100 year old Doris proves you’re never too old to volunteer

“I’ve been volunteering so long now, I might as well keep going until I drop!” – Doris Keir

Doris Keir 100 year old volunteer
Delightful Doris Keir ,100 year old volunteer, with Lord Provost Frank Ross

On her 100th birthday, Edinburgh volunteer Doris Keir shows no signs of slowing down – and at a special birthday party thrown by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, featuring an afternoon of tea, cake and gifts in the City Chambers, Doris revealed the secret to a long life is staying active, getting out and about and drinking six glasses of water a day. Continue reading 100 year old Doris proves you’re never too old to volunteer

University of Edinburgh student nominated for national legal award

A University of Edinburgh student has been named as a finalist in Future Legal Mind, National Accident Helpline’s award to find the brightest young legal talent in the country. Liliya Tsvetanova, who is studying LLB Law at the University of Edinburgh, is in with a chance to win a £5,000 prize, plus a coveted work experience placement at a top law firm. Continue reading University of Edinburgh student nominated for national legal award

Strengthening our ties with Poland

3D model of Great Polish Map of Scotland unveiled

The newly restored Great Polish Map of Scotland and a 3D model of the monument have been unveiled. The 3D model, which has been created by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), highlights the cultural links between Scotland and Poland and will be presented as a Scottish contribution to the Polish independence centenary celebrations in November this year.

During a visit to the map’s site at the Barony Castle Hotel in Eddleston, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The Great Polish Map of Scotland is a fine example of Scotland’s ties and friendship with Poland. I congratulate the individuals and volunteers involved in its restoration for their incredible work.

“This restored version of the map and its digital model further strengthen the long-standing cultural connections between our nations and highlight our shared history and heritage.

“As we prepare to celebrate the centenary of Poland regaining its independence, we hope the 3D model will contribute to raising awareness of the strong bonds between Scotland and Poland.”

Ireneusz Truszkowski, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted to be able to officially unveil the restored Great Polish Map of Scotland in the same year in which Poland is celebrating its 100th anniversary of regaining independence. The map has a great potential and I hope it will be used also for educational purposes that will benefit current and future generations of Scots and Poles, increasing the understanding of our common history.”

Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of HES, added: “We are very pleased to have collaborated with partners to digitally document the Great Polish Map of Scotland, particularly as we celebrate the European Year of Cultural Heritage. The 3D model of this unique site showcases our cutting-edge digital documentation work, and how this technology can be used to bring history to life.”

 

UK turns away from ‘not in my back yard’ thinking

  • Two thirds think Brits are still guilty of ‘not in my back yard’, or ‘NIMBY’, thinking.
  • A third understands that new developments need to be built where they live in order to keep up with demand.
  • 37 per cent feel that there is not enough social housing in their local area, compared to just 20 per cent who think there is a lack of private housing.

The UK is often accused of having a ‘not in my back yard’ mentality, with research[1] by AXA showing that two thirds of respondents believe people are guilty of the ‘NIMBY’ effect. However, further investigation revealed that  almost a third also understand that new developments have to happen where they live in order to keep up with demand. Continue reading UK turns away from ‘not in my back yard’ thinking

STV explores Scotland’s past in new series of The People’s History Show

Fascinating stories from Dundee, Oban, Clydebank, Aberdeen, Paisley and Glasgow feature in a new series of STV’sThe People’s History Show, which returns on Monday 16 April at 8pm.  Continue reading STV explores Scotland’s past in new series of The People’s History Show