Pupils across Scotland will take steps to reduce local air pollution by walking to school during International Walk to School Month this October.
Currently around 45 per cent of pupils in Scotland walk to school.
Living Streets is encouraging pupils to #WalkForTheWorld this October.
Thousands of children across Scotland will take steps to reduce local air pollution by walking to school during International Walk to School Month this October.
Living Streets, the charity behind the walk to school campaign in the UK, is encouraging families to leave the car at home for the school run and instead join pupils globally who are celebrating the benefits of walking and wheeling to school during October.
The latest data for Scotland shows that around 45 per cent of pupils in Scotland currently walk to school.
Stephen Edwards, Interim Chief Executive, Living Streets said:“Swapping our short car journeys for walking or wheeling is an easy way to reduce air pollution, fuel consumption and congestion, and the journey to school is a great place to start.
“One in four cars on the road at morning peak hours are on the school run, despite the vast majority of families living less than two miles from their nearest school. Choosing cleaner ways to travel will help improve the air we breathe and help children to meet the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day needed to stay fit, healthy and happy.
“International Walk to School Month is an excellent opportunity for families to enjoy the benefits of walking to school.”
Living Streets is running a social media challenge for schools and families throughout October. Pupils are asked to choose an animal or natural habitat endangered by climate change and walk, wheel, scoot, cycle or Park & Stride to school to protect it.
Families and schools can then share their #WalkForTheWorld images on social media to be entered into a prize draw with prizes available for schools and families.
To find out more about International Walk to School Month and to enter the prize draw, visit livingstreets.org.uk/IWTSM
Joseph Rowntree Foundation issues a stark warning ahead of the cut to Universal Credit scheduled for 6 October – the same day as the Prime Minister’s speech at Conservative Party Conference.
New analysis looks at the impact of the Universal Credit cut by local authority.
On Wednesday, as the Prime Minister delivers his speech to the Conservative Party Conference, his government will be imposing the biggest ever overnight cut to social security. This will reduce the incomes of around 5.5 million families by £1,040 per year.
In the Greater Manchester Combined Authority area – the host city of this year’s Conservative Party Conference – around 312,000 working-age families (26%) are facing this historic cut to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit.
If the Government presses ahead with the cut, it would:
Pull half a million people into poverty, including 200,000 children.
Fundamentally undermine the adequacy of our social security system at precisely the moment when families are facing considerable increases in the cost of their energy bills, prices on the shelves are going up and National Insurance is set to rise in April 2022.
Reduce the main rate of out-of-work support down to its lowest level in real terms since around 1990 and its lowest ever level as a proportion of average earnings.
The Government themselves have admitted this week that families may struggle to meet basic costs, like food and heating, by increasing the funding available for local authorities to give grants to families in emergency situations.
The support available through their newly announced Household Support Fund is temporary and discretionary and is typically reserved for one-off emergency situations such as a broken fridge. This scheme does not come close to meeting the scale of the challenge facing families.
Who will be impacted by the cut?
New analysis finds that in 35 local authorities across Great Britain 50% or more of working-age families with children will be impacted by the planned cut.
JRF has consistently warned that:
Working families make up around 60% of families who will be affected by the cut to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit.
Families with children (particularly single-parent families), those containing someone who is disabled, and Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (‘BAME’) families, will be disproportionately impacted by the reduction in Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit.
The cut will have the most severe impact in Yorkshire and the Humber, the North East, North West and West Midlands, although no region will be left unscathed by this decision.
Katie Schmuecker, Deputy Director of Policy & Partnerships at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said:“The Prime Minister is abandoning millions to hunger and hardship with his eyes wide open. The biggest ever overnight cut to social security flies in the face of the Government’s mission to unite and level up our country.
“When the increase to Universal Credit was introduced, the Chancellor said it was to “strengthen the safety net” – a tacit admission a decade of cuts and freezes had left our social security lifeline to wear thin and threadbare for families in and out of work relying on it. This planned cut would reverse the progress made and leave it wholly inadequate.
“People’s bills won’t get £87-a-month cheaper from Wednesday and families are already anxious about how they will get through a looming cost of living crisis. This decision is set to plunge half a million people into poverty and shows a total disregard for the consequences. The Prime Minister cannot say he has not been warned, he must abandon this cut.”
Table 1: Top 10 Labour and Conservative majority local authorities with the highest percentage of working-age families with children impacted by the cut
Top 10 Labour majority local authorities affected
Top 10 Conservative majority local authorities affected
Local Authority
% of all working-age families with children impacted by the cut
Local Authority
% of all working-age families with children impacted by the cut
Newham
64
Pendle
58
Leicester
62
Walsall
53
Manchester
61
Great Yarmouth
52
Bradford
61
North East Lincolnshire
50
Oldham
60
Southampton
49
Birmingham
60
East Lindsey
48
Blackburn with Darwen
58
Dover
45
Kingston upon Hull – City of
58
North Lincolnshire
44
Sandwell
58
South Holland
44
Tower Hamlets
58
Nuneaton and Bedworth
44
Of local authorities with no majority party, with the highest percentages of working-age families with children impacted by the planned cut, Middlesbrough (60%) and Burnley (58%) are both coalition-led councils. Blackpool (57%) is Labour minority and Thanet (55%), Peterborough (55%) and Stoke-on-Trent (55%) are all Conservative minority.
Table 2: Families impacted by £20-per-week reduction to UC/WTC in October 2021
Family type
Families on UC or WTC losing £20 per week in October 2021
Number of families (millions)
Proportion of families who lose
% of all working-age families of that type who lose
All working-age families
5.5
100%
20%
Families with someone in work
3.5
64%
16%
Families without someone in work
2.0
36%
33%
Single without children
2.3
42%
18%
Couples without children
0.6
10%
8%
Single-parent families
1.1
20%
61%
Couple-parent families
1.5
28%
25%
Families where someone is disabled
2.8
50%
35%
Families where no one is disabled
2.7
50%
14%
BAME families
1.1
20%
25%
Non-BAME families
4.4
80%
19%
Source: Microsimulation by JRF using the IPPR Tax and Benefits Microsimulation Model and the OBR’s March 2021 forecasts. Breakdowns may not sum to totals due to rounding.
Making this decision with his eyes wide open:
The cut is opposed by six former Conservative Work & Pensions Secretaries, the Northern Research Group of Conservative MPs, the One Nation Group of Conservative MPs, all the devolved administrations, numerous cross-party committees in all nations of the UK. Iain Duncan Smith recently said, “the extra £20 has returned to UC some of the investment that was cut from my original design.”
100 organisations are urging the Prime Minister not to cut Universal Credit. Among the signatories of the joint open letter to the Prime Minister are leading voices on health, education, children, housing, poverty, the economy and other aspects of public policy. (published 2 September)
The creative team behind Castle of Light has unveiled a first look at this year’s mesmerising sensory show, as general tickets go on sale.
Celebrating ‘hidden treasures’, the 2021 show is set to put a spotlight on the lesser-known stories from Scotland’s past. Projections unveiled today tease the re-discovery of the Honours of Scotland, the return of Rex the lovable lion rampant and a first look at some of the secrets of St. Margaret, and the treasures within her chapel, ahead of the show launch in November.
10-year-old Robert Lauder, from Balerno, took to the grounds of Edinburgh Castle after-dark for a first glimpse of the light spectacular.
Tasked with uncovering stories, old and new, Castle of Light promises to bring tales to life with the use of stunning visuals, state-of-the-art projections and captivating storytelling.
Creative Director Andy McGregor, who is working alongside Double Take Projections, NL Productions and War Productions Ltd, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, on this year’s event, said: “We are hugely excited to be back with a new show for 2021. The fact that we couldn’t make it last year has given us 2 years to develop HIDDEN TREASURES and we truly believe it will be worth the wait.
“There will be new takes on popular family features plus a whole lot more in the way of legend, light and sparkle – all inspired by the lesser known stories of this incredible site. Edinburgh Castle is a magical place at any time but a visit by night with over a dozen unique light and sound experiences to enjoy really makes it Scotland’s unmissable winter experience.”
Heather Soutar, Head of Commercial Development at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which operates Edinburgh Castle, said: “We are thrilled to welcome back Castle of Light this year, especially following the success of our last event in 2019.
“This year, we are inviting visitors to explore Scotland’s untold history as we take them on a journey using state-of-the-art projections at Edinburgh’s iconic landmark. Prepare to be amazed by the biggest light experience the capital has to offer, we can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”
Edinburgh Castle will be home to the immersive walking tour for eight weeks throughout the festive season, from Friday 19 November 2021 to Sunday 9 January 2022. Tickets are on sale now.
Tickets are also available for an ‘Access’ night taking place on Thursday 25 November, designed to cater for people with additional support needs, including autism and dementia.
Ensuring as many people as possible can experience the animated storytelling tour, the evening will feature a range of specific support, including British Sign Language interpretation and audio described tours, as well as a designated quiet space and ear defenders to help manage noise.
Adult tickets cost £20, with concession rates, family tickets and discounts for Historic Scotland members available. For more information and to get your tickets, visit CastleofLight.scot.
Congratulations to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC), who received not one but TWO top awards at last night’s SCVO Scottish Charity Awards event!
The charity explained on Facebook: ‘Something pretty AMAZING happened tonight … ECHC won the PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD at SCVO Scottish Charity Awards 2021!
‘And then, just as we were gathering our thoughts and getting our emotions in check … we were announced as WINNERS of CHARITY OF THE YEAR too!
‘This is truly incredible. THANK YOU to everyone who voted for us and to our wonderful supporters, partners, volunteers and staff for your dedication in helping children and families in hospital.
‘This past year has been one of the toughest and we could not have done it without you all. So, this one’s for you…THANK YOU! ‘
ECHC’s Victoria Buchanan said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be named Charity of the Year and People’s Choice winner at the Scottish Charity Awards 2021! Through the tightest Covid restrictions and a hospital move; ECHC was privileged to stand alongside those ill, injured and shielding at home.
” From emergency care packs, silent discos, giant inflatable octopuses and record-breaking fundraising appeals, we pulled out all the stops to continue to bring fun, comfort and friendship to wards and waiting rooms and ease worries during one of the toughest years families have faced.
“None of this would have been possible without the incredible dedication of our supporters, partners, staff and volunteers. This award is recognition of their phenomenal efforts to ensure children in hospital could be children first, patients second, even in a global pandemic.”
https://youtu.be/C8chri-SO_o
You can watch the whole SCVO Scottish Charity Awards 2021 event on YouTube (above).
The winners of the annual awards ceremony dedicated to recognising Scotland’s voluntary sector were announced last night (1 October) in a glittering online event hosted by Sally Magnusson live from the EICC.
Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrates the best of the voluntary sector and this year’s shortlist included 47 individuals and organisations from charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the country.
The winner of each of the nine categories was decided by a judging panel, with the tenth People’s Choice category winner decided by the public, with over 12,000 votes cast. As a result this year one finalist received both the Charity of the Year and People’s Choice Awards!
The winners for 2021 are:
Campaign of the year – Stop It Now! Scotland – Get Help or Get Caught
Child Sexual Abuse impacts one in six children in Scotland and targeting offenders is one of the most important ways of tackling abuse before it happens. As a result of the ‘Get Help or Get Caught’ campaign over 79,000 people visited the team’s website and 185 people accessed specialist self-help resources designed for people who are worried about their own online behaviour towards children and young people.
Stuart Allardyce, Director Stop It Now! Scotland said: “We’re thrilled to have won Campaign of the Year for our #GetHelporGetCaught campaign – thank you so much. As a child protection charity, our aim at Stop It Now! Scotland is to prevent children from being sexually abused, whether that’s online or offline.
“Child sexual abuse affects one in six children across the UK, and the number of adults posing a threat to children is growing. Our campaign is one way to tackle that problem, by telling adults who are offending or who might offend about the harm they cause, the consequences, and the support our helpline and website provide to stop their illegal behaviour.”
A special commendation was given to Aberlour Children’s Charity – Aberlour Urgent Assistance Fund.
Volunteer of the year–Central and West Integration Network – Shawn Nicholas Fernandez
Shawn wants to be a role model for both BAME and disadvantaged communities. He successfully made an impact in communities across Glasgow by delivering Cyber Crime Prevention Awareness Workshops and also creating a space through a community gardening project to help refugees by encouraging them to spend more time in nature to benefit their mental health and wellbeing.
Sean said: “I am extremely overwhelmed and proud to be part of Central and West Integration Network and a special thanks goes to all the Staffs and the beautiful volunteers who are always working unconditionally without expectations.
“By winning this award, I hope it will be an eye opener and encouragement for other volunteers especially those that are socially excluded. Nothing is impossible if we put our minds to it. Every organisation should recognise their volunteers and their contributions to the community because they are the cornerstone and should be rewarded.
“Circumstances in life may not always turn out the way we want it to be. Life may not be as smooth as we want it to be. But hard work, dedication and perseverance goes a long way. Thank you.”
A special commendation was given to Bob MacKenzie from CACE (Cumbernauld Action on Care of the Elderly)
Pioneering project – Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs – Click and Deliver Naloxone
Over the last ten years, nearly 10,000 families in Scotland lost a loved one through drug-related death. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdose, providing vital time to call an ambulance.
The team at Scottish Families recognised the need for access to this vital medication and launched a unique national Click and Deliver service, providing training and free Naloxone by post to any adult in Scotland. From May 2020 until March 2021, the team issued 295 kits, potentially saving 295 lives.
CEO Justina Murray said: “We are absolutely delighted to win the Pioneering Project Award. This life saving project was set up in a matter of days, at the height of lockdown and we are so proud of it.
“Our colleague Suzanne Gallagher has done an awe inspiring job of running this service from her front room, delivering 743 kits and counting. Thanks also need to go to Kirsten Horsburgh and our friends at Scottish Drugs Forum for everything they have done to help create and promote this service.”
Employee of the year – Carers Trust Scotland – Nicola Bell
Nicola has achieved a huge amount in the last 12 months. Working with young carers, she set up #Supermarkets4Change, campaigning to raise awareness of unpaid carers with supermarkets to include young carers in the protected hours set aside for vulnerable people to shop.
This work, led to those young people nominating her for the Scottish Youth Parliament Support Worker of the Year Award, which she went on to successfully win. Resources she produced for professionals and young carers on the topic of supporting carers through a whole family approach have been so well received they are being translated into other languages by European carers organisations to use in their own countries.
She said: “I am so honoured to have won Employee of the Year! I would not be here without the support of the amazing Carers Trust Scotland team and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance. To all the incredible young carers & young adult carers – thank you!
“I feel very proud to work with such inspiring colleagues, services and young people each day.”
A special commendation was given to Fiona Mitchell from Harlawhill Day Care Centre.
Community Action – Cumbernauld Resilience
Cumbernauld Resilience was established in March 2020 as a community-based response to the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic. It united people from all over Cumbernauld from a diverse demographic to reach out and help their neighbours.
The team has over 120 volunteers who have freely given their time, expertise and commitment to distribute over 90,000 meals and other essentials to locals – even hosting Christmas celebrations for over 600 people!
Chair Tony Murphy said: “As a relatively new charity, we are humbled and delighted to have been recognised in this way. We are especially delighted to have won in the Community Action Category as, from the outset, Cumbernauld Resilience’s ethos has been about mobilising the wonderful community spirit that exists in our town to help those in need.
“Thank you so much to every supporter, donor and volunteer – without your unbelievable support and unselfish commitment we really wouldn’t have been able to reach out and help so many in our community during their hour of need.”
Climate Conscious – Forth Valley Sensory Centre – Making Sense of Energy Saving
The project helped people cut their energy bills, despite the pandemic, but also secured new heating systems, warmer home payments and even new windows for a number of deaf and blind people who were struggling to heat their homes and pay their bills.
On top of this, with the change to LED lighting in the centre and the advice provided to centre users in braille, workshops, accessible video and BSL, it saved the equivalent of 300 tonnes of CO2.
Chief Executive Jacquie Winning said: “This award covers two of the biggest issues in today’s society, accessibility and the climate emergency.
“Thank you to everyone who supported us and to the staff at our Centre for making such an innovative project come to fruition!”
Trustee of the year – Linkes (SCIO) – Robert Smith
Robert is the co-founder and driving force of Linkes community project (2006), serving as chairperson to promote integration, empowerment and social inclusion. In response to the pandemic, he was visionary and determined, quickly building alliances to set-up a food distribution project.
Between March – September 2020, Robert’s team of volunteers delivered a whopping 18,000 meals and 2,000 grocery packs. Since October he has also overseen logistics of a weekly food-hub. Robert makes the magic happen, whether he is running board meetings, bulk buying food, driving the van, supporting new volunteers, making friendly phone calls– he is an unstoppable force for good.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this award. It’s not something I expected as the other finalists have all achieved incredible things and I’d like to congratulate them on their work.
“I would also like to thank the amazing team of staff, board and volunteers at Linkes, our partners and funders and everyone else in the community who contributes to what we do. I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved in what has been an extremely difficult year and on behalf of the team at Linkes, I’d like to say a big thank you for this award.”
A special commendation was given to Julia Grindley from Edinburgh School Uniform Bank.
Digital citizens – People Know How
People Know How believe in the inextricable link between social and digital isolation and the pandemic has only reinforced that view.
Over the last year the team has provided devices, digital skills and connectivity to thousands of people across Edinburgh and East Lothian. In doing so, the team has helped people stay connected with loved ones, access support and home-school their children.
Throughout this work they identified that the biggest obstacle to digital inclusion is data poverty, which is why they have now launched a national campaign to end data poverty.
Claudia Baldacchino, Communications & IT Officer, said: “It’s an honour to have been awarded the Digital Citizens Award. We’re so proud of our volunteers and staff for achieving so much over the last year, supporting thousands of people with devices, digital skills and connectivity.
“We’d also like to thank all our partners and funders who have made this work possible through their support and collaboration. We will continue to combat data poverty and digital exclusion as we recover from the pandemic and beyond, and can’t wait to see what the future brings.”
A special commendation was given to Space – The Louise Project.
Charity of the year AND People’s Choice Award – Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC)
Covid-19 has been a rollercoaster for everyone; no less for children and families in hospital and those privileged to support them. Innovation and dedication from supporters, partners, staff and volunteers saw support for children shielding at home, in wards and waiting rooms continue through the tightest regulations and a hospital move. From emergency care packs, silent discos, inflatable octopuses and record-breaking fundraising appeals, ECHC has excelled to ensure children in hospital are children first, patients second, even in a global pandemic.
Victoria Buchanan said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be named Charity of the Year and People’s Choice winner at the Scottish Charity Awards 2021! Through the tightest Covid restrictions and a hospital move; ECHC was privileged to stand alongside those ill, injured and shielding at home.
“From emergency care packs, silent discos, giant inflatable octopuses and record-breaking fundraising appeals, we pulled out all the stops to continue to bring fun, comfort and friendship to wards and waiting rooms and ease worries during one of the toughest years families have faced.
“None of this would have been possible without the incredible dedication of our supporters, partners, staff and volunteers. This award is recognition of their phenomenal efforts to ensure children in hospital could be children first, patients second, even in a global pandemic.”
A special commendation was given in the Charity of the Year category to North Edinburgh’s Scran Academy SCIO.
Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of SCVO, said: “At SCVO we know that fantastic work is going on all the time in the voluntary sector and we were delighted to celebrate the achievements and successes of our finalists and winners at this year’s Scottish Charity Awards.
“We had a record-breaking number of entries this year and each one demonstrated just how well the voluntary sector has responded and adapted to changes and restrictions over the past 12 months.
“Thanks to our sponsors, the team at the EICC, our host Sally Magnusson and everyone who applied and voted for making this year’s Awards so special. Congratulations to our winners for 2021!”
Primary school children across the United Kingdom to receive a free book next year to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Primary school children across the United Kingdom will receive a book that celebrates the achievements of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth over the last 70 years.
The book will be commissioned by the UK Government and designed to celebrate the people and places of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. It will teach primary school children about recent and historical events, inspirational people, landmark innovations and inventions, and a selection of our best art, design, and culture.
The book will explore the role of the Monarch and what the Platinum Jubilee represents, so primary school children across the country can understand and engage with the celebrations next year, while broadening their education.
The content will continue to be refined over the coming months but will cover landmark achievements such as the construction of the Channel Tunnel, election of the first female Prime Minister and the invention of the World Wide Web, so children across the country can learn more about their home and its history.
The book will also look at a diverse range of rich culture and notable names for children to explore, including famous artists, designers, fashion designers, and musicians, capturing the true spirit of the last 70 years and the Queen’s reign.
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: “For 70 years Her Majesty The Queen has played an instrumental role in the events, people and places that have helped shape the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.
“From the hundreds of charities and organisations of which she is patron, to the 14 Prime Ministers who have served during her reign – thousands of children will be able to read about our great nation, its history and future.”
It will be available as an audio book, with plans for it to be in English, Welsh, Gaelic, and Irish in advance of the Jubilee Holiday weekend. The print version will include a QR code so children can scan the code to be taken to further material online, so they can learn independently.
The book will also form part of the wider programme of events and activities planned for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next year, including a concert, street parties, and an extra bank holiday for the Jubilee weekend itself from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June 2022.
The Department for Education will shortly issue an Invitation to tender for a contractor to see through the production of the book, including design, printing and distribution.
Environmental focus next up for the Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour
From Monday 27 September to Saturday 2 October, the Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour will visit primary school pupils across the country as it continues its series of virtual events.
The tour will focus on the environment, with talks from conservationist, vet, TV presenter and author Jess French, author and rewilding pioneer Isabella Tree with d illustrator Allira Tee, and adventurer and bestselling author Abi Elphinstone.
The Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour is supported by Scottish Friendly and organised by Scottish Book Trust, the national charity transforming lives through reading and writing.
During the pandemic, the tour has been delivered virtually, live streaming into classrooms and living rooms across Scotland and the rest of the UK, with educational watch on demand video content viewed over 100,000 times.
The Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour will host virtual events on the environment for schools across Scotland, with an audience of around 5,000 pupils.
Jess French will talk to young people about the world’s incredible forests and how they can get involved and learn how to protect them. She will share educational extracts from her book: ‘Let’s Save Our Planet: Forests: Uncover the Facts. Be Inspired. Make A Difference.’
Isabella Tree and Allira Tree will discuss insights from her book: ‘When We Went Wild’, a joyful, sustainably printed picture book about two farmers who decide to let their farm run wild, inspired in part by Isabella’s own experience at the world-renowned Knepp rewidling project in West Sussex.
Isabella will also show pupils around the farm via a virtual video tour before reading the book and sharing how she and her husband turned a loss-making farm into a sustainable, wildlife enterprise. This will be followed by an interactive drawalong with the book’s illustrator Allira Tee, who joins the tour live from Melbourne, Australia.
Author Abi Elphinstone will virtually visit P4–7 pupils about her real-life adventures, living with the Kazakh Eagle Hunters in Mongolia to kayaking through the Norwegian fjords.
Abi will also discuss her Unmapped Chronicles series: ‘The Crackledawn Dragon’ – a voyage across a secret kingdom full of silver whales, fire krakens, and underwater palaces. She will share how her own experiences and adventures in the natural world inspire her magical realms and beasts, as well as showing pupils how easy it is to leap into stories of their own.
Authors Live will also return on Thursday 30 September with Abi Elphinstone. schools across Scotland can sign up for P4–7 classes and watch the event live from their classrooms. There will also be a chance to ask the author questions during the event through a Twitter Q&A.
Magical Beasts at Edinburgh Zoo
For budding young writers and animal lovers, Abi Elphinstone will also host Inventing Magical Beasts workshops at Edinburgh Zoo (Budongo Theatre) on Saturday 2 October, starting at 10am and 11.30am.
The event is included in the price of zoo admission, and families are invited to come along and meet the author. Abi will demonstrate how young people can invent their own magical beasts, using animals from Edinburgh Zoo as inspiration. There will also be signed copies of the author’s book available to purchase.
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust said:“We are delighted that the Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour is focusing on the environment, a topic that young people are incredibly engaged with.
“We’re pleased to have experts in both conservation and rewilding joining the tour. The pupils are sure to learn more about their planet and how to protect it for many years to come.
“We hope families can join our event at Edinburgh Zoo, where Abi Elphinstone will help inspire the next generation of budding writers.”
Beccy Angus, Head of Discovery and Learning at Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, the wildlife conservation charity which leads Edinburgh Zoo, said:“It is wonderful to welcome Abi Elphinstone to the zoo.
“As a wildlife conservation charity, education is at the heart of what we do. We hope this event will help our visitors learn more about the spectacular species in our zoos and around the world, and inspire the next generation of conservationists.”
Maths Week Scotland is back for its fifth year from 27 September to 3 October 2021. Local schools across Edinburgh, Lothians and Scottish Borders are joining in the fun with a wide range of activities and exciting programmes taking place during the week.
Maths Week Scotland is part of the Scottish Government’s drive to encourage positive attitudes to numeracy and maths and is developed and delivered by National Museums Scotland. The Small Grants Fund, a partnership between the Edinburgh Mathematical Society, the Glasgow Mathematical Journal Trust and the Scottish Government, has supported 75 activities across the country. These activities are taking place in schools and local community groups.
The theme for 2021 is ‘Our World’, exploring the importance of maths in understanding and responding to the climate emergency, whilst also finding maths in the world around us. School pupils across Edinburgh, Lothians and Scottish Borders will learn about this crucial topic through activities such as outdoor learning, a Maths Enrichment club and a mini beast project.
Science centres and museums across Scotland have also received additional funding from Maths Week Scotland to support in a series of activities and challenges encouraging innovation and participation.
Edinburgh’s five star visitor attraction, Dynamic Earth, will be launching a digital workshop on the topic of ‘Navigating Our World’, to explore how successful navigation was achieved in the past, and how it is now done in the present day.
Edinburgh Central library is hosting a free, drop-in shape and number trail for under 10s, plus additional maths and STEM books will be available to take out on loan.
The National Mining Museum Scotland in Newtongrange will also be host to a number of maths-themed activities for young visitors, including a mining version of snakes and ladders, quoits, bean bag toss, making patterns with coal, dressing up as a miner and handling mining objects.
Meanwhile, in East Lothian, Prestongrange Museum, John Muir’s Birthplace Museum, Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery and John Gray Centre will all be launching maths-related trails and activities linked to each specific site.
Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery will launch a time-related activity based on the clock and two sundials on the exterior of the building, while events at the John Gray Centre will focus on money and transactions, reflecting the commercial history or East Lothian and linking to trade tokens on display.
Katie Oldfield, Maths Week Scotland co-ordinator, said: “We’re proud to be bringing Maths Week Scotland back for its fifth consecutive year. It’s great to see that so many schools have come up with exciting activities that reflect our theme for this year.
“Maths is found everywhere in the world around us, but it is also a key part of the solution when it comes to tackling climate change. It was really inspiring to see many of our schools presenting this sometimes complex subject in a fun and engaging way.”
The schools programme is core to Maths Week Scotland. Schools and community projects receiving grants in Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders are:
· Balerno High School: Maths Enrichment Club – setting up a Maths Enrichment club at lunchtimes to support enjoyment and develop problem solving and team work skills in Maths.
· Oxgangs Maths Club: Families can do maths together
· Edinburgh Central Library: Maths Week at the Library – Central Library and the Children’s Library are hosting a variety of fun Maths-themed events for adults and children, from pattern-making to Möbius strips!
West Lothian
· Greenrigg Primary School: Mini-beast Maths
Midlothian
· Stobhill Primary school: Let’s get Creative at Stobhill!- interactive maths kits
Borders
· Berwickshire High School: Mathematics and citizenship of the world
This year, Maths Week Scotland is also supported by winner of The Great British Bake Off 2020, Peter Sawkins, in collaboration with National Numeracy.
Peter is hosting a virtual assembly on 29 September, which will be streamed from the National Museum of Scotland to participating schools to learn about the maths involved in baking.
Maths Week Scotland has a supporting year-round programme for schools, families, adults and community groups. This is part of an ongoing drive to transform Scotland into a maths-positive nation through raising the profile of maths and encouraging enthusiasm for maths across the country.
National Museums Scotland is working with a wide range of organisations and collaborators to support and deliver Maths Week Scotland activity across Scotland.
For a full list of contributors and to view the whole programme, visit:
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