Neighbours! This Saturday 12th August, join us in the allotments with Granton Community Gardeners to harvest the first wheat crop at Lauriston Farm for many years.
Book your free space here:
https://eventbrite.com/e/our-seeds-wheat-harvest-tickets-690993920417…
Virgin Galactic will launch its seventh spaceflight and second commercial spaceflight, ‘Galactic 02,’ today (Thursday 10th August), which will fly three private passengers to space, achieving several historical milestones and furthering the Company’s mission of broadening access to space.
Ahead of today’s flight window, one of the private passengers, Anastatia Mayers, met with Dave Mackay, Chief Pilot, at Spaceport America. Both instantly connected with their Scottish links, with Ana currently studying at the University of Aberdeen, and Dave being the first native-born Scot to visit space.
Dave Mackay joined Virgin Galactic in 2009 and is the company’s Chief Pilot. Dave became the first Scottish astronaut during Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity flight on February 22, 2019 and became a two-time astronaut as a pilot on VSS Unity’s first flight from new Mexico on May 22.
Anastatia Mayers is an 18-year-old philosophy and physics student at Aberdeen University. Driven by a passion for the sciences, Anastatia was drawn to the mix her degree offers. It was on this basis that her mother, Keisha Schahaff, elected Anastatia to accompany her on her spaceflight.
Both Antiguan-born and raised, Keisha and Anastatia are set to become the first astronauts from the Caribbean and the first mother and daughter-duo to fly to space. In a quirk of fate, Anastatia will become the second astronaut to hail from the University of Aberdeen.
Anastatia said: “Philosophy and physics make an interesting combination, but it expresses both my love for science and my curiosity about how the world works.”
The dynamic and multinational crew highlights the role the commercial space industry can play in removing barriers that once existed to becoming an astronaut. To date, fewer than 700 people have travelled to space, with little diversity among that group. Virgin Galactic’s mission is to change that – beginning with an 800 strong Future Astronaut community that represents more than 60 different nations.
The ‘Galactic 02’ mission will achieve several historical milestones, showcasing the power of each Virgin Galactic spaceflight to help redefine who gets to be an astronaut. VSS Unity will fly:
Audiences are invited to participate virtually in spaceflight and see first-hand the extraordinary experience Virgin Galactic is creating for private astronauts.
The livestream will be available to watch on VirginGalactic.com.
Against the backdrop of the world’s biggest cycling event in history, discussions are taking place which aim to further boost equality, diversity and inclusion across Scotland’s world-renowned events sector.
The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has seen competitions for disabled and non-disabled athletes taking place alongside each other. This inclusive approach has helped to showcase and raise awareness of Para sport.
Yesterday in Glasgow Culture Secretary Angus Robertson hosted a roundtable with partners representing people with protected characteristics, such as race and young people, to explore ways to strengthen the approach to the planning, delivery and legacy of major events.
Along with a public consultation and stakeholder workshops held earlier in 2023, this will inform the refreshed National Events Strategy for 2025-2035.
Mr Robertson said: “It’s important that collectively we make most of the many benefits events can bring to the lives of diverse communities right across Scotland.
“The UCI Cycling World Championships are a great example of how mega events like this can showcase our cultural diversity, boost accessibility and extend a warm welcome to all communities.
“The inclusion of Para sports in the Cycling World Championships has contributed significantly to the atmosphere. The competitive spirit and level of skill and dedication demonstrated by all athletes taking part side by side has been inspirational and an important part of the success of the event.
“We want our portfolio of world-class events to deliver positive economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits for everyone in Scotland.”
The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships runs until 13 August. The event has a focus on equality, diversity and inclusion, including through signing a Ride Together Pledge.
Scottish Labour’s Shadow Minister for Culture Foysol Choudhury MSP said that championships as such are an excellent opportunity to get more people into sports and showcase all that Scotland has to offer to the world.
The Lothians list MSP said: “With our fantastic landscape and cities as backdrops for the event, it’s been great to show the world exactly why so many of us are proud to call Scotland our home.
“Not only that, but it’s really helped to encourage sport, amongst young people and adults alike.
“We not only have breath-taking scenery if you want to cycle outdoors, but we also have excellent velodromes for indoor cycling.
“This is a great opportunity to embrace active travel as part of a healthy lifestyle and start cycling again-I know I’ve definitely been inspired to get back into the habit!”
As part of the build-up to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, an £8 million Cycling Facilities Fund has been jointly invested by the Scottish Government and Sportscotland to support cycling communities and club facilities across Scotland.
Mr Choudhury continued: “To encourage active travel and sport, we need to make sure that everybody has access to the equipment and facilities needed to participate. That’s why funding to community and club facilities is so important.
“I would like to congratulate two projects from West Lothian – Balbardie Park Pump Track and West Lothian Cycle Circuit, Linlithgow – who have received awards of £45,433 and £636,011, respectively.
“I hope that my constituents can make use of the benefits that these funds can bring.
“Let’s all get inspired by the Championships this summer and join in to feel the Power Of The Bike! “
Routine COVID-19 testing in hospitals, care homes and prisons is to be substantially reduced following clinical and scientific advice.
Due to the success of the vaccination programme and improved treatments, Public Health Scotland and Antimicrobial Resistance & Healthcare Associated Infection Scotland have recommended a return to pre-pandemic testing.
This means testing will be based on person-centred clinical decisions, rather than a routine policy for all individuals. Routine testing will continue for patients moving from hospitals to care homes and will be reviewed based on future advice and outbreaks. Tests will also continue to be available for those eligible for antiviral treatment.
The new guidance will come into effect by 30 August 2023.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Gregor Smith said: “Due to the success of vaccines in protecting people, and the availability of improved treatments, now is the right time to revise the advice on routine COVID-19 testing across health and social care settings and prisons. This will ensure the testing regime remains effective and proportionate.
“Routine testing will remain when patients are discharged from hospital to care homes, to provide additional reassurance for these settings, and testing will still be required when clinically appropriate.
“The clinical advice tells us that focusing on the risk to individuals under general infection control procedures will allow our hospital, social care and prison staff to better protect those in their care and that there is no longer a requirement to apply separate COVID-19 guidance across the board when so many are now protected from its worst harms.”
This UK Health Security Agency fortnightly flu and COVID-19 report brings together the latest surveillance data along with the latest public health advice.
The latest report was produced on 3 August:
COVID-19 case rates continued to increase this week compared to our previous report. 5.4% of 4,396 respiratory specimens reported through the Respiratory DataMart System were identified as COVID-19. This is compared to 3.7% of 4,403 from the previous report.
The overall COVID-19 hospital admission rate for week 30 was 1.97 per 100,000 population, an increase from 1.17 per 100,000 in the previous report.
ICU admission rates have decreased to 0.05 compared to 0.07 in the previous report.
Those aged 85 years and over continue to have the highest hospital admission rates; these have increased to 20.49 per 100,000 from 9.8 per 100,000 in the previous report.
Admission rates among those aged 75 to 84 years have increased to 9.45 per 100,000 from 5.54 in the previous report.
Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “We continue to see a rise in COVID-19 cases in this week’s report. We have also seen a small rise in hospital admission rates in most age groups, particularly among the elderly.
“Overall levels of admission still remain extremely low and we are not currently seeing a similar increase in ICU admissions. We will continue to monitor these rates closely.Regular and thorough hand washing helps protect you from COVID-19 and other bugs and viruses.
“If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness, we recommend staying away from others where possible.
“The NHS will be in contact in autumn 2023 when the seasonal vaccine is available for those who are eligible due to health conditions or age, and we urge everyone who is offered to take up the vaccine when offered.”
Detectives investigating an attempted murder in North Berwick are appealing for witnesses, CCTV or dashcam footage.
This follows an incident involving a white Audi A3 and a red Ford Focus (registration plate YM65 WWF) at around 8pm on Sunday 30 July 2023 on Clifford Road, roads near Tantallon Castle, Whitekirk, Tyninghame, all in North Berwick and roads near the entrance to Foxlake, Dunbar.
Detectives are also seeking information on the whereabouts of the Red Ford Focus (registration plate YM65 WWF).
Detective Sergeant Jade Wardell said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the area around the time of this incident. It is important we gather as much detail as possible, and any small piece of information could prove vital.
“Also, if anyone has dash cam equipment, please check it as there may be footage which could aid our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3501 of 30 July, 2023. Alternatively, you can pass your information to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.
The latest research taking place to help find a cure for one of the biggest causes of blindness will take centre stage in a Scotland-wide event.
Experts in the field of macular disease research will join the talk, including leading ophthalmology researcher professor Baljean Dhillion of the University of Edinburgh.
The online talks will take place over an hour on Zoom on Wednesday 13 September, 11am-12pm.
The event is overseen by sight loss charity the Macular Society, which is the only UK charity solely dedicated to funding research for macular disease. It supports people of all ages with a macular condition, of which some conditions have treatments to help people manage their central vision, though there is no cure.
Professor of clinical ophthalmology Baljean Dhillon will discuss some of the latest treatments available, as well as ongoing research into the fight against age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The Macular Society’s Sarah Clinton will provide an update on research projects funded by the charity, as well as the audience having the opportunity to put their questions to the experts.
To register for the event please email the Macular Society at groupsadmin@macularsociety.org or call 01264 560 259 who will then be able to provide the Zoom link.
Nearly 1.5 million people are currently affected by macular disease and many more are at risk. The disease can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, leaving them unable to drive, read or see faces.
Many people affected describe losing their sight as being similar to bereavement. There is still no cure and most types of the disease are not treatable. AMD is the most common form of macular disease, affecting more than 600,000 people, usually over the age of 50.
For general information on macular disease, call the Macular Society on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org
On Friday 4th August the 76th edition of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe officially began. In celebration of the first day, the annual Artist Address took place for the first time since 2019, and the Fringe Society was delighted to welcome Le Gateau Chocolat as keynote speaker for this important event.
Designed as a celebratory moment for Fringe artists to gather at the beginning of the festival, Gateau gave a thought-provoking, empowering, and at times emotional speech to those gathered for the event.
It was in 2008 that Gateau made his debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, shortly after an appearance at the Adelaide Fringe. Due to work commitments in London, he felt unable to fully ensconce himself in the ‘anarchy of its magic’ and returned three years later in 2011 with Le Gateau Chocolat.
‘When you’re not performing the show, you’re selling it. When you’re not selling it, you’re doing PR. When you’re not doing PR, you’re rehearsing, adjusting to the conversation with the audience – in a permanent state of dampness. The exhaustion at a cellular level whilst also being deeply invigorating. You’re on a constant high which amplifies the lows – however brief they are.’
Highlighting the platform the Fringe can offer artists for career development, Gateau shared insights into the journey his show took following his 2011 debut as Le Gateau Chocolat: ‘The magic of Edinburgh Fringe was very present, and I was lucky enough to tap into the zeitgeist. Shows sold out. Reviews were great. It got a London transfer to The Menier Chocolate Factory. The Sydney Opera House. Poland. Christchurch, New Zealand. Melbourne. Auckland. It set me on a course that introduced me to Basement Jaxx and had me performing with them and Metropole Orkest at the Barbican. It’s how T-Mobile found me and reached out for me to be part of the flash mob ad at Terminal 5. It changed my life.’
Returning to the Fringe in 2018 with three shows, Duckie, Icons and Jonny Woo’s All Star Brexit Cabaret, Gateau’s journey continued, and he worked hard to engage with new audiences and build on his touring opportunities. Duckie went on to tour extensively across the UK and continues to do so with a new non-binary and neurodivergent performer.
Highlighting a need for greater inclusivity and access at the festival, Gateau stated ‘Inclusivity is not a word, it’s an action, it is practise.’ Citing the current cost of living crisis, accommodation costs and the risks artists take to bring work to the Fringe every year, Gateau referenced the ongoing impacts of the pandemic and the resilience of artists, but that ‘elasticity doesn’t mean we can’t break.’
With an audience listening intently to Gateau’s story, the 2023 Artist Address highlighted the continued need for artist support across a range of areas.
Encouraging the room to support each other and to drive a sense of comradery and community, Gateau concluded his speech by stating: ‘There is magic here. I haven’t found it at every Fringe I’ve attended but I have found it several times.
You can and will be in conversation with your audiences – my hope for artists present and all artists at this festival is that you indeed find audiences. You are enough and the experiences that have brought you to this moment are valid.
“Lean into telling your stories as authentically as you can versus seeking validation from audience numbers, audience responses and reviews. If you succeed at doing that, tell me how because at 41 it’s a code I’m yet to crack! And to the facilitators of the storytellers, my plea to you is don’t take advantage of our reality; what we do is who we are.’
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “When Le Gateau Chocolat took to the stage you could hear a pin drop. The room was there to hear from an artist who has attended the Fringe for over 15 years and who has first-hand knowledge and experience of everything that this glorious event can challenge you with.
“We recognise the great financial risk that artists take in bringing work to the Fringe every year, and Gateau’s story highlights that every artist’s journey is different. Our immense thanks to Gateau for sharing his story, and to all the artists taking part in this year’s festival for making the commitment to be at this year’s Fringe.’
Scotland’s second Green Home Festival will be launched by Scottish Government minister Paul McLennan, who has agreed to kick off the week-long series of shows delivering practical assistance and advice to help Scotland become a net zero nation.
The Housing Minister is the keynote speaker at the first session of the five-day renewables jamboree, which is again being organised by the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) as part of the official Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Mr McLennan is scheduled to join TV presenter Anna Campbell-Jones on Monday 14 August for the first day of the festival, which will deliver 11 presentations on a range of sustainable topics, including heat pumps, home offices, water waste and energy efficiency.
The minister, who is MSP for East Lothian, said: “I am delighted that the Green Home Festival has returned for a second year and I am honoured to have been asked to get the ball rolling on a week of essential information and practical demonstrations.
“There is no doubt that net zero and low-carbon living is increasingly important for us all in the coming months and years, so this event will once again help householders understand how they can play their part and make their homes more sustainable.”
One of the organisers, Gordon Nelson, Scotland Director of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “We look forward to welcoming the minister to the heart of Edinburgh as we launch the 2023 Green Home Festival.
“This year’s event is already causing a buzz and our army of experts can’t wait to help consumers along the road to low-carbon living.”
Live Green Home Festival sessions will once again take place at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) at 10 Charlotte Square in central Edinburgh, with additional contributions from the likes of Home Energy Scotland, Scottish Water, SNIPEF and SELECT.
With demonstrations and hands-on guidance to help people reduce their carbon footprint and become more energy efficient, topics covered will include creating sustainable kitchens, green garden rooms and offices, making retrofit projects eco-friendly, the potential of microwave heating, converting churches and how the home of the future will be powered.
The event will also include a dedicated heat pump day, with two separate shows on how to reduce bills, access grants and install the technology, as well as options for hybrid heating.
Built Environment – Smarter Transformation will also host an in-person show on the advantages of community heat networks and a webinar that will advise what consumers can do to reduce both their energy consumption and energy bills.
The festival is the latest in a string of practical and constructive initiatives launched by the CICV since its creation at the start of the pandemic in March 2020.
Made up of 28 trade associations, professional services bodies and companies, it has maintained a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, producing animations and posters, hosting webinars and maintaining close dialogue with Scottish Government ministers.
Scotland’s sensational illuminated trail Wondrous Woods is back this year in the spectacular new setting of Gosford House in East Lothian.
The event and its magical mascot Woody the Owl have found a new home at the magnificent country estate near Longniddry which has featured in the hugely-popular Outlander television series.
Designed and produced by the team at GC Live and delivered by technical partners, 21CC Group, the stunning lighting journey takes visitors through the winding mystical pathways of Wondrous Woods, starting at Gosford’s enchanting Lily Pond and Ice House.
Guests are invited to wander the 1.5km route of beautifully-lit trails which meander through ancient private woodlands and unseen gardens, past the Boat House and through the natural beauty of the landscape.
They will witness spectacular sound and lighting installations along the way and savour the superb sight of Gosford House illuminated in all its glory. They can then relax and join Woody in the Hay Field at Woody’s Nest for a bite to eat and a browse in the Woody Shop.
Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group said, “We are thrilled to be taking this magical lighting event to Gosford House.
“Paired with the beauty of such a magnificent setting, the trail is set to be a breathtaking feast for the senses. We are really excited about welcoming visitors back to Wondrous Woods and giving them a new perspective in a delightful venue.”
Gosford House has been home to the Earls of Wemyss since 1808 and opened its doors for events in 2010.
Alison Bombail, Venue Director comments: “We’re used to staging all sorts of wonderful celebrations here at Gosford House, but this is going to be something completely awe-inspiring, a really magical addition to our locality.
“We know what the wonderful people at GC Live can deliver and can’t wait to welcome the public to see the grounds illuminated in such a spectacular way.”
The magical illuminated adventure that is Wondrous Woods runs over Friday, Saturday and Sunday sessions from October 27 to November 19, including a special run during the last week, where sessions are extended to run from Thursday to Sunday.
Tickets are available to buy online at https://www.wondrouswoods.com/ticket-information with off-peak Friday and Sunday tickets priced at £12 per child and £19 for an adult. Peak tickets on Saturdays are £13 per child and £20 per adult.
For more information visit www.wondrouswoods.com.
The Met Office recently reported that it was the UK’s wettest July since 2009, and the sixth wettest July on record. The Real Mary King’s Close, which is situated beneath Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile, saw a record-breaking number of visitors journey underground to the celebrated historic attraction.
With over 30.5k visitors last month – the highest number at the attraction in July ever – there’s no doubt about it that the rainy weather helped to draw crowds inside to discover Edinburgh’s mysterious past.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, The Real Mary King’s Close has not only established itself as one of Edinburgh’s top tourist attractions, but as one of the UK’s most highly rated experiences on TripAdvisor; inviting visitors to journey underground, encounter fascinating former residents, and become immersed in the city’s secrets and untold stories.
Since opening its doors in 2003, The Close has produced over 250,000 hours’ worth of tours. The celebrated attraction continues to provide both tourists and locals in Edinburgh with a fascinating glimpse into the city’s dark past; such as the extreme living conditions endured during the plague and the harsh effects of social hierarchy during the 17th century.
Once vibrant and bustling with life, Mary King’s Close was a busy thoroughfare filled with traders and Old Town residents, as well the occasional royal visitor.
In 1567, Mary Queen of Scots was held under house arrest at the home of the Lord Provost, Simon Preston, on the neighbouring Stewart’s Close – which can be seen at The Real Mary King’s Close today.
When the plague arrived during the 1640s, the street’s close quarters made a perfect breeding ground for infection, permeating its homes and affecting the lives of the residents.
Paul Nixon, General Manager of The Real Mary King’s Close said; “As we know, summer in Scotland does not always mean sun! However, with a history as rich as Edinburgh’s, people are never short of things to do.
“Last month we had a record-breaking number of visitors for the month of July, with over thirty thousand people journeying underneath the iconic Royal Mile to learn all about the city’s mysterious past. The wet month certainly made people reconsider plans, and look for indoor activities.
“At The Real Mary King’s Close, we are passionate about storytelling and creating unforgettable experiences that transport our visitors back in time. We are thrilled to have been recently named as one of the Top 10 visitor attractions in the UK and cannot wait to welcome more curious souls this month during the Fringe Festival, rain or shine!”
For more information and bookings please visit:
