Leading Scottish film producer Chris Young to spearhead Sean Connery Talent Lab

NFTS appoints renowned Scottish film producer and founder of award-winning Young Films to lead the Sean Connery Talent Lab in Edinburgh

The National Film and Television School (NFTS) is thrilled to announce acclaimed Scottish film producer and founder of Young Films, Chris Young will lead the inaugural Sean Connery Talent Lab as part of the expansion of NFTS Scotland.

Bringing a wealth of industry expertise and a legacy of close to four decades in filmmaking, Chris will spearhead the transformative 12-month programme aimed at developing emerging filmmakers across Scotland and the UK.

Aspiring writers/directors, producers, cinematographers, editors and production designers have until midnight on 29th January to apply, with the first cohort embarking on their training journey in Leith from April.

To ensure the programme is as accessible to as many people as possible, each of the 30 places are substantially subsidised, with 70% of fees generously underwritten by the Sean Connery Foundation.

Since its inception in 1986, Young Films has become synonymous with critically acclaimed and award-winning productions, spanning feature films and television.

From early successes like Venus Peter and Gregory’s Two Girls to developing The Inbetweeners for Channel 4, with the spin off film, The Inbetweeners Movie becoming the UK’s highest-grossing comedy film, Chris Young has been at the forefront of shaping the Scottish film landscape.

His commitment to fostering talent is evident in initiatives such as the nine-series Scottish Gaelic drama Bannan, created on the Isle of Skye, and the establishment of the Young Films Foundation in 2017, focused on training the next generation of Scottish screenwriters.

The Sean Connery Talent Lab is set to become a cornerstone of the Scottish film industry. In his role as head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab, Chris Young will leverage his extensive experience to guide and mentor 30 emerging creatives as they hone and develop their craft and increase the scale and ambition of their work. They will bring to life their own unique short films, made with the support of BBC Film.

The NFTS has partnered with the Sean Connery Foundation for the Sean Connery Talent Lab and it is supported by a wide range of other industry partners, trusts and foundations who have pledged their support to underpin the programme with additional funding, bursaries and scholarships. 

BBC Film is the production partner with several other partners joining the Talent Lab including: The Dana and Albert Broccoli Foundation, FirstStage Studios, Blazing Griffin, DNA Films, Hartswood Films, Juniper Trust, LS Productions, the Rank Foundation and Synchronicity Films.

After 12 intensive months, the Sean Connery Talent Lab will culminate in the creation of six short films that will serve as powerful industry ‘calling cards’, offering an invaluable launchpad for the 30 talented individuals to make their mark on the world of film.

The final films will be submitted for both UK and international film festivals and will premiere at a prestigious showcase event, with industry figures from across Scotland, the UK and beyond invited to attend the screenings.

Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be awarded an NFTS Diploma in Filmmaking.

Jon Wardle, NFTS Director said:“We are delighted to welcome Chris Young as head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab.

“This is an exceptional opportunity for the brightest talents in Scottish filmmaking to harness their unique creative voices and under the guidance of Chris, the Sean Connery Talent Lab is poised to make a lasting impression on the Scottish creative industry and beyond.”

Chris Young, Head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab commented: “For over 35 years, my unwavering passion has been to cultivate, sustain, and champion new talent in Scotland.

“This journey began with the establishment of Young Films, and I am thrilled to continue this mission by leading the Sean Connery Talent Lab in collaboration with the NFTS.

“The Lab represents an exciting opportunity to usher in a dynamic new generation of world-class filmmakers in Scotland, spanning crucial disciplines. Much like the NFTS has done over the years, and continues to do, the Sean Connery Talent Lab is poised to leave an indelible mark on the industry.

“To all those with talent and aspirations to contribute to the vibrant Film and TV landscape in Scotland, I wholeheartedly encourage you to apply. This Lab is more than just a programme; it’s a game-changer for Scotland, and its impact will reverberate across the industry for years to come.”

Stephane Connery, Chair of the Sean Connery Foundation said: “Chris Young’s infectious energy, connections across industry, and demonstrated commitment to launching breakthrough talent make him the ideal choice as the inaugural leader of the Sean Connery Talent Lab.” 

Jason Connery added: “We are so grateful to our partners who have come onboard, and we are keen to meet the first group of creators when the Talent Lab kicks off in the Spring.”

Applications for the Sean Connery Talent Lab will close at midnight on Monday 29th January 2024. 

For more information on how to apply and for eligibility criteria, go to: 

nfts.co.uk/sean-connery-talent-lab 

National Theatre of Scotland announces 2024 programme

Extraordinary stories told by exceptional Scottish talent

  • National Theatre of Scotland has announced an exciting new season of work for the coming year.
  • A year of world premieres, tours and work at all scales, on stages across Scotland, England and beyond, a programme of work for younger audiences, plus artist’s residencies, events, a touring exhibition and film and digital projects. 
  • Four world premieres, the return of two hit shows, back by popular demand, three productions at the Edinburgh Festivals and nine touring productions. 
  • Touring to 45 venues across 28 locations in Scotland, England and Europe. 

Jackie Wylie, Artistic Director said: “We are delighted to be offering audiences a packed theatrical programme in 2024 with, thrilling new productions alongside acclaimed shows that we have brought back by popular demand. 

“We are proud to honour icons and celebrate artists that help define and shape our cultural identity. As Scotland’s National theatre company, who tour tirelessly throughout Scotland, we want to bring a sense of community togetherness, pride in our nation’s creativity and the chance to have a brilliant night out, for audiences, locally or indeed further afield. 

“We are acutely aware that we continue to live in challenging times. Global politics, the aftermath of the Covid years and the cost of living crisis all have ongoing impacts for the creative and cultural industries and the brilliant Scottish artists who create theatre with us. 

“National Theatre of Scotland has always held a lens up through which we can view ourselves, as a nation, as a society and never more so than in this programme. Through the sharing of important stories, that tell us about ourselves, we explore our shared humanity.

“Climate activism, youthful protest, the enslaved Joseph Knight who made his bid for freedom, the great Billy Connolly, the Margaret Thatcher years, working class culture, teenage Cosplay, Country music, masculinity and the late great Beldina Odenyo all share the spotlight in our 2024 programme. 

“Young people hold a special place in our programme. We are committed to ensuring they are involved with the National Theatre of Scotland from Primary School onwards, through our productions with Theatre in Schools Scotland, our touring work to venues and through participation in projects with leading theatre-makers. 

“We thank our partners, our supporters and funders, the venues we are touring to, the artists, the crews and the freelancers who make our work, all those who participate and most importantly our audiences who energise us through their commitment and enthusiasm for the joy of theatre.” 

NEW PRODUCTIONS 

  • THE FIFTH STEP, a thrilling and provocative new play written by David Ireland and directed by Finn den Hertog. The taut two-hander features Jack Lowden, returning to Scottish stages for the first time since his theatrical debut in Black Watch in 2010. The Fifth Step will preview at Dundee Rep Theatre before opening at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, for a week’s run as part of the 2024 Edinburgh International Festival and then end with a week’s run at The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow in August 2024.   
  • JUNE CARTER CASH: THE WOMAN, HER MUSIC AND ME, a new play written and performed by Charlene Boyd sharing the story of one of country music’s most iconic voices: June Carter Cash, directed by the multi-award-winning Cora Bissett. June Carter Cash: The Woman, Her Music and Me opens at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe ahead of a tour of Scottish cultural venues.   
  • THANK U, NEXT, a new dance theatre piece exploring the contemporary culture of cosplay, created by leading radical performance collective 21Common working with teenagers across Scotland. They will produce four unique productions presented at schools in Glasgow, Cumbernauld, Grangemouth and Lochgelly, for a run of public performances in February and October 2024 and then again in March 2025. Each production will be directed by 21Commoners Lucy Gaizely and Gary Gardiner, and performed by a mixed group of professional performers, school pupils and young collaborators who were involved in the original development of the piece. 

PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED  

  • MAGGIE & ME, is a bold and explosive new production based on Damian Barr’s award-winning and darkly witty memoir about growing up gay in Thatcher’s Britain, adapted by Damian Barr and James Ley, directed by Suba Das. Opening at the Tron Theatre in Glasgow, before touring to Inverness, Perth, Cumbernauld, Dundee, Northampton and Edinburgh in Spring 2024.  Full creative team announced. 
  • DEAR BILLY, a love letter to the Big Yin returns to Scottish stages after a successful tour of Scotland in 2023. Written and performed by Gary McNair, and directed by Joe Douglas, this critically acclaimed celebration of Billy Connolly will be heading to Aberdeen, Glasgow and Inverness before coming to the Assembly Rooms as part of the Assembly Festival programme for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August. 

NEWLY ANNOUNCED – RETURN OF AN AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTION 

  • ENOUGH OF HIM, the incisive and emotive, award-winning and critically acclaimed play based on the true story of Joseph Knight returns to stages in 2024. Enough of Him, written by May Sumbwanyambe and directed by Orla O’Loughlin with Omar Austin reprising his role as Joseph, will open in Edinburgh in October 2024 before touring to Dundee, Aberdeen, Chichester and Coventry. A co-production with Pitlochry Festival Theatre 

IN ASSOCIATION WITH PRODUCTIONS  

  • AN ACCIDENT / A LIFE, an exciting new collaboration between Marc Brew and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. The semi-autobiographical piece has its world premiere at Holland Dance Festival in February 2024 before arriving in Glasgow for the UK premiere at Tramway in March 2024 ahead of further European international tour dates.  
  • SHŌ AND THE DEMONS OF THE DEEP, a timely new production for younger audiences aged 8 and over, from Independent Arts Projects (IAP) in association with National Theatre of Scotland. Shō and the Demons of the Deep is a visual adventure story about overcoming fear, climate crisis, and how the actions of one generation can affect the next, written by Zoë Bullock and directed by Shilpa T-Hyland, touring across Scotland in April and May 2024.  
  • TERO BURU, a new play by the late, great Beldina Odenyo has been posthumously interpreted by Beldina’s sister, Leah McAleer and directed by Julia Taudevin. Beldina’s friends and collaborators have joined together with Leah to bring Beldina’s debut play to an audience. Tero Buru will be performed in Glasgow in autumn 2024, with full details of dates and venue to be announced. 
  • PROTEST, Natalie Ibu’s acclaimed production of Hannah Lavery’s new play embarks on a new tour across the UK, following a successful tour in 2023. Presented by Fuel, Imaginate and Northern Stage in association with National Theatre of Scotland, the show takes a timely look at the right to protest from the perspective of three young girls. Opening in Edinburgh in January, then touring to Newcastle, London, Nottingham, Harrogate, Cambridge, Colchester, Coventry, Poole, Plymouth and Exeter until March 2024. 
  • All 2024 productions will be produced to the Theatre Green Book intermediate standard with 75% of all materials having been pre-used. 

DIGITAL/BROADCAST/ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE/CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT  

  • A new short film by multi-disciplinary artist Gillian Katungi, who creates work under the name of PAIX, produced in partnership with the Africa in Motion Film Festival, inspired by her album Metamorphosis: Feeling My Way (to Freedom). 
  • The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, director Hope Dickson Leach’s new version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story, co-written with Vlad Butucea, will be screened at the Victoria Film Festival in 2024 and can still be viewed on Sky Arts. Adapted from the original novella and relocated from London to Edinburgh, this film is a coproduction with Selkie Productions, supported by Screen Scotland and Sky Arts. 
  • Two new artists in residence Ross Mackay and Guy Woods will develop new plays and Alison Burnley and Ellie Davies from RiffRaff Producing will take up their role as artists in residence in the Highlands in partnership with Eden Court Theatre. 
  • A further two new artists in residence, Roisin McLinden and Eoin McKenzie will develop community inspired work for the Company’s Neighbourhood project in North Glasgow. 
  • A packed programme of Artist Development and Creative Engagement opportunities – including new digital productions to be added to NTS’ Education Portal, Creative Career insight sessions for High School students, First Night opportunities for community groups across Scotland, a special creative industries event as part of the BBC’s Bring the Drama festival at Rockvilla and Portraits of an LGBTI+ Generation exhibition continues to be shown at Western General Hospital until summer 2024. 
  • Theatre in Schools Scotland continues bringing world class theatre to primary and secondary school pupils in their schools. Five productions will be touring in 2024. Poggle by Barrowland Ballet; One of Two by Jack Hunter, presented by Independent Arts Projects; Ginger presented by Tortoise in a Nutshell; Cloud Man by Constellation Points/Ailie Cohen and Lewis Hetherington, presented by Scottish Theatre Producers and Going for Gold: Me and Linford Christie by Victoria Beesley, presented by Catherine Wheels Theatre Company. 
  • Theatre for a Fiver tickets available across the majority of productions and venues for 14 to 26-year-olds and those on low-income benefits.

Barbenheimer DIY double bill returns to Vue this weekend as both films receive Oscar nominations

Film fans are in for a treat this weekend, with two of 2023’s biggest films – Barbie and Oppenheimer – returning to Vue sites in Edinburgh.

This week saw both films securing an impressive 21 Oscar nominations between them. Together, they created the cultural phenomenon ‘Barbenheimer’ – a huge moment not just in cinema, but in pop culture as a whole.

It was revealed on Tuesday (23 January) that Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is up for 13 gongs, while Greta Gerwig’s Barbie is not far behind with eight.

To celebrate the impressive feat, film fans will once again be able to enjoy a DIY double feature of both titles at Vue Edinburgh Omni and Vue Edinburgh Ocean this Saturday.

Toby Bradon, General Manager at Vue UK & Ireland, said: ‘We’re thrilled to be welcoming back not one but two great blockbusters on Saturday 27 January and can’t wait to relive the magical movie moments from Great Gerwig and Christopher Nolan.

‘Both films performed brilliantly at the Golden Globes, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for them at this year’s Oscars.’

Tickets start from just £7.99 when booked online. Visit myvue.com to find out more.

Celebrate 100 years of Scottish art icon Eduardo Paolozzi at National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two

Paolozzi at 100 

National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two 

27 January – 21 April 2024 

Admission Free  

Paolozzi at 100 | National Galleries of Scotland

Visit the National Galleries of Scotland to mark the centenary of the birth of one of Scotland’s most well-known artists, Eduardo Paolozzi. Opening on Saturday (27 January), Paolozzi at 100 is a tribute to the father of Pop Art.

Taking over the ground floor of Modern Two in Edinburgh, this free exhibition takes visitors on a journey through some of Paolozzi’s most popular artworks, including his collages, prints, textiles, ceramics and sculptures. 

Of Italian descent, Paolozzi was born in Leith in 1924, and is a much-loved son of the city. He studied in Edinburgh and London before spending two years in Paris. There, he produced enigmatic, bronze sculptures and Dada and Surrealist-inspired collages that combined magazine advertisements with cartoons and machine parts.

Returning to London to teach at several art schools, Paolozzi continued to develop his printmaking and sculpture techniques, with a particular interest in the mass media and in science and technology, developing a style that would become known as Pop Art. Paolozzi was knighted in 1989 and gifted a major bequest of his works to the National Galleries of Scotland in 1995.  

In Paolozzi at 100 at Modern Two, visitors can explore 60 vibrant artworks across two rooms and a special display in the Keiller Library.

Discover the colourful life of a cultural icon through a selection of works drawn from Scotland’s national collection. The exhibition begins with the years following Paolozzi’s first visit to Paris in 1947 and travels through his life. Learn about his eclectic take on popular culture and the machine age.

Examine the highly detailed Mickey tapestry made with Dovecot Tapestry Studio and marvel in vibrant graphic and gold ceramic plate collaborations designed for Wedgwood. Don’t miss the kinetic energy of the Calcium Light Night and Moonstrip Empire News screenprints.

Complete the tour with a look into Paolozzi’s epic public art projects, including the vibrant mosaics designed for Tottenham Court Road Underground Station. In the Penrose Gallery, a large projection will focus on Paolozzi’s 1971 collaboration with fashion house, Lanvin. 

All this can be seen alongside the recreation of Paolozzi’s London art studio, the towering Vulcan and the Cleish Castle Ceiling Panels, all permanently on display at Modern Two for visitors to enjoy all year round.

Indulge in a coffee at Paolozzi’s Kitchen, named in tribute to the artist himself, then take a stroll through the grounds and see if you can spot Paolozzi’s imposing sculpture Master of the Universe. Visitors can also delve deeper into the artworks with an eight stop free audioguide on Smartify.

Anne Lyden, Director-General at the National Galleries of Scotland said: “Eduardo Paolozzi is one of Scotland’s best-known artists and was an Edinburgh icon. His powerful influence can still be seen across the city today in everything from sculptures and architecture to fashion to food and drink brands.

“The National Galleries of Scotland is delighted to be celebrating his 100th birthday with an exhibition that brings together 60 key Paolozzi works from Scotland’s national collection. We hope everyone will take the opportunity to enjoy this free glimpse into the phenomenal art that is Paolozzi at 100.” 

Paolozzi at 100 opens at National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two on Saturday 27 January 2024.

Join us and discover how high art became part of the everyday; from towering sculptures and chaotic prints to luxurious textiles and iconic collages, it’s time to celebrate the city’s favourite artist in style.    

Scottish Government announces funding for projects to tackle poverty and inequality

Supporting people in need

An initiative which will support low income families to take part in community action and advise on improvements in local services is being funded as part of a wider programme to help develop new approaches to child poverty.

The project, led by Midlothian Sure Start in partnership with Midlothian Council, is one of nine successful applicants to the Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund – which was set up to explore promising approaches or redesign services to maximise their impact on child poverty.

A Cash First Fund, which aims to reduce the need for emergency food parcels and food banks, will also fund eight partnerships to provide help to low income families. Six of these will provide new sources of cash-first support.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said yesterday: “These two funds exemplify the innovative approach the Scottish Government is taking to tackling poverty and delivering for the people of Scotland.

“The Midlothian partnership will give local families the opportunity to get involved in and influence local services. It will aim to identify improvements which will ensure help on offer is joined-up and people are supported in a dignified way to reduce stigma.

“Other projects will help to accelerate progress in tackling poverty, including by making it easier for people to access cash in a crisis and by connecting people with advice to prevent future hardship.

“We are investing £3 billion this financial year to tackle poverty and protect people from the cost of living crisis. We are taking all the action we can to support people within our limited powers and fixed budget.”

Cash First Fund: successful proposals

AreaLead partner
AberdeenAberdeen Voluntary Action (TSI)
AberdeenshireAberdeenshire Council
EdinburghEdinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership
FifeFife Council
GlasgowGlasgow Centre for Population Health
North LanarkshireNorth Lanarkshire Council
OrkneyVoluntary Action Orkney (TSI)
West DunbartonshireWest Dunbartonshire Council

Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund: successful proposals

AreaProject
Aberdeen CityData driven identification of households experiencing child poverty to inform and direct intervention and support.
Argyll and ButeEvaluating the usefulness of third-party datasets for identifying communities in need of financial support.
EdinburghIncome Maximisation Outreach
InverclydeParent Centred Early and Intensive Intervention – supporting parents with children and babies under 5 years
MidlothianMidlothian Peer Research – A Case for Change through a Place Based Approach Building Skills and Influencing
MorayImproved identification of families affected by disability and delivery of support to maximise income
North AyrshireNorth Ayrshire Single Shared Assessment (NASSA)
Perth & KinrossBeyond Emergency Support to Sustainable Livelihoods – Capacity Building Programme for Local Communities
South LanarkshirePaths out of Poverty’ – empowering parent/carers of disabled children through innovative, holistic, strengths-based approach.

Ben Macpherson calls for new police station for Leith

MODERN ‘FIT FOR PUPOSE’ FACILITY AT VICTORIA QUAY?

EDINBURGH Northern and Leith MSP Ben Macpherson is urging the Scottish Government to consider siting a new police station in Victoria Quay.

Writing to Justice Secretary Angela Constance yesterday, the local MSP said: “As you are aware, Leith Police Station in my constituency is one of those being  considered for closure, as part of Police Scotland’s estate review.

“In terms of the  current building in Leith, this is understandable as the current location is within the  old Leith Chambers which, while being a remarkable historic building, is not optimal  for twentieth century policing or meeting shared aspirations like net zero.  

“However, there is a very strong case for retaining a police station in Leith –  especially given recent and projected significant population growth in the locality and surrounding areas! This could be realised in the form of a new Leith Police Station  within a colocation premises, which would enhance public service provision and  make financial sense.  

Therefore, I am writing to state that I think Victoria Quay could potentially provide an  ideal location for a new Leith Police Station, collocated with other public services.  

“The under-utilisation of Victoria Quay is well known and I have previously liaised with  the Permanent Secretary about how it could be used going forward, to potentially  provide more for Leith and the wider needs of the public and local economy.  

“I would be grateful if the Scottish Government and Police Scotland could consider  the creation of a new Leith Police Station to be established in Victoria Quay?

“I have  copied the this correspondence to the Edinburgh Commander (Police Scotland) and  the Permanent Secretary. “

Offshore wind programme progresses

Projects worth around £500m move closer to completion

Strategic investment to help unlock Scotland’s green energy revolution has moved a step closer, First Minister Humza Yousaf announced yesterday.

In a significant milestone for Scotland’s offshore wind sector, three projects have been invited to move to Stage 2 of the Strategic Investment Model (SIM) process.

Collectively the projects – which represent a mix of local and inward investment into ports, port infrastructure and manufacturing – have a capital expenditure of around £500 million.

The SIM will help to deliver transformational offshore wind supply chain growth in Scotland through innovative collaboration between offshore wind developers, the Scottish Government, enterprise agencies and Crown Estate Scotland.

Making the announcement at the Scottish Renewables and Offshore Wind Conference in Glasgow, First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “There are moments when certain industries can stand confident that when they look ahead, they will see a future in which they play a pivotal role in securing the wealth and wellbeing of a nation – Scotland’s offshore industry is at that moment.

“Together, we can create the right conditions to attract investment, build the supply chain, recruit and deliver the infrastructure needed to ensure that these projects will thrive.

“A select group of three initial projects have been invited to move to Stage 2 of the SIM process, in a significant milestone in our offshore programme. They represent a mix of local and inward investment opportunities into ports, port infrastructure, and manufacturing – collectively, they have a capital expenditure of just under £500 million.”

Due to commercial sensitivity specific projects cannot be named while undertaking the SIM process but details will be made available in due course.

An economy of opportunity – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

BAFTA award-winning writer Henry Normal & Internet sensation, poet & author Brian Bilston announce Edinburgh show

  • BAFTA award-winning writer and producer turned poet Henry Normal teams up with internet sensation, poet and author Brian Bilston
  • The pair announce Scottish tour – coming to Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh on 9th April
  • Henry’s brand new poetry collection ‘A Moonless Night’ released 14th February 2024  
  • Brian Bilston’s best selling collection ‘Days Like These’ published in paperback on 9th November 2023

BBC Radio 4 regular Henry Normal and literary enigma Brian Bilston have announced a brand new Scottish tour together for 2024.  Following sell out shows in 2023 for both poets, the pair will be coming to Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh on 9th April, 

Henry and Brian met at the Laugharne Festival and performed together for the first time in Morecambe last October. The collaboration has been so popular that the two poets are bringing their new shows together for the first time to theatres in Scotland with shows in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Stirling and Dundee.

Brian Bilston is often described as the “Banksy of poetry” – making the artform accessible to all and maintaining a mysterious anonymity. He has cultivated a large and loyal following on social media and has become truly beloved by his 500,000 or so fans. Despite his popularity Brian has managed to keep his identity hidden so his live show represents an intriguing opportunity to hear Brian’s work read live by the enigma himself. Expect the funny, irreverent and powerful poetry that has made Brian an internet sensation. 

Henry has toured with his ever-evolving poetry show constantly since retiring from TV and Film production. In his own distinctive style, Henry’s show finds fun in the familiar, humour in the everyday and poignancy in the pitfalls of modern life. It is a show about love, life and family that is as deeply moving as it is funny and often both at the same time.  Henry has 15 poetry books in print including the latest collection “A Moonless Night’ out on Valentine’s day being 14th Feb 2024.

Henry’s longstanding BBC Radio 4 series ‘A Normal..” continues to go from strength to strength with ‘A Normal Journey’  chosen as pick of the week over the Christmas period. As co-creator of The Royle Family, he also appeared in the BBC documentary celebrating the life of Caroline Aherne on Christmas Day.

The evening represents a chance to see two brilliant poets for a very special night of life affirming poetry, marvellous escapism and lots of laughter. 

February Holiday workshop at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Garden centre celebrates Random Acts of Kindness with free children’s event

Families in Edinburgh will have the chance to take part in Dobbies’ free February Holiday Workshop, keeping children aged 4-10 years busy during the half term.

The February holiday workshop is taking place in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store throughout half term. This fun-fuelled workshop is centred around Random Acts of Kindness, a celebration that takes place on Saturday 17 February, encouraging everyone to be extra kind to one another and go above and beyond to brighten someone’s day.

Children will come together in a friendly group setting at its Edinburgh store to delve into the history of this celebration and learn about the joys of kindness. 

Dobbies’ colleagues will detail what it means to be kind, why kindness is important, how it can make people feel, and all the ways we can be kind to others, to nature and to ourselves.

Spotlighting random acts of kindness in the garden, Dobbies is showcasing all the different ways children can care for the planet. From making a bug hotel, feeding birds or planting pollinating flowers to help bumblebees thrive to picking up litter or making compost, there’s plenty of ways to be kind.

In addition to being kind to others, Little Seedlings in Edinburgh will be encouraged to be kind to themselves by fuelling their bodies with healthy food, doing things they love, sharing feelings and most importantly, being proud of themselves. Kids will also have the chance to create their own sunshine thank you card to put a smile on someone’s face.

Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club Workshop Leader, Liz Savage, is looking forward to welcoming kids along to the February Holiday Workshop.

She said: “School holidays are a great chance to ignite a passion for a hobby or try something new. This workshop will allow kids to come together and learn, making friends along the way.

“Our Little Seedings Club is designed to engage and support local communities near our Edinburgh store by providing accessible, free of charge fun and educational activities.”

For more information about February’s Holiday Workshop and to make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events

Good Food Nation plans published

Proposals to improve access to healthy, locally produced food

Ensuring everyone in Scotland can access nutritious, sustainable food is at the heart of new plans to transform the country’s food system.

The Good Food Nation Plan sets out the ways in which the Scottish Government will work with businesses and organisations across society to help connect people to locally produced, high-quality food.

The Plan will cover everything from farm to fork and beyond, and draw together a range of different policies. It will also require key public bodies, particularly local authorities and health boards, to set out their plans.

Small Business, Innovation, Tourism and Trade Minister Richard Lochhead launched the consultation during a visit to City of Glasgow College where he helped National Chef Gary Maclean and catering students prepare a Burns Supper.

Mr Lochhead said: “This week the world will celebrate Burns Night which contributes to a thriving food culture and interest in Scottish cuisine. Supermarkets will offer Scottish dishes to shoppers, and many will use Scottish ingredients to prepare their traditional Burns Suppers.

 “In a Good Food Nation, this celebration of good quality and sustainable Scottish produce will be the norm. People across the nation will be able to easily access high quality food and drink, and will benefit from the food they produce, buy, cook and eat each day.

 “We have come far in this journey but we recognise that more needs to be done. That’s why we are seeking views on our fresh approach to food policy to make this vision for our food system a reality.”

The consultation on the national Good Food Nation Plan was published on the Scottish Government website and on Citizen Space yesterday (Wednesday 24 January). 

The consultation will be open for responses until Monday 22 April 2024.