Free digital support helpline provided by People Know How

The Connecting Scotland Helpline provides digital support to anyone in Scotland. It is free to call and is open from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. 

Anyone can call this freephone number and receive support and advice on topics including:

  • Using devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops or desktop computers
  • Connecting to the internet
  • Navigating the web and social media
  • Completing everyday tasks online
  • Connecting with the community, family and friends
  • Managing finances, paying bills and saving money online
  • Reducing costs (energy, data plans, shopping, etc.)
  • Finding opportunities for education and employment
  • Feeling less isolated and having someone to talk to

The helpline is run by charity People Know How, in partnership with the Scottish Government and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO). It forms part of the charity’s Reconnect service, which aims to improve digital inclusion across Scotland.

Part of the wider Connecting Scotland scheme set up during the pandemic, the helpline was set up to support those who received devices as part of that programme. It has since been expanded to help anyone in Scotland who needs digital support, regardless of whether they interacted with the original scheme.

“Thank goodness for Connecting Scotland…We felt we were living in the 19th century; now we’ve joined the 21st century, and we’re enjoying every moment of it!” – Greta & Heidi, helpline callers

The charity has supported thousands of people through the helpline. 

Sisters Greta and Heidi received iPads that made their life in a rural part of Scotland much easier, with continual support from the helpline that allowed them do things like order food and essentials to their home instead of making the 60-mile round trip to the nearest shop.

David was able to solve connectivity issues after recently moving to Scotland, allowing him to apply for local college courses and build his skills as he supports his family. 

Mary still calls in regularly for advice after the team supported her to regain access to her iPad, which is vital in her life to access medicine and food and to communicate with friends and family.

Rachel eased her worries online and improved her knowledge of online safety, learning about spotting spam emails and identifying trustworthy websites. 

The helpline is available to anyone who needs it, whether you’re an individual in need of advice, or a support worker or community organisation looking for a helpful resource to refer those you support to.

Call the helpline today for free digital support and advice: 0800 0 590 690


Find out more at: https://peopleknowhow.org/reconnect/#connecting-scotland

Culture in an independent Scotland

Benefits for culture, events and creative sectors

The culture and creative sectors of an independent Scotland would be enhanced by the establishment of a new Scottish public service broadcaster reflecting the needs and values of Scottish audiences, according to the latest Building a New Scotland paper published by Culture Secretary Angus Robertson.

The tenth paper in the series outlines how the Scottish Government would have the power to determine the list of events that should be available to broadcast free-to-air to reflect the interests of Scottish audiences, including some major sporting events.

It also sets out how re-joining the EU would help mitigate the impact of Brexit on the culture and creative sector’s ability to reach new audiences and generate income in a key export market.

The paper outlines how an independent Scottish Government could further protect, support and enhance Scotland’s culture and creative sectors by:

  • becoming members of multilateral conventions and agreements, organisations like Creative Europe and UNESCO
  • providing greater support to promote the creative sectors on the world stage and collaborating and cooperating on cultural initiatives with other nations
  • using its network of new embassies to promote Scottish culture globally. This would build on the current ‘Scotland House’ model, which fosters connectivity with international partners
  • building on the success of the festivals, ensuring they remain diverse, vibrant and international through supporting touring from international artists and creative professionals

Mr Robertson said: “Our culture and creative sectors, such as music, video games and the screen sector, are a key part of Scotland’s economy, not just in their own right but also as a driver of other sectors such as tourism and hospitality.

“Our creative industries already make an important contribution to our economy but as an independent country, Scotland’s rich and diverse culture would help our economy to thrive.

“Independence means that broadcasting decisions that impact Scottish audiences and our creative industries would be determined by the Scottish public through the Scottish Parliament. For example, decisions about what large-scale sporting events should be made available to broadcast free-to-air, such as international football qualifiers.

“A new public service broadcaster would prioritise content and services that are more representative of diverse audiences in Scotland, enhancing local voices and coverage of community issues.

“Brexit and the removal of free movement has had a major impact on Scotland’s cultural and creative sectors by limiting access to the people, talent and skills the sector needs.

“The increased costs and administrative burdens have also meant that working in the EU is now beyond the reach of many of Scotland’s artists, damaging their ability to reach new audiences and generate income.

“Independence and Scotland becoming a full member state within the EU is the only way for artists and creatives to regain the vast benefits of EU membership, including freedom of movement.”

culture-independent-scotland-paper-10Download

Building a New Scotland: Culture in an independent Scotland

It is the tenth paper in the Building a New Scotland series.

Musselburgh’s £430,000 Scottish Cheltenham Trials attracts top trainers this weekend 

Confirming the appeal of Musselburgh Racecourse’s bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials which benefits from a significant increase in prize money, legendary trainer Paul Nicholls is expected to make his first appearance at the East Lothian course this weekend.

Little wonder the two-day fixture, (3 and 4 February) which includes Musselburgh’s first £100,000 jumps race and a total £430,000 prize fund, has caught the eye of the 14 times champion trainer and his contemporaries.

In Saturday’s big ticket race, the bet365 Edinburgh National which at over 4 miles is a top draw for the country’s leading stayers, last year’s comfortable winner Magna Sam is among the thirteen declarations. Trained in Shropshire by Alistair Ralph, the ten-year-old will be looking for his fourth victory on this fifth visit to the track.

Liam Harrison and Fergal O’Brien, the Edinburgh National winning combination in 2022 with Captain Cattistock, are represented by Landen Calling, who won the Lincolnshire National at Market Rasen on Boxing Day.

Paul Nicholls, who boasts a 33 per-cent strike-rate with his Somerset raiders and has close to 150 Grade 1 winners to his credit, is double-handed with Truckers Lodge and Enrico, while Irish handler Gavin Cromwell saddles Peaches And Cream under rising star Ben Harvey and local favourite Lucinda Russell is responsible for another of the market principals, Inis Orr, who was fifth in the Lincolnshire equivalent.

The opening contest at 1.40pm, the £25,000 bet365 Frodon Novices’ Handicap Chase, carries the name of the horse ridden to so many memorable triumphs by Bryony Frost (course figures 6-16), who partners likely favourite Monmiral for Paul Nicholls.

Frodon actually won this contest under Sam Twiston-Davies in 2017 and is now spending his retirement with Bryony, who recorded a treble on this card in 2020 after enjoying her first strike under Rules on the same day five years earlier.

In the bet365 Scottish County Handicap Hurdle (2.50pm) Nicholls also runs Afadil, successful in last year’s Scottish Triumph Hurdle, but shouldering top-weight is Sandy Thomson’s Benson, a recent all-the-way winner of the Hogmaneigh Handicap Hurdle on New Year’s Day over 2m 4f.

Donald McCain’s Collingham and the Nicky Richard’s trained Parisencore, first and second twelve months ago, are also in a typically-competitive line-up for this £30,000 challenge.

Nicky Richards-trained Florida Dreams, a Grade 2 bumper winner at Aintree on Grand National day last season, carries the colours of Dundee United director Jimmy Fyffe in the bet365 Scottish Stayers’ Novices’ Hurdle (3.25), while Midlothian owner Lynne Maclennon is represented by Got Your Back, an impressive maiden hurdle winner at Musselburgh in December for Donald McCain.

Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, said: “We are delighted with the quality of entries over both days and are looking forward to an excellent weekend of quality jumps training at what is now established as one of the UK’s premier National Hunt festivals.”

Gate open on both days at 11.30am and provisional times for the first races are 1.40pm on Saturday and 1.20pm Sunday with the last race on both days at 4.35pm.

For more information and to book tickets visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

TODAY: North Edinburgh Film Festival

2024 North Edinburgh Film Festival is TODAY – Saturday 3 February (12.30pm to 5pm) at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.

From 2.45pm on Screen 1 we’ll be presenting ‘North Edinburgh from the Archive’.

Screen Education Edinburgh, formerly known as Pilton Video, opens its archive to bring you a fantastic selection of 9 short drama films that showcase North Edinburgh, its creativity, and its cinematic talent on and off screen.

Today promises to be a fantastic day celebrating community cinema and filmmaking in North Edinburgh. From filmmaking workshops and screenings of films created through North Edinburgh Arts’ Saturday programme, to an exhibition on local history and more, we have something for everyone to enjoy.

Look out for friends, family and neighbours on the big screen as we showcase some of the best locally-made films, as well as 5-star family favourite ‘Song of the Sea’.

Free entry – you can join us from the beginning at 12.30pm or drop in throughout the day. Food will also be provided, with opportunities to connect with local residents and neighbours.

We look forward to seeing you there!

SEE is delighted to announce the films we’ll be screening from our archives today at the North Edinburgh Film Festival!

Spanning both decades and genres, this selection of films highlights the talented people we’ve worked with over the years, as well as the creativity and vibrancy of the North Edinburgh community.

The North Edinburgh Film Festival is presented with North Edinburgh Arts and will be held at the West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre today = Saturday 3rd February – from 12.30pm-5pm.

It’s a completely free event, and you’re welcome to drop in throughout the day.

We hope to see many of you there!

Image description: 1) Schedule for the North Edinburgh Film Festival

2) Information on the films Stuck, Aye and John’s Shoes

3) Information on the films Lucky Draw, Time and Motion and The Interview

4) Information on the films Oh, The Man with No Name and My Shadowlands

5) Information on the films Keep It, Contact Trace and To Janice

Free football to keep the kids amused this February half-term

Looking for ways to keep the kids amused this half term, then look no further than some free football being offered by Edinburgh Leisure.

Suitable for young people aged 11 – 18 years, the football sessions will run on the main pitch at Meadowbank Sports Centre from 1:30pm – 3:00pm on Tuesday, 13th, Thursday 15th and Friday, 16th February.. 

Participants can come along, stay active and socialise while enjoying the outdoors. Sessions don’t need to be booked – kids can simply turn up and have fun.  

Wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is here to help the people of Edinburgh enjoy a healthier, happier, and more active life.

In the heart of communities, we’re the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city. As a charitable trust we provide activities for everyone as they move through their lives.

Musselburgh Windsor Blues 2009 sponsorship appeal ahead of international youth tournament

Musselburgh Windsor Blues Under 15s football team, who are currently top of the Scottish East Region Youth Football Association (SERYFA) Division 2 League, is appealing for sponsorship of hoodies and rain jackets ahead of their first-ever International Youth Tournament in Holland at the end of March.

The team, which has scored a total of 35 goals in their last four games, is on a mission to bring home the winning trophy at the two-day, ‘Holland Easter Open South’ tournament in Limburgh, which marks its 25thanniversary this year. 

It is the largest international youth football tournament and continues to attract teams from around the world, including Japan, Jamaica and Mexico.

Various events have been taking place at the club to raise funds for the trip of lifetime for the youngsters to help keep the costs at a minimum for families, including a race night where almost £4,000 was raised and also a forthcoming ‘Sporting Lunch with Live Auction’ on Sunday, 3rd March, at the Ravelston Hotel in Musselburgh with guest speakers, former Motherwell FC player, John Gaughan and international referee, John Rowbotham. Tickets are £30 per person.

The football players, from high schools across the county, including Preston Lodge, Rosehill, North Berwick and Ross High, are appealing to businesses to help sponsor much-needed hoodies and rain jackets for the trip, to help them feel even more like a team on and off the pitch.

Pete Hardie, Team Coach and Secretary, said: “Taking the Under 15s Musselburgh Windsor Blues team to Holland in March is such a great experience for the boys and will provide memories of a lifetime as they get the opportunity to play with football players from around the world in their first-ever international tournament. 

“We are continuing to raise funds as a club to keep costs down for families and would also like to appeal to businesses to help out by sponsoring hoodies and rain jackets, and join us at our fundraising lunch on the 3rdMarch at the Ravelston Hotel, which is guaranteed to be a fantastic afternoon with two brilliant guest speakers, former Motherwell FC player, John Gaughan and international referee, John Rowbotham, and a great opportunity to raise money at the same time.

“From everyone at the club, thanks to Forth Scaffolding Ltd for being our main kit sponsor, which is always appreciated.”

For sponsorship information or to purchase tickets for the Sporting Lunch on the 3rd March, please contact Pete Hardie on 07896 207209 or email – grolejac2001@hotmail.com.

Pet Abduction Bill “a desperately needed safety net” for nation’s pets, says animal charity

The UK’s biggest cat charity Cats Protection has again welcomed the Pet Abduction Bill after it cleared another hurdle through parliament yesterday.

The Bill – proposed by Anna Firth MP – will give cats and their owners greater protection in law and help prevent pet theft.

Annabel Berdy, Senior Advocacy & Government Relations Officer for Cats Protection said: “This proposed law is a desperately needed safety net for the nation’s pets, helping to stamp out the criminals who prey on much-loved animals.

“Pet abduction is a particularly nasty crime, often leaving owners in permanent limbo about the fate of their pets and putting the animals themselves at high risk of mistreatment.

“Currently, the theft of an animal is regarded in law as being level with the theft of a mobile phone – and that is clearly not the case. Pets are not merely property – they are sentient beings, capable of suffering pain and fear, and are utterly irreplaceable to their owners.  

“A new and specific offence will also enable police to build an accurate picture of pet theft across England and Northern Ireland by requiring a specific log, as opposed to the current situation where pet theft is recorded as property theft.”

The charity added that the new law would help tackle the backstreet market in purebred cats and kittens, driven by a growing demand for pedigrees.

Annabel said: “More than 40 per cent of all cats obtained in the last 12 months were pedigree, and criminals will no doubt capitalise on this demand. They may target pedigree cats for onward sale, or – if they’re unneutered – keep them as breeding animals to produce litter after litter of kittens to sell.  

“We’re hugely encouraged to see the Pet Abduction Bill making such swift progress through parliament and will be working tirelessly with other animal charities and politicians to push it forwards. We cannot let this important opportunity to protect pets and owners slip through our hands.”

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and has helped an average of 157,000 cats and kittens a year over the last five years through its national network which includes around 210 volunteer-run branches and 34 centres.

Lothian MSP launches petition to restore funding for planned new Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion

Lothian MSP launches petition to restore funding for planned new Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has launched a petition to save the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion after SNP Ministers withdrew funding for a replacement hospital, for the second time in three years.

At FMQs last Thursday, Mr Briggs asked the First Minister about plans for the development of a new eye hospital for Edinburgh and the South East of Scotland. In response to Mr Briggs the First Minister stated that: “There is no doubting of course that the Eye Pavilion does need built”.

Following the original decision to withdraw funding for a replacement eye hospital, a significant campaigning effort led to the previous First Minister U-turning and reinstating funding for a replacement hospital.

The current eye pavilion is no longer fit for purpose with an extensive list of maintenance issues that the health board needs to keep on top of.

There has been no money spent on the existing Princess Alexandra Eye Hospital in the last year.

The current Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion is a centre for excellence, which Lothian MSP Miles Briggs has said is at risk of being lost due to the mismanagement of budgets by SNP Ministers.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said :“It is completely unacceptable that SNP Ministers have removed funding for a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Hospital for the second time in two years.

“The current hospital is no longer fit for purpose and we need a new hospital to treat over 50,000 patients who attend the hospital every year.  

“We are at risk of losing a centre of excellence in the South East of Scotland and future generations will have worse eye health due to this period of ineptitude by SNP Ministers.

“Please sign my petition for a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion to show the extent of public support for this funding to be reinstated.”

If you would like to support Mr Brigg’s petition to reinstate funding for a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, you can find the petition here :

https://www.edinburghconservatives.org.uk/campaigns/save-edinburghs-new-eye-hospital

Yesterday (Thursday 1st February) at FMQs Miles Briggs MSP asked the First Minister:

Last year 59,240 patients attended the Princes Alexandra Eye Pavilion.

For a patient in Edinburgh or the Borders with a detached retina the need for urgent surgery is critical.    

The Health Secretary has suggested that if the Edinburgh Eye Pavilion is not replaced then more surgery will be centralised to the Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Glasgow.

It would be unacceptable for emergency eye surgery to be centralised to Glasgow.               

Can ask the First Minister if he and the Health Secretary will agree to urgently meet with Lothian MSPs to discuss the concerns that Ministers will now not commit to a new replacement Eye Hospital.

Hospitality figures come together for ‘Doddie Cup – Ride to Rome’ in aid of ‘My Name’5 Doddie’ charity

From 1st to 8th March, a group of seven friends – including wine experts, owners and chefs from some of the UK’s best restaurants – will cycle over 2700 km from Edinburgh to Rome, climbing over 27,000 meters in altitude, all in aid of Motor Neurone Disease charity ‘My Name’5 Doddie Foundation’.

The cycle will begin at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium, continuing through London, rural France and trailing the Apennine mountains of Italy before descending into the group’s final destination at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.

Riding in a continuous relay, through the night, elements and mountains, the team aims to complete the cycle by 5pm on 8th March – which will require maintaining an average speed of 17mph.

Brought together by a mutual drive of raising vital funds and awareness of this degenerative, incurable disease, the team includes Edinburgh native and Berry Bros. & Rudd Senior Buyer Davy Żyw, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) five years ago aged 30.

Despite progressive onset of the condition, Żyw, a passionate cyclist, will join the team for the last leg of the journey from Sisteron to Rome. This is just one cycle undertaken by Żyw since his diagnosis: in 2020 he completed the North Coast 500 in just four days, and in 2022 he cycled the ‘High 5’, a 275 mile route over the five highest roads in Scotland, raising over £150,000. 

Joining Żyw is his childhood friend James Porteous, owner of Edinburgh’s Electric Spirit Co; James Snowdon, owner of The Palmerston and co-owner of Lannan in Edinburgh; Seamus Sharkey, Head of Beverage at JKS restaurant group; Shaun Searley, Executive Chef at London’s Quality Chop House; Davy’s colleague at Berry Bros. & Rudd, Matt Jones, who has planned the entire route; and Dubai-based Greg Shevill who will be flying over to complete the challenge. 

The cycle forms part of My Name’5 Doddie’s wider All Roads Lead to Rome campaign, with over 50,000 participants expected to take part throughout the year.

My Name’5 Doddie was set up by Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir who was diagnosed with MND in 2017, and later passed away in 2022. The charity is committed to a world free of MND and has already raised over £11m to support research projects and treatments – and ultimately work towards finding a cure. They also focus on raising awareness of the disease and being a voice for people with MND and their families.

Details for how to support the cycle can be found at:

justgiving.com/team/cowboystew.

You can follow the group’s journey live at @rideformnd.

@rideformnd 

@myname5doddie

@doddie_aid

PICTURED: James Snowdon, Davy Żyw and James Porteous

Edinburgh Napier put misunderstood condition PCOS in the spotlight ahead of International Women’s Day

A public event will bring together women with the condition, clinicians, researchers and support services


ENU’s Centre for Biomedicine and Global Health and PCOS Relief will host a public event with an expert panel on the eve of International Women’s Day.

Bringing together women with the condition, clinicians, researchers and support services, it will aim to discuss Polycystic Ovary Syndrome from the perspective of those diagnosed with it, and from the medical community.

The event will also highlight support that is currently available to those diagnosed with PCOS and consider new emerging research around it.

Mick Rae, Professor of Reproductive Biology at Edinburgh Napier, and event co-organiser said: “The aim of this event is to ensure PCOS is better understood, and more effectively supported. 

“By teaming up with PCOS Relief, we hope to drive awareness, understanding and support for all dealing with the condition.”

Chand Kaur, Founder and Chief Executive of PCOS Relief, will be on the expert panel. She said: “We set up PCOS Relief to provide support to women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, while advancing education, equality, and dedicated support services.

“This is the first event of its kind that we have ever put on, so have high hopes that it will help us achieve those aims.”

Professor Colin Duncan, Consultant in Reproductive Medicine in Edinburgh and expert panel member, who will address clinical and diagnostic aspects of the condition, said: “Polycystic ovary syndrome is a very common condition that isn’t talked about enough.

“There are a lot of myths about PCOS and educational events such as this can highlight what we know already about this condition, and what we need to focus on in the future”.

Dr Kasia Siemienowicz, Lecturer at Edinburgh Napier University, will also appear on the expert panel to discuss new PCOS findings emerging from Edinburgh-based research. She said: “In addition to the more widely known impacts upon fertility, those with PCOS are at increased risk of developing metabolic dysfunctions and obesity.

“These issues can pose significant health, well-being, and economic burdens. Therefore it is critical to better understand PCOS, and ultimately, to advance future treatments.”

Campus building photography 2020 by Student Ambassador Adriana-Iloana Cosma. Craiglockhart iecture theatre interior.

Professor Peter Barlow, Director of Edinburgh Napier University’s Centre for Biomedicine and Global Health said: “Public-facing events like this, where individuals can share their experience of PCOS with researchers, clinicians, and the wider public, can encourage more holistic approaches to PCOS care and research.

“As a multi-disciplinary group of scientists focused upon understanding origins and causes of disease, we are absolutely delighted to work with the charity PCOS Relief to support this effort.”

Professor Anna Glasier OBE, Women’s Health Champion for Scotland said: “PCOS affects women throughout the life course with symptoms often starting in the teenage years. PCOS does not go away.

“Although the menstrual symptoms disappear with the menopause, postmenopausal women who have PCOS are at increased risk of metabolic syndrome and heart disease.

“The Women’s Health platform on NHS Inform now provides a lot of information on PCOS including a short, helpful video explaining what it is and what treatments may be useful.

“This platform, together with meetings like this one will help women and healthcare providers have a greater understanding of PCOS.”

Event details:

Date: Thursday 7th March 2024

Time: 6pm – 8:30pm

Venue: Lindsay Stewart Lecture Theatre, Edinburgh Napier University Craiglockhart Campus, 219 Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1DJ