The team at Filmhouse in Edinburgh and Belmont Filmhouse in Aberdeen is pleased to launch Filmhouse at Home, their new online streaming platform which allows audiences to enjoy some of the finest Filmhouse-curated cinema from the comfort of their own home.
Live from today (Friday 26 March), the platform’s first titles include the award-winning Stray, a captivating documentary about stray dogs on the streets of Istanbul that had its premiere at London Film Festival, Holocaust survival drama Persian Lessons from the director of House of Sand and Fog, Vadim Perelman, critically-acclaimed documentary Poly Styrene: I am a Cliché about counter-culture icon and punk pioneer Poly Styrene and first documentary entirely in Scots Gaelic, Iorram (Boat Song) which is a lyrical portrait of the fishing community in Outer Hebrides, past and present.
Initially offering 20+ titles starting from £3.50, the Filmhouse at Home programme will grow to present a similar selection of films to that which the cinemas’ audiences are accustomed to: independent, world cinema at its best. The future programme will include, among others, Sundance-winning and now Oscar-nominated Minari.
Rod White, Head of Programming at Filmhouse Cinemas said: “We’re excited to announce the launch of Filmhouse at Home. Our brand-new video on demand platform is another way for audiences to engage with the kind of cinema on which our reputation is built.
“Given a percentage of the online ticket price comes directly to us, it also offers another way in which you can support us across everything we do.
“We hope that not only will this allow fellow cinephiles a new way to enjoy our carefully-curated films before we are able to welcome them back into our cinemas, but that Filmhouse at Home will also ensure that those who are less able to venture out, or make it to our cinemas in Aberdeen and Edinburgh have a new way to access the best of independent, world cinema.”
Audiences will have 30 days to watch a film once purchased and 48 hours to watch a title once they click ‘play’ (exceptions apply). In the 48 hours, the film can be watched multiple times. Wherever possible films are audio described, closed-captioned or subtitled.
Some films hosted by Filmhouse at Home are only available to rent a limited number of times so audiences are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
Edinburgh will light up in red and green tonight to mark the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh Independence.
Lord Provost of Edinburgh Frank Ross, on behalf of Council of Bangladeshis in Scotland (CBS) and Bangladesh Samity (BS) has asked Edinburgh Airport and Historic Environment Scotland to assist with the illumination of land mark buildings in Red and Green on Friday 26 March.
The Lord Provost will also fly the flag of Bangladesh from a flag pole on the balustrade at the front of the Chambers.
Foysol Choudhury MBE, Chair of Edinburgh & Lothian Regional Equality Council said: “UK’s Bangladeshi community has disproportionately suffered from the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19).
“Tonight, we pay tribute to all those affected by the pandemic and thank all frontline staff who serve selflessly despite the increased personal risks.” I would also like to thank Rt Hon Frank Ross, Lord Provost and City of Edinburgh Council for all the help and support.”
Abdal Ullah, Founder of The British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration and Trustee of BBPI Foundation said: “In celebration of the 50th anniversary of independence, the iconic UK Building’s has lit up in the colours of the Bangladeshi flag.
“The red and green reminds us of the struggle for liberation and the elation of freedom. We also recognise the resilience of the many thousands in the British Bangladeshi community and the massive contribution they make to Britain.”
42% of people with epilepsy in Scotland want you to know this one thing … (Purple Day, 26 March)
New research shows that public understanding of epilepsy doesn’t always match with the reality faced by those living with the condition. Friday 26 March is Purple Day, the global day for epilepsy, and a chance to redress the balance. There are over 55,000 people living with epilepsy in Scotland.
In Epilepsy Action’s new poll, nearly 1,000 people affected by epilepsy were asked for the one thing they wished the public knew about the condition.
42% of those surveyed in Scotland said they wished people knew that the impact of living with epilepsy goes far beyond seizures. Side-effects of medication, memory problems and impacted mental health are just some of the things that can affect people.
A quarter (24%) of people said their biggest wish was for better awareness of the many different seizure types. Other hopes included more understanding that not all seizures are triggered by flashing lights and that epilepsy is a fluctuating condition.
However, new figures suggest much of the general public remains unaware of the ripple effect of the condition and are dismissive of how it affects people long-term.
One in four people (23%) thought that epilepsy has no impact on a person’s life, aside from having seizures. A third said that the condition does not impact on a person’s mental health.
In one revealing statement, two thirds agreed with the suggestion that people ‘just need to be more positive when living with health conditions’.
Yet, with a similar number of people (68%) saying they would be afraid to even witness someone having a seizure, the charity says this exposes a stark disconnect in understanding and compassion towards people with the condition.
Louise Cousins, director of external affairs at Epilepsy Action, said: “These new insights are stark but not surprising. The impact of living with epilepsy can take a huge toll on people’s lives, their happiness and wellbeing.
“Everyone’s experience of epilepsy is different, but it can’t be overcome just by ‘being more positive’. This attitude needs to change. Lack of knowledge and empathy feeds into fearful, harmful assumptions and people with epilepsy feeling further misunderstood and dismissed.
“By giving them a voice and encouraging conversations on Purple Day, we can really improve society’s knowledge and compassion and close the gap on this chasm of understanding.”
Yorkshire comedian Maisie Adam was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 14. She is backing the campaign: “It’s totally normal for people to have those misconceptions about epilepsy, because of the information that’s out there at the moment. So much is frustratingly simplified, Hollywood-ified, it’s very bite-sized.
“It’s just the understanding that’s important and I think that comes from both sides. It’s about us being understanding of why people have those misconceptions but just hoping that people don’t assume – that they can hold back on any assumptions until the facts have been given. Epilepsy is so different for every single person.
“Be open to that huge variation. You’ll have your misconceptions, but don’t assume.”
Epilepsy Action has released a new awareness video on YouTube to coincide with Purple Day and to promote understanding of the condition. The charity is also urging supporters to take part in virtual fundraisers and to celebrate #purpleday on social media.
Support and information for anyone affected by epilepsy are available at epilepsy.org.uk or by calling the Epilepsy Action helpline on 0808 800 5050.
To support Epilepsy Action’s Purple Day appeal and help people affected by epilepsy, visit epilepsy.org.uk/purple
After 35 years as Pirnie Headteacher Mrs Ryan is approaching her well deserved retirement!
Did you attend Pirniehall Primary over the last 35 years or are you the parent/carer of a pupil? If so please send us a message of any good wishes, memories you have of Mrs Ryan or any pictures.
Please include your name and the year you attended.
Please send a private message to Pirniehall’s Facebook page, comment or write a message and post to Pirniehall Primary School, 4 West Pilton Crescent, Edinburgh EH4 4HP.
Scottish organ donation law changes to an opt out system today (26 March 2021). This means that if you die in circumstances where you can donate, you will be considered to be a donor when you die, unless you have chosen to opt out or are in an excluded group.
Your loved ones will still be consulted about your views to ensure that donation does not proceed if you would not have wanted it to. Organ and tissue donation remains a personal decision and you have a choice.
An expert report issued today is urging the UK Government to implement an alcolock programme without delay to help reduce the number of drink drive related incidents.
Westminster’s Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) report, which IAM RoadSmart contributed to, highlights that the greater use of alcolocks will have a positive impact on road safety.
The UK’s largest independent road safety charity welcomes this latest report and the use of alcolocks – which require the driver to blow into a breath-testing instrument that is connected to the vehicle ignition system to prevent it from starting if the driver is over the limit.
Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Research said: “Worldwide, integrating technology, such as alcolocks, with rehabilitation courses, has been shown to be the most effective way to stop drink drive reoffending and reduce crashes.
“Since 2010, there have been around 240 deaths a year in Great Britain involving a driver over the legal drink driving limit and in contrast to the previous decade, no progress has been made in reducing these numbers.”
The PACTS report mirrors recent research by IAM RoadSmart of over 2,000 motorists, which reveals overwhelming support from motorists to fit alcolocks in all new cars. 90 per cent of motorists support all new cars having built-in technology that immobilises the vehicle if the driver is over the limit.
From 2022 all new cars sold in Europe will be ‘alcolock enabled’ but it is up to the Government to decide how they will be used. IAM RoadSmart has previously stated they will be a useful tool to get drink drive offenders back to safer driving after a ban.
Neil added: “The evidence is clear. Nearly all motorists want new cars fitted with alcolocks to help stop the daily carnage on UK roads from drink driving and this latest PACTS report is even further endorsement.
“Apart from the human suffering caused, previous campaigns from IAM RoadSmart have found that the personal cost of a drink drive conviction could be as high as £70,000 when considering factors such as legal fees, higher car insurance premiums, alternative transport costs and potential loss of earnings following conviction – and that’s on top of possible imprisonment, lengthy bans and substantial fines.
“In the meantime, our message is clear. It must always be None for the Road”.
Read the full findings of the PACTS ‘Locking out the drink driver – using alcohol interlocks to reduce drink driving in the UK’, here.
Scottish-based company aims to be the first to launch from Europe, delivering UK’s sovereign launch capability
Edinburgh-based rocket company, Skyrora, has received €3 million of co-funding from the European Space Agency (ESA), ensuring that the company can complete at pace the development of its rocket technology.
The funding not only represents a significant support of Skyrora’s ambitions as a pioneer in the sector but puts it on track to be the first UK company to launch satellites from Europe, delivering the UK’s sovereign space launch capability – a key Government ambition.
The funding, which is part of the ESA’s Boost! program, will be used by Skyrora to complete the crucial technology required to deliver consistent orbital launches from the UK with Skyrora’s XL launch vehicle.
Skyrora XL is a 23-meter 56-tonne three-stage rocket capable of carrying up to 315 kg into orbit. The vehicle is on course to be test-launched in 2022 from a UK spaceport.
This project plans to create over 170 high-skilled jobs in the UK.
Skyrora is ahead of any other UK launch company with its technology readiness, evidenced by four launches of its sounding rockets, static fire tests of its suborbital vehicle, and orbital third stage. Skyrora, which has its HQ in Edinburgh, has established its comprehensive rocket engine testing and manufacturing facilities in Scotland.
Volodymyr Levykin, founder and CEO of Skyrora, said: “This ESA contract will accelerate Skyrora’s progress on its journey to be the first to achieve the UK’s sovereign orbital launch.
“I am delighted that the UK Space Agency and the European Space Agency support our programme, which has, to date, delivered outstanding achievements – four successful launches, with two more ready for launch; the establishment of manufacturing and engine test facilities throughout Scotland; and the static fire test of our orbital third stage. ESA’s support, approved by the UK Space Agency through the Boost! programme will lead us to flight readiness of Skyrora XL in 2022.
“ESA’s funding will allow us to complete the set up of our larger Engine Test Complex, complete our 70kN engine programme and static fire test fire the first and second stages of Skyrora XL.
“Our pioneering work on championing environmental spaceflight, our proprietary eco-fuel and green innovations – together with the support of the European Space Agency and UK Space Agency – will help establish the UK not only as a world leader in space technology but the greenest space industry in the world too.”
Tim Peake, the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station and an Advisor to Skyrora, said: “Independent access to space is vital for the UK to realise the full potential of its space industry and this exciting announcement for Skyrora brings us a big step closer to achieving that goal.
“Skyrora is bringing innovation and growth to the space sector, whilst setting new benchmarks for reducing carbon emissions. I’m delighted that ESA has awarded Skyrora this contract to support providing a new space transportation system for Europe.”
Ivan McKee, Trade and Innovation Minister said: “This is great news for Skyrora as it takes another major step in bringing green small satellite launch capability to Scotland.
“Our aim for Scotland is to secure a slice of the $400 billion global space market by 2030, remaining committed to our climate change targets and becoming a net zero society by 2045.
“The Scottish space sector is unique in that the environment is at the forefront of our considerations. Skyrora’s use of innovative technologies like this will position Scotland as the go-to destination for sustainable space services.
“Skyrora’s engine test complex in Fife will contribute to our national mission to create new jobs, good jobs and green jobs. Developing an end-to-end space economy in Scotland will support these goals and benefit the entire country through the creation of highly skilled, green employment.”
Environmental leadership
Inspired by the UK’s historic Black Arrow programme, Skyrora is combining the UK’s engineering heritage with new technologies to enable the UK to regain its leading role in space – as a champion of environmental sustainability.
The production of Ecosene, Skyrora’s proprietary eco-fuel, will remove over 3,000 tons of unrecyclable plastic waste by 2030. Skyrora has also conducted several successful trials of Space Tug which is its solution for clearing debris and removing defunct satellites from orbit, enabling the UK to become a world leader in addressing space junk.
Skyrora’s innovations are helping to establish the UK space sector as a green industry while also opening up the utility of space to tackle climate change. Space technology contributes to the attainment of 13 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Jack-James Marlow, Head of Engineering for Skyrora, said: “ESA’s funding award will enable Skyrora to significantly accelerate the pace at which we can complete the next stages on our technological roadmap and become the first UK company to launch satellites from Europe.
“We draw huge inspiration from the British engineers who led the way on the Black Arrow programme, and we are thrilled to be advancing their pioneering work at Skyrora for the benefit of the UK.”
Amanda Solloway MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Research and Innovation, said: “The UK’s space industry is thriving and we have bold ambitions to be Europe’s leading destination for small satellite launches, developing world class commercial spaceflight capability up and down the country.
“Today’s funding for two of our most innovative space businesses is not only a step forward for UK spaceflight, but it will also help to create highly skilled jobs and local opportunities as we build back better from the pandemic.”
Ian Annett, Deputy CEO, UK Space Agency said: “This funding is great news for the UK space sector and will ensure companies such as Skyrora really are at the forefront of the European space industry.
“This support to our thriving space sector, alongside our flexible regulations and strong international agreements, means the UK is well placed to benefit from the new commercial opportunities UK launch will bring.”
With the pandemic driving interest rates into the ground, it’s only natural that people are searching for a more lucrative return on their investments.
Research by insurance and personal finance comparison experts Quotezone.co.uk reveals that 85% of those looking for landlord insurance own just one property – suggesting this is a buy-to-let investment rather than their full-time job.
The data, which covers a sample of landlord insurance quotes from 2019 to 2020, suggests redundancies and furlough has perhaps created an emerging trend of small and first-time landlords.
Although the majority of the 19,000 landlords Quotezone.co.uk sampled have owned their property for five years or more, there is a recent spike emerging, with properties owned for ‘less than 1 year’ in Scotland seeing a 14% year-on-year increase during the pandemic.
The data also showed that the average age of a landlord in the UK is 51 – these people are likely at least a decade from retirement and looking to invest their skills and savings in a more long-term asset that may offer higher returns than other investment options out there.
And with only 52% of landlords using cash to purchase during 2020, the lowest figure on record* – buy-to-let is an increasingly viable option for many UK buyers, even those with a relatively modest amount of capital to invest.
The average rent landlords can expect from their investments differs dramatically across the UK, with data from Statista revealing that Greater London has the highest average at £1,556, while the cheapest region is the North East where the average rent is just £539. The UK average is currently £832.
The best interest rate available from savings accounts currently stands at just 3%. By contrast, the average rental yield in the UK is currently 5.2%***, and buy-to-let property in some parts of the country even offers rental yields in excess of 7%.
However, there are overheads a landlord needs to consider such as a managing agent, utilities inspection reports and certificates, landlord licence (£500 every 5 years), safety equipment such as fire alarms and extinguishers and routine maintenance to the property. Landlord insurance is another vital element but by comparing policies on comparison platforms, there are competitively priced policies available.
The research also showed that the majority of tenants were employed professionals followed neck-and-neck by short-term Airbnb lets and DSS / unemployed occupants.
Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, Greg Wilson, comments: “It is interesting to see that 85% of people in our data, who class themselves as landlords, own just one property – suggesting that actually first-time landlords with other occupations could be adding this asset to their portfolio as an additional revenue stream or an alternative to pension investments.
“Covid has created a temporary shopping spree within the housing market with the government’s stamp duty holiday, however I fear this temporary boost in sales may be short-lived as the economic aftermath of the pandemic is yet to be revealed and the stamp duty holiday is due to expire at the end of next month.
“However rental properties haven’t gone untouched by the crisis with many tenants on furlough or facing redundancies and social distancing creating physical barriers to the properties making routine maintenance and repairs difficult.
“It is perhaps more important than ever to ensure landlord insurance policies are thorough, accurate and up to date so that landlords are fully protected should a claim be needed.”
Policies vary from one landlord insurer to another, but in general can cover any damage to the building caused by insurable events like fire, flood, storms, subsidence, theft and vandalism.
Landlord contents insurance, landlord liability and unoccupied property insurance can also be added as well as extra tailored features such as rent guarantee insurance, landlord home emergency cover and legal expenses.
Recommended by 97% of reviewers, Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year, with over 400 insurance brands across 60 different products
Seven new private sector jobs will be needed to create one viable job post-pandemic
Cities will lead economic bounce back but most new jobs are expected to be low-skilled and low-paid.
Government must upskill workers and encourage higher-skilled businesses to invest in cities – particularly in the North and Midlands.
New Centre for Cities’ research in partnership with HSBC UK reveals that Britain’s jobs crisis is bigger than realised as the economy will need to create almost ten million new private sector jobs just to reverse the damage done by the pandemic.
Analysis of Britain’s ‘jobs miracle’ from 2013 to 2019 – when the national economy created 2.7 million net new jobs – finds that 19.3 million private sector jobs were created during this period and 16.6 million were lost. This meant that seven new private sector jobs were needed to create one viable job.
If this pattern repeats post-Covid then 9.4 million new private sector jobs will be needed to get the 1.3 million people who lost their jobs during the pandemic working again.
After the financial crisis big cities created the vast majority of new jobs and are expected to do so again post-Covid. London created one in four of all new private sector jobs (790,300) – equal to 17 Scarboroughs, or 25 Hartlepools. Other big cities also played an outsized role: in Manchester, 152,100 new jobs were created; in Birmingham 99,100 were; and in Glasgow 40,800 were.
In total, Britain’s ten largest cities created almost half (45.6%) of jobs during the ‘jobs miracle’, despite accounting for just 3.5% of land. In contrast, smaller towns and rural areas created 36% of new jobs. These findings underline the important role that big cities will play in helping the country recover from Covid-19.
Contribution of cities and non-urban areas to job creation, 2013-19
Source: ONS, Business Structure Database (BSD)
Many of the jobs lost in the pandemic were in sectors such as hospitality and tourism. While they are expected to recover quickly once the economy reopens, with an estimated three quarters of new jobs likely to come from sectors such as these, relying on them for new jobs will not address years of poor productivity and pay stagnation, particularly outside London and the Greater South East.
After the pandemic, the productivity problem that UK cities face will need to be addressed.
To do this the Government should invest in adult education to train people for higher-paid jobs in emerging industries. It should also recognise the crucial role that cities will play in building back better from the pandemic. It should invest £5 billion in a new City Centre Productivity Fund to make struggling city centres more attractive places for high-skilled businesses to locate.
The paper’s other proposals to help the country build back better from the pandemic include reforming business rates, which in their current form are a tax on business investment, and devolving more economic powers and resources to local government – particularly England’s metro mayors.
Centre for Cities’ Chief Executive Andrew Carter said:“Britain’s biggest cities will play a central role in our recovery from the pandemic, as they did after the last economic crisis when London alone created a quarter of all new jobs.
“We must use Covid-19 as an economic reset and address many of the long-standing problems that the economy has faced in recent years such as stalled productivity and stagnant pay. To do this the Government will need to focus on investing in adult education to train people for higher paid jobs.
“Addressing these problems will be be essential if the Government hopes to attract higher-skilled businesses in emerging industries to cities and large towns in the North and Midlands and meet its levelling up objectives.
Ian Stuart, CEO, HSBC UK said:“The employment challenge ahead for the country’s economy cannot be underestimated.
“Beyond the sheer volume of new jobs required, the UK will need to create high value, export-led employment across all regions, if it is to address the age-old productivity puzzle.
“Coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic, we will only truly succeed in levelling up the country if the challenge is shared between government and the private sector with a focus on reskilling our people and attracting new business growth and international investment in the sectors where we have a real competitive advantage.”
