Edinburgh Book Festival 2024: Regenerative Futures

Regenerative Futures Fund:

The importance of technology in all that we do

For more information please contact the Regenerative Futures Fund

[Any text in square brackets in this article is an editorial comment]

I normally write my pieces on my smartphone, – very easy to do.  I can type away, and no one knows what I am doing.  I could be texting, I could, almost be doing anything. I must be a Martini writer.  That is any time, any place, anywhere.   Our multipurpose technology allows me to add stuff, as I wish.  I am doing it, casually, throughout the day.   Amazing!  The secret about how I use my smartphone is out!

However, one day I was in a meeting…

I remember it well. A woman, I have no idea who she was, was typing on her iPhone.  ‘How rude’ I thought. She then stopped, and appeared, to be actively listening.   

She started typing again.  

The chair (not a 4 legged one), spouted.  Mrs. Jones “Stop texting during this meeting, it is very rude, and bad manners.  Your phone should be switched off”

For a moment, I thought, ‘He must have been reading my mind, but if he had? He may not have said that. ‘ I could go on, but let me tell you the rest of the story.

Indignantly she said.

“Chair, I must object.  On my iPhone, I have the agenda, I also have the minutes of the previous meeting, and as the debate progresses I make notes on my iPhone, so that when I leave the meeting, I may be able to do something to help. What is being said is important, and I don’t want to wait for the minutes of the previous meeting to be produced”

The red-faced (literally!) Chair promptly apologised.

That lady is actively creating, taking someone else’s words, and converting them into ideas, tasks, thoughts, and inspiration.

Usually, my creation, new creation, or more accurately when I write a story, I use my iPhone or iPad.   But not this time, I took my laptop off my piano. 

No! 

Not to write or make music, but to play with the sweet melody of words. Words that will sing a song about this story.   That is how important this message is.  Perhaps pen and paper might be better.  But, my scrawls!  No one, but no one, would be able to decipher it.

The downside of a smartphone is that  I can’t type as quickly as I can write.   But for me, the mobile phone is my nerve centre.  I can use it for all sorts of things.  I could switch the central heating on, and open the garage door.  It is almost the nerve centre of all of our lives.

Therefore, when we do business, most of it is done on a smartphone.  That is Over 60% of people use this technology to:

  • Scroll Social Media,
  • Read websites
  • Look for stuff to buy
  • Check out organsiations and businesses

Therefore, almost any activity in our day-to-day lives must be smartphone-friendly first,  not just Smartphone-responsive.  Currently, we use mobile phones for 95% of our computing activities.

While smartphones are currently the fad for everyone, in 10 years, it may be something else. We always need to embrace new technology.

‘The Regenerative Futures Fund’

You may wonder what the subject is about. As a starting point, it is titled…

  “Regenerative, Futures Fund”.  

And I did wonder too.  

Expectations are a classic debate,  one about closing High Street stores and redeveloping town centres into housing or hotel development or something else along those lines.

My planned story would have included other ways.  Other techniques as an alternative to converting shops into houses, that would regenerate an area. And I could have easily produced counter-examples, to make the story enjoyable.

But that was not the subject. That is the exclusion part of the project.  The bit Project Managers will say ‘It is the bit that is out of scope’ 

The in-scope bit…

So what is it all about?  So let me start from the beginning

One of the great people of all time is Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.  

His ‘I Have a Dream speech‘ crystalises most of the story.  However, it is still only a part of it.  The key here is:

– the ‘Dream’

If you have not read the speech, then please do.    Simply, he was in the right place at the right time.

Background to the dream

But, many people are in the wrong place, at the wrong time. It is difficult for them to grow, and the numbers in this group are escalating.  In a similar way to COVID-19, it is a disease.  In this case, it is not a medical issue, but one of our own, that is society’s making.  That in my view, is caused by the systems we have created and use.  

It traverses skin colour, sex,  ethnicity, politics, residential status, and religion.  The disease is spreading and no one is excluded.  And as a response, our politicians and others, appear to put together short-term solutions that don’t work or provide a partial solution to a specific issue.

Gifts of Humanity

Now back to the positives. In my view every human being on this planet is great. We all have wonderful gifts.  Gifts to contribute to our world.  But given, how we are now organised, those gifts are not harvested or are only partially utilised.  The world would be much better and richer if all our gifts were maximised.

The Disease

To resolve the issue, we need to eradicate the disease.  One that is a side effect of the Industrial Revolution and further automation.

The disease is such that:

– We can’t vaccinate against,
– we can’t socially distance it,
and sadly, we accidentally, segregate people that have it.

Government Policy Impacts on Our Lives

Current UK government policy in my view will increase it.  One example is the withdrawal of winter fuel allowance.  Many Grandmas and Grandpas in Scotland this year and early next year may die in Scotland because of it.  Anyone with any common sense knows temperatures drop very low here. It follows, that more winter fuel is used, and in today’s economic climate in the UK, that switch-on costs serious money, unlike other countries.

The disease of the very young and the old…

Additionally, everyone is different, for instance after waiting for a bus for over an hour, on a snow-filled day, I start to shiver excessively, and some parts of my body start their slow shutdown down.  Meanwhile, other people, including my lovely wife, are all quite happy, and not feeling any issues.  Luckily, a nearby hotel in Inverkeithing provided a free hot coffee, and after a few glasses of wine, we returned home in a taxi, safely.

That disease is called Hypothermia.

However,  that is not what I am talking about. I and the event organisers are talking about something much more serious. It is the real killer, and it is called…

“- o – – –  t -” 

To find out more, you can read the event report below.  That report outlines what the event organisers had to say, and provides some ideas and a long-term strategy,  one based on the organiser’s dream.

Nearly £6 million raised for Regenerative Futures Fund:

The Event

Mary Robson (Chairperson)  raised the issues, or questions to the two poets/authors and a Chief Executive.  That is…

What does one need to be put in place to allow for transformational, long-term change in our communities? 

And who gets to imagine and act out this change? 

Then she talked about something that helps people take back control.  It is a method that I suggest takes away from:

  • your last two pieces of bread burnt to a cinder in the toaster.  
  • your daughter’s just lost her precious doll that cannot be found. 
  • you are running out of money to feed the meter
  • you are trying to work out how tonight you will feed your children
  • the car stops for lack of fuel, as you have just spent your last fiver on eggs, bread, and fish fingers for tonight’s tea.  No butter, nor spread. That crumpled fiver or worn dull, an overworked plastic note, could not do the trick.
  • For people at work, their job has gone mad, always rushing,  and pushing, there is never any time. It is all a stressor.

And the list goes on.

A method used for Future Fridays (A side project). It is very similar to the one that was used while I was in primary school…

That is to calm everyone excited or suffering from:

The stress and strain
the rushes of life
the headaches and pain
the complaints from one’s partner, hubby, or wife
the hell of robbing Peter
to him, how do I pay?
the feeding of the meter
Is that what I say?

Why is each day, about a handful of dimes?
We do not make hay
When the sun shines
small storms make life, deeply grey
It has been this way for years, years! and years!!
I must with sadness say,
Our world is full of pain and woeful tears 

Every day with vigour I pray
That this dreadful disease will simply go away,
And only then there is
An end to our people’s weeps, tears, pain, and fear.
There must be a way
to bring hope, freedom, and joy to the poor everywhere.

You may have noticed, but I have written a poem here.  That is part of their secret sauce, using aids to tell their story, a short story. In this case a poem. BUT, I digress. So back to the plot, the calming technique.

This technique may be known as silent time. An opportunity for dreams, or more correctly…

‘Still time’ to explore your dreams and your future.  That is ‘Still’ as in…

‘Still the night’ 

Some churches sing Still the Nightas an alternative to the well-known carol, ‘Silent Night’, during Advent and at nativities.  

But there is another word from our ancestors,  circa 1590-1600, and  I must add three words from a fantastic pop sung by the Tremolos… ‘Silence is golden’. However,  the words, ‘Silence, silent or still’ do not quite say it all. It may surprise you but there is one word.  One from 1590 that will do and that comes later in this text.

…And then without further ado Mary introduced three extraordinary women…

Leah Black [Originally seconded from WHALE Arts, a cultural Anchor Organisation in Wester Hailes,  to the Edinburgh Voluntary Organisation Council in August 2022] – to initiate Edinburgh’s Regenerative Futures fund.  Funded from July 2024 and is hosted by Foundation Scotland.

Two Creators sit alongside Leah, Shasta Ali (writer, poet, and antiracism campaigner), and Vicky Nyanga-Ndiaye (writer, poet, and founder of Project Esperanza, the migrant support charity).

All there to discuss the importance of collective imagination and why we need to shift away from short-term thinking.

Then Mary handed it over to Leah Black.    

She explained that she is the founder and Head of Regeneration Futures Fund (Hosted by Foundation Scotland) a ten-year community fund for Edinburgh that puts decision-making power in the hands of the most often excluded. She is an experienced leader and Chief Executive.  One that weaves between communities, Charities, Funding, Public Sector, Philanthropy, creativity, imagination and complexity

The fund supports approaches to improving the lives of people living in poverty and experiencing racism.  It contributes towards a just green transition, by enabling equity, power-sharing, and long-term change.

The aim is to launch the 10-year fund in 2025, with the first phase of capacity building launching in 2024. It will provide funding and support 10-15 community organisations in Edinburgh for 10 years.  At the end of this article, you will find the locations in Edinburgh that may benefit from the scheme.

The fund for each organisation will be up to £100,000 a year.

And the great news is that nearly £6m has already been raised for the project.

You can find out more about regenerative futures on their website.

regenerativefuturesfund.org.uk

And on her blog

https://leah-black.medium.com/

[As we all know Wester Hailes has been designated an area of deprivation since 1974, and that is the case some 50 years on. Similarly, other deprived areas of Edinburgh need attention too!]

Leah mentioned her work with the Community.  The many challenges, the frustration. The anger when things don’t quite work out.  

You will have noticed a bit of poetry, earlier in this piece.  It just popped out, as I wrote. It is the creation, in this case poetry that calms the storm.  Soothes, and quells the anger. It could have been a musical composition, a new song, a bit of carpentry, some knitting, writing a book, or washing the dishes, but now I am stretching the definition of creation!

I sometimes play ‘Finlandia’  or compose a tune,  to relieve the tension.  But I really must remember to put my headphones on!  My neighbours may not appreciate the tunes or the volume of the music!

The side story is Future Fridays,  an event that Shasta Ali and Jennifer Williams led. That is a time for a moment of stillness, a time to dream a dream. A dream of one’s own and that of the Community.  A dream where locals influence change. A change from the grassroots,  one that is not imposed from above, but one that the community drives. A dream of a new future.

Some participants are encouraged to write poems and short stories. These are published for those who have not had their works published before.

But for all of this funding is needed.

And,  as we are all aware for funding one needs measurable outcomes.  The bean counters need solid evidence that money is well spent.  That is:

  • a record of outcomes, 
  • an audit trail, to provide comfort to the stakeholders, and it is also short-term.

Often the long-term story is forgotten.  The bottom line is that for humans to progress we are driven by our ability to create, and our dream to fuel any change.  Change that will improve all our futures.

[Editorial Comment]

[Biblically, Moses’s dream was to exit Egypt with his people, but he never saw it. However,  the following generations did. Moses ‘missed the boat’.  However, NASA had the dream of flying to the moon.  Yes! NASA had the good fortune to fire their very crude ship (spaceship or in this case rocket), one that successfully landed a man on the moon, and returned to planet Earth]

[All because of many people sharing the same dream.]

[Human endeavour needs dreams, if we don’t have one, there is no boat to miss, nor a ship/rocket to sail/fly/launch, and we never reach the destination of success.  The biggest thing about this is that the dream leads the way.  A way that  allows humans to progress.]

[End of Editorial comment]

The team chatted about outcomes, fluffiness, and short-term funding.  The obvious lack of long-term planning.  The pros and cons of funding – including the agony of surprise funding opportunities.  A task that is a challenge,  one that can be completed if one has no sleep for a week!

[Editorial note]

[Schemes have been introduced to improve the Wester Hailes, but 50 years on, there is no community council, however,  there is a Community Trust.  

The Edinburgh Neighbourhood Project is closed, Edinburgh Community Grants are gone (a 404 is generated on the Edinburgh Council website), and the local trust has registered a land plan in 2023.]

[End of note]

Leah talked about the need to involve the community.  After all, the community is the biggest stakeholder. 

 [Editorial note and opinion] That community involvement is important for other reasons too.  Wester Hailes will become an Edinburgh Council twenty-minute zone in 2030, as will other areas of Edinburgh.  To achieve this Edinburgh Council will certainly have a lot of work to do, and organise many consultations. On the other hand, they may survey people without telling the audience the full purpose and the whole story about the reasons for their questions. From what I have observed and have read in local Edinburgh news sources, it is my view Edinburgh Council staff when performing surveys typically withhold critical information when talking or writing to residents.

[End of Editorial Note]

Poem by Linda Craik, read by Shasta Ali

Following Leah’s talk she handed over to the chair who brought on Shasta Ali a writer, poet, and antiracism campaigner.  She started and announced that she would read a poem. One that was published at, 6 pm Monday 26th August 2024 in an anthology “There will always be questions”.   The poem bears the same name and is written by Linda Craik.  I have tried to recover the poem from my scrawled notes…

“There always will be questions
More than answers
But that 
 is no excuse
Not to imagine the dream
Working together is the key
To achieving a positive outcome

‘Respect other views
But don’t let go of your own
Because maybe, just maybe
Your view will be the most positive one
Every plan starts off as someone’s dream
It then evolves with a bit of imagination
To become a real thing
To regenerate a community
it starts with a dream

The audience claps enthusiastically,  followed by a short lull.

’Thank you Shasta and Linda”

A discussion about the importance of creativity followed.

The speaker then says…

“Let us have an experience of:..”

Then she mentions the magic word, created circa 1590.

It starts with a “Q’ and ends in e.

That is ‘Quietude’ and here are the dictionary definitions…

Quietude  https://see-it-here.com/Quietude 

Quietude is a noun. the state of being quiet; tranquility; calmness; stillness: ‘After the storm passed, there was a lovely quietude.’ The phrase and the word spell out the state of perfect peace. Far better than the words Silent, or still.  Just with one word the phrase ‘Silence is Golden’ is replaced. Quietude!

Quietude led by Shasta

She said…

’Normally, this takes about ten to fifteen, to twenty minutes

‘But don’t worry,  this will take two or three minutes.

[I have reduced summarized this short experience. Much more was said.]

‘Close your eyes and relax’

“We will spend a few minutes in Quietude”

“Imagine the year is now 2044” 

My mind wanders…

‘Now that is a challenge’

‘Will I be on the planet in 2044? 

‘My age would be 88 or more’

‘Will I be here?’

‘I could be called home’

‘What’s that?’

“Have a nap if you like”

“Take a deep breath”

“is it nature you are enjoying?”

“A building?”

“Is it the vastness of the space?”

“What does grow”

“Keep walking”

“Keep feelin”

“What can you hear?”

  • animals
    – traffic
    – birds
    – children

“What is the World like?”

“What colours, scents, and smells?”

“Take a look around you”

“What is the future?”

”Feel the wind”

”What do you experience’

“Look around again, and remember”

“Take a deep breath”

“Open your eyes again”

“Some wake from their [power] nap’”

Some wake from [their Tardis], their [future] time machine.

A new speaker takes the stage, Vicky Nyanga-Ndiaye writer, poet, and founder of Project Esperanza, the migrant support charity) to read a poem  ‘Unpolished and Black’“.  The text below is an extract and not the full poem

I am Unpolished and Black?
No place to call home
Looking. Back on it now
I realise that life was awful
Sleeping on night buses
With no place to call home
The living conditions were more than normal
But being in that situation seemed very normal
The bad days were unbearable
Almost beating my child to death
For not using Yesterday’s cooking oil
Because a gallon is more than I can afford

‘God Help my Children!

’I have been living in a system that has turned me into a criminal

Lots  of claps

A question and answer session followed.  Thoughts are discussed

What is collective Creativity?

  • Co-creation
  • Equal partnership with all involved
    – humility
    – Most conversations are the core of the process
    – People need to engage with the decision-makers
    [For the above there needs to be a major step change by everyone,  as currently people are consulted after the decision.  That is if they are fortunate, or after the money has been spent, but that is amazingly too late. Time is the most important factor]
  • and no one is looking at the longer term and consulting with the people
  • There [urgently] needs to be a conversation about system change
    – co-creation is about how we showcase our, stories

And finally, the talk was concluded with a poem, read by Shasta

It partially sums up the rift we have in our world, and was a last-minute change by her…

This poem was written over 10 months ago, but the death toll numbers have increased. [If one looks at an article in ‘Truth Out! the death toll is now estimated to be 186,000] 

See https://truthout.org/articles/researchers-estimate-true-gaza-death-toll-at-186000-or-more/. “

People of Gaza
Ceasefire
You’re tired of hearing about Gaza,
but It is 40,000 people dead
and still
No Ceasefire

The World blinks through hashtags
Lineages removed
Burning a blaze
Ceasefire
Sometimes Gaza climbs inside the word guzzle
Sit in an inhospitable hole
But each hell… repeatedly
Repeatedly, refrain to say…
Ceasefie

A compass will still point home,
Even if home is occupied by uninvited guests
Even if all that is left
Is a rubble of concrete dust
And a heart filled of
A man awaiting a…
Ceasefire

My Father always said
There is a reason that God made night
To rest, to heal, to dream

He taught me to lay my trust in darkness
Believe in the very next day
Fudger, Pray,
Ceasefire

He taught me,  pray, ceasefire
Words being the only weapon of choice,
Ceasefire

A rapturous applause ended the session.

For balance, a poem from the Guardian readers’  letter page.

Guy Naamati, a former resident of Kibbutz Re’im in Israel, shares a poem he wrote in response to the Hamas attack, while another reader describes the pain of seeing atrocities brushed off or even justified

Fri 13 Oct 2023 18.16

Spared, October 2023
“That Love is all there is,
Is all we know of Love”
– Emily Dickinson

It wasn’t us. We weren’t there
When terrorists attacked at dawn
Death and bloodshed everywhere
But we still live. And they are gone

Imagining how it would feel
Taken hostage by a gun
Or shot while dancing in a field
Not to see another sun

Opinion

[Editorial opinion – In the Gaza Ceasefire poem the word pray is used…]

[What is worrying for everyone…  Soon, we will not be able to pray aloud or quietly, as that may not be allowed too! The intervention of the thought police is a very frightening prospect. Our freedoms in the name of safety and sensitivity to others are being eroded]

My conclusion 

For the future the journey is long.

Some will say what is being done is impossible, but as others have said in the past…

  • It was impossible to fly
  • it was impossible to land a man safely on the moon and return
  • It was impossible to sail past the horizon as we may fall off the edge
  • It was impossible to have a flat-screen TV

Anyone, advocating any of these impossibilities has been ridiculed. BUT they had a dream, and not only that but other people had the same dream too!

One difficulty is converting a bit of fluffiness into an outcome.  Usually described as successes. However, some achievements cannot be easily measured.  One might need a verified subjective perception score 

The big risk is failure and it can be hard to find success.  But there is a fine line between success and failure.  Therefore, any project management needs the ability to push a project from failure to success, and the wisdom to identify that there may be the odd occasion that:

-no matter how much one does try,
-no matter how much money one throws at it,
-whatever one is trying to do… One may fail

Then close it, and learn from any mistakes, and move on.

In communities, organisations and people that represent the community, already exist.  Examples are Community Councils, Trusts, politicians, rent and ratepayers associations, churches, schools and educational establishments, hospitals, GPS, MPs, MSPs, Councils, and key stakeholders. All community projects should take them all on board.  Sow the seeds, and let the organisations work out how they can help.

One should never forget the dream. Remember – Nothing Is Impossible.  

For any project, there are two fantastic books.  The first is PRINCE 2, a project management tool.  The second is the Bible – not everyone’s cup of tea.  However, one will find a lot of stuff,  used by management teams. 

The big focus, stuff like this takes time.  As in Moses’s dream, he missed the boat and someone else took them out of Egypt, and to quote Luke Chapter 1 verse 37 “For with God nothing is impossible”.  

However,  fifty years have passed, but in Wester Hailes, there have been some small successes.  However, as a creator, along with other creatives, the Regenerative Futures team, with the community teams will succeed. That is a transformation greater than one could ever expect.  The dream realised, through creativity, energy, cooperation, and enthusiasm. 

I nearly forgot, to say what that  disease is?

The answer…

Simply, it is ‘Poverty’.  It is becoming highly infectious, and growing with the increasing number of closures and redundancies.  Any closure, no matter where will multiply misery.

The promise from politicians was leveling up.  Not too sure what the promise is now.  But the reality is, we are leveling down.  To quote a cliche, the rich are becoming richer, and the poor are becoming poorer. Only the people of communities can break the downward spiral.

The way forward is “Creativity, Imagination, Healing, Hope, and Joy”

 Some of the critical downward economic factors for the future:

-net zero, 

the rumoured 2030 great reset (See explanation below)

-the 2030 twenty-minute zones,

  • finally how our politicians manage any economic and climate changes.

We are in a time of excessive change, and any reader of economic history will tell you at these times there are always winners and losers.

And any change poorly managed may be painful for many. The trick is to manage the change.

The largest pain is for the poor.  In my view, there is no need to charge extra for fuel in the winter, when the UK is blessed with abundant energy sources.  Ironically, we in Scotland create energy, mainly from renewables (solar, ocean, and wind power)  Scotland exports it elsewhere. The charge is a classic private enterprise strategy of low prices in the summer, when demand is low, and high prices when the fuel is in huge demand. That adds another £150 to the bill when pensioners lose their winter fuel allowance, which adds insult to injury. A double blow to the majority of pensioners, and an additional unnecessary one to those struggling with poverty, anywhere in the UK. The bit I don’t get is why most other countries have lower fuel prices, the Isle of Man being a prime example.

The Great Reset

It is rumoured, that in 2030, in a bid to achieve net zero quickly, our incomes will reduce or prices of goods and services will increase. That is to allow the net zero project to succeed.  Politicians on GB News have discussed this topic. It is part of the great green plan for that year, which includes the implementation of 20-minute zones.

One final thought… A quote from me…

‘The truth is… The citizens of the UK are the salt of the earth, they have hidden riches and talents (not taxable ones), that could help make things fly. It all depends on how things are done. People are the root of progress.  They need help to make things happen and not be overly controlled and constrained.’

And the truth is “We Have A Dream”.  Scottish World Cup Squad – 1982″

Scotland did have a dream and Scotland did well  And that is the secret to economic success, believe in the dream.

Should you wish to help the Regenerative Futures fund in any way, you can do so by completing their contact form

Note 1. Potential areas that may receive funding could be:-

  • Niddrie
  • Muirhouse
  • Sighthill
  • Wester Hailes
  • Gilmerton.

Note 2. Recent additional proposed challenges for those in poverty

  • The removal of the single household occupancy relief.  This is a regressive tax measure.  One not recommended by anyone with any economic knowledge. It hits women more than men, some women being single pensioners,  others being widowed, and single ladies not of pension age.

It would be better to include people in the household above two occupants who are active in the economy.  This would make the Council Tax progressive again. No! it is not a Community Charge, the bill would be for the responsible property owners’ or rent payers’.   Of course, as an alternative, local authorities could be given the power to have a local sales or purchase tax (Not VAT).  There are many other options.

  • The increased pension age to 68. This is not good for anyone close to retirement, and a slap in the face for young people looking to retire at 60/65 or earlier to enjoy the balance of their life.  By retiring early,  another job is available now. It also reduces the costs of unemployment, sickness, and other benefits.

Edinburgh Book Festival 2024: A small review by Christopher Condie

Empty streets

9:30am on a Wednesday morning, bright and clear and fresh and having just devoured a ‘Bao’ for breakfast (yeah, I didn’t know what that was either) the book festival was waiting. I watched as the early morning crowd of mums convoyed over the cobble streets with pushchairs and babies and thermal coffee mugs. The excited chatter of young hopefuls, split into gangs of competing artists all wearing their colours; T-shirt sporting their various company logos. The over enthusiastic buskers setting up on their patch. Festival time in Edinburgh City and the machine was sputtering to life. I sat in George Square alone. A few of the food vans are open to catch the breakfast trade (wise indeed), the smell of breakfast wafts over the cobbles, and the air is filled with nursery rhymes and joyous little voices singing along. The place is youth. Late morning and later nights. My stop isn’t here though. I have the altogether more sensible, more cerebral, Book Festival. Situated at the Edinburgh Futures Institute. I’m expecting jet packs and AI driven robots…

The space of the Edbookfest, Edinburgh University’s Futures Institute, is an ironic building. An old cobblestone building of sublime beauty with an android amalgamation of modern glass and steel. It is a striking setting for a jovial and relaxed festival. The garden is abuzz with white wine drinking adults (checks watch, it’s now 11:00 am) and those that are on waiting lists of schools. Space for children. Lots of space for them. Book bugs!! Free sessions of reading and singing for the little ones. In Gaelic, too.

Once inside, if you dare leave the sunshine, reveals low cobble arched roofs and steel handrails. The anatomy of future’s past. But this wonderful setting is not the reason we are all here. The Book Festival is s celebration of literature. And two events stand out to me as worth writing about.

“R F Kaung and Samantha Shannon: The Future of Fantasy (Venue T) 14/08/24 20:30 – 21:30” Hosted by Caro Clarke.

This drew my attention as the topic of Fantasy has a classic structure to it and I was intrigued as to what these two successful authors vision of the future would hold. Firstly, both authors agreed that a story set in the fantasy genre is not obliged to reflect our world. Samantha reminds us that Tolkien was not a fan of allegory in his novels but talked more of the applicability of a story to a real-world narrative. A welcome thought as more and more spaces of art are used for political messaging rather than storytelling.
Then Rebecca F Kaung makes the statement, “Frodo is not a socialist, and that’s the problem.” ‘Collective action’ were the words of the night as Samantha and Rebecca both would like to see the archetypal hero’s journey feature less in fantasy going forward. They see real heroism as something no one person can claim, or inherit, and that a collection of people will all add their skills to the victory.

Samantha’s writing also covers the theme “found family” (Shannon), she states that in her writing she plays with the idea of family and how many different relationships can constitute and cohere with the idea of ‘family’. This is commonplace in most fantasy writing as groups come together to overcome some great adversary, they often suffer together, live the story together. Tolkien’s Hobbits could lay claim to that idea of found family, Sam and Frodo are bound through hardship and one could view that relationship as a brotherhood. The idea that family is not just related by blood,  surely is not new.

When asked were they see fantasy heading over the next five years? I’ll leave you with two quotes from Rebecca Kaung
“I would like to see books that tackle really big socio-political-economic questions” (Kaung).
“the more escapist we get or the more into our own heads and feelings at the cost of everything else we get, I think the less that fiction has any, you know, real-world value.” (Kaung)
This talk is available to watch on the EdbookFest website.

“The Front List: Salmon Rushdie in conversation with Fiametta Rocco (McEwan Hall) 17/08/24 17:30 – 18:30” Hosted by Fiametta Rocco


Salman Rushdie is a name I heard at the age of eight. The man has had a career longer than I have had life. In 1988 a Fatwa was issued on Rushdie. And he went into hiding. This is news to no one. On the 12 August 2022 that fatwa was very nearly fulfilled, when a young man attacked him on stage and stabbed him multiple times including his eye. Rushdie speaks from a video link. He speaks with eloquence and class and dignity. Rushdie’s latest novel, ‘Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder’ details his thoughts and feeling of that night. Rushdie choice of title the word, ‘Knife’, gives it meaning anew. He ponders what the choice of weapon his attack used with a sublime understanding. The knife is a tool of intimate violence, “intimacy of a kind of horror.” Rushdie says. It’s not a gun, for that is impersonal. And turning his own weapon, his words, his knife, against the attacker to “obliterate him”. Rushdie remains in control of himself, with a few minor wobbles of emotion leaking past his honourable exterior.

In the book he doesn’t name his attacker, referring to him as simply “A”, which he muses could stand for a great many things. His attacker had read nothing of Rushdies’ works, nor was this person alive when the murder was sanctioned. And Rushdie likens his attack to Othello’s fate, when all he does is pass over Iago for promotion, his attacker “what he knew about me wasn’t sufficient motivation to do what he did” and this led to a chapter in his book about trying to understand this the mindset of this man.

The seriousness of Rushdie’s attack was brought home when he recounts that by day three they knew he would live. Sober words. And that the doctor told him that his “good fortune had been that he [the attacker] had no idea how to kill a man with a knife.”

When asked if he could do that which John Paul did, and forgive his attacker, he responds with a “No, I don’t think so. This may be why I’m not Pope.”

Rushdie’s talk is a beautiful, optimistic beacon of art overcoming violence that cracked my cynical heart and is well worth the time of viewing.

Greta withdraws – storm in a tea cup as 50 book festival authors threaten not to take part in Edinburgh Book Fest next year.

This is as a result of recent environmental disasters in Hawaii that are part of a series of such events occurring this summer.

FREQUENT disaster occurrences have led to many anxious concerns and feelings of hopelessness  about the forecast impact of climate change. 

Meanwhile, prominent climate activist Mikaela Loach from the UK suggests that we should change our perspective and view these events as opportunities for change.

Mikaela discusses this viewpoint in her new book, which she is currently promoting at the Edinburgh Book Festival. Mikaela Loach is among a group of over 50 authors who have threatened to boycott the event next year unless its major sponsor, Baillie Gifford, divests from fossil fuel companies and Greta Thunberg has already withdrawn from the event accusing the sponsors of engaging in greenwashing.

The book festival have responded with this open letter from  Nick Barley, Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival, said:

“Dear authors,

“Thank you for your letter about the Edinburgh International Book Festival’s sponsorship by Baillie Gifford.

“Writers are the lifeblood of this festival. We exist to offer you and your readers the chance of open discussion about the things that matter to you.

“We fully acknowledge your concerns about the devastating impact of fossil fuel exploitation on the climate: as individuals and as a charity we firmly agree. 

For these reasons we promise to think about your letter carefully. The last thing we want is to let anyone give the impression we are on opposite sides.

“Just as we promise to listen carefully to you, we ask that you allow us some time to consider your comments. We’d also like to share with you the reasons why we have accepted this sponsorship agreement. 

“Like all arts organisations in the UK, we wouldn’t have enough funds to operate without private sponsorship. We looked very closely at the work of Baillie Gifford and it seems to us that they are in fact investing in companies that are seeking to resolve the crisis.

“Those companies include Ørsted, the Danish windfarm specialist. Ørsted was mandated by the Danish government to keep two coal-fired power stations open until 2024 as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – and that is the only reason why a small percentage of their income still comes from fossil fuels.

“I hope you will talk with me and my colleagues, and discuss the complexities of this issue with us. Surely the best place for such conversations is at Book Festivals like ours. I invite you to the festival because I believe in the power of your words. I am keen to learn from you about this; to hear your expertise; to understand your perspective. I promise to consider what you say carefully, and keep an open mind about how to proceed.

“For that reason I’m proposing that we talk at the festival – with each other and with audience members who share the same concerns. Let’s talk in the Authors’ Yurt, in the bookshop, in the cafe and in the festival courtyard. Let’s talk in our theatres too: I’d like to find a time when we can invite representatives from across the spectrum of opinion to come on stage and have a discussion which will be open to the public. We’ll find a date when that’s possible and you’d be more than welcome to join us.

“Can we talk?”

Super 7 Booker Long List writer events at International Book Festival

Edinburgh International Book Festival Weekend Goodies!

We’ve got some electrifying book buzz for you! Last week, the  judges  over at the Booker Prizes unveiled their dazzling longlist for this year’s much-awaited Booker Prize.  A rollercoaster of literary genius, featuring the most mind-bending, heartstring-tugging, and audacious books of the year.

Out of the sensational 13 authors who made the list, we’re thrilled to unveil the Super Seven—yes, you read that right! The Super Seven will be gracing the events the Book Festival.

They are ready to unravel the tales behind their latest creations.

One name that’s got us all aflutter is none other than the ingenious Sebastian Barry.

Sebastian Barry & Steven Isserlis: Unforgettable Stories Beneath the Stars

Sun 13 Aug 20:30 – 21:30 Baillie Gifford Sculpture Court

Barry, the maestro of storytelling, has bestowed upon us his latest gem, “What is Old God’s Time?” . it’s a trip through ancient history—a journey that will tug at your heartstrings like a master musician’s melody. Nestled by Dublin’s seaside, old Tom Kettle takes us on a memory-filled odyssey, leaving us with a tale that’ll stick with us forever. Join us in the electric ambiance as Barry, joined by the renowned cellist Steven Isserlis, as Barry weaves his literary magic with a dash of musical enchantment.

Tickets might be snatched up already, but fear not! You can still catch the spectacle online, thanks to the Edinburgh International Book Festival online video portal. Please do ensure you’ve got your own EIDF online account  to access this literary soiree!

Attend In-person or virtually, the Sebastian Barry Event

https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival/whats-on/sebastian-barry-steven-isserlis-things-we-don-t-remember-and-things-we-can-t-forget-18721

Elaine Feeney: Adventure Awaits!…


Boy on a Mission

Sun 27 Aug 16:00 – 17:00,  Wee Red Bar, Edinburgh

Mark your calendars for this heartwarming rendezvous, a tale spun through the eyes of a spirited 13-year-old boy on a mission. Elaine Feeney, a wordsmith of heartfelt storytelling, brings us “How To Build A Boat,” a novel bursting with dreams, imagination, and the power of family bonds.

THE award-winning Irish novelist and performer, Elaine Feeney, will take you on a journey into the heart of her latest creation. Prepare for a story that Douglas Stuart himself calls “a gorgeous gift of a novel, hopeful and full of humanity.” Trust us, it’s THE uplifting read of the year, and Feeney is here to spill the beans on why. Join the Festival event for a chat that’s sure to leave your spirit uplifted.

In-Person Only (Sorry, no virtual seats for this one!)

Get Ready to Be Uplifted

https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival/whats-on/elaine-feeney-boy-on-a-mission-19056

Martin MacInnes: Deep Oceans and Deep Space

Sat 12 Aug 10:15 – 11:15 Spark Theatre, Edinburgh (In the past).

Ladies and gentlemen, let’s take a cosmic journey with the visionary Martin MacInnes! Based in the enchanting city of Edinburgh, MacInnes presents “In Ascension,” a story that blends the everyday struggles of families with the cosmic riddles that dance through the universe.

MacInnes’s masterpiece takes us on a wild ride through imagination’s outer fringes, daring us to question the lines between humanity and the cosmos. With a pen as mighty as a meteor shower, MacInnes crafts a tale that’ll leave you starstruck. But, alas, this event has soared by, and the stardust has settled. No video clip can capture this cosmic magic, but fret not, for MacInnes’s celestial stories await your discovery!

Explore the Ocean Depths and Cosmic Wonders

https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival/whats-on/martin-macinnes-deep-oceans-and-deep-space-18660

Prepare to be dazzled, delighted, and transported into literary realms that will make your heart beat and your mind race. The Edinburgh International Book Festival is your gateway to these enchanting worlds!

Ready, Steady Go the EIBF 40 year book festival starts tomorrow

Raja Shehadeh author reading at the Edinburgh International Book Festival

It is ready, steady and go for a literary extravaganza as the curtains rise on the Edinburgh International Book Festival this weekend!

The stage is set for an electrifying journey from August 12th to 28th, where   writers, authors , visionary thinkers, and captivating performers from all over the world will converge at the enchanting Edinburgh College of Art.

In the lead-up to this grand event, the festival organizers have been enticing  us with snippets of the upcoming spectacle.

For our part above there is a video clip flashback of some of the previous activities we have covered.

With a staggering lineup of more than 400 events tailored for adults and a whopping 180 events designed for our  young ones, it’s been a whirlwind of anticipation.

But hold onto your literary hats, because the excitement doesn’t end there.

This year, is a milestone celebration as the festival marks its 40th anniversary with a bang. Brace yourselves to be transported back in time as they pay tribute to their inaugural program from the year 1983. The jubilation is infectious as they extend a warm invitation to partake in the festivities.

Prepare for a dynamic whirlwind of captivating events, a vivacious Festival Village, and with any luck, a generous dose  of that elusive Scottish sunshine.

We are now signing off to do some research here https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/

 

Edinburgh Book Festival – Red or Blue Wall and Family issues in the USA – Fiction

Image of A M Homes with a USA flag in the background

The feature image above is used by the courtesy of David Shankbone under Creative Commons Licence CC BY-SA 3.0. We have changed the exposure, removed shadows, changed the contrast, and adjusted the colour. Charles Litster editing trademark, white shade at the bottom right of the image. This version is available to use under the same Creative Commons license – CC BY-SA 3.0 and if you use it you must display attribution to David Shankbone and Charles Litster

Remember, the amazement of the TV presenters when the Northern Red wall was broken?  100s of thousands of Labour supporters switched their voting allegiance from Labour to Tory in the 2019 General Election.

Book - by A M Homes front cover of the UnfoldingNow, there is an amazing book written by A M Home, titled ‘The Unfolding’.  A fictional story was written diary style. Highlighting the political conflict in the nation and one’s own family, polarizing to the two extremes. .  That is a conflict between the views of those on the right and left. Plus the general unhappiness and divergence from voters’ intentions.  The issue of what happens,  when the disillusioned voters switch and eventually find out that the governing party does not deliver too!  How will those voters react?

My personal view of the two far extremes of the left and the right is that on many issues they agree, mainly for a set of totally different reasons.  This fictional alternate life may give us a glimpse of the future of UK politics.  But do remember it is a work of pure fiction based geographically in the USA

Some quotes from the critics:

If you live in the USA or any other country except the UK, please click the  .com image  below

 

 

 

Edinburgh International Book Festival a Grrrrr-eat and Monster start on their opening Saturday

2021 Edi Book Fest Opening day

Saturday saw the opening of the Edinburgh International Book Festival.   Some lucky children were fortunate enough to meet up with a certain grrrrruff friend!  That is Gruffalo a character invented for children to enjoy by Julia Donaldson.

 

Julia conjured up the idea of the Monster’s name to end in O so that it would rhyme with “doesn’t he know”. The “Gr” being a fierce start to the monster’s name,  with a middle of “uffal” to make up that super name Gruffalo.  A fierce name that displays a pleasing image of a monster, and it also projects an image of a buffalo.  A buffalo more that is scary, fierce, friendly, and a fiend.

You can see Julia Donaldson in action here.  You will need to register, and the event can be seen after registration.

https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival/whats-on/julia-donaldson-songs-and-stories-for-little-ones

Sunday at the Edinburgh Book Festival

Image above is a fond memory of the 2017 Edinburgh Book Festival in Charlotte Square,.  A different world to the one of 2021.  A freer COVID19 free event, packed with live audiences and visitors to the gardens in the Square. All enjoying the sun and the atmosphere of the great literary celebs.

This year they are staging a hybrid  Festival. We hear there is a fabulous online programme of over 250 events for adults and children,  Their events are streamed live on the festival’s website.

Alongside this your are welcome in-person for a wide range of the events in the programme, which you can book using this link to their website , This year’s Book Festival  takes  place from Saturday 14 to Monday 30 August at their  new Festival home: the University of Edinburgh’s Edinburgh College of Art.

Sun 15 August

  • Activist and author of memoir-cum-manifesto The Properties of Perpetual Light Julian Aguon and prize-winning author of poetic essay collection Small Bodies of Water Nina Mingya Powles come together to discuss their books and environmental perspectives in a live event with an author Q&A. BOOK YOUR SPOT
  • Poet of the people and the first Young People’s Laureate for London Caleb Femi shares his debut collection which has been called ‘a landmark debut for British poetry’. BOOK YOUR SPOTFollowing the event, Caleb Femi will be doing an in-person book signing in the Festival Village.
  • Tara June Winch, winner of Australia’s most prestigious literary prize, brings her third novel to the Festival. Told in three masterfully woven narratives, The Yield is a celebration of language and an exploration of what makes a place ‘home’. BOOK YOUR SPOT

Don’t miss events with Joan Bakewell & Richard HollowayPat Nevin & Val McDermidTom Devine & Allan LittlePaul Sng, Kit de Waal & Tanatsei Gambura, Nick Bryant, and The Bad Seeds’s Warren Ellis. Tickets for attending these events in-person have all been snapped up but they are available to enjoy live online and on-demand on a Pay What You Can basis.

Stagecoach change bus timetables across Scotland tomorrow

Coronavirus (COVID-19) further update from Wed 1 April 2020 

Following further government advice regarding non-essential travel to combat COVID-19, we’ve seen a further reduction in passengers using our services. Accordingly, we will make some further changes to the services we offer from Wednesday 1st April.

We understand that travel on our services will still remain vital for many, and we’d like to thank all those who submitted feedback to us. We’ve done our very best to ensure that critical routes are maintained wherever possible.

The timetables listed below will begin running on Wednesday 1st April, and although they are temporary, they are in place until further notice across Fife, Perth & Kinross, Dundee and Angus.

Remember to check this page before your journey as updates may be made from time-to-time as the situation we are currently experiencing develops.

Please be assured that the well-established and rigorous cleaning regimes on board our buses will remain in place at all times, and that contactless payment is available on all our vehicles.

For more information about coronavirus, visit  www.gov.uk/coronavirus

 

Please note that any services not mentioned below, will NOT run from Wednesday 1st April until further notice.

 

Fife

Service 3/3AA special timetable will run from Monday-Saturday. No Sunday service.

Service 4A special timetable will run from Monday-Saturday. No Sunday service.

Service 5/5A –A special timetable will run from Monday-Saturday. No Sunday service.

Service 6/6ANo service until further notice.

Service 7/7A –A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 7B –A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 8/8B –A special timetable will run from Monday-Saturday. No Sunday service.
Please note that revised service 8 will not extend to serve Alloa and Kincardine.

Service 9/9A –A special timetable will run from Monday-Saturday. No Sunday service.

Service 11/12A special timetable will run from Monday-Saturday. No Sunday service.
Please note that service 11/12 have been re-routed to also serve Hayfield Road, Dunnikier Road (for Victoria Hospital) and Wilson Crescent.

Service 14– No service until further notice.

Service 19B A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 23– No service until further notice.

Service 28No service until further notice.

Service 32 – A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 33/33BA special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 36 – A special timetable will run from Monday-Saturday. No Sunday service.
Please note that revised service 36 will only operate directly between Newburgh and Perth Royal Infirmary.

Service 37/37A/X37 – A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 39C/39DA special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 41 – No service until further notice.

Service 42 – No service until further notice.

Service 43A/44AA special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 45 – No service until further notice.

Service 49 – No service until further notice.

Service 54 A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.
Please note that service 54 will serve Tayport and Newport. Normal route through both Tayport and Newport will be followed.

Service 66 – No service until further notice.

Service 67No service until further notice.

Service 77 – No service until further notice.

Service 81A A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 83 A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 85  – No service until further notice.

Service 86No service until further notice.

Service 87 – No service until further notice.

Service 89 – No service until further notice.

Service 92 No service until further notice.

Service 94 – No service until further notice.

Service 95 A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 97 – A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 99/99A/99B/99C/99D – A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 108 – A special timetable will run from Monday-Saturday. No Sunday service.

Service 747 – Due to a fall in passenger demand, service JET747 will not run until further notice. Customers wishing to travel to Edinburgh Airport can use our services to Edinburgh, then travel to the Airport with Lothian Buses or Edinburgh Trams.

Service B1 – No service until further notice.

Service X24/X26No service, however links are available with services X59 and X27 for travel from St Andrews and Glenrothes to Dunfermline and Glasgow.

Service X27 – A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.
All stops will be served between Leven and Kincardine.

Service X51 No service until further notice.

Service X54 – A special timetable will run on service 54 from Monday-Sunday. Please note that service 54 will serve Tayport and Newport. Normal route through both Tayport and Newport will be followed.

 

Until further notice, all Edinburgh Express service (X55, X58 and X59) will not serve Edinburgh bus station.
Passengers should get on/off their bus on Princes Street or at St Andrew Square (stop YD, opposite the pedestrian entrance to Edinburgh bus station).

 

Service X55 A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.
All stops will be served between Dunfermline bus station and Ferrytoll P&R.

Service X56 – No service until further notice.

Service X58 – A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.
All stops will be served between Leven and Ferrytoll P&R.

Service X59 – A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.
All stops will be served between St Andrews and Ferrytoll P&R.

Service X60 – No service, however links are available with services X59 and X27 at Halbeath park and ride in place of service X60.

 

Perth & Kinross

Service 1/2 – A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 4 – No service until further notice.

Service 5/6 – A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 7B A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 9 – A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 14– A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 15/15A – A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 16/16B– A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 17  No service until further notice.

Service 19 – No service until further notice.

Service 23/27 – A special timetable will run from Monday-Saturday. No Sunday service.

Service 34/34C– A special timetable will run from Monday-Saturday. No Sunday service.
See service 23/27 for services between Perth and Stanley.

Service 36 – A special timetable will run from Monday-Saturday. No Sunday service.
Please note that revised service 36 will only operate directly between Newburgh and Perth Royal Infirmary.

Service 56B – No service until further notice.

Service 57/57A A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 58  No service until further notice.

Service 59  No service until further notice.

Service 70  A special timetable will run from Monday-Saturday. No Sunday service.

Service 83  A special timetable will run from Monday-Saturday. No Sunday service.

Service X7– A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.
All stops will be served between Dundee bus station and Stonehaven.

Service X56 No service until further notice.

 

Dundee & Angus

Service 20/20C/21/21A A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 23/24/25 – No service until further notice. Please note that Moffat & Williamson now run these services in place of Stagecoach. Contact M&W on 01592 774785 for more info.

Service 27 A special timetable will run from Monday-Saturday. No Sunday service.

Service 30/30A – A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.

Service 34No service until further notice.

Service 43C/44 A special timetable will run from Monday-Saturday. No Sunday service.

Service 47 – No service until further notice.

Service 73/73A/73BA special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday. 

Service X7– A special timetable will run from Monday-Sunday.
All stops will be served between Dundee bus station and Stonehaven.

Service Disruption Updated 31 Mar 2020, 10:03

Kirk Suspends Church Meetings – Corona Virus Covid 19

As we all know there is a guideline issued by the Scottish Government not to attend busy places and this applies to everyone. You will see from the guidelines that religious meetings are also included. Therefore, the Church of Scotland have issued advice to all local churches not to have regular church meetings and services and these cease from 17th March until further notice.

You can find a copy of the advice here https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/resources/advice-for-churches-covid-19-coronavirus

Some churches are offering live streaming of daily talks and Sunday service meetings on the Internet. Please see a note below from Dalgety Parish Church written by Rev Christine Sime

‘Following advice from The Church of Scotland all worship services have been cancelled.

On Sunday mornings I will lead worship from the church – this will be livestreamed, we hope you can join us and know God’s presence and blessing.

Our church building will be open for prayer /reflection each weekday morning for the time being – please keep to advice on handwashing. Prayers will be said every morning in Dalgety Parish Church for congregation, community, nation, world – for all creation. This will be at 10am each morning – wherever you are add your prayers too.

And please help those unable to watch our ‘livestream’ know that they are remembered in prayer.

Christine’

The text of the Church of Scotland Advice appears below

Advice for Churches: COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Updated 17 March 2020

Worship – Cancellation of Services

The Scottish Government now advises that people should minimise social contact by avoiding crowded areas and large gatherings, including religious congregations, and smaller gatherings.

The Church of Scotland now asks, in the strongest terms, that all gatherings for worship should cease until further notice, with effect from Tuesday 17 March 2020. Other Scottish Churches are taking similar actions. This obviously includes Easter services. Some Presbyteries have already instructed this action. This will include, but not be restricted to: housegroups, meetings for youth work, and church cafes. It will still be possible for an individual to offer a livestream of a sermon and prayers. Further information on livestreaming, including information on copyright, can be found in this circular on the Law Department’s webpages here. Sunday broadcasts of a weekly service take place on Radio 4, and also on Radio Scotland; other radio stations are available. Several churches currently offer livestreams or recorded services; a list can be found on our website.

Church buildings can be kept open as a place for people to come and pray. Notices should be clearly displayed asking that visitors observe robust hand hygiene.

Prayer

The Moderator, the Right Reverend Colin Sinclair, along with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and other church leaders, has issued a call for a National Day of Prayer; more details can be found in the news section of our website.

Offerings

The Church is aware that closing down worship services will impact on congregational income, and we want to encourage people to continue contributing financially as far as possible, and to encourage the increased use of standing orders as an expression of ongoing stewardship.

Funerals

The key phrase here is to minimise social contact. Sensitive conversations will need to take place with families and mourners ahead of funeral ceremonies, and to consider the size of groups gathering for funerals. It may be necessary in the future to consider whether funerals should be restricted exclusively to minister, immediate family, and funeral directors. In addition, local guidance from funeral directors and crematorium staff will be critical here. It should be noted that many crematoria have the facility to livestream services and to host a recording of services for a period of time after the cremation service.

Weddings

Certain venues will be restricting attendance, and it may be that couples have to work through what changes have to made, including, in some cases, rearranging. Restrictions on travel into the UK will also have an effect on guests at weddings. Again, sensitive conversations will be the order of the day.

Pastoral Care Networks

Please see our guidance note from the Church’s Safeguarding Department with some useful guidance about setting up small pastoral care networks with a practical outcome. This guidance note contains a postcard which may be useful. There are some good ideas here about small groups; such groups can mitigate social isolation, and help people to continue to feel that they are part of the wider community of faith. Previous advice about using tools such as Skype, email, letters, greetings cards, Facetime, and Whatsapp groups are all useful approaches and some of these are particularly helpful where people don’t use technology.

General Assembly

The decision has been taken in the light of Scottish Government advice to cancel the General Assembly of May 2020. The Office of the General Assembly will be in touch with commissioners separately.

Hygiene recommendations

Best hygiene practice should continue to be observed in all pastoral contacts.

Updated advice is available from NHS Scotland.

Public Health Scotland and the UK Government recommend that you should take usual infection prevention precautions including:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
  • Churches can underline the importance of handwashing by ensuring that hand sanitisers are not available in toilets where soap and water can be used
  • It is particularly important after taking public transport to use sanitiser on your hands
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Carry tissues to catch coughs and sneezes and bin the tissue
  • If you feel unwell, stay at home, do not attend work or school
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in church buildings

NHS Scotland have prepared a poster which could be displayed at your building entrance to give advice to visitors. The purpose of this poster is to protect the visitor and those within the building.

Travel advice

Advice has also been issued to travellers, advising against all non-essential travel worldwide. This advice was revised on 17 March.

Posters

Below are two posters which you may wish to display in your buildings.

This page will be updated when new advice becomes available from NHS Scotland and the UK Government.

Online worship

Several churches live stream or post their services online. You can find a list of these on our Kirk services online page.