Scotland Today
Since devolution in 1999, Scotland has made huge strides. Our economy is growing, our young people are more ambitious for themselves and we are increasingly making our mark on the world.
More European Air Services
The government's Route Development Fund (RDF) has again played its part in encouraging airlines to start up new services, by providing a financial subsidy to defray the costs of starting a new route. This time, it has induced the BMI Regional airline to start daily flights between Aberdeen and Kristiansand in Norway and also between Edinburgh and Zurich in Switzerland. The RDF has now secured 36 direct air services between Scottish airports and destinations in UK, Europe, the US, Canada and Dubai. Last year, there was a major surge in international traffic to 8 million passengers.
Over Two Million Overseas Visitors
The regular survey of the number of overseas visitors coming to Scotland shows that they rose by 14% in the first nine months of last year – much higher than the 8% growth for the rest of the UK. The International Passenger Survey shows that a total of 2,249,000 overseas visitors came to Scotland during these months, compared to 1,981,000 for the same period in 2005. The numbers coming from North America rose by 16% (double the rate of increase in the rest of the UK) while visitors from Europe rose by 13%, compared to the previous year. It is thought that a contributory factor is the growing number of low-cost direct air services between Scotland and overseas destinations.
More Time Off for Scots Workers
After protracted negotiations, involving business and trade union representatives, the government is implementing legislation which will mean that an estimated 500,000 workers in Scotland will get an extra eight days holiday each year. Currently, the minimum entitlement is 20 days a year, but employers of many part-time and low-paid workers include the eight bank and public holidays in that figure. The change to a full 28 days is being phased in, with four days extra holidays from October this year and the balance from October next year. While many employees already have a more generous holiday entitlement as part of their conditions of service, the changes will add 0.4% to the wage bill across the country. It will bring all workers more in line with the entitlement of those in Europe – workers in Ireland have a minimum of 29 days, while those in Austria receive a grand total of 38 days. It is argued that time off helps productivity, reduces sick leave and keeps people motivated.
Kidnapped Given Away
As part of a "One Book – One Edinburgh" project, 25,000 copies of the Robert Louis Stevenson classic adventure "Kidnapped" are being given away in schools and libraries in the Capital. The Jacobite adventures of Alan Breck Stewart and David Balfour were based on real people and events by the Edinburgh-born author. The give-away includes 10,000 copies of the original story, 7,500 in a special edition for younger readers and 7,500 copies of a newly created version told as a graphic novel – a "comic book" in other words.There is also what has been described as an "irreverent and cheeky take on the Kidnapped story" for a younger audience by the director of the Scottish Storytelling Centre, entitled "When Kilts Were Banned."
New Art Gallery for Kirkcudbright
Although the Dumfries and Galloway town of Kirkcudbright has staged a number of high-profile art exhibitions, including a Monet collection in 2005, the town does not have any permanent home for the arts. The town has attracted a large number of visitors to a variety of exhibitions and now the local authority is to provide some modest finance to help towards the creation of a permanent gallery of "national significance" to reflect its artistic heritage. Kirkcudbright has had a long association with art, which started when a colony of artists, including the Glasgow Boys and the famed Scottish Colourists, such as Samuel Peploe and F. C. B. Cadell, based themselves in the area between 1880 and 1910.
Housing Planned for Sports Stadium
Edinburgh City Council has unveiled plans to sell off the Meadowbank Stadium and use the cash to pay for a replacement multi-sports complex at Sighthill and refurbish the Commonwealth Pool. The present sports stadium was built for the Commonwealth Games in 1970 and staged them again in 1986. It has a capacity of 16,000 and the sports facilities, including squash and basketball courts, are used by residents in that part of the city. 20% of those using the facility live close by, not just for sport activities but also as a community centre. So they are unhappy about the plans which would create new sporting venues in other parts of the Capital – and leave them with a much reduced (though modern) complex. Plans currently include a new six-court sports hall, a fitness centre with two activity studios, a martial arts room, four squash courts, a fencing area and a floodlit synthetic pitch. The cost would be absorbed by the developer and there is always a concern that they would try to negotiate with Edinburgh Council for a reduced sports centre. The site is likely to accommodate 815 homes, 25% of which would have to be low-cost affordable housing.
Youngsters More Active
The Scottish Executive's £12 million a year Active Schools scheme seems to be having a good impact on Primary school pupils aged 5 to 11, with the number of physical activity and sport sessions up by over 50%. But in secondary schools, the picture is not nearly as good, according to a report into the effectiveness of the scheme. Over 50% of secondary pupils (aged 12 to 18) fail to hit the target of 60 minutes of physical activity a day – which can include time spent walking to school as well as formal physical education and games. The report showed that while some pupils were taking part in activities such as surfing, dancing, skiing, golf, tennis and judo, overall activity by secondary pupils actually fell slightly in the last year.
Glasgow Accent "Calming and Trust-building"
The Glasgow accent is often characterised as being rough and indecipherable (a bit like most strong accents to those unfamiliar with them). Certainly, when it is portrayed on TV or film, it often sounds aggressive and guttural. But a report this week by the recruitment agency Office Angels shows that over 160 businesses operate call centres in Scotland's largest city – and one of the reasons is that the Glasgow accent is considered to be "calming and trust-building". Of course, those employed by call centres are more likely to have an "educated Glasgow accent" rather than the one found in an east-end bar. Over 20,000 Glaswegians are now employed in call centres and as customer dissatisfaction with equivalent overseas centres increases, the numbers involved is not diminishing, despite some companies opting for lower costs rather than good service.
For the latest news from Scotland, go to www.rampantscotland.com
Here is a list of Burns Suppers all around Scotland:
Inverness
Organic Burns Supper
Wednesday, 24th January 2007
Organic Burns Supper Soil Association Scotland is pleased to announce another knees up celebrating the life of Rabbie Burns. The 2007 supper will be held at Inverness High School, in partnership with the visionary REAL (Real Education Active Lives) Project.
Castle Douglas
Burnsong: Songhouse
Tuesday, 23rd January 2007
New songs by eight songwriters from Scotland and further afield.
Lochside Theatre 7.30
Castle Douglas
01556 504506
£12 (£10)
www.burnsong.com
Pitlochry
Burns Nicht at Pitlochry Festival Theatre
Wednesday, 24th January 2007
There's no finer way to begin our Winter Words Festival than to join us as we celebrate the life, works and spirit of Rabbie Burns. With a traditional supper and piper in the Festival Restaurant, the evening follows a time honoured form of serving traditional Scottish fare and local whisky, all washed down with a performance of Burns songs and poems in the relaxed surroundings of the foyer. Back once again this year, we are delighted to welcome the ever popular John Scrimger who will be accompanied by singers Linda Ormiston and James Nicol. Join us and make it a Burns Nicht to remember!
Admission – Tickets £27.50
Contact – Pitlochry Festival Theatre Box Office – 01796 484626
boxoffice@pitlochry.org.uk
www.pitlochry.org.uk
Winter Words Festival – celebration of Burns
Thursday, 25th January 2007
As the opening day of this year's Winter Words falls on January 25th, what else could open the Festival but a celebration in words, music – and food! – of Scotland's Bard.
From Tam O'Shanter to the Address to the Unco Guid, via My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose and A Man's A Man For A' That, the unquenchable spirit, humour and passion for life that Robert Burns distilled into his poems and lyrics will be joyously revisited by a select group of actors and musicians – with a little help from a supporting cast of haggis and whisky. . . .
Tickets: £17.50 (includes 2-course traditional buffet and dram)
www.pitlochry.org.uk
Perth
On Burns Nicht with Isla St Clair
Thursday, 25th January 2007
Perth Concert Hall
A night of the best of Scottish with Isla St Clair, Harry MacFadyen, the Vale of Atholl Pipe band, Julie Young Dancers, Ewan Anderson and MC George MacDiarmid. Inheriting the rich singing tradition of her native North-east Scotland, Isla was in the top rank of British folksingers by the time she was a teenager. She is known to millions from her numerous TV appearances. Harry MacFadyen is an accomplished musician, entertainer, vocalist and songwriter. He is sure to delight with his vast repertoire of traditional and contemporary Scottish music.
Admission – Tickets £15 (Concessions £12.50)
Contact – Perth Concert Hall – 0845 612 6320
tickets@horsecross.co.uk
www.horsecross.co.uk
Falkirk
About Tam O'Shanter
Tuesday, 23rd January 2007
Perthshire funny man Bruce Fummey takes his show on the road, giving Burns' tales an accessible spin.
FTH Cinema
Falkirk
01324 506850
£7 (£6)
Inverurie
Burns Night at Monymusk Arts Centre
Saturday, 27th January 2007
Burns Night – Monymusk Arts Centre
01467 651220
£40
Edinburgh
Burns Reloaded
Saturday, 27th January 2007
Promising all the fun of a traditional Burns supper but in a revised and revitalised format, Burns Reloaded returns to raise further funds for CHILDREN 1st. In addition to a three-course dinner, wine and a wee dram, there will be games, quirky versions of the Bard's best works and reels of ceilidh music and dancing. A great evening for a great cause.
Corn Exchange 0131 319 8077
£35
www.children1st.org.uk
Kirk O'Field Parish Social Club – Burns Supper
Friday, 26th January 2007
Kirk O'Field Parish Social Club presents a traditional evening of speakers, artistes and a full supper.
Harry Miller Hall 0131 332 2758
£5 (£2.50)
Galashiels
Scottish H.A.R.T. Burns Supper
Saturday, 27th January 2007
Focus Centre, Galashiels
Contact: 01750 721297
Price: £10 each or £100 per table of ten
Selkirk
In the Words of Robert Burns
Saturday, 20th January 2007
A celebration of Burns and traditional supper at Bowhill Theatre. £20 per person
If traditional Burns suppers are a little tedious for your taste, then this evening is for you! This concert featuring Hilary Bell, John Nichol and Lucy Cowan, celebrates the very best of Burns' works, including some of his less known pieces, and the fun will continue in the informal atmosphere of the Courtyard Restaurant afterwards where guests will enjoy a traditional Burns supper and a dram to start things off.
01750 22204
www.bowhilltheatre.co.uk
East Kilbride
Alternative Burns Night
Saturday, 20th January 2007
Bruce Fummey
Perthshire funny man Bruce Fummey gives Burns' tales an accessible spin for an alternative Burns' Night. . . .
East Kilbride Arts Centre 01355 261000
£8 (£6)
www.brucefummey.co.uk
