Tag: Brazil new variant

Young dancer from Scotland to take part in prestigious ballet competition

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is delighted to announce that Heather Lyon from Edinburgh, Scotland will be taking part in the prestigious Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition which takes place in Sao Paulo, Brazil from 11-19 October 2025. At this annual competition, young dancers from around the world will come together for a week of dance, to win competition prizes and scholarships. 

Heather age 18 started ballet at the age of three in her hometown Edinburgh, Scotland, and it soon became her passion. She took RAD ballet classes at a local dance school, KS Dance Academy. 

Currently studying at Northern Ballet School, England Heather watched others from previous years benefit from attending The Fonteyn competition. Heather is delighted and grateful to be a part of this year’s competition and excited for all the challenges and opportunities it will offer.

“I am so excited to take part in this competition and represent my home country of Scotland”, says Heather. 

Named in honour of RAD’s longest-serving president, Dame Margot Fonteyn DBE, The Fonteyn is one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet competitions in the world, representing the pinnacle of achievement for young dancers trained in the RAD syllabus. 

Beginning in 1931, the competition has toured the globe and is dedicated to promoting dance, providing educational experiences and recognising excellence in young ballet dancers internationally. A launch pad for a professional career, past winners have become professional dancers with companies worldwide and enjoyed long-lasting careers in the arts.

At The Fonteyn, candidates compete for a chance to win the coveted Genee Gold medal supported by Freed of London, Silver and Bronze medals and cash prizes, and for the Dame Margot Fonteyn Audience Choice Award, Choreographic Award and Musicality Award.

Alongside the prizes, candidates have the chance to be awarded scholarships to some of the most prestigious ballet schools across the globe including English National Ballet School, Houston Ballet Academy and The Royal Ballet School. F

or more information and to book your tickets visit: The Fonteyn | Tickets

South America international border health measures

Concerns over new variant of coronavirus in Brazil

Following identification of a new variant of coronavirus in Brazil, the Scottish Government has imposed additional restrictions on all arrivals from South America, as well as several countries with strong travel links to affected countries.

In addition to the South American nations of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela, this will also apply to Portugal, including Azores and Madeira, Panama and Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) and British Overseas Territory of the Falkland Islands.

These travel restrictions will replicate the measures that were put in place for Denmark and South Africa and came into force at 04:00am this morning (Friday 15 January).

Travellers who have been in any of these countries or territories in the 10 days prior to their arrival in Scotland must isolate, along with all members of their household. No exemptions from isolation will apply.

Qatar and the Caribbean islands of Aruba and Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba are also removed from the country exemption list at the same time.

The UK Government has confirmed that implementation of pre-departure testing for arrivals into England is delayed until Monday morning, to allow carriers and passengers additional time to prepare.

The Scottish Government intended to introduce this additional measure on Friday 15 January, but it is necessary to also delay implementation to allow for coordination between the UK Government’s regulations and the relevant Scottish regulations.

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said: “It is important that everyone follows the regulations that mean any travel must be for an essential purpose.  Very few people should be travelling internationally, and then only for a genuinely essential reason.

“The emergence of concerning variants identified in Brazil, as well as South Africa and Denmark in recent months, means we must think carefully about restrictions on international travel.

“At this early stage of vaccine rollout, and with case rates at high levels across the UK, it is important we take the right steps to prevent importing new strains that can increase transmission or undermine the vaccine in Scotland. 

“We are in close discussion with other administrations about additional measures we can put in place, including the timing of the introduction of pre-departure testing.”