Members of the Community Supported Agriculture veg box scheme will get a weekly share of the harvest from the Market Garden during the growing season.
If you are interested in becoming a member and getting veg from the farm, please click here to register your interest: http://bit.ly/EACCSAform
You’ll also find more details about the veg boxes from there, and answers to FAQs (and you can chat to us in person at upcoming events).
Community Supported Agriculture is a partnership between farmers and local communities. It is one of the best ways to create a fairer and more regenerative food system. We are excited to start providing veg boxes, and we hope you will join us!
The entrepreneur behind learning platform Kahoot! and an award-winning interior designer involved with some of the world’s most luxurious hotels have been named as the 2023 inductees into Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Arts and Creative Industries Alumni Hall of Fame.
Johan Brand and Karen Hay have been recognised for forging outstanding careers in their fields since completing their studies at ENU. The honour serves as a tribute to their creative talents and recognises their professional achievements.
Based in Oslo and Hong Kong respectively, they will both return to Edinburgh to be formally inducted to the Hall of Fame at a ceremony on Wednesday 31 May at the University’s Merchiston campus.
Reacting to the news, Johan said: “I thought it was a scam email at first! I often think about my time studying at ENU but to know that the University is looking at the thousands of people who studied there, it’s a huge honour.
“I told my colleagues about the award because it’s not just me. Everything I’ve done, I’ve done with others. I may be getting this personal honour but it’s also in recognition of the work the team has done.”
Karen said: “Being inducted into the SACI Hall of Fame means the world to me. It’s a huge honour to be considered for this accolade, and for me it represents all the years of hard work, vision and tenacity, and the risks that I have taken in my career.
“When I started at Edinburgh Napier in 1987 it was still a polytechnic, but it gained the university accreditation and status whilst I was studying. When I graduated in 1991, I graduated with a university degree, so it kind of felt like I had cheated! But the University has grown and continues to grow to be an internationally recognised and respected institution.
“It certainly gave me the foundations on which to start and build my career.”
The SACI Alumni Hall of Fame was established in 2016, with previous inductees including car designer Moray Callum, interior designer Jeanette MacIntyre and political journalist Nick Eardley.
Co-funded study in partnership with Breast Cancer Ireland to investigate screening for disease spreading to the brain
Edinburgh charity Make 2nds Count is co-funding a new study focusing on the spread of secondary breast cancer to the brain.
The funding collaboration, in partnership with Breast Cancer Ireland will bring the study to patients with secondary breast cancer across the UK and Ireland.
The £219,560 grant will enable researchers to investigate screening asymptomatic patients for brain metastases in the hope that early detection will improve survival rates.
Patients with HER2-positive secondary breast cancer are at much higher risk of the disease spreading to the brain but there is currently no regular screening regime to identify any metastases before symptoms show.
The HER2-CNS SURVEILLANCE study aims to investigate the feasibility of recruiting HER2-positive secondary breast cancer patients with no signs of brain metastases, conducting an initial MRI brain scan for brain metastases detection and then randomising patients into two groups: one to receive six-monthly MRI brain scans for a year and another who will not receive the additional scans – the current standard.
Initially, the aim is to recruit 69 patients from six cancer centres across the UK – Liverpool, Birmingham, London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Cardiff – plus one in Dublin in the Republic of Ireland.
The study is expected to last for up to three years and the Co-Chief Investigators are Professor Carlo Palmieri, Professor of Translational Oncology at The University of Liverpool and a Consultant in Medical Oncology at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust in Liverpool, and Dr Sara Meade, a Consultant Oncologist at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.
Some preliminary data on the frequency of brain metastases detection in patients having a brain scan with no symptoms will be collected. Qualitative themes will also be embedded into the research which will discuss attitudes towards the study with eligible participants, barriers to recruitment and whether randomisation is a barrier or facilitator to enrolment.
The Sussex Health Outcomes, Research & Education in Cancer (SHORE-C) Group at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School will be responsible for these qualitative research themes.
Secondary breast cancer claims 1,000 lives each month in the UK – an average of 31 deaths every day. Make 2nds Count is dedicated to raising awareness of this little-known form of the disease, also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer, which has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. It is incurable, although it can be treated, and currently affects around 61,000 people in the UK.
Professor David Cameron, Chair of the Make 2nds Count Board of Trustees: “Overall, this research will subsequently enable a larger study that will explore the benefits of regular brain scanning for detecting brain metastases early in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients when no symptoms are present.
“A key driver of Make 2nds Count is the ability to bring fresh hope to secondary breast cancer patients and their families. So we’re thrilled to be able to fund this initial research which we believe could lead to more positive outcomes for greater numbers of patients.”
Professor Carlo Palmieri, Professor of Translational Oncology at The University of Liverpool, Consultant in Medical Oncology at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and Co-Chief Investigator of the study: “I am really pleased that we will be able to launch this important research into metastatic breast cancer.
“It will set out to discover if regular brain scanning of those with secondary breast cancer is a viable and useful option when monitoring this cohort of patients. We are very grateful to Make 2nds Count for recognising how useful this research will be.”
Dr Sara Meade, a Consultant Oncologist at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and Co-Chief Investigator of the study: “This project is vital to the fight against HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.
“Early detection of disease in the brain will help to prevent neurological decline and facilitate earlier treatment for our patients. We are incredibly grateful to Make 2nds Count for their support.”
Aisling Hurley, CEO of Breast Cancer Irelandcomments, “As Ireland’s leading breast cancer charity, Breast Cancer Ireland is delighted to partner with Make2ndsCount to co-fund this incredible body of research into brain metastases through the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre’s collaboration with the charity and the University of Liverpool.
“We have always been acutely aware of the benefits of international collaboration in this field, and are proud to have recently launched #MetastaticMatters, an education and awareness campaign specifically focussing on those living with metastatic breast cancer, typically the most challenging area from a scientific research perspective.
“We’re excited to see the impact of this collaboration between some of the finest research experts in the world, and firmly believe that research and information sharing such as this are the best opportunity for scientific breakthroughs in relation to this ever-challenging disease.”
Exciting FREE annual open studios event returns to Out of the Blue Abbeymount
Featuring over 30 artists from paintings to photography and mosaics to fashion
Meet the makers, watch demonstrations and get the chance to win an original piece of art in a free raffle
Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios are delighted to be opening their doors to the public again this spring for another exciting Open Studios weekend onSaturday 20th & Sunday 21st May from 12noon – 5pm.
Come along to see their creative spaces, meet the makers and browse a wide range of original artworks and gifts. Everything is handmade by local designers and makers here in the heart of Edinburgh.
Fine art / painting / ceramics / illustration / animation / mosaics / fashion / textiles / photography
There will be FREE art/craft/animation demonstrations and workshops taking place over the two days, plus a FREE raffle featuring exclusive prizes donated by Abbeymount Studios artists.
With over 30 artists and creatives taking part, there really is something for everyone. Artists include wildlife painter Kirsten Mirrey whos work for the past five years has focussed on both exotic and endangered wildlife in a highly realistic style.
Award-winning filmmaker Holly Summerson is one of several animators taking part. Her work includes short films, music videos, projections for events, interactive online art and community workshops. The world of textiles and fashion are also covered with the work of ByJenByre. She specialises in creating one of a kind reimagined fashion from vintage second hand materials.
The poster for the Open Studios weekend was designed by resident children’s print designer Blythe Mackenzie of Little Yellow Scribbles who will also be taking part on the 20th and 21st. Little Yellow Scribbles is a children’s textile brand specialising in vibrant, illustrated textile accessories and clothing.
Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studio Manager Bob Guilianotti says: “We’re delighted to be opening the doors of Abbeymount to the public again for our Open Studios weekend.
“There’s an exciting choice of artists and makers to meet as well as the chance to explore this historic building. It’s a chance to meet our resident artists and makers as they demonstrate their work and discuss their inspirations.”
Details of the Open Weekend, as well as a list of participating artists and makers can be found on the Abbeymount Studios website.
All pensioners on a low income should check if they qualify for Pension Credit in order to also receive a Cost of Living Payment
Pensioners urged to check if they could be eligible for Pension Credit, worth over £3,500 a year on average
Those who successfully claim by 19 May could also receive a £301 Cost of Living payment – demonstrating Government’s focus on delivering the five priorities, including halving inflation, growing the economy and reducing debt
Pensioners can check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator
There are just TEN DAYS to go for people to claim Pension Credit and still qualify for the latest £301 payment, which they will receive direct into their bank accounts.
Provided a claim is made before 19 May, it can be backdated for up to three months so long as the applicant was also eligible to receive it during that time.
This builds on the extensive support that was delivered to pensioners last year, alongside measures such as holding down households’ energy bills and freezing fuel and alcohol duty, which deliver on Government’s priorities to halve inflation and grow the economy.
Minister for Pensions Laura Trott said: “Pension Credit can make a real difference and I am determined to make sure this support – worth an average of £3,500 a year – is reaching everyone who needs it, particularly as we know how much pressure households across the country have been under.
“Please check if you or your loved ones can claim for this extra support, and if you do it by 19 May you could qualify for the £301 Cost of Living Payment – giving another financial boost to those who need it most.”
Pension Credit is designed to help people over State Pension age and on a low income with daily living costs, though you do not need to be in receipt of State Pension to receive it.
It tops up a person’s income to a minimum of £201.05 per week for single pensioners and to £306.85 for couples or more if a person has a disability or caring responsibilities.
Worth on average over £3,500 a year, even a small Pension Credit award can provide access to a wide range of other benefits – such as help with housing costs, council tax or heating bills – in addition to the extra cost of living payments, worth up to £900 this financial year.
For more information visit the Pension Credit GOV.UK page. For extra resources for stakeholders and businesses, the department has also produced a Stakeholder Toolkit
Currently, around 1.4 million pensioners in Britain receive Pension Credit. However, many are still not claiming this extra financial help.
Pension Credit can be claimed by phone and online, ensuring that older people can apply safely and easily, wherever they are. The online Pension Credit calculator is also on hand to help pensioners check if they’re likely to be eligible and get an estimate of what they may receive
This help comes on top of the biggest State Pension increase in history, which means the full rate of the New State Pension will exceed £10,000 a year for the first time.
Excitement was in the air at Queens Manor Care Home on Queensferry Road where residents and staff have been busy celebrating the King’s Coronation throughout the weekend.
Staff and residents at the home put their heads together and came up with a plan for their celebrations fit for a King.
Over the bank holiday weekend celebrations were kicked off by welcoming 30 students from Fettes_College into Queens Manor as part of their service day – where they send over 200 students off into the community to give back to and help others, as part of ‘the big help out’.
They helped us get our garden summer ready, provided entertainment for everyone & also spent time chatting, mingling and laughing with residents, visitors and staff at our Royal coffee morning. Thank you to Rhys (Head of Outdoor Pursuits at Fettes) for continually working with us to grow the relationship we have between Queens Manor and the College organising this day.
We then opened our Queens Manor Coronation Garden – named & official opened by our very own Doris. Having watched the garden come together directly outside her bedroom, she advised us of her name suggestion – to which we loved!
The garden features a new garden bench with a plaque commemorating the newly crowned King Charles III and hand crafted, wood burned signage created by our friendly handyman Damyan, alongside our King Charles III rose that we have planted beside the garden.
Joined by members of our local community, the students and staff from Fettes, our community police officers (Paula and Euan), residents, staff & visitors, we had our grand opening.
Our gardener Andy led the way with his pipes, there was a speech from Donna (General Manager) and ribbon cutting by Doris, followed by a beautiful violin recital of God Save The King by Fettes student Ione accompanied by singing by all.
This was topped off by having a cocktail mixology session in our café – the afternoon really couldn’t have been any better!
The weekend came to a close yesterday with a garden party fit for the royals – With a 6 piece saxophone & clarinet band in the morning, a singer in the afternoon, garden games, followed by plenty of fizz & snacks.
The whole home came together to celebrate our new King and talk about the new era the country is entering.
Donna, General Manager at Queens Manor said: “We’ve all had such a brilliant time celebrating the Coronation, such a momentous occasion.
“Many of our staff and residents had never witnessed the coronation, or at least cannot remember it – so it was great to contribute to so many memories. Our in house lifestyle team worked so hard to ensure that everyone could celebrate how they wanted – covering all aspects of mind, body and soul”
Doris Duncanson resident at Queens Manor said: “I really can’t thank the team here enough for helping the idea of ‘The Coronation Garden’ come to life.
“The whole weekend was amazing – from the students from Fettes coming in, officially opening the garden and watching all of the entertainment at Queens Manor throughout the weekend – it’s something I will cherish forever.”
Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
Queens Manor is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor provides residential care, dementia carer & respite care.
A new evaluation estimates that a Scottish Government-funded research programme has contributed £680 million to Scotland’s economy by helping to create jobs and further education qualifications, save carbon emissions and reduce the impacts of animal diseases.
The Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) Strategic Research Programme has invested over £50 million a year into scientific projects that focus on key issues in both the agricultural and environment sectors.
Past projects include:
Covid monitoring in Scottish wastewater: This analysis provided the evidence needed to begin monitoring sewage to gauge the amount of viral Covid matter, allowing the spread of Covid in the community to be monitored and reported.
Coastal Flooding and Erosion: This research programme created a pan-government partnership that has transformed Scotland’s public sector’s understanding of coastal change and the risks from coastal flooding and erosion under a changing climate.
The reintroduction of hemp as an environmental and healthy crop: The research conducted on hemp has demonstrated that this valuable environmental crop can not only contribute to meeting climate and biodiversity targets, but can also deliver high-quality alternative protein and other health benefits.
The evaluation of past research will improve the delivery of new research projects for 2022-2027.
Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “The Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Strategic Research Programme has funded world-class research at Scotland’s SEFARI Research Institutes that addresses nationally relevant goals around protecting and sustaining Scotland’s environment.
“During the pandemic, the monitoring of Covid-19 in Scottish wastewater was a crucial part of the government’s emergency response – helping us to measure the spread and mutation of the virus and keep people safe.
“Research has addressed many other challenges including animal and plant health, regenerative farming, water quality, peatland restoration and land reform. Resulting science has helped to shape government policy and support innovation by Scottish producers and land managers.
“As Scotland’s climate changes, this research has supported business resilience and future-ready communities across the nation.”
Professor Mathew Williams, Chief Scientific Adviser for Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture said: “Scotland continues to face the twin challenges of the climate and cost of living crises. In order to tackle them, we must continue to innovate and seek solutions that will improve our economic resilience and further protect our natural environment.
“The ENRA Strategic Research programme is a crucial asset that has funded scientific study to support our efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change whilst helping to futureproof our rural economy.
“I am delighted that the programme continues to provide real value to Scotland’s people and our environment, and I look forward to seeing the impact that future research will have.”
Dundee Rep Theatre is delighted to announce that its new production, No Love Songs, is set to receive its World Premiere at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this August in a 3-week run at the Traverse Theatre, co-directed by Dundee Rep’s Artistic Director, Andrew Panton, and Associate Director Tashi Gore and presented as part of Made in Scotland.
The creative brainchild of the lead singer of Scottish indie band sensation, The View, Kyle Falconer and his partner Laura Wilde, No Love Songs tells the brave and deeply personal story of love, new parenthood and deals with the subject of post-natal depression. This original, new musical follows Lana and Jessie as they learn to navigate the unique challenges of their new lives as parents.
It is now revealed that Dawn Sievewright (Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, Glasgow Girls) and John McLarnon (My Left Right Foot, Local Hero) will play the characters of Lana and Jessie, joining the fantastic creative team working on this show, including co-writers Johnny McKnight and Laura Wilde, Musical Director and Arranger Gavin Whitworth, Lighting Designer Grant Anderson, Sound Designer Ritchie Young, Set Design Stylist Leila Kalbassi and Costume Design Stylist Cate Mackie.
No Love Songs features hits from Kyle’s 2021 solo album, ‘No Love Songs For Laura’ such as ‘Stress Ball’ and ‘Mother’, reimagined live on stage in this unique and urgent gig theatre show.
This exciting new musical will preview at Dundee Rep this month after a work-in-progress sharing last year as part of Rep Stripped drew raves from audiences. Audiences can book their tickets for the preview performances at Dundee Rep between 13 and 20 May under this link.
The production is presented as part of the prestigious Made in Scotland showcase, a curated showcase of high-quality performance from Scotland at the world’s biggest arts festival – Edinburgh Festival Fringe – made possible by support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund. It is a partnership between Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Federation of Scottish Theatre, Scottish Music Centre and Creative Scotland.
Kyle Falconer and Laura Wilde said: “As avid festival-goers ourselves, we could not be more excited to take No Love Songs to the Fringe, it’s a real ‘pinch-me’ moment for us to be included in the most famous festival in the world – it’s exactly what we hoped for No Love Songs.
“Especially being Scottish, it feels amazing to be able to take it from Dundee to Edinburgh and to give us that platform to reach a worldwide audience. We are really proud of the whole team involved and we cannot wait to open at this year’s festival!”
Dundee Rep is thrilled to also be collaborating with the Traverse Theatre on THEGRAND OLD OPERA HOUSE HOTEL, an exciting new co-production that will be presented on the Traverse stage between 4 and 27 August before transferring to Dundee Rep this autumn (13-16 September).
Featuring a large ensemble, this mainstage production is the crown jewel in Traverse’s 60th year, brought to the festival audiences by the team responsible for hits such as Pride and Prejudice* Sort Of and Kidnapped.
Andrew Panton, Artistic Director, Dundee Rep, said: “We’re very excited to be partnering with the Traverse on two new shows for Travfest ‘23.
“Both use music and song to tell stories in new and innovative ways, dealing with important and urgent themes. I’m delighted that we’re collaborating with and showcasing the work of these extraordinarily talented artists at the Edinburgh Fringe this year.”
Solicitor and estate agents records year-on-year rise with market holding strong – and prices significantly ahead of pre-pandemic level
Average house prices in Edinburgh are more than £60,000 higher than before the Covid-19 pandemic, city-based solicitors and estate agents Lindsays has found.
And the firm says that prices across Edinburgh and throughout the Lothians show no signs of dropping – with values remaining stable and strong.
Lindsays has revealed that the average price of homes it sold through its Edinburgh office in the 2022-23 financial year was £322,250. That compared to £259,893 in 2019-2020. The firm’s average price in 2021/22 was £314,798.
After two years of unprecedented activity since the nation emerged from the first coronavirus lockdown in 2020, its estate agency team says volumes have returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Maurice Allan, Managing Director of Lindsays’ Residential Property department, said: “We’ve read lots of headlines about house prices dropping. We’re not seeing that. Edinburgh – as with other parts of Scotland – is bucking the trend that’s being reported elsewhere.
“We’re not in a market where prices are dropping. In fact, it’s a market that’s pretty solid. Family houses are continuing to enjoy strong attention and are going for real premiums.
“After a couple of quite remarkable years, we are seeing the market return to more normal levels of activity, last seen really in 2019.”
Property prices rose rapidly as the market intensified amid incredible demand following the lockdowns.
Activity began cooling in the face of political and financial instability last year, which saw interest rates – which had been at historic lows for a number of years – increase, coupled with the rising cost of living.
But this has not led to a drop in prices across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Mr Allan added: “For the vast majority of properties, prices are holding up well. What we’re not seeing now, however, are the extremes that we experienced in a relatively small part of the market when competition was at its most intense.
“We are not finding that properties are selling below their home report valuation. And properties are selling. Finance is still available for people – and many people still have healthy deposits.
“The issue is not whether people are worried about being able to afford to move, it’s whether they can find the right property to suit their circumstances, whether that be needing a bigger home, downsizing or relocating.
“If they can find the right property to move to, they will put their current home on the market. It’s a supply and demand issue.
“Most people are trading in the same market. So, if someone finds the right home and they are ready, we are finding they just go for it.”
In Dundee, where Lindsays’ estate agency team also operates, the average prices of homes sold in the 2022-23 financial year was £205,790. That compared to £161,786 in 2019-2020. The firm’s average price in 2021/22 was £181,849.
The current Bank of England interest base rate is 4.25%. Some mortgage market analysts have stated that they expect mortgage rates to gradually decline throughout the year, even if interest rates go up.
According to solicitor estate agents’ collective ESPC, the average selling price of property across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, and the Borders rose 1% to £270,284 during January to March this year.
Its members recorded the average property achieving 102.8% of Home Report valuation at sale.
