New Shackleton exhibition shines a light on explorer’s final voyage to island of South Georgia

100th anniversary of Shackleton’s ‘Quest Expedition’ sparks new exhibition showcasing his remarkable career and leadership to a new audience

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Today, a brand new exhibition that celebrates the remarkable life and achievements of renowned explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) will be unveiled by the South Georgia Museum.

The exhibition ‘Shackleton’s Last Quest’ is launching on 17 September, 100 years after Shackleton’s last voyage, the Quest Expedition, set sail from London.

The new exhibition focuses on Shackleton’s untimely death and his final resting place at Grytviken on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, and showcases the significance this small British Overseas Territory played in his story. It will also look at his life and the personal qualities that made him so extraordinary, resulting in him still being revered around the world today, a century after his death.

As part of the exhibition, some key objects never before seen outside South Georgia have been brought together for the first time and include the original Hope Cross – the wooden cross that topped the memorial cairn built by the men of the expedition at Hope Point, King Edward Point in 1922.

Shackleton’s grave in summer (L) and in midwinter (R).

It is fitting that Shackleton was in South Georgia when he died. His final diary entry reads: ‘A wonderful evening. In the darkening twilight I saw a lone star hover, gem-like above the bay.’

Image credits Julie Shaughnessy (L) and Deirdre Mitchell (R)

As well as being online at https://sgmuseum.gs/shackletonslastquest the exhibition will be mirrored at the South Georgia Museum at Grytviken, for visitors to the island to see.

It was Shackleton’s wife who decided that South Georgia would be his final resting place and many people make the pilgrimage to his grave to pay their respects, in non-Covid times.

When visitors are able to return to the Museum (which has been closed since March 2020 due to the pandemic), they will also be able to discover more about his life and final voyage through this exhibition.

The Shackleton-Rowett Antarctic Expedition (known as the Quest Expedition) was Shackleton’s fourth and final expedition, aiming to circumnavigate the Antarctic continent.

Large crowds gathered as the ship, Quest, left St Katherine Docks in London on 17 September 1921, with a crew comprising eight shipmates from the famous Endurance Expedition, who were keen to return to southern waters.

However, this was to be Shackleton’s last journey and after arriving at the quiet waters of King Edward Cove in South Georgia on 4 January 1922, he unexpectedly died in the early hours of the following morning.

His untimely death saw an outpouring of grief across the world and came to be seen as the end of the heroic era of polar exploration. Shackleton was buried on 5 March, two months after his death, at the whaling station Grytviken, South Georgia.

The original crow’s nest, which along with the cabin is one of the last vestiges from Quest, will also be making the journey to South Georgia where it will be the centrepiece of the exhibition at the Museum.

This is the first time it will leave its current home in All Hallows Church by the Tower of London to travel back to South Georgia to mark this significant anniversary. Before it heads south to the Antarctic, the Quest Barrel – as it is also known – will be on display at Shackleton’s birthplace in Ireland, at the Shackleton Museum, Athy. In spring 2022 it will continue to South Georgia to take its place in the exhibition.

Alison Neil, Chief Executive of the South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT), the UK charity which manages the Museum (above) on behalf of the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) said: “South Georgia is synonymous with Shackleton, as the island played host to the beginning and the conclusion of the ill-fated Endurance Expedition (1914-1917) and is also Shackleton’s final resting place.

“As a guardian of the island’s fascinating heritage, the South Georgia Museum is delighted to have developed this new exhibition. Given Shackleton’s deep associations with South Georgia, it is fitting we will be marking the centenary of the launch of the Quest Expedition and Shackleton’s untimely death in this way.

“The exhibition will mark what is considered the end of the heroic era of polar exploration, focusing on Shackleton’s final resting place and the significance South Georgia played in the story. It will consider his life and those enduring qualities that made him such a revered figure in polar world history and bring him to a new audience.”

Visitors to the exhibition, both online and at South Georgia Museum will learn more about the details of the voyage, hear about how Shackleton came to be buried on the island, and explore objects and images that are being exhibited for the first time.

These include items from Shackleton’s funeral such as the banner that led the procession from the Grytviken church to the cemetery – a Norwegian tradition brought to the island by the whalers.

The exhibition also makes connections to other institutions with collections and links to Shackleton and polar exploration, through virtual ‘loans’. These digital loans include Shackleton’s diary, his Quest cabin clock and a full replica model of Quest.

The online exhibition can be found at https://sgmuseum.gs/shackletonslastquest

It is hoped that the exhibition at South Georgia Museum will be open from this coming season or the next, depending on travel restrictions.

Council welcomes Scottish Government’s support for capital’s poorest families

City of Edinburgh Council finance leaders have welcomed yesterday’s Scottish Government announcement that around 8,000 Edinburgh children from low-income families will benefit from a £320 uplift before Christmas.

As part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling child poverty, children that are entitled to free school meals will receive payments of £160 per child in October and December.

This follows three payments that were made late in 2020 and early this year to eligible families by the Council, taking the total to £620 received by each child.

In Edinburgh, these were:

a Winter Support Fund payment of £100 per child in December 2020;

a Spring Hardship Payment of £100 per child in March 2021; and

a Summer Family Pandemic Payment of £100 per child in June 2021. This was issued along with the Summer holiday Free School Meals Payment of £92.50 per child.

This will take the total money distributed to children in low-income families by the end of 2021, over these five payments, to around £4.8 million.

In 2022, the Council also will deliver £520 payments per child in 4 instalments on behalf of the Scottish Government.

As detailed by the Scottish Government, this cash is equivalent to the Scottish Child Payment (SCP), a £10-a-week benefit which provides regular, additional financial support for families in receipt of qualifying benefits to assist with the costs of caring for a child aged under six years old.

Finance Convener Councillor Rob Munn said: “Many families are still feeling the effects of the pandemic and it’s more important than ever that we continue to support those most in need, particularly at a time of year when household bills are increasing. So we welcome this additional money from the Scottish Government, that will be administered through the Council, to give some added relief.

“As a Council we are committed to ending poverty and supporting the wellbeing of our residents and through building a better foundation for our young people we hope that we can create a better future for all.”

Finance Vice Convener Councillor Joan Griffiths said: “Direct support must go hand in hand with the ongoing financial support to ensure that no child is left behind as a result of these unprecedented times.

“Our teams from across Children’s Services have worked tirelessly to put in place a series of measures across the city to continue to support and monitor the effects the pandemic is having on our children. Thanks must go to all our hard-working staff and third sector partners who are providing these vital services.”

Last chance for Healthy Heart projects to apply for £10,000 grant from Heart Research UK

Community groups in Scotland that help local people look after their hearts can now apply for a regional grant up to £10,000, thanks to national charity Heart Research UK and the Subway® brand.

The deadline for applying is 5pm on Monday 20th September 2021.

The Heart Research UK and Subway® Healthy Heart Grant is available for new and innovative projects that promote healthy hearts and reduce the risk of heart disease in the community. Projects should deliver health initiatives such as cooking skills and healthy eating and should encourage people to get more active and promote positive mental wellbeing.

The £10,000 has been raised locally in Subway® stores throughout the region. Previous grantees from Scotland have included the Feel Good Women’s Group, who led fitness and cooking classes for local women.

In response to the pandemic, we have adapted the criteria for our Healthy Heart grants. We will accept applications for projects which can be delivered remotely or with social distancing measures in place. This year we are also accepting applications for the funding of equipment only.

Community groups in Scotland that help local people look after their hearts can now apply for a regional grant up to £10,000, thanks to national charity Heart Research UK and the Subway® brand.

The deadline for applying is 5pm on Monday 20th September 2021.

Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK, said: “Through our partnership with Subway®, we hope to encourage people all across the country to make healthier choices and give them practical help to do so.

“This grant is available to ensure everyone can benefit from a healthier, happier and longer life.

“We’re looking for new and innovative projects that really have an impact, especially if they aim to improve the health of at risk or hard to reach communities. We’re really grateful to the many customers and staff at Subway® stores who have raised the money to make this possible.”

The deadline for applying is the Monday 20th September 2021 and this can be done by visiting:

https://heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-heart-grants/

For more information, please call 0113 234 7474 or email: 

healthyheartgrants@heartresearch.org.uk

Leith MSP gets back behind the bar to back local hospitality sector recruitment drive

Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP Ben Macpherson will be pulling pints behind the bar in Joseph Pearce’s today (Friday 17 September) to show his support for hospitality businesses in the local area and the city more widely.

One of the MSP’s first jobs was as a bartender and he worked in a number different hospitality businesses in the city throughout his twenties. While working in hospitality he has said that he developed practical, organisational and interpersonal skills which have benefitted him throughout the rest of his career, including as an MSP.

Brexit has resulted in major staff shortages within the hospitality industry, which is affecting opening hours and the capacity to serve customers.

Commenting on his support for local hospitality businesses and their recruitment drive, Ben Macpherson MSP said: “I developed many practical, organisational and interpersonal skills while working in hospitality, and I learned a lot about different aspects of society from meeting and listening to colleagues and customers alike. I also made a lot of new friends from all over the world, who I’m still in touch with to this day, and had some great times working with them.

“The sector still has some improvements to make when it comes to its fair work responsibilities – but I have seen significant and meaningful change since I worked behind the bar 10 years ago, and today there are many hospitality businesses offering fair pay, good career paths and fulfilling opportunities.

“The experience of the pandemic has reminded us that local hospitality businesses are a key part of our communities and our economy – they are where we so often come together with loved ones and friends, and provide the setting for so many joyful moments in our lives.

“Cafes, pubs, clubs and restaurants are an important part of our society and I would encourage anyone looking for work to consider what either a temporary job or a career in hospitality can offer as a chance to learn new, transferrable skills.”

Anna Christopherson, Co-Owner of Boda Bars, said: “Working in hospitality gives you people skills, integrity and sales skills that you will need in every job you ever have.

“I wish everyone would work in hospitality at least once in their lives. It is a great job that gives you freedom to work everywhere around the world.”

Outdoor seating arrangements extended until 31st October

The city council is to continue it’s support for the hospitality sector to help businesses make the most of outdoor space safely as Covid 19 cases remain high in Edinburgh.

A number of measures agreed in March to help economic recovery are being extended, including allowing temporary structures created to increase outdoor seating capacity to stay in place until 31 October. After this time permissions such as planning may be required.

Charges for outdoor area occupation permits (for tables and chairs) are also being waived until 31 December.

This provision will continue to apply across the city meaning all Edinburgh hospitality businesses are eligible, provided they apply for and obtain the relevant road occupation permit.  

Council leader Adam McVey said: “Unfortunately, we’re all still very much living through the effects of this pandemic. Our local pubs, cafes and restaurants have had an extremely tough 18 months and so and it’s really important we continue to do everything we can to support our local businesses as they begin to recover with many restrictions now no longer in place.

“This needs to be balanced with local needs and so that’s why if you created an additional structure for extra outdoor capacity during the pandemic, you need to apply for the appropriate permission after 31 October.

“This will also provide a welcome boost to surrounding retail businesses as more people are attracted to safely enjoy the outdoor spaces throughout Edinburgh.”

Depute Leader Cammy Day added: “Last year we streamlined the application process for using outdoor spaces for tables and chairs as part of our drive to support the city’s economic recovery.

“Our aim is to help businesses safely make use of outside space at no cost to them. We’re continuing to implement the permit system to allow us to monitor where businesses are providing outdoor space to make sure they are doing so appropriately and safely, while also taking into account the needs of local people.”

Supporting business and retaining jobs is a ‘key priority’ for the city council as the pandemic continues. So far, the Council has administered over 19000 payments totalling over £250m to businesses.

Police appeal following distressing incident in Wester Hailes

Officers are continuing enquiries and appealing for information in relation to an incident which occurred in the Dumbryden area last Friday (10th September).

Around 10pm a 55-year-old woman was alone and distressed when she approached a vehicle in the area asking for assistance. She thereafter ran from the vehicle and boarded a Lothian bus.

It is unknown why she was distressed or what took place.

Police Constable Nichola Reid of Leith Police Station said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and I am appealing for any witnesses to come forward, particularly the occupants of the vehicle at the time.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 0290 of Saturday 11th September 2021.”

Non-profit dance studio House of Jack fully reopens!

House of Jack, a not-for-profit community interest organisation, has now fully reopened after 18-months of pandemic restrictions, welcoming back a bigger community than ever before to its dance studio at Ocean Terminal in Leith.

Founded and run by Artistic Director Ashley Jack and Studio Producer Becky Enoch, with the aim of making dance, and its many physical, social and mental health benefits, as accessible as possible to all, House of Jack dance studio offered multiple online classes free of charge throughout each lockdown. In the process they built an ever expanding global community of young people and adults alike who met regularly online to dance and connect, while the pandemic kept everyone physically apart.

Youngsters joined from not only Edinburgh, but also from further afield in Scotland, and even from around the world, including two children hailing from India.

The parent of one of the children joining from the Isle of Iona said, “The House of Jack zoom classes were a real game changer for my 11 year old daughter during lock down. We live on a small Hebridean island so she hadn’t been able to access the benefits of dance previously.

“Besides all the mental and physical benefits of movement to music, she now has a love of Hip Hop and a new skill and confidence to take through to high school on the mainland.

The first of its kind in the UK, House of Jack dance studio is located inside a shopping centre – Ocean Terminal – with all the benefits that provides its students and the families of its students, including free parking, being fully under cover, and with numerous shops, restaurants and further leisure opportunities in the same building.

Ashley said: “We have a strong belief in the power of dance to connect people, build confidence and self-esteem while creating outlets for expression, and have strived to create a studio that is as welcoming as possible, with something for everyone regardless of age or level of experience.

“As a non-profit, fees are kept to an absolute minimum and participation in annual shows is always free for all children, including rehearsals and costumes, to remove as far as possible any financial barriers to taking part.”

Over the pandemic, House of Jack CIC secured generous funding from The National Lottery via Creative Scotland which allowed the studio to offer totally free, live and online world-class dance training and invaluable Q&A sessions with renowned dancers from around the world, even including LA-based Marty Kudelka (Justin Timberlake’s exclusive choreographer), Jaja Vankova (Step Up 5, So You Think You Can Dance), Deydey (the first female World Popping Champion), and many more.

A House of Jack regular who attended the Marty Kudelka workshop said, “Yesterday was a dream come true. Thank you so much to Mr Kudelka for taking the time to share his amazing talents and skills [and t]hank you to House of Jack for being able to put this on and having us learn from literally one of the dance industry greats!“

Becky added: “Between major lockdowns, while the studio was able to open to small numbers of under-18s, some of the local children who had attended online finally met for the first time at in-person studio classes, while adults classes continued via Zoom.

“What made such a difference, however, was that we were able to find new ways to connect, whether through the Q&A sessions with famous choreographers or by creating dance videos.

“In the run up to Christmas 2020, instead of the studio’s usual big theatre Christmas Show, we created Christmas-themed videos for each children’s class, something for the children to focus on and have fun with and for the parents to view and keep, in the absence of a show DVD!” 

Now reopened fully, with waiting area and changing rooms again, the focus in the studio remains firmly on safety, keeping class numbers to a safe level, giving everyone plenty of space and following all guidelines.  The Ocean Terminal studio is buzzing again with a renewed sense of hope that everyone can dance to a better future.

Week-long Drug Drive Campaign sees 42 drivers arrested

More than 100 roadside drug screening tests were conducted during a Drug Driving Campaign carried out by Police Scotland.

The campaign ran from August 23 to 29 when officers conducted a total of 109 roadside drug screening tests across Scotland, resulting in 42 drivers being arrested for providing a positive test. Blood samples were subsequently obtained from those arrested and sent for further analysis.

Officers from Greater Glasgow Road Policing, who deployed in support of the campaign observed a man driving using his mobile phone. When stopped he admitted to having consumed cannabis and the subsequent roadside drug test was positive for cannabis and cocaine. Following his arrest, a blood sample was obtained and submitted for analysis.

Superintendent Simon Bradshaw said: “Despite roadside drug testing being in place for almost two years and our continued efforts to raise awareness of the dangers associated with taking drugs and driving, our officers continue to detect drug driving offences far too regularly.

“Driving after taking drugs can have serious or even fatal consequences, impacting not only the driver but all those involved including family and friends.

“Police Scotland are committed to taking action against those who selfishly put others at risk by driving after consuming alcohol or taking drugs. I would encourage people to report drink or drug drivers or concerning behaviour to us, officers will act on this information to stop offenders before they injure or kill themselves or someone else.”

Kids coding studio is first of its kind in Scotland – and it’s coming to Edinburgh!

What kid doesn’t want to learn how to build video games, drones and robots with their friends? Thanks to a brand-new children’s coding studio in Edinburgh, budding technology buffs are putting their passion for coding first as they train to become real-life coding ninjas!

This exciting new business is the first of its kind to open in Scotland, with 400 Code Ninjas locations already operational across England, the US and Canada.

The team bringing the new venture to our nation’s capital is Mark Higgins and Dacre Purchase. Mark, who has over 25 years’ experience in IT and 10 years’ experience running his own technology company will run the business with Dacre Purchase; Executive Director of various successful businesses building ventures including renewable energy industry.

Being joined by the long-term friends and business partners to deliver this exciting coding curriculum is studio manager Suzy Enoch – professional actress and circus performer!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

“There’s nothing quite like Code Ninjas in Scotland,” said Suzy. “As someone who’s quite literally come from the circus, I wouldn’t have expected to be excited by coding and technology.

“But Code Ninjas is giving kids from all walks of life the opportunity to get involved with something they have a pent up passion for and love. I’ve seen some real parallels with Code Ninjas and my background in performance, as we aim to enrich every aspect of our ninjas’ development, including cooperation, their cognitive skills and their confidence.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s swinging from a Trapeze or putting the last part of code on a page. If it gives kids the chance to express themselves and to have a sense of accomplishment, developing digital literacy in a fun environment then we as adults and mentors should be doing everything we can to encourage it!”

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital literacy to families and has created an influx of children passionate about technology and computers, with Mark and Dacre already putting together a waiting list for prospective ninjas.

It is because of this that they are planning on opening a second location to meet the high demand for classes.

“We knew there was a market for Code Ninjas in Edinburgh but to already have so much interest is brilliant. We can’t wait to continue growing and give more kids the opportunity to express their passion for tech!” explained Mark.

At Code Ninjas, tech mentors are called Code Senseis® and kids are called ninjas. The brand’s fun, relaxed approach is something that helps kids ease into their learning experience. Instead of exams and grading, ninjas rise up the ranks through earning different coloured wrist bands – just like belts in martial arts.

Kids aged 5-14 will be found cooperating and learning alongside friends by building robots or even developing apps and games in a completely parent-free dojo!

Mark added: “As well as developing these important life skills, kids need to be able to express themselves away from their parents, as they haven’t been able to do so during the pandemic.

“The dojo puts kids in real-life problem-solving situations which, away from academics, are vital to their all-round development. We want kids to be able to see the other side of what they consume so freely on a daily basis, and what technology can do on a much larger scale in the future.”   

Ninjas can attend up to two sessions a week and at times that are convenient to the family, with no need to attend sessions on the same day or time each week.

The Code Ninjas Edinburgh team will be hosting a grand opening party at their Morningside base on Saturday 23rd October, welcoming the local community to celebrate with games, entertainment and a slice of yummy cake.

To find out more about Code Ninjas’ grand opening party – and to book your place! – visit:

https://www.codeninjas.co.uk/edinburgh-mln-uk

Amazon hiring 100 tech and corporate people in Scotland

Amazon creates highly skilled jobs for Scotland across a wide range of professions, from software developers and product managers, to machine learning specialists

Job-seekers encouraged to take advantage of Amazon Career Day, one of the biggest free virtual training and recruiting events in the UK

Amazon, which has a development centre in Edinburgh and currently employs over 2,500 people in Scotland, is hiring for 100 tech and corporate jobs locally.

The majority of roles are for highly skilled jobs across a wide range of professions, from software developers and machine learning specialists, to applied sciences and product managers. Edinburgh was Amazon’s first research and development centre outside of North America and it has a well-earned reputation as a global centre for innovation, software engineering and machine learning.

Graeme Smith, Managing Director, Amazon Development Centre Scotland (ACDS), (above) said: “These highly skilled jobs join our incredibly talented teams in Scotland and provide exciting opportunities for those who want to be at the cutting edge of global technology.

“Our employees benefit hundreds of millions of customers around the world by focusing on personalised shopping recommendations, digital advertising and research and development.”

Amazon has more than 2,500 employees in Scotland – across the Amazon Development Centre in Edinburgh, fulfilment centres in Dunfermline and Gourock, as well as the Prime Now site in Glasgow, Customer Service Centre in Edinburgh and delivery stations in Edinburgh, Dundee, Bathgate, Aberdeen, Baillieston and Motherwell.

Job-seekers who are looking for a new role or to transition to a different career – at Amazon or at another company – are also being encouraged to participate in Amazon Career Day on Thursday 16 September, a free virtual training and recruiting event.

The day will give attendees the opportunity to participate in one of the 3,000 one-to-one career coaching sessions with Amazon recruiters to help participants land their next job and view livestreamed sessions with Amazon employees and industry experts.

People can register at amazoncareerday.com, where Amazon Career Day content will be available to view on demand for one month after the event.

The initiative takes place in the context of new research from Amazon, surveying 1,000 professional (employed and unemployed) adults in the UK in August 2021, highlighting:

·       21% of UK professionals are actively searching for a new job

·       A further 38% of UK professionals are interested in finding a new job, but not actively looking

·       Among employed adults in the UK, 29% say the COVID-19 pandemic has caused them to reconsider their career paths

·       42% of active UK job-seeking adults are interested in pursuing opportunities in industries they do not currently have experience in

·       78% of professionals in the UK say they want more job training/resources

“We are working hard every day to be the best place for people to have satisfying and fulfilling long-term careers,” said Amazon CEO Andy Jassy.

“Amazon continues to grow quickly and relentlessly invent across many areas, and we’re hoping that Career Day gives job seekers the support they need to learn new skills or reimagine their careers at Amazon or elsewhere.

“Whether you’re looking to start your first job, to gain new skills, or thinking of a completely fresh start in a new field, we have thousands of exciting opportunities available right across the UK,” said John Boumphrey, Amazon UK Country Manager.

“We created Career Day to provide free guidance, coaching and inspiration to anyone who wants to develop their career, whether that’s with Amazon or somewhere else.

“Whether you see your long term future at Amazon or elsewhere, we provide a wide range of training and development opportunities to take your career to the next level.”

Career Day attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Amazon employees including gaming, robotics, AI and sustainability experts, as well as colleagues who have joined Amazon on fully-funded apprenticeships. Each will reveal what they do, what their career path was, and what it’s like working at Amazon.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce will also be hosting a panel about apprenticeships at Amazon and opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to diversify and progress their careers.

Amazon now employs over 55,000 employees across the UK. All Amazon jobs come with competitive pay and benefits, whether they are based in a fulfilment centre or in a corporate office.

For hourly workers, pay starts at a minimum of £10.00 p/h. Amazon employees work in some of the most advanced workplaces of their kind in the world, with a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection and an employee discount, which combined are worth more than £700 annually, as well as a company pension plan.

This year, Amazon has created 10,000 new permanent jobs and 1,000 new fully-funded apprenticeship roles.

For employees who see Amazon as a stepping stone to a future career outside of Amazon, it has also created a pioneering Career Choice programme, through which Amazon pre-pays up to 95% of tuition fees for nationally recognised courses, ranging from accountancy to HGV driving and software development.

Up to £8,000 of tuition fees over four years is available through the programme. Amazon is partnering with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and local businesses on the programme to identify regional skills shortages and focus training on local demand – this will help meet the UK’s future employment needs outside of Amazon.