14 Edinburgh-based projects receive funding in latest round of Open Fund awards

14 projects based in Edinburgh have received funding in the latest round of Open Fund awards from Creative Scotland.

They are among 58 projects across Scotland which are sharing over £1.6 million of National Lottery and Scottish Government funding.

These funds are supporting creative people, projects and organisations across Scotland to adapt and respond to the current changing circumstances brought about by Covid-19 and helping to sustain creative development at this challenging time.

Among the work supported in Edinburgh is Building Bridges, a major new programme from Artlink Edinburgh and the Lothians that will make connections with and for people with complex disabilities, addressing their experience of isolation and marginalisation, which has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 crisis.  

The programme will be centred on art reaching people in their homes and communities as part of newly established creative networks, with cultural productions that create exciting challenges for a diverse group of artists. 

Jan-Bert van den Berg, Director, Artlink Edinburgh and the Lothians, said: “Artlink are very pleased to receive this major support from Creative Scotland at such a challenging time.

“The experience of the pandemic has had a devastating impact on people with complex disabilities and their carers. The Building Bridges programme will continue to build on the incredibly inventive work that artists have supported over the last 11 months and strengthen the growth of creative community involvement.”

Edinburgh-based Neo Productions will develop a new play with music, written by Neo Vilakazi, about black American anti-slavery hero, Frederick Douglass.  

Born in 1818, Douglass became an eminent human rights leader and the first Black citizen to hold high rank in the U.S. government. To an American audience, Douglass is perhaps the most famous fugitive from slavery, but in Britain and Scotland in particular, he is less well known, despite the fact he achieved great celebrity status in the mid-19th century, including while on a two year speaking tour of Great Britain and Ireland. 

Neo Vilakazi said: “I’m delighted to be given the opportunity by Creative Scotland to bring to life the story of Frederick Douglass’ time in Scotland, at a point where Scottish history is being closely re-examined to find BAME voices that have been suppressed in the past.  

“We hope that telling this story will shine a light not only on Mr Douglass’s time in Scotland but will contribute to making Scotland a much more tolerant place for all who live in it.”

Iain Munro, CEO, Creative Scotland said: “As we face ongoing challenges resulting from Covid-19, the Open Fund supports Scotland’s arts and creative community to continue to innovate and engage with people across the country.

“These awards also help enable individual artists, creative practitioners and organisations to develop and present new work, and sustain creative development.

“Thanks to the generosity of National Lottery players, who raise £30 million for good causes across the UK every week, and funding from the Scottish Government, these awards are helping to sustain the great value that creativity brings to our lives.”

A full list of recipients of Open Fund awards is available on the Creative Scotland website.


The fund has no deadlines, and full eligibility criteria and application guidance can be found on the Creative Scotland website.

Image credit: Work from the Art Games project Artlink Edinburgh and the Lothians have been running in St John’s Hospital, Livingston with artist Vanessa Lawrence and The Collective Matter range produced by KMAdotcom.

Walk For Autism 2021 reaches £100,000 in sponsorship pledges

RECORD BREAKER: AUTISM INITIATIVES’ BIGGEST FUNDRAISER TO DATE

With more than 1,400 people pledging to ‘Walk for Autism’ in 2021, Autism Initiatives’ annual fundraising campaign has hit its biggest milestone in its four-year history.

Walkers across the UK and Ireland have raised a monumental £100,000 in the past five weeks, with hopes to double that amount before the challenge takes place next month.

Officially starting on March 26, walkers will undertake 10,000 steps a day for eight days, ending on World Autism Awareness Day.

Walkers can fundraise from the moment they sign up, with famous faces such as Bridgerton actor Simon Lennon and strongman competitor Tom Stoltman supporting the campaign.

Head of Enterprise at Autism Initiatives Jon Gordon said: “We were delighted to reach over 1,000 signups for our fourth annual Walk for Autism campaign but it’s the money raised that really does make a difference to the lives of so many people across the UK and Ireland.

To have exceeded our target with over £100,000 raised so far is just brilliant and we can’t thank our walkers enough for their dedication this year. It is so inspiring to see people rising to the challenge and doing something so positive in the midst of the pandemic.

“We’ve seen evidence of comradery and friendship from walkers across the UK and Ireland each with a different story to tell, and all joined by something personal that has inspired them to participate. Although we’re overwhelmed and incredibly grateful for contributions this year, we just know that there is more to be done to make the biggest impact possible when it comes to supporting autistic people.”

The campaign will officially end on World Autism Awareness Day (April 2), an internationally recognised day that occurs every year encouraging individuals and organisations to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout the world.

Jon said: “World Autism Awareness Day is an incredibly important day to us, and to our walkers, but we aim to help raise awareness of autism and provide support where it’s needed around the clock, every day of the year.

“Money raised from the campaign will support a range of projects by Autism Initiatives which improve the quality of life of both autistic adults and children.”

Walk for Autism is a fundraising campaign led by charity Autism Initiatives Group (registered charity number 1170634) who have been working to improve the lives of autistic people and their families across the UK and Ireland for almost 50 years.

For more information, or to sign up visit www.walkforautism.co.uk

Three youths charged following tram stop incidents

Three youths have been charged in relation to recent antisocial behaviour and damage on and around buses and trams in Edinburgh.

A 12-year-old boy and two 13-year-old boys were identified and traced by officers in the South West of the city and have been charged with a number of offences including smashing a bus window, throwing excrement at a member of staff and an offence under the Edinburgh Tram Act 2006.

These incidents took place between 5 February and 15 February in the Westside Plaza and between Edinburgh Park and Balgreen Tram Stops.

Sergeant Scott Walker from Wester Hailes Community Policing Team said: “During the past few weeks we’ve received a number of reports of antisocial behaviour at bus and tram stops as well as damage being caused to buses and trams.

“A dedicated team of officers carried out enquiries to identify those who were responsible, during which they spoke to numerous witnesses and viewed CCTV footage.

“We’re pleased to report that three youths have been charged with five offences, and so far in an effort to prevent an escalation in unacceptable and dangerous behaviour, fifteen other youths have been spoken to in the presence of a parent or carer.

“I’d like to thank the public for their help in these enquiries and continued support, and would also like to reassure the residents of Edinburgh and those who use public transport that we will continue to tackle this kind of behaviour.

“This is a city wide issue that we face and our work continues across the division with similar initiatives. Local Community Policing Teams are working hard to identify those responsible in order to educate them on the potentially dangerous consequences of their actions when targeting public transport.”

Anyone wishing to report a crime should contact officers via 101, or in an emergency and when a crime is in progress, always call 999. Alternatively a report can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Half of Scots see those who disagree on Covid as threat to country’s future

·         Community spirit dwindles as Scotland battles through final stretch of full lockdown – Covid disagreements lead to suspicion of neighbours  

·         Rifts over rules fuel mental health problems, from anxiety to trouble sleeping 

·         But 31% of people in Scotland still say it’s made them realise the importance of community 

·         Engage Britain launches national drive to bring communities together and put people in charge of tackling the country’s problems, including community conversations in Glasgow.  

New analysis has revealed a fractious and fearful nation battling through the final stretch of lockdown, as 60% of people in Scotland say those who disagree on the Covid rules are a threat to the country’s future.  

As new charity Engage Britain launches a national drive to help bring communities back together and put people in charge of tackling Britain’s biggest problems, it polled people in Scotland on how different views on Covid, such as taking the vaccine or lockdown restrictions, are impacting them.  

As the prolonged pandemic piles on the pressure, the community spirit people in Scotland summoned at the outset shows signs of fading. According to the poll, nearly as many Scottish residents said they’ve become more suspicious of people in their community with a different approach to the rules (23%), as those who think their community is pulling together (26%).  

And disagreements are directly fuelling mental and emotional problems for most Scottish residents (61%), who agreed their mental health had been affected due to other people’s compliance with the rules and restrictions. Some of these problems included increased anxiety (38%) and trouble sleeping (20%). 

But despite fractures and strains, 31% believe the pandemic has made them realise the importance of community. And ordinary people coming together in Covid’s wake will be crucial to our future success, according to Engage Britain.  

As communities in Scotland and across the country look to rebuild, the charity is launching a national drive to bring together people from all walks of life, drawing on different views and experiences to find answers to Britain’s biggest problems. The first issue ordinary people will tackle is their biggest worry – health and care.  

Following Engage Britain’s comprehensive analysis with the British public this consistently came out as people’s number one concern. Their biggest issues are getting the right access to health and care services and funding them properly.  

It will kick off with 100 online community conversations about health and care up and down the country, including discussions in Scotland planned for Glasgow. Then a panel of ordinary people will make decisions about priorities and engage with professionals like doctors, carers and nurses, to make plans for change. The end goal will be to get the public’s plans put into practice so everyone can get the health and care they need. 

Engage Britain Director, Julian McCrae, said: “The pandemic is piling a mountain of pressure onto people in Scotland, following huge changes which have already split families and communities across the whole of Britain.

“It’s desperately sad to see this causing anxiety, suspicion and sleepless nights for so many of us.  

“This could be a dangerous moment, if we don’t find a way to pull together. With so much at stake and things feeling out of our control, it’s hard to see past the stress of disagreements – but they can actually make us stronger.

“As we recover from this crisis, the public needs to have more of a say in the things that matter to them, using their different views, ideas and experiences to rebuild Britain.  

“For too long we’ve relied on our political system to make decisions which affect the lives of millions, but which are all too often taken without talking to them about it. No-one knows more than ordinary people what it’s like to live in Britain today.

“That’s why we’re asking people from all walks of life to come together and have their say on how to make life better for everyone after some of the toughest times our country’s ever faced.” 

Anyone can make their voice heard on how to build better health and care in Britain by taking part in an open conversation at engagebritain.org 

Window clean fraudster faces court

Police have arrested a man in connection with a series of frauds in the north east of the city.

The incidents happened between 7pm and 9pm on Monday, 22 February, 2021, and involved the man attending at addresses in the Ferry Road and Leith Walk areas and requesting money for window cleaning services which were never carried out.

A 44-year-old man has now been arrested and charged in connection with three incidents and is due to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Chief Inspector Murray Tait from Leith Police Station said: “I’d like to thank the public for their assistance with these enquiries and would remind people to be vigilant in respect of anyone who attends at your address seeking payment or to carry out any work.

“Our enquiries are continuing and anyone who may not have reported a similar incident to officers already should come forward “

Anyone wishing to report a crime should contact police via 101, or in an emergency and when a crime is in progress, always call 999. Alternatively a report can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

EXCLUDED: People from deprived backgrounds still left out of community empowerment action, say Holyrood Committee

A Scottish Parliament Committee has criticised the implementation of the 2015 Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act saying that not enough has been done to empower people from deprived backgrounds to take action in their communities.

The report by the Local Government and Communities Committee reflected on the impact of two key areas of the act aimed at empowering communities: participation and asset transfer requests. They concluded there is clearly work to be done in raising awareness of both, particularly in disadvantaged areas.

The Committee say a lack of resources and support at grassroots level is hindering progress in empowering communities, with the Scottish Household Survey revealing only 18% of Scots feel they can influence decisions affecting their local area.

They say more must be done to identify how to overcome barriers to engagement and have called on the Scottish Government to work with public bodies and COSLA to help communities use their rights to challenge and influence decisions and services.

With only just over 60 participation requests made since 2017, the Committee says it doubts whether, as suggested by one local authority, that indicates high levels of satisfaction with local services and that local communities feel more empowered.

They say that institutional views amongst councils that participation requests denote “failure” are holding back progress and need to change, and have recommended that the Scottish Government introduces an appeals mechanism to improve the process.

The Committee welcome the generally positive view stakeholders have of asset transfer requests. But they express concern with evidence that these requests can run into a wall, when the asset belongs to, or is operated by, an Arms-Length External Organisation (ALEO).

The report asks for clarity from councils and ALEOs to agree who owns which assets, and to make this information accessible to help improve the process.

Speaking as the report was published, Local Government and Communities Committee Convener James Dornan MSP said: “Our extensive engagement work has made it clear to us that community wellbeing is synonymous with community empowerment. Engaged and empowered communities are essential if people are to feel they have a real say in how their community operates.

“We’ve heard a number of really inspiring stories showing community empowerment driving positive change but it’s clear more must be done to ensure communities across Scotland, and particularly those from disadvantaged areas, can be a part of this.

“The Committee is concerned by evidence we have received of bodies coming across as indifferent or even hostile to the rights communities have to influence decisions.

“Knowledge is power and there is no doubt more must be done to raise awareness of participation requests and asset transfer requests which can give communities the tools to feel empowered.”

He added: “We appreciate that councils have faced unprecedented challenges this year as a result of the pandemic, but we are disappointed that local government did not play a bigger role in our inquiry.

“We are also very concerned by the low level of compliance from local authorities and public bodies with the formal reporting requirements outlined in the 2015 Act and this must be rectified so we can monitor the levels of community engagement.”

Vaccines delivered to a third of eligible Scots

One and a half million people have had their first dose

Scotland’s vaccination programme has delivered first doses of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine to a third (33.4%) of those eligible – more than 1.5 million people (1,515,980).

In addition, the roll-out among those aged 65-69 has already exceeded the 80% take up rate set out in the deployment plan and currently stands at 85% (255,266). This group is due to be completed by the end of February. Vaccinations are now also being delivered to people with underlying health conditions and unpaid carers – the next group on the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation priority list.

Meanwhile, second doses of the vaccine are being given to residents in care homes and the staff who care for them. Frontline Health and Social Care workers are also receiving their second injections.

Supplies of vaccines were held back in order that these second doses could be delivered on time to these cohorts.

Older residents in care homes are among those at greatest risk from the virus and the programme has exceeded the initial target for this group with 31,218 receiving their first dose – the figure for the staff who care for them is 96%. For all care homes the total is 98% of residents and 83% of staff.

The high take up of vaccinations and the improving picture in terms of care home outbreaks has helped contribute to the restart of routine indoor visiting of care home residents by relatives, friends and carers from this week.

Heath Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “A third of those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination in Scotland have now received their first dose – that is one and a half million people in the groups which were prioritised to address 99 per cent of preventable deaths associated with COVID-19.

“Scotland’s COVID-19 vaccination programme continues to deliver at pace, which is down to the enormous efforts of our vaccination teams. I would like to thank everyone who is working tirelessly to make this a success, and also every individual who has taken up their offer of a vaccine.

“I am pleased to see care home residents and those who look after them receiving their second doses, as well as NHS frontline staff. These are crucial as they provide longer lasting protection against the virus. 

“The high take up of the vaccine in these settings has contributed to a reduction in outbreaks of the virus in care homes and helped to enable the forthcoming resumption of weekly routine visits, meaning families can be reunited with their relatives in care.

“The vaccination programme is one of three key ways we are working to beat this virus, along with our expanded testing programme to identify cases and break chains of transmission and the important lockdown restrictions everyone in Scotland must follow. All these measures work to greatest effect when they work together.” 

Fabulous Forthview supporting families through COVID

Local Primary School’s ‘highly-effective practice in family learning and parental engagement’ is shared across Scotland

Education Scotland has highlighted Forthview Primary School’s outstanding work during the pandemic in their latest Scotland Learns e-bulletin .

When HM Inspectors visited Forthview Primary School as part of the thematic inspection of family learning, they noted their highly-effective practice in family learning and parental engagement.

The school have provided a recovery update on how their practice in family learning and parental engagement has been developed during lockdown and since schools returned in August.

They share what is working well for Forthview children and their families at this time. A sketchnote (above) has been developed to share this practice.

Salmond: At last … it’s time to talk

Former First Minister Alex Salmond will give evidence to the Committee on the Scottish Government’s Handling of Harassment Complaints at Holyrood this afternoon.

The Committee’s remit is to consider and report on the actions of the First Minister, Scottish Government officials and special advisers in dealing with complaints about Alex Salmond, former First Minister, considered under the Scottish Government’s “Handling of harassment complaints involving current or former ministers” procedure and actions in relation to the Scottish Ministerial Code.

In a formal submission to the committee, Mr Salmond maintains that senior members of the SNP colluded with civil servants in an orchestrated campaign to damage his reputation.

He also accuses First Minister Nicola Sturgeon of both misleading parliament and breaking the Ministerial Code. If this is proven, Ms Sturgeon would be expected to resign.

Ms Sturgeon yesterday dismissed Salmond’s claims as ‘a litany of nonsence’.

This is much more serious than a ‘he said, she said’ internal SNP stooshie: the allegations go right to the heart of Scotland’s democratic structures.

So the stakes couldn’t be higher. It remains to be seen whether today’s session will see us inch any closer to the truth …

Usdaw and Crimestoppers unite to challenge abuse of shopworkers

Retail trade union Usdaw has welcomed the launch of a joint campaign by Crimestoppers Scotland to raise awareness and stop abuse of shopworkers. The key message is to ‘speak up 100% anonymously about attacks on shopworkers’.

The independent charity Crimestoppers Scotland joint campaign comes following the passing of the Protection of Workers (Scotland) Bill, which was successfully steered through the Scottish Parliament by Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern). The campaign is supported by Usdaw, the Scottish Grocers’ Federation and the Scottish Government.

Usdaw’s 2020 survey of 2,729 shopworkers across the UK found that:

  • 88% experienced verbal abuse
  • 61% were threatened by a customer
  • 9% were assaulted.

Stewart Forrest, Usdaw’s Scottish Divisional Officer, says: “Retail staff have been on the frontline throughout the coronavirus crisis, helping to keep our communities fed, despite the risks of contracting the virus. We owe them a debt of gratitude and abuse should never be a part of their job.

“The final results of our 2020 survey show that 9 in 10 shopworkers had been abused last year. So we very much welcomed the ground-breaking legislation to protect shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse, passed by the Scottish Parliament last month. Usdaw has campaigned for many years to secure these legal protections.

“Crucial to the new law having the desired impact is criminals understanding that assaulting and abusing shopworkers is totally unacceptable. So we welcome the opportunity to work with Crimestoppers Scotland, the Scottish Government, police and retailers to promote that message. Our hope is that this new legislation will result in retail staff getting the protection and respect they deserve.”

Angela Parker of Crimestoppers says: “Everyone has the right to feel safe. Violence and aggression towards shop staff can often leave people traumatised with vital, local shops at risk of closing. We would encourage communities to speak up to our charity 100 % anonymously if they know or suspect who is responsible.

“Please help us to help you by telling us, completely anonymously, what you know. You can talk to us by calling our UK Contact Centre which is open 24/7 on freephone 0800 555 111 or you can use our easy and secure anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.”

Voices from the frontline: 

Some of the comments Scottish shopworkers shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey:

  • “Shouting, being dismissed, being spoken down to. Treated like scum.”
  • “We deal with everything – threatened to be stabbed after work, family threatened, grabbed by the neck and pushed against the wall.”
  • “Pandemic has brought out the worst behaviour in many people. Verbal abuse for limiting items during lockdown, making people queue and most for mask wearing.”
  • “Varies from comments such as stupid bitch, jobsworth, being told to f*** off or shut up.”
  • “Always about alcohol. The refusal to sell to an intoxicated person or when asking for age identification.”

The impact of abuse, threats and violence on retail staff will be highlighted in a new awareness-raising campaign.

It comes following the passing of the Protection of Workers (Scotland) Bill and findings from the Scottish Grocers Federation, which show a rise in reported attacks on staff in 2020.

Real life testimonies feature in the campaign emphasising the damaging effect this criminal behaviour has on retail staff.

The campaign is being delivered by Crimestoppers, Fearless and the Scottish Grocers Federation, and is being funded by the Scottish Government.

Community Safety Minister Ash Denham said: “Shop workers play a crucial role in our communities and their outstanding dedication and sacrifice throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has only emphasised this.

“While overall violent crime is much lower than a decade ago, the Scottish Grocers Federation crime survey last year indicated an increase in verbal or physical abuse in 2020 among the sector. Such appalling behaviour is completely unacceptable and no one should have to experience it while doing their job. Like everyone else, shop workers are fully entitled to be able to work free from the threat of violence or abuse.

“Our awareness campaign encourages everyone to be respectful and think about how they interact with shop workers. For any shop worker who experience this type of criminal behaviour, we ask that they report it immediately to the Police or anonymously through CrimeStoppers or Fearless.org”

Dr John Lee of the Scottish Grocers Federation said: “The launch of this retail crime campaign is a major step forward in making our shops safer for retailers and customers.

“We are delighted that the Scottish Government is supporting the campaign and we are fully committed to making it a success. Shop staff should not have to put up with any form of abuse or threatening behaviour and we are calling on all our colleagues across the industry to report every incidence of retail crime.”

Angela Parker of CrimeStoppers said: “Everyone has the right to feel safe. Violence and aggression towards shop staff can often leave people traumatised with vital, local shops at risk of closing. We would encourage communities to speak up to our charity 100 % anonymously if they know or suspect who is responsible.”