Tag: thanks

First Minster thanks Makar as tenure comes to an end

First Minister John Swinney has thanked Scotland’s national poet, Makar Kathleen Jamie, for her contribution to public life as her three year tenure comes to an end.

The Makar’s work was celebrated at an Edinburgh International Book Festival event, attended by the First Minister, which saw award-winning composer David Paul Jones take Kathleen Jamie’s back catalogue of poems and set them to music.

Mr Swinney said: “I want to thank Kathleen Jamie and pay tribute to the stellar work she has done over the last three years as Scotland’s fourth modern Makar, and as a national ambassador for poetry in Scotland and overseas.

“Her term as Makar will leave a powerful legacy. She encouraged the public to become engaged with the role by writing a series of collective poems curated from individual lines of poetry submitted by the people of Scotland. This allowed a large number of people to contribute to the important role of Makar.

“Kathleen has also recently completed a collective poem using lines from prisoners throughout Scotland on the theme of hope, which I am very much looking forward to reading when it is published shortly.”

Kathleen Jamie said: “It’s been a huge honour to be Scotland’s fourth modern Makar and I have greatly enjoyed this role.

“I have performed at the opening of Parliament, written poems to commemorate the COP26 Summit and the life of the late Queen and I have toured libraries from Kirkwall to Coatbridge, tapping into the rich seam of grassroots poetry activities taking place across Scotland.

“In 3 ‘collective poems’ I curated pieces from lines provided by hundreds of members of the public. We wrote a National Nature Poem, a Letter to the People of Ukraine, and a Letter to World Leaders. I was happy to be asked to extend this to the prison population and develop a poem on the theme of hope.

“The role of the Makar is vital in engaging a vast audience with poetry. Rather than speaking to or for the nation, I am most proud of enabling the nation to speak for itself, and keep poetry at its heart.”

National Volunteers Week: Edinburgh Leisure

National Volunteer Week starts tomorrow (Thursday). Stephen Hughes, Volunteer Development Manager, tells us why National Volunteer Week is an important celebration for Edinburgh Leisure:

“This week is National Volunteer Week, celebrating the tremendous impact volunteers have on communities around the UK. Volunteers’ Week is a UK wide campaign that takes place from 1-7 June every year. The Volunteers’ Week campaign started in 1984 making this the 39th year.

Edinburgh Leisure is proud to be supported by 113 volunteers who run or support 91 Active Communities sessions each week. We thank all our volunteers for the continued support and effort they put into volunteering with us.

“Volunteers are crucial to helping Edinburgh Leisure achieve outcomes such as improving physical and mental health while making more people more active.

“Without them, our Active Communities programme would not be the same. I would also like to thank our volunteer managers who play an integral role to provide an enjoyable and rewarding experience for our volunteers.

“In my new role working with volunteers, I am excited to bring the volunteer celebration event back for the first time since 2019. It will take place later in the month at Norton Park Conference Centre.

“The volunteer celebration is a fantastic opportunity to bring our community of volunteers together to thank them for their hard work, hear about the positive impact their volunteering has on Active Communities participants and provide a space for volunteers to spend time together to talk about their experiences.

“If you would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities with Edinburgh Leisure, we’d love to hear from you. There are lots of ways to get involved.  However, you choose to donate your time, you’ll be making a difference to local people’s lives.”

Find out more: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/work-with-us/become-a-volunteer

Letters: Thanks from Cats Protection

Dear Editor

I would like to send my personal thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, who have been supporting Cats Protection since 2018.

During that time, funds raised by players have enabled us to help and care for around 10,000 cats and kittens in our adoption centres across England, Scotland and Wales, while they await their forever homes.

In addition, they have also helped us provide cat behaviour expertise to our cat care volunteers and staff and adopters; run our Paws to Listen grief support service to help bereaved cat owners; and speak up for cats to help create positive change for cat welfare via our advocacy work.

Thank you to all the players of People’s Postcode Lottery for your ongoing support. Together we create a better world for cats.

Anyone wishing to adopt a cat or support Cats Protection, or seeking advice on cat welfare, can find out more at www.cats.org.uk

John sig

Yours sincerely,

John May,

Chief Executive, Cats Protection

Shelter Scotland thanks shoppers for backing its fight against homelessness

Housing and homelessness charity Shelter Scotland has thanked shoppers for helping it raise a record breaking £24,000 at the 20th Anniversary of its Stockbridge January launch event.  

The charity shop’s ever popular January extravaganza attracts excited bargain hunters from across Edinburgh and beyond.  

This year saw queues out the door well in advance of the 10am opening time. Shopper patience was rewarded as they snapped up designer clothes from brands such as Prada and Ralph Lauren, early jazz records on shellac as well as beautiful antiques.  

Shelter Scotland is gearing up for the rest of the year and keeping one eye on 2024’s launch event, by asking people to donate any high-quality goods and clothes to help support the fight for home.  

Director of Shelter Scotland, Alison Watson, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who donated items that were sold at our January launch and everyone who came along to grab a bargain on the day.  

“Over its 20 years our Stockbridge January launch has become renowned across the Capital, so it was no surprise to see people queuing out the door before we’d even opened. 

“Raising more than £24,000 from our launch is an incredible start to our year, but we want to keep that momentum going. If you have any good quality items or clothes that you no longer need then please consider them donating to your local Shelter Scotland shop. 

“There is a housing emergency in Scotland that is causing misery in communities across the country. The incredible generosity of our donors and customers will help us in our fight to end that injustice.” 

Edinburgh company helps people wish Sir David a happy 96th birthday

This Earth Day, one month until the nation’s favourite broadcaster and environmentalist Sir David Attenborough celebrates his 96th birthday, Thankbox has launched an opportunity for all to wish the icon a very special happy birthday to be shared with the legend himself.

Launched in May 2020, Thankbox is an online group card that solves the issues related to card and cash collections for special occasions as well as supporting eco-friendly efforts in reducing the use of paper. With the option to include photos, GIFs, videos and a collection point, Thankbox is revolutionising the generic card for something more memorable.

The public Thankbox for Sir David Attenborough will coincide with a fundraiser for Fauna & Flora International – a conservation charity that he has been a member of for 60+ years and Vice President for 40+ years.

Founded in 1903, FFI is regarded as the world’s oldest international wildlife conservation organisation and focuses on protecting biodiversity.

The digital birthday card will allow people anywhere in the world to leave a message wishing Sir David a Happy Birthday and make a donation to FFI.

With over 40,000 species in danger, the initiative aims to raise £10,000 for the conservation charity.

Furthermore, Thankbox is committed to increasing positive environmental impact by planting a tree for every 10 Thankboxes sold. To date, it has planted 3,231 trees, offsetting emissions equal to 11,400 car trips between New York and LA. 

Individuals can contribute to the birthday card on Thankbox.com until the 8th of May. 

Jonny Wright, Senior Director, Communications & Fundraising at Fauna & Flora International said: “We are thrilled to be supported by Thankbox through this unique and innovative campaign celebrating our vice-president, Sir David Attenborough.

“We would like to thank everyone at Thankbox – and to all who sign the online card – for their generosity. Their donations will contribute to our work with local communities around the world to protect and restore nature.”

Humzah Yousaf’s ‘heartfelt gratitude’ for efforts of health, social care and social work staff

As Scotland faces one of its most challenging winters, Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has praised the continued courage, commitment and professionalism of Scotland’s health, social care and social work staff.

In his Christmas message, Mr Yousaf said: “This year has been an incredible race to get ahead of COVID-19 with a vaccination programme which has been the largest logistical peacetime operation Scotland has ever seen.

“As we set our sights on recovery, we have had to adapt and respond to new variants, following guidelines which are constantly updated to take on board the course of this pandemic.

“Every single person working in health, social care and social work has continued to provide exemplary care in the most trying of circumstances, saving lives and protecting our NHS at a high cost both personally and professionally.

“You continue to be extraordinary in your response to unprecedented demands, delivering services in what can often be new and often unfamiliar ways. I have heard directly from some of you about the impact that working in pandemic conditions has had. And I want to sincerely thank you for everything you have done, and continue to do, during this difficult time.

“We will only overcome the challenges ahead if we look after our most valuable asset – the people who provide care through this pandemic. Your wellbeing, wherever you work in the sector, is a key priority.

“Now more than ever, it is critical to look after your wellbeing, and that of your colleagues, and provide support so you can take the time you need to access local and national wellbeing resources available.

“To complement the help that is available to you at a local level, we also have a range of services on hand through the National Wellbeing Hub, including a 24/7 National Wellbeing Helpline, confidential mental health treatment through the Workforce Specialist Service and Coaching for Wellbeing resources.

“I implore you to speak up if you or a colleague need support. You are doing an amazing job, and deserve our help in return.

“The pandemic has been the most significant challenge the NHS has faced in its 73-year history. We know that it is not over, and that the new Omicron variant and other pressures will continue to impact us for some time.

“We hope this Christmas will not be as restrictive as last year, but we’re asking everyone to play their part in helping to suppress the virus by limiting their socialising as much as possible. This is to save lives, and to support all of you in the work that you do. Because we will overcome this virus if we work together and think carefully about how our actions might impact others.

“I want to share my heartfelt gratitude for everything you continue to do in order to support and care for the people of Scotland, and take this opportunity to wish you a happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.”

Raksha bandhan to Say thanks to NHS staff, Police & Armed forces

Hindus of Scotland came together to celebrate Raksha Bandhan, a festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters (writes PUNEET DWIVEDI). This is one of the ways Hindus honour and show gratitude to British Armed forces, Police Scotland, NHS Staff and other emergency workers.

Hindu Forum Britain’s Edinburgh based Vice President for Scotland, Mr Puneet Dwivedi has been collaborating with local Hindu temples and organising Raksha Bandhan at different locations in Scotland. 

This year celebration took place in 3 different cities with opening ceremony at Dundee Hindu Temple on Sun 8th of Aug, followed by The Hindu temple of Scotland Rutherglen in Glasgow and finally at capital’s only Hindu temple, Edinburgh Hindu Temple in Leith.

The word ‘Raksha’ means protection and ‘Bandhan’ means to tie.

Normally sisters tie a ‘rakhi’ on the wrist of their brothers as a bond of protection. During Raksha Bandhan, Hindus use decorative bracelets ‘Rakhi; to symbolise bonds of mutual protection.

However, the festival is not limited to just brother and sister, it  includes others who vow for protection (such as the Armed Forces, Police, Fire & Rescue Services or Ambulance and Medical Services) who provide protection on a routine basis. 

The festival is particularly important for Hindus serving in the UK military, because it celebrates their duty to protect society.

Hindus have time and again contributed to the defence of the UK. During the First World War, 1,750,000 Hindus deployed overseas. In the Second World War, over 1.25 million Hindus played a pivotal role in the allied victory.

Raksha bandhan festivals have helped to forge a closer relationship of the Hindu Community with other public services encouraging Hindu youngsters to enter a career in the Parliament, council, Police or Military either on a full-time or part-time basis. 

Mr Puneet Dwivedi, who is a full Time IT Consultant and organised the event as a volunteer, explained his opening speech that Hindus contribute immensely to British and Scottish society in economic development, science and academia but Hindus  fail to make their presence felt in other public service fields like the armed forces, Police and politics.

Until the last election there were no MPs or MSPs from Hindu community, until Dr Sandesh Gulhane – who was present at the ceremony – became the first Hindu MSP in the Scottish Parliament.

He wants to encourage Scottish Hindus to take up more jobs as MP, MSP , Police and in the Army and integrate well with Scottish Society . He mentioned his special thanks to Flt Lt Tracy McGowan who has kindly helped him over last four years to organise  Raksha bandhan as part of ongoing tri-service engagement partnerships.

Indian Consul General Mr Bijay Selvaraj (above) said: “If you had food to eat, thanks to the farmer, if you are set well and safe thanks to the Policeman on the street and the Army that guard the border.

“Having friends in the armed forces and police back home in India, I know how difficult the job is, and through Raksha Bandhan we want to  convey Thank you to you all.”

The first MSP from Hindu Community Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: “For Me Rakshabandhan really talks about Unity, unity of brother & sister, unity of communities -we are stronger if we are together, being a doctor I have we have shown this unity during this pandemic.

As the first Indian Hindu MSP we want the community to work together as one voice.”

The representative of armed forces and police thanked the Edinburgh Hindu temple volunteers  and Hindu Forum for inviting and honouring them. During these unprecedented times, the value of community spirit has proved to be necessary more than ever.

This past 16 months has put a different perspective and places of worship have to adapt to the ever changing government guidelines. 

All the 3 temples were very happy to reopen their doors for a public function after a long time. These celebrations are fitting tribute to all the protectors of the society, especially NHS workers who played a pivotal role during this pandemic along with members of the police, the Royal Air Force, the Army and the Royal Navy and other emergency services.

8th Aug 2021 at Dundee:  organised at Tayside community centre by Dundee Hindu temple committee (Mrs Naina Penman, Pooja Sharma & other) attended by Dundee West councillor Fraser MacPherson, Deputy Consul General Satya Veer Singh, Chief Inspector Leanne Blacklaw and fire service officer Lewis Duncan. Army-Major Heather Lawrie, Warrant Officer Ashok Chauhan, Opening prayers by the Hindu Chaplain Acharya Krishanji, RAF-Sergeant Sandy Neill, Sergeant Shiv Chand, Sergeant Al Cameron, Royal Navy-    Petty Officer Gav Adamson

15th Aug 2021 at Glasgow :  Organised by The Hindu  Forum in Scotland in association with the Temple of Scotland committee member headed by Mr Mr Kuppuswamy Jagannathan Attended by Margaret Ferrier, MP of Rutherglen and Hamilton west. Army- Lieutenant Caitlin Irvine,  Royal Navy-Lieutenant Commander Niall Copeland, RAF -Squadron Leader Sohail Khan,Sergeant Sandy Neill, Jim Snedden, Station Commander Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and 2 Community Police Scotland officers

Universities join forces to thank students supporting the NHS

Santander Universities has teamed up with Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh, and Edinburgh Napier University to say thank you to students across the health professions that are supporting the NHS in the fight against COVID-19.

A total of £50,000 has been allocated by Santander to provide gifts to 1,400 students across both universities.

QMU has offered their Nursing and Allied Health Professions students on the frontline a choice of one of two luxury food hampers – a ‘pamper hamper’ or breakfast hamper – to thank them for their hard work in battling the pandemic. The gifts have been provided by Artisan Larder Scotland, founded by QMU graduate David McVey.

Edinburgh Napier has linked up with Edinburgh-based sushi company Minato Sushi to offer its own eligible School of Health and Social Care students a £35 voucher for the business as a thank you for their efforts as part of the country’s COVID-19 response.

Minato Sushi was founded by Jennifer Kerr and Tom Ruddy – both Edinburgh Napier alumni. The local business continues to receive support from the University’s innovation and enterprise hub, Bright Red Triangle.

Matt Hutnell, Director, Santander Universities, said: “Universities across the UK, such as Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh Napier University, are doing some fantastic work to contribute to the UK’s effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, so we’re delighted to continue to support both students and local communities during this critical time.”

Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Queen Margaret University, said: “We are incredibly proud of all of our students from the School of Health Sciences, especially those who are playing their part in the NHS’s fight against COVID-19.

“Thanks to the continuing generosity and support of Santander Universities, we have been able to not only provide this thank you gift for hundreds of our hard-working health students, but also support one of our graduate businesses in the process. I hope the students enjoy the gift – they are doing fantastic work!”

Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our nursing and midwifery students have demonstrated outstanding levels of professionalism during what has been an incredibly challenging – and often uncertain – time for all.

“Thanks to the generous continued support from Santander Universities, we’re delighted to be able to show our gratitude to nearly 900 students with this token of appreciation. I am pleased to be able to support one of our alumni businesses in the process. Our nursing and midwifery students have proved themselves to be wonderful ambassadors for the University and the health professions; on behalf of the whole university community, I thank them most sincerely.”

Letters: Dogs Trust West Calder thanks supporters

Dear Editor,

In these unprecedented and challenging times, we would like to say a huge thank you to all Dogs Trust supporters and players of People’s Postcode Lottery in the local area, for their continued support.

We are currently looking after 49 dogs a Dogs Trust West Calder and without the help of the dog loving public, we would not be able to give our wonderful dogs everything they need whilst they are in our care waiting to head off to their forever homes. For many that wait is going to be longer than usual due to the current lockdown.

However, regardless of how long they have to wait, we can assure you that thanks to our supporters and players of People’s Postcode Lottery, all of our dogs have everything they need, every single day they are with us.

More than £13million has been awarded to Dogs Trust since the partnership with People’s Postcode Lottery first began in 2013. This has meant we have been able to invest in additional highly skilled staff such as behaviourists, canine carers and veterinary staff, expand initiatives such as our Home from Home fostering scheme, invest in our volunteers and improve facilities at our rehoming centres, all of which has lasting benefits for our four-legged friends.

We know all of our supporters share our vision to improve the dog welfare landscape in the UK and although at the moment we don’t know the financial implications of Coronavirus on Dogs Trust as it is an evolving situation, we are certain that the coming months are likely to see an increased demand for our services.

That is why we want to take this opportunity to thank dog lovers in the region for their vital continued support.

If you would like to find out more about how Dogs Trust is helping dog owners during this difficult time, or if you would like to make a donation, please go to www.dogstrust.org.uk

Thank you.

The team at Dogs Trust West Calder

Adam McVey: I’ve never been prouder

My street, like most, has been out applauding the efforts of those frontline NHS workers fighting the virus that has temporarily changed the way we live our lives (writes city council leader Councillor ADAM McVEY).

The gratitude and thanks to our doctors, nurses and other NHS staff is universal. It’s been inspiring to see the community spirit in these unprecedented times. It’s not just our collective applauding but the willingness of so many of our citizens to roll up their sleeves and volunteer to help those in our community in need.

Thousands of Edinburghers have signed up through readyscotland.org and volunteeredinburgh.org.uk to help make and deliver food or pick up prescriptions for those who can’t access themselves to help our City with in this enormous effort to keep all of us safe. Thank you to everyone who is putting their community and City first by doing what help they can.

Just as important as what we’re doing is what we’re not doing. For now some of our liberties have been curtailed, we’ve been asked to avoid contact with our loved ones, avoid travel and to change how we do everything like the way we work. The advice from the experts is that by staying at home we can reduce the spread of the virus and save lives.

Pictures of Princes Street, Royal Mile, Leith Walk, Dalry Road- all usually bustling with people – are empty. It’s a strong sign that we’re all listening to the message. So, to all of us who are giving up so much of what we would normally do and staying indoors, thank you.

As well as the community response, the public, private sector and third sector response has been heartening too.

Every part of the City has worked quickly to help the most vulnerable in our City and collaboration between organisations has been more than ever before.

Government and Council working with organisations like streetwork to fund and deliver safe places in our hotels for people experiencing homelessness is just one example of hundreds of the kind of coming together and “get things done” attitude which has been so important in acting swiftly to protect our more vulnerable citizens.

This too has also been about what hasn’t happened as much as what is happening. The businesses that have closed have done so knowing it will cause them serious issues. Indeed, our summer festivals have postponed until 2021 with huge impacts for our City as yet undetermined.

Thank you to the organisations who have thrown themselves feet first into solving these mammoth challenges and those who have taken bold decisions to help keep us safe. 

The Council will keep you as best informed as we can on our dedicated COVID-19 webpage, which you can access from the Council’s homepage. It has information for businesses, parents, high risk residents and information on key services which are subject to change.

Our effort as a Council has been to try and sustain as many of our core functions as possible but it hasn’t been easy. Staff numbers are down across the board due to many reasons attached to COVID-19 and it’s meant having to make changes and service reductions in areas like waste as well as the many public service we’ve had to suspend altogether.

Thank you to the people of Edinburgh for their understanding as we try our best to keep delivering for you.

I want to save my last thank you for the Council staff. It’s hard to put into words the dedication our Council officers have shown over the last few weeks but it has epitomised public service.

Our City would simply not be able to function without them. Those who have worked long days without taking a day off to make sure our City planned properly for everything we needed.

Those who are out day after day doing their jobs in essential services to keep green spaces open for our daily exercise, our bins emptied or key buildings cleaned and open. I’ve never been prouder of Edinburgh Council and I hope the City joins me in thanking our staff for all they are doing for us.

This article first published in Monday’s Edinburgh Evening News