I Am The Song: Boo Hewerdine writes a new song for Luminate’s Dementia Inclusive Singing Network

Luminate, Scotland’s creative ageing organisation, has just released a new song written by singer/songwriter Boo Hewerdine, for their network of dementia inclusive singing groups and choirs across Scotland to sing.  

I Am The Song was recorded last month at Castlesound Studios in East Lothian and includes vocals by award-winning singer Hannah Rarity, Boo Hewerdine and members of Musselburgh-based dementia inclusive singing group Let’s Sing. 

The music is performed by Iain Sandilands on drums/percussion and Boo Hewerdine on guitar. There is also music for piano accompaniment available for use which was provided by jazz pianist and composer Dave Milligan.  

Let’s Sing led by song leader, singer and composer Penny Stone, meets weekly and supports people living with dementia in the local community by learning and singing a cappella harmony songs together.

Working with Penny and Stephen Deazley, who is Luminate’s Community Music Consultant, the choir recorded the final version of I Am The Song in just two hours.  

Let’s Sing at Castlesound Studios with Boo Hewerdine, Hannah Rarity, Iain Sandilands, Penny Stone, and Stephen Deazley recording I Am The Song. Photo credit Louise Mather. 

I Am The Song builds on the success of Travel These Ways – an earlier collection of songs created by Luminate during the pandemic for people living with dementia. The collection included two songs by award-winning musician Karine Polwart and still continues to be used widely by Scotland’s Dementia Inclusive Singing Network today.  

The Dementia Inclusive Singing Network includes singing groups and choirs based all over Scotland, as well as other community groups and care providers who recognise the benefits of singing, and the positive difference it can make to health and wellbeing. 

The final recorded versions of I Am The Song, including an accompaniment for groups to sing along with, downloadable lyrics and sheet music, is free to use and available on the Dementia Inclusive Singing Network’s website (https://singing.luminatescotland.org/) on a Creative Commons licence. 

Singer/songwriter Boo Hewerdine said: “It was a profound privilege to write this song. I shall never forget our recording day. So joyful.” 

Anne Gallacher, Director of Luminate said: “There’s a growing wealth of evidence of the benefits of singing, and in particular of singing in a group. 

“I am delighted that Boo agreed to write a song for the Dementia Inclusive Singing Network, and I am sure that groups in the Network will love singing it.  We hope to commission more songs over the coming years, and to build up a bank of pieces for our members to sing.”

Song Leader Penny Stone said: “The writing and sharing of this song has meant so much to our community of singers.

“Every time we sing it, at least one of us wells up with the emotion of it all – and not in a bad way! The song has connected with different singers in different ways and feels really special.

“And the process of recording the song with Boo, Hannah and Iain was really special. Many of our singers had never been in a recording studio before, so it felt like a new and unexpected adventure, and it sparked beautiful memories for those of our singers who have made music throughout their lives.”

I Am The Song is available for groups to download from:

https://singing.luminatescotland.org/songs-for-singing-groups-and-choirs/i-am-the-song/

About Boo Hewerdine:

For the last 30 years Boo Hewerdine has been considered as one of the UK’s finest singer/songwriters. From front man of The Bible (Graceland – Honey Be Good) to The Patience of Angels, which was a massive hit for Eddie Reader, he has written for many of today’s stars including: KD Lang, Chris Difford, Kris Drever, etc.

His last album Before was recorded with supreme Danish multi- instrumentalist Gustaf Ljunggren and garnered multiple five-star reviews.

Since then, he has released a lockdown EP, Singularities and a new album on Reveal Records.

College to launch new exhibition Wild and Tame: Animals in History

The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (“the College”) is launching a new public exhibition next week: Wild & Tame: Animals in History. 

The exhibition will explore the history of animals, real and imagined, and their impact on human lives and culture. From unicorns and the first Renaissance animal encyclopaedia to Charles Darwin, it will show how humans exploited animals and how they cared for them, creating our shared history.

As well as providing us with food and labour necessary for our survival, animals were essential in the development of medicine. They were our test subjects, as well as a source of medical ingredients – from the fat of whales to treat haemorrhoids in the past to modern use of venoms to treat heart disease. 

The exhibition will show the instruments used to treat animals in the past and explore the modern idea of One Medicine – a call for closer cooperation between physicians and veterinarians for the benefit of all species on Earth.

Using the remarkable collection of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh natural history books, the exhibition will show the changing ways we depicted animals and studied them, finally unlocking the mysteries of evolution and our place in the natural world.

The exhibition will also explore the vital role animals played in our cultural history, from myths and monsters to modern pets and companions.

As well as books and objects, the exhibition has an interactive digital display which further explores the place of animals in popular culture as symbols and mascots.

Estela Dukan, co-curator of the Wild and Tame: Animals in History said: “ Close links between animal and human health call for closer communication and cooperation between human medicine and veterinary medicine.

“Animals have been essential to human survival for thousands of years, but increasing number of humans living today and modern international travel mean we are coming into closer contact with different animals and environments across the planet.

“The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh recognises the importance of globally connected health research and education to improve wellbeing of humans and animals. Our exhibition explores the history of these links and the role animals played in development of modern medicine.”

Kate Aitkenhead, co-curator of the Wild and Tame: Animals in History, said: “Animals are an integral part of our daily lives. Our relationship with them has often been fraught and overbearing, whilst still maintaining a core of respect and companionship.

“We have included them in our heraldry, such as the rampant lion on the Scottish coat of arms, or the unicorn as the national animal of Scotland, seen as a creature of courage, purity and healing.

“Through artworks, objects, encyclopaedias and viewpoints both historical and modern, we explore the impact this ubiquitous relationship has had on medicine and science as a whole. Animals aren’t going anywhere.

“Our exhibition aims to provide an understanding of our shared history in order to help ensure the continued health and safety of humans and animals alike.”

The exhibition will also include contributions and quotes from people and organisations dedicated to conservation and animal health around the UK, such as Prof Neil Fitzpatrick, veterinary surgeon, and Sheila Voas, Chief veterinary Officer for Scotland.

VIBES 2024 finalists announced

37 Scottish businesses, championing the link between economic success and environmental sustainability, have been shortlisted as finalists for the 2024 VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards. 

Recognised by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and other leading environmental and business agencies for their innovative environmental action, these sustainable Scottish companies are working to reduce pressure on the planet’s resources and accelerate action towards net zero. 

From a competitive field of entries, the top finalists have been selected across industries ranging from life sciences, transport, food and drink and construction. 

Over the last 25 years, the VIBES awards have been celebrating the efforts of Scottish companies and recognising the efforts of those businesses that have championed sustainability by identifying ways to tackle the impact on the planet by reducing consumption of its resources. 

Nicole Paterson, Chief Executive at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: “For 25 years, the VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards have showcased the best of Scottish sustainable business and this year we’re excited to see that businesses continue to drive change and deliver environmental excellence. 

“As Scotland’s principal environmental regulator, we innovate, collaborate and drive collective action to help build a stronger, fairer and more sustainable nation. 

“Now more than ever, Scottish consumers are looking to business leaders to take meaningful action and we’re seeing more and more businesses and organisations recognising that environmental innovation and best practice can also bring economic opportunities and benefits.” 

A panel of judges, bringing expertise on sustainability and innovation from across the business and public sectors, reviewed entries and selected the finalists for each of the 11 award categories, which include celebrating small and large businesses, product innovation and inclusivity.  

This year, the awards have been supported by STV’s Green Fund to attract businesses from across the whole of Scotland, making the awards as inclusive as possible by encouraging businesses of all sizes and across a range of industries to apply. 

Anthony Polydorou, Business Development Director at STV, said: “In today’s business landscape championing sustainability is more vital than ever. As part of our ongoing media partnership with the VIBES Awards, we helped to reach businesses, no matter their size or location, across Scotland and the finalists reflect those leading the way in positive environmental practises. 

“The STV Green Fund was created to support Scottish businesses doing great things for the environment, making our collaboration with VIBES on this award an easy decision for us. Congratulations and good luck to all the nominees this year.” 

SEPA’s Chair, Lisa Tennant, will make the final decision alongside Robbie Kernahan, Director Green Economy, Nature Scot and Ian Gulland, CEO Zero Waste Scotland on the Head Judging Panel. To help make this tough decision, the finalists will host site visits and be interviewed, with winners announced at the awards ceremony in November.  

The VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards, delivered by SEPA, are a partnership between multiple organisations including the Scottish Government, Energy Saving Trust, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, NatureScot, Scottish Water, and Zero Waste Scotland. 

VIBES is also supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors (IoD), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Bright Green Business, Scottish Council for Development and Industry and the Scotch Whisky Association.

Find out more information about the awards on the VIBES website.

Full list of finalists for the 2024 VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards 

Vision in Business Scotland – Best Large Business 

  • Concentrix 
  • George Leslie 
  • R Biopharm Rhone
  • Robertson Group 

Vision in Business Scotland – Best Medium Business 

  • Lisini Pub Company Limited 
  • SWG3 
  • The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland 

Vision in Business Scotland – Best Small Business 

  • Arbikie Distilling Ltd 
  • Kirsty Maguire Architects 
  • Shetland Seabird Tours 

Vision in Business Scotland – Best New Business 

  • Dornie Croft 
  • Netzero Facades Limited 
  • The Highland Weigh 
  • The Tartan Label Limited 

Product Scotland 

  • CCL Logistics and Technology Ltd 
  • Leiths (Scotland) Ltd 
  • Sisaltech Ltd 

Service Scotland 

  • CCL Logistics and Technology Ltd 
  • Edinburgh Remakery 
  • Moock Environmental Solutions Ltd 
  • Perigon Partners LTD

Circular Scotland 

  • ACS CLOTHING LTD. 
  • Britton Manufacturing Ltd 
  • KR Group (Scotland) 
  • Reposit 

Just Transition Scotland 

  • Building Futures Galloway Ltd 
  • Kirsty Maguire Architects 
  • The Way Forward 2045 

Sustainable Transport Scotland 

  • CCL Logistics and Technology Ltd 
  • Robertson Group 

Energy Transition Scotland 

  • Port of Aberdeen  
  • Robertson Group 
  • We hae meat Ltd

Nature Rich Scotland 

  • Fife Golf Trust 
  • Forest Carbon
  • Maorach Beag – Scottish Shellfish
  • Suntory Global Spirits UK 

29th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide: UK statement

Ambassador Holland remembers the victims of the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and pays tribute to the courage and resilience shown by families and survivors.

Today we remember the victims of the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and honour the survivors. This year we are marking 11 July more formally for the first time as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica, following the adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution on 23 May.

The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia found that several individuals were guilty of genocide in Srebrenica. Acknowledgement of that fact should not be a cause for tension and division. Rather, it is a basis on which true reconciliation can be achieved.

Mr Chair, 29 years ago in Srebrenica, genocide took place in Europe for the first time since 1945. It claimed the lives of over 8,000 mostly Muslim men and boys, and led to the displacement of over 20,000 women and children who were forcibly expelled from their homes.

We honour the memory of those killed, and pay tribute to the extraordinary courage and resilience shown by their families and by survivors. We stand with the families in their ongoing fight for justice. 

The UK is committed to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in its efforts to build a secure, stable, inclusive society, and heal the fractures caused by conflict. It is regrettable that we continue to see divisive and dangerous nationalist rhetoric, secessionist moves, and open challenges to the constitutional order established by the Dayton Peace Agreement.

The UK is committed to a single, sovereign Bosnia and Herzegovina, and will continue to take action in support of that. We also continue to urge political leaders to condemn any glorification of the perpetrators of war crimes, and to take action against genocide denial. 

Mr Chair, as was the case in 2022 and 2023, we are marking this date in the shadow of Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. We must learn the lessons of history.

Terrible events such as the genocide at Srebrenica show the consequences of inaction. We owe it to the victims to create societies that are stable, inclusive and cohesive, and to fight against prejudice, hatred, fear and division wherever we find it. 

Remaining true to our shared commitment to the concept of comprehensive security, articulated by the Helsinki principles and central to membership of the OSCE, is the best way to do this.

The greatest tribute we can give to those who lost their lives is to do everything we can to prevent such a horrific crime from ever being repeated.

Ambassador Holland’s speech at/to the OSCE – The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

On the Move: Scientists ask public to help track spread of butterfly species

  • Data shows butterflies are spreading northward due to climate change creating warmer habitats
  • Migratory Red Admiral now overwintering and classed as a UK resident with three fold increase in numbers 
  • New species spotted in new places, including the Holly Blue in Scotland and Jersey Tiger in central London
  • Citizen scientists are vital in discovering how garden favourite butterflies are on the move through the Big Butterfly Count


Leading wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation is today calling on people across the UK to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count (12 July – 4 August) and help scientists understand how climate change is moving butterflies.

After analysing 50 years of data, researchers have discovered a clear northward spread for many species, including common garden favourites the Peacock, Comma and Holly Blue, the result of climate change creating warmer habitats for them to survive in.

Another species on the move is the Jersey Tiger. Previously found only in south-west England, the striking day-flying moth has in recent years been spotted as far north as central London, gaining its spot in the Big Butterfly Count in 2021.

And at the other end of the scale, species such as the Scotch Argus in Scotland (above) are retreating northwards to stay in the cooler climes this butterfly prefers.

Butterflies are indicators of the health of our natural environment – and with half of Britain’s butterfly species already threatened or near threatened with extinction, it’s never been more important to understand how these species are responding to the changing climate and to take action to protect them.

To help scientists discover more about the movement and trends of where butterflies are living, the public are being asked to spend 15 minutes in any sunny spot and record the number and type of butterflies they see this summer.

Dr Zoë Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation explains: “Thirty years ago you wouldn’t have seen a Holly Blue in Scotland, now it has expanded where it lives across the UK by 34%, increasingly spreading northward.

“And the Red Admiral, which was once a migratory species most commonly seen in southern England in the summer and then leaving for Europe in the winter, is now living in the UK all year round, resulting in a three-fold increase in their numbers. 

“We’re also seeing other species which have previously suffered severe declines, such as the Comma, recovering, with a huge increase of 94% in where it is found. These highly adaptable species are all able to move into new places as the climate warms, but for habitat specific species, these trends raise serious red flags. 

“Species that rely on particular habitats aren’t able to move as freely as our garden favourites. This means that if climate change continues, they could become trapped in isolated fragments of remaining habitat, unable to move and with their food plants at risk from adverse weather conditions, facing the very real threat of extinction.”

Butterfly Conservation Vice President, Chris Packham, who today launches this year’s Big Butterfly Count, explains: “Butterflies are on the move, and there’s no doubt that climate breakdown is behind these geographic shifts. 

“We know nature is running out of time, so we need to act now. We need you to get out for the Big Butterfly Count, let us know what you spot and where you spot it. You will be gathering the important data we need to see what the latest impacts are on our butterflies and moths, so that we can take the action needed to protect them.” 

Chris Packham is not alone in his support for the Big Butterfly Count, as President of Butterfly Conservation, Sir David Attenborough has shared poignant messages in his support of the Count over the years.

Sir David said: “The UK is a nation of amateur naturalists, and we have a proud tradition of celebrating and studying our wildlife.

“Every single person taking part in the Big Butterfly Count helps to build a picture of how butterflies are faring and how we can best conserve them. A few precious moments spent watching a stunning Red Admiral or Peacock butterfly feeding amongst the flowers in my garden never fails to bring me great pleasure.” 

Other famous faces to have taken part or supported the Big Butterfly Count over the last few years include His Majesty King Charles III, Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte, Butterfly Conservation Vice President Dr Amir Khan, and even Winnie the Pooh!

Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count is the largest citizen-science project of its kind and is a positive action everyone can do to help collect important scientific data, as well as enjoy time outdoors, connect with nature and have fun.

Whether done with friends and family, or in a moment of quiet calm and solitude, the Big Butterfly Count is free, fun and takes just 15 minutes. It is open to anyone, of any age, in any part of the UK – towns, cities or the countryside.

No green space is too small – a back garden, a small terrace or balcony with some pot plants, a public park, allotment, or country lane are all important spaces to explore, track and report.

Last year more than 135,000 Counts took place up and down the country, with participants spending a combined total of almost four years counting butterflies.

The information gathered helps scientists to understand how butterflies and moths are faring, informs conservation projects, government policies and supports other experts with their research and vital work to protect our planet.

Dr Zoë Randle said: “In total, over 1.5 million butterflies and day-flying moths were recorded in last year’s Count, where the Red Admiral reigned supreme with almost 250,000 sightings.

“We’re wondering whether someone this year will be the first to spot a new species in their area, and what the results will show for our butterflies and moths across the UK.”

This year’s Big Butterfly Count runs from Friday 12 July – Sunday 4 August.

For more information and to take part simply visit www.bigbutterflycount.org or download the free Big Butterfly Count app.

TRUST: Scottish Ambulance Service expands drug-related emergency initiative after successful pilot

The Scottish Ambulance Service is expanding our TRUST campaign Scotland-wide

An initiative to encourage young people to call 999 in a drug-related emergency is being expanded following a successful pilot, the Scottish Ambulance Service has announced.

The TRUST initiative – Take it Seriously, Ring 999, Use first aid skills, Stay with them, Tell us what they’ve taken – aims to educate and support young people who may avoid or delay phoning for an ambulance when they or their friends experience a drug-related emergency due to perceived fear of repercussions. It also covers what an emergency situation may look like and what to look out for.

Following the successful pilot in some Fife and Glasgow secondary schools, SAS will be expanding the campaign across Scotland where TRUST resources will be embedded into local drug education offerings, providing young people with the chance to also hear first-hand from emergency staff about their roles.

trust-a3-poster-final-to-sendDownload

Kira Watson, Clinical Effectiveness Lead for Drug Harm Reduction – East, said: “The TRUST initiative has been designed to show young people that the Scottish Ambulance Service is here to help them.

“As summer holidays and festival season continue, drug related incidents increase, and we want to make sure young people aren’t afraid to quickly seek help when they or their friends need it. Once they have received treatment, we can also make the appropriate referrals for on-going support, information and advice.”

Christina McKelvie, Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy, said: “I welcome the expansion of the TRUST initiative, which can save lives by supporting and educating young people involved in a drugs emergency.

“Through our £250 million National Mission on drugs, we are taking a wide range of measures to reduce harm and save lives – including supporting the opening of a Safe Drug Consumption Facility pilot, widening access to Naloxone and delivering drug-checking facilities which will enable us to respond faster to emerging drug trends.”

If you think TRUST would be of benefit to your local school or community space, email sas.drug-harm@nhs.scot for more information.

TRUST Campaign leaflet and poster are available for download here.

@HarmLeads

trust-a7-leaflet-finalDownload

Council announces Old Town road closures July to September

Festival street access in Old Town

With the summer festivals season fast approaching, we’re making temporary changes to the way some of our streets in the Old Town operate between 15 July and 30 September 2024.

We know that residents, businesses and visitors face challenges in the Old Town during the busy summer festival period.

To make the streets easier and safer to walk around, we are putting in place temporary arrangements between 15 July and 30 September 2024.

You can find more information on roadworks and travel disruptions by following Edintravel on

There will also be short-term restrictions for other events. Information on those restrictions will be published on street and at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/edintravel as and when they are available.

If you have any questions about these closures, please email us. This mailbox will be monitored regularly during working hours and we will respond as quickly as possible.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Whilst we’re rightly proud to be welcoming performers and visitors from all over the world for our summer festivals, we need to make sure this influx is managed safely and properly.

“We’ve made temporary successful changes to streets in the Old Town during this period for a number of years and I’m sure this summer will be no different.

“I’d like to thank our residents and businesses for their understanding as we get ready to showcase Edinburgh as the world’s cultural capital once again.”

Blue Badge holders

Blue Badge holders can park at all Pay and Display, Shared Use, yellow lines (without loading prohibition) free of charge and without time limit. Blue Badge holders can also get a free residents’ parking permit if they do not already have one.

Home deliveries

If you are planning any shopping or other deliveries to your home, you should organise for them to arrive when the streets are open. Outside these times, and in some closed streets, delivery drivers may need to park some distance away from you. We would be grateful if you could make sure that your delivery drivers/companies are aware of the changes. Goods delivered by bike or on foot will not be affected.

Loading and servicing for businesses

You will need to make sure that your business waste collections are completed before the affected streets close. You may have to place your waste collection in an alternative location.

We have contacted trade waste companies to make them aware of these changes.

The changes also mean that loading and servicing must take place during the period the streets are open, generally overnight between 7pm and 10.30am.

Outside of these times, and in some closed streets, suppliers and delivery drivers may need to park some distance away from your location to make deliveries.

Please make sure that your supplier or delivery drivers are aware of the changes and the potential impacts on their delivery schedules.

Places of worship

If you need closer access for worship or ceremonies during vehicle-free hours, email us in advance to let us know what you need. Our team will work hard to try to help wherever possible.

Special arrangements

We realise there may be a few specific, one-off reasons where you may need to arrange for vehicle access – for example if you are moving into a new property and need access for a removals vehicle. In these instances, please email us in advance.

We recognise that these changes may impact on your daily activities and we are extremely grateful for your patience and support with making Edinburgh a welcoming city.

If you have any questions about these closures, please email us at:

oldtownstreets@edinburgh.gov.uk  

This mailbox will be monitored regularly during working hours, and we will respond as quickly as possible.

Advice against bathing at Portobello

As a result of analysis of routine samples, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have indicated a high bacterial result in the water at Portobello Beach.

SEPA are temporarily advising against bathing and paddling, at Portobello Beach from Pipe Lane to Joppa Rocks, due to the potential risk to human health. SEPA have activated electronic signs and the Council is arranging additional signs to be posted to support this.

SEPA are working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Water to investigate and will continue to monitor the situation.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “We’re aware of SEPA’s current advice against bathing and paddling at Portobello beach and I’d request that people follow the advice.

“The matter is currently under investigation, and we’ll continue to liaise with SEPA and our partners to monitor the situation.”

New Edinburgh East and Musselburgh MP Chris Murray said: “Horrible to see Porty beach is closed due to a threat to human health.

“Please take care in the coming days and stay out of the water. As the local MP, I will be pushing to get this issue dealt with.”

Further information on Scotland’s Bathing Waters is available on SEPA’s website.