Exciting new venue for this years’ Edinburgh Macmillan Art show

 The much-loved Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show is back this month with a live show (25th & 26th November) plus an online exhibition (25th November – 3rd December) hoping to add to the £550,000 they’ve already raised for Macmillan Cancer Support spanning over two decades. 

For the first time the show will be held in the Cornerstone Centre, St John’s Church (on the corner of Princes Street and Lothian Road) on 25th and 26th November. It will then continue online until 3rd December. 

This limited time show is run purely by volunteers with a dedicated committee volunteering their time and expertise to orchestrate a highly professional art show for the 21st year. 

This year, over 300 pieces of art will feature, at an estimated value of over £100,000. At least 50% of each piece sold is donated to the cancer charity.

These include works by Rosalind Lawless, Ian Darling, Lynn McGregor RSW, Wendy Helliwell, Charity McArdle, Marion MacPhee, Catriona Millar and Lakshman Wimalasena.

ALAN ARMSTRONG

Artist, Alan Armstrong, is a 48 year old neurodivergent adult with a diagnosis of ADHD and Autism. Throughout the various lockdowns he used Art Therapy for himself, but has also brought his creativity to artists with sight impairment and other additional needs. This experience has led to the development of ‘elevated abstract skills’.

He has collaborated with The Wee Hub (Living Memory Association) on Creative ADHD 2022, Remakery Refashion Edinburgh, ArtSquat, Edinburgh Stories with Sally Richardson, Out Of The Blue Drill Hall, Make Plastic Magic 2023 with Pianodrome and Hannah Evans, Out Of Sight Out Of Mind and REVOLUTION 2023.

Alan has two paintings in this years’ Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show and says he’s always had admiration for Macmillan and the work they do. “My family lost our Nana Morag and Uncle Jim to this horrible disease and the impact of watching them become ill was awful because we could not stop the hold it had on them.

“I want to support Macmillan to keep helping others who are amazingly courageous to keep fighting to live and live well. I hope you enjoy my Art as much as I do! I really thrive from giving back to my community.”

EVELYN MCEWAN

Artist, Evelyn McEwan, is a retired Biomedical scientist who, after a career working in Clinical Laboratories, has now taken to painting as a second career.

She started in 2004 with a class on watercolours but now paints in all mediums. She is a member of Veronica Liddell’s Corra Linn Artists Group in New Lanark and Sharon Bradley’s Biggar Botanical Artists Group and has three paintings in this years’ art show.

“I worked in NHS Clinical laboratories for 44 years helping to provide results for diagnosis, quick turn-around testing for patients waiting for chemotherapy and blood transfusion support for those who needed it. So, I saw at first hand the number of people affected by cancer.

“But it isn’t until your own family and friends are touched by the disease that you realise the amazing job Macmillan do for families and individuals. Art is a hobby for me, and I’m honoured to be able to use that gift to give something back and to support Macmillan.” 

Matt Smith, Macmillan Fundraising Manager in Edinburgh said “I’m delighted to be working alongside the committee on the annual Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show.

“They are an incredible group full of talented, committed, and passionate individuals who come together to create one of the most exciting events in Macmillan’s Scottish calendar. 

“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone on the Art Show committee for their support, for raising vital funds and helping raise awareness. It is thanks to the incredible dedication of volunteers such as these that we can continue to provide services to support people living with cancer at every stage of their cancer experience.”

The true value of the money raised, and the artwork donated is recognised in the services that Macmillan provides for cancer patients across Scotland.

In supporting the event, artists and art lovers are helping people to live their best possible life with cancer. 

Macmillan’s Art Show is available to view online here:

http://www.macmillanartshow.org.uk

Thousands of Edinburgh employees benefit from fair pay after Living Wage campaign

“Everyone deserves a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.“

A campaign to boost the number of businesses which become real Living Wage accredited has led to 12,000 Edinburgh workers receiving a direct, guaranteed uplift in pay over the past decade.

Since the Scottish Real Living Wage campaign was first launched in 2013, over 700 Edinburgh businesses have made the voluntary commitment to pay the only wage rate designed to rise in line with the cost of living in the UK. 

Those commitments have meant total pay increases to the value of almost £100m over the last 10 years for the lowest paid workers in Scotland’s capital city.

Speaking at an event in Edinburgh on Wednesday to mark Living Wage Week Scotland, Councillor Jane Meagher welcomed the achievement but said fair pay must go further.

As Co-Chair of the Edinburgh Living Wage Action Group and Convener of Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work, she said: “We’ve had a record-breaking few years in Edinburgh for Living Wage sign ups and it feels like we’re witnessing a real movement.

“This year alone we have seen more than 100 businesses sign up as real Living Wage employers, and eight Edinburgh employers committing to the new Living Hours standard. This needs to be celebrated, but we cannot be complacent.

“The next few months and years will be critical because we know that poverty in Edinburgh is rising. Just last week, we declared a housing emergency because we simply do not have enough adequate affordable housing in the city to meet demand. With households facing financial insecurity and Edinburgh’s rents some of the highest in the UK, secure wages are as important as ever.

“We know Edinburgh-based businesses want to help tackle low pay and insecure work, but we know that employers are under increasing pressure. They too face a cost of living crisis, high bills and recruitment challenges.

“As the rate of the Real Living Wage rises to £12 an hour, Living Wage Week and the events hosted here in Edinburgh and across the country provide an opportunity to showcase how far we’ve come, while acknowledging that more work is needed. We need to help employers to make the Real Living Wage the norm.

“Everyone deserves a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.”

Kat Brogan, Managing Director of Mercat Tours and Co-Chair of the Edinburgh Living Wage Action Group, said: “To any employer who is not there yet but wants to sign up to the Real Living Wage, now has never been a more crucial time. The cost of living – particularly in Edinburgh – remains high.

“As a powerful advocate for Living Wage businesses, our Action Group can provide advice and guide you towards becoming a Real Living Wage employer. It will benefit your team, your business and Edinburgh as a thriving city which offers a fair experience for all.

“The Real Living Wage is a crucial element of ‘Real Living’ – a happy, healthy, fulfilling life – and it’s so important to highlight its importance this Living Wage Week.”

Earlier this year, over 70 delegates from 16 UK towns, boroughs and cities joined the City of Edinburgh Council to call for employers to offer ‘a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work’ at Scotland’s first Living Wage Places Network event. Edinburgh’s selection followed the Scottish Capital’s recognition as a Living Wage City in 2021. 

Christine McCaig, Projects Coordinator at Living Wage Scotland, added: “We are celebrating the continued progress toward ‘Making Edinburgh a Living Wage City’ this Living Wage Week.

“Around one fifth of the 3400 accredited Living Wage employers in Scotland are based in Edinburgh, signalling Scotland’s capital city as a significant contributor to the continued growth of the Living Wage employer movement.

“Despite the challenges facing many businesses, more employers are showing their commitment to tackling in-work poverty and demonstrating leadership and resilience at a time when workers need it most.”

The Edinburgh Living Wage Action Group was established in 2021 with the aim of building the living wage movement in Scotland’s capital city. 

Employers who would like to know more about the group, or would like information and advice on becoming accredited can contact policyandinsight@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Citizen Winter Warmer events: Stories and Scran

The Edinburgh International Book Festival has announced Stories and Scran will take place on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd December as part of the third season of Citizen Winter Warmer events: a community celebration bringing together local voices and authors and artists. 

Audiences are invited to savour a sumptuous 3-course meal provided by the Scran Academy (included in the price of the ticket) and hear new writing from local people who have taken part in the Citizen project.

This year’s first event will take place at Fisherrow Centre in Musselburgh and will showcase the diverse voices and creative talent from local groups including illustrations from students at Edinburgh College of Art and the Book Festival’s own Adults Writing Group and The Citizen Collective. Special guests include Chitra Ramaswamy. 

This will be followed on Saturday 2nd November with another Stories and Scran Winter Warmer event in North Edinburgh.

Join us at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre for tasty food and brilliant storytelling in a heart warming event at the heart of the community.

Savour a sumptuous afternoon-tea provided by Scran Academy (included with your ticket) and hear new writing from local people alongside special guests including including Kate Foster and Doug Johnstone.

This year’s North Edinburgh event showcases the diverse voices and creative talent from local groups including a film from the North Edinburgh Drama Group and the Book Festival’s own Adults Writing Group.

For more information visit: https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival/whats-on/stories-and-scran-2 

Tax credits recipients to receive Cost of Living Payment from today

Around 840,000 families, who receive tax credits and no other qualifying benefits, will receive their £300 autumn Cost of Living Payment from today, to help with everyday costs.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is making the payments to eligible tax credits customers across the UK between 10 and 19 November 2023.  

In addition, more than 7 million eligible UK households are receiving £300 directly from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) between 31 October and 19 November 2023.

This is the second of three payments totalling up to £900 for those eligible and on means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or tax credits, in 2023 to 2024.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen, said: “I know Christmas can be a difficult time, which is why this £300 payment will come as a welcome boost for hundreds of thousands of families.

“But the best help we can give is halving inflation this year.”  

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, said: “The £300 Cost of Living Payment will deliver further financial support to eligible tax credits customers across the UK. Another payment will be made by spring 2024 to those entitled to receive it.

“HMRC customers will receive the payment automatically, with no action required from them, to make this as simple as possible.”

The payment from HMRC to tax credits customers will appear on bank statements as ‘HMRC COLS’, referencing Cost of Living Support. Those receiving the payment from DWP will see the payment reference as their National Insurance number followed by ‘DWP COL’.

If customers have not received the Cost of Living Payment from HMRC between the published payment dates, but believe they are eligible, they should wait until after 20 November to contact us. This is to allow time for their bank, building society or credit union to process the payment. 

Receiving a previous Cost of Living Payment does not guarantee customers will get a future one. Customers must meet the individual eligibility criteria for each payment, as published on GOV.UK.

Payment from HMRC will be made automatically into the bank account where eligible customers receive their tax credits. They do not need to do anything to receive a payment. They do not need to contact HMRC or apply for the payment. 

Pensioner households will also receive £300 which will be paid as a top up to those eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in November and December. Combined with the one-off Cost of Living Disability Payment earlier this year, some households will receive £1,350 in total.

Customers should beware of scams targeting Cost of Living Payments. If someone contacts them about this payment saying they are from HMRC or DWP, it might be a scam. People can check advice on spotting scams by visiting GOV.UK and searching ‘HMRC phishing and scams’. They can also check on GOV.UK that any contact is genuinely from HMRC.

The Botanist Hosts Festive Workshops Throughout November and December

The festive season is just around the corner, which means it’s officially time to get excited for Christmas!

To help create lasting memories throughout the season, award-winning bar & restaurant The Botanist is hosting a series of creative workshops and competitive events throughout November and December. 

From wreath-making and bauble-painting to Christmas quizzes and a festive twist on its signature musical Botanist Bingo, the botany-inspired venue has created cosy events perfect for catching up with friends or winding-down with colleagues after a busy year, all whilst enjoying the Botanist’s feel-good food and expertly crafted drinks.  

Wreath Making 

What better way to cosy up and get into the festive spirit than by crafting your own botanical Christmas wreath with natural seasonal foliage? 

In partnership with a local Florist, guests will get everything they need to create a perfect handmade decoration, ready to hang in the home throughout the festive season. Alongside the workshop, the ticket includes a selection of bar nibbles and either a glass of wine or a bottle of Peroni Red. 

For available dates and times and to book your spot, visit: The Botanist Wreath Making 

Baubles and Brunch 

Want to give your Christmas decorations a personal touch this year? Book a table with friends for The Botanist’s Baubles and Brunch and enjoy a choice of brunch dish whilst you get creative painting your own festive design on a Christmas bauble, ready to hang on your tree throughout the festive season or gift to a friend.  

Tickets are priced at £20 per person and include a dish from The Botanist’s brunch menu, a bauble and painting equipment. For available dates and times and to book your spot, visit: The Botanist Baubles & Brunch  

Christmas Quiz 

‘Tis the season for getting together with loved ones for festive cheer (and friendly competition!) 

Enjoy an evening of seasonal trivia at The Botanist’s Christmas quiz nights throughout the season. Entry is FREE and the bar & restaurant’s host will be giving away tasty prizes, so this is not one to miss.  

For event dates and to book, visit: The Botanist Christmas Quiz 

Christmas Botanist Bingo 

On Wednesday 6th December, The Botanist’s monthly musical Botanist Bingo has a festive takeover. Know your Wham from your Mariah? Be quick with your bingo dabber as the bar’s resident musicians belt out Christmas classics live, corresponding to the artists on the card in front of you.  

Entry is FREE and there are prizes to be won for the first to get one line, two lines or a full house. Visit https://thebotanist.uk.com/botanist-bingo to secure your spot.  

The bar & restaurant is also set to launch a limited-edition cocktail menu for Christmas with details of the seasonal drinks coming soon. 

Significant lack of enforcement action is being taken against rogue vape traders in Edinburgh 

  • Just one fixed penalty notice of £200 was issued by Edinburgh Trading Standards to a retailer for underage/illicit vape sales between 2021 and early 2023.
  • The city council reported it doesn’t have the authority to prosecute rogue vape traders.
  • Report follows the announcement of potential new vaping legislation which could restrict the sale of disposable vapes.
  • Government has pledged £30 million for tobacco and vape enforcement but the industry warns more needs to be done.
  • Research comes after an expert at Imperial College London revealed Trading Standards budgets have been cut by half, an estimated £200 million, since 2010.

As the government considers new vape legislation, which could see the sale of disposables restricted over youth fears, a new report from leading vape compliance firm Arcus Compliance reveals a staggering lack of targeted enforcement action is being taken against rogue vape traders in Edinburgh.

It found that, between 2021 and April 2023, Edinburgh Trading Standards issued JUST ONE FPN of £200 to a retailer for underage and illicit vape sales (this amount dropped to £150 if it was paid within 14 days).

The data was acquired through an FOI request made by Arcus Compliance to the City of Edinburgh Council and was gathered as part of a wider study on the activities of Trading Standards teams across the country in addressing youth access to vapes and illegal products.

In its response, the council said it ‘does not hold the authority to prosecute criminal cases in Scotland’, saying this is a provision reserved for the Crown Office or Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) – it can issue an FPN where ‘sufficient evidence’ has been established.

The full report findings show that across 11 major provincial UK cities – with a shared population of more than 5.5 million – just 21 prosecutions were made against retailers for underage/illicit sales between 2021 and early 2023.

Further, the highest total amount of fines and FPNs given out across these cities over the same time period was £2,188 – less than the current maximum penalty that can be issued to just one offender at £2,500 and considerably less than the £10,000 on-the-spot fines that the UK Vaping Industry Association has been calling upon Government to introduce.

Twenty-one local authorities, including 10 in central London, provided data on prosecutions, fines, raids and product seizures for underage and illicit vape sales. A handful also claimed that there was punitive action that was inconclusive or that there were ‘expected’ or ‘almost certain’ prosecutions impending.

The research comes after the Prime Minister put forward plans for a generational smoking ban and the government unveiled new investment for illicit tobacco and vape products enforcement functions.

Robert Sidebottom, Managing Director of Arcus Compliance, said: “The concerning lack of proactive enforcement in the form of prosecutions and penalties shown by this report demonstrates that the system is in serious distress.

“It’s staggering to see just how few prosecutions there have been and how low the levels of fines are, given the huge amount of concern over youth and illicit vaping. Trading Standards have been crying out for additional resources and support for some time and there’s no doubt as to why.

“The government has now pledged £30 million to help intercept illegal tobacco and vaping goods at the border and to tackle youth access.

“While this is a welcome development, we can’t just slap a multi-million-pound Band-Aid on the issue of underage and illicit vape sales and call it a day – especially if parliamentarians move on considerations to restrict the sale of disposable vapes.

He added: “This is a complex challenge which also requires regulators to ensure rogue traders are facing impactful punitive action, as well as greater national coordination from Trading Standards and greater powers for local enforcement officers.

“It should be noted that, according to Action on Smoking and Health Chair and Imperial College London Professor Nick Hopkinson, Trading Standards budgets have reportedly been halved, cut by an estimated £200 million, since 2010 – almost seven times the newly announced £30 million enforcement investment.”

Sidebottom questioned whether actions like fines, prosecutions and product seizures were being tracked effectively as cases continue to crop up in the media but didn’t appear to feature in the FOI feedback.

He also queried how much of the new investment would actually be used for vape enforcement and asked whether there were regional enforcement teams specifically tackling illicit vape trade or whether officers were spread across other age restricted areas such as alcohol, suggesting that it might be time for a more focused approach.

UKVIA Director General John Dunne, said: “It’s no wonder we are facing a youth vaping challenge when you see figures like the ones in this new report.

“Steps must be taken to ensure these products don’t end up in the hands of minors, but a ban on disposables is not the answer. Instead, regulators must ensure existing laws on illegal products and underage access are being fully enforced and those who break the rules face meaningful punitive action.

“Just recently I was shocked to read of a case where a retailer was fined a paltry £26 by a court for selling a vape to a 15-year-old – that amount is closer to pocket change than it is to being an actual deterrent.”

Dunne added that the new research reinforces calls for on-the-spot penalties of up to £10,000 for illicit sellers as several Trading Standards teams reported they currently don’t have the power to issue fines.

He said: “Although penalties and prosecutions are key weapons in our arsenal against cowboy sellers, they mean very little if Trading Standards don’t have the resources AND authority to pursue them – the government must take this new data very seriously.”

Flight Club to give away £500 Bar Tab

Flight Club, the award winning bar and Social Darts venue, is opening its doors at its new Edinburgh location on 17th November. To celebrate, the Flight Club team will be giving away hundreds of prizes, as they join the buzzing Edinburgh scene and add to the ever-growing Flight Club family.

On the 14th and 15th November, the Flight Club team can be found at St James Quarter offering passers-by the chance to win over 350 incredible prizes, including an epic £500 bar tab.

Flight Club will be taking to the bustling St James Quarter in the heart of Edinburgh, from 11am-3pm, equipped with a Spin the Wheel game and hundreds of exciting prizes including a £500 bar tab, brunch tickets for 4 people, tickets to the official launch party, oche hire vouchers and pizza and prosecco. 

Flight Club, renowned for revolutionising the game of darts for the 21st Century, is an award-winning bar and competitive socialising concept. The launch of Flight Club Edinburgh marks the 15th UK opening for Flight Club and the second in Scotland.

The new location promises to deliver a social experience like no other, brimming over with unexpected, ridiculous, joy. Flight Club combines the nostalgia and warmth of a pub with the energy and excitement of a fairground in its atmosphere and decor.

To book your spot, visit HERE. Reservations are now open.

MSP welcomes tailored support for veterans across Edinburgh

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has welcomed the announcement that veterans and the families of those in the armed forces are to receive more tailored healthcare under a new scheme for GPs. 

The General Practice Armed Forces and Veterans Recognition Scheme is now open to GP surgeries across Scotland, including Edinburgh, following a successful pilot. It includes easy access to training materials setting out the specific issues these individuals face in clinical case to aid understanding of specific needs and the range of healthcare support that can be provided.  

This will better enable healthcare providers to focus on the specific health challenges they may face following military service. 

Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “The launch of this scheme will see more tailored, local support delivered across the wider city but is particularly important in the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency given the high numbers of forces families and veterans living there. 

“The SNP Scottish Government is taking meaningful action to support those who have served our country and continue to do so, along with their families, and this scheme will go a long way to addressing the specific challenges that these individuals face. 

“It is also important to recognise the huge sacrifice that so many have made to keep us safe, particularly as we approach Remembrance Sunday. 

“I encourage GPs both in the south west and the wider city who have not already done so to sign up so that more individuals and their families can benefit from this scheme.” 

Gaza Crisis: Cleverly arrives in Saudi Arabia ‘to drive diplomatic efforts’

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has travelled to Saudi Arabia and will hold high-level talks with regional Foreign Ministers

  • Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has travelled to Saudi Arabia after the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Tokyo
  • He will hold high-level talks with regional Foreign Ministers in diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation and work towards a two-state solution
  • He will push for a collective effort to get lifesaving aid into Gaza as quickly as possible, through as many routes as possible.

The Foreign Secretary will reiterate the UK’s commitment to prevent regional escalation to the crisis and increasing the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza on a visit to Saudi Arabia on 9 November.   

James Cleverly will meet with Foreign Ministers from the Middle East, who are gathering in Saudi Arabia ahead of a League of Arab States emergency meeting on Gaza on Saturday.  

He is expected to raise efforts to prevent wider regional escalation, including in Lebanon and Yemen, and offer continued UK support to bolster deterrence and counter threats from malign groups in the region. 

The Foreign Secretary will also discuss initiatives to significantly increase the volume of aid reaching civilians in Gaza, including medicines, fuel and water, and ensure a pipeline of funds and supplies to support the relief effort. He will reaffirm the UK’s support for further humanitarian pauses in the fighting as soon as possible to deliver aid and provide a crucial window for hostages – including British nationals – to be released. 

In his meetings with counterparts, the Foreign Secretary will also reiterate the UK’s condemnation of the rise in settler violence and call for Israel to hold those responsible to account to improve the situation in the West Bank. He will outline the UK’s support for reinvigorating diplomatic efforts towards a achieving a viable two-state solution.  

His visit to Saudi Arabia follows on from his attendance at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, where attendees agreed on the urgent need to allow humanitarian pauses to facilitate urgently needed assistance, civilian movement and release of hostages. 

  

The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly said: “I have been focused on diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages, to ensure that foreign nationals can leave Gaza, to deter any escalation regionally and to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid at scale.

“I will continue this essential work in Saudi Arabia where I will meet with a number of my counterparts in the region to explore how we achieve those aims quickly and also look to the future of a lasting, peaceful, and prosperous two-state solution for both Israelis and Palestinians.”

His visit follows the UK’s delivery of vital equipment and lifesaving aid to support civilians in Gaza and a £30 million increase in UK assistance to Occupied Palestinian Territories.    

Since Hamas’ terrorist atrocities on 7 October, UK government ministers have been engaging with countries across the Middle East, as well as the international community.

The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary have all visited the region in recent weeks to push for lifesaving aid to get into Gaza, support the return of British nationals, prevent dangerous regional escalation and back Israel’s right to self-defence.

Scottish Youth Parliament elections: Voting is OPEN

Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) elections – voting starts on Monday 6 November and closes on Sunday 19 November

21 candidates are standing in these five constituencies:

Edinburgh Central – 6 candidates

Edinburgh Northern and Leith – 3 candidates

Edinburgh Pentlands – 4 candidates

Edinburgh Southern – 4 candidates

Edinburgh Western – 4 candidates

Two candidates will be elected unopposed for Edinburgh Eastern.

Brief candidate profiles are available at: https://elections.syp.org.uk/elections/19/ (see ‘select constituency’ at the bottom of the page).

Who can vote?

All young people aged 12 (or in 1st year of secondary school) to 25 can vote in the contested constituencies. 

Voting will take place online.  Young people can vote using their Young Scot card or a temporary number at:

http://voting.young.scot

Temporary numbers have been issued to schools in the contested constituencies so young people can ask for a temporary number at school or by emailing:

sypelections@edinburgh.gov.uk

To check which Scottish Parliamentary constituency you are in, please visit https://boundaries.scot/ and enter your postcode.

What you can do

Please encourage young people you work with or are in contact with to vote for their preferred candidates.  Every vote will count so it’s essential that we give as many young people as possible the opportunity to vote.

The Scottish Youth Parliament is the democratically elected voice of Scotland’s young people.  Please help us to ensure that we have a good turnout in Edinburgh so that the successful candidates have a strong mandate to represent young people.

For more info visit SYP website