Poetry in motion: Edinburgh Napier University professor wins Europe-wide award for science communication

Dr Sam Illingworth has drawn praise for using poetry and gaming to reach new audiences

An Edinburgh Napier University professor has won a major international award, organised by the European Geosciences Union, for his innovative communication of scientific ideas.

Dr Sam Illingworth, who uses poetry and gaming to reach underserved audiences, has been named the 2022 winner of the Katia and Maurice Krafft Award.

Dr Illingworth is an Associate Professor at ENU and has published research on how to broaden the interest and engagement in geosciences.

His textbook, Effective Science Communication has been downloaded more than 250,000 times, while his podcast and blog The Poetry of Science reaches thousands of listeners and readers every month.

Reacting to his award, Sam said: “I feel incredibly honoured to be recognised by my peers in this way, and I hope that I can use it as a platform to continue to make both science and higher education accessible to all audiences.

“There aren’t many awards in science communication and the people who have won this one before are doing some world-leading research. I hope I can use it as a platform to continue the work that I do.

“The great thing about poetry is that it enables us to look through science through a new lens.

“Its real strength is in developing a two-way dialogue, a medium which encourages other people, especially marginalised communities, to lend their voice and to be heard in scientific research.”

In addition to his research and online work, Dr Illingworth is founder and chief executive editor of Geoscience Communication. Since the journal was set up, it has supported the work of more than 500 geoscientists, with 100+ peer-reviewed papers.

The Katia and Maurice Krafft Award was first established by the EGU – Europe’s leading organisation for earth, planetary and space science research – in 2018, to recognise researchers who have developed innovative and inclusive ways of communicating a geoscience topic with a diverse audience.

It is named in honour of volcanologists Katia and Maurice Krafft, who spent their lives documenting and sharing volcanological phenomena. The most recent winners include Sarah K. Brown for her awareness films on volcanic hazards and Annie Ockelford, who developed a set of geography classroom resources.

Sam will be presented with his award at EGU23, the organisation’s general assembly, which will take place in Vienna next Spring.

Charity launches Christmas campaign in memory of those lost to sepsis

Scotland-based charity Sepsis Research FEAT has launched a new Christmas campaign featuring the stories of families impacted by sepsis in order to help raise awareness of the deadly condition.

Sepsis takes the lives of approximately five people every hour in the UK. It occurs when the body’s response to an infection spirals rapidly out of control, injuring its own tissues and organs which can result in multiple organ failure and death.

Sepsis Research FEAT’s new campaign pays tribute to the many lives that have been lost to sepsis. It includes a Christmas video featuring singer Natalie Rushdie, who herself had sepsis in 2021.

In the video she performs Auld Lang Syne alongside images of people aged between 9.5 months to 92 years whose lives were tragically taken by sepsis. The Christmas campaign also features stories being shared by supporters from across the UK who were fortunate to have survived sepsis, some of whom have faced long-term and life-changing effects. 

The charity is highlighting the devastating impact sepsis can have on individuals and families so that more people will become aware of the symptoms and why it is vital to seek urgent medical attention if you spot them in yourself or a loved one.

As the UK’s only charity dedicated to funding research into sepsis while working to raise awareness, Sepsis Research FEAT works tirelessly to increase everyone’s knowledge about the condition. If people are able to recognise the symptoms of sepsis, they can act fast and seek medical help which improves their chances of recovery. 

The 5 key symptoms of sepsis everyone should know are:

  • Confusion 
  • Not passing as much urine as normal
  • Very high or low temperature 
  • Uncontrolled shivering
  • Cold or blotchy arms and legs 

Sepsis can be hard to recognise and diagnose because, in its early stages, it can have similar symptoms to common winter conditions like the flu and chest infections. However, if someone has any of the key symptoms becoming noticeably worse, this could indicate sepsis and urgent medical attention should be sought.

It can also be hard for people with sepsis to spot the signs in themselves as their health may deteriorate rapidly and they could become confused. Sepsis Research FEAT is urging people to look out for others this Christmas and seek medical attention on their behalf.

Colin Graham, Chief Operating Officer at Sepsis Research FEAT, said: “Christmas is a time for celebration but it is also a time to remember those we have lost and to consider how things could be so different. Too many lives are tragically taken by sepsis every year.

“We want our Christmas campaign to pay tribute to those people and also their families who are living with the devastating impact of sepsis. Our charity and supporters fight on in their name by continuing to raise awareness and fund vital research. We are incredibly grateful to those supporters who are sharing their stories this Christmas to help others learn about sepsis and how to spot it.

“Sepsis is an indiscriminate, deadly condition that can kill a previously healthy adult or child in a matter of hours. It is vital that everyone knows the symptoms so they can seek medical treatment in time. Cases of sepsis could be mistaken for the flu because the early symptoms are sometimes similar, particularly around Christmas time and the winter months when flu is more common.

“The difference is that these symptoms worsen rapidly when sepsis is the cause. The most important thing is to react fast and seek medical attention because this can improve chances of survival.

“Please support our campaign this Christmas to help spread the word about sepsis and how to recognise the symptoms. If you have personal experience of the condition then please consider sharing your story online using #StopSepsisNow. You can also take part in fundraising to support us to continue our work raising awareness of sepsis and funding ground-breaking research to help save lives.”

For more information about Sepsis Research FEAT and the charity’s Christmas campaign, visit https://sepsisresearch.org.uk

Citizen writers to feature on The Big Scottish Book Club this weekend

Citizen Writing Group participants will feature on BBC’s Big Scottish Book Club this weekend.

Group members discuss Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novella The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hide

The show airs on Sunday 4th December at 10pm on the BBC Scotland Channel and BBC iPlayer. 

Watch it here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001g05b

The Citizen Writing Group meets online every week under the guidance of Communities writer in residence Eleanor Thom and, with life after lockdown returning to something like normal, have recently met in-person at two lively sessions at Musselburgh’s Fisherrow Centre and Granton Hub at Madelvic House.

Three writers – Nandini, Janet and I – were recorded during August’s Edinburgh International Book Festival at Edinburgh College of Art, where the Citizen Writers Group performed a selection of writing at the popular Stories and Scran event. The group’s work was also showcased in One Day Ticket, an ensemble piece performed by actors.

#BigScottishBookClub

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Gift yourself 12 days of Fitness and Wellbeing

The cost-of-living crisis might be taking its toll on your mental and physical health but never has it being more important to look after your wellbeing.

Edinburgh Leisure, a charity dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone to lead more active, healthy lives has launched its seasonal promotion, 12 Days of Fitness, with the aim of encouraging people to stay active in December.

Available to buy online or in venue, the 12 Days of Fitness promotion, which is also available on climbing too, offers 12 consecutive days of membership for only £12 any time in December. 

As the promotion includes unlimited access to all Edinburgh Leisure’s gyms, swimming pools (excluding the Turkish Baths at Portobello Swim Centre), over 750+ fitness classes per week, and climbing, this represents excellent value for money. And new this year, members will receive a free pass to gift to a friend or family – it’s the promotion that just keeps giving.

The pass isn’t restricted to one pass per person either – if you wish to buy a second pass after your first pass expires, it’ll mean you’re doubly on the way to reaching those fitness goals ahead of New Year. And the promotion is timely as experts continually agree that maintaining some level of physical activity during December is important to boost immunity, manage stress and mental health.

Edinburgh Leisure’s facilities are second to none and offer choice and great value, across various city locations. Their gyms feature some of the latest fitness equipment and you will be assured a warm welcome, with helpful staff ready to help you reach your fitness goals.  They also have numerous swimming pools across the city, from historic baths to the famous Olympic-sized Royal Commonwealth Pool and Europe’s largest climbing arena at Ratho.

So, gift yourself a wellness present and get one step ahead of those New Year fitness plans – that first trip back to the gym in January will be far easier.

For further information about Edinburgh Leisure venues and services and the 12 Days of Fitness Promotion visit:

www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/12-days-of-fitness

Best Start Grant Early Learning and School Age Payment to be made automatically

Improvements make it easier for families to get money they are entitled to

People who receive Scottish Child Payment and qualify for Best Start Grant Early Learning and School Age payments will be paid them automatically from this week, without the need to apply for them separately. 

Social Security Scotland will notify clients by SMS when they are checking eligibility for the Best Start Grants and, if they are eligible, will write to advise them of the payment.

The move to automatic awards will mean less paperwork for tens of thousands of families and ensure that families automatically receive the support to which they’re entitled.

It builds on work already completed to make applying for our five family payments as simple as possible.

It includes the ability to apply for all children in a household on a single form.

Minister for Social Security, Ben Macpherson said: “Our extension to the Scottish Child Payment and its increase to £25 per child per week has been widely welcomed and will make a significant difference to families across the country. The increase represents a rise of 150% in just eight months.

“The increase and extension was described as a watershed moment in tackling child poverty by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and already people have applied in their tens of thousands.

“Tackling child poverty is a key mission for the Scottish Government and automating payments, where we have the information we need to do so, will mean parents and carers automatically getting the financial support they are eligible for paid directly to them.

“We are committed to making sure that receiving our five family payments is as straightforward as possible, using our limited social security powers and resources to help”.

CEO of One Parent Families Scotland, Satwat Rehman said “We are delighted that Social Security Scotland have made changes so that parents who have applied for and receive Scottish Child Payment will no longer have to fill out separate forms to receive other family benefits.

“Many of the single parents we support are not aware of the financial support available to them and would therefore be at risk of losing out. We hope the change to automatic payments will lead to an increase in the number of families accessing benefits they are entitled to and will ease the financial and mental strain of the cost-of-living crisis.”

Appeal for information following serious assault in Sighthill

Police are appealing for information in connection with a serious assault which took place in the Sighthill area on Saturday (26 November, 2022).

Officers received a report that a 23-year-old woman was assaulted on the Calder Road flyover of the City of Edinburgh bypass at around 8pm.

Detective Inspector Barry McDaid said: “Despite the late hour this area was busy with traffic and is well-lit. It is likely someone will have seen this incident or may have captured it on a dashcam.

“I urge people to contact us with any information they believe may assist our investigation by calling 101, quoting reference number 3265 of Saturday, 26 November 2022. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Historic Environment Scotland unveils exclusive Coorie tartan collection

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has collaborated with world leading tartan manufacturer, Lochcarron of Scotland, to create luxury fashion and homeware accessories as part of its latest retail range, ‘Coorie’.

The exclusive tartan collection, which launched yesterday, features a stylish lambswool scarf, cosy fine wool scarf, and luxurious 100% Bowhill lambswool throw. Designed and woven at one of the oldest weaving mills in the country, the quality garments use soft heathery tones inspired by Scottish nature to bring the true sense of Coorie comfort to life, with colours which complement any season.

With a shared passion for preserving Scotland’s rich heritage, the partnership is a celebration of timeless design, blending style and innovation with traditional techniques. Created by some of the most experienced craftspeople in the industry, the Coorie collection showcases the best of the country’s textiles, using natural fibres to create premium, durable products.

The tartan Coorie collection is also linked to a wider Coorie retail offering, made up of a range of lifestyle products, including ceramics by Clod & Pebble, chocolates by Quirky Gift Library and candles by The Coorie Company. Made to encapsulate a deep sense of comfort, warmth and happiness, the range offers an elusive feeling of cosiness as the colder months creep in.

Natasha Troitino, head of retail at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “We’re excited to have joined forces with Lochcarron of Scotland, whose team are renowned for their attention to detail and craftsmanship, to help us bring our vision to life in creating the ultimate timeless tartan collection.

“The Coorie range is designed to provide the optimal cosy haven – indoors or when out and about. With all items beautifully crafted across different areas of the country,  we’re able to support both local businesses and manufacturers and spotlight true Scottish talent.

“And with Christmas just around the corner, the collection offers a wonderful selection of items, from stylish home additions to seasonal must-have accessories, perfect for gifting to your loved ones.”

The full Coorie collection is available to shop now, online at www.stor.scot or at selected Historic Environment Scotland sites .

The Ivy on the Square’s Festive Menu is a Golden Feast for the Senses

Celebrate the festive season at The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh, where the brasserie will be serving an array of joyful treats, including a limited-edition festive cocktail menu created in collaboration with Monkey 47, delicious a la carte dishes, Afternoon Tea and lavish set menus designed for larger parties.

Featuring six celebratory cocktails, The on the Square Edinburgh’s drinks offering for the Christmas season includes the Popping Cracker Royale (£13.75), a concoction of Monkey 47 gin, passion fruit and spiced mango syrup, lime juice, cranberry juice, and Prosecco, garnished with candy floss and popping candy.

Nuts About Chocolate (£12.25) is an indulgent blend of Absolut Elyx Vodka, Baileys, Macadamia Liqueur, Monin Dark Chocolate Sauce, double cream and chocolate bitters with a marshmallow cream rim with chocolate flakes, while The Ivy’s Very Special Mulled Wine (£9.95) is the ultimate winter warmer, featuring Martell VS Cognac, winter spice syrup and red wine, infused with cinnamon and orange.

Diners can enjoy a seasonal twist on The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh’s iconic Shepherd’s Pie (£18.95) with confit goose and turkey, pigs in blankets and cranberry sauce, while starters include a Venison Tartare (£11.95) – seared and hand-cut venison loin with pickled beetroot, hazelnut mayonnaise and granary toast.

To finish, guests will be able to delight in a limited-edition Santa’s On His Way (£9.95) dessert, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Featuring a red velvet sponge, cream cheese frosting and dark chocolate, this exclusive, playful dish is sure to be a firm Instagram favourite this Christmas.

Agata Lubera, General Manager of The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh says “We are delighted to be adding these festive additions to our menu and look forward to welcoming guests into the brasserie at this most wonderful time of the year.”

To book visit theivyedinburgh.com.

For a gift with a difference, The Ivy Collection gift voucher is the perfect way to treat food-and-wine loving friends and family this Christmas.

From afternoon tea to an intimate dinner for two or simply a bottle of something delicious, The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh ’s inimitable service and vibrant surroundings create a touch of magic every time.

Starting from £25.00, visit https://gifts.ivycollection.com to order.

Holyrood Committee calls for introduction of proxy voting for MSPs

The Scottish Parliament should introduce proxy voting for those unable to vote due to illness, bereavement or on parental leave.

That’s the view of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee which has published a report calling for the introduction of a proxy voting pilot scheme with a view to it being established permanently in the Parliament.

The scheme would allow MSPs unable to vote for agreed reasons to nominate a proxy MSP who would cast their vote according to their wishes.

In a report published earlier this year, on Future Parliamentary procedures and practices, the Committee made clear that a hybrid parliament should be here to stay, including a recommendation to introduce proxy voting for those unable to vote in person.

Speaking on the report’s publication, Committee Convener Martin Whitfield MSP, said: “Our Committee is unanimous in their support for the introduction of a proxy voting scheme.

“We think Scotland’s democracy and its people are best served by ensuring that MSPs can still cast their votes even if they are unable to participate in parliamentary business due to the very human reasons of bereavement, illness or parental leave.

“We believe this is a positive, progressive step for the Parliament as we look to continue to evolve and to make the Parliament as accessible and inclusive as possible.”

Deputy Convener Bob Doris MSP added: “As a Parliament it is vital that we continue to look at ways to modernise and to increase participation in democratic processes.

“The introduction of a proxy voting scheme will ensure that MSPs can represent their constituents whether on parental leave, suffering serious illness or bereavement.

“We will continue to review current working practices as we look to innovate and improve Parliamentary processes, and to shape a Parliament fit for the future.”

Key points of the proxy voting being proposed:

  • MSPs may request a proxy vote due to illness, bereavement or if on parental leave;
  • A Member can designate any other Member as their proxy and it is for the Member to decide who to nominate;
  • A proxy vote is actioned by informing the Presiding Officer;
  • The proxy vote has the same status as a vote cast by a Member in person;
  • The use of a proxy will be recorded in the minutes of a meeting to ensure transparency;
  • The pilot would remain in force until 31 December 2023.

Read the full report