Lauriston farm site to be transformed by Unexpected Garden

The site will be one of 12 Unexpected Gardens around Scotland as part of creative arts programme Dandelion, showing that even the unlikeliest of places can bloom

Gardens are set to transform unexpected places in Edinburgh as it’s announced today, Edinburgh Agroecology Coop (EAC) will be partnering with creative arts programme, Dandelion,to grow an Unexpected Garden within Lauriston Farm.

Commissioned by EventScotland and funded via the Scottish Government,  Dandelion is Scotland’s contribution to UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, a nationwide programme of creative events and engagement.

Driven by the concept of ‘Sow, Grow, Share’ – not just food but ideas, music, scientific knowledge, and community – Dandelion takes a unique approach to growing.

Bringing together artists, scientists, performers, and technologists to present events and programmes throughout Scotland, including the Unexpected Gardens, Dandelion will culminate in hundreds of harvest celebrations later this year.

Bringing new life to community libraries, car parks and even tidal sites from the Western Isles to the Borders, the Unexpected Gardens are set to be a highlight of Dandelion, taking place from April to September 2022.

The 100-acre Edinburgh site will give members of the EAC and volunteers to the site the opportunity to experiment with farming practices and nurture the indigenous and existing plants, while creating a magnificent portal to Lauriston Farm. The EAC will work closely with North Edinburgh Arts on the project as they invite residents and wider communities to come together to learn and grow.

A spokesperson for Lauriston Farm said: “Lauriston Farm is delighted to be part of this nationwide project that celebrates the diversity of growing, people and places.

“Having the opportunity and support to create a unique garden and cultural programme that connects community, art and food is fantastic and enhances pathways for creative engagement in the farm.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming lots of people to explore and participate in the garden and activities at the farm.”

Other sites include Findhorn Bay Arts’ gardens in the centre of Forres, the unique garden will respond to the town’s main square and multiple alleys, promoting the growing of mushrooms which will thrive in the dark shadowy entryways. Also in the Highlands, arriving to sites across Caithness, Lyth Arts Centre’s Garden will roll off a trailer and become home to a performance and workshop space.

In Fife, the Leven Programme will convert the car park of The Centre – a community space – into a garden site. While Cove Park in Argyll will look to the water as they use tidal sites in Loch Long and Gare Loch to focus on food and flora native to the area such as sea buckthorn and seaweed.

Elsewhere in Scotland, RIG Arts will take over a site behind South West Library in Greenock, Taigh Chearsabhagh in Uist, Fèis Rois in Alness, The Stove Network and Stranraer Development Trust, Alchemy Film & Arts in the Borders and a partnership of organisations in Dundee are also dusting off their green fingers to get involved!

Neil Butler, Festival and Events Director said: “We’re excited to announce today the locations of our Unexpected Gardens. We look forward to watching each of the gardens come to life as they grow and hope that their programme of events succeeds in bringing people together.

“Sustainability lies at the heart of our programme, and we can’t wait to see people from all over Scotland sowing, growing and sharing food, music, ideas.”

Each Unexpected Garden will host a programme of events unique to each location throughout the summer, programmed by a creative producer. A local Musician in Residence will also be appointed to each site, with applications now open, to create a new piece of work to be presented at the culminating Harvest event in September. Lauriston Farm is one of 10 sites currently taking applications for the role, for more information, and to apply please go to dandelion.scot/opportunities

Additionally, the gardens will be visited by Dandelion’s specially designed Cubes of Perpetual Light, part-artwork, part-miniature vertical farms, the cubes will grow hundreds of seedlings under LED light, showcasing the latest technological innovation in horticulture.

Fiona Dalgetty, Futures Director, said: “As part of Dandelion, we’re excited to work with a local musician or band who will help provide the soundtrack to our harvest. Our Musician in Residence role is a great opportunity for artists who are passionate about the environment and the climate crisis to share their voice. Music has the fantastic ability to forge emotional connection and unify people from all walks of life and hopefully create an understanding of the environmental challenges facing our times.”

Marie Christie, Head of Development at Event Scotland said: “We are thrilled to see that gardens across the whole of Scotland will be enjoyed by local people and visitors as part of the Dandelion programme throughout this year. It’s wonderful to be part of a project that celebrates such creativity and aims to connect with the widest range of audiences and participants.”

Dandelion is one of 10 major creative projects commissioned as part of UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, which is taking place across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales in 2022. The UK’s most ambitious showcase of creative collaboration includes free large-scale events, installations and globally accessible digital experiences, and an extensive learning programme, which aims to reach millions of schoolchildren. Five other projects from the UNBOXED programme will present activities in Scotland, in addition to Dandelion.

UNBOXED’s Chief Creative Officer, Martin Green said: “UNBOXED celebrates creativity in its widest sense, placing it at the heart of people’s everyday lives, as Dandelion is doing across Scotland this summer. As a project, Dandelion is literally about sowing seeds for the future, which we hope will inspire local communities and the next generation. It’s part of a programme of five brilliant projects taking place in Scotland as part of UNBOXED this year, which combine art, science and tech, offering amazing events and experiences for everyone.”

To find out more about your local ‘edible garden’ visit: dandelion.scot

The full programme of events at each garden will be released in Spring.

Dandelion
April – September 2022
dandelion.scot


UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK

March 1 –  October 2, 2022
Unboxed2022.uk

Proposals to restrict fireworks to be examined by MSPs

Plans announced by the Scottish Government to restrict the public’s use of fireworks will be considered by the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee.

A call for views launches today to gather views on the proposals from the public and stakeholders. The results of this work will be used to inform MSPs on the Committee as they consider whether the proposals should be changed in any way, and ultimately passed into law.

Plans set out by the Scottish Government would affect the categories of fireworks commonly bought by the public for use at home. Usually to mark cultural events, celebrations and milestones, such as Bonfire Night, Diwali, birthdays, New Year and Chinese New Year.

The Government says that these changes should reduce misuse of fireworks, as well as help those adversely affected by them, such as pet owners, and those with additional needs.

Under the proposed measures:
• The dates fireworks can be sold in shops would be limited to those periods around major events (amounting to a total of 37 days a year);
• Dates the public could legally use fireworks would be similarly restricted;
• Anyone using these types of fireworks would need special training, and a fireworks licence
• Councils could create “control zones” where most types of fireworks would not be allowed (even on private land);
• The police would have new powers to search for and seize fireworks.

Speaking as the call for views launched, Committee Convener, Audrey Nicoll MSP, said: “We know that for many people and communities, fireworks are a dangerous nuisance – though we know some families enjoy them safely. 

“As a Committee, we will be examining whether the Scottish Government’s plans strike the right balance, and are likely to be effective in reducing misuse of fireworks.

“To help us with this, we want to listen to everyone with views on this issue. We have online surveys running until 11 March.”

The surveys, and more information about the Bill, can be found at: www.parliament.scot/fireworks-inquiry

Cultural Heritage at the Edge: Granton past and future

granton:hub and Edinburgh College of Art invite the local community to discuss what could happen with local spaces, places and landscapes.

UPDATED PROGRAMME to include the history hub heritage exhibition

Granton:hub is taking part in an exciting European funded research project on the evolving heritages of Edinburgh’s shifting coastline.

The overall aim of the study is to document and understand different relationships to the heritage of this fluctuating landscape, to identify opportunities not just for institutional or governmental intervention, but also for Granton’s community to take action, and to explain what is expected from future plans.

A group of ECA academics and their students are interested in engaging with the local community, to reflect on the following themes/questions:

  1. What is the wider geographical context of the Granton area?
  2. How has this site evolved over time, physically, socially, and economically?
  3. Who governs cultural heritage in Granton, and how?
  4. How have local groups and stakeholders developed a sense of the heritage value of Granton?

For this workshop, the researchers will present a summary of their findings through posters and other materials to invite discussion on the future of heritage in Granton.

To complement the CUTE exhibition, the history hub will curate a set of exhibition boards presenting the history of Granton Gasworks Station, the Madelvic Car Factory, Caroline Park House, Granton Harbour and many other heritage features in the local area.

After the event, ECA will produce a document outlining their findings, for presentation at Una Europe, hosted by Universite Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne. Your input would therefore shape a collaborative generated dossier of information about Granton to be presented at European level.

If you have any questions then please contact artingranton@grantonhub.org

Farm Safety Foundation launches fifth annual campaign to tackle mental health issues in farming

92% of UK farmers under the age of 40 rank poor mental health as the biggest hidden problem facing farmers today, a recent study by the Farm Safety Foundation reveals.

·                        Mental wellbeing levels in the next generation of farmers have fallen over the past year, the study also finds.

·                        36% of farmers in the UK admit to being “possibly” or “probably” depressed according to another industry survey.

·                        44 suicides were registered in England and Wales in 2020 for those working in farming according to the Office of National Statistics.

·                        This week’s campaign from the Farm Safety Foundation will remind those living and working in the industry to Mind Your Head.

2020 and 2021 proved incredibly challenging for the UK’s farming industry. There were extreme weather conditions, poor harvests, supply chain shortages and a global pandemic to contend with but, through it all, farming endured as it always does.

Over the past two years, the UK’s farmers have been recognised as key workers. Their hard work puts food on our plates, produced to some of the highest standards in the world, and their careful stewardship knits together the environmental and social fabric of our iconic landscape.

The UK’s farmers are a remarkable breed; adaptable, resilient and incredibly hardworking but, the commitment of our farmers comes at a price.

In an industry that continues to have the poorest safety record of any occupation in the UK, making sure we are all looking after our physical and mental wellbeing has never been more relevant. So, from 14th – 18th February 2022, leading farm safety charity, the Farm Safety Foundation (also known as Yellow Wellies) will launch their fifth annual Mind Your Head campaign to illustrate actions being taken to break down mental health barriers in farming.

A recent study by the Foundation revealed that mental health issues among farmers and agricultural workers are of growing concern and are having a direct impact on safety on farms. With 92% of farmers under the age of 40 suggesting poor mental health is the biggest hidden problem facing farmers today (an increase from 82% in 2018).

In an industry where 34 farm workers lost their lives in fatal farm incidents in 2020/2021, there were a total of 44 suicides registered in England and Wales by those working in the farming and agricultural industry in 2020 according to the Office of National Statistics.

Whether or not the number of suicides has increased as a result of the pandemic is a matter for experts and should not be speculated on.

According to Professor Louis Appleby, Professor of Psychiatry, University of Manchester and Chair of the national advisory group on suicide prevention at the Department of Health and Social Care: “Figures like these are important in understanding the tragedy of suicide.

“They are not dry data, they are real lives lost, real families devastated. No figure, whether high or low, is acceptable. We need to beware of alarming claims and predictions without evidence – misleading and potentially harmful to those in the industry who are already struggling.”

Stephanie Berkeley, Manager of the Farm Safety Foundation said: “As an industry, I think it is time we deal with the issue of poor mental health head on. We need to talk about our feelings and let everyone living and working in farming know that it’s completely ok to have feelings, good and bad, but it’s also important to let them out.

“Life isn’t always as it seems, we don’t post on social media about the days that we wished we didn’t get out of bed or the days we didn’t feel like it.

“Most people feel the pressure to keep up with everyone’s ‘perfect’ life. My father always advised me to never judge anyone unless you walked in their shoes, these are words that I live by, as it is important to know what is really going on behind the smile, or even their grumpy demeanour.

“Many living and working in rural communities are suffering and doing so in silence. As an industry, it’s time to ease the pressure, stop expecting people to be perfect and start talking openly about feelings with people you trust.”

Today is Valentine’s Day – a day when many show their affection by sending cards, flowers or chocolates with messages of love. This Valentine’s Day, the Farm Safety Foundation is reminding farmers that self-love is important too.

Stephanie added: “A day like Valentine’s Day which celebrates love and togetherness can often highlight how different, alone or low we feel so it is important to check in with yourself and others and reach out to those who may be feeling down, lonely or struggling.

“Whatever it is that you choose to do, just know that your mental health should never be ignored and you are not alone.”

The recent R.A.B.I Big Farming Survey revealed that 36% of the farming community in the UK are ‘probably’ or ‘possibly’ depressed and sadly, the stigma around mental health often prevents those who need help from seeking it.

So, for the next five days, key farming organisations from five countries will join forces to support the Foundation’s Mind Your Head campaign and try to dispel the myths and tackle the stigma around poor mental health in the industry and highlight the wealth of support available to those living and working in farming.

BBC’s Strictly winner, actor Kelvin Fletcher, who last year bought a 120-acre farm in the Peak District is supporting the 2022 Mind Your Head campaign. 

As a new entrant to the industry, Kelvin appreciates the many challenges facing farmers at present and the importance of looking after your mental wellbeing at work. 

Kevin says: “I feel really privileged to have been welcomed so warmly by the farming community, who have supported me so much since I started my farm last year. Before joining farming, I had no idea the community was so heavily impacted by bad mental health.

“Campaigns like Mind Your Head are so important if we’re going to chip away at the stigma that surrounds mental illness in the industry. If one person reads about Mind Your Head and decides to reach out or to check in on a loved one, that’s a step in the right direction.

“Please, be that person and start the conversation. You never know how much it could mean to someone struggling silently.”

For more information on the Mind Your Head campaign or to learn more about how the Farm Safety Foundation is tackling the issue of poor mental health in the agricultural industry please visit  www.yellowwellies.org or follow them on social media – @yellowwelliesUK on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube using the hashtag #MindYourHead

New national cervical screening campaign launched

A new national campaign is calling on those eligible not to ignore their invite, as data reveals nearly 1 in 3 don’t take up the offer of cervical screening.

  • A new survey released today shows embarrassment was the most common reason for not booking a screening appointment (42%) and almost two-thirds (63%) said they were nervous when they did attend
  • Celebrities including Linda Robson, Scarlett Moffatt, Louise Minchin, Victoria Scone and Sharon Gaffka are starring in a new campaign film which addresses concerns around screening and encourages those eligible to attend

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), with the support of the NHS, has today launched a major new national campaign to increase the number of those eligible attending their cervical screening in England.

The new Help Us Help You – Cervical Screening Saves Lives campaign urges women and those who may be eligible not to ignore their cervical screening invite, and if they missed their last one, to book an appointment with their GP practice or sexual health clinic now.

Latest figures from March 2021 show that nearly a third (30%) of eligible individuals – women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 64 – were not screened.[1]

Around 2,700 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in England each year and approximately 690 women die from the disease – around two deaths every day.[2] Previous estimates suggest screening prevents 70% of cervical cancer deaths, but 83% of deaths could be prevented if everyone attended regularly.[3]

As part of the campaign, a new survey of 3,000 women and people with a cervix commissioned by DHSC today reveals a number of concerns which prevent cervical screening.

Embarrassment was the most common reason for never having attended or missing an appointment (stated by 42% of respondents), followed by those who “kept putting it off” (34%) and “being worried it would be painful” (28%). 15% of lesbian or bisexual women over 25 had never had a smear test, compared to 7% of women over 25 in general.[4]

To tackle these barriers and help drive uptake, a new film has been released featuring Loose Women panellist Linda Robson, TV personality Scarlett Moffatt, broadcaster Louise Minchin, Drag Queen Victoria Scone and female rights activist Sharon Gaffka, alongside GP and media medic, Dr Zoe Williams.

Through life saving conversations, they tackle the barriers to attending cervical screening and encourage those eligible to book their appointment when invited.

Maria Caulfield, Minister for Patient Safety and Primary Care, said: “Around two women die every day from cervical cancer, but screening takes just a few minutes and can stop the disease before it starts.

“Through our new campaign we’re calling on all women and people with a cervix to get screened to help save hundreds of lives. Even if you’re feeling embarrassed or nervous, please don’t ignore your invitation.”

The full findings from the new survey reveal:

  • When asked about what their experience was like at their most recent test, over three in five (63%) said they were nervous and more than two out of five (43%) said they were embarrassed
  • The majority of women and people with a cervix (81%) said the nurse or doctor put them at ease during a cervical screening
  • Positively, over half of respondents (58%) were surprised about how quick the test was, and 89% would encourage others who are worried to go for a test
  • Around one in 10 (12%) don’t feel comfortable discussing a cervical screening with anyone, but just under half would talk to their friend (48%) or their partner (46%) and two in five would talk to their mother (39%)
  • The majority (89%) said they were glad they attended a cervical screening

Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS England, said: “There is no doubt about it – cervical screening saves lives. By screening for risk signs at an early stage, it means that any abnormal cells can be treated quickly before they potentially develop into cancer.

“We know that it can feel embarrassing or feel like something that you can easily put off, but accepting your invite and getting checked could save your life.

“And please do speak to your GP practice about any concerns you might have – we are here to help you.”

In England, NHS cervical screening is offered to women and people with a cervix between the ages of 24.5 and 49 every three years. For those between the ages of 50 and 64, screening is offered every five years.

Cervical screening is routinely offered to anyone with a cervix in Scotland between the ages of 25 and 64 every 5 years.

The campaign will emphasise that screening, which only takes a few minutes, can help stop cervical cancer before it starts, and is being supported by charities, including Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.

Cervical screening checks for high-risk types of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a common virus that most people will get at some point.

While for people with high-risk HPV the risk of getting cancer is low, any abnormal changes can be identified early. Cell changes are easily treated, and this prevents cervical cancer. That is why attending screening appointments is so important.

Running throughout England from 14th February to 14th March, the campaign will include TV advertising, video on demand and social media, partnerships, together with national and regional PR activity.

It also includes activity targeted to ethnic minority (Black and South Asian) and LGBTQ+ communities, as data shows these groups can experience specific barriers to taking up screening.

https://youtu.be/wEPnwgXT2A8

GP Dr Zoe Williams, who features in the campaign, said: “The symptoms of cervical cancer are not always obvious, and there may not be any symptoms at all until the cancer has reached an advanced stage.

“That’s why it’s important that you attend all your cervical screening appointments.

“If you are feeling nervous or embarrassed, then I cannot encourage you enough to talk to your nurse during the test and remember you are in control and can stop the test whenever you want to. If you’re worried about feeling exposed, I would suggest wearing a skirt, dress or long jumper when you go for your screening.

“Screening can stop cancer before it starts and saves thousands of lives every year. If you missed your last cervical screening, book an appointment with your GP practice or sexual health clinic now.”

Scarlett Moffatt said: “A few years ago, my cervical screening may have saved my life. The screening detected HPV and abnormal cells linked to the development of cervical cancer, and I underwent treatment to have the cells removed.

“If I hadn’t been to that appointment, I don’t know what situation I would have been in now. That’s why I’m so passionate about and proud to be supporting the new Cervical Screening campaign from the Department for Health & Social Care.

“To understand more about the role of screening and discuss why people may be reluctant to attend their appointment, I had an informative conversation with Dr. Zoe Williams.”

“I cannot urge people enough to talk to their doctor or nurse about cervical screening if they’re feeling embarrassed or nervous. Please attend your appointment when you are invited – it’s a few minutes that could save your life.”

Sharon Gaffka, female rights activist, 25, said: “You’re always a bit worried because you hear misconceptions from other people about cervical screening so you can think it’s going to be really embarrassing or you wonder if it’s going to hurt.

“Being part of these life saving conversations can really help put your mind at ease, and I find being open with my friends and family, just talking about the topic, can make a huge difference.”

Victoria Scone, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestant and TV Personality, commented: “Initially I was uncertain as to whether a cervical screening was imperative for me as a queer woman.

“However, this new campaign has clarified that all women and people with a cervix, including those in the LGBTQ+ community like myself are eligible for a screening, so I booked myself in. I think it’s so important to openly talk about cervical screenings and encourage each other to attend theirs.”

Louise Minchin, broadcaster and journalist, 53, who usually feels nervous when she attends her cervical screening, said: “Next time I get invited to my screening, I’m going to remember that it’s going to be ok and over in a few minutes.

“From my discussion with Dr Zoe Williams, there are many barriers which deter some women and people with a cervix from taking up the offer of a screening – from the worry it might hurt or embarrassment.

“I want to help break down these barriers and empower women to be confident to go to their cervical screening, and ask their doctor or nurse any questions on their mind.”

TV Personality and Loose Women Panellist, Linda Robson, 63, said: “I think it’s so important to talk about cervical screening – I talk to my daughters about it regularly, and always encourage them to book if they are due.

“I want to do the same for everyone, as it’s a test that can save your life. Don’t put off your cervical screenings and if you have any worries, don’t sit there in silence, please talk to your friends or family.

“The screening itself is so quick, and doctors and nurses can talk to you about the process and what it entails.”

Scottish Child Payment is one year old

Eligible parents urged to apply

Eligible parents are being urged to apply for Scottish Child Payment on the first anniversary of its roll out.

The payment of £10 per week, unique to Scotland, began in February 2021 as a direct measure to tackle poverty. It provides regular, additional financial support to parents and carers to help with the costs of caring for a child.

Since launch, the families of around 106,000 children have benefited from £520 a year and the payment will double to £20 per week from April.

By the end of this year – subject to data being made available by the DWP – the payment will extend to include all eligible children under the age of 16.

In 2019-20 the Scottish Government invested nearly £2 billion in support for low income households, including over £672 million targeted specifically at children.

Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government said: “The Scottish Government is determined to deliver on our ambition to eradicate child poverty in Scotland. So this year we will be even bolder with the ambitious and transformational measures we will take.

“From April, our Scottish Child Payment will double to £20 a week – four times the amount anti-poverty campaigners originally asked for. Together with our Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods payments, this will provide a package of financial support worth £8,400 by the time an eligible family’s first child turns 6.

“The extension to 16 year olds will continue this progress with the number of eligible children increasing to 430,000. In 2023-24 we estimate the Scottish Child Payment could lift 40,000 children out of poverty.

“This is part of the national mission we have set ourselves and society to tackle child poverty and our focus must be relentless and constant.

“Because many people learn about Scottish Child Payment through word of mouth, if you think a friend or family member might qualify, please encourage them to find out more and to help to ensure that everyone eligible gets the support they are entitled too.

“This way, we can all play a part in ensuring the continued success of Scottish Child Payment, advancing our fight to eradicate child poverty and building an equal and fairer country.”

The Scottish Government committed to introducing the Scottish Child Payment in June 2019 as part of the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan.

John Dickie, the Director of the Child Poverty Action Group, said: “The Scottish Child Payment is already providing vital financial support to families, helping parents give the best possible start in life to their children.

“Doubling its value from April comes at a critical time, helping families stay afloat as food and energy prices soar. The roll out to eligible children over five is now eagerly anticipated and really can’t come soon enough.”

Was 2001 the best year for music?

  • 2001 was the best year for music, with releases including Daft Punk’s album ‘Discovery’, Bjork’s ‘Vespertine’ and Jay-Z’s ‘The Blueprint’
  • 1998 and 1999 were the second and third best years respectively
  • 2012, 2000 and 1971 also feature in the list

2001 was the best year for music, new research has revealed.

The study by Convertr.org analysed the top 250 albums on AlbumOfTheYear.org and found that 2001 produced the highest number of albums appearing in the top 250, according to the public.  

Ten top 250 entries were produced in 2001, including hits like Daft Punk’s second studio album ‘Discovery’, Jay-Z’s ‘The Blueprint’, Bjork’s ‘Vespertine’, The Strokes’ ‘Is This It’ and System of a Down’s ‘Toxicity’.

The albums released that year averaged out a score of 87.9 out of 100 on AlbumOfTheYear.org.

Daft Punk’s ‘Discovery’ is regarded as one of the most influential albums of all time, with the futuristic and fresh sounds still being enjoyed and even sampled to this day.

1998 was the second-best year for music according to the rankings, with nine top 250 titles produced.

Notable albums include Lauryn Hill’s debut entry ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’, Madonna’s ‘Ray of Light’, Massive Attack’s ‘Mezzanine’ and Tori Amos’ ‘From The Choirgirl Hotel’ with all of the 1998 releases averaging a score of 87.2.

‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ was Lauryn Hill’s only studio album and debuted at number one in Billboard’s Top 200 in its release week, where it then went on to sell more than 20 million copies.

The third-best year for music was 1999, with eight titles featuring in the top 250.

These entries include Fiona Apple’s ‘When the Pawn…’, Mos Def’s ‘Black on Both Sides’, Pharoahe Monch’s ‘Internal Affairs’, and The Roots’ ‘Things Fall Apart’. Mos Def’s ‘Black on Both Sides’ was the American rapper’s debut album and featured the likes of Q-Tip, Busta Rhymes and Talib Kweli. Five months after its release, the album was certified Gold after selling more than 500,000 copies.

The best year for music, by Convertr.org

RANKYEAR
12001
21998
31999
41997
52012
62000
71995
81994
91971
101969

2012 comes in fifth place in the list, with notable releases including Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Good Kid, M.A.A.D City’, Frank Ocean’s ‘Channel ORANGE’, Swans’ ‘The Seer’ and Beach House’s ‘Bloom’.

In sixth place is 2000, with albums such as Radiohead’s ‘Kid A’, Outkast’s ‘Stankonia’ and The Avalanches’ ‘Since I Left You’.

1971 sits in ninth place with releases including Led Zeppelin’s ‘Led Zeppelin IV’, David Bowie’s ‘Hunky Dory’ and Leonard Cohen’s ‘Songs of Love and Hate’. (Don’t forget Jethro Tull’s Aqualung – Ed!)

Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson from Convertr.org said: “With the sound of music constantly evolving, it’s interesting to see how timeless many albums are, with listeners today still enjoying tracks from decades past.

“From this list, hip-hop seems to be a standout genre, with many hip-hop albums featuring in the top 250. While this data shows the early 2000s and late 90s was a great time for music lovers, the quality of the 60s and 70s should not be doubted in the modern-day either.”

Convertr.org offers free online file conversion for audio, video and image files, with many formats supported.

It’s got to be an age thing – after much deliberation 1970 comes out is tops for me (Black Sabbath’s Paranoid, Led Zeppelin III, Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water … I could go on and on and on …! – Ed.

GRUBS UP at Morrisons!

Feed the family for a tenner this Half Term

– Includes two adult meals, two kids’ meals and four drinks – 

– Offers customers up to £13 in savings –

– Deal running now and all through February half term –

Morrisons has launched a ‘Feed the Family’ offer for just £10 in its cafés nationwide.

It includes two adult mains, two kids’ mains and four drinks and means savvy parents can save up to £13 compared to the usual cost of the meals. 

The deal is available now and will be running throughout February half term to help families stretch their budgets and dine out together. 

Adults can choose from a range of café favourites including hand-battered fish and chips, lasagne, jacket potatoes and burgers as well as drinks such as soft drinks or coffee. For the kids, the offer includes smaller portions of chicken nuggets or macaroni cheese along with drinks such as Tropicana or milk. Children will also receive a piece of fruit and a snack alongside their main meals. 

Loved-up couples can also get a Valentine’s biscuit and coffee deal for £2.50 in the cafés and our new BREW coffee bars. 

Ali Lyons, Head of Cafés at Morrisons, says: “This great offer comes at a time when our customers really need it. For the price of one main at a high-street restaurant, you can feed your whole family of four. 

“We’re also running it throughout the February half term to help families stretch their budgets.”

Morrisons Feed the Family offer is available in all our 406 cafés nationwide until Sunday 27th February and the offer will be automatically applied on paying.

For more information visit: https://my.morrisons.com/blog/food/new-cafe-menu/ 

Valentine’s Hair Inspiration

Mark McCarthy, owner of local salon MARKDAVID, on Valentine’s date night hairstyles and how to create them at home:

HOLLYWOOD WAVES – for romantic dinners out what better hairstyle than big, voluminous, Hollywood waves.

This is a fantastic and very popular hair choice for those who want to make an effort on their date nights, where they can come into the salon to receive a bouncy blow-dry or pin curls to help achieve the look.

I always like creating this look with pin curls to achieve curls with maximum bounce and volume. I also love pairing this style with a deep side parting, which as well as adding further volume and height to the style, also adds to the glamour of the look.

Before blow-drying and then styling with curling tong and pinning into place, I always mist some volumising spray to give the hair added volume and lift and finish with a hairspray to give the curls hold and a light shine.


CRIMPS – crimped hair and loose waves have made a major comeback for 2022 and for Valentine’s this is a great way to style your hair and experiment with a look out with the ordinary hair ups and curls.

Hair crimping instantly gives the hair drama and volume and is the perfect look if you want to make a lasting impression! If your hair is naturally straight, this is a great way to add texture and to update your hairstyle for date night.

Always use a heat defence spray prior to crimping your hair and once complete, finish by spritizing some texture spray through the finished look for further texture and hold for a more edgy look.

If you prefer a polished appearance, a shine spray, which will give your waves softness and a beautiful shine. If you don’t have crimpers on hand, sleep overnight with braids to create a similar look!


LOW SLEEK BUN – If you prefer a hair up, a topknot or low sleek bun are perfect choices for Valentine’s and look incredibly elegant and chic.

Decide on your bun style and ensure to use a hair serum such to sleek your hair off of the face and get rid of any frizz and flyaways before creating the bun. I love teaming a low with a bun to give the look added drama.

Firstly create your ponytail at the name of the neck and then create your braid (take your serum again and distribute a small amount through your mid lengths and ends before creating your braid for manageability and shine).

Once the braid is complete, gently pull at some sections of the braid to give it volume and then wrap it around the base of your ponytail to create your bun.

Can You Dig It? Lemmings 30th Anniversary documentary streaming from tomorrow

A new documentary that shines a light on the iconic video game Lemmings will premiere for free on YouTube tomorrow (Monday, February 14th) at 12pm and subsequently be available for free on-demand, following on from its gala screening at Dundee Contemporary Arts theatre in December.

WATCH THE FULL FILM: https://youtu.be/RbAVNKdk9gA 

Lemmings, which celebrated it’s 30th birthday in 2021, is part of the Britsoft establishment. Originally developed by DMA Design in Dundee (which went on to create the Grand Theft Auto franchise), it was first published for the Commodore Amiga by Liverpool-based Psygnosis on February 14th 1991 and has made its way to many other platforms since, including Sony’s PlayStation and, most recently, mobile.

The documentary, Lemmings: Can You Dig It?, was filmed remotely during the pandemic and celebrates this icon of Scottish and UK games culture by speaking to the people behind its original success, while investigating its legacy in gameplay and taking a look at how it inspired some of the world’s biggest games franchises ever since.

Among the DMA team members, games industry execs, media and superfans featured in the documentary are:- Adrian Powell (original Lemmings cover artist), Alyson Conway (sculpture artist), Brian ‘Biscuit’ Watson, (ex-DMA), Chris Scullion (journalist), Chris van der Kuyl (Chroma Ventures & Kingsway Club alumni), Eli Mouawad (streamer), Enrique Hervas (Exient), Gary Penn (ex-DMA & journalist, now Denki), Gary Timmons (ex-DMA), Gary Whitta (screen writer & journalist), Ian Hetherington (ex-Psygnosis), Jake Montanarini (Norwich University of the Arts), James Roadley-Battin (Exient), Kish Hirani (BAME In Games, ex-PlayStation), Larry Bundy Jr (TV presenter, YouTuber), Mike Dailly (ex-DMA), Nia Wearn (Deep Silver), Nick Gorse (Coventry University), Paul Farley (ex-DMA), Peter Molyneux (games industry legend, 22 Cans), Robin Gray (Gayming Magazine), Russell Kay (ex-DMA), Ryan Locke (Abertay University), Silvio Micalef (Exient), Steve Hammond (ex-DMA), Tim Wright (ex-DMA), Trista Bytes (superfan, YouTuber) and more.

The film was commissioned by Lemmings publisher Exient and is directed by leading video game film producer Richard Wilcox of That Video Company.

WATCH THE FULL FILM: https://youtu.be/RbAVNKdk9gA 

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be making Lemmings: Can You Dig It? available on general release,” said Jamie Wotton, Creative Marketing Manager at Exient.

“It has been an absolute joy to watch the Lemmings story unfold through hundreds of hours of interview footage with the original DMA Design development team, video game industry execs and fans.

“The film celebrates everything that made the original game so special, including the city of Dundee in which it was made. And it celebrates the important place these little critters still have in popular culture.” 

Exient is an independent publisher of games on mobile devices based in the UK and Malta, committed to bringing world renowned IP to the free-to-play mobile space. Our unique, self-funded approach makes us both a great place to work and a great company to partner with.

For more information, visit https://www.exient.com