Tag: Livingston

Merrily We Roll Along

A PARTNERSHIP between a top performing arts institute and local theatre is bringing a piece of the West End to West Lothian.

This week, students from The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television will open the curtains on a new ten-year partnership between the performing arts college and Livingston’s Howden Park Centre. 

Performing the Stephen Sondheim classic “Merrily We Roll Along”, final year Musical Theatre students will bring the award-winning show to West Lothian audiences on the 16th and 17th of October.

Directed by world class theatre creatives Cressida Carré and Jon Beales, audiences will be taken on an evocative journey through the unravelling of friendship and ambition over 20 years.

Mark Langley, Principal of The Scottish Institute said: “Our partnership with Howden Park Centre marks an exciting new chapter for not only the school, but we’re also seeing the growth in culture across West Lothian.

“It’s a privilege to be able to provide our students with such a high-quality experience from the rehearsal room to the stage, with industry renowned directors and shows.”

As part of the partnership, The Scottish Institute has secured 100 days and nights of performance each year for the next decade at the centre, mutually benefitting the students and the local community.

With a 290 seat capacity, the theatre will provide students with the opportunity to bring their learning outside of the classroom, transitioning their work from basic rehearsals to performing on a real stage to a paying audience.

John Burlington, Production Manager at The Scottish Institute said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Merrily We Roll Along to Howden Park Centre this week. The creative team, including our director fresh from the UK tour of Titanic the Musical, has been exceptional.

“Their expertise has provided our students with a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders, making this production a standout in both artistic quality and educational value.”

“Merrily We Roll Along” follows the story of Franklin Shepard, a successful but disillusioned composer, and his two estranged friends, as it moves backwards through key moments in their personal and professional lives.

The show concludes with an ironic twist, as the three friends, full of optimism and ambition at the start of their careers, face a seemingly bright future. Notably, this is the same production for which Daniel Radcliffe recently won a Tony Award.

The Scottish Institute is Scotland’s only fully CDMT accredited performing arts institution, also holding accreditations from Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), Council of Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT) and Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance (ISTD).

To purchase tickets to Merrily We Roll Along visit: 

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/livingston/howden-park-centre/merrily-we-roll-along/e-rrvpog

The Scottish Institute unveils new campus with red carpet launch event

The evening marked the opening of The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television following renaming and opening of new campus

The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television (The SI; formerly the MGA Academy of Performing Arts) unveiled its brand new Livingston campus last night at a red-carpet launch event celebrating the renaming of the school and new facilities for its students.

The launch party, held at The SI’s new state of the art facilities in Livingston, Scotland, marks a pivotal rebrand for the school with a name change, a new campus and new management from Ireland’s Silver Rock Studios.

The university is also now expanding its reach to international students for the first time as well as continuing to boost local Scottish talent, positioning Scotland as the go-to destination for success in the creative industries.

All guests, staff, and students were treated to an evening of performances, art installations, and a special performance of Dougie MacLean’s famous Caledonia from the school’s current students.

Alumni from The MGA Academy of Performing Arts, now known as The Scottish Institute, have gone on to success in film and television including playing leading roles in BBC’s Gossip Girl and major West End shows such as The Book of Mormon, Wicked and Six!.

Under its new management from Ireland’s Silver Rock Studios, and with new President and CEO Andy Egan, future students will be guaranteed credits as part of their degree, as part of The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television’s plans to foster the stars of tomorrow.

MGA Academy to run first Open Day in new campus

  • Top performing arts school opens doors to future stars 
  • MGA Academy welcomes future talent to new home in West Lothian 

ONE OF SCOTLAND’S leading performing arts schools is opening its doors to the public, encouraging future stars to remain in Scotland to study.  

The MGA Academy of Performing Arts, Scotland’s only fully accredited performing art college, is holding its first open day at its new campus in West Lothian to showcase its state of the art facilities to those considering applying. 

The next generation of stars will be welcomed to the new multi-million-pound building in Livingston on 16th November, giving potential students a chance to learn more about the wide range of courses available.   

Marcella Macdonald, Principal of the Academy said: “We want to show people that MGA can provide a platform for aspiring performers to remain in Scotland while studying at a level equivalent to prestigious London colleges. 

“With the new campus now located almost exactly halfway between Edinburgh and Glasgow, we hope it will make studying here more accessible and convenient to more students.”

MGA recently made the transition to its West Lothian campus, allowing the school to triple its annual intake while increasing the number of courses it offers to 12 each year. 

Marcella added: “We would welcome anyone who is considering a career in acting, dance or musical theatre to come along to see what we do and how, with our fantastic teaching faculty and wonderful resources, we can develop their creativity and set them up to thrive in the industry.  

“Our experienced and knowledgeable teaching staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide tours of the campus where our current students will be performing and chatting to guests about their experiences.

“It’s a really great opportunity for those potential applicants to see all we can offer here at MGA” 

Those interested can register for the open day at https://bit.ly/MGAOpenDay  

The open day is a part of a series of outreach events the school plans to host at its new 30,000 sq ft campus, with an Industry teacher’s open evening, scheduled for October 11th with the aim of forging strong connections and lasting relationships with teachers across the country as part of the Academy’s commitment to nourishing Scottish talent here at home. 

Any Expressive Arts teachers wishing to learn more or express interest in the industry event should , contact: admissions@themgaacademy.com 

The MGA Academy is approved by the Scottish Qualifications Agency, the Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance, and is Scotland’s only fully accredited college with the UK’s Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre. 

To read more about the talented students at the MGA academy of Performing Arts, please visit their website here: The MGA Academy of Performing Arts 

Performing arts academy opens the curtain on campus 

Brand new multi-million pound campus in Livingston opens its doors 

ONE of Scotland’s largest centres of performing arts is putting its best foot forward as it ushers in the new era of students with the opening of its brand new campus.  

The newly renovated 30,000 sq ft campus in Livingston marks a significant expansion for the MGA Academy of Performing Arts.  

This expansion will enable the academy to triple its student enrolment and broaden its educational offerings to include 11 BA degrees and two post-graduate Master’s degrees, while also providing accommodations for 18 state-of-the-art studios. 

The new campus, based in the former tax office in Almondvale, Livingston, received a multi-million pound investment and will feature one of Scotland’s largest sprung dance floor which spans 347 sq ft.  

Established in 2015 to address a demand for an innovative performing arts academy outside of London, MGA has produced a wealth of talented graduates who have appeared on stage and screen in major productions, including Disney’s Descendants, Wicked, Gossip Girl, Six! The Musical, Outlander and Frozen. 

Giles Auckland Lewis, Chief Executive of The MGA Academy, said: “It’s a very exciting time for the academy as we open the doors of our brand new campus. There has been a great buzz with new and returning students as they explore all the exceptional facilities.

“Being part of this chapter of the academy’s story has been incredibly rewarding, and as we’re now located almost exactly half way between Edinburgh and Glasgow it’s much more convenient for students and staff.  

“We’ve worked hard to ensure the new campus can offer our talented students the opportunity to advance their skills in singing, dance and acting and achieve their full potential within the industry.” 

Included in the new campus is seven rehearsal studios for acting and musical theatre, seven fully sprung dance studios, four singing rooms and a TV production suite. Other features include a student welfare and physiotherapy room, a learning resource centre and library, IT suites, study areas and a cafe and social areas, as well as 130 parking spaces. 

The MGA Academy’s Balgreen campus will continue to be an integral part of the academy’s facilities, serving as a central hub for junior age groups. 

Mr Auckland-Lewis added: “The new campus in Livingston is truly state of the art, we’re in a great position to continue to develop our reputation as a leading international competitor to the world’s most successful arts education institutions. 

“The platform we’re providing for aspiring performers allows them to remain in Scotland while studying at a level equivalent to other prestigious UK colleges. We also now have the ability to attract even more students and world class tutors from across the world.” 

The MGA Academy is approved by the Scottish Qualifications Agency, the Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance, and is Scotland’s only fully accredited college with the UK’s Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre. 

Learn more about The MGA Academy and how to enrol for courses here: 

https://www.themgaacademy.com/ 

Scotland’s first free book recycling vending machine unveiled

‘READ. SWAP. REPEAT’ AT THE CENTRE, LIVINGSTON

Scotland’s first-ever free, book recycling vending machine is unveiled at The Centre, Livingston – ‘Read. Swap. Repeat.’ – to give shoppers the chance to swap their old books for a reused one, for free, to help keep them in circulation and prevent them from going to landfill.

The ‘swapping’ vending machine stocks 200 books for adults and children.

Shoppers simply hand in old books, which are in a good condition, to the Customer Service Desk, near New Look, and collect a token to use in the machine, which is full of pre-loved books from all genres, and simply choose another one for free! Books are regularly restocked to ensure shoppers find something different every time they visit.   

Shoppers have the chance to swap up to three books at a time and also donate books to help keep the stock up without swapping. Any books which can’t be used will be donated to charity.

Katie Gallacher, Marketing Manager at The Centre, Livingston said: “Our Read. Swap. Repeat. free book vending machine is a great way for book lovers to share their favourite reads and help the environment at the same time.

“We’re delighted to be the first in Scotland to launch it and are confident it will be a big hit with visitors to the shopping centre.”

George Gellatly from Balerno, who regularly visits The Centre, Livingston with his wife Sandra, said: “I think the book vending machine is a great idea!

“I’ve seen lots of vending machines like this but never one with recycled books in it!

“Being big readers, my wife and I will definitely be using it – it is such a great way to reuse books and may be even pick one up that we wouldn’t normally go for.”

The book vending machine is situated next to Gregg’s Café and the Post Office.

First-ever Elf Toddle Walk at The Centre, Livingston for children’s charity, CHAS

The Centre, Livingston is appealing for little ones to join them in its first-ever Elf Toddle Walk on Sunday, 6th November at 9am to take part in a one-mile walk around the mall and raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, CHAS, which provides the country’s only hospice services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions.

Little ones and their adults are being encouraged to dress up in their favourite festive attire and join a team of Santa’s elves on a one-mile lap of the shopping centre, which has easy access for buggies.

Go Radio Breakfast Show Presenter Crofty will be there on the day alongside Go Radio Dance’s Zoe Kelly playing all the big Christmas tunes and taking part in the countdown warm-up to help get the little ones off to a great start.

Along the way children will encounter some special Christmas surprises and treats and on completion will be awarded with a commemorative medal for taking part at the ‘Selfie Elfie’ zone.

Entry is £5 per child with admission fees at https://bit.ly/TheCentreEventbriteLink.  

Once registered, a personal walk number and elf hat can be collected from the Customer Service Desk at The Centre, Livingston between the 31st October and 5th November, with proof of ticket, to enable participants to take part on the day.

Parents can either pick up sponsor forms in advance at the Customer Service Desk, download them from the website, www.thecentrelivingston.com or bring their own. All sponsored donations will go to charity. Full details are on the website

 www.thecentrelivingston.com.

Hayley Smith, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We are so incredibly grateful to The Centre, Livingston for choosing to support CHAS through their Elf Toddle Walk.

“The funds raised will not only help us to provide care for children but also to help families make wonderful memories together.”

Ashley Bisland, Deputy Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We’re really excited to be partnering with the charity CHAS to host our first-ever Elf Toddle Walk around the mall to help raise money for such a great cause.

“It’s a brilliant way to show kids that you can have fun getting a little bit of exercise in whilst helping other people at the same time.”

Edinburgh salon owner shortlisted for prestigious national award

Christopher Laird, co-owner of salon November Collective in Livingston, near Edinburgh, has been shortlisted for one of hairdressing’s most exciting awards.

Christopher, 24, is up for the One To Watch title at Creative Head’s The It List, a competition open to stylists under 30 from across the UK. 

Presented by leading industry magazine Creative HEAD and exclusively sponsored by global hair brand ghd, The It List, now in its 13th year, provides an unparalleled platform for young hairdressers to shine, with six categories recognising hairdressing’s new stars of the future.

Entering required the submission of a detailed dossier outlining Christopher’s career story to date, along with an image gallery showcasing his strongest work. As one of five finalists in his category, he’ll now attend the Grand Final on Monday 5th September at London’s world-renowned Tate Modern, where he’ll compete for the coveted trophy.

Winners also receive an exclusive experience and gift from sponsor ghd, plus 12 months of profile-boosting coverage across the Creative HEAD print, digital and event platforms.

Christopher opened November Collective, along with co-owner Emma-Louise Cantwell, less than a year ago at the age of just 23.

Having worked as an educator for some of hairdressing’s biggest brands, as well as styling for celebrities, opening a salon was a natural progression and the duo have created an inclusive, creative space specialising in glamorous, wearable hair and professional beauty treatments. 

 ‘Making the It List finals is a dream come true!’ says Christopher. “I faced a lot of criticism in my early career and it feels as though I’m finally being taken seriously.

“I’ve worked really hard to get to this point in my life and to have that recognised by a brand as respected as Creative Head means the world. I’d love to bring the trophy home to Edinburgh but just to be shortlisted is a huge honour.”

Going green: Glenmorangie’s bottling plant switches to solar

– New solar array reduces bottling plant’s national grid reliance by one-third –

The Glenmorangie Company has installed a new solar array at its bottling plant in Livingston, as part of a significant eight-figure investment in its operations, which will reduce its current on-site energy consumption by 30 per cent.

The 1,476 panels cover the majority of the building’s roof, allowing Glenmorangie to generate its own renewable energy, delivering significant savings and at the same time reducing its carbon footprint. 

It forms part of the company’s overarching sustainable strategy to achieve net zero carbon by 2040. The installation has been carried out by West Lothian based DB Group, in partnership with Emtec Energy. The DB Group will offer energy management support as The Glenmorangie Company continues to reduce energy consumption and works towards its green targets. 

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The Company’s purpose-built Livingston site was opened in 2011. As global demand grows for both its Glenmorangie and Ardbeg Single Malt Whiskies the Company is doubling capacity at its bottling plant through an expansion due to complete in 2023. The solar array forms part of that development.

Michael Scotland, Facilities and Projects Director at Glenmorangie, said: “We’re putting sustainability at the heart of the expansion of our Alba bottling plant. Our capacity will be increasing with new high-speed lines being installed over the coming year.

“At the same time, we have installed solar panels to reduce our current reliance on the national grid. This also gives us a clear pathway to maximise green energy across our site as we work towards our sustainability targets.”

Peter Nelson, Operations Director at Glenmorangie, added: “The Glenmorangie Company has ambitious plans for growth while we are fully committed to building a sustainable future for our business and communities across Scotland.

“We have key projects already in motion or completed at our sites including the solar array at Livingston, the installation of an anaerobic digestion plant in Tain as part of our Dornoch Environmental Enhancement Project (DEEP).

“We also continue to work in partnership with other Distilleries on new hydrogen energy trials with many more projects in the pipeline to achieve our 2040 net zero ambition.”

Scotland opens first new blood donor centre in 60 years

Scotland’s first new blood donor centre venue in at least 60 years has opened at The Centre, Livingston – at a crucial point in history for the nation’s blood donors.

Recent exceptional weather combined with the easing of pandemic restrictions has led to a dip in group O and A blood donations – and with elective surgeries recommencing across the country, the need for donations is rising.

Livingston Donor Centre, situated in The Centre, aims to bring in 210 donations each week from donors living, shopping and working in the area. Designed to make blood donation easier by placing the facility within a busy shopping centre (with excellent transport links and ample parking) the hope is the venue makes it easier for local people to build giving blood into their regular routines.

Debbie McNaughton, Associate Director Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, says: “We’re delighted to be opening our new venue in Livingston today. It’s a fantastic new facility which will play a huge part in saving lives across Scotland in the future.

“This is the very first time we’ve opened a blood donor centre in a brand new Scottish location since the 1960’s – up until now, our donor centres have all been based in our biggest cities – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness.

“However, no matter where you live, patients in Scotland need you to make an extra special effort to give blood in the coming days.

“The good weather, lockdown easing and the school holidays, mean we really need donors with the blood group O and A – that’s O-, O+, A- and A+ donors in particular.

“Please make a special effort to keep your appointment, and let us know if you need to cancel. If you’ve never given blood before, or haven’t for a while, now is the time to donate.

“The Livingston Donor Centre is currently a pilot, and we plan to be in this venue for six months. we welcome all donor feedback on the blood donor centre, its location, donating hours and your donation experience there.”

  • Please make an appointment to give blood at Livingston Blood Donor Centre.
  • You can book your appointment by creating your online donor account at www.scotblood.co.uk,  contacting us online, or by phoning 0345 90 90 999 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).

Final release of sought-after apartments in West Lothian

AN INDEPENDENT housebuilder has launched a new block of apartments at its flagship development in West Lothian, bringing its final three flats to market.

Located just outside Livingston, Dundas Estates’ Uphall Station Village is now into its second phase, providing househunters with a selection of two-bedroom apartments priced from £174,495. 

Offering buyers the ultimate contemporary lifestyle, each flat boasts a large kitchen and dining spaces fitted with top of the range SMEG appliances, and Porcelanosa tiling and vanity furniture in bathrooms and en suites.

The award-winning developer saw the first block of apartments in the development’s phase one prove extremely popular.

Uphall Station Village Sales Negotiator, Janice Gemmell, said: “Uphall Station is set in an ideal location for those looking for some space outside the city, with all of the perks of the countryside but just 20 minutes from Edinburgh by train.

“The first phase of the development was popular with a range of buyers – everyone from first time buyers and families to young couples and commuters – and we anticipate this phase will be equally as sought-after.

“We have already seen a surge of interest in the new release and would urge anyone interested in a one or two-bedroom apartment to get in touch with our team as soon as possible.”

Uphall Station Village is situated just 15-minutes outside Edinburgh, with a regular service from the nearby Uphall train for commuters.

The development is surrounded by woodlands and countryside, and has two wildlife areas within its boundaries, perfect for walkers, cyclists and runners. Livingston also benefits from more than 100 miles of shared use paths and cycle networks.

Buyers at Uphall Station Village will benefit from a dedicated community hub, a space exclusively for residents to use however they wish – from parties and exercise classes to local parent and toddler groups.

There are also a number of primary and secondary schools in the local area, and Pumpeherston Golf Course and Xcite Leisure Centre are both a short walk from the development.

Uphall Station Village is a small, family-friendly community near Livingston, featuring quiet neighbourhoods and connectivity with nearby towns, cities and countryside.

The development consists of 266 homes in total, and launched in spring 2018 with two showhomes designed by interior designer Eileen Kesson at Envision.

Dundas Estates is a multi-award winning, independent, Scottish housebuilder with a track record of building well-designed homes. The developer is committed to creating welcoming, integrated communities, and making the journey of buying a home more straightforward, inspiring and fun.

To learn more about Uphall Station Village, call 0345 853 5007 or visit: 

https://www.dundas.co.uk/uphall-station-village-development-overview