Michael Murray’s Psycho-Scherzo will be performed as part of the RSNO’s ‘Scotch Snaps’ series on 23 April 2021
Michael, who works as a night warden, has been composing since he was 9 and in 2017 and 2019 his work was performed at The Cumnock Tryst
At a time when hope is in the air, yet good news remains at a premium, The Cumnock Tryst are delighted to celebrate the success of local night warden and classical composer Michael Murray.
Michael, who turns 40 next month and works as a night warden for the Ayr central shopping centre, composed oboe solo Psycho Scherzo in 2019 and is over the moon that it will be performed on 23 April as part of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s (RSNO) 2021 Chamber Series.
Throughout the pandemic, the RSNO has been leading the way in presenting work in new ways for their international audiences and ‘Scotch Snaps’ is an online Chamber Music series celebrating five living Scottish composers.
Michael Murray, Composer, said:“I was both shocked and delighted when I heard that the RSNO would perform Psycho-Scherzo as one of their Scotch Snaps, and as part of this season’s Chamber Music Series in April this year.
“After all the disappointment caused by the pandemic, the cancellation of live events and in particular The Cumnock Tryst, it felt like a sign that things were looking up.”
“I have noticed during lockdown that more people have been buying my work online, which is perhaps partly due to performers having time to explore what’s out there, and potentially add to their existing repertoires. So, for me at least, there has been a sliver silver lining, although like everyone else, I can’t wait for things to return to some sort of normality and to be able to go and enjoy live music together again in the same space.”
Michael discovered a love for composing at the tender age of nine after he was gifted a guitar, and he first came to the attention of The Cumnock Tryst’s founder and award-winning composer Sir James MacMillan when he took part in a masterclass at Cumnock Academy when Michael was fifteen.
Since then (and despite his meteoric rise to classical music fame) James has kept a keen eye on Michael and his music and included his work in the Cumnock Tryst festival line up in 2017 and 2019.
Sir James MacMillan, founder of the Cumnock Tryst, said:“Myself and the whole Cumnock Tryst team are absolutely delighted for Michael and we can’t wait to tune in to Psycho-Scherzo when it is performed by the RSNO on the 23 April as part of their 2021 digital programme.
“I discovered that Michael had a passion for composing when I hosted a masterclass at his school, the same school I went to, and he has continued to impress me with his commitment to and love for it over the years.
“This is a tough time for musicians, for everyone in the arts, but hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel and I for one cannot wait to hear Michael’s pieces once again performed live.”
Culture & Business Fund Scotland COVID-19 Recovery & Renewal Strand will foster creative partnerships between the culture and commercial sectors in Scotland
An extension of the Culture & Business Fund Scotland, it opens eligibility to more culture organisations and businesses than ever before
The fund aims to foster partnerships that bring innovative reciprocal cultural, social and economic benefit in the wake of the global pandemic
How we work and live has changed, and culture organisations offer solutions to staff wellness and commercial success
Arts & Business Scotland is delighted announce the launch of a new funding strand that brings together the creativity of the culture sector (which comprises arts, heritage and creative organisations) with the business acumen of those in business and the public sector, to support all sectors in their recovery and renewal in the wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
The Culture & Business Fund Scotland COVID-19 Renewal & Recovery Strand aims to broker long lasting relationships between organisations in the commercial, public and culture sectors, with partnerships that bring more than just financial support to the table.
A continuation of the existing Culture & Business Fund Scotland (CBFS), the COVID-19 Renewal & Recovery Strand is subject to fewer regulations in terms of eligibility, meaning that more businesses, public bodies and culture organisations can apply than ever before.
In normal times, the CBFS has only supported partnerships where the business or public sector body is investing in or sponsoring arts or heritage activity within Scotland for the first time, or if it has not done so in the previous two years.
It also provided potential match-funding of business investment in or sponsorship of an arts or heritage organisation within Scotland for up to a three-year period, albeit with the CBFS providing 50% match funding against the business investment for Year Two and 25% match funding for Year Three.
The COVID-19 Recovery & Renewal Strand offers, up to, three years of 100% £ for £ match funding of between £1k – £40k and is open to all applicants, including those who have previously received CBFS funding, no matter how recently. These changes to the criteria and guidelines came into effect on 1st March 2021 and will be applicable for applications received before 31st March 2024.
The world has changed radically over the past twelve months and Arts & Business Scotland is committed not only to providing arts, culture and heritage organisations with much needed funds, but also to enabling businesses and public bodies to access the expertise, perspectives and skills that exist within arts, culture, heritage and creative organisations, that can help them on the road to covid recovery.
As we look back on a year of lockdown and consider the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on every aspect of our lives, from working from home and home-schooling, to not being able to spend time in groups, or meet new people, it is clear the landscape has and will, continue to change.
For example, with many having worked from home now for at least twelve months, the prospect of returning to the office can be daunting. There are also many who have started new roles since the pandemic began and may have yet to meet their colleagues in person.
Embracing the fresh insights and creative approaches of culture organisations, from art galleries and ensembles through to theatres and festivals, can support businesses through these transitions by opening up new ways of working to facilitate team building and staff wellbeing.
NCR and V&A. Credit: Ross Fraser McLean
The CBFS has a track record of helping businesses support and develop their people and staff. I
n 2018 the V&A Dundee secured a commitment from NCR Solutions Group through the fund to support their launch and NCR Dundee employees were given the opportunity to take part in events thanks to the partnership.
Leigh Duncan, Manager, Customer Experience Programme at NCR Financial Solutions Group, said:“In allowing us to become a sponsor for the launch event, the CBFS gave NCR’s Dundee employees the opportunity to be part of a major event within the city.
“The feedback from them has been overwhelmingly positive as they felt they were deeply involved in the launch.”
The Sligachan Hotel and SEALL Festival of Small Halls. Credit: Sara Bain
Not all businesses who have benefitted from a CBFS facilitated partnership are of the same global scale as NCR, nor the culture organisations of the same scale as the V&A, but that has not detracted from the success of these partnerships. The Sligachan Hotel and SEALL Festival of Small Halls partnered through CBFS in 2018.
Dierdre Curley, Director at The Sligachan Hotel, said: “The Isle of Skye is so often celebrated for its beauty, but we also need to keep investing in our culture, our music, our people.
“This is without a doubt a step in the right direction for Skye and its local communities, and for people in Scotland and around the world to get an idea of who we are as islanders and what we want to represent.”
You can find more examples of successful partnerships HERE
David Watt, Chief Executive of Arts & Business Scotland, said: “There can be a perception that funding initiatives pairing the commercial and culture sectors is a white knight situation, where the arts, heritage or creative organisation is rescued by a business through solely financial support. With the Culture & Business Fund Scotland Covid Recovery & Renewal Strand this isn’t, doesn’t have to be and shouldn’t be the case.
“Particularly now, after over a year of extreme uncertainty and varying degrees of isolation, businesses are looking at to how best to support staff and ensure the wellness of their workforce, and culture organisations can hold the key and provide diverse solutions.
“Informed by extensive stakeholder engagement and reflecting the impact of the pandemic on every aspect of life, the changes to the Cultural Business Fund Scotland mean more organisations and businesses are eligible than ever before and we hope to inspire the cultural and commercial sectors in Scotland to work together in building the road to covid recovery.”
Helena Ward, Creative Industries Manager at Creative Scotland, said:“This year’s strand of the Fund is a fantastic opportunity for more businesses, public sector bodies and culture organisations than ever before, to support each other in a way that impacts their success and the wellbeing of their staff.
“It has been an incredibly tough year for everyone, but now is the time for our businesses, culture sector and places of work, to collaborate on, and invest in, creativity.”
A&BS will be running a series of free online workshops to help potential applicants and beneficiaries understand how to make an application to the fund.
Those looking to receive information on these and other A&BS events, should contact: events@aandbscotland.org.uk or visit A&BS website to see all upcoming events and opportunities HERE
– Funds set to boost employability and supported education in east Scotland –
Local housebuilder Barratt Developments Scotland has pledged to support the nation’s recovery from the pandemic with a £57,500 investment in employability and education, including £20,000 for the east of Scotland.
Two Edinburgh charities which aim to bolster employability and promote a fair and inclusive education for vulnerable young people have been selected to receive a share of the funds – employability charity WorkingRite and education charity Kindred.
Alison Condie, Managing Director at Barratt Developments East Scotland, said:“Employability and education are two areas which will be vital in aiding Scotland’s recovery from the pandemic – which is why we are focusing our efforts on supporting charities carrying out this work day to day.
“It’s always been the Barratt way to give back to the communities in which we have a presence, and it’s been great to hear how the donations will help WorkingRite and Kindred support people into employment and give young people the best chance to succeed at such a challenging time.”
Employability
With redundancy levels across the UK hitting record highs, the need for new opportunities and reskilling programmes has never been greater. Barratt’s donation to WorkingRite comes at a vital time and will ensure that young people have access to potentially life changing support.
WorkingRite has a proven track record in helping individuals improve their prospects and maximise their potential by matching a young person to a small business in their local community, where they learn valuable skills ‘on-the-job’.
Barratt Developments itself is a major champion of employability. Its graduate and apprenticeship recruitment programmes have continued in spite of the pandemic, and it is currently working with the veteran community to create opportunities for those leaving the armed forces.
Sandy Campbell, Founder of WorkingRite, said:“WorkingRite greatly appreciate the generous donation from Barratt Homes. As we emerge from Covid restrictions, young people from disadvantaged backgrounds need all the help they can get to achieve a working future.
“Barratt’s donation will help make that happen – by funding the training and mentoring we provide for those of our young people who are hoping for careers in the construction trades.”
Supported education
Also receiving a donation is Kindred, a parent-led organisation that helps support children with disabilities and long-term conditions. Last year, Kindred supported hundreds of families with its services, which include a team at Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children and a community team that works across its services with parents of children with exceptional healthcare needs.
Sophie Pilgrim, Director of Kindred, said: “We are delighted to accept an amazing donation from Barratt Homes East Scotland. We support over 700 families of children with complex needs each year from across Scotland.
“Living in a safe and comfortable home has been especially important to families of children with disabilities over the last year. Kindred has supported 98 families to find the right, adapted accommodation so we are particularly pleased to be supported by a housing provider.
“Our hospital team will be moving to the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People Edinburgh and we will use the funds from Barratt to help us manage to move to our own new home! A big thank you from our staff and families.”
Responding to yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling that shop floor workers in ASDA can be compared to colleagues in distribution centres for the purposes of equal pay, GMB Scotland Organiser Robert Deavy said: “The ruling opens the door to equal pay justice for thousands of ASDA workers in Scotland and it’s a massive moment.
“ASDA has fought tooth and nail for years to deny shop floor workers, predominantly women, their proper value and this is now their fourth defeat in the courts.
“The need to accept they are wrong, that over 40,000 claimants across the UK are right, and now sit down with GMB to start a process of settling the liability for their discrimination.
“It should also be a moment to reset ASDA’s historical approach to industrial relations and move towards full collective bargaining for its employees.
“Lessons need to be learned and resistance has got ASDA nowhere. After everything these workers have given this business over the last year, their voices must be heard.”
The story is unlikely to end here, however.
An Asda spokesperson said:“This ruling relates to one stage of a complex case that is likely to take several years to reach a conclusion. We are defending these claims because the pay in our stores and distribution centres is the same for colleagues doing the same jobs regardless of their gender.
“Retail and distribution are very different sectors with their own distinct skill sets and pay rates. Asda has always paid colleagues the market rate in these sectors and we remain confident in our case.”
The company stresses that yesterday’s ruling only relates to Stage One of the Equal Value process and is not the conclusion of the case.
The second stage of the process will now consider whether store and distribution roles are of ‘equal value’. This could potentially be followed by a third stage in the process that would consider if there are any factors other than gender why the roles should not be paid equally.
Police Scotland has launched a national campaign to tackle the rising number of bike thefts taking place across the country and to raise awareness of bike security within the cycling community.
Pedal Protect officially kicked yesterday (Friday 26 March), to address the increasing trend in bike thefts, which has been experienced throughout Scotland in the past year. It will also be supported by British Transport Police.
Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and downward trend in various acquisitive crime offences, Police Scotland’s year to date figures in February 2021 showed over 4900 reports of stolen cycles were made. This is a rise of 18% from the previous year.
Often these crimes are motivated by opportunity, with those responsible taking advantage of poor or non-existent security measures in place when leaving bikes unattended, or storing them within sheds, garages and other outbuildings.
The launch of Pedal Protect took place at Fettes Police Station, where officers highlighted the significant number of lost and stolen bikes that come into police possession on a weekly basis.
In order to improve bike security officers across the country will be hosting a range of bike marking events and will publicise these on the Police Scotland social media channels.
In addition, police have been engaging with bike retailers in town and cities and many have now agreed to provide Pedal Protect and Bike Register security information leaflets to customers who purchase a new bike.
Local policing teams will also continue to gather intelligence on bike thefts taking place in their communities, and carry out appropriate enforcement action when required. The public are asked to come forward with any information relating to the theft of bikes within their communities.
Detective Superintendent Matt Paden, Police Scotland Acquisitive Crime Lead, said: “Across Scotland, cycling is a popular form of transport, as well as a recreational past-time and each year the public spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on buying bikes.
“Despite the significant sums of money people spend on a bike, the amount spent on security pales in comparison. Stealing a bike is often seen as an attractive option for those involved in acquisitive crime, as to do so is normally a quick process, with modest security measures in place, easy to overcome.”
“While bike theft typically takes place to allow thieves to make a quick sale, we now believe more expensive custom bikes are being targeted by organised crime groups so they can be resold for hefty prices, which fund their criminal operations.
“We have launched Pedal Protect because we will be conducting a range of intelligence-led activity to return stolen bikes to their rightful owners, but also to encourage all of those who currently own, or who are considering buying a bike, to invest in appropriate security.
“I would also urge anyone who has had a bike lost or stolen to regularly check in with their local policing division and provide all relevant details so we can return as many recovered bikes as possible, often cycles are recovered but no one comes forward to claim them”
Supporting the Pedal Protect campaign is record-breaking Scottish cyclist, Mark Beaumont.
Attending the launch, Mark Beaumont added: “A bike can cost anything from a couple of hundred pounds, to several thousand pounds, but no matter what you pay, the feeling you get when your bike is stolen is the same.
“It’s devastating when a valued possession is taken from you and that’s why it’s so important to make sure you take all the necessary steps to keep your own bike safe.
“I’m really happy that Police Scotland has launched Pedal Protect, because not only are they taking the investigation of any stolen bike seriously, but are working hard to educate the public on how to safeguard their bikes.
“Having been the victim of a bike theft myself, I know how much distress it causes and that’s why I would urge all cyclists to consider the security they currently have in place for their bikes and ask themselves, are these measures sufficient?
“Police Scotland will be promoting their Pedal Protect campaign on a number of channels, including social media, so I’ll be sharing their messaging on my streams too. I really hope this helps raise awareness on bike security and potentially stop any of my followers having their own bikes stolen.”
Retail trade union Usdaw has at last secured a commitment from the Scottish Government to consult on large stores closing on New Year’s Day.
The union submitted a petition to the Scottish Parliament and spent a year providing evidence to convince the Public Petitions Committee to press Ministers to make progress on a consultation.
Jamie Hepburn MSP (Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills) wrote to Usdaw yesterday (Thursday) confirming that the Scottish Government will now conduct the necessary consultation, as set out in the Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Trading (Scotland) Act 2007. However no timetable has yet been set for the consultation.
Stewart Forrest – Usdaw’s Scottish Divisional Officer says: “Confirmation that a consultation on large stores closing on New Year’s Day will now take place, after an unnecessary 14 year delay, is a step forward in our campaign to get a proper break for shopworkers over the festive period.
“We are disappointed that the Minister has not set out a timetable for the consultation and we will continue to press for further progress.
“As key workers delivering the essential service of keeping the nation fed, shopworkers deserve a decent break over the festive period. They have worked long hours in difficult circumstances throughout the pandemic, faced unprecedented levels of abuse and worried every working day about catching the virus and taking it home to their families.
“The very least that key workers in retail can expect is that the Scottish Government shows their appreciation for the essential work they’ve done throughout this appalling pandemic by progressing the call for a proper festive break.
“However this is not just a campaign for the pandemic, our members have for many years demanded a proper break after the extremely busy and stressful shopping period in the run-up to Christmas. 98% say that large stores should be closed and only 4% are happy to work on New Year’s Day or 2 January. Hogmanay and New Year is a special holiday, but this is not reflected in the experience of many retail workers, with three-quarters saying they spend too little time with friends and family.
“On behalf of Scotland’s retail workers we are urging the Scottish Government to open the consultation as soon as possible, so that the necessary legislative processes can be completed in time for 1 January 2022.”
Near doubling in the number of pupils with additional support needs since 2012
Decline in the number of specialist ASN teachers by 578 since 2012
500 per cent increase in those with mental health problems
An alliance of leading providers of children’s services, the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), has called for greater resourcing to support children and young people with additional support needs (ASN), both during and after the Covid-19 crisis.
The call comes as new figures out today (23rd March 2021) from the annual Scottish Government pupil census, reveal that while the number of specialist ASN teachers has slumped to a record low, the number of those pupils with ASN has escalated dramatically.
Between 2012 and 2020 the number of full-time equivalent ASN teachers (publicly funded primary, secondary, special and centrally employed) has fallen from 3,389 to 2,811, a decrease of 578 teachers (17%).
This fall is against the background of an overall increase by 92.2 per cent since 2012 in the number of pupils identified with ASN, from 118,034 to 226,838 in 2020,representing just under a third of all pupils (32.3 per cent).
The number of those with autism spectrum disorder has increased by over 150 per cent (from 8,650 to 21,820) between 2012 and 2020, those with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties by over 125 per cent (from 23,485 to 52,921) and those with mental health problems by 500 per cent (from 1,254 to 7,524).
Against a background of a per pupil cut in spending and in specialist support, the SCSC has called for greater resourcing from both the Scottish Government and local authorities to ensure that those with ASN in Scotland’s schools, who disproportionately come from lower income families and areas of deprivation, are getting the care and support that they need.
The coalition has also raised concerns about the effectiveness of a presumption of mainstreaming, meaning that all pupils are educated in a mainstream educational environment unless exceptional circumstances apply.
A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “It is vital that those with ASN get the care and support they need, especially during and as we come out of the current Covid-19 crisis.
“This is also key if we are to genuinely close the educational attainment gap as we know that those with ASN disproportionately come from lower income families and areas of deprivation. Such a situation is clearly challenging in an environment of austerity and evidence of cuts in spending per pupil with ASN and in the number of specialist teachers supporting this group.
“While we also support the presumption of mainstreaming, which means that all children and young people are educated in a mainstream educational environment unless exceptional circumstances apply, it is clearly difficult to see how this is functioning properly for all those with ASN given this fall in specialist support and increase in the number of those identified with conditions such as autism and mental health problems.
“The Scottish Government and local authorities need to work together to provide the necessary resourcing to address the needs of those children and young people with ASN, who represent some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society. “
– Includes an Easter Egg Hunt Kit, Chick & Bunny Marshmallows, Milk Chocolate Micro Eggs, ingredients for making cornflakes cakes and more –
– The new limited-edition food box is available to order online now, and the price includes next day delivery –
Calling all chocoholics! Morrisons has launched a new Easter Treat Box to help customers hop into the spirit of the spring celebration.
Priced at £22 including next day or nominated day delivery, the limited-edition box has everything customers need to celebrate Easter at home with the kids or makes the perfect surprise gift for a loved one.
It includes an Easter egg hunt kit, additional solid milk chocolate eggs, a classic milk chocolate bunny and even Easter chick themed bags for hours of happy hunting entertainment.
For those who like to get creative in the kitchen, Morrisons Easter Treat Box also contains all the ingredients to make classic Chocolate Easter Nests including cornflakes, milk cooking chocolate, pastel fairy paper cases and chick & bunny-shaped marshmallows or milk chocolate micro eggs for toppings.
Aidan Buckley, Food Boxes and Eat Fresh Director at Morrisons said: “Whether our customers are celebrating at home with family or sending gifts to loved ones, we created the Easter Treat Box to make it even easier for everyone to enjoy the spring festivities, and all delivered, hassle-free, right to their doorstep.”
People living in Lothian can now access a new website dedicated to helping them manage their own wellbeing and mental health and get information on available support and services.
The Wellbeing Lothian website (wellbeinglothian.scot) has been designed by an expert team of NHS Lothian psychologists and practitioners. It aims to help people navigate the range of online self-help advice by providing a hub of trusted information and resources, which are known to be effective.
Dr Belinda Hacking, Director of Psychology NHS Lothian and Consultant Clinical Psychologist explained: “The pandemic has been a source of worry and anxiety for most people. During these difficult times it’s vital that we take positive steps to look after ourselves. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and managing our wellbeing is a really good place to start.”
The website hosts a wide range of self-help resources on topics from managing weight and sleep to dealing with stress and anxiety. It also offers information on how to access online courses such as computerised Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for those who are interested in learning more about these techniques. All the resources are free.
Dr. Donna Gilroy, Consultant Clinical Psychologist for NHS Lothian who coordinated the development of the website said: “We know people use different things at different times to improve their mental health. That’s why we’ve created a resource people can access when they need and where they feel comfortable.
“You can search the website for support on different things, such as improving your mood or coping after a break-up and find out more about normal reactions to these situations, which can help to reassure people. You can also choose whether you want to learn, assess, manage or get support about an issue or condition.”
Wellbeing Lothian was designed with support from Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnerships. It includes a section with links to relevant services and organisations in each regional area and beyond.
Dr Belinda Hacking added: “It was important we designed a credible website based on what we know works well. That’s why you’ll find bite size video and audio clips from health professionals and service users, as well as easy read guides and tutorials.
“We hope it will be a valuable resource for people, particularly during lockdown, and we encourage everyone to explore it.”
Scottish Conservative Edinburgh Southern candidate, Miles Briggs, said: “Wellbeing Lothian is an excellent initiative to provide practical mental health tools for people who are struggling.
“The past year has been incredibly tough, with the stress and uncertainty of Covid-19 being bad for many people’s mental health.
“This website is not a solution for the mental health challenges we are facing in Scotland, but part of the solution, providing access to resources for supporting people to maintain good mental health.”
Anyone can access the website online at wellbeinglothian.scot.
The resources will be reviewed regularly and updated to address people’s feedback and needs.
The next meeting of the Inverleith Neighbourhood Network will be on Wednesday 31st March from 6 – 8pm.
Agenda is below:
Minute of meeting – 210120
Role of Chair / Rep of the NN
Communications within NN
Inverleith NN Greenspace priority – how do we take this forward and are there any other local priorities to be considered.
Revised LIP (Locality Improvement Plan) priorities – update from LCPP (Local Community Planning Partnership)
Poverty Commission – update from LCPP
The meeting will take place online using Microsoft Teams.
Joan Beattie, Inverleith community representative on the North West Locality Community Planning Partnership ( LCPP), said: “Our Neighbourhood Network is having a Team’s meeting on 31st March starting at 6pm to discuss among other things how to take forward our priority ‘MAKING THE MOST OF OUR GREEN SPACES’.
“This was chosen as our priority in the last meeting before Covid restrictions but has proved to be even more important given the use of our green spaces over the last year.
“I would really like to hear all of your views on this to feed into the next LCPP meeting and to let you know how I think it could be linked to the Local Improvement Plan.
I really hope you are all able to make the meeting but if that’s not, please pass on your ideas.”
For further information contact:
Elaine Lennon
North West Lifelong Learning Development Officer, City of Edinburgh Council
