AT ROYAL SCOTS CLUB COFFEE MORNING, SATURDAY 18 MAY 2024 at 10:30am
Illustrated talk about a controversial Scottish Society family and their historic golfing links by Richard Blake, author of Sugar, Slaves and High Society: The Grants of Kilgraston, on 18th May 2024, at The Royal Scots Club, starting at 10:30am.
Blake’s book follows three generations of an upwardly mobile Scottish family and describes how fortunes were made, wealth squandered, lives lost at home and abroad, and two brothers made knights of the realm.
More than an account of a Scottish Society family, this is an exploration of opportunism, fortune, hypocrisy and tragedy, all viewed against the backdrop of the slavery in Jamaica that generated the wealth.
Blake’s talk at The Royal Scots Club will be about three Grant brothers and their shared passion for Golf.
Captains of three Royal Golf Clubs and winners of medals at St Andrews, Blackheath, Perth and North Berwick, John is pictured in the centre of arguably the most famous painting about early golf, a famous portrait by Sir Francis, the only Scottish President of the Royal Academy hangs in the Big Room of the R & A and a golf hole is named after General Sir Hope. The brothers had strong connections with the famous East Lothian golf courses: Muirfield, Archerfield, Gullane Links and North Berwick.
The literary coffee morning with author Richard Blake will be held on Saturday 18th May 2024 at The Royal Scots Club, 29-31 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6QE starting at 10:30am.
The event is free and is open to all, members and non-members alike, with numbers limited by venue capacity only.
Reservations should be made by via Eventbrite or by emailing The Royal Scots Club on events@royalscotsclub.com
Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase from the author on the day.
Around 730,000 tax credits customers have started receiving their annual renewal notices.HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said tax credits claimants will receive them between 2 May and 19 June 2024.
The vast majority of claims will be automatically renewed. Notices with a black stripe are automatically renewed while claimants receiving a notice with a red stripe need to renew.
Fewer than 10,000 customers will need to check their information and renew their claim by 31 July, but failure to do so means they risk having their payments stopped.
The quickest and easiest way for customers to renew their tax credits is via GOV.UK or via the free and secure HMRC app, which allows them to track their claim and find out when they can expect payments.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Tax credits are valued by many families for their essential contribution to the monthly family budget, so to avoid payments being stopped please respond to HMRC by the 31 July deadline. For more information search ‘manage my tax credits’ on GOV.UK.”
Customers must report certain life changes which could affect their claim to HMRC. These include:
· relationship changes, such as moving in with a new partner, getting married or divorced
If customers fail to renew by the deadline, they risk their payments being stopped and having to repay any overpayments. The 2024 to 2025 tax credits notices may show predicted payments for the tax year 2025 to 2026 – these are automatically generated and should be disregarded.
Tax credits are ending on 5 April 2025 and are being replaced by Universal Credit. There is information about this at GOV.UK.
Customers will receive a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions, or the Department for Communities if they live in Northern Ireland, explaining what happens next. This letter is called a Migration Notice and customers are urged not to ignore it.
Criminals use deadlines to trick people who might be expecting to hear from HMRC into sharing their banking or other details.
If a phone call, text or email is unexpected, don’t give out private information or reply, and don’t download attachments or click on links.
Are you interested in organising events and arts projects? Want to have your say about activities on offer in North Edinburgh and be a part of a new creative group of young people?
Come along to the NEA Young Programmers free taster sessions held on Thursday evenings between 9 May and 20 June at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
Sessions will take place on:
Thursday 9 May, 5.30pm – 7pm
Thursday 16 May, 5.30pm – 7pm
Thursday 13 June, 5.30pm – 7pm
Thursday 20 June, 5.30pm – 7pm
Attend one or as many sessions as you wish and enjoy fun activities, games, and snacks.
To mark the anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE DAY), BBC ALBA is giving viewers an exclusive opportunity to unravel the story of A Bear named Wojtek with a special Gaelic broadcast of the award-winning animation.
Airing on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer on Wednesday 8 May, this is the first opportunity for UK audiences outside of the film festival circuit to explore the true story of Wojtek the Bear.
The half hour animated film, dubbed in Gaelic with English subtitles, tells the epic journey of an orphaned Syrian brown bear who was adopted by Polish soldiers during World War II, becoming a beacon of hope and an emblem of their fate.
The story begins with a platoon of Polish soldiers trading rations for a small orphaned Syrian bear cub that Piotr Prendys, a member of the 22nd Artillery Corps of the 2nd Polish Army, names Wojtek – ‘happy warrior’. To Piotr, the bear comes to represent his lost homeland, needing protection and care to become strong and independent again. To Wojtek, Piotr and the soldiers become his only family.
Tragically, the realpolitik of the war’s outcome ultimately force Piotr and Wojtek to become refugees in Scotland, with Wojtek confined in Edinburgh Zoo.
Directed by Scottish filmmaker Iain Gardner, and produced by Iain Harvey and Wlodzimierz Matuszewski, Mathan Leis an Ainm Wojtek / A Bear named Wojtek is a love story for one’s homeland; and an important subject in times of refugees, nationalism and xenophobia.
Producer Iain Harvey said: “This is an emotional story, not just because it is true – though the film makes no pretence of being a documentary – but through the extraordinary parallels of recent events: the Covid pandemic restricting movement, and then the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“The agony of losing loved ones and the plight of refugees is symbolised by the history of Wojtek the Bear.
“Coupled with the beautiful artwork and the haunting music by Normand Roger, it is a film that will never lose its appeal.”
Piotr’s experience echoes that of many Polish people, who would become the biggest losers of the War as their land is bargained off to the Soviet Union. Despite feeling abandoned and betrayed, the Polish fortitude continues today via Wojtek: still a celebrated legend and symbol of hope.
Co-produced by Filmograf in Poland and The Illuminated Film Company in the UK, Mathan Leis an Ainm Wojtek / A Bear named Wojtek was financed by the Polish Film Institute, Screen Scotland, and the UK Government-supported BFI Young Audiences Content Fund.
Mathan Leis an Ainm Wojtek / A Bear named Wojtek will premiere on BBC ALBA and BBC
iPlayer on VE Day, Wednesday 8 May, at 7pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles). Watch live or on demand: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001z24r.
Education Convener Councillor Joan Griffiths has welcomed the announcement that an Edinburgh primary school has been shortlisted in the annual Times Educational Supplement awards.
Cllr Griffiths said: “Congratulations to the dedicated staff, pupils and the whole school community at South Morningside Primary who should all take great credit for this recognition.
“As a Gold Rights Respecting School they focus on the individual learners and in their recent inspection they were praised for being sector leading for their tailored support for each child and the tracking of pupils to ensure they are all successful.
“It’s a great honour for them to be in the running for the best primary school in the UK and they are the only Scottish entry in that category. Their accolade follows on from Firrhill High School being nominated in last year’s awards and demonstrates the high quality of learning and teaching in our schools.”
Grant Gillies, Head Teacher at South Morningside Primary School, said: “We are so excited to be shortlisted for the TES Primary School of the Year.
“A good school is not one person, it is a community working together to support generations.
“South Morningside Primary is at the heart of a very vibrant community with a fantastic team and this represents their hard work and efforts. Like all schools in Edinburgh , we have high aspirations for our children and families. “
National Galleries of Scotland is celebrating an incredible half a million visitors to the new Scottish galleries in Edinburgh, just seven months after opening.
The Leckie family were thrilled to be the 500,000th visitors through the doors on Friday 3 May. Victoria Leckie along with Ella, 8, and William, 7, were welcomed to the new galleries with balloons and goodie bags.
Victoria said: “I can’t believe it! I thought you were joking! We have just moved to Edinburgh from South Africa a month ago, so it feels even more unbelievable.
“We came to explore the gallery and take the kids to the Family Friday event, so this is all very exciting and unexpected.”
The highly anticipated new Scottish galleries at the National opened to the public on 30 September 2023 to rave reviews, showcasing the very best of historic Scottish art from 1800 to 1945.
A free experience for everyone to enjoy right in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre, the new spaces have been a roaring success, transforming the visitor experience and making the National more accessible than ever before.
Prior to the opening of the new Scottish galleries only 19% of visitors to the National gallery made their way to the former Scottish wing. However, since the opening of the new Scottish galleries this has increased to an amazing 62% of people now enjoying the exceptional artworks on display.
With 12 breathtaking galleries to explore, visitors can dive into dramatic landscapes, encounter iconic images and be wowed by art.
Spectacular views over the city entice visitors to come in and discover their national collection of art and the pioneering Scottish artists that created them.
Whether immersing themselves in the highly Romantic paintings of the Scottish Highlands, on a day out with the family, or just enjoying the views, all are welcome to come and discover their national collection.
Controversy rages over whether the proposed north-south tramline should use the Roseburn path or an onroad route via Orchard Brae and Dean Bridge.
The speakers at our June 5th public meeting will present the two cases, then the pros and cons of each option for cycling and walking, and for wider public health. Followed by our always-stimulating one-hour QA and panel discussion.
Speakers:
The case for tram using Roseburn path and not using the road route:
Lesley Hinds, Former Transport Convenor & North Edinburgh resident.
The case for tram using the road route and not using Roseburn path:
Time Starts 7.30pm, Ends 9.30. Doors open 6.45 for coffee, stalls and chat, including a special stall to join Spokes or renew your membership
Questions Questions for the panel, can be emailed (at least a day in advance) to spokes@spokes.org.uk. However, questions in person from audience members are likely to have greatest priority on the night
Online We hope to live broadcast on our youtube channel – confirmation nearer the time – and make the recording available soon after
The National Deaf Children’s Society is highlighting the support available to parents of deaf children in Wales, as part of Deaf Awareness Week (6-12 May).
With more than 90% of deaf children born to hearing parents with no experience of deafness, many families can be unsure where to go for support or what being deaf means for their child’s future. Parents who are deaf may also not always know where to go to for support when they are told their child is deaf.
The National Deaf Children’s Society asked the parents of deaf children from across the UK to share the emotions they experienced after being told their child is deaf. The charity also asked deaf young people to share their deaf awareness tips, in the hope of helping other families new to deafness.
Gladiators star Fury, real name Jodie Ounsley, shared her top tips to help deaf children and young people smash through the barriers which some regularly face:
The hit show’s first deaf Gladiator said: “For me, the most useful tip has to be honesty. Just by being very open and honest and being vulnerable in those moments where you may be misunderstanding or feeling isolated at times, is huge.
“Not only does it help your confidence, but it raises awareness to the people around you so that they are able to understand and support where they can.”
“Be brave and just go for it, whether it’s a new sport or a challenge that may feel a bit scary, you never know what is around the corner and your deafness certainly shouldn’t to be the reason to hold you back.”
Lorraine, from Motherwell, whose 18-year-old daughter Kara is profoundly deaf, urges parents of deaf children to join a local support group and the National Deaf Children’s Society.
She said: “We didn’t know about support groups or the National Deaf Children’s Society so I wish we’d known more about the support out there and that there’s people you can talk to. This is a big thing when your child is first identified as deaf – especially being able to speak to the parents of other deaf children.”
Lorraine also recommends all parents of deaf children learn British Sign Language. She said: “We were advised by professionals not to learn sign language as it would stop Kara from talking. But in hindsight I wish we’d learned BSL as it would have boosted Kara’s deaf identity.”
When asked what the most helpful piece of advice was after finding out Kara is deaf, Lorraine replied: “To join the National Deaf Children’s Society for more information and the community.
“We went on a weekend for newly identified deaf children and it was fantastic because of all the information we found out and the support that NDCS provided us with. Kara was a young deaf campaigner for the NDCS and she’s now making deaf awareness videos for the BBC.”
Lorraine’s top tip during Deaf Awareness Week is to make sure a deaf person can see you when you’re talking to them. She said: “Make sure you keep your hands away from your mouth and don’t shout through walls. It’s vital deaf people can read your lips, to see what’s being said.”
Victoria, a parent from Aberdeen concedes she knew “nothing” about deafness when she was first told that her son Lewis is deaf.
She said: “That is the scariest part and I panicked. I felt ignorant about deafness, and I wish I had known more.
“But don’t panic as there’s so much support out there and a whole community who will help you with any questions, situations and they provide fantastic help and guidance.
“Speak to as many parents about their experiences and engage with the National Deaf Children’s Society.”
Victoria admitted she cannot remember anything useful from the first four weeks after she was told Lewis is deaf, as she was still coming to terms with what this would mean for her son.
“Then I went to Aberdeen School for Deaf Coffee morning, I cried as they were so kind and lovely. there were people signing and this is when I realised this would be our new journey.
“There were older children who showed that their deafness wasn’t holding them back, it was at this point I knew it would all be ok.”
Lewis is now aged five, attends a mainstream school and he has worn bilateral cochlear implants since he was 15 months old.
Mark Ballard, Head of Policy and Influencing for Scotland with the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “Many parents tell us they knew very little, or nothing at all, about deafness before they had a deaf child. So, it’s hardly surprising that these parents find themselves feeling confused, unprepared and worried about what the future might hold for their children.
“The National Deaf Children’s Society is here to help you give your deaf child the very best start in life. With the right support, there’s absolutely no reason why they shouldn’t grow up confident, happy and fulfilled.”
V for vital support – how we at Meningitis Now help following viral meningitis
I for information you can trust – where you can find out more reliable facts about viral meningitis
R for recovery – what this can look like and how long it can take
A for after-effects – what to look for and what to do about it
L for life after meningitis – getting back to normal
The UK’s leading meningitis charity has called for people in Scotland who have experienced viral meningitis to be ‘Vocal about Viral’ to help dispel myths and misconceptions about this form of the disease.
Although rarely life-threatening viral meningitis, which is more common than bacterial meningitis, can make some people incredibly unwell and for some the after-effects can be life-changing, affecting people’s day-to-day lives and their ability to learn, play and work.
The charity is using its annual Viral Meningitis Awareness Week, between the 6th and 10th of May, to inform the public, health professionals and employers about the true impact of the disease and the long-term after-effects it can cause.
Expert opinion suggests several thousand people each year across the UK contract viral meningitis, an infection that causes inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and the spinal cord.
Our Community Support Team supports people and families who have been affected by viral meningitis all across the UK. They offer free personalised, bespoke support and create a safe space for people to understand and ask questions about viral meningitis and its after-effects.
Alison is our Community Support Officer for Scotland, based in Edinburgh. She said: “At Meningitis Now we understand the impact meningitis can have on someone’s life.
“Whatever your experience of meningitis is, we can offer you a range of support for as long as you need it. If you or someone and your family has been affected by meningitis and you would like some support please reach out to us.”
Meningitis Now’s President, TV presenter and fashion model Lisa Snowdon, is also adding her voice and sharing her own experience of viral meningitis to support this year’s awareness week.
Lisa became ill with viral meningitis in 2010 but despite terrible headaches and other signs of the disease she continued to present her Capital London breakfast radio show. She only sought medical attention after switching on the Bond Street Christmas lights in December that year, when she nearly collapsed in pain.
Since then, Lisa has spread awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease, some of which she herself experienced without recognising them as relating to meningitis.
She said: “It’s vital that everyone knows the signs and symptoms and understands how serious viral meningitis can be.
“It’s also important that those who have been affected by it, and their family and friends, are not afraid to speak out and seek the support they need.
“Raising awareness will hopefully help dispel the myths and misconceptions that viral meningitis is always ‘mild’.”
A recent national survey carried out for Meningitis Now by the Picker Institute highlighted gaps in the aftercare and support for adults with a recent experience of meningitis, with many not receiving the information and support they would have liked.
The survey demonstrated that viral meningitis is still viewed by many as a short-term illness, despite it having a lasting impact for some people.
Survey responses included: “healthcare providers don’t count viral meningitis as a serious illness so they dismiss it altogether,” and “People seem to think viral meningitis is not life changing and it is.”
After-effects of the disease can include exhaustion, headaches, memory loss, depression, anxiety and balance problems. Many people need to take long periods off education or work, and struggle with the day-to-day tasks that most people take for granted.
Bev Corbett, Meningitis Now’s Director of Information and Support, said: “As a centre of expertise for nearly 40 years we know how devastating meningitis can be.
“This important survey with the Picker Institute has deepened our knowledge and understanding of the aftercare and support needs of adults impacted by viral meningitis in the UK.”
Meningitis Now has a range of free services to support individuals and their families after viral meningitis, including its Rebuilding Futures Fund, which provides financial and practical support for people of all ages affected by meningitis.
Symptoms of viral meningitis can include a severe headache, a dislike of bright lights, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting and confusion. The disease can affect anyone of any age. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek urgent medical attention.
Meningitis Now is urging anyone concerned about the impact of viral meningitis to contact their nurse-led Helpline. Most people will make a full recovery. However, for some recovery can be slow and the after-effects long lasting. Meningitis Now can provide a range of support – and even just a call with our experienced team can help you on the road to recovery.
For further information about viral meningitis visit this page and if you have been affected by viral meningitis, contact the Meningitis Now Helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or email helpline@meningitisnow.org.
Westminster government to introduce new law to ‘halt the march of gender-neutral toilets’
New requirements will be brought forward for single sex toilet facilities in new non-domestic buildings to alleviate safety, privacy and dignity concerns.
The new legislation follows the results of a consultation on the proposals, where responses showed 81% agreed with the intention for separate single-sex toilet facilities and 82% agreed with the intention to provide universal toilets where space allows. A universal toilet is self-contained, and a fully enclosed toilet room with a wash hand basin for individual use.
Responses highlighted particular concerns from women, elderly and the disabled who felt unfairly disadvantaged as publicly accessible toilets are increasingly being converted into gender neutral facilities where users share cubicle and hand-washing facilities. This leads to increasing waiting in shared queues, decreased choice and less privacy and dignity.
The new requirements will mean everyone can access appropriate facilities either through a separate single-sex space or a self-contained, universal toilet.
Changes to building regulations will mean that new non-domestic buildings, including restaurants, shopping centres, offices and public toilets will be required to provide separate single-sex toilets for women and men. Self-contained, universal toilets may be provided in addition, where space allows, or instead of single-sex toilets where there isn’t enough space.
In addition to single-sex toilets becoming the default for new non-domestic buildings and places undertaking major refurbishment, the policy encourages provision of self-contained universal toilets, which are a fully enclosed toilet room with a washbasin and hand-drying facilities for individual use.
Minister for Women and Equalities Kemi Badenoch said: “These regulations will guide organisations to design unisex and single-sex toilets, ending the rise of so-called “gender-neutral” mixed sex toilet spaces, which deny privacy and dignity to both men and women.
“Today’s announcement will also create better provision for women so that our particular biological, health and sanitary needs are met.
“This is following our work last week limiting the use of mixed-sex wards in the NHS and demonstrates how this government is committed to ensuring single-sex spaces are protected for all.”
Housing Minister Lee Rowley said: “We know all members of society value safety, privacy and dignity, and this new legislation will help ensure the right facilities are in place for everyone.
“It is vital that new buildings, particularly in public spaces, are serving the community with right toilet provision.
“The Government is clear that single-sex spaces are essential for ensuring privacy and dignity for the elderly, women, and girls.”
The move comes following a set of announcements of firm action to protect spaces for women and girls, such as the Government’s introduction of a new NHS constitution which put patient safety and dignity at the heart of care, including reinforcing the NHS’s commitment to providing single-sex wards.
It also follows the Minister for Women and Equalities’ call for examples of organisations issuing incorrect guidance on single-sex spaces.
In addition, the Department for Education re-enforced that Schools in England are required to comply with minimum standards, including that separate toilets for boys and girls aged 8 years and over are to be provided.
While England’s colleges are not subject to the same legal requirements, they should take the same approach given the same safeguarding considerations apply.
Changes to building regulations will ensure that:
Separate single-sex toilets facilities are provided for men and women;
Self-contained, universal toilets may be provided in addition to single-sex toilets, where space allows;
Self-contained universal toilets may be provided instead of single-sex toilets only where lack of space reasonably precludes provision of single-sex toilet accommodation.
Calling local young creatives ages 11-13
