Tag: support

Tim Minchin backs new Gilded Balloon fund to support next generation of Fringe artists

SHOW SUPPORT FUND LAUNCHED

Gilded Balloon today announces the launch of its Show Support Fund, a new initiative designed to help artists overcome the growing financial barriers of bringing work to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Delivered by Gilded Balloon Futures Ltd, the organisation’s registered charity, the fund marks a significant step in expanding Gilded Balloon’s long-standing commitment to artist development. Gilded Balloon Futures was originally established following the Cowgate fire and relaunched at the end of 2025 as part of Gilded Balloon’s 40th anniversary, with a renewed focus on supporting artists and sustaining the future of the Fringe.

At its core, the Show Support Fund will raise commercial, public and charitable donations to directly support artists in Gilded Balloon’s annual Fringe programme. With the cost of participating in the Fringe continuing to rise, the fund aims to ensure that more artists, particularly those with distinct voices and limited financial means, can bring their work to Edinburgh.

The fund is designed to be flexible and collaborative, allowing donors to support the kinds of artists and projects they are most passionate about, while Gilded Balloon identifies productions that would most benefit from additional backing. Funding may contribute to a wide range of artist’s needs, including marketing, rehearsal space, creative support, travel, accommodation and wellbeing.

Alongside the Show Support Fund, Gilded Balloon Futures will also support the So You Think You’re Funny? Artist Development Programme, helping to cover the costs of the competition and providing vital opportunities for emerging comedians. This includes financial assistance for travel and accommodation for selected performers, removing one of the biggest barriers to accessing the fringe.

In its inaugural year, the Show Support Fund has been kickstarted by a generous contribution from globally acclaimed comedian, writer and composer Tim Minchin alongside his wife Sarah Minchin, their donation will support five shows selected by Gilded Balloon Artistic Directors Karen Koren and Katy Koren, focusing on solo performers with bold voices and sharing personal stories across comedy and theatre.

Tim Minchin who first found major success at Gilded Balloon at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2005 has particular interest in supporting artists who have struggled with mental health issues who may require additional support to make the Fringe achievable with their work.

In 2026, a total of £10,000 has been raised for the Show Support Fund which will be split between five supported artists as follows:

● Jamie Kilstein: Can’t Tie Knots

● Madeleine Brettingham: Legend

● Lois-Amber Toole: SLAY

● Alan Jay: Hell Hath No Humour Like A Gayboy Scorned

● Kathleen Hughes: Twig

These productions represent a mix of emerging and established voices, each facing unique challenges in bringing their work to the Fringe, from international travel costs to personal circumstances and the realities of early-career development.

Support from the fund will directly impact these artists’ ability to present their work, whether through financial relief, creative resources, or practical adjustments that make participation possible.

Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors of the Gilded Balloon said: ““For over 40 years, Gilded Balloon has been a home for artists at every stage of their careers, from first-timers to global stars. But the reality now is that the financial barriers to getting to the Fringe are higher than ever.

“We are delighted to finally launch this fund which has been a long time coming and is about protecting what makes the Fringe special, taking risks on new voices and giving artists the chance to be seen – something we’ve always prioritised at Gilded Balloon. We want to work with supporters who believe in that mission and help us keep those doors open.

“Every year we meet extraordinary artists with urgent, exciting work who simply can’t afford to bring their work to the Fringe. The Show Support Fund and the So You Think You’re Funny? Artist Development programme – both delivered by Gilded Balloon Futures – allow us to raise funds for where it matters most.

“Whether that’s helping artists to cover travel or accommodation costs, giving artists proper time and space to develop their work, or supporting their wellbeing during what can be an incredibly intense month.

“It’s practical, targeted support that can genuinely change the trajectory of someone’s career and we are eternally grateful to our pal, Tim Minchin, for being the first to support the Show Support Fund.”

Tim Minchin said: “Late one night in March, 21 years ago, a furiously passionate woman with a strong Scottish accent called me up and demanded I go to the Gilded Balloon.

“I didn’t know what the fuck a Gilded Balloon was, and I was deeply cautious, because I’d spent ten years grafting away, and didn’t really believe in big breaks. But a big break is exactly what that phone call was.

“Karen Koren – and now her daughter Katy – have remained loyal friends and passionate supporters for two decades, and it’s a huge privilege to be able to support them a bit as they head into their 41st Fringe.” 

A CALL TO THE INDUSTRY

Gilded Balloon hopes that the Minchins’ contribution will inspire others, particularly alumni, industry partners and Fringe supporters, to invest in the next generation of performers.

As one of the Fringe’s longest-running venues, Gilded Balloon has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of countless comedians and theatre-makers. The Show Support Fund represents a new chapter in that legacy, ensuring that talent, not financial means, remains the driving force behind who gets to take part.

By contributing to the fund, supporters will play a direct role in shaping the future of the Fringe, enabling more artists to take risks, share their stories, and reach new audiences on one of the world’s most important cultural stages.

For more details and how to contribute visit: 

https://gildedballoon.co.uk/contact/support-us/

Girlguiding Scotland appoints Kim Atkinson as new Chief Executive

Girlguiding Scotland has today announced the appointment of Kim Atkinson as its new Chief Executive. She joins the organisation’s board of trustees, chief commissioner team, staff team and 9,000 volunteers in supporting 40,000 girls and young women across Scotland.  

Kim will lead the organisation’s strategy, recognising the vital role volunteers play in delivering Girlguiding Scotland’s mission. The strategy is focused on innovation and inspiration, making volunteering with Girlguiding Scotland more attractive, more welcoming and even more rewarding.  

Kim joins from the Scottish Sports Association, where she has served as CEO for 16 years, having previously been Chief Officer at Scottish Squash. She is also a trustee of both SCVO (Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations) and Foundation Scotland and previously chaired ACOSVO (the Association of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organisations, now Charity Leadership Scotland).  

Elaine Rough, Chief Commissioner of Girlguiding Scotland, said: “On behalf of the Board of Trustees and everyone at Girlguiding Scotland, I’m delighted to welcome Kim as our new Chief Executive.

“She brings a wealth of experience from across Scotland’s voluntary sector, a strong understanding of volunteering, and a clear commitment to empowering girls and young women. We look forward to working with Kim to help even more girls know they can do anything, supported by our dedicated volunteers.”  

Kim Atkinson said: “I am delighted and honoured to be appointed Chief Executive of Girlguiding Scotland at a time when girls have never needed more support and inspiration to know they can do anything. Girlguiding Scotland is an organisation shaped by girls, for girls, and I am proud to become part of its future. 

“If there is anything more inspiring than seeing girls achieve something they did not think was possible, it is helping them to do it. That means building confidence and skills, helping them find and amplify their voice, removing barriers, and showing them they can make a positive difference in the world.

“That is what makes Girlguiding unique, and the opportunity to play even a small part in that is truly compelling. Through Girlguiding, girls can find a place where they belong and can thrive. 

“Reading the manifesto created by Girlguiding Scotland’s youth voice panel, Speak Out and learning that 1 in 3 girls feel sad most days, 79% experience anxiety, and 54% believe it will be difficult to progress in a male-dominated field, motivated me to join this movement.

“After 16 years of advocating to decision-makers across Scotland, I am deeply committed to helping empower this panel as they champion a better future for girls across the country.

“Like 1 in 3 women in Scotland, I am an alumna of the movement, and I strongly believe in the power of guiding to provide a unique and safe space where girls can have fun, be happy, and fulfil their potential. My experiences as a Brownie and Guide were immensely formative, and they sparked lifelong commitments to volunteering and women’s leadership.  

 “As Chief Executive, I look forward to working alongside our incredible volunteers and staff to deliver a shared vision of an equal world, where girls can find their voice, discover their best selves and make a positive difference, today, tomorrow and together.”  

Kim will take up her role at Girlguiding Scotland in August when current CEO, Denise Spence, who has been CEO of Girlguiding Scotland since 2013, will retire.    

Over 321,000 children getting vital support

Scottish Child Payment key to eradicating child poverty

Across Scotland, 321,885 children are benefiting from Scottish Child Payment as of March 2026, according to newly published statistics. 

Launched in February 2021, the Scotland-only benefit is a weekly payment of £28.20, paid every four weeks to every eligible child under 16 within a household.

Scottish Child Payment is expected to keep 50,000 children out of relative poverty in 2026–27. This underlines the critical role that Scottish Child Payment plays in eradicating child poverty in Scotland.

Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “Eradicating child poverty and supporting families with the cost of living is a key focus for this government.

“It’s clear that the Scottish Child Payment is making a major difference to families which is why we will now go further by increasing the Scottish Child Payment to £40 per week for families with children under the age of one.  

We remain fully committed to doing everything we can to support families and give every child the best possible start in life. Scottish Child Payment remains central to that mission.”

Scottish Child Payment statistics to 31 March 2026: Scottish Child Payment statistics to 31 March 2026 – Social Security Scotland 

Heartfelt! Lord Provost sends best wishes to Hearts

Ahead of Saturday’s football match, the Lord Provost has issued the following statement:

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “On behalf of the city, I want to wish Heart of Midlothian the very best of luck against Celtic on Saturday.

“It really is incredible that it’s come down to this final showdown between the top two. Hearts have had such a great season, bringing so much joy, excitement and inspiration to their fans and to the wider community. They really have been the ‘talk of the toon’ and you can literally feel the buzz in and around Gorgie.

“Should they go on to win the title, it would be huge moment for the club and for the city. Not only would it be their first league triumph since 1960, they would also be the first club outside the Old Firm to do so for over 40 years.

“How wonderful if would be if the team ending that run and bringing the trophy home was an Edinburgh club. Go on the Jam Tarts!”

Letter: Accessible Voting

Dear Editor,  

Scottish voters will be going to the poll to elect a new parliament on 7 May – but, as someone with sight loss, I know from experience that doing so independently and in secret is far from guaranteed.   

Voting is still an overwhelmingly visual process of reviewing a list and marking a cross in a box. Without the right equipment, many blind and partially sighted people are forced to rely on others to mark our ballot in the way we wish, compromising our privacy and dignity. That simply isn’t good enough in a modern democracy.   

After a number of years of RNIB Scotland working with election authorities, voters across Scotland who are blind or partially sighted will have the option to use a new card ballot paper overlay at this year’s Scottish Parliament election.   

The new overlays are designed to fit the ballot paper for each constituency and region and have embossed and braille numbers with cut-out boxes that align with each box on the ballot paper. The accompanying audio allows voters to listen to an audio recording of the candidate list as many times as is necessary to make their mark confidently in the right box.  

We welcome the introduction of this after so many years, with the ballot card and audio having been tried and tested by people with sight loss. This is a unique offering to voters in Scotland and will enable people with sight loss to cast their vote more independently and in secret.  

The overlays will be available at every polling station in Scotland. We strongly urge anyone wanting to use the overlay to listen to their audio ballot paper before going to vote on 7 May. These can be accessed by visiting your local council website, ringing their election office, or via the RNIB Scotland elections webpage. 

A truly fair election is one where everyone can vote independently and with confidence. On 7 May, blind and partially sighted voters deserve nothing less.  

Sincerely,  

Anna Tylor  

Chair of Trustees at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) 

Creative Scotland: Crowdmatch Fund opens with £250,000 to support creative projects across Scotland

Applications have opened for Scotland-based artists, creators and cultural innovators to secure Crowdmatch backing from Creative Scotland in partnership with Crowdfunder.

Now in its seventh year, the programme offers eligible Crowdfunder campaigns the chancechance to receive up to 50% of their total funding target to a maximum of £10,000 per project.    

The fund offers an invaluable route to a wide range of creative projects, from theatre and visual arts to film, music and community-driven initiatives to access funding in a more adaptable way than other funding routes available.

Jackie Stewart, Creative Industries Officer at Creative Scotland said: “The Crowdmatch Fund has grown beyond our initial expectations and has proven to be a real asset to the funding landscape for creators.

“Not only can they access funding more quickly and flexibly, but they’re building their community and audience while doing so. With a substantial budget available, we’ll be able to deliver a greater impact to Scotland’s creative community and explore how far Crowdmatch can go.”

The accessibility and track record of Crowdfunder UK, the UK’s leading crowdfunding platform, offers a streamlined pathway to National Lottery funds through Creative Scotland.

Simon Deverell, Founder & Co-CEO of Crowdfunder UK said: “We’ve loved working with Creative Scotland on Crowdmatch over the years, and it’s been incredible to see so many bold, brilliant ideas come to life through the programme.

“From music and film to grassroots community projects, the creativity we’ve seen has been nothing short of inspiring. Together, we’ve helped projects raise over £1.7 million to date, showing just how powerful community-backed funding can be.

“We can’t wait to see the next wave of talent, ideas and imagination land on the platform this year.”

Examples of successful projects through Crowdmatch include:

  • Julie Fowlis’ Live in Scotland album – raised £22,497 from 310 supporters (including £10,000 from Creative Scotland) to record live performances across a 2026 Scotland tour to produce a live album
  • Thrawn: A Scots Story – raised £12,755 from 140 supporters (including £5,000 from Creative Scotland) to create a documentary on changing attitudes toward the Scots as language
  • Dundee Radio Club – raised £6,532 from 96 supporters (including £2,950 from Creative Scotland) to grow its 2026 Listening Festival celebrating sound, creativity and connection over 72 hours

Individual artists, organisations and creative business in the arts, screen and creative industries can apply if they are:

  • An individual artist or creative practitioner based in Scotland
  • A freelance or self-employed creative aged 18 or over
  • A constituted creative, cultural or artistic organisation based in Scotland
  • A collective or creative business delivering creative activity

Full details and how to apply can be found on the Creative Scotland Crowdmatch Funding page.

Indian Community stands with the Jewish Community

The Indian Council of Scotland/United Kingdom stands in full support with the Jewish community especially with the recent terrorist attack on 2 Jewish men at Golders green in London. 

Neil Lal, Chairman and President of The Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom, which is the leading organisation representing the 2 million Indian origin people living in the UK, said: “No matter what one’s faith is there must be mutual respect for everyone’s religious beliefs. 

“We are against any form of Anti Semitism, Anti Christianity, Anti Hindu, Sikh, Buddhism or Islamophobia. 

We must all unite as one to stamp out this hatred against the Jewish community and we must support each other”

Neil Lal, Chairman and President of The Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom, has also announced a special interfaith prayer vigil in honour of the victims/peace and in solidarity with the Jewish community.

Condemning the attack in the strongest possible terms, Mr. Lal said: “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the horrific attack in Golders Green. Our thoughts and prayers are for a speedy recovery for the victims and are with the entire Jewish community.

“We stand with you, united against hatred and violence. No one should live in fear. Everyone must follow and respect the rule of Law.” 

The upcoming vigil, which will bring together members of Hindu, Sikh, Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim and wider interfaith communities, aims to send a clear message of unity and resilience in the face of division and hate.

“This is not just an attack on a single community — it is an attack on all of us who believe in tolerance, peace, and religious freedom,” Mr. Lal added.

“Our vigil/prayers will honour the victims, and reaffirm our shared commitment to harmony, respect, and solidarity across faiths and to stamp out antisemitism.”

Mr. Lal, a prominent leader of the Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom and a long-standing advocate for interfaith unity, has called on community members and leaders across the UK to stand together in condemning acts of hate and reaffirming the nation’s core values of inclusion and mutual respect.

He is also calling for a continued robust action from the authorities/communities to protect all places of worship and especially Synagogues. 

Sight Scotland trains Polling Officers to deliver accessible voting for all

Ahead of Scotland’s Parliament elections on 7 May, Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans partner with the Electoral Management Board for Scotland to deliver accessible voting training to all Returning Officers and more than 900 polling staff, ensuring visually impaired voters can cast their vote independently and in secret.

Visually impaired voters face a range of barriers at polling stations, with a lack of staff training and confidence consistently highlighted as a major issue. Voters report that polling station staff do not always know how best to support blind and partially sighted people, leading to inconsistent use of accessible voting aids and uncertainty about the support available.

This is compounded by physical barriers such as poor lighting, unclear signage and challenging layouts, as well as information about candidates and voting procedures not always being provided in accessible formats. Many visually impaired voters are also reluctant to ask for help if it risks compromising the secrecy or independence of their vote.

Working in partnership with the Electoral Management Board for Scotland, Sight Scotland has helped develop a training video for polling station staff, setting out the support they are required to provide to visually impaired voters. Members of Sight Scotland’s Policy Group and rehabilitation team played a central role in shaping the content, ensuring it reflects both lived experience and professional expertise.

Colette Walker, co-chair of Sight Scotland Policy Group, who is visually impaired and took part in the training video, comments: “As the election approaches in two weeks, Sight Scotland and the Electoral Commission are highlighting a major push to ensure every blind and partially sighted person can exercise their democratic right to a private, independent vote.

“Every adult has a democratic right to cast their vote in privacy. By breaking down these long-standing barriers, we are ensuring that visually impaired voters in our communities finally have the same say as everyone else. We hope to see a record turnout of blind and partially sighted voters in two weeks’ time, casting their vote, having their say in politics.”

Sight Scotland Policy Group member, Hussein Patwa, adds: “I was delighted to be involved in producing training videos that will be shown to polling station staff across Scotland before the parliamentary elections on 07 May.

“Featuring myself and other visually impaired people, they demonstrate, in real life, practical examples of the correct sighted guiding technique, how to assist with navigating around the polling station, providing clear explanations to aid with orientation and the procedure to be followed for those who wish the presiding officer to help mark the ballot paper on their behalf.

“I am positive this will make a real difference to visually impaired people’s experience at polling stations, encourage those who haven’t done so before to try voting in person and increase confidence for both voters and polling staff alike.”

Malcolm Burr, Convener of the Electoral Management Board and Returning Officer for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, comments: “Returning Officers and Electoral Registration Officers put in place a range of measures to support voters with visual impairment.

“We want everyone to be able to vote independently and in secret. We have large print ballot papers, magnifiers, additional lighting, tactile voting devices, audio versions of the ballot paper and can help the voter fill in the paper if necessary.

“Members of the visually impaired community told us that a fundamental problem was staff at polling stations did not know how best to support blind and partially sighted voters. The video we have filmed with the help of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans is being used by Returning Officers across Scotland to train their hundreds of polling staff showing how to greet, guide and offer suitable assistance.

“Our polling staff are the public face of the election and the lessons in this video will help them as they prepare to welcome voters with visual impairment into the polling places on 7 May.”

Watch the training video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frVyMRCI2E8

For more information visit sightscotland.org.uk

Family History session at Edinburgh Central Library this Thursday

THURSDAY 30 APRIL from 2 – 3.30pm

Want to trace your family tree, but not sure where to start?

Come along to our beginners’ #FamilyHistory session at Edinburgh Central Library to find out about the free resources that can help you with your research.

We’ll guide you through the basics and show you how to navigate Ancestry and British Newspaper Archive, two brilliant resources for family history and both free to use in all Edinburgh Libraries. The session ends with a short tour of the physical genealogical resources held in the Edinburgh and Scottish Collection.

The next session is on Thursday 30 April at 2pm.

Book your place by emailing informationdigital@edinburgh.gov.uk

ScottishPower illuminates Edinburgh Castle to mark extension of support for Women’s Football in Scotland

Edinburgh Castle became a shining tribute to Scotland’s female footballers on Saturday night, with striking images of players of all ages and stages projected onto the iconic landmark to mark ScottishPower signing up to support the women’s game for another three years.

From the Castle Esplanade, players, coaches and parents gathered at dusk as the historic fortress was illuminated with projected footage showcasing the journeys of young players developing into emerging professionals alongside existing stars and professional players, bringing to life what is increasingly possible through ScottishPower’s continued support.

The projection marks the extension of ScottishPower’s exclusive Principal Partnership with Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) and the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL), first announced back in 2023 as the biggest single investment in Scottish women’s football.

The leading green energy company also confirmed it will continue to sponsor the Scottish Youth Challenge Cups at all three age groups, SWF’s National & Regional league cups and is again backing the fast-growing Scottish Women’s Highlands and Islands League and Cup.

Over the next three years, ScottishPower will continue to actively support both the SWF and the SWPL as they accelerate the growth of the women’s game, all the way from grassroots to elite up and down the country.

Keith Anderson, ScottishPower Chief Executive, said: “At ScottishPower, we’re committed to equality of opportunity, and over the past three years our partnership with Scottish Women’s Football and the Scottish Women’s Premier League has shown just how powerful the right support can be for girls and women across Scotland.

“We’re proud to back the elite end of the game, but just as importantly, to help strengthen the entire pathway – from grassroots and youth football right through to the highest level.

“Together, we’ve focused on making a real, practical impact, from providing kit and boots to girls across the country to supporting development in areas like the Highlands and Islands that can too often be overlooked.

“Renewing our support for another three years is a clear statement of our intent. We’re in this for the long term, committed to building momentum and helping women’s football in Scotland reach its full potential.”

Aileen Campbell, CEO at Scottish Women’s Football, added: “ScottishPower’s continued commitment is a hugely important vote of confidence in the women’s and girls’ game across the country.

“This partnership has already helped us strengthen the foundations of football in communities, supporting participation, improving the player pathway, and creating more opportunities for girls to stay in the sport and progress, whatever their starting point.

“The continuation of support for our National and Regional cups, the Youth Challenge Cups and the Highlands and Islands League and Cup is especially significant, because it reaches players and volunteers at every level. We’re proud of what has been achieved so far, and we’re excited to keep building real momentum over the next three years.”

Fiona McIntyre, Managing Director of Scottish Women’s Premier League, said: “This renewal is a powerful statement about the future of women’s football in Scotland.

“The SWPL has been on a clear journey of growth in standards, visibility and ambition, and having a long-term principal partner like ScottishPower enables our clubs and players to keep driving progress both on and off the pitch.

“Crucially, it also strengthens the connection between the top of the game and the grassroots and youth pathway, ensuring young players across Scotland can see a clear and achievable future in football.

“We’re immensely grateful for ScottishPower’s continued belief in what women’s football can become and the positive impact it can have on communities nationwide.”

ScottishPower is at the heart of communities across the country, whether it’s through the thousands of green jobs being created, the renewable power it generates or the secure, stable electricity it supplies –keeping the lights on from power to plug.

This landmark football partnership aligns with parent company, Iberdrola, which has been promoting equality through sport since 2016, through competitions and federations in Spain and Brazil.

Outside the UK, it supports more than 100 competitions, 32 of them as Iberdrola leagues, reaching an estimated 600,000 female athletes.