Short film starring autistic pianist wins Scottish BAFTA

A documentary film showcasing a talented autistic pianist has won a prestigious Scottish BAFTA award.

Harmonic Spectrum, which features 25 year old Edinburgh-based Sean Logan, was awarded the distinguished honor in the Short Film & Animation category at the star-studded BAFTA Scotland Awards on Saturday.

The film focuses on Sean, a talented musician using the piano to navigate life on the Autistic Spectrum. As he is drawn into new musical collaborations, he must learn to balance his enthusiasm and compulsive energy with understanding and compromise, redefining his artistic perspective.

The documentary short was produced and directed by Austen McCowan and Will Hewitt (above), and has been shown at several film festivals throughout the UK.

Having already gained Best Short Documentary at the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival and the Optical Sound Award at the Flatpack Film Festival, the BAFTA win is the film’s most high-profile honour to date.

The BAFTA Scotland awards honour achievement in Scotland’s film, television and video game industries.

Sean Logan, who is starring in Harmonic Spectrum, said: “I hope that the legacy of this film is focused on what art can mean for people on the spectrum. Music is a therapeutic tool for people like myself, it connects me to people, music is something that brings people together.

“What I’ve learned is that the help is out there, and it’s by using tools that are out there already in the world for autistic people like myself, that I’ve succeeded. However, we need to ensure that people have access to those tools, because loads of people are still struggling.

“We’re really coming into a great time for people on the spectrum, as autism is being understood and identified a lot more now, and by 2050, who’s to say that neurodiversity won’t be the norm?”

Rob Holland, External Affairs Manager at the National Autistic Society Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to see Harmonic Spectrum receiving a Scottish BAFTA award, as it represents an important step in raising awareness of the lives and experiences of the 56,000 autistic people in Scotland.

“The depiction of autistic people in film and TV has often been from the perspective of non-autistic people and in many cases has compounded myths and assumptions. This film flips that putting Sean’s voice as well as his music at the heart of the story.

“We hope that this achievement will inspire more stories from autistic people like Sean to be told through film.”

GMB says overwhelming support for new Glasgow strikes reflection of workers’ anger

Thousands of Glasgow City Council workers will be balloted for a new wave of industrial actions after overwhelmingly supporting strikes against low pay and pay discrimination.

99 per cent of GMB members across home care, Glasgow Life, education, and social work are prepared to take strike action against the council’s attempts to exclude over a fifth of posts included in the 2019 equal pay settlement from future liabilities.

Meanwhile, three-quarters of members in the city’s cleansing services said the fourteen points recently negotiated with the Council Leader for the future of the service and lowest-paid do not go far enough, with four-fifths saying they would be willing to strike again in response.

A statutory industrial action ballot of cleansing workers will now take place in December, while workers in services impacted by the council’s ongoing pay discrimination will commence a ballot in January.

GMB Scotland Organiser Sean Baillie said: “The lowest-paid workers in Glasgow City Council have been undervalued, exploited and ignored, and their anger is reflected in these overwhelming ballot results. 

“It sends a clear message to the council and government that there must be change in Glasgow. Scotland’s biggest city has deep and chronic problems, it is blighted by low-pay and discrimination, and its budget has been hammered by years of cuts. That’s not talking Glasgow down, it’s simply stating facts.

“No political party has clean hands in this Glasgow story and politicians at all levels of representation should listen to the voices of these workers because it will need a response from them all.

“But our members aren’t going to stand on ceremony, they understand it’s only through their industrial strength that they can hope to make work better and ultimately make Glasgow better.”

COSLA launches Live Well Locally budget lobbying campaign

COSLA is today calling for adequate funding from the Scottish Government and a reversal of historical cuts as it launches its Budget Lobbying Campaign, ‘Live Well Locally’.

COSLA says urgent action is needed to address the consequences of real term cuts to the core budgets of Scotland’s 32 Councils in recent years.

The call comes as Finance Secretary Kate Forbes prepares to lay out the government’s spending plans in the Scottish Budget on December 9.

COSLA says Local Government can no longer continue to be the ‘poor relation’ it has been in recent Budgets and that December 9 presents a perfect opportunity to reset Scottish public spending in a way that empowers councils to achieve their ambition for our communities.

Speaking at a virtual news conference in Edinburgh, the COSLA President, Councillor Alison Evison, said: “Enabling people to ‘Live Well Locally’ is a shared ambition across Scottish Government and Local Government, but the resources must be provided to deliver this at a local level in line with local democratic choice.

“Sadly cuts to Councils’ core budgets over recent years have not allowed us to fully realise this shared ambition.”

COSLA’s Vice President, Councillor Graham Houston, said:  “The fact is that Scotland’s Councils are key to creating the conditions for people within our communities to ‘Live Well Locally’, whether that’s on a remote farm or in a city centre.

“People’s local environment has become even more important during the pandemic and Local Government must be empowered and funded properly to allow us to create the environment for people to ‘Live Well Locally.’  Recovery needs to start locally to tackle the key issues facing our communities and local leadership is needed for that.”

COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Gail Macgregor, added: “Tackling the economic and health challenges created by the pandemic needs a local dimension – all the evidence and research backs this up.

“We fully support Scottish Government’s ambitions around economic transformation but that starts in every community.

“Local Government has been the poor relation of recent Budgets and our local knowledge and links need to be used fully before we are past the point of no return.  Our communities are starting to show the neglect of an under-funded Local Government.

“Quite simply, what we need from this Budget is proper funding to provide the everyday services our communities need and deserve.”

Read the ‘Live Well Locally’ document here

Edinburgh’s Christmas now open

Edinburgh’s Christmas is open! Festival goers at East Princes Street Gardens and Santa Land in its new home of West Princes Street Gardens made the most of opening weekend, with 92,446 people getting into the Christmas spirit in a fun, safe environment.

And one of the most spectacular new ice rinks in the UK is all set to open TODAY.

Visitors will be able to put their skates on for the first time since 2018 and make the most of the ice rink, sponsored by Lidl GB and partnered by Essential Edinburgh.

Those that were looking to stay cosy over the weekend, winter warmers such as mulled wine and hot chocolate were on the menu as visitors made the most of the food and drink offerings that you skate up to within the rink.

Edinburgh Christmas 2021, Santa Land, West Princes Street Gardens

Children from across Scotland made their way through the Christmas Tree maze in a bid to find Santa’s Elves Workshop to get their Christmas wishes in early!

Christmas cheer was also in full force across East and West Princes Street where an array of festive craft, food & drink stalls and the Christmas Markets, Santa Land, featuring the magical Santa’s Grotto and family friendly attractions, including the Christmas Tree Maze, were bustling from morning till night.

Edinburgh’s Christmas will run until 4th January.

Tickets for Ice Skating, Santa’s Grotto, The Forth 1 Big Wheel and Christmas Tree Maze are available to purchase through Edinburgh’s Christmas website. 

Those with an EH postcode receive 20% off their tickets. 

Geometric snowflakes will also illuminate The Mound alongside Edinburgh’s Christmas tree from today.

Edinburgh Christmas 2021, Santa Land, East Princes Street Gardens

Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas is back! Our opening weekend was a huge success and it’s been great to see everyone spreading the Christmas cheer – at long last!

“We’re so excited to unveil our spectacular new ice rink on George Street, it’s set to become an icon for the city and for Scotland of how to celebrate winter.”

Concert to celebrate Legion centenary celebrations

A year of celebrations marking the centenary of the Royal British Legion Scotland will culminate in a musical extravaganza on Sunday 28th November. A Centenary Concert will feature performances from the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Legion Scotland Sweetheart Amy Hawthorn, the Edinburgh Academy Chamber Choir and many others.

In June 1921, with the trauma and painful after-effects of the First World War crippling the nation, four ex-service organisations came together at St Cuthbert’s Church in Edinburgh to unite for the greater good of the nation. At that moment the Royal British Legion Scotland was born.

100 years later, St Cuthbert’s will host the charity in celebrating its centenary.

Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “The Centenary Concert will be a fitting culmination to a memorable year for our members.  In June, 100 commemorative wreaths were laid at War Memorials across the country exactly 100 years since the formation of the Legion.

“During the summer months members of our Bikers Branch set off on a National Ride to visit our network of branches and clubs throughout the country. We hoped to hold a huge Beating Retreat event in Dundee in September, but the ongoing restrictions meant this has been postponed until April 2022. Nevertheless, branches and clubs across Scotland held their own local celebrations.

“The past few weeks have seen a return to our usual programme of Remembrance events up and down the country, which have been exceptionally well attended. Remembering the fallen and joining together in a spirit of comradeship has always lay at the heart of our ethos. The number of people, both veterans and members of the public, who want to show their support demonstrates that Legion Scotland has a very bright future ahead.”

The Centenary Concert is split into four acts, with each examining a different aspect of the Legion’s history.

The first act will highlight the aftermath of the First World War and the formation of the Legion. Act two will explore the Legion’s early years and the impact of the Second World War. This will be followed by two further acts, looking at the legacy of more recent conflicts and ahead to a positive future for Legion Scotland beyond its centenary. Other performers include Juniper 3, Dunfermline and District Pipe Band and Jedburgh Pipe Band.

The Centenary Concert takes place on Sunday 28th November at The Parish of St Cuthbert’s Church in Edinburgh and begins at 7.00pm.

A number of tickets are still available free of charge and can be booked by emailing events@legionscotland.org.uk. 

National Mission funding for community project

Charity will increase support for drug users in recovery

Bluevale Community Club in Glasgow has been awarded almost £100,000 to enable them to continue with their recovery and wellbeing services, helping their work in the community and with people in recovery from problematic substance use.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will confirm the funding over the next two years during a visit to their recovery club which opened earlier this year.

The First Minister will also visit the community club’s sports facilities which offer a range of activities for young people and adults including boxing, personal training and strength endurance classes which focus on improving the mental and physical health of members.

She will be joined on the visit by Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross.

The First Minister said: “The work being done by Bluevale Community Club in their local area helping people to live healthier lifestyles through their activity classes and recovery drop-ins is fantastic. It is an excellent example of how sustained, meaningful activities and supportive social networks are key to building stronger communities.

“The funding of almost £100,000 will help them focus on expanding these services further and give employment to young people who have given their time free until now.

“The rights of individuals to access effective treatment and support underpins our national drugs strategy. But we know there is more to do to make these rights a reality which is why we launched the National Mission backed by an additional £250m over the next five years to improve and increase access to services for people affected by drug addiction – including an investment of £100m on residential rehabilitation.

“We are determined that every penny of that will make a difference to all those affected by this public health emergency.”

Bluevale Founder and Project Manager Kenny Trainer said: “We welcome the visit by the First Minister and Douglas Ross to see first-hand not only what we are trying to achieve here at Bluevale Community Club but also meet the people who remind us daily why we do it.

“We have run our club on a voluntary basis and welcome the investment from the Scottish Government that will allow us to employ two part time members of staff, allowing us to focus more on developing a whole community response to recovery. Prior to this funding we were unsure if we would last beyond Christmas. We will continue to look at further alternatives to meet the additional shortfall in meeting our charity’s mission and ambition. 

“We now ask that all parties, and both governments, put their political differences aside and agree on how we can tackle Scotland’s problems not just at a national level, but locally – ensuring that any investment reaches the heart of our communities where it will make the biggest impact.

“We have seen too many friends and family members die while seeking access to the help they needed and that’s why we back any rights-based approach when it comes to drug treatment – one based on holding decision makers to account where necessary.”

Child Disability Payment opens for applications

Financial support for families of children with a disability now available nationwide

Child Disability Payment opens for new applications across the country from today. For the first time anywhere in the UK, disability benefit applicants can apply online, as well as by phone, post or face-to-face.

This is the first of three complex disability benefits to be introduced nationwide by the Scottish Government. This new payment replaces the UK Government’s Disability Living Allowance for children.

Those already receiving Disability Living Allowance for children do not need to apply. These approximately 52,000 current cases are being automatically transferred in phases from the Department for Work and Pensions to Social Security Scotland. This will be completed by spring 2023.

Child Disability Payment, which will be administered by Social Security Scotland, provides families with support for extra costs that a disabled child might have.

The national roll out to all local authority areas follows successful pilots in Dundee City, Perth & Kinross and the Western Isles.

Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson said: “I’m really pleased that Child Disability Payment is now available to eligible families all over Scotland.

“This is a significant milestone in the introduction of our new social security system. Families who find themselves in need of support will be able to access this help in a way that suits them best.

“Those who currently receive Disability Living Allowance for children from the DWP will also be transferred to Social Security Scotland. They will be told when this is happening and will find their payments transferred safely and securely within the next 18 months. Payments will be made at the same rate and there will be no break in entitlement.

“In the months and years ahead thousands of families will benefit from our simplified and much less stressful system, which will treat everyone with dignity, fairness and respect.

“Social security is a shared investment in building a fairer Scotland and we encourage those who are eligible for support to apply.”

Morrisons launch three new Christmas doughnuts

Calling all doughnut fans: Morrisons are launching three new doughnuts as part of their Christmas bakery range. These festive treats are available in stores now and are made from scratch in store every day by our expert bakers. 

The festive selection includes:

  • Morrisons Gingerbread Doughnut – with caramelised biscuit filling, chocolate glaze and topped with a mini gingerbread man. 
  • Morrisons Snowman Doughnut – with strawberry filling, coated with a sticky white glaze, chocolate chips for eyes and mouth and topped off with a glacé cherry nose. 
  • Morrisons Festive Sprinkle – a classic ring doughnut – a customer favourite – with a chocolate glaze and red and green sprinkles. 

Morrisons doughnuts are a cult favourite among customers. Our festive trio will be sold as a mixed pack of three, costing £2 – less than 70p per doughnut.  

Jacob Cox, Chief Doughnut Developer at Morrisons, said: “We love coming up with new additions to our doughnut range. They’re a really popular item in-store and our customers always let us know which ones are their favourites. We hope they enjoy these three new flavours as much as we’ve enjoyed creating them.”

This Christmas we’ve also launched Christmas Pudding flavour Soft Bake Cookies and Mince Pie Popcorn – perfect for sharing with family and friends this festive season to spread some Christmas cheer.

Or, if customers fancy rolling up their sleeves in the kitchen, our The Best Gingerbread Frosting is a quick and easy way to create a showstopper at home. 

Our Christmas Doughnuts are available in 450 stores nationwide. The Mince Pie Popcorn, Christmas Pudding Cookies and Gingerbread Frosting are available in all stores.