One of Scotland’s largest shopping malls, The Centre, Livingston has this week announced a two-year sponsorship deal with local team Livingston FC, ahead of this weekend’s home game against Celtic.
The deal with the Scottish Premiership club includes The Centre logo on the sleeve of the home and away strips of the men’s first team and pitch-side banners.
It follows on from the recent sponsorship of the Mid Calder Colts 2014s full kits, after a community-wide competition to support a local sports club.
Robert Graham, Deputy Centre Director at The Centre, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring our local football club, Livingston FC, which is on our doorstep and at the heart of the community, and seemed a natural partnership for us.
“We wish everyone at the club all the very the best for the season ahead.”
Dave Black, Chief Executive Officer of Livingston FC added: “I’m delighted that we’ve agreed this partnership with The Centre, Livingston.
“The Centre is synonymous with the town, so it was a natural conversation to have and it’s great to now have their logo proudly displayed on our men’s first-team shirts.
“I look forward to working with everyone at The Centre over the duration of the partnership and seeing how we can work together to strengthen the relationship and help grow both their presence in the town and ours.”
Firm’s sponsorship deal will boost access to the sport
An Edinburgh sports graduate has won her dream job as a netball development officer thanks to leading independent accountancy and business advisory firm, Johnston Carmichael.
Correen Davies, 27, will be responsible for training new coaches and umpires, increasing the volunteer network, and being a visible point of contact in Edinburgh for the sport.
Originally from Orkney, Correen moved to the city to study Sports Development and Coaching at Edinburgh College before gaining a degree from Edinburgh Napier University. A longstanding netball fan and player, she had always hoped to secure a job in netball after graduating.
She said: “When asked by a lecturer on our first week, ‘what job do you hope to get after this qualification’ my answer was, ‘the job doesn’t exist yet, but other sports have development officers, and I’d love to do that for netball’. Four years later and now I am in a full-time position where I can help to realise the potential of the sport in my local authority.
“I’d like to thank Johnston Carmichael for its generous contribution towards funding my dream job. I am lucky to work with some wonderful partner organisations where I hope to progress netball across its full pathway. From grassroots to high performance, there are opportunities for everyone regardless of your route.”
Correen’s appointment is part of Johnston Carmichael’s new partnership with Netball Scotland.
The firm provided a funding package worth more than £30,000 to help grow the sport after COVID-19 restrictions and school closures curbed young people’s ability to take up the game.
The deal, which will additionally support new development officer posts in Glasgow and Dundee, is also being used to fund ‘Road to Region’ camps and pay for emergency grants to junior clubs with critical needs linked to participation, accessibility, training and competition.
Martin Osler, Chief People Officer, Johnston Carmichael, said: “It is extremely rewarding for Johnston Carmichael to be involved in such an exciting partnership with Netball Scotland.
“Supporting the appointment of development officers is crucial to improving access to netball. Their work will help to engage the new players, coaches and umpires required to grow the sport and enable new generations to participate.
“Sports such as netball play a vital role in enhancing the health and wellbeing of future generations, building their confidence, and providing them with experience in working within a team, as well as other vital skills needed to thrive both personally and professionally.
“As a firm, we are committed to leaving a legacy in the communities we serve, and we hope to make a tangible difference to the aspirations and achievements of young people across Scotland with this partnership.”
Fundraising campaign launched for landmark artwork that will inspire the world withSouth Georgia’s remarkable recovery and fund vital whale research
An international fundraising campaign has begun, giving people across the globe an opportunity to sponsor part of the world’s most remote permanent art installation which will raise awareness of the whale’s story on South Georgia, and fund vital research into future threats such as climate change.
The campaign, run by conservation charity the South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT), follows their international competition seeking an artist to create an installation telling the incredible story of South Georgia’s remarkable environmental recovery. Now, people worldwide are invited to sponsor a key component of the artwork in a bid to spread this message of hope.
In November 2020 Scottish artist Michael Visocchi was announced winner of SGHT’s competition with Commensalis: The Spirit Tables of South Georgia. The artwork commemorates the loss, but also celebrates the recovery, of whales in the Southern Ocean.
From the early 1900s to the 1960s South Georgia was the epicentre of the whaling industry but more recently has become a beacon of hope as an ecosystem in recovery.
Michael Visocchi’s sculpture changes the narrative on South Georgia from whaling to whales – creating a focal point for everyone who cares about nature and supporting vital research to protect the future of whales in the Southern Ocean.
At the heart of his artwork are the Spirit Tablesrepresenting the different whale species that were hunted and processed at Grytviken, an abandoned whaling station on the island, but which are now recovering thanks to a change in humanity’s attitude to nature and the decades-long, research-led conservation activities and environmental management of this precious ecosystem.
The tables are punctuated by an estimated 17,000 stainless steel rivets in various mesmerizing patterns inspired by the natural histories of each species, with each rivet symbolising a live whale or the spirit of a live whale.
The artist’s design will allow light to bounce off each one, illuminating the space and conveying a feeling of hope that is reflected in the growing numbers of whales in the waters around South Georgia.
The fundraising campaign will give people the opportunity to sponsor these gleaming rivets to light a beacon of hope for whales, conservation and ecological restoration everywhere.
Different levels of support are available to allow as many people as possible to support what’s been dubbed the world’s most remote permanent art installation:
£33 to sponsor a small rivet because the returning humpback whales’ beautiful and complex songs last up to 33 minutes – we’re so thankful to hear these melodies again in the bays of South Georgia.
£90 for a medium rivet because the fin whale has an average lifespan of 90 years – to see these long living giants returning to the island after being the most persecuted species during the whaling era is incredibly inspiring.
£199 to support a large rivet because the world’s largest whale, the blue whale, can weigh up to a staggering 199 tons – that’s equivalent to 398 Grand Pianos!
Sponsors will be allocated their very own rivet(s) in the artwork and sent a digital certificate confirming their support of Commensalis. The rivet(s) will be an integral part of the artwork, giving people a rare opportunity to leave a legacy and have a permanent presence on South Georgia.
Alison Neil, CEO of the South Georgia Heritage Trust said: ‘Tragically, from 1905 to 1965 whales were hunted to near extinction at South Georgia. Thankfully, they are now slowly returning to the island’s waters thanks to ongoing conservation efforts.
“We want to tell this remarkable story of recovery to inspire people around the world that there’s always opportunity for environmental turnaround. South Georgia is the evidence that we have the power to change other under-pressure ecosystems.
“Art is a really powerful way of conveying a complex message and getting people interested and involved in conservation. By launching this campaign we hope to get people excited about Michael’s beautiful artwork and also the power of collective action to bring about change in our environment. We think sponsoring a rivet on the Spirit Tables embodies what this project is all about.’
Artist Michael Visocchi, who was selected from over 150 artists to take on this project, has just arrived at South Georgia to visit the site at Grytviken where the whaling station was and where his artwork will be.
He is with childhood schoolfriend Stewart Garden from WSP, an engineering firm which is generously supporting SGHT with the complex task of transporting and installing the artwork to ensure it is resilient to South Georgia’s extreme climate and remains in place for generations to come.
Michael Visocchi said: ‘I’m so very thrilled to be back on South Georgia. The sights and colours and sounds have never really left my mind since my first visit. It’s good to be back.
“The majesty of the landscape and wildlife here continues to catch me off guard and it’s all helping me put the final touches to the concept for Commensalis. And to be here with my old best friend is something I never could have imagined.’
Commensalis will encourage the environmental management of South Georgia by raising funds for whale research. 10% of every rivet sponsorship will directly fund research, helping to anticipate and manage threats to South Georgia’s whales like rising sea temperatures and the impact on the marine ecosystem.
By deepening knowledge and informing environmental management at South Georgia, SGHT will set whales on their road to recovery.
SGHT aims to work with all who wish to preserve the island’s natural and historical heritage for future generations – to redress past damage to its environment, to protect its wildlife now and in the future, and to preserve the human heritage of the island which so clearly shows the best and worst of humanity.
It also runs the South Georgia Museum on behalf of the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands.
The island is famed for its iconic wildlife, including humpback whales, southern elephant seals, vast colonies of king penguins and an array of seabirds, and for its links with world-famous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton who is buried on the island.
Each year about 10-15,000 people visit South Georgia to admire the island’s stunning scenery and burgeoning wildlife, and to learn about its fascinating heritage. Commensalis will be a new addition for visitors when it is installed.
To find out more about South Georgia and the work of the South Georgia Heritage Trust, visit https://sght.org, and to find out more about the South Georgia Museum, visit https://sgmuseum.gs
Isuzu UK announced as the Official Commercial Vehicle Partner for Scottish Cup
The eagerly anticipated Fourth Round takes place between January 21-23
Agreement further demonstrates Isuzu UK’s support and commitment to football in the UK
Isuzu UK has announced a new multi-year partnership with the Scottish FA as the Official Commercial Vehicle Partner for the Men’s Scottish Cup.
With this new partnership, Isuzu UK is further expanding its role as the driving force behind domestic football with a partnership already in place in England, with the Isuzu FA Vase and Isuzu FA Trophy and with the Irish Football Association.
The Scottish Cup first began in the 1873-74 season and is the second oldest competition in association football. The first final was held on March 21, 1874, at the original Hampden Park with Queen’s Park emerging victorious against Clydesdale.
Celtic have won the trophy more times than any other club with 40 titles to their name, the most recent coming in 2020. Their Glasgow rivals Rangers are not far behind with 34 Scottish Cup triumphs.
The next round of this season’s competition is being held on the weekend of 21 January, with the Semi-Finals set for Saturday, 29April and Sunday, 30April 2023. The final will be held on Saturday 3 June 2023 at the National Stadium, Hampden Park.
The Pick-up Professionals at Isuzu dealerships across Scotland will be getting actively involved with their local clubs, with some having already started making preparations for local sponsorship deals and promotional matchday activations.
William Brown, Managing Director, Isuzu UK said “We are extremely proud to announce our new partnership with the Scottish FA and the Scottish Cup.
“This agreement further demonstrates our commitment to domestic football and is also the last piece of the puzzle which now provides us with sports sponsorship across the whole of the UK.”
Michael Paterson, Head of Marketing and Partnerships, Scottish FA commented “We are delighted to welcome Isuzu UK as the Official Commercial Vehicle Partner for the Men’s Scottish Cup.
“Our flagship tournament boasts an illustrious history and, with a bumper Fourth Round weekend to look forward to in January, it is a hugely exciting time to welcome on board such an iconic and established international brand.
“This prestigious competition has given us so many unforgettable moments over the years and we look forward to sharing some more alongside the team at Isuzu UK.”
Popular Edinburgh hockey club boosted by sponsorship backing from legal firm
A RENOWNED Scottish law firm is sponsoring Edinburgh University Men’s Hockey Club (EUMHC) following one of the most successful seasons in the club’s 120-year history.
Gibson Kerr’s sponsorship of EUMHC will help the club with general admin and running costs that are crucial to its continued success.
With a commitment to the development of its players and the aim of encouraging more students to play sport, long-established Gibson Kerr was keen to support the growing club which is now the biggest men’s university sports club in the UK.
Current Sponsorship Secretary of the EUMHC, Ben Wilson, said: “The whole team feel really privileged to receive Gibson Kerr’s sponsorship.
“As a club, we have considerable expenses. We now have four teams training a night and we require good equipment. Last year, we spent a lot of money on balls, bibs, cones and other kit that is crucial for the club and we expect that this year, that outgoing might be even more.
“In addition, we have umpires to pay, goal keeping kit to invest in, more bibs to purchase and with the introduction of our 8th team this year, another training session to fund.
“As you might imagine, we’re absolutely thrilled with the sponsorship from Gibson Kerr. The money will go a long way in helping us pay a massive chunk of our expenses and it will really help take the weight off and provide much needed security.”
The newly Gibson Kerr branded kit made its first appearance at the hockey club’s first game this season at Peffermill Playing Fields on the 11th September following one of its most successful seasons to date.
The club added to its list of growing accolades last year which now includes becoming two-time Scottish League and Scottish Cup champions and four-time British Universities and College Sport champions.
The club was also the first Scottish men’s side to gain promotion to the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Premier National since the formation of BUCS in 2008.
Ben added: “After such a strong last season, we are hoping to build upon this success next year. At the moment we have 190 members and we are looking forward to another great year ahead as we continue to nurture some of Scotland’s future hockey stars.”
The legal firm has also been invited to meet the club members and present to the teams, sharing some information on Gibson Kerr and the work that they do, as well as joining them for a spot of hockey.
Donald Towsey, solicitor in Gibson Kerr’s property team and keen hockey player, said: “The club plays a huge part of the university’s sporting community and Gibson Kerr are delighted to support it.
“We are also hoping we might be able to inspire some budding lawyers in the team by telling them about the work we do.”
Gibson Kerr dates back more than 100 years and was acquired by Partners Scott and Fiona Rasmusen in 2005. Fiona is Head of Family Law, Partner Lindsay Maclean, who joined the firm in 2007, is Head of Personal Law, and the Property team is headed by Beverley Cottrell.
A North Edinburgh care home has shown its commitment to helping nurture Scotland’s future rugby stars by taking out a year long sponsorship with a local team.
Helping to subsidise travel costs, pitch maintenance and equipment costs, Cramond Residence’s contribution to Stewart’s Melville RFC comes at an exciting time as the club resumes regular matches following more than a year of restrictions.
The club currently has three XV squads, with the first and second XVs playing in competitive national leagues and has produced 15 international players since being founded in 1973. The first XV are geared up to play in the Tennent’s National League, Division 2 for 2021/2022.
Christian Daraio, Client Liaison Manager and Registered Nurse at the 74-bedroom home, said: “Residents, past and present, have been sport enthusiasts, players in their lifetime or have children or grandchildren involved in the game now.
“We’ve already had one of our residents attend a complimentary whisky tasting and are looking to get those that are interested down to watch a few games in the better weather and experience the game day atmosphere.
“We’re delighted to support Stewart’s Melville as they progress into an exciting 2021/22 season and are looking forward to the year ahead.”
With the biggest feeder system in the country, the club’s Mini section, the Stew Mel Lions, is one of the largest, with 340 boys and girls turning out at Inverleith every Sunday.
Simon Breeze, President of Stewart’s Melville RFC, said “We are extremely thankful to Cramond Residence for sponsoring Stewart’s Melville.Without such good quality local sponsors, amateur clubs like ourselves would struggle to survive.
“We hope this is the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Cramond Residence. One of the residents has already attended a whisky tasting at the club and we look forward to welcoming many more to enjoy the rugby and hospitality at Inverleith.”
Cramond Residence provides a combination of luxury accommodation and the highest quality of care, with all residents enjoying a wide range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care.
The home provides a range of activities specially designed to give those living with dementia a richer and more satisfying life, with specialist facilities and trained staff on hand to provide support & relief.
Edinburgh City FC Women’s team will be sponsored for the forthcoming season by Bellfield Taproom.Bellfield’s logo will feature on the team strips and the partners will hold a number of joint activities such as charity fundraisers and quiz nights.
Bellfield Taproom – in the city’s Abbeyhill district – is a stone’s throw from the club’s home base: the new Meadowbank Stadium.
The team will return to playing home matches at Meadowbank, from November this year, when the newly rebuilt stadium reopens.
Dave Armstrong, Head of Media & Communications, Edinburgh City FC Women said: “Sponsorship is crucial to our team and Bellfield is very local to our home base. Their reputation for being inclusive and ‘supporting local’ means they are a great partner for the club.
“We are ambitious and aiming to get to the top level, so we hope to make Bellfield proud of their association with the team.”
Women’s football in Scotland is growing at a rapid pace and the opportunities for brand and business awareness and promotion are increasing exponentially.
Edinburgh City FC Women’s team currently play in the SWF Championship which is one tier away from Premiership football.
The Edinburgh City Women’s squad boasts many Scotland Internationals as well as former Hibs and Celtic players.
The team has a Turkish International in Yasemin Emek and an American No.1, Kelli Hanman.
Bellfield director Marie Brown said: “We’re pleased to be sponsoring such an ambitious and talented squad and look forward to following their progress this season.
“We’re also looking forward to meeting the players and to hosting events and fundraisers at our Taproom to help them on their way.”
A NEWLY founded football club that is bringing the joy of the sport to a part of Edinburgh has been boosted with sponsorship of a popular age group by CALA Homes (East).
Ratho United – which emerged in early 2020 to give local children an opportunity to train and play with their friends – was founded on an ethos of inclusivity, welcoming around 100 children from throughout the local area, with mixed boys and girls teams.
The CALA Homes logo will adorn the strip of its 2014 teams, which consists of six and seven-year-old boys and girls, training once a week and playing friendly matches, ahead of their first tournament in August.
Mikey Stewart, volunteer coach and committee member, said: “Given how young the club is, having CALA’s backing is a major boost.
“We have a great mix of youngsters, from the new homes here as well as the old – with some members joining from further afield because of the welcoming nature of our club.
“We’re reliant on the support of sponsors – the big next step for us is a more permanent home – as we’re currently moving between various locations.”
Craig Lynes, Managing Director with CALA Homes (East), said: “While we sold our last home in Ratho two years ago, we recognise that our homes have left a big impression on the village.
“It’s really important to us that we get behind groups like Ratho United as their contribution to the community is invaluable. Their ethos of inclusivity is something that we’re delighted to support.”
CALA has played an important role in Ratho’s recent development, selling the final homes at its Craigpark development in 2019.
Prior to this it completed two further developments, The Moorings and The Glebe, while it even created a canal basin with berths for 14 barges, handed over to Scottish Canals.
Ratho United is a community football club for boys and girls aged between five and 10, with a clear vision to promote and develop health in fitness in children.
It also promotes sportsmanship, fair play, respect and self-discipline as well as the wider community spirit and development of friendships.
Held In Our Hearts are excited to launch their first live event this year.
The Fire Walk will take place on 4th December from 6pm at Craiglockhart Leisure Centre and we are delighted to have Scott and the team back again from UK Firewalk.
Scottish Building Society, the world’s oldest building society, has today been announced as Edinburgh Rugby’s Main Club Partner in a deal that will last for the next four seasons.
The partnership is the biggest agreement of its kind in the history of both organisations and follows a successful back of shirt deal which has been in place since 2020.
The partnership will see Scottish Building Society feature on the front of the capital side’s home and away match jerseys, and training shirts, as well as having prominent branding within Edinburgh Rugby’s brand-new purpose-built stadium, located in the grounds of BT Murrayfield.
As part of the agreement, Scottish Building Society will also be increasing its work in local communities with involvement in Edinburgh Rugby’s community programmes, including disability inclusive rugby and homeless rugby programmes.
The partnership will also see the two organisations working together to develop a family zone to enhance the match-day experience at the new 7,800 capacity stadium.
This substantial investment in Edinburgh Rugby continues Scottish Building Society’s ongoing commitment to Scottish sport which has included sponsorship of the Scottish Women’s Premier League as well as support for both Heriot’s Rugby and the Southern Knights.
Paul Denton, Chief Executive Officer for Scottish Building Society, said: “Scottish Building Society is the world’s oldest building society so we wanted to work alongside a partner with a proud heritage that shared our values.
“As a mutual building society, Edinburgh Rugby’s core principles of honesty, discipline and togetherness were the perfect fit.
“The club’s focus on supporting and integrating with its local community was central in our decision to support them and dovetails perfectly with our own approach of giving back and we are excited to start supporting Edinburgh Rugby’s fantastic initiatives in order to further enhance the impact.
“With Edinburgh Rugby set to move into its new home and celebrate its 150th year during the course of this sponsorship, it is certainly going to be a really exciting time and we’re incredibly proud that we will be part of that journey.”
Douglas Struth, Managing Director at Edinburgh Rugby, said: “We’re thrilled to announce Scottish Building Society as our new Main Club Partner. They are a recognisable brand and leader within their industry, who have a clear and historic association with the city of Edinburgh.
“Having already been part of the club’s sponsor family for a number of seasons, Scottish Building Society have played an integral role in the club’s journey to date – they now back us ahead of what is set to be a momentous, inaugural year in the club’s new home.
“With record-breaking Season Ticket numbers and the hugely exciting United Rugby Championship launching this September, today’s partnership announcement provides us with further momentum heading in to the 2021/22 campaign.
“This is going to be a hugely exciting partnership for all connected to Edinburgh Rugby and it’s an association that we’re immensely proud of too.
“We can’t wait to kick-off the new season in our brand-new home, and represent the Scottish Building Society brand around the world as we compete in both the United Rugby Championship and European Challenge Cup.”
