We’re looking forward to attending this free #FamilyHistory Fair hosted by our friends at @natlibscot on Monday 28 October.
Join us and representatives from many other archives to learn how our collections and services can help your research https://nls.uk/whats-on/family-history-fair/
Retail trade union Usdaw has a delegation of members, reps and officials attending the annual Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) Women’s Conference in Glasgow on 23 and 24 October.
Usdaw is seeking to address the under-representation of women in policy and decision making, along with more support for women carers.
Ruth Cross – Usdaw equalities officer says: “Women remain under-represented in political spaces, in peace processes and in all of Scotland’s democratic bodies.
“There are multiple barriers to women accessing politics, particularly Black women, disabled women and LGBT+ women. Women make up 52% of the Scottish population and should be equally represented in our democratic bodies and our movement, but gender parity is far from becoming a reality. Women hold 37% of seats in the Scottish Parliament, 24% of seats in local council chambers and only 36% of public board places. Women are under-represented in politics.
“There are welcome examples of positive progress for women’s representation in Scotland in recent years, but we need to guard against regression and take bold action to make sure progress is sustained in the future. Sexism, misogyny and violence violate women’s right to participate equally in political and public life. Attacks on women in public life are also increasing and more women are withdrawing from public life as a result.
“Evidence shows women bring lived experience to political decision making, resulting in decisions that address violence, human rights abuses and promote more equal access to resources and services. Increased representation for women in politics has a positive impact on both gender equality issues and social policy more broadly. We need to fully integrate women into all our political and union structures and address our specific policy concerns.
“Usdaw is asking conference delegates to support our call on the STUC Women’s Committee to press the STUC and Scottish Government, local authorities, public bodies and political parties to take all steps to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all women and to continue to be vigilant about ensuring women are accurately represented in every aspect of public and political life.”
Paddy Lillis – Usdaw general secretary says: “There is evidence that providing care impacts on almost every aspect of women’s daily lives, decision making and financial circumstances.
“In Scotland, over half of women carers have said that their physical health has been negatively affected as a result of their caring role and a shocking 81% feel stressed or anxious because of their role. Yet their care responsibilities and the effort required to make themselves available to do their jobs is frequently invisible to or ignored by employers.
“The recent scandal surrounding the recovery of overpaid Carer’s Allowance has brought to light the systemic way in which social security is failing carers, although we are pleased that our new Labour Government has moved swiftly by setting up a review to address issues faced by carers.
“The problems with Carer’s Allowance are replicated in the relatively new Carer Payment which is being rolled out in Scotland. “As it currently stands, Carer’s Allowance is deepening women’s poverty and contributing to their ongoing inequality. The processes currently in place to rectify overpayments cause lasting harm and distress.
“Due to this lack of recognition and support, women carers are often compelled to reduce hours of work, take unpaid or sick leave or give up work altogether. This has a knock-on effect on income, resulting in a higher poverty rate for carers than those without a caring role.”
Usdaw is calling on the Scottish Government to:
BOOK WEEK SCOTLAND: 18 – 24 NOVEMBER 2024
Without stories, there is no hope. That’s why ‘hope’ is the perfect theme for this year’s Book Week Scotland (18 – 24 November), and the inspiration behind our new edition of Scotland’s Stories.
Comprised of original stories written by the people of Scotland, over 60,000 copies of our new book, Hope. will be sent to every corner of the country.
Look out for your free copy of Hope this November, and explore the Book Week Scotland programme anytime.
https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/book-week-scotland
Editor’s Note: Delighted to announce that I have a story, Hope and Consolation, included in this year’s selection!
We’re exited to announce that the 2023-24 Edinburgh Women’s Aid Impact Report is now live!
Read about our impact, along with the past year of events, campaigns and milestones:
PENSIONERS at Scotland’s most luxurious care home were treated to a Hawaiian-themed charity party, packed with entertainment, delicious food, and prizes.
Building on the success of last year’s party, the Cramond Residence’s Lifestyle Team created another fun-filled day for residents and their families to enjoy, with all proceeds going to Age Scotland with this year seeing £551 raised.
The annual party has become a firm favourite with residents and their families with each year offering a unique theme for all to enjoy.
Elaine Vallance, Head of the Lifestyle Team at Cramond Residence, said: “This is an event we’ve been running for a few years now and it’s always an exciting time for staff and residents at the home and every year we are looking to see how we can improve upon the last.
“This year we decided we wanted to host a Hawaiian-themed party, and it was incredibly rewarding to see that this was a hit with the residents.
“The Fete is a great opportunity for residents and their families to come together, enjoy good food and music in a safe and relaxed environment.”
Residents enjoyed a day full of Hawaiian BBQ food, live music, various shows, balloon modelling, a raffle, and a tombola.
Elaine said: “We’ve got an exceptional team here who work very hard to create a range of activities and events for the residents to ensure that we are constantly bringing them activities that bring them joy.
“I’d like to thank everyone who was involved with this year’s Fete both in my team and those who attended, it was another incredible day at Cramond Residence and we’re already looking forward to seeing how we can make this even better next year.”
The Hawaiian BBQ menu included BBQ chicken tenders, beef and veggie burgers with BBQ sauce, Hawaiian chicken with mango and avocado slaw, Lomi Lomi (smoked salmon), Hawaiian pizza, and grilled pineapple slices with a selection of salads and dressings.
The raffle offered exciting prizes including a £250 Virgin experience voucher, a £75 John Lewis voucher, and afternoon tea for two at Harvey Nichols.
Cramond Residence prioritises the residents’ needs and offers a tailored activity programme that combines a luxury hotel ambiance with the comfort of home living.
The residence was purpose-built for £8m and opened in October 2018, adopting a small-group living philosophy with a major emphasis on socialisation.
Cramond Residence offers a wide variety of dementia care services within the general home environment or in a specialist area carefully designed for those at a more advanced stage.
The home provides a range of activities specially designed to give those living with dementia a richer and more satisfying life, with specialist facilities and trained staff on hand to provide support and relief.
To find out more about Cramond Residence, please visit:
Edinburgh Multicultural Festival goes on tour! This fall we will be visiting libraries in the Edinburgh North neighbourhoods with our featured artists.
This Saturday, 26 October, Muirhouse Library will be hosting Morgan Njobo who will bring a South African flavour to your day with his signature signing and drumming performance and workshop.
Morgan Njobo, Edinburgh Multicultural Festival director, is a versatile artist, a singer, composer, musician, choreographer, dancer, director and producer known for traditional and modern African and World Music performances and productions. Morgan has worked with many communities across Edinburgh hosting vocal, music and dance workshops across the city.
This event is free but ticketed, so make sure you register with us ahead of the event at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/edmcf/t-vvaxqkg
The City of Edinburgh Council is asking tenants to give their feedback on how it invests in Council homes, neighbourhoods, and services.
With just six weeks to go until this year’s consultation closes on Friday 29 November, tenants across the capital are being reminded to share their views on how they’d like their rent to be spent.
In February this year, councillors agreed to increase rent by 7% every year, for five years, starting in April 2024. The longer-term strategy gives tenants more certainty about the rent they pay and helps the Council better plan spending to improve homes and services.
The Council also introduced the Tenant Hardship Fund which offers financial assistance for tenants struggling to make rent payments. This year, the fund was increased to a maximum award of two fortnightly rent charges per tenant per year.
Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Jane Meagher said: “We’re determined to provide a better service to our tenants, improve their homes, and build more places for people to live because everyone deserves a suitable and affordable place to call home.
“That’s why we want to make sure as many people as possible have the opportunity to share their views on how we spend and invest in their homes, neighbourhoods, and services. I’d urge every tenant to visit our website and share their priorities for how they’d like their rent to be spent.
“I also want tenants and residents’ groups to know that they can come to us if they’re worried about being able to pay their rent or have already missed payments.”
Find out more and share your views here at the consultation hub.
Tenants who are struggling to pay rent can speak to their housing officer or contact tenanthardshipfund@edinburgh.gov.uk.
A concerning number of adults in Scotland risk leaving grieving loved ones without access to cherished memories and vital information by neglecting to plan for their digital legacy, a new survey by Will Aid shows.
The national Will-writing campaign has revealed 44% of respondents in Scotland overlooked the critical need to include digital assets in estate planning – meaning friends and family may face significant challenges in the event of their death, including the loss of treasured photographs, and difficulties in managing financial affairs.
As the world becomes increasingly digital, our online lives leave behind an important, but often overlooked, legacy.
The rise of digital banking, cloud storage, and the prevalence of social media means that a person’s online presence and assets can be just as valuable – if not more so – than their physical belongings. Yet, many individuals fail to consider this when preparing their Will, so sorting out the deceased’s estate becomes a more complicated task than it needs to be, adding stress to an already difficult time.
Michael Cressey, from Hadfield Bull and Bull Solicitors, said: “In an age where so much of our lives are online, ensuring loved ones have access to your digital accounts after you die is crucial.
“Many people do not realise how much valuable information is stored in their email and online profiles – from financial records to cherished photographs. Failing to leave clear instructions and passwords can cause significant emotional and logistical hardship for those left behind.
“Leaving instructions for digital assets in a safe way not only ensures access to important assets but can also help loved ones manage practical matters such as closing accounts, settling bills, and even notifying institutions of the death. There are ways that you can update your online accounts with Apple iPhone by using the ‘legacy’ function in your phone settings, which will help you plan for the future.”
The annual Will Aid campaign sees solicitors across the UK volunteering their time to write Wills throughout November, making it an ideal opportunity for people to get their wishes professionally drafted in a legal document, which will help to protect their loved ones in the future.
Peter de Vena Franks, Will Aid Campaign Director, said: “By planning ahead, individuals can help ensure their online legacy is managed according to their wishes, and spare their loved ones from additional stress.
“This year’s Will Aid campaign is the ideal time to talk to a solicitor, and ensure their wishes are clearly documented, giving them peace of mind that their loved ones will be spared additional upset and stress in the event of their death.”
Will Aid is a partnership between the legal profession and seven of the UK’s best-loved charities.
The initiative, which has been running for more than 30 years, sees participating solicitors waive their fee for writing basic Wills every November.
Instead, they invite clients to make an upfront donation to Will Aid – a suggested £100 for a single basic Will and £180 for a pair of basic ‘mirror’ Wills.
Appointments are available now, and you can sign up by visiting www.willaid.org.uk
Donations to the campaign are shared by Will Aid’s partner charities, which operate both here in the UK and around the world.
For more information on Will Aid and how to get involved visit www.willaid.org.uk
Specially trained Public Order Officers will again be deployed during Bonfire Night to protect local policing teams from attack.
As part of Police Scotland’s Operation Moonbeam, existing resources across Scotland can be supplemented with public order officers whenever they respond to fireworks offences taking place.
Since Operation Moonbeam was first launched in 2018, the number of criminal incidents involving fireworks has decreased. However, last year officers responding to reports of disorder and antisocial behaviour in certain parts of the country were subjected to unprecedented levels of aggression and violence.
In total, 62 officers sustained a range of injuries after being struck by, or in proximity of, a firework that was thrown towards them.
This year’s Operation Moonbeam was launched at a joint event in Glasgow Green, alongside Crimestoppers and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, who both launched their own initiatives aimed at deterring the criminal and reckless use of fireworks.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “What we saw last year was an unacceptable level of hostility and violence, which was primarily directed at police officers and, for the most, was instigated by adults linked to organised crime, who provided young people with fireworks and other weapons and encouraged them to attack officers.
“This horrific behaviour jeopardised the safety and wellbeing of those who were trying to keep communities safe. Significant investigation was undertaken in the weeks and months that followed and numerous people were charged in connection with these incidents.
“I want to make it clear that those responsible for endangering the lives of police officers, other emergency service workers, or members of the public will be identified, and they will be brought to justice. In the event you avoid being caught on the night, you can expect a visit from us once we have conducted our inquiries.
“I would ask the public to work alongside us in helping make Bonfire Night a safe and enjoyable occasion and to report any criminality you witness, or any suspicions you may have that others are seeking to do harm within our communities.”
The latest edition of the Amazon Economic Impact Report is released today, and the figures show that since 2010, Amazon has invested more than £3.5 billion in Scotland. The figures are taken from the latest Amazon Economic Impact Hub, which details the investments made by Amazon across the UK since 2010.
The 2024 Amazon UK Economic Impact Hub features data on the number of jobs Amazon has created regionally and the level of the company’s economic activity supported by its investments. The figures also show the number of local, independent SMEs supported by Amazon and the export sales achieved by businesses who sell products on Amazon.
The 2024 Amazon Economic Impact Report reveals:
Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “We’re passionate about supporting the regional economy and the wider Scottish community through investments, job creation, charity donations and volunteering.
“Amazon continues to make a positive impact, including upskilling our employees and helping small businesses in our community reach new heights.
“While we continue to invest in the regional economy, we’re also stepping up our support of community organisations in Dunfermline.
“In 2024, our team has supported a wide range of organisations including Scot Baby Box Appeal, Lochgelly High School and CHAS through employee volunteering, product donations and financial support.
“We’re excited to continue supporting good causes over the coming months while we deliver for customers, sellers and communities.”
More details about Amazon’s economic impact in the UK can be found here – https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/company-news/amazon-economic-impact-uk-tax-contributions-investments
