The Delta variant sub-lineage known as Delta AY.4.2 was designated a Variant Under Investigation (VUI) by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on 20 October 2021 and has been given the official name VUI-21OCT-01.
The designation was made on the basis that this sub-lineage has become increasingly common in the UK in recent months, and there is some early evidence that it may have an increased growth rate in the UK compared to Delta. More evidence is needed to know whether this is due to changes in the virus’ behaviour or to epidemiological conditions.
The genome of VUI-21OCT-01 does not have many mutations compared to Delta. However, a small change may be enough to cause a difference in the virus properties in some circumstances. UKHSA is monitoring this closely.
The original Delta variant remains overwhelmingly dominant in the UK, making up approximately 99.8% of all cases. As of 20 October, there were 15,120 cases of VUI-21OCT-01 confirmed by whole genome sequences in England since it was first detected in July.
In the last week, VUI-21OCT-01 accounted for approximately 6% of all Delta cases. Cases have been confirmed through whole genome sequencing in all 9 regions of England.
While evidence is still emerging, so far it does not appear this variant causes more severe disease or renders the vaccines currently deployed any less effective. As is routine for any new variants under investigation, UKHSA is carrying out laboratory and epidemiological investigations to better understand the properties of this variant.
Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said: “Viruses mutate often and at random, and it is not unexpected that new variants will continue to arise as the pandemic goes on, particularly while the case rate remains high.
“It is testament to the diligence and scientific expertise of my colleagues at UKHSA, and the genomic sequencing capacity developed through the pandemic, that this new variant has been identified and analysed so quickly. However, it should serve as objective evidence that this pandemic is not over.
“The public health advice is the same for all current variants. Get vaccinated and, for those eligible, come forward for your third or booster dose as appropriate as soon as you are called. Continue to exercise caution. Wear a mask in crowded spaces and, when meeting people indoors, open windows and doors to ventilate the room.
“If you have symptoms take a PCR test and isolate at home until you receive a negative result.”
UKHSA continues to examine all available data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad. We constantly assess the genetic diversity within the known Variants of Concern (VOCs) to inform our ongoing public health response to the pandemic. New sub-lineages within Delta continue to be identified. This is to be expected and UKHSA is monitoring the situation closely.
A 10 metre tall puppet, STORM, will make an appearance in Glasgow and many projects are already well underway in the run up to the climate conference, including the launch of Climate Beacon hubs in seven locations across Scotland.
STORM is a huge sea-goddess puppet made entirely out of recycled materials with oyster shells for eyes and kelp for hair and is created by Vision Mechanics. She is due to walk in Govan on 10 November.
Led by Creative Carbon Scotland, the Climate Beacons project is a collaboration between climate change, environmental, arts, heritage and cultural organisations to stimulate long-term public engagement in climate change. The hubs throughout Scotland, including Argyll, Caithness and East Sutherland, Fife and Inverclyde, will provide information about climate change in each local area.
The hubs will be run as sustainably as possible with many of the projects and activities using recycled materials.
For instance the Message in a Bottle project in the Outer Hebrides will send messages to people at COP26 in plastic bottles washed up on the beach and the Midlothian hub at the National Mining Museum Scotland will feature outdoor clay sculpture that will eventually degrade back into the earth.
Creative Carbon Scotland’s film, Climate Action Needs Culture, made in collaboration with national cultural and heritage organisations, will be shown to a variety of cultural leaders and policymakers on November 5 as a virtual event.
Scotland’s five national performing arts companies, each receiving regular support from the Scottish Government, are among the many cultural organisations across Scotland organising events around COP26.
On 31 October, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra will premiere Symbiosis, a new commission for strings in a 20 minute video. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra will give a pop-up performance at ScotRail’s Haymarket Station on 1 November to welcome delegates to COP26 while the RSNO Junior Chorus will perform a selection of specially commissioned Green Songs in the official COP26 Green Zone the following day.
Scottish Opera have launched an intergalactic view of climate change in The Last Aliens, an opera for primary children. Schools can access the production online now with live tours planned next year.
Schools and communities across Scotland and India have created 100 shoes for a digital shoe shop as part of Millipede, the National Theatre of Scotland’s collaboration with ThinkArts, a Kolkata-based children’s organisation. Launching on 1 November, the interactive art installation will explore personal responses to climate change and carbon footprints through a range of creative activities.
Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “With the world’s spotlight on Scotland, COP26 in Glasgow is a once in a lifetime event and our cultural organisations have risen to the occasion by programming an impressive line-up of live and online activities to engage audiences at home and abroad.
“The Scottish Government is proud to support the cultural and heritage sectors as they have a major role to play in encouraging debate around environmental issues.
“Climate change affects us all and it’s heartening to see so many communities taking part in these projects to create a lasting legacy for future generations.”
A dedicated website, Culture at COP, for all cultural activities around COP26 has been set up by Museums and Galleries Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland and the Climate Heritage Network.
Ensuring social security benefits are accessible to all who are eligible will be vital in helping people on low incomes deal with the aftermath of the pandemic, Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison has said.
Scotland’s new benefit take-up strategy outlines plans to make sure that nobody misses out on financial support due to a lack of awareness or barriers to applying.
Actions from the strategy, which builds on learning from the first in 2019, include:
working with partners to improve targeting of information and advice
challenging myths and stigma around claiming benefits
continuing to remove barriers to accessing social security in Scotland
The Scottish Government will also explore the introduction of automatic payment for certain devolved social security benefits to make it as easy as possible for people to maximise their incomes.
Ms Robison said: “Social security is a collective investment in building a better and fairer society and part of that is ensuring people are aware of, and can access, the financial support to which they are entitled.
“The pandemic has made us even more aware of the importance of a strong social security safety net – alongside skills, employment and childcare support – and our new benefit take-up strategy sets out how we will ensure we reach those in need.
“We have seen good levels of take up of the Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Payments, which support families on low incomes, with initial estimates ranging between 77% and 84%. As part of our national mission to tackle poverty we are determined that everybody should be able to access payments they are due.
“We will invest £10 million over this Parliament to increase advice services with a focus on providing these in accessible settings and targeting families.
“This investment will support our ambition to maximise incomes, tackle poverty and improve wellbeing, and this will be more vital than ever as we continue our recovery from COVID-19.”
Edinburgh InterFaith Association welcomes you to the Cop 26 Pilgrimage & Launch Event today.
Don’t forget to come along to our Pilgrimage Event for Cop26 as we welcome pilgrims for Climate Justice and join us as we visit different places of worship across Edinburgh.
There will be a silent rebellion mediation at 12 at the National Gallery. And the big launch welcome event will take place at New College at 1.30pm prompt with contributions from Religious Leaders and politicians including our patron the Lord Provost.
The pilgrimage concludes with langar and a short welcome event at the Leith Gurdwara.
An East Lothian holiday park has been presented with a top regional tourism award by UK holiday giant Hoseasons.
Seton Sands Holiday Villagewas crowned Best Family Fun destination in Scotlandat the staycation specialist’s 15th annual Awards – a celebration of the holiday parks, lodge resorts and boating locations in the company’s UK portfolio that have achieved the highest scores in independent customer satisfaction surveys and delighted guests through exceptional holiday experiences throughout the 2021 season.
Commenting after the awards were announced during an online ceremony Jamie Stirling, General Manager at Seton Sands Holiday Village said: “Winning awards is always nice, but being recognised by our guests for our efforts is particularly pleasing.
“It’s been the most challenging year any of us in the industry can ever remember, but throughout everything we’ve always tried to give our holidaymakers the best possible experience we can, so it’s great for our team to get the recognition they deserve.”
Simon Altham, Group Chief Commercial Officer at Awaze – the parent company of Hoseasons – said: “We all understand the importance customer reviews play in influencing holiday choices and it’s clear from the amazing scores Seton Sands Holiday Village have been receiving, that the team are doing a fantastic job of delighting guests and exceeding expectations.
“The future looks brighter than ever for UK holidays and we are sure this award will help further boost bookings for 2022 and beyond.”
For more information on Seton Sands Holiday Village or any other Hoseasons holiday, visit www.hoseasons.co.uk
Over 30 opportunities for early career artists and creative practitioners aged 18-24 are being supported across the country thanks to a new Youth Arts Bursaries scheme with funding from the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland.
Twelve organisations across the country have been awarded over £270,000 to enable them to offer early career creatives the space, support, and platform to research, instigate, develop and share their creative projects.
The wide range of bursaries on offer includes opportunities in a diverse selection of sectors including visual arts, digital, crafts and traditional arts.
Among the range of opportunities, Eden Court will provide two six-month bursaries at £10,000 for a young artist to be embedded in the organisation’s engagement team with a dedicated mentor and support from creative producers. This opportunity will enable young artists to deliver a substantial project that will form part of Eden Court’s festive season offering.
The Work Room will collaborate with Barrowland Ballet in Glasgow to offer two early-career dance artists six-month bursaries, whereby financial support will enable the successful applicants to benefit from a supportive environment in which to instigate and develop their own creative projects.
In Orkney, Pier Arts (above) will offer a three-month opportunity with a two-week residency aimed at allowing an 18–24-year-old artist to engage with Pier Arts’ modernist art collection, network and meet with other professionals and experience Orkney’s unique environment.
Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government is pleased to provide further support to young artists and creative practitioners through Creative Scotland’s Youth Arts Bursaries. This funding will help talented young people across Scotland who have been significantly impacted by the challenges they’ve faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Supporting young people is central to our approach to COVID-19 recovery and it’s good to see that these bursaries have been shaped by the young people themselves to develop specific projects to advance their artistic careers.”
The National Youth Arts Advisory Group (NYAAG) have been closely involved in the development of the programme.
Youth Arts Bursary panellist member Laura Walker said: “It was a great experience as a young person to be a part of this decision-making-panel, knowing too that other young people had been involved in the assessment process before us.
“Not only does this allow us as assessors and decision-makers to build skills and be introduced to a professional process, but it means that we have crucial youth representation throughout.”
Colin Bradie, Interim Head of Creative Learning at Creative Scotland said: “This fund, developed in direct response to feedback from young people, recognises them as professional artists and creative practitioners, and provides an important progression route, especially for those who lack the accessible support to develop their creative careers.
“For organisations, The Youth Arts Bursaries represent a valuable opportunity to work with young artists and creative practitioners and gain the opportunity to explore new ideas and innovative ways of working.
“We would like to thank the Scottish Government for their continued investment in young people through this vital arts funding which helps ensure opportunities for artists and creative practitioners in Scotland remain strong as we continue to emerge from the pandemic.”
“To signal the return of a ‘business as usual’ model when the country is still in the grip of a pandemic is utterly reckless”
The British Dental Association Scotland has warned that plans to return NHS practices to pre-COVID models of work will devastate dental services across the country.
Cabinet Secretary Humza Yousaf yesterday wrote to every NHS dental team in Scotland, indicating that all emergency support will be withdrawn by 1 April 2022. Since the first lockdown NHS practices have operated under a COVID support package, reflecting pandemic pressures and tight restrictions that continue to limit capacity across the service.
A return to delivering a low margin/high volume model of care is, BDA Scotland contends, simply unsustainable under current conditions. While some restrictions may ease in the coming months, there are no indications the service is likely to return to anything resembling ‘business as usual’.
With a growing number of staff facing abuse from frustrated patients unable to secure appointments, the BDA has warned the move will only raise patient expectations, while pushing NHS colleagues into the private sector or out of dentistry altogether.
Yousaf has signalled minor changes to the payment system for dentists that will take effect from 1 February 2022, largely covering the treatment of children. While welcome, these reforms will have a negligible impact on capacity within the service and will not ease the pressure on practice finances once the COVID support payments are withdrawn.
The SNP committed to delivering free NHS care for all in Scotland in the recent election. The BDA has stressed this approach runs counter to that vision, and that real focus and energy must be applied to developing a new, sustainable model for delivering care.
David McColl, Chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee said:“The Scottish Government seems set to pull the rug out from under every dedicated NHS dentist.
“If Ministers had an objective to decimate NHS dentistry, this approach would offer a great starting point. To signal the return of a ‘business as usual’ model when the country is still in the grip of a pandemic is utterly reckless. The net result will be to push colleagues out of the NHS and to leave this profession altogether.
“Ministers put NHS dentistry front and centre in their pitch for government. To deliver on their promises we need real commitment to find a new and better way for delivering for the patients that need us.”
Forget the catch of the day, St James Quarter has a number of exciting activities lined up as it gears up for its first ever Edinburgh Seafood Festival, in partnership with Seafood Scotland, featuring some fin-tastic collaborations.
Taking place Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th October, from 12noon to 7pm each day, foodies will have the chance to drop into a series of intimate events from sushi making with Maki & Ramen, Seaside Gin tasting and pairing with The Oysterman and Japanese roll sessions with Harajuku Kitchen.
Attendees can head to the ‘Seafood Dome’ located on St James Square throughout the weekend and enjoy a variety of cooking demonstrations suitable for all ages.
Join MasterChef winner Gary Maclean on Saturday 23rd October from 12noon, where the Scottish National Chef will explore an array of seafood the Scottish larder has to offer and take part in an exclusive Q&A session with him.
And it doesn’t stop there, those ‘trout and about’ can enjoy freshly shucked oysters from The Oysterman from Friday to Sunday and live music from Edinburgh Jazz & Blues throughout the weekend.
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “We promised something new and exciting every week and that’s exactly what we are delivering.
“We know from the success of our food and beverage brands just how much customers love culinary experiences, so we’re extremely excited to be partnering with Seafood Scotland to present our first ever Seafood Festival this weekend.
“From sushi making with Maki & Ramen to educational sessions with MasterChef winner Gary Maclean – there really is something for everyone to enjoy!”
Clare MacDougall, Head of Trade Marketing (Middle East, North America and UK) at Seafood Scotland added:“At Seafood Scotland we are always looking for ways to showcase the range of quality products we have in Scottish waters and being part of St James Quarter’s first Seafood Festival will help us do just that.
“Head along to learn more about what you can do with different types of seafood and you’ll be in for a treat if you spot The Oysterman as he will be shucking fresh oysters and serving them to you with a pairing of your choice.”
To celebrate the Seafood Festival, St James Quarter is offering all customers half price car parking from 5:30pm every night until Sunday 31st October.
So, ‘sea’ it for yourself, head to the St James Quarter’s social channels for more info: @stjamesquarter
On behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, Underbelly announces that tickets for Edinburgh’s Christmas 2021 are now on sale.
– Tickets on sale for selected rides and attractions.
– The much-loved ice rink returns, sponsored by Lidl GB and partnered by Essential Edinburgh.
– East Princes Street will see the return of festive food & drink and the Christmas Market.
– West Princes Street will include Santa Land, featuring the magical Santa’s Grotto and family friendly attractions.
– EH postcodes receive 20% discount.
Edinburgh’s Christmas is back and set tobring festive cheer to the heart of the city.
This year we see the return of the city’s much-loved Christmas ice rink, sponsored by Lidl GB and partnered by Essential Edinburgh, in its new home on George Street. The firm favourite will include a first for Edinburgh’s Christmas, skate up festive food and drink offerings alongside family sessions. Lidl on Ice will open on 19 November.
Once again East Princes Street Gardens hosts one the UK’s favourite Christmas Markets. The fantastic festive market will offer a wide range of European and local food, drink and craftswhich are bound to get you into the Christmas spirit.
The Forth 1 Big Wheel will return, alongside the Star Flyer, all against the backdrop of the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh’s Christmas at East Princes Street Gardens will open on 20 November.
In a first for Edinburgh’s Christmas, those looking to get to the top of the nice list will find the city’s magical Santa’s Grotto in West Princes Street Gardens.
The lower gardens will be transformed into Santa Land featuring family friendly attractions including the Christmas Tree Maze and market stalls, full of festive treats and gifts.
Santa Land will open on 19 November.
Tickets for Ice Skating, Santa’s Grotto, The Forth 1 Big Wheel and Star Flyer are now available to purchase through the Edinburgh’s Christmas website. Those with an EH postcode receive 20% off their tickets.
This year, Edinburgh’s Christmas is going contactless and introducing a new ‘tap and ride’ scheme, rather than purchasing tickets from the traditional box office you will be able to purchase your ticket at each ride.
Further additions to the programme include:
Winter Windowswill return throughout the city, and this year’s theme is “Connections and Kindness”.
This special creative project encourages Edinburgh’s young and budding artists to showcase their talents to residents and visitors outside of the classroom. School pupils are invited to design their own stained-glass window to be displayed in our streets and community hubs.
This year’s theme allows Edinburgh’s school children to reflect on the connections made and kindness that they received and gave during the global pandemic.
The Nativity Scene, which this year moves to St Andrew Square.
The Nativity Carol Concert, organised in conjunction with Edinburgh Churches Together, takes place on 28 November in St Andrew Square.
Following on from the success of the Light Night rainbow installation on the Mound in 2020, Edinburgh’s Christmas is working with Edinburgh based artist Hannah Ayre who will produce a beautiful contemporary art installation, illuminating the Mound with cascading geometric snowflakes.
This installation will sit alongside Edinburgh’s Christmas tree donated by the Hordaland County Council in Norway and will replace the Light Night event.
The Mound installation will be illuminated from 20 November.
The Neighbourhood Market will return in 2021 and offer free listings for local Edinburgh businesses and attractions to showcase their products. In 2020, 207 local Edinburgh businesses showcased their products on the Edinburgh’s Christmas website.
To make sure Edinburgh’s Christmas is an experience as enjoyable as possible to all, Underbelly is pleased to be offering sensory packs to children and adult visitors with additional needs.
These will be available to hire, free of charge, and will contain a fidget toy, earplugs, water bottle, stress reliever and ear defenders. These items are designed to help users relax in situations they might find stressful.
The sensory packs are designed and kindly provided by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society.
Underbelly is meticulously planning Edinburgh’s Christmas with Covid-19 in mind and is dedicated to creating a safe and fun environment for the 2021 Christmas celebrations.
Working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and Essential Edinburgh, Underbelly has created an unmissable festive programme, helping to boost domestic tourism and reinvigorating Princes Street and the surrounding areas.
Edinburgh’s Christmas is designed to support economic recovery across the capital, driving footfall to the wider city centre area, bringing some much-needed cheer and happiness to both residents and visitors to Edinburgh.
This year’s festivities will also support Edinburgh’s Social Inclusion charity, the OneCity Trust with donations being taken at point of sale on the Edinburgh’s Christmas website and collection points at bars.
Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: “The Underbelly team has been working tirelessly to create a bespoke Edinburgh’s Christmas programme that not only provides unforgettable memories and experiences, but also makes visitors feel safe and at ease at all times.
“It’s been a very challenging couple of years for everyone but our proposed plans for Christmas are designed to support economic recovery throughout the capital, and to help Edinburgh be together again.”
Roddy Smith, Chief Executive and Director of Essential Edinburgh said: “We’re delighted to be able to partner with Underbelly to restore Edinburgh’s world-renowned festive celebrations for 2021.
“This year’s event has been designed to provide a much-needed boost to local business by supporting footfall throughout the wider city centre, providing more businesses with the chance to reconnect with residents and visitors to our spectacular capital city.
“We are especially pleased to support the fantastic ice rink on George Street which I am sure will be a great hit with everyone.”
Edinburgh’s Lord Provost and President of the OneCity Trust Frank Ross, said: “The festive season is a very special time for our city and our communities and I’m sure this year’s programme will be warmly welcomed by residents and visitors.
“Whilst the safety of everyone remains a priority it will be fantastic to see people coming together again and enjoying Edinburgh’s Christmas this year where there really is something for everyone.
“Festive favourites like the big wheel and the Christmas market will be back and it’s great that the fun is spread out a bit further this year, with Santa Land in West Princes Street Gardens and a magical festive ice rink at the west end of George Street. It promises to be a cracking Christmas party for everyone to enjoy.”
“Partnerships such as this with Underbelly and Edinburgh’s Christmas are crucial to our work. Not only will the return of Edinburgh’s Christmas help bring people back together and promote social inclusion, but the money raised will be a vital lifeline for so many community projects across Edinburgh through our main grant funding programme.”
LISTING INFORMATION
Edinburgh’s Christmas 2021 19 November – 4 January
Facebook: EdinburghsChristmas Instagram: EdinburghsChrsitmas Twitter: EdXmas Website (and to subscribe to the Edinburgh’s Christmas newsletter): www.edinburghschristmas.com
Prices start from £6. EH postcodes receive 20% off
Edinburgh’s Christmas, East Princes Street Gardens 20 November – 4 January
Santa Land, West Princes Street Gardens 19 November – 4 January
Lidl on Ice, George Street 19 November – 4 January
Winter Windows around the city centre 19 November – 4 January
Edinburgh’s Christmas Neighbourhood Market Place 20 November – 4 January
