Local dementia charity to host showcase event

THE Forget Me Notes Project, an Edinburgh based charity which offers support to dementia sufferers throughout the capital via the medium of music, is hosting a showcase event next month to highlight and illustrate the wide range of activities it undertakes.

The charity was founded in 2018 by Alan Midwinter and Paul Barfoot and it focusses on utilising music as a means of helping alleviate the symptoms of those who live with dementia.

Activities include weekly performances by a 40 strong choir, regular music based attendances at care homes, community centres, parks and day centres as well as home visits for people living withThey also embrace modern technology by broadcasting their activities via ZOOM to people’s living rooms.

All in all Forget Me Notes undertakes in excess of 30 musical activities every month with a view to improving the lives of both those affected by dementia and their families.

The showcase event will take place on Tuesday 13th August at St Bride’s Centre, Orwell Terrace, Edinburgh EH11 2DZ at 2pm.

Between 2pm and 5.30 it will feature a series of drop-in sessions, film and audio presentations as well as musical interludes, all designed to raise awareness of the charity’s aims.

The event will close at 5.30 followed by a ceilidh hosted by local musician Kenny Vass and his band.

Admission is free but those wishing to attend the ceilidh must book tickets (also free of charge) in advance. Full details of the event, along with a link to order tickets for the ceilidh, can be found on :-

http://www.forgetmenotes.org.uk/new-events-1/2024/8/13/forget-me-notes-showcase

Alan Midwinter, who is co-chief executive, said “You are  welcome to join us at St Brides to sample just what music can do both for our wellbeing and all round health. We are in for an inspiring day!”

Creative Scotland announces latest round of Open Fund awards

Across Scotland, 54 culture projects have received £1,245,021 from The National Lottery in the latest round of Creative Scotland’s Open Fund awards. 

This round of awards spans a wide range of exciting projects from all genres, including a selection of musical projects taking direct inspiration from Scotland’s unique culture and landscapes.  

Video game director Kyle Banks has received funding for the composition of two modern renditions of Robert Burns’ song, My Heart’s in the Highlands, composed by Jon Konsolakis and with vocals performed by four-time BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards’ Scots Singer of the Year award winner, Siobhan Miller. 

The tracks will be released worldwide on all streaming platforms and featured on the soundtrack of Farewell North, a new Edinburgh-produced video game exploring the Orkney islands, available on 15 August. The game, named after the song, draws focus on Scotland’s rich culture and landscapes as your character embarks on a mental and physical journey to restore colour to the islands and her world. 

Director Kyle Banks commented: “With the support of the Open Fund we have the opportunity to take a beloved song segment from our game, Farewell North, and compose a pair of full-length singles for our audience to enjoy as a standalone piece of art.

“As a small team this is something that would not have been a viable option for us without this funding and it’s allowed us to share our love of Scotland worldwide.” 

Composer Ruta Vitkauskaite is collaborating with Founder and Director of the Illuminate Women’s Music Project Angela Slater to bring the project series to Scotland. Founded in 2017, Illuminate is a commissioning and touring series celebrating the creativity of women both as composers and performers.

Illuminate will tour newly commissioned works by diverse Scottish composers with each piece inspired by Scottish folklore reimagined through a contemporary music lens.  

Angela Slater and Ruta Vitkauskaite, photography by Ilmė Vyšniauskaitė and Adam Whittaker PR Gloo

Ruta Vitkauskaite says: “We are absolutely delighted to receive funding from Creative Scotland’s Open Fund. The support will allow us to introduce the Illuminate Women’s Music concert series to Scotland for the very first time, bringing some of the most vibrant female musical talents to audiences across Scotland.” 

The series will see concerts, workshops and talks taking place in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, Linlithgow, Kinlochard and onwards to Vilnius, Lithuania, providing creators with international exposure.

The first public in-person concert be held on Thursday 12 December at The Old Hairdresser’s in Glasgow and tickets will be available on the Illuminate Women’s Music website. 

Musician and composer Kate Young will release her second studio album, Umbelliferæ: A Musical Journey Through Plantlore in September 2024, accompanied by UK-wide album launch tour.

Originally commissioned by Celtic Connections, the album features a repertoire of songs inspired by Scotland’s natural heritage, with special focus on plant lore and traditional remedies made from native plants. The music is arranged for string quintet, double bass, harp and percussion.  

Kate Young photography by Somhairle MacDonald PR Gloo

Kate Young commented: “This is the release project of an album inspired by the world of traditional plant lore and medicinal uses from around the UK, which looks to spread awareness about such dying traditions through music.

“We look forward to taking this string quintet performance to a number of venues this Autumn.”  

For full tour details please visit Kate Young’s website.  

Further awards in this round of the Open Fund include: 

The full list of awards in this round of the Open Fund can be found on our website. 

Paul Burns, Interim Director of Arts at Creative Scotland commented: “Exploring the rich landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage of Scotland provides immense value to our communities.

“The latest initiatives supported by our Open Fund will offer invaluable opportunities for people across the country to engage with Scotland’s unique culture, made possible with the support of the National Lottery.” 

Final Reminder: XL Bully dog safeguards to come into force

New rules for owners take effect on Thursday

XL Bully owners have until midnight Wednesday 31 July to apply for an exemption certificate ahead of new laws coming into force.

From Thursday 1 August it will be illegal to own an XL Bully without an exemption certificate or having applied for an exemption certificate.

It is already illegal to sell, advertise, gift or exchange, breed or breed from XL Bully dogs, or letting such dogs stray. Owners must now also ensure their dog is muzzled and on a lead while in a public place.

The penalties available to a court upon conviction for breach of the new safeguards are up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine up to £5,000.

Exemption certificate applications must be made online by the deadline of midnight on Wednesday 31 July. Applicants must obtain third party insurance, microchip their dogs and commit to their dogs being neutered, as well as pay the £92.40 fee.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “This is the last chance for XL Bully dog owners to make sure they meet the new regulations before they come into force.

“Dog attacks, although rare, can have a devastating impact on victims and consequences for owners which is why we are taking this action.

“The laws are in place to promote and support responsible ownership and public safety as effectively as possible.”

Teen inspires autism awareness in new BBC ALBA documentary

17-year-old Nuala has spent much of her life fighting for the support she needs as someone on the autism spectrum. BBC ALBA followed Nuala on her mission to pave the way for change, starting in her hometown in the north-west Highlands of Scotland.

Nuala’s push for change was inspired by a trip to Canada’s first autism friendly town in Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland. The simple changes adopted by the town to make life easier for people with autism inspired Nuala to help her own community in Ullapool, and the surrounding area, become autism friendly.

Produced by MacTV this new 30-minute documentary, Saoghal Nuala / Nuala’s World – #MyAutismFriendlyVillage, explores how autism impacts the way people communicate and process the world around them; and follows Nuala working with schools, businesses and organisations to implement small changes to improve the lives of people with autism.

Nuala said: “Initially, before my diagnosis, I thought that I was odd and stupid and couldn’t understand it… It was a relief to get the diagnosis. It was good to see that I wasn’t just… that I was still sane but just in a different way. This also opened a lot of doors for me.

“Everyone was more willing to help me. The teachers were given extra training. There was extra support there and that was so beneficial for me.”

More than one in 100 people in Scotland have autism – all with skills, talents and ambitions. However, many don’t understand autism which is why Nuala wants to create change so that other youngsters don’t face the same difficulties.

Encouraged by the pioneering work of Joan Chaisson – a retired special education teacher and co-founder of the support group Autism Involves Me (AIM) – with schools, hotels, shops, and the hairdresser in Channel-Port aux Basques’, Nuala’s mum said: “They had drawn attention to how people with autism feel and their daily life.

“It was fascinating … It was clear that the whole town supported her plans. Nuala was so inspired by this. We realised that the same could be done in Ullapool.”

Offering viewers a better understanding of the unique perspectives that she and others on the autistic spectrum experience, and in turn, learning what we can all do as a society to make our communities more inclusive, and accommodating for all, Nuala explains: “I want the local businesses to be better informed about autism and also for the community to be autism friendly.

“People with autism will feel more comfortable here and that includes me… You should be proud of yourself and your capabilities.”

Sharing an insight into her skills, from her photographic memory to her understanding of rhythm which helped her win a bronze medal at the 2022 St Ayles Skiff World Championships, she says: “Lots of people ask me if I would rather not have autism. I tell them that I like having autism because I have these superpowers now and I like that. I’m so proud of myself and of my superpowers.

“I would like people on the spectrum to walk with their head held high. That’s very important. I want to be like that and to create a new stereotype. I look forward to that.”

Saoghal Nuala / Nuala’s World – #MyAutismFriendlyVillage, premiers on BBC iPlayer and BBC ALBA and on Monday 5 August at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles).Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0021swp

Police issue CCTV appeal following serious assault in Frederick Street

Police have released images of a man who they believe may be able to assist with their investigation into a serious assault in the city centre on Sunday, 7 July

The assault on the 32-year-old man took place around 3.25am on Frederick Street. The victim was was taken to hospital for treatment.

The man police want to trace is described as a white male, in his early 20’s and of slim build with short dark hair.

He was wearing a white t-shirt with a grey jumper tied round his waist, light blue jeans and white trainers.

Detective Constable Rebecca Curtis said: “We encourage this man, anyone who may recognise him, or anyone with information about this incident to get in touch.”

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference number 0669 of 7 July. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Public spending audit 2024-25: tax measures explained

  • The UK Government has set out the next steps for tax measures from the manifesto on which the Government was elected, including policies to close tax loopholes and tackling tax avoidance.
  • This is to provide taxpayers with certainty ahead of their final confirmation at the Budget on 30 October 2024.
  • Further details on all policies including costings will be published at the Budget, and will be certified by the Office for Budget Responsibility.

Ending tax breaks for private schools and raising revenue to fund state education priorities

  • The Government is publishing a technical note setting out its plan to introduce 20% VAT on education and boarding services provided by UK private schools from 1 January 2025.
    • o 20% VAT will also apply to pre-payments of fees for terms starting on or after 1 January 2025 made on or after 29 July 2024.
  • Over 94% of school children in the UK attend state schools and ending the tax breaks on VAT and business rates for private schools will secure additional funding to help recruit 6,500 new teachers and roll out breakfast clubs to all primary schools.
  • These changes will not impact pupils with the most acute special educational needs, where their needs can only be met in private schools. Where pupils’ places in private schools are being funded by local authorities (LAs) because their needs can only be met in private school (e.g. in England, where attendance at that private school is required by a child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), LAs will be able to reclaim the VAT so it does not apply to those fees.
  • This change will only apply to tuition fees and boarding fees charged by private schools. The VAT treatment of other services or goods provided by private schools – such as nursery care, wrap-around childcare, school meals and holiday clubs, and part time classes operated by third parties within schools – such as music and drama clubs and Sunday schools – will not change.  The VAT treatment of state boarding fees will also continue to be exempt from VAT.
  • The government will also end business rates relief for private schools. This change means private schools in England will no longer be eligible for charitable rates relief and will pay their full business rates liability. This is intended to take effect from April 2025, subject to Parliamentary passage.
  • The VAT changes will be legislated for in the Finance Bill introduced following the Budget. The business rates changes will be legislated for through a Local Government Finance Bill led by the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG).

Non-Doms: Removing domicile status from the tax system and implementing a new internationally competitive residence-based regime

  • The Government is committed to addressing unfairness in the tax system, so that everyone who makes their home in the UK pays their taxes here.  
  • That is why the Government will remove the outdated concept of domicile status from the tax system and replace it with a new internationally competitive residence-based regime, focused on attracting the best talent and investment to the UK.  
  • A policy note has been published to set out the government’s plan to end the use of offshore trusts to avoid inheritance tax and scrapping the 50% tax reduction on foreign income in the first year of the new regime. 
  • From April 2025, anyone who has been tax resident in the UK for more than four years will pay UK tax on their foreign income and gains (FIG), as is the case for other UK residents. This is a simpler and clearer test, with less scope for ambiguity than the current regime.  
  • New arrivals to the UK will benefit from 100% UK tax relief on their FIG for their first four years of tax residence, provided they have been non-resident for the last 10 years. This is more attractive than the current approach, as they will be able to bring FIG into the UK without attracting an additional tax charge, encouraging them to spend and invest these funds in the UK. 
  • To support transition and provide time for adjustment, a Temporary Repatriation Facility (TRF) will be available for individuals to bring pre-6 April 2025 FIG held offshore into the UK at a reduced rate of tax, to encourage these funds to be spent and invested in the UK.
  • Behavioural impacts and costings will be published at the Budget.

Energy Profits Levy

  • The Government is publishing a policy document that confirms its intention to increase the rate of the Energy Profits Levy (EPL) by three percentage points to 38% from 1 November 2024.
  • The levy will also be extended from 31 March 2029 to 31 March 2030.
  • The Government will remove unjustifiably generous investment allowances from the EPL, starting by abolishing the levy’s core investment allowance from 1 November. The decarbonisation allowance will be retained.
  • The Government will reduce the generosity of capital allowances (including First Year Allowances) when calculating EPL profits – providing further details on these changes at Budget. 
  • The Energy Security Investment Mechanism will remain, helping to provide operators and their investors with confidence the levy will no longer apply if prices fall to, or below, historically normal levels for a sustained period.
  • Further details on the Government’s approach to all allowances in the EPL, and costings, will be set out at the Budget.
  • The Government recognises the importance of providing the oil and gas industry with long-term certainty on taxation after a period of change. The government will work with the industry and others to develop and implement a successor regime for responding to price shocks after the EPL ceases.

The UK Government is also:

  • Publishing a call for evidence confirming its intention to take action against the carried interest loophole, and to form the basis for detailed engagement with expert stakeholders.
    • o Carried interest is a form of performance-related reward received by fund managers, primarily within the private equity industry.
    • o Reforms will ensure fairness, whilst also recognising the vital role that our world-leading asset management industry plays in channelling investment across the UK.
  • Tackling the tax gap. Reforming the tax system by making policy changes to simplify tax, close loopholes and reduce non-compliance, designing out non-compliance before it happens. At the Budget, the government will provide an update on the implementation and development of measures that form its plan to close the tax gap.
    • The government will invest in HMRC’s compliance work, hiring around 5,000 additional staff to recover more tax revenues. HMRC has already started the process of recruiting additional staff into compliance roles.
    • The government will also invest in HMRC’s technology infrastructure, helping to make HMRC more efficient and improve taxpayers’ experience of interacting with HMRC.

Edinburgh International Book Festival event: Clean Money: Can fundraising ever be ethical?

This August, in direct response to the debate on ethical fundraising in the arts, a topic impacting many organisations across the UK and further afield, the Festival will host a brand new event aimed at expanding the conversation from a place of polarisation to one of positivity and possibility.

Entitled Clean Money: Can fundraising ever be ethical? the event will be fully interactive in nature and groups of participants will be handed questions, based on real or possible situations, to discuss alongside a range of expert facilitators.

Encouraging audiences to step outside their viewpoints, and consider these important topics from another angle, participants of the event will be required to argue from or for a particular point of view, as opposed to their personal perspective, based on a prompt courtesy of the facilitators.

The event will be guided by Alisha Fernandez Miranda, author and Chair of the award-winning social impact advisory firm I.G. Advisors, and will feature nine other industry peers including Harriette Tillott, Advisor at I.G., and Joni O’Sullivan, trustee at Hastings Contemporary Gallery. Further facilitators will be confirmed nearer the time.

Jenny Niven, Director at Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “We’re excited to be able to curate this vital conversation at the Book Festival.

“In a climate where it can feel harder than ever to have meaningful discussion, and with a vanishingly small number of platforms that truly allow for the exchange of views or tolerance for viewpoints which don’t align with our own, the Book Festival is an unique forum for this type of learning and debate.

“The question of ‘clean money’ brings in everything: climate, conflict, ethics, politics, the role of government, the state of the arts and charitable sector, societal change, and allows us to wrestle with the really thorny questions underpinning the debates recent months. 

“The level of public engagement in the topic at the moment is unprecedented and the strength of feeling from many different perspectives has been evident throughout.  We hope people with a range of perspectives will join this conversation and help further everyone’s understanding of the issues and the contexts at hand, and help us bring this topic offline and into the daylight.”

Held in the spirit of open dialogue and constructive debate, each participant will be required to only share a first name – no other identifying information can be shared until after the debate, and then only with explicit permission – and the event will follow Chatham House rules, meaning that while information gathered during the event can be shared, it cannot be linked to any individual participant.

Those who do not wish to be quoted, even anonymously are under no obligation and will be invited to sign to this effect.

Future Tense is the first Edinburgh International Book Festival programme from Director Jenny Niven and will unfold for the first time at the Festival’s new home at Edinburgh Futures Institute.

The full programme can be found here: 

https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival/whats-on

Enhanced back to school support from Edinburgh School Uniform Bank

Edinburgh School Uniform Bank has taken another step forward in addressing the needs of children facing poverty by including stationery items in every clothing crisis pack.

This initiative comes in response to feedback from the Child Poverty Action Group Report on the cost of the school day.

By ensuring that children not only have access to proper school uniforms but also essential stationery, ESUB is helping to create a more level playing field.

This move will aid in reducing the stigma associated with poverty and enable children to focus on their education without the added worry of lacking basic school supplies, crucial for fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

This would not be possible without the generosity of our supporters! Thank you!

Fairer Workplaces Fund opens for applications

Support for flexible working

A fund to help businesses, charities and other organisations adopt fair work practices has opened for applications.

Grants are available to implement changes such as the delivery of workplace training and processes that support flexible working and help to create and sustain a more diverse workforce.

The Fairer Workplaces Fund adds to Scottish Government measures supporting fair work, including making payment of the real Living Wage and providing an effective voice for workers a condition of grant awards.

Employment Minister Tom Arthur visited McAllister Litho Glasgow, a commercial print company, to learn about the benefits of fair work from staff.

The printworks offers its employees the option of working compressed work hours, swapping shifts and making minor adjustments to their hours. During the cost of living crisis, the business also paid its staff an extra £500 a month for six months to help with rising prices.

Mr Arthur said: “Offering flexible shift patterns, remote working and making workplaces more accessible are among the relatively simple steps that can help more people into work and ensure they are able to stay there.

“They are also good for business. Experience shows that adopting fair work practices can help recruitment and improve staff retention. This new fund and the dissemination of the learning from it will help more companies – and Scotland’s wider economy – reap those benefits.

“The company I’m visiting today demonstrate how supporting your workforce goes hand-in-hand with running a successful company.”

Managing Director and Owner of McAllister Litho Janette McAllister said: “The implementation of flexible working at McAllister Litho Glasgow has resulted in a happier and more satisfied workforce. Employee happiness translates into ongoing loyalty and hard work, ultimately benefiting the business.

“We are a team and we need to work together. If someone needs a bit of flexibility and we can provide that, we will because we know we’ll benefit from that person’s loyalty and hard work in return.

“Recognising the pivotal role of a dedicated team, I acknowledge that fostering flexibility not only makes good business sense but also aligns with our commitment to doing what is right.”

The Fund which totals £350,000 is open for applications until Sunday, 1 September 2024.