More local TV from today

STV’s city TV channels, STV Glasgow and STV Edinburgh, have enhanced their schedules for viewers in Scotland’s largest cities from today with extended hours and a range of exciting new original programmes.

The channels are now on air from 7am and will feature hourly week day news bulletins from midday. At 1800, 2000 and 2200, 30 minute news programmes will bring viewers across central Scotland all the latest updates.

The enhanced schedule will also include original, 30 minute Scottish programmes at 2030 each week day evening.

The schedule now includes:

The People’s History Show – Mondays 2030

Published authors and local historians, Dan Sweeney and Dan Gray take us on a journey through the streets of our modern Scottish cities into the past to reveal the real people’s history. This series takes viewers across the history of Scotland’s largest cities, including visits to Edinburgh’s St Bernard’s Football Club, the closes off the Royal Mile and Glasgow’s Merchant City in days gone by. The People’s History Show also takes a look at much loved familiar favourites such as The Sheep Heid Inn and Leith Theatre.

Jak and Eddie’s Scottish Kitchen – Tuesdays at 2030

Top chef Jak O’Donnell and master baker Eddie Boyle join forces to make delicious dishes from the very best of Scottish ingredients. Jak will be cooking culinary delights while Eddie bakes, both have a passion and talent for cooking and produce Scottish traditional favourites with a modern twist. This series is packed with delicious dishes, fabulous ingredients, helpful baking tips and inspired Scottish recipes that will be available on the STV website.

My Life in Ten Pictures – Wednesdays at 2030

Some of Scotland’s best known faces share their personal photo albums to give viewers an insight into their lives through ten carefully selected pictures. The series sees celebrated Scots pick ten pictures which sum up their life giving a fascinating insight into TV, politics, radio, music and comedy. Guests include TV presenter Carol Smillie, TV and radio presenter Ross King, and comedian Andy Cameron.

Grass Roots Music – Thursdays at 2030

This one of a kind show is at the forefront of the Scottish music scene giving brand new local bands and established Scottish artists a platform to share their talent. Scotland’s only weekly music TV show, Grass Roots Music will put local music first and host some of the biggest names in Scottish music, plus emerging new talent in Scotland. Presented by Paul Hughes, STV Glasgow and STV Edinburgh channel editor, the show offers an eclectic range of music from Scotland’s live scene, including interviews with Del Amitri front man and acclaimed solo artistJustin Currie, and singer-songwriter Donovan. Filming takes place in famous gig venues across central Scotland, such as Glasgow’s Nice N Sleazy’s and The Jazz Bar in Edinburgh.

Ch-Ewen the Fat – Fridays at 2030

Non-stop chatterbox Ewen Cameron hits the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh to find out what real Scots think about his topic of the day. Ewen is a unique character who has a knack for bringing out the best in people and Ch-Ewen the Fat is a great opportunity for The Fountainbridge Show presenter to speak to people about topical issues events and ask the questions they may not want to answer. In the first few episodes, Ewen gets his groove on to see if he can get the Scottish public dancing in the streets with raves, tangos, and ultimately a mass Zorba the Greek style dance.

In the first month on air, STV Glasgow and STV Edinburgh reached a combined monthly audience of over one million viewers with an engaging mix of news, innovative formats and classic dramas from the STV archive.

Elizabeth Partyka, deputy director of channels at STV, said: “These exciting changes will serve to strengthen the range and distinctive offering of City TV and allow us to reach new audiences. The new STV Glasgow and STV Edinburgh schedules reinforce our commitment to delivering local programming for our consumers and we hope the 8.30pm slot will become appointment to view TV for viewers in Scotland’s largest cities.”

STV Glasgow broadcasts to a potential audience of two million viewers in the west of Scotland and STV Edinburgh has a potential reach of one million viewers in the east. The channels are delivered in partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University and Edinburgh Napier University, with over 100 students from the universities having gained experience so far through their involvement in broadcast operations of the channels.

STV Glasgow launched in June 2014 with STV Edinburgh following in January 2015. The channels broadcast on Freeview channel 23, Sky channel 117 and Virgin Media channel 159 within their transmission areas. STV, STV Glasgow and STV Edinburgh are available to watch live online with the STV Player.

Extended hours for STV Edinburgh

STV’s city TV channels, STV Edinburgh and STV Glasgow, are to enhance their schedules with extended transmission hours, additional news bulletins and sport.

From Monday 2 March the channels will be on air from 7am and will feature hourly week day news bulletins from midday. At 6pm, 8pm and 10pm, thirty minute news programmes will bring viewers across central Scotland all the latest updates.

The enhanced schedule will also include The Peter and Roughie Saturday Show with pitch-side updates from SPFL matches across all four divisions from Peter Martin and Alan Rough each Saturday.

The Fountainbridge Show will continue to air week day evenings from 1900 to 2000 on STV Edinburgh, with The Riverside Show airing at the same time on STV Glasgow. At 8,30pm each week night original, locally produced content will be broadcast across both channels: The People’s History Show on Mondays; Jak & Eddie’s Scottish Kitchen on Tuesdays; My Life in 10 Pictures on Wednesdays; Grass Roots Music on Thursdays; and Ch-Ewen the Fat with The Fountainbridge Show co-host Ewen Cameron on Fridays.

From 07am each week day morning, and 9am at weekends, STV Glasgow and STV Edinburgh will air a range of popular kids’ programmes made by STV, including, Meeow, Butterfingers, Uncle Dad and Harry and the Wrinklies.

Weekends will feature Scottish Parliament This Week.

In the first month on air, STV Glasgow and STV Edinburgh have reached a combined monthly audience of over one million viewers with an engaging mix of news, innovative formats and classic dramas from the STV archive.

Bobby Hain, director of channels at STV, said: “City TV is a long term commitment for STV and the enhanced schedules that will be launched in early March support our strategy to deliver relevant content to consumers across Scotland. Both city TV channels have delivered in line with expectations since launch and the extended hours and enhanced news offering allows us to align the schedules on both channels so we offer the best possible service for our audiences.”

STV Glasgow launched in June 2014 with STV Edinburgh following in January this year. The channels broadcast on Freeview channel 23, Sky channel 117 and Virgin Media channel 159 within their transmission areas. STV, STV Glasgow and STV Edinburgh are also available to watch live online with the STV Player.

In October last year STV also confirmed applications have been submitted to deliver local TV in Aberdeen, Ayr and Dundee and are awaiting a response from Ofcom.

Have you watched the new TV station? What do you think?

STV Edinburgh launch night figures ‘encouraging’

STV Edinburgh launched last night with a reach of approximately 166,000 viewers in Edinburgh and the east.

The new channel began broadcasting at 7pm with brand new magazine show The Fountainbridge Show and the opening night audience peaked during the show with around 48,000 viewers.

In addition, the new channel was streamed live 2,000 times on the STV Player with hundreds of catch-up views so far.

STV Edinburgh interacted throughout the day via social media with over 4,000 interactions on Twitter and Facebook and over 1,000 entries to the STV Edinburgh competition.

Bobby Hain, director of channels at STV, said: “The launch night of STV Edinburgh delivered an audience that was in line with the first night of STV Glasgow in June 2014, which is an extremely encouraging start as the channel’s reach is a potential audience of one million compared to two million in Glasgow and the west.

“City TV has proved a popular addition to STV’s range of platforms serving consumers across Scotland and we look forward to building on engaging with our audience across the 12 year licence that has been awarded.”

A survey conducted by ScotPulse on Monday night showed over half (54%) of those that tuned in would recommend it to friends and family, and three out of four viewers (76%) said they will watch again in the future.

Across the 253 BARB channels, the STV city channels (STV Glasgow and STV Edinburgh combined) ranked ninth best watched channel* across all commercial channels within our transmission area across the central belt.

STV Edinburgh began broadcasting at 1900 on Monday 12^th January 2015 to a potential audience of one million viewers in the east of Scotland on Freeview channel 23, Sky channel 117 and Virgin channel 159. The new channel is available to watch live online via the STV Player.

STV has also submitted applications to Ofcom to deliver local TV in Aberdeen, Ayr and Dundee.

*Across peak time on launch night, 1900 – 2230

Warners to sponsor STV Edinburgh’s flagship show

STV Edinburgh launches tonight

WARNERS Solicitors and Estate Agents, Edinburgh’s leading property solicitor estate agent, has become the official sponsor of STV Edinburgh’s flagship magazine show.

STV Edinburgh’s ‘The Fountainbridge Show’ which launches tonight, will air every evening between 7-8.30pm with a line-up of local presenters showcasing local music, culture and affairs.

Warners Solicitors & Estate Agents will feature in a brief ‘hottest property’ themed sponsorship bumper, sandwiching each segment before, after and during the show.

Jason Scott, a partner at Warners, is thrilled with the deal that will see the firm cement its high profile in the Edinburgh, Lothians and Fife. He said: “The Fountainbridge Show is the flagship show on STV Edinburgh so for us it was a real opportunity to get on board from day one.

“The programme is designed to showcase everything that is good in Edinburgh and the surrounding area in terms of news, sports, entertainment and culture. Warner’s see it as an opportunity that we can connect to and support.

“We also hope we can benefit from the association of STV with our brand, associating Warners even closer with the people of Edinburgh, Lothians and Fife.

“We want people to recognise Warners as the leading property solicitors brand in the area.”

As part of the sponsorship package, the Warner’s sponsorship bumpers will feature 18 times in each show, which is repeated later in the evening and the following afternoon.

STV’s head of sponsorship Debbie Robinson, said: “The launch of STV’s second city TV channel is a fantastic opportunity for advertisers to reach their targeted audience right in the city of Edinburgh. We are thrilled that Warners has come on board for the launch of The Fountainbridge Show and we look forward to working with them as the channel develops.”

STV Edinburgh comes to your screens tonight at 7pm, hosted by Ewen Cameron and Hayley Matthews (pictured above).

Ewen has interviewed everyone from Tiger Woods to Bill Clinton from his time working in Dubai’s biggest radio station, before moving to Scotland to launch Real Radio, and then taking up his most recent post as presenter of Heart Breakfast show.

Hayley joins STV Edinburgh from Kingdom FM, Real Radio and Talk 107 before joining STV’s The Nightshift.

The channel will reflect what’s happening in the city each day with a combination of local news, community features and live entertainment, as well as classic drama .

Tune in on Freeview channel 23, Sky Channel 117, Virgin Channel 159 or watch live on the STV Player.

Warners, which has three property shops, has held the unofficial title as Edinburgh’s leading property solicitor estate agent for 14 consecutive years since 1999, measured in terms of property sales as recorded by ESPC.

More information about Warners can be found on the website www.warnersllp.com

STV Edinburgh gets ready to roll

New city TV channel STV Edinburgh will launch next Monday (12 January) at 7pm with the first ever broadcast of The Fountainbridge Show.

Also included in the launch night schedule are Edinburgh’s Murder Mysteries at 9pm, STV Edinburgh News at 10pm and Peter & Roughie’s Football Show at 11pm.

Popular archive programming will return to the STV Edinburgh schedule on Tuesday 13 January with the very first episode of Take the High Road at 5.30pm. STV Edinburgh will also broadcast one hour of non-English speaking content per week with Polish drama, Czas Honoru (Days of Honour), beginning on Friday 16 January, with subtitles.

STV Edinburgh will be on air midday to midnight each day with an entertaining mix of news and features, live and interactive formats, and quality acquired and archive programmes.

Paul Hughes, channel editor for STV Edinburgh said: “The response from local people to the launch of the brand new channel has been fantastic. We’ve been inundated with requests from local bands and chefs from the capital who want to appear on the The Fountainbridge Show which is really encouraging ahead of launch.

“STV Glasgow launched to a terrific reception last June and we anticipate the people of Edinburgh will welcome this new platform that will reflect everything going on in the city on a daily basis.”

The Fountainbridge Show will be presented nightly from the studio by former Heart and Real Radio breakfast show host, Ewen Cameron and broadcaster and presenter Hayley Matthews. The Fountainbridge News will air from 6.30 – 7pm every evening, followed by The Fountainbridge Show from 7 – 8.30pm.

Ofcom announced the award of licences to STV for Glasgow and Edinburgh in January 2013. STV Edinburgh will be delivered in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University, offering students the opportunity to work in a live television environment. STV has also submitted applications to Ofcom to deliver local TV in Aberdeen, Ayr and Dundee.

STV Edinburgh will broadcast on Freeview channel 23, Sky channel 117 and Virgin channel 159 and will be available to watch live on the STV Player. Ahead of the channel’s launch, viewers will be asked to retune their televisions to pick up the Freeview signal for channel 23.

Pictured: George Ward, Hayley Matthews, Zara Janjua and Ewen Cameron.

STV Edinburgh will launch with live magazine show

New local channel on air in January

STV Edinburgh will launch in early January 2015 with a magazine show broadcast live from the capital each weekday evening. The Fountainbridge Show will be presented nightly from the studio by former Heart and Real Radio breakfast show host Ewen Cameron and broadcaster and presenter Hayley Matthews.

Ewen and Hayley will be joined on the live programme by roving reporters Zara Janjua and George Ward. The Fountainbridge News will air from 1830 – 1900 each evening, followed by The Fountainbridge Show from 1900 – 2030.

The Fountainbridge Show will reflect what’s happening in the city each day with a combination of local news, community features and live entertainment.

STV Edinburgh will be on air midday to midnight each day with an entertaining mix of news and features, live and interactive formats, and quality acquired and archive programming, including Take the High Road and Days of Honour.

Paul Hughes, channel editor for STV Edinburgh said: “The launch of STV Edinburgh offers a brand new platform for local community groups in the capital city to share their stories. The Fountainbridge Show is part of an entertaining schedule with locally relevant content for this unique city.

“STV Glasgow has delivered a strong performance since launch nearly six months ago and we anticipate a positive response from the people of Edinburgh when we begin broadcasting in early January.”

The launch of STV Edinburgh follows the launch of STV Glasgow in June 2014. STV Glasgow reaches a monthly audience of 600,000 in Glasgow and the west, with 64% of the transmission area tuning in since launch.

The new channel will complement STV’s current portfolio of locally focused services on air, online and on mobile.

STV Appeal raises over £2.6m for children in poverty

This year’s STV Appeal has raised an incredible £2,610,427 for children living in poverty in Scotland. Popular presenter Lorraine Kelly revealed the fantastic total live on STV tonight.

The big finale of this year’s STV Appeal, STV Appeal 2014 – The Big Live, brought together celebrities and fundraisers who have made the STV Appeal 2014 an overwhelming success.

Hosted by Lorraine Kelly from STV’s Pacific Quay studios in Glasgow, the programme was packed with live entertainment including music from Nicholas McDonald, celebrity appearances by Des Clarke and Team Scotland, and inspiring fundraising stories from across the country.

Co-presenter Michelle McManus and Fred MacAuley joined Lorraine in Glasgow, with Sean Batty from RBS Gogarburn in Edinburgh, links to Andrea Brymer at Codonas in Aberdeen, and Nicola McAlley in Inverness.

Lorraine also made a surprise appearance on stage at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow during Still Gamewhere Jack and Victor got the audience on their feet to text the STV Appeal, raising over £10,000.

Cheques from a range of fantastic STV Appeal fundraising challenges, including freshnlo Pedal for Scotland, Lorraine Kelly’s Shimmy across Scotland and Sean Batty’s Highland Fling, were presented across the country with Lorraine bringing the evening to a close by revealing the total sum raised for this year’s STV Appeal.

The STV Appeal raises money for children and young people affected by poverty in Scotland.

Lorraine Kelly, presenter and STV Appeal trustee, said: “It has been a fantastic evening here at STV and the perfect way to celebrate the fundraising efforts of this year’s STV Appeal. The incredible amount of money raised tonight and throughout the campaign will make a real difference to the lives of children and young people affected by poverty in Scotland. A huge thanks to everyone who has given generously to this hugely important cause. There is still time to donate for the STV Appeal, so please keep giving!”

Sir Tom Hunter, STV Appeal trustee, said: “Central to the referendum debate was the issue of social justice and poverty. Once again Scots have backed the STV Appeal brilliantly in the full knowledge that every penny raised up to the first one million pounds is doubled by the Scottish Government and then channelled to support young people challenged by poverty and social justice. Not one penny goes to administration; every last penny goes to helping those most in need. Congratulations to everyone who supported the STV Appeal it’s a fantastic effort from all across Scotland and makes me hugely proud to have co-founded the Appeal.”

Garreth Wood, Trustee of The Wood Foundation, said: “The hard work, commitment and generosity from individuals, communities and businesses means that this fantastic total will go a long way towards helping tackle the poverty crisis facing too many of Scotland’s children. To think that one in five children in Scotland today are living in poverty, families struggling to meet their basic needs, is a particularly difficult statistic to accept and one that, together, we can work to change.

“Over the last year, since The Wood Foundation first became involved with the STV Appeal, it has been a privilege to be involved in events and cheque presentations across Scotland. To witness first-hand the difference these donations are making is overwhelming and to meet some of the inspirational young people who have been affected by child poverty really highlights the key role that local charities play in supporting young people and their families. The Wood Foundation hopes that our continued involvement and contribution to the STV Appeal will make a clear difference to the lives of Scotland’s most vulnerable children.”

Rob Woodward, chief executive of STV, said: “2014 has been an incredible year for the STV Appeal and we have seen some fantastic support from fundraisers all over the country, with everything from charity concerts and quiz nights to bag packing and bake sales taking place to raise money and awareness for children affected by poverty in Scotland.

“The STV Appeal is committed to investing in projects that will make a real difference in their lives and the amazing total of £2,610,427 will go a long way to achieving this. We could not have done this without the support of local communities, corporate fundraisers and STV viewers and we would like to thank everyone who has donated so generously to this year’s STV Appeal.”

We’ll discover Scotland’s Real Heroes a week tonight

Can local youth club Fet-Lor win Community Project of the Year? Come to that, can Sid the horse win Hero Animal of the Year? All will be revealed a week tonight …

RBS-Finding Scotland’s Real Heroes: The Awards will air on STV at 8pm next Tuesday (14 October). The star studded event is hosted by Carol Smillie (pictured above)and will recognise local champions from across Scotland.

The hour long programme will see a total of 11 awards handed out by famous faces, including Nicholas McDonald of The X Factor, actor Bill Paterson, actor Clare Grogan and Taggart star Alex Norton, to Scots who have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people in their local area.

The Scottish public were asked to nominate friends, neighbours or groups who they thought deserved to be recognised earlier this year and the judging panel revealed a shortlist of nominees after an overwhelming response. Each week six nominees in ten categories were showcased for the RBS – Finding Scotland’s Real Heroes series in which the viewers were invited to vote for the candidate they believed most deserved to collect an award.

A winner from each category will be revealed in STV’s programme on Friday 14^th October then one extraordinary hero, selected from the final category winners, will collect the RBS Scotland’s Real Hero of the Year Award.

Elizabeth Partyka, deputy director of channels at STV, said: “To stand out from thousands of entries, our nominees are all doing something pretty remarkable. But their commitment, energy and inspiration are typical of the truly inspiring Scots who go the extra mile for their community. This awards ceremony on STV is a great way to celebrate and reward their achievement.”

Chris Wilson, Royal Bank of Scotland’s Managing Director of Branch and Private Banking in Scotland, said:“We’re really pleased at how successful this year’s series of RBS – Finding Scotland’s Real Heroes has been and the way the Scottish public has got behind all of the finalists. It’s important to celebrate the extraordinary lengths people in communities all around Scotland go to make a difference to the lives of those around them. We’re really looking forward to finding out who the Scottish public has voted as their Real Heroes and giving them the recognition they deserve at the awards ceremony.”

The following individuals, groups and organisations have been shortlisted for an RBS Real Hero award:

COMMUNITY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Jim McConkey – Govan, Glasgow

Vicki McCarthy (REACH for Autism) – Greenock, Inverclyde

Ross Cowie (Lucky2BHere) – Portree, Isle of Skye

SPORTING VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Elaine McKenna (Special Olympics Lothian) – Blackburn, West Lothian

Pat Bannan (Bannan Fitness Club) –Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire

Andrew Campbell (Camran Taekwando) – Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire

HERO NEIGHBOUR OF THE YEAR

Ann Graham – Riverside, Stirling

Mo and Roxy Razzaq – Blantyre, South Lanarkshire

Margaret (Garry) Robertson – Wick, Caithness.

COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

Bathgate Street Pastors – Bathgate, West Lothian

Jackie McIntosh (MS Therapy Centre Inverness) – Inverness, Highlands

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

RBS COMMUNITY PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Fet Lor – Crewe Toll, Edinburgh

The Driving Force – Bonnybridge, Falkirk

The Serenity Cafe – Edinburgh.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Saltburn Woodland Walk – Invergordon, Highlands

Yooz Reuse & Recycling – Bellshill, North Lanarkshire

Killie Can Cycle – Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire.

SCOTLAND’S REAL HEROES COURAGE AWARD

Dean Reilly (Dean Reilly V’s MS) – Portobello, Edinburgh

Amanda McTaggart (Wigbank Glasgow) – Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire

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

CARER OF THE YEAR

Nell Graham (Portobello Monday Centre) – Portobello, Edinburgh

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

Anne Swartz (Scottish Kinship Care Alliance) – Dumbarton, W. Dunbartonshire.

YOUNG REAL HERO OF THE YEAR

Danii McArthur (Young Carer) – Barrhead, Glasgow

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

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

HERO ANIMAL OF THE YEAR

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

Sid the Horse (Aberdeen RDA) – Milltimber, Aberdeen

Ben the Dog (Therapet) – Old Meldrum, Aberdeenshire.

For more information, visit www.stv.tv/realheroes

or get involved on Twitter #scotlandsrealheroes

or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/scotrealheroes

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

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.

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 77^th (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.

Mary Erskine’s to represent city in referendum debate

Mary Erskine School will fly the flag for Edinburgh in the final of a TV schools debate on Saturday.

Eight secondary schools from across Scotland will battle it out on STV in the final of a national debating competition next Saturday (12 April at 1740).

The half hour programme, Referendum: The Next Generation, sees four pupils from each school take part in knock out rounds before the winner of the final debate picks up the trophy.

The other schools to compete are the Nicolson Institute (Western Isles), Douglas Academy (East Dunbartonshire), Montrose Academy (Angus), Lockerbie Academy (Dumfries & Galloway), St Andrews Academy (Renfrewshire), Grove Academy (Dundee) and St Josephs Academy (East Ayrshire).

STV teamed up with Debating Matters in 2013 to give secondary school pupils from all 32 local authority areas, many of who will be eligible to vote in the referendum on independence, the opportunity to research and discuss issues which will affect the future of Scotland.

The Scotland wide competition was open to secondary five and six pupils who had a chance to compete with other schools in their local authority area last summer before taking part in eight regional heats in November 2013. The final of the competition was held at The University of Glasgow and the programme is hosted by STV’s Gordon Chree.

Elizabeth Partyka, deputy director of channels at STV, said: “This programme is the culmination of a series of lively debates between secondary schools throughout the country. We are committed to providing a platform for debate on all the big issues and it is fantastic that secondary school pupils have the opportunity to research and discuss issues that matter to them. We hope people tune in to see which school picks up the winner’s trophy.”

Claire Fox, Director of the Institute of Ideas, said: “Debating Matters is delighted to have worked in partnership with STV to provide an intellectually demanding and rigorous platform for students across Scotland to engage in serious discussion of the big philosophical, cultural and political questions relating to Scotland’s future direction society, and to debate the key issues around the Scottish Independence referendum. The Institute of Ideas values substance over style and emphasises the complexities beyond the headline and beyond sound-bites, so important when young people are considering something as important as the future of Scotland constitutionally. Based on the debates we saw in the autumn and this spring, those young Scots we met rose to that challenge more than admirably.”

Good luck, Mary Erskine!