City of Edinburgh Music School Fauré Celebration
Join these talented musicians for a magical evening at Stockbridge Church to celebrate the music of the renowned composer Gabriel Fauré.
Get ready to be swept away by the beautiful melodies and harmonies of this French composer’s timeless pieces. This in-person event promises to be a night filled with enchanting music and wonderful company.
Tuesday 11th June
7pm – 9.30pm
Stockbridge Church, Saxe Coburg Street, Edinburgh.
An ambitious new report by Scottish Book Trust has revealed that one in three librarians in Scotland believe that their whole service is at risk of reduction or loss.
The Survey of Public Librarians, as part of the Value and Impact of Scotland’s Libraries research, published by Scottish Book Trust, Scotland’s national book charity, also revealed a vital service under threat from underinvestment. It reports:
The report reveals the vital role libraries play in the community as they help to close the poverty-attainment gap. Librarians overwhelmingly agreed that they not only provide free access to all forms of books, but offer a safe, warm and accessible space where those without computers can access digital resources and support, with help from knowledgeable and approachable staff.
While libraries across Scotland are facing ongoing cuts, librarians reported a widespread lack of understanding from their local authorities about the social, long-term impact of their service.
Two thirds of the librarians surveyed reported that their community faces digital poverty, and libraries are bridging the divide.
96% of librarians reported that their library offers access to Wi-Fi, 99% to computers with internet, 71% to ebooks and eReaders and 40% to courses in digital skills
These are lifelines for those with limited resources, including the homeless, the elderly and those who have been released from prison.
Librarians also reported that their libraries are a safe space for refugees and asylum seekers, LGBTQ+ people and disabled or neurodiverse people.
As one librarian stated: “We are the first place that people come when they need help, possibly the only place in a landscape of shrinking services. When we are gone then these other agencies will need to foot the time bill and the mental health crisis we are averting.”
This survey of public librarians is part of a wider study of both public and school libraries in Scotland, as conducted by Scottish Book Trust, in partnership with the National Library of Scotland (NLS), the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), and the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland (CILIPS).
Preliminary findings from school librarians will be published over the summer, with the final report published later this year.
Marc Lambert, Chief Executive of Scottish Book Trust, said: ‘Libraries are a vital lifeline for communities across Scotland. Not only do they provide free access to books in a warm and safe environment, but, as this wide-ranging report reveals, they are also a levelling up factory that sends people in a positive direction.
‘There is no other public space where people can access information, combat digital poverty, learn new skills, socialise with others, express themselves creatively, and seek to self-improve, entirely for free. It’s incredibly concerning that these important institutions are endangered.’
Scottish Book Trust is also conducting a survey of public library users, which will be open for responses until the end of June 2024.
eif.co.uk / @edintfest
• The Edinburgh International Festival unveils the first Community Connections Hub following an open call out earlier this year
• Space @ The Broomhouse Hub will work with the Edinburgh International Festival over a period of at least 18 months to explore opportunities for collaboration and connection
• In August, the Community Connections Hub will host a free VR Experience where visitors can use a VR headset to be fully immersed in a 360° concert by the Philharmonia Orchestra
The Edinburgh International Festival today announces Space @ The Broomhouse Hub as the very first Community Connections Hub.
Space @ The Broomhouse Hub was chosen following an open call out by the International Festival for an Edinburgh-based community organisation for a partnership that will last at least 18 months and will explore opportunities for collaboration with the International Festival and the local community in Broomhouse.
In August, Space @ The Broomhouse Hub will host a free VR experience from resident orchestra Philharmonia. This 360° experience of Vaughan Williams’s The Lark Ascending makes its UK premiere and features Festival Director Nicola Benedetti as the solo violinist.
This will allow the user to sit right in the heart of the orchestra through Virtual Reality, allowing them to experience the performance in astonishing detail.
As well as hosting the Philharmonia VR Experience, this partnership will be a fully collaborative process, and will be entirely shaped by Space @ The Broomhouse Hub and the International Festival’s shared ideas and activities.
This new residency model is designed to deepen understanding between the International Festival and the local community, strengthen connections and enrich the local community and the spirit of the Festival.
The Edinburgh International Festival is committed to developing long-term connections with Edinburgh’s Communities by exploring what our core values of discovery and connection mean for Edinburgh’s citizens whilst finding ways to reflect the ideas, ambitions and creative interests of different communities within our organisational commitments.
The International Festival wants to build long-term and sustainable connections and have chosen a residency model working with one focused partner to allow for deepening two-way understanding, allowing time to mature connections and realisation of joint ambitions.
Caroline Donald, Head of Discovery & Participation, Edinburgh International Festival said: “The Edinburgh International Festival are really looking forward to working with our new community partners Space @the Broomhouse Hub and working together to make new connections, getting to know all the families and people in the community to create and share cultural experiences.”
Neil Hay, CEO, Space @ The Broomhouse Hub, said: “This is fantastic news for Broomhouse and Southwest Edinburgh. This partnership will open up the Edinburgh International Festival to new audiences, allowing local people and families to enjoy cultural experiences our communities don’t normally access.
“We look forward to seeing all the exciting things the partnership will bring this summer and the coming year.”
More information on the Edinburgh International Festival’s Discovery and Participation programme, which runs year-round, can be found here:
Two men aged 35 and 41 years have been arrested and charged in connection with an attempted murder which took place in Pennywell Gardens at around 9.15pm on Monday (20 May, 2024).
They are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today – Thursday, 23 May, 2024, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
First Minister John Swinney has announced £16 million for childcare services to help deliver his vision of a Scotland free from child poverty.
In a statement to Parliament, the First Minister set out the four priorities that will underpin the work of his government. He said eradicating child poverty would be his government’s single most important objective.
Over the next two years, the Scottish Government will provide additional funding to expand access to childcare services within six Early Adopter Community (EAC) projects.
The funding will allow expansion into to new communities, including in Fife and Shetland, and inform what childcare should look like for younger children. The investment will support the development of local childcare systems that are designed to meet families’ needs, with funding targeted at those who are most at risk of living in poverty.
Earlier yesterday, the First Minister visited a breakfast club at Capshard Primary School in Kirkcaldy to see the impact of innovative school age childcare services which contribute to the eradication of child poverty and grow the economy, by helping parents and carers access the childcare they need to find and sustain good jobs.
Speaking in parliament, the First Minister said: “In modern Scotland, it should not be a struggle to find fair work or to raise a family. So for me, and for my government, eradicating child poverty and boosting economic growth, go hand in hand.
“Over the next two years, we will invest £16 million to tackle poverty and help families, by expanding access to childcare services within six Early Adopter Community projects.
“This investment will support low income families to enter and sustain employment, with funding targeted at those who are most at risk of living in poverty.”
A 36-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a 78-year-old woman in Edinburgh on Tuesday (21 May).
Around 8.25am, police were called to a disturbance within a house in Fernieside Crescent. Police and Ambulance attended however 78-year-old Margaret Parker was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 36-year-old man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Thursday, 23 May),
The 36-year-old man has also been charged in relation to the attempted murder of a 55-year-old woman and a 42-year-old woman during this incident. They did not require medical treatment.
Detective Inspector Dougal Begg said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Margaret Parker and everyone affected by this tragic incident.
“A continued police presence can be seen in the area as officers continue their enquiries into this isolated incident.”
A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
An updated statement on our work in Crewe Road South, Edinburgh:
Bradley Barlow, spokesperson for gas distribution company SGN. said: ‘After investigations into a smell of gas at the Crewe Road South junction, our specialist team of engineers have decided to fully replace our gas network at this location.
“We understand this will be disruptive, but the work will prevent future emergency work and disruption.
“In order to do this work safely, the temporary road closure in Crewe Road South, between its junctions with Carrington Road and Craigleith Road, will remain in place. The road is closed in both directions.
“For safety reasons and to help the flow of traffic (including emergency services) around our work, Edinburgh City Council has asked us to temporarily close Craigleith Hill Avenue at its junction with Crewe Road.
“A signed diversion will be in place via Carrington Road, East Fettes Avenue and Comeley Bank Road.
“Please be advised, this road closure will affect motorists travelling to and from Western General Hospital. Please allow extra time for your journey. We’re liaising closely with the emergency service to limit disruption.
“We know this is a busy route and will be working extended hours to complete this upgrade work as quickly and safely as possible.
“We expect this work to take five more weeks to complete.”
A 44-year-old man has been jailed for six years in connection with attempted murder in Muirhouse.
Craig McQuillian was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Wedneday, 22 May) after pleading guilty the previous day.
McQuillian tried to murder a young boy and man on Sunday, 12 November, 2023 by setting a fire outside the door of their home in the Muirhouse area.
Detective Inspector Gordon Couper said: “This was a targeted attack which not only could have killed two innocent people, but also harmed many others in the building.
“McQuillian will now face the consequences of his deplorable actions.
“I would like to thank all officers involved for their dedication and commitment throughout the investigation as well as those members of the public who assisted with our enquiries.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called a surprise early general election. Mr Sunak made the announcement in a rain-soaked speech outside 10 Downing Street last night.
The announcement caught pundits unaware, with most expecting an autumn poll by which time Britain’s struggling economy may have shown stronger signs of recovery, giving the Tories a glimmer of hope of winning a fifth term in office.
The Tories trail Labour by between 16 – 20 points in most opinion polls and their situation appears hopeless.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said it is “time for change” – also Labour’s clarion call in Tony Blair’s landslide election in 1997. Just what that ‘change’ will be isn’t yet clear – Labour’s tactic of doing or promising nothing that will frighten Daily Mail readers has worked so far.
Vote for Us, we’re not the Tories. And that could be enough to get elected, as the years of chaos – the Covid contracts corruption, the Downing Street parties, the state of our public services, ever-increasing waiting lists, the Truss-Kwarteng catastrophe – have not been forgotten and will not be forgiven.
Disappointing as it may be for Labour activists, though, do not expect anything too radical in Labour’s manifesto, But do expect a ringing endorsement from Rupert Murdoch soon.
So a change of faces, certainly. It’s true: things CAN only get better. But the radical change needed to tackle poverty, inequality and revive Britain’s broken public services? We’ll see.
The Westminster Parliament will be suspended on Friday, before it is formally shut down on Thursday next week ahead of an official five-week election campaign.
This leaves only two days to pass any outstanding legislation, which will mean mean some of the current government’s plans will have to be ditched.
First Minister John Swinney says he’s looking forward to the campaign but also says it’s disrespectful for the election to be held during Scottish school holidays:
Commenting on the announcement of the General Election by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Deidre Brock MP said: “The snap summer election is a desperate throw of the dice from a washed-out Prime Minister leading a government staggering on its last legs.
“Rishi Sunak could have limped on for a few more months but I’m glad he is putting this chaotic Tory administration out of its misery. The people of Scotland have different priorities and we are tired of picking up the bills for their mess.
“Now we have a chance to vote for a stronger Scotland and say what we think of Tory austerity politics, the Brexit chaos and the cost-of-living crisis they created. Bring it on!”
The Lib-Dems, too. are offering change:
‘It’s time. Time to elect fantastic Liberal Democrat MPs to champion their communities. Time to change the system and give people real hope. Time to smash the blue wall and kick out the Conservatives. Time to deliver the fair deal the British people deserve.’
Mike Andersen, the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith, also welcomes the announcement of the upcoming general election scheduled for 4 July 2024.
He views this election as a crucial opportunity for transformative change in the UK. Mike believes that the current government has failed to address the pressing issues facing the country and that the Scottish Liberal Democrats are the only party capable of leading the way towards a brighter future.
“The country is crying out for change and for people’s voices to be heard. Finally, we can move forward and put an end to the dysfunction of Mr. Sunak’s Government. The Scottish Liberal Democrats are ready to champion the values of fairness, equality, and opportunity. We are committed to building a future where every individual can thrive, and this election provides us with the platform to fight for the change we need and deserve.”
“We aim to build a society where people no longer have to choose between food and heating, where we have faith in the economy, hope for environmental sustainability, and where the UK can proudly stand on the right side of history, including on its stance on Israel and Gaza.”
The Green Party welcomes the General Election as the chance for voters to choose hope and practical solutions to the crises facing the country.
Co-leader and parliamentary candidate for Bristol Central Carla Denyer said: “At last. This is the moment the country has been waiting for – the chance to vote for a different vision of what our country can be. We are urging voters to elect at least four Green MPs to Parliament.”
Co-leader and parliamentary candidate for Waveney Valley Adrian Ramsay said: “We are ready. Across the country people will have the chance to vote for a Green candidate offering voters hope and practical solutions to the cost-of-living crisis, supporting people into warm, affordable homes, protecting our NHS and cleaning up our toxic rivers.
Denyer added: “By reforming our tax system to make it fairer – including a tax on the super-rich billionaires and multi-millionaires – we would raise £50billion to invest in our NHS, warmer homes and cleaner rivers.”
Ramsay added: “We are offering the common sense, affordable policies that will dramatically improve our quality of life. More Green MPs in Parliament will hold whoever forms the next government to account, and make the other parties confront the challenges our country faces. Together, we can make the change.”
Commenting on the announcement of a General Election, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “Good. And not a moment too soon.”
● Neil Gaiman, Peter James, Kate Mosse and Richard E Grant among authors and actors set to feature on the 9 episode season which returns on Monday 20th May
● The first season of ‘The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast’ was listened to in 158 countries and featured in the top 1% of podcasts globally
● The first season of the podcast also spent several consecutive weeks at the top of the book and arts podcast charts in the UK, US, Canada and Australia
The Queen’s Reading Room, the charity formed from the book club set up by Her Majesty Queen Camilla, has today announced the return of its chart-topping book podcast, ‘The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast’.
The launch of season 2 comes just weeks after Her Majesty unveiled findings of the Charity’s ground-breaking research into benefits of reading at Clarence House AND comes only weeks before The Queen’s Reading Room Festival, which boasts a line-up including Helena Bonham Carter, Dame Harriet Walter & Harlan Coben, returns to Hampton Court Palace.
The first series of The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast featured Rebus author Sir Ian Rankin, actress Dame Joanna Lumley, and comedian David Baddiel and was listened to in 158 countries. Upon its launch, ‘The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast’ reached the top 1% of podcasts globally and spent several consecutive weeks at #1 in the UK arts and books podcast charts, #1 in the Canadian and Australian Apple books podcast charts and #14 in the US Apple podcast charts.
Available weekly from Monday 20th May, the second season of ‘The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast’ will continue to create a space where book lovers – and those who wish to connect more with books – can hear straight from the mouths of literary heroes.
The new season will feature a celebrated literary line-up which boasts ‘American Gods’ author Neil Gaiman, ‘Labyrinth’ author Kate Mosse and author of the ‘Roy Grace’ series Peter James, who will invite listeners inside their own reading rooms, taking us on their own personal journeys through the literature that influenced their lives. This brand new season will also feature Her Majesty Queen Camilla, who will once again let listeners in on some of her all-time favourite reads.
CEO of The Queen’s Reading Room and podcast host Vicki Perrin said: “We were astounded by the response to the first season of The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast. It is clear that the podcast reached and resonated with listeners globally, enabling them to connect and fall in love with books.
“I hope that this second season of the podcast will continue to inspire listeners to go on new literary adventures and help those wishing they loved books a little more, to discover the true joy of reading.”
The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast season 2 is available from 00:01 on Monday 20th May on all podcasting platforms. The episode schedule is as follows:
Episode 1 – 20th May – Neil Gaiman
Episode 2 – 27th May – Mel Giedroyc
Episode 3 – 3rd June – Kate Mosse
Episode 4 – 10th June – Peter James
Episode 5 – 17th June – Santa Montefiore
Episode 6 – 24th June – Ben Okri
Episode 7 – 1st July – Clare Mackintosh
Episode 8 – 8th July – Curtis Sittenfeld
Episode 9 – 15th July – Richard E Grant
