This week is Deafblind Awareness Week. However, did you know that Scotland does not formally recognise Deafblindness as a distinct disability?
Deafblind Scotland, with the support of the Cross Party group on Deafness, have been calling on the Scottish Government to formally recognise deafblindness as a distinct disability in Scotland.
The ALLIANCE supports the definition of Deafblindness – can you?
As part of Deafblind Awareness Week, Deafblind Scotland will be recognised for the work they have been doing at a parliamentary reception at the Scottish Parliament on 26th June.
Scottish Charity, TechFest, is encouraging Edinburgh students aged between 16-18 to participate in its global essay competition, STEM Next, to share their cutting-edge ideas on the future of industries across energy, medicine and science.
Techfest is transforming STEM education and delivering a new generation of talent. STEM Next is back this year to encourage young people across the world to consider their future under three categories: Energy in Action, Medicine & Life Sciences, and Chemistry & Biological Sciences.
The competition is aligned with the CREST Awards and grounded in STEM, allowing students direct access to industry professionals as part of their essay research. STEM Next has a registration deadline of June 21.
Sarah Chew, Managing Director of TechFest, said: “STEM Next allows students to develop meta-skills that will benefit them for their entire careers, whilst they consider the future of key industries they’re preparing to lead.”
TechFest is challenging Edinburgh students to compete against other young people across the world in STEM Next, an essay competition that encourages entrants to discuss the future of the industries across energy, medicine and science.
TechFest is a charity focused on making STEM education more engaging and inclusive in schools throughout the country whilst helping to connect STEM to various sectors. STEM Next is a collaboration with various partners including: Airswift, CNOOC International, Ocean Winds and Thistle Wind Partners.
The competition is a solo digital project that requires independent research and writing, and is open to students aged 16 – 18 across the world.
Entrants are invited to submit an essay between 1000-3000 words that addresses one of the provided essay questions, with three categories available: Energy in Action, Medicine & Life Sciences and Chemistry & Biological Sciences.
In addition to developing their researching and writing skills, STEM Next also connects young people with industry professionals to learn first-hand about their chosen industry.
TechFest will make introductions that will provide entrants with valuable career insight alongside shaping their interviewing skills as part of the research requirements.
Sarah Chew, Managing Director of TechFest, said: ”STEM Next is a challenge grounded in STEM that has been developed in collaboration with industry and education to deliver the future workforce.
“The competition’s interviewing aspect provides industry with a great opportunity to connect with young people and attract the best and brightest talent who will be the next generation of industry leaders.”
The Aberdeen-based charity is still looking for industry professionals to volunteer their time for these interviews and is calling for anyone with expertise or work experience in Energy, Life Sciences, Medicine, Chemistry, Psychology, Neuroscience, Space Science or Biological Sciences.
Sarah added: “We are still keen for anyone who has the time to engage with these young people to sign-up as these early industry relationships can help forge a spark that will inspire a new wave of problem solvers and decision makers in STEM.“
Ruth Cameron, Managed Services Director EMEA at Airswift, said: “STEM Next is creating the next skilled workforce that will help to solve current and future problems across industries.
“This partnership perfectly ties into one our objectives at Airswift of transforming lives through the provision of international workforce solutions for STEM industries.”
Victoria Allan, Buzzard Onshore Mechanical Support Engineer at CNOOC, said:“At CNOOC, we are focused on delivering safe and sustainable energy for all.
“As we see this shift being adopted across the energy industry, we need bold and practical ideas from young people during this vital transition period and look forward to seeing the world’s best ideas from this year’s entrants.”
Roger McMichael, Stakeholder Manager at Ocean Winds, said: “Ocean Winds is leading the global energy transition into a greener future, and we believe there is no better insight into this challenge than from the fresh perspective of young people.“
Kirsty Macaulay, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Thistle Wind Partners, said: “As an Edinburgh-based organisation focused on offshore wind development, we are excited to see a range of thought-provoking ideas from Scottish young people. Our nation has a strong heritage for innovation and shaping the modern world.”
Young people competing in the STEM Next competition are eligible for CREST Awards. It also provides an opportunity for students to add additional achievements to their UCAS application.
Moreover, the 1st place winners in each category will be awarded £200 of Amazon vouchers. 2nd place winners in each category will be awarded £100 of Amazon vouchers, and 3rd place winners in each category will be awarded £50 worth of Amazon vouchers.
The deadline to register interest for STEM Next 2024 is June 21, with the project launching on June 17. Students and volunteers can register for STEM Next via the TechFest website:
Scroll through our programme to find all the FREE workshops, performances & activities we have planned for you!
You will also be able to find a variety of stalls running their own activities as well as food vendors that will help fuel you through the day!
With the climate crisis worsening, we see how important it is to raise awareness and take climate action. That’s why the Edinburgh Climate Festival (ECF) is back!
The ECF will take place at the Meadows on Saturday 29th June 2024, from 12pm to 7pm. The festival will bring stallholders to cover topics related to the circular economy, mitigation, adaptation, climate education, transport, activism, conservation and more. Community members will also have an opportunity to raise their climate concerns to policymakers.
The festival, now in its 8th year, will offer a free, family friendly & community-led marketplace. It will serve as a platform for locals to discover the remarkable climate initiatives taking place in Edinburgh and enjoy a delightful day out with their families.
Franciele Sobierai, the ECF Event Coordinator said: “The climate crisis can be daunting, leaving us feeling powerless. However, when we unite, work together, and support one another, we can accomplish far more.
“This is the message the Edinburgh Climate Festival aims to spread — encouraging community-driven climate action and solidarity to tackle the climate emergency.”
The attractions and activities will involve an upcycled fashion show, dance performances, choirs, drumming group, eco workshops, wellbeing workshops, children’s activities and much more.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage, learn, and celebrate our collective efforts towards a sustainable future!
MND Scotland has launched a network of events to bring together researchers and people with, and affected by, motor neuron disease (MND) to help drive research through shared knowledge, ideas and lived experience.
Following a series of successful pilot events in 2023, the Lived Experience and Researcher Network (LEARN) aims to connect MND researchers and people with MND. In the pilot, seven people supported by MND Scotland were invited to take tours of researcher’s labs, allowing researchers and people with MND to connect, while also giving researchers the opportunity to directly hear the opinions of people affected by MND on research.
This year, LEARN will invite people affected by MND to meet with researchers in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow during September and October, and culminate with a whole day event in March 2025.
Dr Jane Haley, Director of Research at MND Scotland, said: “We know that people with MND are eager to learn more about research happening here in Scotland. MND Scotland’s dual role, delivering support and funding research, means we can provide opportunities for people to learn about research directly from the researchers themselves.
“Building relationships between people with lived experience and researchers introduces real world perspective which helps ensure that research reflects the needs of people with, or affected by, MND.
A better understanding of the condition and the needs of people affected by MND will also help researchers better communicate their work in a manner, and using language, that is accessible to everyone, no matter what their level of scientific knowledge.
Dr Christopher Henstridge, a Principle Investigator who runs his own lab in Dundee, participated in the LEARN pilot. He said: “As a lab-based research team, we rarely get the opportunity to hear directly from people affected by MND about their experiences of the very condition we are trying to understand and treat.
“Last year, we hosted three people in Tayside affected by MND for an afternoon of lab tours and research discussions. For us, this was a great opportunity to practise talking about our work in a language that can be easily understood.
However, talking about our research is what we do every day, so the most impactful conversations were the personal stories so honestly and openly shared by people with lived experience.
“The strength and courage they show every day is inspirational and we really appreciated the interest and insight they showed in our research. I hope that the experience gave everyone that came along insight into the scientific process and instilled real hope that there are a lot of researchers like us pushing hard to find effective treatments and a cure.
“When I come into work and discuss the research projects with lab members, I no longer think of “MND”, I think of the individuals affected by it and this emotional connection really drives me to ensure we are doing rigorous and impactful research.
“I believe these interactions are extremely important and I’m delighted to hear that MND Scotland plans to expand the LEARN scheme and develop new ways of bringing even greater numbers of researchers and people with lived experience together.”
LEARN is a three-stage initiative that will conclude with an event in Edinburgh in March 2025, hosted in partnership with fellow MND charity, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation:
Stage 1
MND Scotland will host drop-in sessions in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen between September and October 2024. These sessions aim to form relationships between people with lived experience of MND and researchers.
The drop-in sessions will be held at the following locations –
Aberdeen Science Centre, Aberdeen – Monday 9 September 2024
Bonnie and Wild, St James’ Quarter, Edinburgh – Thursday 26 September 2024
MND Scotland Office, Glasgow – Thursday 3 October 2024
Dundee Science Centre, Dundee – Thursday 24 October 2024
Stage 2
Stage 2 will involve laboratory tours, much like the pilot, allowing people affected by MND to get a first-hand view of MND research. This will give people a behind-the-scenes look at how MND research is carried out and provide an opportunity for those affected by MND to share their thoughts on research and how to make MND research more accessible.
Stage 3
LEARN will conclude, in March 2025, with a day-long event at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh, where My Name’5 Doddie Foundation will be joining MND Scotland to work in partnership to deliver the event.
The day will offer information for researchers and training opportunities for ECRs, along with sessions involving people with lived experience of MND.
The collaboration between MND Scotland and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation reflects the shared commitment between MND charities to push for a world without MND.
More information about the events will be available on our website, via our newsletters and social media channels. www.mndscotland.org.uk
To provide more details on the events and the aims of LEARN, the MND Scotland research team will host a webinar at 12.30 pm on Friday, 26 July 2024.
To sign up for the webinar, please complete this form:
There was truly something for everyone at Scotland’s largest event, the Royal Highland Show, which took place at Ingliston, Edinburgh, over the last four days.
Friday and Saturday sold out, with general tickets sales up 2.5% from last year, and over 220,000 event goers attended events across the four-days making the Royal Highland Centre the sixth largest population in Scotland, bigger than Paisley or Dunfermline and with more attendees than Taylor Swift’s recent record-breaking concerts.
Children 15 and under were able to attend the Show for free and over 21,311 children attended over the four days. Over 9,000 people spent Friday and Saturday evening at the toe-tapping Royal Highland Hoolie, with country and folk music from an array of artists including native Scottish band Tide-Lines and Irish singer Derek Ryan.
David Tennant, Head of Show for RHASS said: “This year we have seen the show return in all its glory, and it has been a true delight to see generations from across the agricultural community come together to celebrate their great achievements, learnings, stories and make new memories, just as it has been to see visitors and families enjoy all that the Show has to offer.
“It’s great to see the ticketing strategy that was implemented in 2022 in its third year produce a record £3.3million gross ticket return. With more tickets available to the general public than ever, it’s fantastic to see the demand has been met with strong ticket sales.
“While the Show is renowned for its historic and traditional aspects, namely the livestock competitions and parades, over the years we have developed it so far beyond that, and every year we build and grow on the last with an ever-increasing focus on sustainability while ensuring we continue to elevate the visitor experience.
“I’d like to thank everyone for playing their part, from our members, exhibitors and competitors to our staff and members of the public, for helping to make the 2024 Royal Highland Show a truly unforgettable event!”
The 2024 Royal Highland Show – facts and numbers:
327 prestigious trophies and a prize fund of £208,073 were competed for and awarded at this year’s Show.
The Queen’s Cup, which was presented by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1960 to commemorate her presidency of the Royal Highland Show was, this year, awarded to the Dairy Section with the Laird family scooping the coveted prize two years back-to-back. They are only the second family to do so and the third to win it for a second time.
Over 6,000 livestock were welcomed, including 2,500 competitors from across the UK, and visitors from as far afield as Australia and Argentina.
Over 800 exhibitors, stretching across food, drink, clothing, artisanal crafts and agri-trade were in attendance.
Some 5,630 school pupils from 215 school groups came along for free through RHET (Royal Highland Education Trust), trying their hand at milking Mabel the (fiberglass) cow and taking part in honey tasting and candle making in the RHET Discovery Centre.
9,064 people enjoyed the toe-tapping Royal Highland Hoolie after the Show on Friday and Saturday. Presented by legendary country music promoters, Farmers Bash, the event brought together eight live folk and country music acts, including Tide Lines, Derek Ryan and Nathan Evans.
This year’s Show also saw a number of prestigious awards handed out:
The Sir William Young Award, which recognises exceptional contributions to the world of livestock breeding and celebrates the enduring legacy of the late Sir William Young, was presented to Bill P Bruce.
The John Miller Perpetual Challenge Trophy was presented to Catherine Marshall for her outstanding contribution to heavy horse showing and breeding. Catherine attended the Show with her daughter-in-law, grand-daughter and great grand-daughter who attended her first Show at just eight-months old.
This year’s Show’s new elements:
The Scottish Dairy Championships included new milk and cream classes, Champion Milk Exhibit was awarded to Jolly Jersey, and Champion Cream Exhibit to Park Farm Dairy. This saw 140 types of ice creams and sorbets judged. Equi’s ice cream took home the esteemed titles of Overall Champion Ice-cream and Overall Dairy Produce Champion for their vanilla ice-cream.
The Show’s new ladies shearing category was won by Emily Te Kapa.
The new Kerry Hill class in the Show’s sheep section included 75 entries and saw Chris Adamson with a ewe take home the inaugural award.
The Blade Shearing leg of the 6 Nations Shearing & Woolhandling Competition was won by England.
57 Horse of the Year Show Qualifiers competed ahead of the event in Birmingham in October.
A limited number of Super Early Bird tickets went on sale on Sunday at 4pm, for those eager to relive the Show experience again in 2025.
Having run successfully for over two centuries, the Royal Highland Show remains the biggest fundraising event for RHASS, Scotland’s leading agricultural charity.
Super early-bird tickets for the 2025 Show are now on-sale.
After a dramatic draw against Switzerland, Scotland go in to tonight’s match against Hungary in Stuttgart knowing that a win is needed if Steve Clarke’s side are to have a chance of making history by progressing to the knock-out stages of a major tournament for the first time ever.
After the bitter disappointment in Munich in the opener against Germany, Scotland were much-improved in an entertaining draw against the Swiss.
Scott McTominay broke the deadlock, smashing home from the edge of the box via a deflection, after a swift counter-attack, before Xherdan Shaqiri curled home a stunning equaliser.
Scotland returned to their picturesque base in the Bavarian Alps on Thursday, where Steve Clarke’s squad recovered from the exertions of Wednesday night and prepared for their crucial final match of Group A.
Team news:
Scotland have suffered a blow with Kieran Tierney – who was stretchered off on Wednesday night – being ruled out of EURO 2024 through injury.
Ryan Porteous also remains unavailable as he serves the second game of his suspension, while Ryan Jack’s fitness is being monitored as well.
Scotland assistant coach John Carver addressed the media on Friday in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and issued the following words of encouragement to his players: “Let’s see how the game develops and plays out but if we do it we will be the first team to do it and people will remember the team to do it for the first time.
“That’s what they have to think about in the back of their minds. These guys have got us to this tournament and we deserve to be there.
“They have put all the work and effort in to get us to where we are – why can’t we go one step further and take it to that next level? Because that’s what we want, we all want that and there is no reason why we can’t after what we saw a couple of days ago.”
The assistant coach also reflected on the performance of the Tartan Army in Cologne and the rousing rendition of the anthem, in particular, adding: “When I listened to Flower of Scotland – and I am getting a little emotional here – it was the loudest I have ever heard.
“It brought a lump to my throat. If that can’t inspire these guys after that they did the other then …
“We might get beat because the opposition is better than us but it won’t be for the want of trying.”
Defender Hendry also spoke to the press, looking back on Wednesday night and looking forward to the crunch clash against Hungary. He said “It was an action-packed evening, a very emotional evening.
“We obviously felt we had to put in a performance and I think we did that. Obviously a massive contrast and hopefully we can continue this momentum.
“It felt good, we felt we gave a bit of justice in the performance and hopefully we made the county a bit more proud than they felt after the evening against Germany.
“There is a lot to look forward to now. Obviously it is in our hands and it is something to really relish.”
“The squad is aware that have never got out of a group before so this squad is hungry to change that. The squad is determined to make history on Sunday against Hungary.”
Heading to the game?
For the supporters who are travelling to the Stuttgart Arena, have a look at UEFA’s guide to Stuttgart for advice on travel, getting to the stadium and things to do in the host city. (If you’re reading this in Germany, hopefully you’re in Stuttgart already! – Ed.)
Where to watch
The match will be broadcast live on BBC One with coverage starting at 7pm in the UK. Gabby Logan will be presenting, with punditry from David Moyes, Alan Shearer and Rachel Corsie.
Celebrate the spirit of British summer sports with The Caledonian Edinburgh’s latest afternoon tea, featuring a variety of innovative sandwiches such as Squash, Chilli & Coconut Quiche; Hoisin Duck Crème Fraîche Wrap; and Steelhead Smoked Trout & Pear Chutney.
The pastry chefs have hit it out of the park with selections including the baseball Yogurt & Mango Compote Macaron; football Mint Buttercream & Lime Ganache Battenberg; and tennis Coconut Paste & White Chocolate Crunch Pepite – for sport fans and pastry lovers alike.
Standing proudly at the West End of Princes Street, this former Victorian railway building hotel nestles in the shadow of the imposing Edinburgh Castle. Its reputation for style and excellence has attracted generations of locals, internationals, and notable personalities for over one hundred years.
Formerly the station concourse and ticket office, The Lounge represents the historic heart of the Caley – the perfect setting for an unforgettable afternoon tea.
The British Summer Sports afternoon tea is available in The Lounge, The Caledonian Edinburgh daily from 12:30 – 4pm. Gluten free, vegan, and children’s menus are also available. The menu can be viewed here.
Bookings can be made by emailingdining@edinburghcaledonian.comor calling the reservations team directly at 0131 222 8832.
The UK’s first childhood bereavement charity, Winston’s Wish, is asking people to take part in a sponsored Kiltwalk this summer
Winston’s Wish is calling on people to remember the children who’ve lost a member of their clan
The Kiltwalks will take place on Sunday 11th of August in Dundee and Sunday 15th of September in Edinburgh
The UK’s first children and young people’s bereavement charity is asking people to take part in a sponsored Kiltwalk in Dundee or Edinburgh this summer.
As a national charity with a special interest in reaching grieving young people in communities across the UK, Winston’s Wish is keen to forge a future in which no child is left to grieve alone.
The charity is mustering well-travelled trekkers or fledgling footsloggers to don their clan’s kilts and take part in a ‘Mighty Stride’ or a ‘Wee Wander’ to raise awareness and to support bereaved children and young people.
Established for more than 30 years, Winston’s Wish reaches more than 60,000 bereaved children and young people up to the age of 25 when their worlds are turned upside down by grief. Each day, estimates suggest that more than 120 young people are bereaved of a parent and that figure doesn’t equate how many are coping with the death of a sibling, friend or another significant person in their lives.
The Kiltwalks will take place in Dundee (11th August) and Edinburgh (15th September) and participants have a £20 registration fee with no minimum sponsorship required.
There are three lengths to choose from; the ‘Mighty Stride’ which is approximately 21 miles, the ‘Big Stroll’ which stretches across 11 miles or the ‘Wee Wander’, also open to juniors, which is five miles long. Last year alone, the Kiltwalk raised more than £5 million for good causes.
Individuals as well as families, friends and corporate teams are encouraged to come together to support charities who are making strides in helping those in Scotland. Winston’s Wish delivers one-to-one support to the bereaved young people locally for whom individual counselling was suitable as well as answering helpline calls and other messages.
The charity also delivers bespoke training to Scottish professionals working in educational, healthcare and funeral services to feel capable and confident to support a bereaved young person.
Winston’s Wish Trustee Neil Musgrove is taking part in both Kiltwalks this summer, after already completing his first trek earlier this month in Aberdeen.
A commercial financial director with Expedian, Neil explains his connection to the charity: “My wife Rachael was diagnosed with cancer in July 2017 and sadly passed away in March 2019. We have three wonderful boys, who at the time were 11, 12 and 14. As a Father I was alone; I just wanted to be able to help them be OK.
“A few years later, the opportunity to apply for the Treasurer Board role at Winston’s Wish came up. It was a charity I’d heard a lot about from the support network of widows and widowers I’d built.
“And if I could use my professional skills and experience to help even one more child get the support, they needed in their grief then it would have been worth it. I applied for the role and am incredibly privileged and proud to be part of such a wonderful organisation making a huge difference.”
Neil already has one Kiltwalk under his belt after completing the first part of his challenge in Aberdeen. He says, “I’ve completed the first walk which was up in Aberdeen. It was a fantastic experience.
“There were well over 5,000 people taking part. It was a really lovely atmosphere, with so many different charities being supported by so many people to which each cause meant something personal. That made it feel really special. So much good being done by so many people just trying to make a little positive difference.
If you are interested in taking part in your own ‘Wee Wander or ‘Mighty Stride’ in Scotland this summer then don’t forget to review the dedicated webpage on the Winston’s Wish website for further details and take step toward a future when no child is left to grieve alone.
Winston’s Wish is keen to reassure bereaved young people and their families that they are welcome to chat online, email or call for free to speak to a bereavement support worker by calling 08088 020 021, emailing ask@winstonswish.org or using the live chat at winstonswish.org.
A mum whose teenage daughter died by suicide after viewing harmful content online has raised more than £4,000 for Childline by climbing the Pentland Skyline in Scotland.
Ruth Moss (52), a nurse from Edinburgh, raised the money for the NSPCC-run counselling service, which supported her daughter Sophie several times before she died.
Sophie died in 2014 aged 13 after she watched harmful content online, including material that glorified suicide.
She struggled with her mental health throughout her teenage years, and Ruth encouraged her to contact Childline when she was feeling very low or suicidal so that she could talk in confidence to someone, who was professionally trained and independent from family and teachers.
Despite living with the grief of losing her daughter, Ruth is determined to bring about something positive from her tragedy by raising money for the free counselling service, which is available to young people up to the age of 19, 24 hours a day, all year round.
Ruth completed the 16-mile route with a 5,577 ft climb with her husband Craig and two friends on Saturday, June 15. She said: “It was pretty tough. The Pentlands aren’t that high, but doing 15 hills in one go was sore on the legs.
“But it was such a positive thing to do in Sophie’s memory – as well as for an amazing charity. We took a photo of Sophie with us all the way. I hope we did her proud.”
In 2022/23, Childline delivered 105,366 counselling sessions with children across the UK where the child’s main concern was mental or emotional health, suicide or self-harm.
Ruth said: “Sophie used Childline for quite some time and while the outcome for her was tragic the service provided her with comfort, and I am so grateful to them for being there for her.”
Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk. Childline is there for all young people up until their 19th birthday. Call the police on 999 if you suspect someone is in immediate danger.
