Today is the start of #NationalGriefAwarenessWeek 2024!
At such a difficult time of year the aim of this week is to help those grieving to know they are supported.
We show the bereaved where to turn for Help and Hope and open conversations around death and dying.
Please share our posters, tag The Good Grief Trust and use our hashtags, #NationalGriefAwarenessWeek
A new analysis of the latest official data from the Environment Agency has uncovered widespread river pollution linked to toxic neonicotinoid pesticides (neonics), known for their harmful effects on bees.
The data suggests a slight increase in the proportion of rivers affected over the past two years. These findings emerge as the government considers granting a controversial ‘emergency’ authorisation for the use of a banned bee-killing pesticide on sugar beet crops.
The analysis from the Rivers Trust and Wildlife and Countryside Link showed that:
Two pesticides, Clothianidin and Imidacloprid, are by far the most prevalent neonics (both found at 29 of 45 river sites tested between 2020-2024 – 64.4%).
Clothianidin is a neonicotinoid in its own right but is also a breakdown product of Thiamethoxam – the banned pesticide permitted for ‘emergency use’ by the sugar industry for the last 4 years by the previous Conservative Government.
Imidacloprid is banned for use on crops but is still used in tick and flea treatments, with pet and livestock use the likely main cause of Imidacloprid pollution in our rivers.
Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, said: “The extensive presence of potent pesticides in rivers is another smoking gun in the hands of intensive agriculture and the decline of nature.
“The Labour Party has pledged to end emergency authorisations of the use of banned neonicotinoid pesticides and to halve the risk of pesticide pollution by 2030. The sugar industry has again applied for emergency authorisation to use Cruiser SB coated sugar beet seeds and if approved this would make the 5th year in a row of ‘emergency’ use of neonicotinoids.
!The Government must surely deny the request and redouble farming reforms to offer generous support for farmers who cut right down on chemical use.”
Barnaby Coupe, senior land use policy manager at the Wildlife Trusts, said: “The UK Government’s pledge to end the emergency use of these bee-killing pesticides must be signed into law.
“Pollinating insects like bees are the foundation of a healthy ecosystem and essential for pollinating crops. These chemicals are banned because they are extremely harmful for soils, water, wildlife and human health.
“The evidence is clear that the environmental risks from neonicotinoids are far too great – there is no place in modern society for them to be used.”
Dr Rob Collins, Director of Policy and Science at the Rivers Trust, said: “The widespread presence of neonicotinoid pesticides in rivers raises alarm bells for the health of our freshwater ecosystems and contributes to the huge cocktail of chemicals afflicting rivers, derived from agriculture, industry, transport and our homes and businesses.
“We need to see greater resources made available to monitor chemicals in the environment and systemic change that delivers a much more sustainable approach to their use, right across society.”
In its election manifesto the Labour Party pledged to end emergency authorisations of the use of banned neonicotinoid pesticides. Yet British Sugar, which has a monopoly on the UK sugar industry, has again applied for emergency authorisation to use Cruiser SB coated sugar beet seeds, and the Government has yet to confirm whether it will deny the request.
If approved this would make the 5th year in a row ‘emergency’ use of neonicotinoids is approved on sugar beet crops.
Cruiser SB is based on the pesticide Thiamethoxam. Not only is the neonicotinoid pesticide Thiamethoxam highly toxic to bees (with one teaspoonful of such neonicotinoids able to kill 1.25 billion bees) there are also many farmers who recognise we should be moving away from its use.
With 40% of sugar farmers choosing not to use this product even when it is authorised, demonstrating farmers are deciding their crops and yields can cope without banned pesticides.
There is also massive public opposition to the emergency authorisations of neonicotinoids for use by the sugar industry. Multiple environment charities have had huge responses to petitions about neonicotinoids.
A current petition from Greenpeace alone is running at 1.6 million signatures, with members of the public encouraged to sign the petition ahead of it being handed in to Government imminently:
https://action.greenpeace.org.uk/ban-bee-killing-pesticides
Dr Doug Parr, Policy Director at Greenpeace UK, said: “Scientists are clear that neonicotinoids are killing bees and other pollinators while threatening our nature and food security.
“We now have worrying new findings about these pesticides polluting our waterways and harming the life in our rivers.
“Before the election Labour pledged to stop further use of bee poisons and, with the public overwhelmingly in support, they simply must stand by their promises.
“Now Labour are in the hot seat of government they can take the initiative by supporting farmers to transition away from these chemicals, backing essential clean food production and ensuring that nature can recover.”
Paul de Zylva, senior sustainability analyst at Friends of the Earth, said: “Our rivers and freshwaters are under assault from pesticides, which are too often overlooked as pollutants.
“Pesticide firms and the intensive farm industry claim that banning harmful pesticides would cause crop failures and job losses, but this simply hasn’t happened.
“Nutritious, plentiful food can be grown without relying on quick-fix chemicals that clearly harm the nation’s soils and wildlife.
“That’s why Labour must stick to its pledge to end the use of these unnecessary and highly damaging pesticides, and ensure its independent water review fully addresses pollution from industrial and agricultural chemicals.”
Josie Cohen, Head of Policy and Campaigns, Pesticide Action Network UK, said: “The previous UK Government banned neonics in 2018 because of the harms they cause to pollinators.
“When in opposition, Labour were very supportive of the ban and criticised the Conservatives harshly for repeatedly granting emergency permissions for sugar beat. Despite all their warm words about restoring nature, it now seems possible that our new Government will follow their predecessors’ leads in allowing an emergency authorisation which prioritises corporate interests over the environment.
“If Labour want voters to believe they are serious about protecting nature then they must end the use of all neonics in any circumstances.”
Amy Fairman, Head of Campaigns, River Action said: “There’s a toxic cocktail of pollutants stirring in our rivers with pesticides a dangerous part of the mix.
“We need to ensure that the agricultural, chemical and sewage contamination dirtying our rivers, lakes and seas is taken off the menu for good. And that can only be achieved by much tougher legislation, regulation, and enforcement to make sure polluting doesn’t pay!
“Tens of thousands of people and over 140 organisations joined us in flooding the streets on 3 November on the March for Clean Water disgusted at the state of our rivers and seas. The Government must heed the public outrage on this issue and deliver on its promises to turn the tide on the state of our waters.”
Environmental charities are urging the Government to:
Take a stroll through the proud and inspiring 75-year history of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as it celebrates this special landmark with a free gallery installation at St Andrew Square, opposite the Edinburgh Tram stop.
From Monday 2 December to Monday 16 December, locals and visitors to the capital alike will be able to take a step back in time to immerse in the rich history and evolution of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, from its inception in 1950 to its current status as one of the world’s leading immersive events.
The timeline showcases the heritage and heroes of the Edinburgh Tattoo, bringing together the best of British Military with international performances from a global cast.
Tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s 75th anniversary Show are now on sale and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188. The Show will run from 1-23 August 2025.
Edinburgh’s Christmas has announced multi-award winning actor Alan Cumming and author of bestselling book The Girl on the Train Paula Hawkins will join book lovers Val McDermid and Nicola Sturgeon for a special festive edition of their in-conversation event, In The Company of Books.
This special edition of In The Company of Books reunites friends and book lovers Val and Nicola to discuss all things literary, following a number of sold-out, acclaimed in-conversation events across the UK in recent years.
Special guests Alan Cumming and Paula Hawkins will join Val and Nicola to explore the joys of reading alongside a few glasses of mulled wine and a lot of festive cheer.
Alan Cumming is the BAFTA Award, Emmy Award, Tony Award, and Olivier Award winning star of stage and screen known for Cabaret on Broadway (1994), Macbeth (2013), GoldenEye (1995), Nightcrawler in X2 (2003), the CBS series The Good Wife (2010–2016) and as host of the Peacock reality game show The Traitors. Plus, the Scottish star was recently announced as Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
Paula Hawkins is the author of The Girl on the Train which became a global phenomenon, selling over 23 million copies. Published in over fifty languages, it was a No.1 bestseller around the world and a box-office-hit film starring Emily Blunt. Paula’s most recent thrillers, Into the Water and A Slow Fire Burning, were also instant No.1 bestsellers with her new thriller, The Blue Hour, published to acclaim earlier in the year.
Alan Cumming said: “Val and Nicola are both huge inspirations to me, and I can’t wait to share a stage to talk about our shared passion for books.”
Paula Hawkins said: “There are few things I like more than a trawl through someone’s bookshelves, so I’m looking forward to having a good chat with Val and Nicola about the books we’ve loved and been inspired by over the years.”
Val McDermid has sold over 19 million books to date across the globe and has been translated into more than 40 languages. She is perhaps best known for her Wire in the Blood series featuring clinical psychologist Dr Tony Hill and DCI Carol Jordan andis the recipient of six honorary doctorates and an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda’s College, Oxford.
Nicola Sturgeon is the MSP for Glasgow Southside constituency, and the former First Minister of Scotland – the longest-serving and first woman First Minister.
In The Company of Books joins a stellar line-up of performances taking place at Assembly Hall as part of Edinburgh’s Christmas this year.
These include the award-winning, critically acclaimed burlesque and drag parody show Swamplesque, brilliantly funny stand-up comedy from Jason Byrne in Jason Byrne: No Show; plus fun for all the family at the enchanting and inspiring children’s show The Bubble Show.
For further information and to buy tickets, please go to edinburgh-christmas.com.
Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions are open daily except Christmas Day, with varying opening dates and times available at the official website.
POLICE are are appealing for help to trace Gary Coyle, 65, who has been reported missing from Corstorphine.
Gary was last seen around 9.20am on Saturday, 30 November in the Parkgrove area.
He is described as around 5ft 4, of slim build and has long thinning grey hair. It is not known what clothing he is wearing.
Inspector Alison Lawrie said: “Concerns are growing for Gary’s welfare. I am appealing to anyone who might have seen him, knows where he may be, or if Gary himself sees this appeal, to please get in touch with officers.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 3163 of Sunday, 1 December 2024.
International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds will attend a humanitarian conference in Cairo today [Monday 2 December], meeting with international partners, to discuss how to urgently alleviate suffering in Gaza, as part of a three-day visit to the region.
The Minister will announce £19 million of funding for Gaza, including £12 million in funding to the United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and World Food Programme (WFP).
The UK has now committed £99 million to the OPTs this financial year, providing vital services to civilians in Gaza and the West Bank delivered through partner agencies. The UK’s humanitarian programme in Gaza has meant half a million people have received essential healthcare. 284,000 people have improved access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.
To demonstrate the UK’s ongoing commitment to achieving stability in the region and to discuss how to improve economic stability for all Palestinians, Minister Dodds will then travel to the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel.
The Minister will see first-hand the vital work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) at a refugee camp in the West Bank. She will also highlight the £7m of new UK funding that will go to UNRWA’s Flash Humanitarian Appeal for Gaza. It will support the international response to deliver essential services such as food, shelter and healthcare as winter conditions add to the already dire humanitarian situation.
To underline UK support for the Palestinian Authority and their essential political and economic reform agenda, the Minister will meet with Palestinian Prime Minister, H.E. Dr. Mohammad Mustafa, and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, H.E. Dr. Wael Zakout.
Development Minister Anneliese Dodds said: “The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. Gazans are in desperate need of food, and shelter with the onset of winter. The Cairo conference will be an opportunity to get leading voices in one room and put forward real-world solutions to the humanitarian crisis.
“The UK is committed to supporting the region’s most vulnerable communities, pledging additional funding for UNRWA, and to supporting the Palestinian Authority reforms.
“Israel must immediately act to ensure unimpeded aid access to Gaza. I will meet counterparts both in Israel and the OPTs to discuss the need to remove these impediments, bring about a ceasefire, free the hostages and find a lasting solution to the conflict.”
The Minister will also confirm the UK has provided £6 million each to the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the Office for Coordinated Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) pooled humanitarian fund. This has gone towards lifesaving health, food, water, sanitation and protection services for Palestinians.
This year the UK contribution to WFP will enable it to procure 4,465 metric tons of fortified wheat flour, sufficient to cover the needs of more than 451,000 severely food insecure people across Gaza for one month.
Whilst in the OPTs, the Minister will also visit a community in Area C of the West Bank that is subject to settler violence and is at risk of demolition and displacement.
Minister Dodds will then arrive in Israel, holding meetings with Israeli representatives. She will call on Israel to remove impediments to getting aid into Gaza and discuss finding a lasting resolution to the conflict.
The Minister will also meet the families of UK and UK-linked hostages in Israel and will reiterate that the UK continues to exercise every possible diplomatic lever to see the hostages immediately and unconditionally released.
Concluding the visit, the Minister will highlight that it is in the long-term interests of the Israelis, Palestinians and the wider region to agree to a ceasefire deal urgently and bring this devastating conflict to an end.
Dobbies Garden Centres is marking the official start of the 2024 festive season with its delivery of 50,000 real Christmas trees, available at Edinburgh and other stores across the UK now.
With a wide selection of 1-9ft trees to choose from, including pot-grown and freshly cut varieties, customers will be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding their perfect real Christmas tree, and can take one home for as little as £20.
Dobbies’ pot-grown range includes the Nordmann Fir, Blue Spruce, Serbian Spruce, Noble Fir and Norway Spruce. Freshly cut trees are available in Nordmann Fir and Fraser Fir varieties, with slim options available to suit smaller spaces.
All of Dobbies’ real Christmas trees are sustainably grown in partnership with real tree grower, Needlefresh, in environmentally managed fields across Scotland.
Each tree is grown from specially selected seeds at the Needlefresh farms, taken from hand-picked cones which have been left to dry and nurtured into seedlings.
Specialist pruning techniques are used to create a bushy, uniform shape with emphasis on each individual tree’s features, and the work is done by hand to keep any impact on surrounding wildlife to a minimum.
Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton talks through some tips on what to look out for where choosing your real Christmas tree, and how to keep it looking its best for longer.
Nigel says: “Before you come to Dobbies to pick your real tree, make sure to measure the height, depth and width of your ideal Christmas tree space, and bring a tape measure to the store to double check the dimensions.
“However, don’t worry if your tree is a little too big when you get it home as you can always trim it to fit the space.
“Once you get your tree home, keep it outside in a sheltered area, cut 1 inch off the base of the trunk and stand in a bucket of water until you are ready to bring it indoors – this will help reduce needle drop.
“Once you bring your tree inside, position it in its water holding stand and ensure the water reservoir is topped up on a regular basis to make it last throughout the season. Ideally, you’ll want to position your tree away from any radiators or heat sources as this can cause the needles to dry out faster.”
For more advice, and to explore Dobbies’ range of Christmas trees for 2024, visit www.dobbies.com
A NATIONAL campaign is championing inclusive swimming across Scotland by breaking down barriers and creating multiple pathways into the sport.
The team behind the Learn to Swim National Framework, have launched the annual ‘See My Ability’ campaign which sets out to highlight that swimming is for everyone and aims to break down barriers for individuals with disabilities.
This year the campaign is celebrating Edinburgh based former para-swimmer and swim teacher Scott Quin, a Paralympic silver medallist and inspiring advocate, who is championing inclusive, mainstream swimming lessons for children with disabilities.
The Learn to Swim Framework is open to everyone regardless of age, ability or skill levels, with the partnership committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Launched in 2019, the See My Ability campaign forms part of wider efforts to remove barriers to swimming across Scotland and is showcasing the vital role that swim teachers like Scott play in inspiring others and helping to make swimming more accessible for people in all life stages.
His journey from elite athlete to swim teacher at Edinburgh Leisure’s Leith Victoria Swim Centre has inspired many, positioning him as a local hero and mentor for aspiring swimmers of all abilities.
Scott is now a dedicated swim teacher to over 120 people a week from ages three and a half to adults. He said: “I am beyond grateful for the support I’ve received throughout my Paralympic career, and I’m thrilled to give back through teaching.
“Watching people learn and enjoy the water reminds me of the joy swimming has brought me, and I want everyone to experience that – whatever their ability.
“It takes a whole community to make swimming possible – from lifeguards to facility staff. Every person contributes to a supportive environment, and I am honoured to be part of that. My mission now is to help others experience the magic of swimming, just as I have.”
Scott was born with Crouzon Syndrome, a condition requiring multiple surgeries throughout his youth. Despite these challenges, he achieved success as a swimmer, proudly representing Scotland on the world stage. Now, as a swim teacher, he is an inspiration to others, using his platform to encourage young athletes with disabilities to embrace swimming as a lifelong passion.
His journey from athlete to swim teacher has been bolstered by Edinburgh Leisure’s inclusive support, which allowed him to seamlessly transition into a new role.
The organisation, one of 38 providers of the Learn to Swim Framework – a partnership between Scottish Water and Scottish Swimming – is dedicated to creating inclusive, supportive and quality environments where Scott and other enthusiastic Learn to Swim teachers like him across Scotland can thrive.
Marie Kneeshaw, Aquatics Development Officer, from Edinburgh Leisure commented: “Scott’s commitment to fostering an inclusive swimming environment aligns perfectly with our mission.
“His journey from competitive swimming to teaching is an inspiring testament to the power of sport to unite, and we’re proud to support his role in promoting equality in swimming.”
Euan Lowe, CEO of Scottish Swimming said: “Learning to swim should be accessible to everyone and anyone. The Learn to Swim programme provides a setting to allow children, no matter their ability, to learn the skill with their peers.
“The framework has been specially designed so that the lessons can be adapted for all levels and abilities, to help increase the accessibility and inclusion of swim lessons to all children.
“Not only is swimming a vital life skill but it is proven to have a positive impact on social development.”
Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: “Learning to swim is such a vital life skill, especially in Scotland where we have so many miles of rivers, reservoirs, lochs and coastline.
“It’s great to hear about inspiring swim teachers like Scott, who exemplify the values of Learn to Swim in helping to build inclusive and supportive environments where individuals of all ages and abilities can thrive, get active and learn and enjoy swimming in a safe way.
“It is so important to provide supportive, inclusive environments where everyone – no matter their ability, skill level or age – can learn to swim and the gain basic water safety knowledge and skills to help them feel safer in, on and around water. Plus, they’ll also get to experience the other health and social benefits that swimming can offer.”
The ‘See My Ability’ campaign has championed inclusivity since its inception in 2019, and recent results highlight its success.
The approach promoted for disability swimming is to assess, allocate and review. This encourages swimming lesson providers to create the best environment available, and if appropriate adapt lessons, to ensure children develop and progress.
In some cases this might require smaller group sessions, one-to-one or additional support, however where possible “See My Ability” encourages providers to include children with disabilities in mainstream lessons to learn with their peers.
The programme has seen a rise in mainstream participation, with 66% of children with disabilities on the Learn to Swim Framework now enrolled in mainstream lessons compared to 54% in 2020. The campaign encourages children of all abilities to take part in swimming lessons in a safe and supportive environment.
Around 81,000 children and adults are learning to swim each week through the national framework.
The Learn to Swim Framework is focused on reaching an additional 100,000 children by 2025. This programme is already making a significant impact, helping thousands of young people stay safe and thrive in the water.
For more information about Edinburgh Leisure, visit:
https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/
For more information about Learn to Swim, visit:
Scotland’s youth step boldly into the spotlight as Class Act’s transformation of arts education and accessibility across the country uncovers brilliant, raw, insightful and funny story telling.
Funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, this programme takes the Traverse’s flagship engagement programme on tour, engaging over 400 young people from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from areas of high deprivation and rural isolation. The project opens up access to creativity through writing plays, songs, and short films and is shown to significantly enhance literacy, communication, and creative thinking skills with an evidenced lasting legacy in many contexts.
By embedding arts-based learning within the school curriculum, Class Act on Tour empowers students through workshops that foster creative writing and performance skills, leading to exceptional results.
Teachers reported that 94% of participants gained confidence in creative writing and 97% felt more knowledgeable about theatre.
Alongside student workshops, Class Act on Tour supports educators to integrate arts-based approaches into their classrooms with digital training sessions, resources and professional development opportunities. This commitment resulted in 257 workshops being delivered across 33 schools, reaching nearly 400 students over two years.
To sustain this huge impact and legacy, Class Act on Tour created a digital resource library accessible to teachers and students alike, ensuring that this creative momentum can continue to flourish across Scotland.
Called The Jotter, this resource is the culmination of three years of work, gathering tasks from some of Scotland’s most exciting artists in both video and text format.
Collaborations with local venues such as Aberdeen Arts Centre, Ayr Gaiety Theatre and various local councils are also set to continue ensuring the lasting impact, seeking to continue attendance and participation in creative activity and theatre.
In addition to the touring work, Class Act’s recent Class Act: Ukraine in Scotland was recently praised in Parliament as an “excellent example” of art and culture’s power to “unlock creativity and potential”.
Showcasing the immense success of Class Act in Edinburgh, young people from Firrhill High School, Trinity Academy, Tynecastle High School, and Intercultural Youth Scotland see their work on the stage of the Traverse theatre on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 December, brought to life by a team of professional theatre-makers, directors, actors and musicians.
https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/class-act-winter-showcase-2024-autumn-24
Gareth Nicolls Artistic Director of Traverse Theatre who directs the upcoming showcase said: “Class Act has been such a vital part of the Traverse’s work in Edinburgh, unlocking the immense creativity in our young people and opening up opportunities to them to build their confidence and have their voices heard.
“Being able to take this out across Scotland for the first time has been a hugely rewarding and inspiring exercise, and we very much hope and believe that we have left many people working with young people of all backgrounds, now more confident and skilled to inspire and build and maintain creativity across the country.”
Class Act is supported by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, the Hugh Fraser Foundation, the Cruden Foundation, the David Summers Trust and the Enterprise Arts Trust.
Energy consumption has plummeted at one of Edinburgh’s biggest hostels as the result of a pilot programme designed to keep costs down for visitors while improving sustainability.
After the success of the innovative energy saving programme at Edinburgh Central Hostel, Hostelling Scotland is now exploring how to roll out the energy saving programme across their portfolio of larger hostels which are open all year round.
The ‘Eyes on the Energy’ trial came after Hostelling Scotland was introduced to energy monitoring solutions company, Energy Saving Bear through Royal Bank of Scotland.
The partnership saw the hostel install high-tech sensors to measure electricity usage throughout the premises, allowing the team to pinpoint exactly where and how much energy was being consumed or wasted and providing a clear foundation for developing effective energy-saving solutions.
The project, which is on track to achieve a return on investment in less than six months, has already resulted in a 19% drop in consumption in just four months.
Margo Paterson, CEO of Hostelling Scotland, said: “The results of this trial could be transformative for our Edinburgh Central Hostel – and hostels across Scotland.
“With energy prices affecting the sector, we are on a mission to make travelling in Scotland accessible and affordable to visitors. The beauty of hostelling is how it provides opportunities to a wider group of people to explore more of what our beautiful country has to offer.
“As an organisation, we are always experimenting with ways to make sure we give people the chance to travel while reducing their impact on the environment. We’re very pleased to see this trial showed significant energy savings and reduced carbon emissions.”
Located at the top of Leith Walk, Edinburgh Central Hostel is in a prime city centre location and is visited by travellers from across the globe looking for a budget stay, as well as being a place for carers and Parent Network Scotland to use for respite breaks. It also enables youth programmes to give disadvantaged young people the opportunity to see part of the country they might not have been able to.
Kevin Havelock, Head of Commercial Mid Markets at Royal Bank of Scotland, added: “By introducing Hostelling Scotland, our long-standing customer, to Jamie and the team at Energy Saving Bear, we empowered them to harness smart technology and innovative solutions.
“This collaborative effort led to a deeper understanding of energy consumption patterns and inspired a cultural shift towards sustainable practices.
“The early success of this partnership is a testament to the strength of collaboration. By uniting efforts and sharing a common purpose, we have achieved significant results.”
To find out more about the support Royal Bank of Scotland provides to businesses to grow and scale, click here.
