Scottish business, community and political representatives join Lumo to celebrate Edinburgh Cocktail Week 2024
Chris Murray, MP for Edinburgh East & Musselburgh and Dr Scott Arthur, MP for Edinburgh South West joined Scottish business leaders and members of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce on Friday at Lumo’s sustainable cocktail event to stir-up support for Edinburgh Cocktail Week.
In addition to supporting Edinburgh Cocktail Week, the event sought to mix mocktails and connect key decision makers within the city and beyond, to serve-up cocktails and conversations around driving environmental and economic growth within local communities.
The event, held at Juniper Bar within Hotel Indigo Edinburgh – Princes Street was hosted by open access train operator, Lumo, which provides popular rail services connecting Edinburgh with Newcastle and London along the East Coast Main Line.
The event was in collaboration with Flawsome! Drinks, a company committed to sustainability by repurposing surplus ‘wonky’ fruit for soft drinks and sold onboard Lumo’s fleet of fully electric trains.
Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of Lumo, said: “We’re proud to support Edinburgh Cocktail Week, an event that not only showcases the city’s renowned arts and dynamic culture scene but also promotes sustainable choices.
“We are also deeply committed to supporting the local communities we serve and are excited to have submitted plans to expand our services to Glasgow. This expansion will strengthen ties between two of Scotland’s key cities, fostering even greater opportunities for collaboration and a greener future.”
Attracting more than 25,000 visitors across 10 days, Edinburgh Cocktail Week showcases the city’s vibrant hospitality scene while significantly contributing to the local economy, something that Lumo aims to support through connecting customers along the East Coast route with the Scottish capital.
Dr Scott Arthur, MP for Edinburgh South West, said: “I am absolutely committed to the UK hitting its net zero targets whilst also growing the economy in a way which helps create a fairer society. Sustainable public transport links connecting Edinburgh to key economic centres, like those offered by Lumo, are a key part of that.
“Whether people are drinking cocktails or mocktails, Edinburgh Cocktail Week is also a great opportunity to help boost our tourist economy.
“I am proud that Edinburgh attracts people from far and wide, and after a route of beautiful views, arriving in the city’s heart by train will always mean that visitors are emotionally stirred, not shaken.”
Lumo’s partnership with Flawsome! Drinks began earlier this year, introducing a refreshing twist to Lumo’s onboard refreshments with juice’s made from ‘wonky’ and surplus fruit, offering passengers a guilt-free, eco-friendly choice.
The cocktails at the event all included juices supplied by the sustainable drinks company with a range of spirits.
The event was supported by a range of organisations from across Edinburgh and Scotland, including the Holyrood Distillery which distils the whisky served on Lumo’s services to and from Edinburgh.
Lumo is celebrating three years of running services this month and has an approach to customer service that’s far from old-fashioned, recently serving-up a 96% customer satisfaction score.
With over 100 venues participating in Edinburgh Cocktail Week this year, including bars, restaurants, and hotels, the event not only boosted footfall but also provided a platform for venues to increase staffing and manage the surge in demand.
In addition to the bars and restaurants benefitting through direct involvement with Edinburgh Cocktail Week, local hotels and short-term lets also see increased bookings, as the influx of visitors drives demand for accommodation, providing a boost to the hospitality sector and supporting the wider local economy during the 10-day event.
The partnership between Lumo and Flawsome! reflects both companies’ commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing food waste and encouraging responsible consumption. The collaboration exemplifies how businesses can work together to address environmental challenges in practical and creative ways.
Lumo was the first long-distance train operator to replace plastic bottles onboard with sustainable alternatives and was named ‘Green Innovation Business of the Year’ at the recent North East Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.
Ian Murray thanks the hard work of people behind the scenes who make the festivals a success
The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, hosted a reception as the Edinburgh Festivals get underway this week.
The event, which was hosted in Queen Elizabeth House, the UK Government’s flagship building in Edinburgh, was attended by representatives from Edinburgh’s 11 Festivals. Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill also attended.
There was a performance from Ryan Corbett, a classical accordionist from Glasgow.
The UK Government is supporting artists bringing work to the Fringe Festival through its ‘Keep it Fringe’ fund, an initiative launched in 2023. Supported by £1 million from the UK Government over two years (2024 and 2025), there are 180 recipients of £2,500 bursaries this year.
The UK Government is also helping to fund a central premises for the Edinburgh Fringe Society to house staff and provide a venue for visitors throughout the year.
Speaking at the event, Mr Murray said: “For three weeks in August, the city of Edinburgh becomes the global epicentre of culture as we welcome an explosion of creative energy. Artists and performers take to hundreds of stages all over the city to present shows for every taste.
“It is of course not only a cultural and social asset, but a huge contributor to our economy, generating around £360m and supporting around 7000 jobs each year. The creative industries are the fastest growing part of our economy and we should nourish and support this growth.
“They are all a key part of Brand Scotland, and I am determined the Edinburgh festivals form part of our plan to attract international investment to Scotland, so that they can be enjoyed by future generations.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in the festivals whose hard work helps make this success story possible.”
The Consul General of India in Edinburgh, Mr. Bijay Selvaraj, has hosted a warm welcome event for new Indian students arriving in Scotland to pursue their academic aspirations (writes PRIYA CHADDA).
Held on November 24, 2023, the event brought together prominent guests and members of the Indian community to celebrate the achievements of these students and welcome them to their new home away from home.
Cllr Robert Aldridge, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, extended a warm welcome to the students on behalf of the city, highlighting Edinburgh’s rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming atmosphere. The Lord Provost warmly greeted each student and engaged in meaningful conversations, exemplifying Edinburgh’s commitment to embracing its diverse student population.
Dr. Sreevas Sahasranamam, Senior Lecturer at the University of Strathclyde, shared his insights into the Scottish academic landscape and offered valuable advice to the Indian students, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance between personal, academic, and professional well-being. His insights provided a roadmap for success, both academically and personally.
Gopalan Rajagopal, Head of TCS Scotland, offered insights into the growing opportunities in the Scottish technology sector and emphasized the significance of AI in shaping sustainable career paths. His perspective highlighted the dynamic and promising nature of the Scottish tech industry and the relevance of AI in the current job market.
An INSA student leader from Edinburgh shared his personal experiences and highlighted how INSA’s support has positively impacted his journey as a student in Scotland. His firsthand account demonstrated the tangible impact of INSA’s efforts in fostering a supportive environment for Indian students.
Enhancing the engagement of students and attendees, INSA organized a lively quiz testing their knowledge of Indian culture and Scottish traditions. The quiz not only added a touch of fun but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the Indian students, creating a sense of belonging and shared identity.
INSA honored the remarkable contributions of Prof. Pankaj Pankaj, Personal Chair of Computational Biomechanics and International Dean for South Asia, with a prestigious
Lifetime Achievement Award. Prof. Pankaj’s unwavering dedication to education and his unwavering support for Indian students have had a profound impact on countless individuals, making him a true inspiration to the Indian student community.
Rittika Chanda Parruck MBE, Director Education India had an amazing speech thereafter. Her speech highlighted compelling data reinforcing the strong cultural ties between the UK and India, emphasizing how this enduring relationship contributes to the growth of the UK economy. Her insights underscored the mutual benefits of cultural exchange and collaboration between the two nations.
Mr. Bijay Selvaraj, Consul General of India message to students focuses on reminding them of India’s rich academic heritage, he expressed his unwavering confidence in their ability to excel in their studies. His words of encouragement and support resonated with the students, instilling a sense of pride in their academic heritage and fueling their determination to succeed.
Puneet Dwivedi, INSA Scotland President, aware everyone with the initiatives INSA is working on tirelessly for the welfare of Indian students, and welcomed the students to INSA’s current leadership team representing various Scottish universities and encouraged them to join the organization as volunteers, contributing to the well-being of fellow Indian students. His invitation highlighted the importance of peer support and the role of INSA in fostering a sense of community among Indian students.
INSA extends a heartfelt gratitude to the exemplary students – Priya Chadha from Dundee University, Jayanth and Ninad from Edinburgh, and Jaimin Desai from Glasgow University – along with a multitude of other dedicated volunteers who have selflessly invested their time and effort in supporting Indian students transitioning from India to Scotland. Their unwavering commitment has been instrumental in guiding and assisting countless students, making their journey to Scotland smoother and more enriching.
INSA also expresses its deepest appreciation to the Consul General staff including Shobna and Hari for their meticulous planning and execution of this warm welcome event. Their unwavering dedication created a truly memorable experience for all attendees, exemplifying the spirit of hospitality and inclusivity that Scotland extends to its international students.
The event concluded with a networking reception, providing an opportunity for the new Indian students to connect with their peers, representatives from Indian organizations, and other members of the Scottish community. The delectable snacks provided during the reception were an added touch that perfectly complemented the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
INSA (Indian National Students Association) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare and advancement of Indian students in Scotland.
INSA provides a platform for Indian students to connect, socialize, and engage with the wider community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.
A celebratory reception to mark the One City Trust’s (OCT) 20th Anniversary was held at the City Chambers on Friday.
The event, hosted by the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh and President of the One City Trust, Robert Aldridge, showcased the work of the Trust in the past two decades, and looked ahead to the challenges of the future.
The Trust was established in 2003 in response to the One City report of the Lord Provost’s Commission on Social Exclusion. It engages the idea of a ‘community foundation’ to give people and organisations a means to reach across the divides of the city and support those who are excluded from the community.
A permanent endowment was established with a donation from the City of Edinburgh Council, which the Trust has added to over the years, and continues to build.
In 2012 with the creation of the ‘Lord Provost’s Rapid Action Fund’ the Trust acquired the ability to raise funds specifically for the purpose of administering grants to projects and organisations across the city.
The evening began with an exhibition of the Trust’s archive, showcasing historic documents, photos, and other objects. This was followed by speeches and roundtable discussions focussed on the Trust’s work since 2003 in the context of the two poverty commissions which have reported on the situation in Edinburgh.
The celebratory reception concluded events with a keynote speech from the Lord Provost and President of the OCT, followed by a short film on the Trust’s work and a musical accompaniment.
The One City Trust is seeking donations to continue its work fighting poverty, inequality, and social exclusion in Edinburgh. Donations can be made online via the Trust’s webpage.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh and President of the One City Trust, Robert Aldridge said: “I am immensely proud of the work that the One City Trust has undertaken in the last twenty years.
“To date, we have delivered over £1.3m of grants to 265 projects across the Capital whilst promoting community benefits and social value amongst our city’s business and private sector community.
“I have no doubt that these efforts have made a positive difference to the lives of our residents. Over the years we have been able to support organisations doing truly amazing work across our communities.
“From Edinburgh Interfaith Association breaking down cultural barriers, to Fresh Start Pantry providing low-cost nutritious and healthy food to tackle holiday hunger for vulnerable families during school holidays, to the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank making sure our schoolchildren are properly clothed, I continue to be inspired by the ways in which the Capital’s community groups look out for one another in these difficult times. This truly reflects the very best qualities of the individuals who make up our city.
“Unfortunately, we still face major challenges in the areas of poverty, inequality, and social exclusion across the city. The pandemic also cast these into sharp light and made us consider how we could reach and help our citizens in different ways.
“Now, perhaps more than ever, the One City Trust and the organisations it supports are key to supporting our communities as we move forward. I would encourage anyone reading this to consider the ways that they can contribute whether that be through donations, community benefit partnerships, volunteering or spreading the word of the Trust and its affiliates.
“As Lord Provost my duty is first and foremost to the people of Edinburgh and I am committed to helping them in any way that I am able. I look forward to seeing the One City Trust continue its work in the next twenty years and beyond, and it is my sincere hope that we will be able to make a strong and lasting difference for our most vulnerable residents.”
Irvine Welsh, celebrated Edinburgh author, and Ambassador of the One City Trust said: “I’ve been involved with the One City Trust for almost two decades. Edinburgh and the wider world have undergone significant changes in this period, resulting in poverty, inequality, and social exclusion becoming even more acute.
“Edinburgh is a city blighted by geographical inequality, great wealth and abject poverty coexisting side by side. This wealth and international acclaim that the city commands does not translate to many communities who have been left behind in an era characterised by public austerity and private profit, and at the expense of key public services. This tale of two cities that is played out not just in Edinburgh but across the country.
“This is obviously something that is in dire need of rebalancing. In the meantime, ventures like the One City Trust continue to strive to offer a way for individuals in adverse socioeconomic conditions to find a way to express themselves through arts and culture. This in turn can give them the confidence to articulate their individual needs, those of their communities and consequently inspire them to go about meeting them.
“I am proud to support the One City Trust and I hope that in the next twenty years it will continue to inspire people to question the world we find ourselves in, and to take the necessary action to fight poverty, inequality and social exclusion here in the capital of Scotland.”
Sir Ian Rankin, celebrated Edinburgh author, and Ambassador of the One City Trust said: “It has been an honour as well as a pleasure to have been associated with One City Trust for the past twenty years.
“It continues to do valuable work in Edinburgh’s local and underprivileged communities – here’s to the next twenty years!”
A civic reception to recognise the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition (August 23) was held on Wednesday evening at the City Chambers.
The event, hosted by the Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Council Leader Cammy Day, also officially launched the work of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Implementation Group (ESCLRIG). The reception provided a space to remember the victims of the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism, time to reflect on its legacy in our city, and honour those figures who fought for its abolition.
The reception opened with speeches from distinguished guests before the screening of ‘Sugar for Your Tea’, a short film from Edinburgh’s own Kayus Bankole from the Mercury Prize winning group Young Fathers. This was followed by moments for reflection and group discussions on key issues.
Back in 2020, Edinburgh agreed to address historic racial injustice and stem modern day discrimination by holding an independent review into the city’s historical links with slavery and colonialism.
Between December 2020 and July 2022, the independent Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Group, chaired by Sir Geoff Palmer, undertook a significant body of work investigating the city’s past and present relationship with slavery and colonialism.
In March 2023, Irene Mosota was nominated to chair the ESCLRIG which will take forward the remaining recommendations. In the last month the ESCLRIG has been recruiting for members of the core Implementation Group and also for a wider Supporters Network. The results of this recruitment drive have now been finalised and a full list of members is now available following the quotes below.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge said: “It was an honour to host this first civic reception with the Council Leader to recognise the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. It is imperative that as a city we look to our past in order to better understand our present and look forward to a better future.
“Edinburgh, like many other cities in the UK, was enriched by its position in the British Empire and grew at the expense of people and communities around the world. In my position as Lord Provost, I reiterate this apology on behalf of the city of Edinburgh for our historical links to slavery and colonialism. I am clear that this apology will be the start of this collective journey forward for the city.
“We want this civic reception to be the start of an annual tradition of commemoration and learning here in Edinburgh for everyone who is associated with the Capital on this day. The work of the ESCLRIG will continue year-round to shape the modern, forward thinking, and diverse city that we all want to see.”
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “The commemoration of the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition represents a key step in our work to address the legacies of slavery and colonialism here in Edinburgh.
“We must be under no illusions that racism and the legacies of slavery and colonialism continue to impact the lives of Black and Minority Ethnic people who live in and visit Edinburgh. This is completely unacceptable, and I am committed to leading an anti-racist Council in our actions and unconditional support of the ESCLRIG.
I” am proud that we are having these difficult conversations and forging the foundations for a more tolerant, just, and equal Edinburgh. It is crucial that as a city and a society we come to terms with our past in order to create a better present and future.
“I look forward to working closely with the ESCLRIG going forward, and seeing their progress as they undertake this key work for our city.”
Irene Mosota, Chair of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Implementation Group, said: “Today, we have to face up to our past and look ahead to what’s next.
“Our history is complex, marked by the weight of slavery and colonialism, which has left behind a legacy of racism that we still see in our city and its institutions. On this UNESCO Day of Remembrance, let’s work together to make changes, treating everyone with respect and dignity, and sticking to our commitment for a better future.
“Part of this work is to ensure that we listen to the voices of communities which have long been marginalised, centring their lived experiences to inform how we move forward.
“Everyone must play their part and warm words alone are not enough. We need concrete action from business communities, educational authorities, and government to combat both structural and systemic inequalities.
“The excitement about our recruitment drive shows that Edinburgh really wants to change – it’s an opportunity to reconsider our history and traditions, heal old hurts, and create a future that’s fair and just for all.”
The names and bios of the members of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group are listed below:
Irene Mosota – Chairperson: Irene Mosota, MSc, FRSA, is a social enterprise practitioner and Deputy Chair for Social Enterprise Scotland with experience in delivering a variety of social and community projects. An advocate for Social Justice, Human Rights, and Dignity for all. She is fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA). With a Master in Science in Intercultural Business Communications, Ms Mosota is the founder and managing director of Knowledge Bridge, which supports organisations in translating equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and sustainability strategies into meaningful action, change and impact.
Abimbola Adeola – Adeola obtained a first (Bachelors) degree in Political Science from the Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University and bagged his Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the prestigious University of Lagos. He is an associate member of the Nigeria Institute of Management, the Nigeria Union of Journalists and Sports Writers Association of Nigeria. He is the MD, 27 July Ltd, a complete media/content production company.
Alex Stobart – Alex works for Mydex, a Community Interest Company (CIC), which provides identity and personal data services to citizens and organisations across the public, private and third sectors in the UK. Alex has worked in technology, food and drinks industries, in the third sector and the public sector in Scotland, UK and Europe. Alex is also a Board Member of Birthlink.
Anila Mirza – Anila Mirza works as the Equality Manager at Historic Environment Scotland. She has previously worked at Shakti Women`s Aid where she worked closely with women who have no recourse to public funds and campaigns to promote women’s rights, justice, and equality for all women. Anila has an in-depth knowledge of issues related to the migrant communities in Scotland. She is the co-editor of ‘Real Women: Unheard Stories-based on true stories of migrant women in Scotland and also a published poet for a poetry collection `Fire In Me`.
Asif Khan – Asif is the director of the Scottish Poetry Library (SPL). Based in Edinburgh, the SPL is home to the nation’s collection of modern Scottish poetry. Asif has worked on numerous projects engaging African diaspora communities and themes at home and abroad, including as a producer of the Jamaica Rising and Yardstick poetry festivals, and in his role as a senior cultural policy advisor for the UK’s Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade programme in 2007.
Christina Sinclair – Christina Sinclair, MSc MA BArch IHBC, is the Director of Edinburgh World Heritage – the independent charity dedicated to the proactive conservation of our beautiful city, for the benefit of all. From studying architecture on Edinburgh’s Chambers Street and a Masters in European Urban Conservation, through years dedicated to positively and proactively managing change in historic places across the sectors, she is a passionate ambassador for Edinburgh’s outstanding historic environment.
Grant Mackenzie – Grant is an experienced Strategic Leader, Project Manager and Consultant with over 20-years of experience in delivering cultural projects. He recently delivered the David Livingstone Birthplace Museum project, recontextualising the Museum exhibition’s interpretation. Also worked on the Kelpies/Helix project, National Museums Scotland and the British Museum. A long-standing Edinburgh resident, who is keen to ensure that our history tells the real story of the past. Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Implementation Group Members
Harry Mould – Harry Mould (they/she) is a mixed-heritage and neurodiverse artist and Wellbeing Facilitator. They are currently the Federation of Scottish Theatre’s first Policy and Public Affairs Lead, focusing on advocacy and inclusion, and was a member of the HiPA working group, which produced two guides combatting harassment in the performing arts. Harry was the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh’s first EDI Associate, one of the founding team members of Bolton Pride festival and is a graduate of Stonewall’s Role Model programme.
Harry Ross – Harry is a teaching artist, producer, and librettist who has been commissioned globally – from Théâtre des Champs- Elysées to New National Theatre Tokyo. He was founding producer of Secret Cinema, and then worked to create art experiences that bring minoritised histories to life with The National Trust, The National Archives, and Kensington and Chelsea Culture. Currently he is creative director of Army at the Fringe; commissioning art and theatre that deals with the diversity, inclusivity, and utility of the armed forces in society, and a PhD candidate at Edinburgh Napier’s Centre for Military Research, Education and Public Engagement.
Professor Kenneth Amaeshi – Kenneth joined the University of Edinburgh in 2010. He has an expert level knowledge of developing and emerging economies. He has an extensive network in Africa and is currently a Visiting Professor of Leadership and Financial Markets in Africa, London School of Economics, a Visiting Professor of Strategy at the Lagos Business School, Nigeria, and an Honorary Professor of Business in Africa at the Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Kenneth Barker – Ken recently retired as a partner of Baillie Gifford & Co where he headed their fixed income client business. He also served as a director of Scottish Financial Enterprise from 2014 to 2018. Prior to his career in asset management, Ken worked in investment banking in London for JP Morgan and Banque Paribas. Ken is a graduate in Political Science of the University of Glasgow and a Charterholder of the CFA Institute. Ken is Chair of Trustees with The David Hume Institute.
Dr Melissa Moncrieffe – Dr. Melissa Moncrieffe is Jamaican-American and the Founder and Director of Valued Educational Services (VES), a global education company based in the UK and the USA. Dr. Moncrieffe has years of professional and academic experiences in the arts (visual and piano), international studies, languages, education, and history. Dr. Moncrieffe obtained her Masters in International Studies at The Graduate Institute in Geneva and her PhD in Education from The University of Edinburgh.
Nava Rizvi – Nava Rizvi is an art historian and artist whose practice and research interests revolve around cultural memory, (de)colonial theory and practices, themes of identity and belonging as well as language and third culture. She graduated in December 2022 with an MSc. in History of Art, Theory and Display from the University of Edinburgh and has been a Curatorial Fellow for the Future Flow project with Edinburgh Printmakers.
Professor Roger Jeffrey – Roger Jeffery was Professor of Sociology of South Asia at the University of Edinburgh from 1997 to 2020. Starting in 1970 he has been involved in many sociological research projects in different South Asian countries. He was a co-founder of the University’s Centre for South Asian Studies and is Associate Director of its Edinburgh India Institute; he is also a Trustee of the Edinburgh Indian Association.
Stephen Kelly – Stephen has lived in Edinburgh since 1989 having moved here the day after leaving school in North Lanarkshire. He studied in Edinburgh, qualified to teach Physics and Mathematics, and then began working in Edinburgh schools in 1995. He is currently on secondment to the post of Head of Education; his substantive post is Headteacher of Liberton High School where he has been in post since 2012.
Foysol Choudhury MSP co-hosted an Eid with Parliamentarians event at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday (2nd May 2023).
The Labour Lothians list MSP said: “Tuesday’s Eid celebration at the Scottish Parliament, organised by the Muslim Council of Scotland and co-hosted by myself and Kaukab Stewart MSP, was a fantastic event.
“We heard recitals from the holy Quran and learnt how its lessons can be applicable to all of our lives, discussed the meaning of Eid and Ramadan and joined in celebration together over food and refreshments.
“We also heard from some fantastic speakers including First Minister Humza Yousaf MSP, Scottish Labour Party leader Anas Sarwar MSP, Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, Meghan Gallacher MSP, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh Cllr Robert Aldridge, the Turkish Consul General Özgür Yavuzer, the Pakistan Consul General Syed Zahid Raza and Dr Adrees from Muslim Council of Scotland.
“Afterwards, we shared in some delicious cake, cut by the First Minister and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar MSP, to joyous shouts of Eid Mubarak!
“To see the community join in prayer in the Scottish Parliament and share our faith with visitors and colleagues was also a special moment.
“It represented sentiments echoed through the night of how fantastic it is to see Scotland’s diverse communities and faiths represented in the Scottish Parliament, particularly with the election of Humza Yousaf as Scotland’s first Muslim First Minister.
“It was a fantastic celebration of Eid with the Muslim community from across Scotland and many guests and colleagues from all faiths, backgrounds and political parties.
“Thank you to all those who were involved in making it such a special night, including the esteemed speakers, faith leaders, the Muslim Council of Scotland, my colleague Kaukab Stewart MSP and the Scottish Parliament’s staff.
The Moderator of the General Assembly Lord Jim Wallace has embarked on a ten-day schedule to learn more about the life and work of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Lord Wallace said he is looking forward to attending events organised by the Presbytery of Edinburgh which will see him meet people from all walks of life and learn how they have coped during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Presbytery visits provide Moderators with an opportunity to offer encouragement and support to church members and the communities they serve.
Due to the lockdown, this is the first fully in-person visit to take place since 2019.
Lord Wallace, Moderator of the General Assembly
Lord Wallace, a QC and former MP and MSP, said the city is close to his heart. “I am very much looking forward to my first presbytery visit, not least because it is Edinburgh where I went to university, trained as a lawyer, practiced as a lawyer, sat in the Scottish Parliament and where I met my wife, Rosie,” he said.
“I am very grateful to the presbytery for putting together a very comprehensive programme, which will allow me to engage with a whole range of people who reflect my interests and background.”
Candidates
The programme will see Lord Wallace visit churches, hospitals, universities and a prison and meet ordinary church members, politicians, senior figures in the judiciary, ministers, chaplains and interfaith and ecumenical leaders.
Lord Wallace was ordained as an elder at what was St Bernard’s Church in Stockbridge in 1981. It is now called Stockbridge Parish Church and Lord Wallace joined the congregation there yesterday (above).
In the evening, the Moderator led worship at Holy Trinity Church in Wester Hailes.
Lord Wallace will meet with Councillor Frank Ross, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, at the City Chambers today and will later attend an event at New College to mark their 175th Anniversary and meet candidates for the ministry.
This evening, the Moderator will attend a civic event at the City Chambers for members of the Edinburgh Area Children’s Panel who make sure that a young person is at the heart of legal decisions that affect them.
Many church members are involved in this work and Lady Wallace, who will be accompanying her husband, was a panel member for many years until recently.
Courts and prison
On Tuesday, Lord Wallace, who is currently sitting on the non-affiliated benches in the House of Lords, is visiting the Charteris Centre run by Greyfriars Kirk, which is based in a refurbished church building at The Pleasance which is nearing completion.
It is a social enterprise initiative which seeks to provide a place for connection with communities of all kinds.
Afterwards he will visit Edinburgh Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Courts to hear more about the administration of justice, especially during the pandemic.
Lord Wallace will then travel to HMP Edinburgh in the Saughton area of the city where he will be given a tour and introduced to staff, prisoners and the chaplains who support them.
On Wednesday, he will visit Napier University’s Sighthill campus where he will meet Principal Andrea Nolan and be given a tour of the Clinical Centre in School of Health and Social Care.
He will meet staff, students, members of the university’s chaplaincy team and Professor Gary Hutchinson and Liz Aston from the School of Applied Sciences to discuss work with Scottish Institute For Policing Research.
In the afternoon, the Moderator will visit the Granton Goes Greener project at Granton Parish Church to learn more about an innovative clothes upcycling project which is part of work to reduce consumption as part of efforts to tackle the climate crisis.
He will later attend a special Presbytery service in St Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile, which will be attended by the church’s ecumenical and interfaith partners, as well as national and civic leaders, and will be followed by a reception in Parliament Hall which will bring people from the worlds of religion, politics and legal profession together.
On Thursday, the Moderator is visiting Edinburgh Airport with Rev Moira MacDonald, minister of Corstorphine Old Parish Church and Workplace Chaplain, Esther Elliot, to hear about the work of workplace chaplains.
He will later meet with the Principal of the University of Edinburgh and visit the law school – the place where he studied – to speak with students and staff.
Frontline chaplains
In the evening, the Moderator will attend a Presbyterial Guild event in Craiglockhart Parish Church, speaking on the theme of “Look forward in Faith”.
On Friday, he is visiting the Royal Blind School, the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and will attend an evening reception at Edinburgh Castle for chaplains who serve in a wide variety of contexts – hospitals, the military, universities and the workplace.
Lord Wallace said: “I am looking forward to meeting people engaged in chaplaincy, many of whom have been at the front line during the COViD-19 crisis.
“I will be very much in listening mode and hope to provide them with encouragement.”
Polwarth Parish Church is the Moderator’s next stop where, on Saturday, he will visit the new All Aboard canal boat that the congregation jointly own with a charity called People Know How.
It is used for spiritual and educational pursuits on the Union Canal, which links Edinburgh and Falkirk.
The Moderator will take part in worship at Tron, Moredun and Gilmerton Church on Sunday and join members of Leith Churches for a special service in the evening.
He will visit the Richmond’s Hope bereavement project for children and young people at Richmond Craigmillar Church the following day.
Very Rev Dr Derek Browning, Moderator of Edinburgh Presbytery, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Lord Wallace.
“Presbytery visits allow Moderators to meet local Christians and gain a wider perspective of how the Church, and the communities we support, engage.”
A wonderful ground-breaking and, probably for the first time ever in the history of Scotland, that a Muslim organisation organised, Hindu organisation supported, Christian Lord Provost hosted an event for Sikhs on the 550th Anniversary of the birth of their founder and attended by all faiths (writes PUNEET DWIVEDI). Continue reading Faiths come together to celebrate 550th Anniversary of founder of Sikhism
Edinburgh-based advocate for the homeless Mel Young (above)has been recognised by the Lord Provost after earning an award from the United States Sports Academy. Mel, founder of the Homeless World Cup and the Scottish Big Issue, follows in the footsteps of sporting giants Cristiano Ronaldo, Tiger Woods, Andre Agassi and Michael Jordan to be named winner of the Academy’s prestigious 2016 Jackie Robinson Humanitarian Award.Continue reading Mel Young recognised for his ‘concern for mankind’
