Starting Wednesday 22nd January, join us at Story Circle to share, create, and explore stories together. Whether you bring a moment from your life, a story you’ve written, or simply want to work with a prompt or story provided, there’s a place for you here.
No need for perfect words—just bring your curiosity. You’ll be supported and guided as we see where our stories take us!
This group is open to all Hospice patients, including those from the community, as well as to families and carers. Sessions are facilitated by our Dramatherapist, Sally, and will take place in our Art Studio from 11.00am-12.30pm.
ASPIRING dancers in Edinburgh are set to experience a transformative day of contemporary dance training with leading professionals.
Leading contemporary dance artists Errol White and Davina Givan, bring their acclaimed Elite Intensive to Dance Base on Saturday 18th January offering a rare opportunity to train with industry professionals.
As course leaders for The Scottish Institute’s (The SI) pioneering BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance degree, Errol & Davina will share their expertise through an immersive day of training, focusing on the creative processes and that define their celebrated repertoire.
This exclusive session will guide participants through company class, focusing on skeletal alignment, core stability, and fluid movement.
Dancers will also engage in choreographic exercises, delving into group work and solos from White & Givan’s repertoire, offering insights into professional company work and the artistry of contemporary dance.
The pair said: “The Elite Intensives are a fantastic way to connect with the next generation of dance artists. We aim to provide an inspiring and rigorous experience that offers a glimpse into professional training and performance.
“Embedding White & Givan as artists in residence within the Institute is a rare opportunity within the educational world for practicing artists and students to evolve together.
“Passion in sharing knowledge lies at the heart of what we do, and we are extremely proud to play an integral role in developing a new generation of dance artists.”
With over 25 years of experience collaborating as performance artists, Errol and Davina have built an acclaimed body of work that engages audiences on a physical and emotional level.
The duos appointment as artists-in-residence at The SI creates a unique bridge between professional practice and education, offering a opportunity to share their expertise and passion for dance with the next generation of dancers.
“The inclusion of sport science and the role it plays in the training of young dance artists at the Scottish Institute is vital, preparing them for a long and fulfilling future career as successful dance practitioners.” White & Givan added.
Dance Base is Scotland’s National Centre for Dance. As a creative charity it aims to see people across Scotland engaging in dance as an art form, a way to exercise and a way of life.
It supports Scottish dance artists to develop successful careers and develops opportunities for dance to be used to support people’s health and wellbeing.
The SI is set to welcome its first cohort in September 2025, making it the only higher education provider in Scotland to offer a course that is led by professional dance artists specifically tailored to contemporary dance.
Students will benefit from The SI’s state-of-the-art technologies and professional-grade studios, as well as access to the renowned Howden Park Theatre.
The degree will couple sport science and dance training and is poised to produce well-rounded, successful dance practitioners prepared for long and fulfilling careers.
Mark Langley, Principal of The SI, said: “Having White & Givan as artists in residence creates an extraordinary environment where practicing artists and students evolve together.
“Our students won’t just learn about the profession – they’ll be immersed in it, working alongside industry specialists, performing in professional venues, and developing their craft through a carefully structured progression from core techniques to professional practice.
“The Scottish Institute was created by professionals to educate the next generation of professionals, and this new BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance program exemplifies that mission.”
The Scottish Institute is Scotland’s only fully CDMT accredited performing arts institution, also holding accreditations from Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), Council of Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT) and Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance (ISTD).
The session is free of charge, offering a rare opportunity for Scotland’s emerging dance talent to work closely with two of its most prominent contemporary artists.
Dame Sue Bruce will chair the review of Creative Scotland, Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has announced.
The review will examine Creative Scotland’s remit, functions and how it can best support the culture sector’s ambitions for renewal. It will be the first review of Creative Scotland since its establishment in 2010, as part of a wider commitment to review how the culture sector is supported.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson welcomed the “wealth of experience” Dame Sue Bruce will bring to the review, with previous roles in Scotland’s arts and local government sectors.
Mr Robertson said: “I’m delighted that Dame Sue Bruce has agreed to chair the Creative Scotland review. She brings a wealth of experience from previous roles in the arts and local government sectors, making her well-placed to conduct a thorough and independent review into how Creative Scotland supports the arts in Scotland.
“The 2025-26 Scottish Budget includes a record £34 million uplift for culture. I am determined to maximise the impact of every penny of that. The review will consider the diversity of potential sources of funding, such as philanthropy, for culture – to underpin a more sustainable and resilient cultural sector in the years to come.
“The intention of this review is to ensure views the length and breadth of Scotland are heard swiftly and the vitally important contribution that artists and cultural organisations do for our nation and our identity is recognised, valued and well-supported.
“The Scottish Government has also today launched a new survey seeking views on how culture and the arts are currently supported in Scotland and areas for change. The responses will help inform the scope of the review so I would encourage all those with an interest to respond to our survey.”
Dame Sue Bruce said: “Culture and the arts reflect our values, aspirations and history as a country and the people who work in the sector make an invaluable contribution to our society and our economy.
“I look forward to working with the sector and Creative Scotland to ensure that it’s remit and functions continue to be relevant for the culture sector today, recognising that there has been much change in the sector since 2010 when Creative Scotland was first established.”
As temperatures in Scotland are set to rise after yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are lifted, homeowners should be vigilant for water leaks.
The shift from freezing to warmer weather can cause the underground water pipes which transport water from the water company supply network to customers’ homes to move and crack.
A survey by WaterSafe, the national register of approved plumbers, revealed that 31 percent of respondents were unaware of their responsibility for the water supply pipe running into their homes.
Additionally, 47 per cent wouldn’t know who to contact if they discovered a leak.
Signs of a leaking water supply pipe include:
Reduced water pressure at the kitchen tap
A waterlogged front garden
Noisy pipes
An unusually high water bill.
For properties with a water meter, hidden leaks can be detected by taking meter readings one hour apart, while the property’s water supply is switched off using the internal stop tap.
Those without a water meter should contact their water company for advice.
Further help is at hand from specialist water supply pipe installers, who can find and fix leaking underground pipes.
Julie Spinks, Director at WaterSafe, explains: “While many of us are quite rightly on the lookout for leaking pipes inside our homes when freezing temperatures hit, you may not know that water supply pipes are vulnerable to leaks during a sudden freeze-thaw.
“If you suspect your underground water supply pipe is leaking, you should turn off your internal stop tap and take two meter readings, one hour apart.
“If the readings differ, you might have a leak and should contact a WaterSafe-approved contractor for further advice.
“Leaks can be harder to detect if you don’t have a water meter, so contact your water company for advice. If you live in a rented property, it’s a good idea to check with your landlord in the first instance.”
According to the Association of British Insurers, claims for escape of water damage are one of the most common types, with insurers paying out £1.8 million for it every day.
Find your local WaterSafe-approved water supply pipe installer at www.watersafe.org.uk.
Don’t let the shorter days and chilly weather get you down this January. Stay active and experience boundless fun at Gravity Active Edinburgh. With wall-to-wall trampolines and climbing walls galore, there’s plenty to entertain all the family, whatever the weather!
After the indulgences of Christmas, January is a traditional time to think about wellbeing and fitness for the year ahead. At Gravity Active this is easy, as bouncing around on a plethora of trampolines makes physical activity fun, all while improving heart health and cholesterol levels.
For kids who have been cooped up over the festive period, unleash them at Gravity Active to use up that excess energy in a safe and entertaining environment.
From the trampolines to the climbing walls, which are great for developing stamina and muscle strength, kids and adults alike will love the challenge and the satisfaction of reaching the top!
Harvey Jenkinson, co-founder and CEO of Gravity, commented:“January is a tricky time when the excitement of Christmas is over and the weather outside is still generally frightful!
“Gravity Active offers an escape from the January blues, with a bright, fun atmosphere and plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
“For anyone looking for a great family day out in the new year, a session at Gravity Active will keep spirits high and energy levels met.”
I was very sad this weekend to read in the The NEN North Edinburgh News about the passing of one of North Edinburgh’s most inspiring and remarkable residents on Friday, Betty McVay MBE (writes BEN MacPHERSON MSP).
As the NEN has stated, “legend” is an over used word but Betty absolutely was one.
As a founder of North Edinburgh Childcare and a prolific and impactful community activist and leader, the positive different she made for others is rightly legendary and spans over decades.
“I had the privilege in recent years to see her every month, after my help and advice surgeries at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre where she helped to run a lunch club for local elderly folk to come together, helping others as she did for so many years.
She always had things to bring to my attention, thoughts on politics to share, and funny stories for us to laugh about. I will really miss her and feel very grateful to have known her.
My thoughts are with Betty’s family, her dear friend Franny (Durie – Ed.) and all who were close to her.
Thank you for all you did to make things better Betty and bless you – RIP.
We have reopened all our services this week at Granton Goes Greener and very excited to share great news: we will now be running FREE WEAVING WORKSHOPS at Granton Parish Church, on selected Wednesday evenings, starting from Wednesday 22nd and 29th January.
Artificial intelligence ‘will deliver a decade of national renewal’ as part of a new plan announced today
AI to drive the Plan for Change, helping turbocharge growth and boost living standards
public sector to spend less time doing admin and more time delivering the services working people rely on
dedicated AI Growth Zones to speed up planning for AI infrastructure
£14 billion and 13,250 jobs committed by private tech firms following AI Action Plan
Artificial intelligence will be ‘unleashed across the UK to deliver a decade of national renewal’, under a new plan announced today (13 January 2025).
In a marked move from the previous government’s approach, the Prime Minister is throwing the full weight of Whitehall behind this industry by agreeing to take forward all 50 recommendations set out by Matt Clifford in his game-changing AI Opportunities Action Plan.
AI is already being used across the UK. It is being used in hospitals up and down the country to deliver better, faster, and smarter care: spotting pain levels for people who can’t speak, diagnosing breast cancer quicker, and getting people discharged quicker. This is already helping deliver the government’s mission to build an NHS fit for the future.
Unveiling details of the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan today, the Prime Minister will say AI can transform the lives of working people – it has the potential to speed up planning consultations to get Britain building, help drive down admin for teachers so they can get on with teaching our children, and feed AI through cameras to spot potholes and help improve roads.
Backing AI to the hilt can also lead to more money in the pockets of working people. The IMF estimates that – if AI is fully embraced – it can boost productivity by as much as 1.5 percentage points a year. If fully realised, these gains could be worth up to an average £47 billion to the UK each year over a decade.
Today’s plan mainlines AI into the veins of this enterprising nation – revolutionising our public services and putting more money in people’s back pockets. Because for too long we have allowed blockers to control the public discourse and get in the way of growth in this sector.
The plan puts an end to that by introducing new measures that will create dedicated AI Growth Zones that speed up planning permission and give them the energy connections they need to power up AI.
The UK occupies a unique place in the world. We can learn from the US’s and EU’s approach – delivering the dynamism, flexibility and long-term stability that we know businesses want.
The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said: “Artificial Intelligence will drive incredible change in our country. From teachers personalising lessons, to supporting small businesses with their record-keeping, to speeding up planning applications, it has the potential to transform the lives of working people.
“But the AI industry needs a government that is on their side, one that won’t sit back and let opportunities slip through its fingers. And in a world of fierce competition, we cannot stand by. We must move fast and take action to win the global race.
“Our plan will make Britain the world leader. It will give the industry the foundation it needs and will turbocharge the Plan for Change. That means more jobs and investment in the UK, more money in people’s pockets, and transformed public services.
“That’s the change this government is delivering.”
It comes as three major tech companies – Vantage Data Centres, Nscale and Kyndryl – have committed to £14 billion investment in the UK to build the AI infrastructure the UK needs to harness the potential of this technology and deliver 13,250 jobs across the UK. That’s on top of the £25 billion in AI investment announced at the International Investment Summit.
Vantage Data Centres – which is working to build one of Europe’s largest data centre campuses in Wales – plans to invest over £12 billion in data centres across the UK – creating over 11,500 jobs in the process.
Kyndryl – the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider and a leading IT consultancy – announces plans to create up to 1,000 AI-related jobs in Liverpool over the next three years. This new tech hub will share the Government’s ambition to roll AI out across the country to help grow the economy and foster the next generation of talent.
Nscale – one of the UK’s leading AI companies – has announced a $2.5 billion investment to support the UK’s data centre infrastructure over the next three years. They have also signed a contract to build the largest UK sovereign AI data centre in Loughton, Essex by 2026.
The plan includes initiatives that will help make the UK the number one place for AI firms to invest, which is vital if Britain is to be at the forefront of this industry and be a changemaker rather than a change-taker.
The key changes include:
forging new AI Growth Zones to speed up planning proposals and build more AI infrastructure. The first of these will be in Culham, Oxfordshire
increasing the public compute capacity by twentyfold to give us the processing power we need to fully embrace this new technology – this starts immediately with work starting on a brand new supercomputer
a new team will be set up to seize the opportunities of AI and build the UK’s sovereign capabilities
creating a new National Data Library to safely and securely unlock the value of public data and support AI development
a dedicated AI Energy Council chaired by the Science and Energy Secretaries will also be established, working with energy companies to understand the energy demands and challenges which will fuel the technology’s development – this will directly support the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower by tapping into technologies like small modular reactors.
Taken together, the 50 measures will make the UK irresistible to AI firms looking to start, scale, or grow their business. It builds on recent progress in AI that saw £25 billion of new investment in data centres announced since the government took office last July.
This Action Plan is also at the heart of the government’s Industrial Strategy and the first plank of the upcoming Digital and Technology Sector Plan, to be published in the coming months.
Science, Innovation, and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle said: ”AI has the potential to change all of our lives but for too long, we have been curious and often cautious bystanders to the change unfolding around us. With this plan, we become agents of that change.
“We already have remarkable strengths we can tap into when it comes to AI – building our status as the cradle of computer science and intelligent machines and establishing ourselves as the third largest AI market in the world.
“This government is determined that the UK is not left behind in the global race for AI, that’s why the actions we commit to will ensure that the benefits are spread throughout the UK so all citizens will reap the rewards of the bet we make today. This is how we’re putting our Plan for Change in motion.”
The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves MP said: “AI is a powerful tool that will help grow our economy, make our public services more efficient and open up new opportunities to help improve living standards.
“This action plan is the government’s modern industrial strategy in action. Attracting AI businesses to the UK, binging in new investment, creating new jobs and turbocharging our Plan for Change. This means better living standards in every part of the United Kingdom and working people have more money in their pocket.”
Matt Clifford CBE said: ”This is a plan which puts us all-in – backing the potential of AI to grow our economy, improve lives for citizens, and make us a global hub for AI investment and innovation.
“AI offers opportunities we can’t let slip through our fingers, and these steps put us on the strongest possible footing to ensure AI delivers in all corners of the country, from building skills and talent to revolutionising our infrastructure and compute power.”
wellbeing@stcolumbashospice.org.uk
0131 551 1381 (option 4)
