Scottish audiences from the acclaimed James IV: Queen of the Fight, (Raw Material and Capital Theatres, in association with National Theatre of Scotland) which toured Scotland in late 2022. Kim Ismay will be playing Frances and is perhaps most familiar to audiences for playing the role of Tanya in the West End production of Mamma Mia, and Madame Morrible in the international and UK & Ireland tours of Wicked.

Kidnapped - Rehearsal Photos 05 - Photo credit Julie Howden

They will be joined on this adventure by a talented ensemble including: Christina Gordon, who will be reuniting with Isobel McArthur and Michael John McCarthy after her run as an original cast member of Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), for which she was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role; David Rankine who is a Scottish actor most recently seen in the revival of the National Theatre of Scotland production of Rocket Post, which featured song arrangements from Michael John McCarthy; Danielle Jam, who recently worked with Raw Material, Capital Theatres and National Theatre of Scotland as one of the lead roles in James IV: Queen of the Fight and will be reunited with her James IV co-star Malcolm Cumming in Kidnapped; Grant O’Rourke has done extensive work in theatre, television, film and radio, and is most familiar to Scottish audiences for his role in Outlander, and more recently, Shetland; Isaac Savage is an actor, musician and composer who will joining the ensemble as the Performing Musical Director for Kidnapped, and last year was the Performing Musical Director for Cinderella at Dundee Rep; Karen Young is a Scottish actress, recently appeared in Cinderella at Dundee Rep; Fatima Jawara was most recently seen as the titular role in Eastern Angles’ Christmas production of Little Red.  

Kidnapped - Rehearsal Photos 10 - Photo credit Julie Howden

“I don’t believe it……I finally have a chance at a decent future – and my only surviving relative pays to have me knocked unconscious and forced onto a knackered old boat by a load of bloody… Pirates!” 

19-year-old Davie Balfour has never left home, never been kissed and never fired a gun. Armed with nothing but a hand-drawn map, he heads off on an adventure like no other – quickly realising that he has a lot of catching up to do. The production follows Davie on a journey of eye-opening discovery as he navigates murderous foes, Jacobite outlaws and the most inept crew of pirates this side of the Atlantic. 

This version of Kidnapped reframes the relationship between the central characters Davie Balfour and Alan Breck Stewart as a romance, which is played out through their adventures across the Lowlands and Highlands of a Scotland still reeling from the aftermath of the 1745 Jacobite rebellion. Robert Louis Stevenson’s wife, Frances, an American writer who supported her husband throughout his writing, also features in the production in the role of a spirit guide to the protagonist.  

The music – performed live – is arranged by Michael John McCarthy and will include well-loved songs including denim-clad Americana, late 90s love songs, art rock, protest anthems, 80s synth-pop, Gaelic folk song and more. 

Kidnapped - Rehearsal Photos 12 - Photo credit Julie Howden

Isobel McArthur is an Oliver award-winning actor, director and playwright. Her plays have toured the UK and been performed internationally. Her five-star West End adaptation of the classic novel Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) is currently on tour across the UK. Previous work for National Theatre of Scotland as an actor includes Edwin Morgan’s Scots language Cyrano De Bergerac (with Citizens Theatre) and as writer/co-director of The Quiz! (with BBC Scotland) as part of Scenes for Survival. 

Michael John McCarthy is a musician, sound designer and composer for stage and screen. He has worked on over eighty theatrical productions and has collaborated on the making of ten Scotsman Fringe First Award winners, most recently The Last Return by Druid Theatre Company.

He is the musical supervisor & co-sound designer on Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), winner of the 2022 Olivier Award for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play, and his previous work for National Theatre of Scotland includes The Cheviot, The Stag, & The Black, Black Oil, Rocket Post and In Time O’ Strife. 

Isobel McArthur and Michael John McCarthy – Kidnapped co-creators said: “In Kidnapped, there seemed to us to be more of Stevenson the man, his beliefs and experiences, than in any other of his works of fiction.

“His deeply romantic view of being human, his attempts to hold onto a sense of innocence and wonder at the world, his lust for travel, his attraction to glamour and physical strength… they are all here! In this novella, Stevenson asks what it is to be Scottish, to be in in love, to be a grown-up – all through the telling of a historical tale, full of humour, heart and song.

“It’s a true adventure story – where body and soul are put through their paces – to, by turns, thrilling, moving and humorous effect. We just couldn’t pass it up.” 

Kidnapped was originally written as serialised fiction in the magazine Young Folks from May to July 1886. The novel first appeared in book form from Cassell and Company in July 1886 and has since been adapted several times with numerous versions for film and television.

Edinburgh born Stevenson based many of the characters and events in the much-loved classic on actual people and places. Principal characters Davie Balfour and Alan Breck Stewart are celebrated in a 15-foot-tall statue by Alexander Stoddart situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh near Corstorphine Hill. 

Join the conversation: #Kidnapped 

Touring to Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock (previews Tue 28, Wed 29, Thurs 30 March) Fri 31 March – Sat 1 April 2023; Theatre Royal, Glasgow Wed 5 – Sat 8 April 2023, Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh Tue 11 – Sat 22 April 2023; Eden Court, Inverness Wed 26 – Sat 29 April 2023; Perth Theatre Wed 3 – Sat 6 May 2023 and Northern Stage, Newcastle Tues 9 – Sat 13 May 2023.