As anticipation mounts for Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated summer concerts, Swifties looking for a last-minute bargain for her BT Murrayfield shows are grappling with steep increases in costs.
New data compiled by UK Debt Expert has revealed a huge increase in resale ticket prices, hotel and Airbnb rates, and car parking fees – with hotel prices in Edinburgh rising by as much as 186%.
The UK leg of the Eras tour kicks off at BT Murrayfield in Edinburgh on June 7, followed by performances at Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium and the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, culminating in eight nights at Wembley Stadium in London.
Recent reports indicate that some American fans are travelling to Europe to find cheaper ticket prices, but anyone seeking a last-minute ticket in the UK could face significant expenses.
Hotel and Airbnb prices have skyrocketed to eye watering levels, shattering previous records. Edinburgh’s hotel costs have surged from an average of £209.30 to £600.18 marking an alarming 186% increase during Taylor’s concert dates.
Similarly, Airbnb rates have surged by 69% climbing from an average of £166.60 to £281.93.
As for ticket resale costs, Edinburgh sees an average of £1,274.
When factoring in parking, hotel, and ticket expenses, the cumulative burden for those attending Edinburgh shows averages at a staggering £1,918.06
However, fans in Scotland may find the best deals on tickets, with resale prices for the Edinburgh show on June 8 averaging £1,230.
Commenting on the data, Maxine McCreadie, a personal finance expert at UK Debt Expert, said: “We know how eager some fans are to see Taylor in the UK, so it’s clear that some will incur significant expenses to do so; hotels for the Edinburgh shows are the most expensive in the UK, with an average price of £600.”
“I’d strongly advise anyone thinking about making a last-minute decision to buy tickets or book accommodation to be cautious. Consider your overall financial situation before making such a significant investment, and explore all reasonable options to reduce costs where possible.”
The law surrounding the misuse of pyrotechnics at football will be the focus of a new short-life working group set up by the Scottish Government.
The group will consider the evidence on, and possible barriers to, the use of Football Banning Orders as a penalty for pyrotechnic possession and misuse.
It is already a criminal offence to take or try to take a pyrotechnic into football matches, while carrying pyrotechnics in public without a reasonable excuse was recently made an offence through the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022. The Act gives police powers to stop and search someone where they have reasonable grounds to believe that the person may be in possession of a pyrotechnic in a public place.
Football Banning Orders (FBOs) can be imposed by a Court for up to ten years for violent offences at matches, which could include throwing a lit pyrotechnic as a weapon. The working group will consider if extending the scope of FBOs would be an effective way to further deter the carrying and misuse of pyrotechnics at football.
The expert working group includes representation from the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) and Scottish Football Association, Football Safety Officers Association, Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and is expected to report next year.
Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Everyone should be able to enjoy the excitement and atmosphere of a football match without the fear of serious injury from pyrotechnics.
“We have considerably strengthened pyrotechnic laws, and those who carry fireworks and pyrotechnics in public and into football stadia can face fines and up to six months in prison. Despite this, pyrotechnic misuse at football matches remains an issue.
“We have been working closely with football’s governing authorities and with police on what more can be done to stop this antisocial and dangerous behaviour at football matches.
“Football Banning Orders of up to 10 years, are already an effective measure courts have at their disposal to deal with violent behaviour and I have asked this working group to consider whether extending their reach would be a further deterrent to pyrotechnic possession and misuse.
“Consisting of representatives from football and the justice sector, their review will also take views from clubs, fan groups, as well as front-line services.”
Calum Beattie Chief Operating Officer of the SPFL, said: “The dangers of pyrotechnics in crowded football stadia are significant and our clubs are keen to work with the Scottish Government, police and the courts to find meaningful ways of tackling this growing problem.
“Recent surveys have also shown that most fans believe there is no place for these devices at games. We are looking forward to playing an active role in this group to examine further how football banning orders can form part of a package of deterrence for any fans tempted to smuggle these dangerous items into grounds.”
Superintendent Chris Stewart of Police Scotland said: “The public have the right to feel safe when they attend football matches and we work with a range of partners, including the clubs, to make sure these events are safe and secure.
“We will engage with the review and support partners involved.”
LAST this week (Wednesday 22 May) leading figures in agriculture, primary food production and land management in Scotland came together with MSPs at Holyrood at a parliamentary reception sponsored by Elena Whitham MSP.
The reception, attended by more than 130 guests, was hosted by the newly constituted Food and Agriculture Stakeholder Taskforce (FAST) and sponsored by Ms Whitham, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, to stimulate discussion and understanding with Members of Parliament about what is needed to promote sustainable and profitable agricultural production in Scotland.
Next generation farmers Nicola Wordie from Aberdeenshire and Cameron Wilson from Ayrshire were the main speakers, detailing what they want to see for the future of the sector and what those in the room can do to help them and the wider industry achieve this. The guests were invited to sign a pledge board to champion the industry in the future (see below).
During the evening, FAST Chair Neil Wilson emphasised the significance of the multi-faceted agricultural and primary food production supply chain to Scotland’s economy and the importance of pragmatic policy for its sustainable future:
“Agriculture generates more than £3.3 billion for Scotland’s economy and there are some pivotal decisions being made in parliament in coming weeks that will impact the future economic success, or otherwise, of the nation’s agriculture and sustainable food production.
“At a time when food security, cost of living and environmental pressures put the industry at the heart of matters, last night at Holyrood was an excellent platform to launch FAST as a formalised group and to have direct conversations with those who will be influencing future policy developments.”
Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity also gave an address highlighting the important UK Government deliverable of Scotland retaining at least 17% of the total farm budget going forward.
Mr Wilson, who is also Executive Director of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS), welcomed the recognition from Parliamentarians of the sector coming together to clarify and constructively address key areas of concern: “FAST is strongly supportive of the principles of co-design and collaboration, and we want to work constructively with government, politicians and other stakeholders to ensure a resilient and thriving farming and primary food production sector in Scotland.
“We know parliamentarians value the support from FAST members who have done a lot to help them understand the complex nuances and interdependencies within Scotland’s farming businesses and how policy changes might impact them.
“The reception gave FAST the stage to remind policymakers of the extensive and varied expertise within the organisation and how easily they can access people to sense check sectoral implications of agricultural policy changes via one body. Since its formation, FAST has aimed to be included at the sharp end of forming policy and how to best support Scotland’s rural economy and people to thrive.”
FAST first met in September 2022 and was recently formalised to speak collaboratively as one voice on common objectives. The aim is to identify the most effective proactive and reactive action for the industry in response to opportunities and threats affecting Scottish food production and farming through changing policy.
FAST has been providing information to MSPs ahead of the amendments being considered at Stage 2 of the Bill in the Scottish Parliament during May. This reflects the group’s desire for policy that supports agricultural businesses and communities and ensuring a robust level of expert scrutiny from the sector.
The 16 founding organisations of FAST are: Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC), Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS), National Beef Association (NBA), National Sheep Association Scotland (NSA Scotland), NFU Scotland (NFUS), Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI), Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society Ltd (SAOS), Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW), Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC), Scottish Beef Association (SBA), Scottish Craft Butchers, Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), Scottish Pig Producers (SPP), Scottish Quality Crops (SQC), Scottish Tenant Farmers Association (STFA)
A paramedic in the Scottish Ambulance Service’s Special Operation Response Team (SORT) has become the first female trumpeter of His Majesty’s State Trumpeters of Scotland.
A paramedic in the Scottish Ambulance Service’s Special Operation Response Team (SORT) has become the first female trumpeter of His Majesty’s State Trumpeters of Scotland.
Gerry Goodall, who works out of SORT’s Newbridge base, joined the Service 14 years ago after serving in the army for nine years.
In March she was invited to attend an interview by the country’s Lead State Trumpeter, Stewart Malcolm.
Successful at the interview, her first assignment was the General Assembly for the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh, attended by Prince Edward, on Saturday (18 May).
Alongside three other State Trumpeters, she welcomed and farewelled the Duke of Edinburgh. She was also recognised at the first female State Trumpeter for Scotland and received an official decree.
The mum of two girls said: “It was an honour and a privilege to be asked. I was really happy and felt quite a sense of achievement as well.
“Having my career as a paramedic, I almost left that world so it’s quite nice to be back involved again in ceremonial events. The kids and family are also chuffed. They are proud, my work colleagues are really proud, and everyone is really supportive.”
Having played the trumpet since she was seven, she went on to study at the Royal Military School of Music before she served in the army as a musician.
After leaving the army, she joined the Service, starting out in patient transport in Galashiels, before she completed her technician course working out of Dalkeith. She joined SORT two years ago, now working out of ECHO team.
SAS Chief Executive Michael Dickson said: “This is an amazing achievement from Gerry and on behalf of everyone at the Scottish Ambulance Service we congratulate her on becoming the first female State Trumpeter for Scotland.”
Business software experts join efforts to restore an iconic coastline
THE UK’s leading finance software implementation specialists have taken to the beach to help a conservation charity restore an historic Scottish coastline.
A team of 30 employees from Eureka Solutions descended upon the Cramond Foreshore and assisted The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) charity in restoring the coastal habitats and dune systems in the area.
The team’s efforts were part of the Sage Foundation’s initiative to support UK charities by providing volunteers to help achieve tasks relatively quickly that would otherwise take months to complete.
The volunteering work centred around removing invasive non-native plant species like Japanese Rose and suckering ash and sycamore to allow native plants to re-establish.
Volunteers also helped sow a special ‘Edinburgh coastline’ wildflower seed mix to create new pollinator corridors and extended protective fencing to prevent further degradation of sensitive grassland spots.
David Lindores, CEO at Eureka Solutions, said: “Our team was proud to roll up their sleeves and make a tangible difference in restoring such a unique and ecologically important area.
“We had a great day working alongside colleagues from TCV as well as volunteers from Modulr – it was wonderful to see different organisations coming together for a common cause.
“The Sage Foundation contacted us and asked if we could lend a hand to the vital conservation work happening along the Cramond coastline, and we couldn’t be happier to get involved. As an established business of twenty years, we feel it’s important to support community and environmental initiatives like this.”
Cramond Foreshore is a designated Site of Special Scientific Importance (SSSI) and holds historical significance as the location of the “Dragon’s Teeth” anti-tank defences, Cramond Island and Lauriston Castle.
The extensive coastal path stretches from the mouth of the River Almond in the west, past the historic Roman village of Cramond, across the tidal causeway to Cramond Island, and continues eastward towards Granton Harbour.
The volunteering day was organised through the Sage Foundation, which facilitates charitable donations and volunteering opportunities for Sage employees and partners worldwide.
Eureka Solutions also has a long-term charity partnership with the Ayrshire Cancer Trust in which it raises funds through team events and initiatives throughout the year.
The East Kilbride firm specialises in implementing business software solutions and is one of the UK’s leading experts in Oracle NetSuite, iplicit and Sage 200, as well as producing its own complementary software solutions including the integration application, Besyncly.
With over 20 years of expertise, the firm works with hundreds of clients across multiple sectors providing consultancy, implementation, training and technical support.
• The Cultural Protection Fund has announced 22 new projects, across 10 countries, with a funding total of over £2 million
• The projects will protect cultural heritage at risk from the effects of conflict and/or climate change
• In addition to the Middle East, North and East Africa, the fund will be working in Pakistan and Nepal for the first time, as part of a South Asia pilot programme
The Laetoli footprint site in Tanzania, the oldest unequivocal evidence of human ancestors walking on two feet, is currently at risk of being lost forever due to erosion caused by increasing storms and rainfall.
A new Cultural Protection Fund project led by the University of St. Andrews will address the threats facing the footprint sites through digital documentation, training and community engagement. It will also capture local stories, myths, dance and rituals which are linked to the footprint sites, ensuring that the heritage is permanently preserved and available to future generations.
The Laetoli project is just one of 22 pieces of cultural heritage that will be safeguarded thanks to newly supported projects announced today by the Cultural Protection Fund.
Funding of over £2 million will go towards protecting cultural heritage in Syria, Iraq, Kenya, Sudan, Ethiopia, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Uganda, Tanzania and for the first time, Pakistan and Nepal.
Led by the British Council in partnership with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, the Cultural Protection Fund is the UK’s main response to international cultural heritage protection.
In addition to working with organisations and communities across 17 countries to protect tangible heritage – such as buildings and archaeological sites – the fund also preserves intangible heritage including music, traditional crafts and languages.
Stephanie Grant, Director of the Cultural Protection Fund at the British Council said: “Since 2016, the Cultural Protection Fund has given grants of over £50 million to 159 projects to protect cultural heritage in 19 countries, but the need for our work has never been greater.
“Last year alone we received funding requests of almost 20 times the budget for our entire current programme. We’re incredibly proud and excited to support new organisations and communities, adding 22 brilliant projects to our portfolio and expanding our work into South Asia.
“These projects will research, document and restore a wide range of valuable cultural heritage and bring together thousands of people to explore and celebrate their cultural identities.
“This is a crucial time for the Cultural Protection Fund as we are in the final year of our current three-year programme. We’re looking forward to sharing the successes and stories of our projects to make a strong case for the future of the fund.”
View of houseboat from the back
Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said:“We know that people, wherever they live, take immense pride in their cultural heritage. It is a fundamental part of who we are, which is why it must always be protected so that it can be enjoyed by future generations.
“This year’s successful projects will not only help to protect tangible heritage sites from the effects of conflict, instability and climate change, but also intangible heritage, such as the crafts and customs that are at the beating heart of communities around the world.
“It’s great to see the work of this fund expanding yet again this year, and I look forward to hearing more about the difference it makes to our shared heritage across the globe.”
Newly funded Cultural Protection Fund projects announced today include:
• Mitigation of Present and Future Climate Change Impact on the 3.6 million-years Laetoli Footprint Site and Winde Slaves’ Warehouse along the Tanzanian Coast
The Laetoli footprint site is currently at risk due to erosion caused by increasing storms and rainfall. In Winde, a 19th Century slave warehouse complex faces similar erosion caused by rising sea levels. Both sites will be documented in a project led by the University of St. Andrews.
• The traditional tattoos of Babylon, Iraq: documenting and preserving a threatened heritage
Deg is an endangered custom of tattooing, often used as a way to remember important people and events. As the practice of traditional tattooing declines, this project led by The American Academic Institute in Iraq (TAARI), will document the knowledge of Deg held by its elderly practitioners, to enable greater understanding of the roots of this tradition and its significance and role in local society. The project will focus on the ancient province of Babylon, collecting and documenting images of the tattoos and the stories of the women who wear them, which will be shared in an exhibition in the Museum of Babylon.
• Storytelling as Safeguarding: Protecting South Sudanese Women’s Cultural Heritage in Refugee Settings in Uganda and Kenya
In Uganda and Kenya, South Sudanese women in refugee settings will document folk songs that have been passed down through generations, thanks to a project being led by the Likikiri Collective. These songs document the robust heritage of South Sudanese communities who have migrated to neighbouring countries due to fluctuating conflicts in their region.
• Mosul Maqam
Maqam is an Arabic musical tradition with a highly structured system of melody, poetry and vocal technique that is currently at risk of total loss due to conflict and instability. In a project led by the University of Exeter, this historic art form will be preserved and rejuvenated. It will focus on the musical and lyrical heritage of the city of Mosul, where Maqam is uniquely precious to the local population in the form of folk tales, love stories and spiritual ceremonies. The project will collate, document and digitise records of authentic Maqam practices, inspiring the creation of new musical and visual artworks which will connect future generations in and beyond Mosul with this significant element of Iraq’s cultural heritage.
• Syria Cassette Archives: Three New Collections
Recorded in Syria between the 1950s and 2010s, audio recordings including a wide range of Syrian music-related heritage are currently stored in privately owned archives across the country. Featuring raw folk recordings, live wedding concerts, studio albums, soloists, classical and children’s music, the audio represents decades of Syrian intangible heritage and reflects the lived experience of large numbers of Syrian people.The material is currently at risk due to the effects of conflict in Syria, worsening the physical deterioration of the cassettes as well as causing the displacement of collectors and distributors of the music. As part of this project, the music will be documented, digitalised, recorded and safeguarded for future generations.
• Restoration and Conservation of Ge’ez Manuscripts in War Affected North Gondor and North and South Wollo Zonal Districts
Gospels, hymns, civil law, patristic literature, medicine, magic, astronomy and bibles are just some of the contents of manuscripts written in Ge’ez, a language only fluently used by a small number of priests in some war-affected parts of Ethiopia. The project team from Bahir Dar University will work on conserving manuscript preparation knowledge through providing intergenerational training and workshops in conservation and restoration for the local community.
• #NBOLibraries: New Futures for Kenya’s Archives The McMillan Memorial Library is the oldest library in Nairobi and the second oldest in Kenya. Its contents span Kenya’s colonial and post-colonial history and are of significant value to the country’s culture, heritage and identity. A project led by Book Bunk Trust will build on existing work to preserve and digitise additional endangered collections which include paper, glass film slides, photographs and film reels, while also increasing public engagement by making the library more accessible.
• Protection and Participation: IAAS Archive of Sudanese Intangible Cultural Heritage Over 6000 hours’ worth of historic material is held by the Institute of African and Asian Studies (IAAS) Archive of Sudanese Intangible Cultural Heritage. Much of the material is irreplaceable and, in some cases, it documents intangible cultural heritage that is no longer practised. The collection has been damaged in past conflicts and the current conflict continues to threaten its security. This project led by TransforMedia hopes to conduct remote digitisation to permanently preserve the collection and make it more widely accessible.
• The Khalidi Library
Khalidi Waqf will lead a project to support the preservation of, and efforts to increase public access to East Jerusalem’s written and archaeological heritage, which is at risk due to conflict and instability and climate related changes. The creation of a comprehensive architectural and archaeological study will inform planned future physical interventions to rehabilitate an important cultural centre. A separate intensive programme in the emergency preservation of ancient manuscripts will allow trainees to develop theoretical and practical skills, before applying this learning to safeguarding endangered collections.
• The Protection of Sakiya’s Cultural Heritage Site
Tangible and intangible cultural heritage at a site in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is at risk of loss due to ongoing conflict and instability. Led by Sakiya – Research and Experimental Development, this project will support the ongoing rehabilitation and preservation of the site, through research, documentation and restoration of its ancient Ayyubid architectural features and the mythologies, rituals and practices associated with it. An established education and cultural programme will give the local community opportunities to participate in the creation of visual and performance pieces and to learn new skills in traditional building methods, heritage management and protection.
• Tell Baya’a Mission House Rehabilitation, as a community centre and archaeological site of Tuttul protection
In northern Syria, several structures at the remains of an ancient city in one of the oldest archaeological sites have been severely impacted by the effects of conflict. Damage assessment and consolidation will be carried out by project lead Asociacion RehabiMed on these structures and highly significant artefacts and archaeological materials at risk of being looted will be documented and stored.
Local architects and archaeologists will also be trained in assessment, monitoring and preservation techniques. A number of people living around the site will be trained in traditional building skills before assisting in the rehabilitation of an on-site complex. Upon completion this will provide an invaluable community and civil society resource.
The details of the newly announced Cultural Protection Fund projects in Pakistan are as follows:
• Community-Based Conservation of Silk Route Heritage
Severe weather events caused by climate change are putting the unique architectural features of the 18th century Kharmang Palace and the 600-year-old Gholbasher House in the Yasin Valley at risk. We are supporting Laajverd and partners to work closely with the local communities at both sites to digitally document and repair elements of each building and hold a design residency for Shu craftspeople to help revitalise the practice.
• Preservation of the Late Buddhist rock heritage of Swat – digitization and preventive conservation Seasonal drought and heavy rainfall which cause increased instances of landslides, flash floods and rapid erosion, are endangering the Buddhist rock reliefs and inscriptions of the Swat Valley. The fund is supporting Essanoor Associates to lead a project to include community-based climate change adaptation training for local people to better care for the sites as well as digital documentation of the reliefs and conservation of 30 reliefs requiring urgent intervention.
• The Reading Room – Karachi The Khalikdina Hall and Library is one of only two remaining Reading Rooms in Karachi. Conflict-related instability has led to the building and its collections lacking appropriate management and care. This new round of grants will support Numaish-Karachi to revitalise the space through improved access to the newly conserved and digitised literary assets. They will also provide a range of cultural activities for local communities.
• Digital Heritage Trails Project (DHTP) In the Indus Delta region of Sindh, five endangered maritime archaeological sites are at risk of rising sea levels and erosion as a result of climate change. The Cultural Protection Fund is supporting MartimEA Research to lead a project to document the five sites and develop a digital trail of them across the Delta. Community engagement will capture local knowledge and folklore about the sites and the project will raise awareness of the archaeology locally through outreach activities for schools and museums.
• Preserving & Promoting the Hazara Heritage In Balochistan, where the Hazara community’s intangible cultural heritage is at risk due to the effects of conflict, Faiz Foundation Trust will protect elements of this heritage by documenting it through film and photography. The Trust will also offer capacity building for local artisans in skills associated with the promotion and protection of making kilim (a flat-woven rug or mat), Sawatkari (handmade silver jewellery) and embroidery, while the importance of the heritage will be highlighted through an advocacy and awareness raising programme.
• Manchar Lake Mohanas – Safeguarding the last surviving houseboat village from extinction The living heritage of the Mohana people who live around Manchar Lake, Sindh, is currently at risk due to increasingly severe seasonal drought and flooding brought about by climate change. In this round of grants, the NED University of Engineering and Technology will work with the community to restore all 35 of the remaining Mohana houseboats and will train young volunteers in restoration techniques to keep the way of life of the Mohana alive.
In Nepal, the Cultural Protection Fund projects which are receiving support as part of the South Asia pilot programme are as follows:
• Preservation of Indigenous Food Heritage in Nepal National Indigenous Women’s Federation will deliver this project, which focuses on diverse culinary practices in the highland regions of Nepal. Food heritage, foraging and associated cultural practices are intrinsically connected to the environment; changes in weather patterns including increased drought, heavy rain, and flooding as a result of climate change is severely impacting availability of resources vital to the continuation of this practice. To protect this heritage the project will document and record the indigenous food heritage and practices of communities across several provinces in Nepal. Women are the main carriers of this heritage and will have a leading role in identifying recipes and documenting activities.
• Safeguarding the Kusunda (The Ban Rajas) Language and Culture for Future Generations The Kusunda Language is a distinct and critically endangered language spoken fluently by just a small number of remaining individuals in Bagmati Province, Nepal. The language represents a link to the past for the remaining Kusunda people and has unusual characteristics, including the absence of words for ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The language is therefore irreplaceable if it is lost. The language is at risk of dying out as more Kusunda people move away from the area and lose connection to this important piece of their heritage due to the impact of climate change on their livelihoods and way of life. Through courses for students at local secondary schools and the development of an online learning programme, Archive Nepal and partners hope to increase the speakership of this language and will promote the language further through the production of dual language Nepali and Kusunda books for children.
• Towards Protecting the Cultural Heritage in the High Himalayas of the Shey Phoksundo National Park of Dolpo In the Upper Dolpo region, one of the most remote areas of Nepal, monastic sites, historic settlements, and monuments are at risk of deterioration due to conflict related instability, which impacted traditional management systems to maintain and protect these sites.
• Sampada Samrakshyan Samaj Nepal (ICOMOS Nepal) will work with local government and members of the community to document and improve capacity to care for built heritage that remains an important part of socio-cultural life for the Dolpo community. A training programme in the documentation and condition mapping of built heritage, will address the existing lack of records and support the development of guidance and procedures for the continuation of this work beyond the project end, further supported through series of workshops and discussions on community-led heritage protection.
• Preservation and revival of Maithil women’s wall painting and sculpting arts The project focuses on Maithil women’s paintings and mud art heritage, which is a form of earthen architecture used to decorate mud houses with symbolic imagery that represents religious tradition of the Maithil community. Maithil women have great pride in their traditions, as this skill was traditionally passed down from mothers to daughters, upheld by women for centuries through art on walls of their mud houses. The drought has led to limited sources of income, and women’s role in society has been limited to taking care of their households while men seek employment abroad, which has led to their artistic skills and heritage to be unpractised and forgotten. Training local women in Maithil painting and mud work will ensure local people have developed skills to protect the heritage and practice the unique craft of Maithil tradition. The interviews with elderly Maithil artisans will allow local communities to better understand and value their cultural heritage. By decorating the houses in Kuwa village, using the acquired Maithil artwork tradition, local communities will play an active role in protecting their cultural heritage through training and practice – and the local area is enhanced for the benefit of communities and visitors.
Euan Kemp, 17-year-old Saxophonist from East Dunbartonshire, wins prestigious nation-wide competition, Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year 2024.
Magnus Shanks (aged 16) from Aberdeenshire and Jake Johnstone (aged 15) from South Lanarkshire share second place.
31 of the best Young Musicians from across Scotland gathered in Glasgow on Sunday 26 May to compete in the third ever Solo Performer of the Year Final at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Expertly compered by singer and broadcaster Jamie MacDougall, the third ever Solo Performer of the Year competition saw incredible performances from Scotland’s young musicians wow an audience of hundreds at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland yesterday.
17-year-old Euan Kemp, an S6 pupil from The Music School of Douglas Academy, has been playing Saxophone since he was 11 years old. He impressed the judges with his rendition of Improvisation No.1 by Ryo Noda and Fantaisie-Impromptu by André Jolivet, leading to him being crowned the third ever winner of the prestigious competition, which this year involved local authorities covering 99% of Scotland’s population.
Euan Kemp, winner of Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year 2024, said: “I feel amazing having won this competition and honoured to have represented East Dunbartonshire and Douglas Academy.
“I’ve been making music in East Dunbartonshire for the whole of my musical career, starting with the children’s chorus in P2 and then growing through playing in orchestras and ensembles both in school and the wider Local Authority. It’s such a nurturing, supportive and enjoyable environment to be a part of and I’m proud to bring this trophy home to them.”
Euan receives £1,000 to spend on furthering his musical career and the Maid of Morven trophy made by the Kings’s Sculptor in Ordinary in Scotland Alexander Stoddart FRSE.
Euan also receives a package of opportunities provided by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland including a coaching session, participation in a masterclass and a studio recording session.
Jake Johnstone, who left audiences enthralled with his accordion pieces which were accompanied by his younger sister on the piano, and Magnus Shanks, who wowed with his piano performance, both receive £250 to spend on musical activities and a coaching session and masterclass slot at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
For the first time this year the winner of each of the other categories was announced live at the end of the final. Hannah Pringle from Stirling won the strings category, Thomas Lamb from Clackmannanshire won in brass, Amelia Leishman representing Edinburgh won for percussion, and East Ayrshire’s Aimee Sharp was announced as the winner of the vocal category. They will each be awarded career-enhancing experiences thanks to the generosity of some of the UK’s top music organisations.
The panel of judges was led by trumpeter John Wallace CBE, former Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He was joined by soprano Jane Irwin, violinist Greg Lawon, clarinettist Adam Lee and pianist Sinae Lee. They had the difficult job of selecting the winner and two runners up from performances on a range of instruments including saxophone, clarsach, accordion, guitar, pipes, trumpet and more.
The day culminated in performances by the winning Scottish Young Musicians Brass Ensemble of the Year Campbeltown Brass Ensemble and Ensemble of the Year, Belmont Academy Woodwind Ensemble from South Ayrshire.
Alan Kerr, Chair of Scottish Young Musicians, said: “Today we’ve seen 31 incredibly affecting performances from young people representing 99% of Scotland’s school-aged population.
“The standard of performances has been extraordinarily high and we’ve seen some very emotional playing that has left our audience, and adjudicators, absolutely enthralled.
“The final is the culmination of individual school and local authority competitions. While today we witnessed some of our most gifted musicians, the festival’s aim is to encourage the broadest participation of all talents through all communities.
“Credit goes to the enthusiasm of teachers who’ve embraced SYM, our incredible hard-working team that has made it happen, and the generosity of our supporters who have provided funds, prizes and assistance.
“We are again indebted to have the support of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, ranked as one of the leading conservatoires in the world, and doubtless a destination for many on the stage today.”
John Wallace, Head Adjudicator of the competition, said: “You could put today’s winner and runners up on any stage anywhere in the world and they would do the whole of Scotland proud.
“We have been completely blown away by the how standards continue to rise year on year and how these young people are keeping certain genres alive. It’s been absolutely staggering to behold and we hope to broaden the competition to include even more genres and categories next year.”
Jamie MacDougall, who hosted the final, said: “The standard this year has exceeded all expectations, with really mature performances that were really well presented. There was no sign of fear or nerves which was undoubtably helped by the supportive atmosphere backstage, and the day really felt as though it flew past.
“The way the different Local Authorities have embraced this competition and recognised it across the country has helped to give it the status and importance it deserves. For young musicians to have an opportunity to perform and be heard we must provide appropriate resources to schools and those who work with young people in music – without that there is no future of music in Scotland.”
The Scotland-wide competition is run by The Music Education Partnership Group who work with every school and local authority to support music education and opportunities.
Jet2holidays is bringing some much-needed sunshine to cheer up all those (including rain-soaked politicians!) who have had enough of the gloom and rain, by announcing savings on ALL holidays departing up to the end of August this year.
During the same week that saw Jet2holidays announced as Which? Travel Brand of the Year for the third year running, the UK’s largest tour operator has also dropped a brand-new sizzling summer sale.
The sale gives customers £50 off PER PERSON on ALL award-winning Jet2holidays that depart between today and August 31st 2024, with customers who have a MyJet2 account enjoying £60 off per person.
To sign up for a MyJet2 account, customers just need to visit:
As a result, couples can save £100 if they book a holiday due to travel between today and August via the Jet2holidays website or contact centre (£120 off for MyJet2 members) and a family of four can save £200 (£240 off for MyJet2 members).
On top of that, there are millions of Free Child Place holidays available, including during the summer holidays!
This summer represents Jet2holidays’ biggest ever summer programme, and customers can now get away from the rain and book their spot in the sunshine for even less thanks to this sizzling new sale. The offers apply across thousands of 2-5 star hotels and villas in almost 60 destinations.
In addition to these fantastic savings with Jet2holidays, holidaymakers can also save on Jet2.com flights, as the leading leisure airline is offering 10% off all flights due to travel between today and August 31st 2024 too.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.comandJet2holidays,said: “The UK weather continues to be wet and miserable, and you can’t even make an election announcement without getting drenched, so we are making things better, not wetter, by giving people the chance to escape to the sunshine for even less.
“We are looking ahead to the busiest summer in our history and thanks to this sale, even more people can vote with their feet to get away with Which?’s Travel Brand of the Year and experience all the qualities that make us an award-winning holiday company.”
· Motorcycle group ride south from John o’ Groats dressed as 1970s stunt legend Evel Knievel for charity
· Welsh group travel through Inverness, Perth and Falkirk during Scottish leg of journey to Land’s End
· The group has already raised £25,000 for NSPCC as part of epic journey
A group of about 40 Welsh motorcycling enthusiasts rode their bikes through Scotland to raise money for the NSPCC – dressed as the 1970s bike stunt legend Evel Knievel.
The Ride Cymru group spent two days (23 & 24 May) in Scotland as part of their wider journey from John o’ Groats to Land’s End using non-motorway roads.
The group, who have done several fundraising drives in Wales before, are no strangers to Scotland. In 2017, they raised £5,000 for the NSPCC by riding to the three mainland capitals – London, Cardiff and Edinburgh – in two days.
But this latest fundraiser has smashed that record and their Justgiving page has already reached nearly £24,000.
The Welsh bikers will be joined by Maurice McDonald-Smith, from East Kilbride. Or, as he likes to be called, the “Scottish Knievel”.
He said: “I consider it a privilege to be allowed into the family of the Cymru Knievel riders who come together each year to raise money to help the children of Scotland and the rest of the UK to enjoy a better childhood.
“Last year was my first time raising money for the NSPCC and everyone I met from the charity were the nicest and kindest people – I think their commitment and dedication to keeping children safe needs to be supported.
“This is where the drive to fundraise comes from. I have been fundraising for the last 10 years for charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Teenage Cancer Trust and more. The engagement by the NSPCC staff and volunteers last year made raising money for them the most rewarding.”
Fiona Milne, an NSPCC Fundraiser in the north of Scotland, said: “We are so incredibly excited to have the Cymru Knievels in Scotland to raise funds for the NSPCC.
“It truly was an epic journey and we really appreciate that they have chosen us as their charitable cause. The money they will raise will help us continue our vital work keeping children safe from abuse and neglect.”
To find out more about fundraising events with the charity, visit the NSPCC website. To donate to the Ride Cymru drive, visit their Justgiving site.
The Edinburgh International Festival expands 2024 programme, including gigs from Declan McKenna, Nadine Shah and Lisa O’Neill, and keynote speaking events from Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, rapper and activist Akala,and Invisible Women author Caroline Criado Perez
Music reachesintoEdinburgh neighbourhoods and unites artists and audiences as never before. Activity includes a VR experience in a community hub in Southwest Edinburgh, a mass outdoor celebration with 250 performers of all ages at the Scottish Parliament as part of the world-first Healing Arts Scotland week and pop-up performances in Edinburgh hospitals
Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti’s second year as Festival Director promises an exhilarating 24-day celebration of the arts in Edinburgh, featuring world-class artists spanning opera, dance, music, and theatre from August 2-25
New events have been added to the 2024 Edinburgh International Festival programme, culminating in a total of 167 performances across 24 days from the world’s leading performers in opera, dance, music and theatre.
Anchored by the theme ‘Rituals That Unite Us’, this year’s International Festival is an invitation for both artists and audiences to come together and celebrate the powerful impact live performance and collective experiences have on us all.
Three gigs are added to a dynamic contemporary music lineup this year, with Declan McKenna, Nadine Shah and Lisa O’Neill joining a stellar array of performers that include Cat Power, Jordan Rakei, Chilly Gonzales and Bat for Lashes.
Under Festival Director Nicola Benedetti’s direction, a renewed focus on dialogue and debate initiates a new series of keynote talks from leading voices calling for change: Former Prime Minister the Rt Hon Gordon Brown, rapper and activist Akala and Caroline Criado Perez, best-selling author of Invisible Women. Further information about speakers found below.
Cast additions for several International Festival staged shows include The Fifth Step, where Sean Gilder joins Jack Lowden in the world premiere play at The Lyceum from 21-25 August; and Isis Hainsworth, Paul Brennan, Ros Watt and Alison Fitzjohn join the cast of The Outrun, which also makes its world premiere in August at the Churchill Theatre from 3-25 August.
Former Scottish Opera emerging artist Shengzhi Ren takes centre stage as Oedipus, King of Thebes, in the cast of Oedipus Rex. Joining him in this promenade opera staged in the National Museum of Scotland’s Grand Gallery are Kitty Whately, Roland Wood, Callum Thorpe and Emyr Wyn Jones. Additional tickets for the production are now available.
As part of the International Festival’s ambition to become cultural convenors in neighbourhoods and healthcare settings across Edinburgh, a range of events will bring artists into new spaces across the city.
Space @ The Broomhouse Hub becomes the International Festival’s inaugural Community Connections Hub, following a city-wide call-out to community centres to engage in ongoing collaboration during festival season and throughout the year.
After interest from 22 community spaces from across the city, the first partnership with Space @ The Broomhouse Hub will see events and activities take place across the next 18 months, with an ambition to collaborate with more of these spaces in the coming years.
During August, Space @ The Broomhouse Hub hosts a free VR experience from 2024 resident orchestra the Philharmonia which runs from 19 – 24 August. This 360° experience of Vaughan Williams’s The Lark Ascending makes its UK premiere andfeatures Festival Director Nicola Benedetti as the solo violinist. In Virtual Reality, viewers are placed right at the heart of the orchestra to experience the performance in astonishing detail.
Audiences can also experience the performance live, as part of a relaxed Family Concert on Sunday 25 August at Usher Hall. The Family Concert is also live captioned and BSL interpreted by deaf musician Paul Whittaker, who will interpret the pieces of music as well as spoken text.
The first-ever Healing Arts Scotland also launches as part of the Edinburgh International Festival this year, a week-long celebration of arts and health events highlighting the joy they bring to those who take part, and their importance to the nation’s physical, mental and social health.
It is the first ever countrywide Healing Arts Week, following previous city-wide celebrations around the world, including New York, Paris, London, Venice and Jaipur, and is led by Scottish Ballet as part of the Jameel Arts & Health Lab’s global ‘Healing Arts’ campaign, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation.
The Healing Arts Scotland Opening Celebration event takes place on Monday 19th August at the Scottish Parliament as part of Edinburgh International Festival, featuring over 250 performers and participants from across Scotland in an energetic celebration of music and dance that captures the spirit and healing power of coming together through the performing arts.
Ensembles featured include Scottish Ballet, National Youth Pipe Band, TRYST, Oi Musica and SambaYaBamba Youth Street Band.
Scottish Ballet will present a specially commissioned dance piece featuring an ensemble cast of community performers, including Scottish Ballet’s Youth Exchange company, NHS staff, Dance Base’s PRIME Elders Dance company and Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland group.
The work will be performed to the song Mackay’s Memoirs by the late Scottish Celtic fusion artist Martyn Bennett, which celebrates its 25th anniversary – it was originally commissioned for the opening of the Scottish Parliament building on 1 July 1999.
2024 International Festival artists are also performing across Edinburgh in four NHS hospitals in August. In partnership with NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts, the performance series brings Festival artists into Edinburgh hospitals, creating bespoke moments of musical and creative connections.
Every Friday during August, artists will perform in hospitals including the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, delighting audiences who may not be able to experience International Festival performances in traditional venues. This is part of a year-round programme of monthly music moments in hospitals across Edinburgh and Lothian.
In another outdoor series of performances, the Usher Hall takes the festival experience from the stage to the open-air, with pop-up performances across August. Groups such as Commotion (Edinburgh Women Samba Drummers), the Edinburgh Samba School’s TESS group, Rainbow Ukes and Southside Strummers ukelele groups will light up the Usher Hall forecourt, in a series of free encounters with music makers from across the community.
Edinburgh International Festival Director, Nicola Benedetti, said: “The Edinburgh International Festival has always been proud to provide a platform for some of the most exciting voices in music, performance and thought leadership.
“Over 77 years, this original festival that started it all, has brought people of different cultures and viewpoints together to share, debate and exchange ideas through art, and this year’s no exception.
“Our inaugural Community Connections Hub, NHS Festival Fridays and the world-first Healing Arts Scotland week are a perfect example of the Festival bringing together communities and ideas in spaces and places outside of a theatre in August.
“Art has the power to transform, and I encourage everyone to seize this opportunity to come together and be thrilled, challenged, and discover something new.”
Scottish Ballet CEO/Artistic Director, Christopher Hampson said:”Healing Arts Scotland 2024 will be an inspirational week-long celebration of the huge impact the arts has on the nation’s health and well-being.
“Scottish Ballet is proud to be leading on this global outreach project in collaboration with the WHO and a host of partner organisations such as Edinburgh International Festival. I’m really excited about the largescale participation performance taking place outside Scottish Parliament – it will be a true testament to all the wonderful arts health work that happens every day across Scotland.”
Neil Hay, CEO, Space @ The Broomhouse Hub said: “The inaugural Community Connections Hub is fantastic news for Broomhouse and Southwest Edinburgh.
“This partnership will open up the Edinburgh International Festival to new audiences, allowing local people and families to enjoy cultural experiences our communities don’t normally access.
“We look forward to seeing all the exciting things the partnership will bring this summer and the coming year.”
More about the 2024 International Festival artists and speakers:
Declan McKenna, 12 August at Edinburgh Playhouse
Vibrant indie-pop protagonistDeclan McKennais set to make his dazzling Edinburgh International Festival debut at just 25.
Following his breakthrough win at Glastonbury Festival’s Emerging Talent competition in 2015, McKenna now has three critically acclaimed albums under his belt, and will perform songs from his latest, What Happened to The Beach?
Nadine Shah, 22 August at the Queen’s Hall
Mercury Prize nominee Nadine Shahadds profound depth to the International Festival’s contemporary lineup with her powerful voice, socio-political lyrics and a unique blend of jazz, post-punk, and indie rock.
She comes to The Queen’s Hall stage after an explosive start to 2024 supporting Depeche Mode on an arena tour and the release of fifth studio album, Filthy Underneath.
Lisa O’Neill, 21 August at the Queen’s Hall
A striking voice on the Irish folk scene for the last 10 years, Lisa O’Neill brings her distinct blend of folk tradition and contemporary nuance to Edinburgh. A raconteur in the truest sense of the word, O’Neill inimitable voice is raw and loaded with emotion, as evidenced in latest record All of This Is Chance.
Her remarkable adaptation of Bob Dylan’s ‘All the Tired Horses’ soundtracked the final scene of epic TV drama Peaky Blinders.
Former Prime Minister the Rt Hon Gordon Brown, 25 August at the Festival Theatre
In a keynote speaking event, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the Rt Hon Gordon Brownimagines a world where peace and fairness are the order of the day. He explores the connections between his imagined future and the International Festival’s founding vision.
Now serving as the UN Special Envoy for Global Education and the WHO Ambassador for Global Health Financing, a passion for global access to education, healthcare and improved living standards continues to motivate everything he does.
Caroline Criado Perez, 18 August at the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh
Award-winning author and activistCaroline Criado Perez’s work is centred around meaningful change. Her campaign work spans across the physical and digital realm, achieving real results from petitioning for a female historical figure on Bank of England banknotes, to getting the first statue of a woman (Millicent Fawcett) in Parliament Square, London.
Following her best-selling book Invisible Women, Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men, Criado Perez delves into her continuing research on how to leverage the transformative power of accurate data, and what it takes to create a world that works for all.
Akala, 10 August at the Festival Theatre
From activist to hip-hop artist to social entrepreneur, Akala is a true polymath with a constantly evolving career. He speaks on a wide range of topics, including race, British and African-Caribbean culture, the arts, and music and youth engagement.
Natives, Akala’s 2018 memoir-polemic, discloses what it was like for him to grow up mixed race and working class in 1980s Britain, linking his own testimony of structural racism with the history of colonialism and the British Empire’s damaging legacy. At the International Festival, Akala confronts home truths, and inspires us to challenge the status quo in a talk that embodies the need for us to unite.
All keynote events will have BSL interpretation and live captioning.
