Tag: Royal Bank of Scotland

Steet Cred? Royal Bank teams up with rap artist Nova Scotia The Truth after Covid puts life on hold

  • New survey finds young people are some of the most anxious when thinking about their financial security and futures, as country begins to emerge from lockdown
  • Rapper Nova Scotia The Truth – who spent award win on Zoom rather than at annual celebration – fronts new campaign to encourage people to think about what they want from their future
  • Bank calls on the public to consider their financial situation as research shows more than half have parked a key ‘life moment’ during lockdown

New research from Royal Bank of Scotland has found that more than half (56%) of 18–34-year-olds in Scotland put a ‘life moment’ (e.g. wedding, graduation, buying their first home) on hold during the last 12 months.

Of those with life moments planned, almost a third (31%) said ‘financial insecurity’ caused by the pandemic had affected these plans, with one in ten (10%) citing a loss of employment and 8% affected by their lack of financial knowledge.

More than a fifth (22%) of all 18-34-year-olds said they feel anxious about money troubles in a post-Covid world compared with less than one in ten (9%) of those aged 55+.

As the country takes the first steps towards re-opening, Royal Bank has committed to improving the nation’s financial capabilities by offering every person a free Financial Health Check, to reduce money anxieties and help them achieve their goals.

To encourage signups for the service and urge young people to think about their future, the bank has enlisted the support of rapper and DJ, Shaheeda Sinckler aka Nova Scotia The Truth, who was crowned Scottish Album of the Year winner 2020.

The 25-year-old rap artist, who lives in Edinburgh but had plans to buy a new home in Glasgow, has seen her life put on pause with live gigs postponed, missed family moments and adjusting to a virtual existence with college, career planning and even collecting her SAY Award from behind the screen, rather than on-stage at Edinburgh’s Summerhall.

Shaheeda has been commissioned by the bank to write and produce an exclusive new track about the implications of 2020 and making future dreams happen – it’s due for release later this year.  

Despite the increased financial anxieties among young people, almost 2/5ths (39%) do believe the pandemic has made them better at financial planning and when asked about the things they are looking forward to once restrictions allow it, key sources of excitement for 18-34-year-olds in Scotland include:

·       Going on holiday (74%)

·       Date nights (50%)

·       Attending a live gig (48%)

·       A return to education (22%)

·       Buying a house (20%)

Shaheeda Sinckler, Nova Scotia The Truth, said: “At the start of 2020, I planned to move back to Glasgow and focus on gigging but because of the pandemic, I’ve had to stay at home with my family. It’s not been the easiest year but I’m lucky I’ve been able to focus on creative projects and do my college work virtually, I know not everyone has been so fortunate.

“The pandemic has given us time to reflect on our lives and the way we structure them and for me, that involved streamlining my finances to make sure I’m setting myself up well for when life goes back to normal. If you’ve got a plan in place now and the right support, you can achieve your goals quicker.”

Malcolm Buchanan, Chair, Scotland Board, Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “The impact of the pandemic on people’s plans – and their financial situation – has been immense.

“Directly or indirectly, everyone has been touched by it. Through our conversations with our younger customers and colleagues, a group who are normally working towards their future plans and goals, it is clear that many dreams and life moments have been paused. This is understandable given the climate.

“Shaheeda’s story has shown that it has impacted everyone, whether in the public eye or not.

“It has been challenging and there is a long way to go but we’ve seen that some people have reappraised what they want from life, whether it is a new life goal or even plans to set up their own business in the future.

“Regardless of how long it takes for people to get back on their feet, we want to help give everyone the support and skills they need to help them make their dreams a reality and help them plan for the future.”

Royal Bank is making financial management easier by providing the following:

·       Financial Health Check – A free 20-minute conversation with a senior advisor who provides guidance to make banking simpler, and tips for everyday spending or achieving future goals. This could include setting savings targets, advice on tracking monthly spending and creating budgets. Customers can choose to chat in a branch or over the phone. personal.rbs.co.uk/personal/financial-health-check.html

·       Royal Bank of Scotland app – Customers using Royal Bank of Scotland’s award-winning app will now be able to easily see where their money is going with the new ‘spending’ tab which will show them how much they’re spending each month, helping them stay in control of their money.

·       MoneySense – MoneySense provides parents and teachers with the tools to give young people the confidence to use money responsibly on their own. MoneySense is fully digital and downloadable, it can be delivered by teachers in schools. It’s the longest-running bank-led financial education programme for young people in the UK.

A third of Scots don’t feel financially secure in current Covid-19 climate

A new survey from Royal Bank of Scotland has found that a third (33%) of people in Scotland don’t feel financially secure or believe they have enough money to live comfortably and afford essential payments (e.g. groceries, utility bills, mortgage and rent payments) in the current Covid-19 climate. 

Despite this, three in ten (29%) Scots surveyed admitted that they would be uncomfortable speaking to friends and family about their current financial status and three in ten (30%) said they have previously lied to make themselves seem more financially secure than they are.

Almost two-thirds (63%) of Scots surveyed also acknowledged that they would feel embarrassed to ask family or friends to borrow money, however, more worryingly, three in ten (29%) said they often and always feel depressed when they think about their current financial situation.

The research comes as Royal Bank of Scotland launches its new Financial Flex campaign that will encourage Scots – especially younger generations – to start talking more openly and honestly about their finances to combat growing worries around money. Through a Royal Bank Financial Health Check, anyone, whether a customer or not, can get free advice on how to manage their money better.

Psychotherapist Kelly Hearn, an accredited UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) member, reviewed the findings. She said: “Financial anxiety is high and increasing in this pandemic, particularly among young adults.

“Money worries can lead to enormous shame and so are difficult to discuss. They cut straight to issues of self-worth and feelings of ‘not enough.’  Often people suffer in silence which only compounds the issue. A vicious cycle emerges where financial stress causes mental stress which affects physical health as well, particularly when coping mechanisms like binge drinking or eating are enacted. 

“Financial anxieties affect most of us and yet are rarely discussed.  It is time to address the taboo subject of money more openly as financial wellbeing is an important pillar of mental and physical health.”

The free financial health check service is available from Royal Bank.  It is a review with a highly trained senior personal banker and is currently offered by video. 

During the appointment, the senior banker will consider all areas of finances to help customers make the best decisions about what they feel is right for them. The review can also be completed by telephone if required. 

To book or for more information, visit:  

https://personal.rbs.co.uk/personal/financial-health-check.html 

Businesses unite to spread Christmas cheer to thousands through shoebox appeal

·        Royal Bank of Scotland’s Winter Sparkle festive campaign aims to bring cheer to 10,000 people and families this Christmas

·        Bank’s charity partner BaxterStorey is distributing 100,000 meals to the country’s most vulnerable as part of the drive

·        Businesses and organisations including The Scottish Book Trust, Tesco and Amazon back the drive

·        Social Bite, Cyrenians, The Felix Project and Edinburgh Food Project help take the programme to Scotland’s neediest communities

Royal Bank of Scotland has partnered with hospitality provider BaxterStorey and security company G4S, to distribute more than 10,000 shoeboxes full of toys, books, games, food and items of clothing for vulnerable people and families across Scotland, as part of the bank’s Winter Sparkle initiative.

The shoeboxes – which have been packed in a socially distant setting at the bank’s Gogarburn HQ in Edinburgh – are being given to charity partners Social Bite, Cyrenians, The Felix Project and Edinburgh Food Project, to distribute amongst thousands of individuals and families they support across the country.

Catering company BaxterStorey will also prepare and deliver an additional 100,000 cooked meals for vulnerable families in Scotland, thanks to generous donations of fresh produce from a number of the Royal Bank’s agricultural customers. 

Other supporters of the project include the Scottish Book Trust, Tesco and Business in the Community, while employees and customers of the bank have been able to purchase items via a bespoke Amazon wish list.

The shoebox initiative is the latest project from the team behind the foodbank distribution centre at Gogarburn. It was set up in March by bank employee, Sheena Hales, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, to offer charities a space to store large food deliveries. In October, Sheena was awarded a British Empire Medal in recognition of her efforts.

Since opening, the foodbank centre has distributed around 6,000 meals per week, taken in huge donations including 220,000 items of new clothing, and welcomed truckloads of potatoes and carrots – all to be issued by charities to those in need.

Along with donations of food and clothing, the foodbank has also helped furnish a homeless shelter in Glasgow and through a partnership with the Scottish Book Trust, has provided families with learning packs, storybooks and even tablets and Wi-Fi access to support with remote learning.

Sheena Hales, Programme Capability Manager at Royal Bank of Scotland and Manager of the Gogarburn distribution centre, said: “Christmas can always be a challenging time but the events and added pressures of 2020 have undoubtedly created extra stress and anxiety for many families.

“The foodbank has been committed to supporting those in need since the onset of the pandemic and while the food parcels will be essential, it’s also our hope that the little extra treats in the boxes will put a few smiles on faces this festive season.

“Crucially, this has been a team effort and none of it would be possible without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers or the generosity of our staff, customers and strategic partners who have worked tirelessly to make the foodbank what it is”

Caroline Bacigalupo, Operations Manager at BaxterStorey, said: “We are delighted to have been working with local community councils and local charities, supplying a variety of sweet treats and hearty meals.

“This Christmas, we plan to fill over 10,000 boxes for Christmas gifts and food packages to help those in need across Edinburgh and the Lothians. 

“With the ongoing support of our team at BaxterStorey, G4S and of course Royal Bank of Scotland, we will be out delivering the packages in the run-up to Christmas.”

Malcolm Buchanan, Chair, Scotland Board, Royal Bank of Scotland said: “The work that our foodbank team has delivered throughout 2020 has been truly admirable and the results achieved reflect the unwavering commitment of our staff, customers and partners, who have all gone above and beyond to support those in their local communities.

“Under Sheena’s leadership, the team have been working behind the scenes to coordinate, manage and store huge deliveries and have all been busy packing up the shoeboxes ready for distribution. Our charity partners will then take the wheel, allocating the boxes to the incredibly deserving individuals and families within their support networks.”

Tyl by Royal Bank calls on Scots to support local businesses this festive season

·        83% of Scots agree that they have a greater appreciation for the staff working in local businesses as a result of the pandemic

·        However, despite this stated support, less than one in five, (18%) expect to ‘support local’ and do most of their Christmas spending with local independent stores

·        Additionally, more than a third (37%) have cancelled plans to spend money eating or drinking at local, independent businesses since the outbreak of Covid-19

·        Gift giving takes on a deeper significance as more than a third (38%) report that they have sent gifts as a way of staying in touch with family and friends during Covid-19

Over four-fifths (83%*) of Scots have a greater appreciation for staff working in local businesses as a result of the pandemic.

The latest data from Tyl in partnership with YouGov revealed that with many UK small businesses forced to firstly shut up shop and then to adapt to new ways of working in response to Covid-19 restrictions, public appreciation for those working in local independent retailers, restaurants and other SMEs has soared.

However, despite the increased appreciation of small businesses on their doorstep, less than one in five (18%) report that they intend to spend most of their Christmas budget with local, independent businesses. Additionally, more than a third (37%) admit to having cancelled plans to spend money eating or drinking at local, independents because of Covid-19.

In response to social distancing measures, gift giving has taken on a deeper significance during the festive season with more than a third (38%) of survey respondents reporting that they had sent gifts to friends and family as a way of staying connected to their loved ones throughout the pandemic. 

Mike Elliff, CEO, Tyl said: “This research clearly demonstrates that now, more than ever, people across Scotland have an appreciation for those working in their local cafes, pubs and shops.

“The weeks and months in the run up to Christmas are traditionally filled with parties, meals out and last-minute shopping trips. Although this year’s festive season might look different, we’re calling on everybody who can support their local independent stores to make sure their purchase behaviour reflects their good intentions.

“Covid-19 has had a substantial impact on small businesses – many of whom have been forced to close or operate with reduced hours. Through contactless and telephony payments and the facilitation of eCommerce transactions, Tyl, along with the wider payment industry, has a clear role to play in helping the country’s high street and hospitality sector to recover and rebuild for the future.”

The survey examined predicted consumer spending behaviour in the run up to Christmas.

Unwrapping support for small businesses

As the festive season approaches, the data predicted where consumers will spend this Christmas, revealing that only 18% expect to buy the majority of their Christmas gifts from local independent stores.

With social distancing reducing capacity in shops, and pubs and restaurants no longer able to accept payments at the bar, Tyl offers customers the freedom to process transactions throughout the entire venue, reducing wait times and ultimately increasing revenue. Tyl also offers next day settlement, ensuring that money reaches the merchant the next business day.

Rise of eCommerce

As a result of the UK high street operating under lockdown restrictions,  eCommerce is anticipated to play a central role in gift-giving this Christmas, with more than a quarter (26%) intending to do most of their shopping with online only business and more than two fifths (44%) anticipating that at least 70% of their Christmas purchases will be made online.

Only 3% of respondents estimate that they will do all their Christmas shopping in traditional bricks and mortar retailers, indicating that local independent stores will have to adapt to online demands in order to maximise festive returns.

Support for all payment methods

Whilst the consumer and business trend towards contactless and card payments continues, Royal Bank continues to support its personal and business customers with cash requirements, as supporters of UK Finance’s Access to Cash Initiative. The bank has become the first in the UK to offer fee-free secure cash home delivery to vulnerable customers, as well as keeping over 95% of the branch network open throughout the pandemic, and backing ATM operator LINK’s 12-month pledge to maintain free-to-use ATMs.

Tyl is a new, innovative payments service designed in partnership with UK SMEs to make it easier for small business customers across the country to receive payments in-store, online and over the phone and manage cash flow during COVID-19 and beyond.

Tyl provides next-day settlement for users, ensuring money is in their bank account the next business day, which has been a crucial factor in assisting businesses with cash flow during the coronavirus pandemic.

As part of our commitment to help businesses and communities thrive, Tyl has partnered with Pennies, the UK’s leading charity working to protect and grow micro-donations. The partnership grants a proportion of profit to charities, meaning that Tyl customers can benefit their local communities by choosing us as your payment partner.

Focus on strength and resilience for Scottish Family Business Week

A free event dedicated to Scottish family businesses, hosted by Royal Bank of Scotland, has kicked off this week, exploring how a strong and resilient business can be built in the current climate.

With a mix of live panel discussions, interactive breakout sessions and a variety of supporting thought leadership materials and podcasts being shared virtually, the Scottish Family Business Week: Strength and Resilience in an Ever Changing World is set to welcome over 250 businesses.  

Together with Institute of Family Business (IFB) and KPMG, Royal Bank of Scotland moved the annual conference online, giving local family firms the opportunity to explore together fresh insights, strategies, and solutions to current business questions.

With speakers including Arnold Clark Automobiles’ Adam Clark (above), and Iain Anderson of GAP Group, the event will cover key themes, such as: next generation and succession; diversity and female leadership; purpose and culture; innovation and entrepreneurship, and more.

The conference, which runs until 30th October, is free to attend and will allow family businesses to connect with peers to share experiences and knowledge through a series of daily online events.

Charlie Serafini, Relationship Director at Royal Bank of Scotland said: “This year, we have worked closely with many families to understand their needs and, where required, provide financial support to help them trade through these exceptional times.

“Whilst the pandemic has thrown many curveballs, we have found family businesses to be more resilient, adaptable, and agile. With an acute awareness of the role they play as employers within local communities, many have pivoted and diversified to create new revenue streams as a result of the pandemic.

“With family businesses representing 85% of privately owned Scottish companies, we feel it’s essential for these businesses to come together to connect, listen, learn and discuss the issues which matter to them most, to ensure a strong recovery.”

For more information, and to register, visit: https://www.ifb.org.uk/events/scottish-family-business-week.

Events will be recorded tor businesses which are keen to attend, but unable to join on the day.

Gerard Butler backs the Kiltwalk

Hollywood A-lister Gerard Butler is the latest celebrity to call on fellow Scots to sign up for the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk. The Paisley-born star is joined by Ross King, LA Correspondent for ITV, who was recognised in the New Year honours list with an MBE for services in Broadcasting, the Arts and Charity. Continue reading Gerard Butler backs the Kiltwalk

STV’s Real Heroes – Fet-Lor features this Friday

 

Crewe Road South’s Fet-lor Youth Club and Serenity Cafe from Dumbiedykes will feature on STV’s Real Heroes this Friday

Mark Foster (fetlor) with Paul Brannigan

 STV’s brand new series of RBS – Finding Scotland’s Real Heroes kicked off again on Friday. Presented by Carol Smillie and sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland, the STV series celebrates people whose tireless effort, resourcefulness, and kindness has improved local communities across Scotland. 

The nominees were selected by a special jury and will feature in a series of programmes every Friday evening. Across the five episodes, ‘star reporters’ visit each of the nominees to interview them about their work in the community and their thoughts on the nomination for a Real Hero award.

The star reporters this year include The X Factor runner-up Nicholas McDonald, actress Clare Grogan, Taggart star Alex Norton and actor Bill Paterson.

The year’s shortlist includes deserving Scots from Wick to West Lothian, and Skye to South Lanarkshire, recognising the amazing work local people are undertaking in their communities across the country. The categories include Carer of the Year, Young Real Hero of the Year, and a new award for Hero Animal of the Year.

At the end of each programme viewers are invited to vote for the nominees they believe most deserve to win a Scotland’s Real Heroes Award, with the overall winners being celebrated at a glittering televised awards ceremony later in the year.

Elizabeth Partyka, deputy director of channels at STV, said: “The time has come to highlight the outstanding work modestly carried out by the finalists of the series RBS – Finding Scotland’s Real Heroes.  We look forward to celebrating the enormous achievement of all of the nominees.  Each story tells of a remarkable accomplishment and is very moving – all the finalists are considered to be most deserving however it is the STV viewers that decide who will pick up an award.”

Chris Wilson, Royal Bank of Scotland’s Managing Director of Branch and Private Banking in Scotland, said:  “Everyone at Royal Bank of Scotland is looking forward to finding out more about this year’s incredible finalists. We think it’s important to celebrate those people who go that extra mile for their community. Each one of the finalists is deserving of recognition and we are all looking forward to seeing who the public choose.”

For more information, visit www.stv.tv/realheroes or get involved on Twitter #scotlandsrealheroes or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/scotrealheroes

 

RBS FINDING SCOTLAND’S REAL HEROES 2014

 THE FINALISTS 

 

CARER OF THE YEAR           

Nell Graham (Portobello Monday Centre)                   Portobello, Edinburgh

Clare Grogan visits Nell who runs the Portobello Monday Centre, for people who have dementia.  The club offers a break for their carers whilst also providing fun filled activities and a homemade lunch for the members.

Maw’s Mafia (The EK Hangout)                          East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire

Carol Smillie meets this group of four mums who set up The EK Hangout, a club for young adults with learning disabilities, which allows them to set up strong friendships with people their own age and have some fun.  All the ‘Maws’ have sons who attend the club and they care for at home.

Anne Swartz (Scottish Kinship Care Alliance)                       Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire

Ron Donachie visits Anne who is a full time kinship carer for her three grandchildren and is the chairperson of the Scottish Kinship Care Alliance.  Anne works tirelessly to improve the provision for children in Kinship care.

COMMUNITY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

 Jim McConkey                                                                     Govan, Glasgow

Sanjeev Kohli meets Jim who invents safety gadgets in his garden shed for the pensioners in his community.

Vicki McCarthy (REACH for Autism)                              Greenock, Inverclyde

Paul Brannigan meets Vicki – the mother of an autistic daughter who set up specialist centre and social enterprise cafe for autistic people and their families.

Ross Cowie (Lucky2BHere)                                             Portree, Isle of Skye

Jayd Johnson travels to Skye to meet Ross Cowie who set up ‘Lucky2BHere’ which provides training and defibrillators to public places across Skye and now Scotland.  Ross set up the enterprise after he suffered a cardiac arrest in 2007. 

RBS – COMMUNITY PROJECT OF THE YEAR 

Fet-Lor                                                                                              Pilton, Edinburgh

Paul Brannigan visits the oldest youth club in Scotland (pictured top), which provides constructive after school activities in a safe environment to young people in an under-privileged area of Edinburgh.  The group also puts members through the Duke of Edinburgh Award so they have something positive to put on their CVs when leaving school. 

The Driving Force                                                               Bonnybridge, Falkirk

Alex Norton spends the day with the volunteers of ‘The Driving Force’ who provide free hospital transport to cancer patients and people with other long-term illnesses.   This service gives people with cancer the opportunity to regain a sense of purpose by hiring them as volunteer drivers.

The Serenity Cafe                                                              Holyrood, Edinburgh

Carol Smillie visits this special cafe (pictured below) which is run by people in recovery from addiction.  It is used by people in recovery and open to public customers too.  This safe-haven also provides volunteer opportunities for those in recovery.  The cafe is a focal point for various activity groups such as a running club, guitar group and sewing group.

Carol Smillie at the Serenity Cafe

SPORTING VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR            

Elaine McKenna (Special Olympics Lothian)              Blackburn, West Lothian

Des Clarke meets Elaine who coaches a multi sport group and football team for people with learning disabilities.  From carpet bowls, to new age kurling and boccia – some of her students have gone on to represent team GB at the Special Olympics.

Pat Bannan (Bannan Fitness Club)                   Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire

Stephen Purdon meets Pat – a 66 year old who is passionate about keeping everyone in his community fit and healthy.  From tots to pensioners, everyone is welcome at the Bannan Fitness Club.

Andrew Campbell (Camran Taekwondo)         Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire

Jayd Johnson meets this taekwondo instructor who provides low cost and sometimes free lessons for kids in his area, teaching them the ethos of this popular martial art.  Andrew has even coached a few medal winners over the years! 

HERO ANIMAL OF THE YEAR 

Barra the dog (K9 Search and Recovery Scotland)               Luss, Argyll & Bute

Alex Norton meets Barra the dog – a trained search and recovery dog whose specialist skill is submerged victim recovery.  Barra is trained to find the scent of missing people underwater and has helped bring closure to many families across Scotland.

Sid the horse (Aberdeen RDA)                                       Milltimber, Aberdeen

STV’s Andrea Brymer visits Sid the Horse – a much loved member of the team at ‘Riding for the Disabled Aberdeen’.  Sid’s great temperament means he is the ideal horse for the riders who all have learning and physical disabilities.

Ben the dog (Therapet)                                        Old Meldrum, Aberdeenshire

Ron Donachie meets Ben, a ‘therapet’ who regularly visits the acute stroke ward at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where patients can sit with him, pet him and talk to him.  Offering comfort in stressful times, Ben is loved by the patients and the ward staff. 

COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR        

 Bathgate Street Pastors                                                   Bathgate, West Lothian

Jennifer Reoch spends a busy Saturday night with this group who help keep the people of Bathgate safe on nights out.  Their Saturday night involves handing out flip-flops to girls struggling in heels, providing a listening service to those who’ve had a bit too much to drink, handing out alarms to young women as well as keeping them safe in taxis.  This is all voluntarily.

Jackie McIntosh(MS Therapy Centre)                          Inverness, Highlands

Kelly Cates meets this wonder woman who single-handedly raises £140,000 a year to keep the MS Therapy Centre running.  It’s down to Jackie that this vital service is kept running and was saved from closure. 

Margaret Gibb (West of Scotland Play Scheme)       Bellshill, South Lanarkshire

Clare Grogan meets Margaret who has given over 30 years of her life to the young people of Bellshill with her playgroups and play-schemes.  This group have been used as a model for the 300 plus play-schemes now running across the west of Scotland. 

HERO NEIGHBOUR OF THE YEAR 

Ann Graham                                                                         Riverside, Stirling

Anita Manning meets this hero neighbour who not only organises local flood defences, neighbourhood clean-ups and a beautiful orchard, she also delivers handmade cakes and Sunday lunches to her doting neighbours.

Mo and Roxy Razzaq                                              Blantyre, South Lanarkshire

Carol Smillie visits the owners of the neighbourhood shop who provide deliveries to the elderly and disabled, a ‘losers lotto’ to regular customers.  Mo and Roxy run the local football team, give milk and groceries to the primary school, as well as giving two pence charge for carrier bags to local charities.

Margaret (Garry) Robertson                                                       Wick, Caithness

Kelly Cates visits ‘Garry’ who lives in sheltered housing. Garry arranges activities and days out for others in the home whilst volunteering at the local scouts, running a chess class at the primary school and helping as treasurer at a bell ringing group.  On top of all this Garry assists the local archives, and mentors people with mental health issues.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR 

Saltburn Woodland Walk                                                 Invergordon, Highlands

Ron Donachie visits Bob and Sandy.  They are a pair of retired friends who have dedicated years to regenerating an area of Invergordon.   What was formally an aluminium smelter has been transformed into a lovely woodland walk.  All the work was carried out with their bare hands and a small tractor.

Yooz Reuse & Recycling                                       Bellshill, North Lanarkshire

John Amabile visits this social enterprise which provides products from recycled building materials for people to buy at a reduced rate.  All profits go to the Scottish sporting centre of excellence for disabled people.

Killie Can Cycle                                                       Kilmarnock, East Ayshire

Bill Paterson meets the children’s charity that recycles aluminium cans for money.  This allows them to buy parts for fixing up bikes that in turn are sold back to the local community at a very low cost.  

SCOTLAND’S YOUNG REAL HERO OF THE YEAR 

Danii McArthur       (Young Carer)                                             Barrhead, Glasgow

Sharon Rooney meets Danii (18) who cares for her ill mother and two younger sisters whilst also having diabetes herself.  On top of this she highlights the plight of young carers by giving talks and putting on workshops.  Danii is also working towards her dream of becoming a primary teacher by volunteering at her old school.

Mitchell Kinnen (Bright Lights Theatre Group)        Blantyre, South Lanarkshire

Jayd Johnson meets trainee primary teacher Mitchell (18) who set up and runs the theatre group for people of all ages in his area, only charging £1 for the class.  Anyone of any age is welcome at Bright Lights no matter what their level of ability.

The Volunteers of the Glasgow 77th (Disabled) Scout Group             Glasgow

Stephen Purdon meets the volunteers at this very special Scout Group for boys aged 8-25 with physical disabilities and life limiting conditions.  All the volunteers are in their teens or early twenties and pair up one-on-one with a member of the group.

SCOTLAND’S REAL HEROES COURAGE AWARD 

Dean Reilly (Dean Reilly vs MS)                                                Portobello, Edinburgh

Mark Beaumont meets Dean who has multiple sclerosis, but won’t let it limit his life.  He fundraises for the MS Therapy Centre in Leith through a range of tough challenges.  Dean is currently in training for a boxing match with ‘The Celtic Warrior.’

Amanda MacTaggart (Wig Bank Glasgow)  Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire

Jennifer Reoch visits Amanda who has overcome breast cancer and set up the ‘Wig Bank’ in Clydebank to provide a relaxed and comfortable service for female chemotherapy patients who have lost their hair.

Jenny Cook (Wee Jenny Cook)                           East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire

Nicholas McDonald surprises Jenny with a visit to her car boot fundraiser.  Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at four years old, she has since raised over £30,000 for Yorkhill Children’s Charity and the Catherine McEwan foundation.  Jenny is also a Yorkhill buddy, providing support for other sick children.

STV productions logo

STV to celebrate Scotland’s community heroes

STV_Carol Smillie_RBS Finding Scotlands Real Heroes_Nov 2013_smallFet-Lor, Scotland’s oldest youth club, and Leith-based MS Therapy Centre will both feature on the forthcoming series of RBS – Finding Scotland’s Real Heroes, which starts on STV on Friday 15 August.

Presented by Carol Smillie (pictured above) and sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland, the STV series celebrates people whose tireless effort, resourcefulness, and kindness has improved local communities across Scotland.

The nominees were selected by a special jury and will feature in a series of programmes to be aired from 15 August with each episode on every Friday evening thereafter. Across the five episodes, ‘star reporters’ will visit each of the nominees to interview them about their work in the community and their thoughts on the nomination for a Real Hero award. The star reporters this year include The X Factor runner-up Nicholas McDonald, actress Clare Grogan, Taggart star Alex Norton and actor Bill Paterson.

The year’s shortlist includes deserving Scots from Wick to West Lothian, and Skye to South Lanarkshire, recognising the amazing work local people are undertaking in their communities across the country. The categories include Carer of the Year, Young Real Hero of the Year, and a new award for Hero Animal of the Year.

At the end of each programme viewers are invited to vote for the nominees they believe most deserve to win a Scotland’s Real Heroes Award, with the overall winners being celebrated at a glittering televised awards ceremony later in the year.

Elizabeth Partyka, deputy director of channels at STV, said: “The time has come to highlight the outstanding work modestly carried out by the finalists of the series RBS – Finding Scotland’s Real Heroes. We look forward to celebrating the enormous achievement of all of the nominees. Each story tells of a remarkable accomplishment and is very moving – all the finalists are considered to be most deserving however it is the STV viewers that decide who will pick up an award.”

Chris Wilson, Royal Bank of Scotland’s Managing Director of Branch and Private Banking in Scotland, said: “Everyone at Royal Bank of Scotland is looking forward to finding out more about this year’s incredible finalists. We think it’s important to celebrate those people who go that extra mile for their community. Each one of the finalists is deserving of recognition and we are all looking forward to seeing who the public choose.”

FetLorFet-Lor, based on Crewe Road South, is Scotland’s oldest youth club and is a finalist in the RBS – Community Project of the Year category, while MS Therapy Centre champion Dean Reilly features among the finalists for the Scotland’s Real Heroes Courage Award.

Good luck to them both – the series first screens on STV on Friday 15 August at 8pm.